All Discussion PAGE 197

Matt.1:3 "Genealogy"

"And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;"

In order to understand the relationship of the twins in the generation of Jesus Christ we shall compare the birth of Jacob and Esau.

Jacob and Phares are deemed as heirs of promise, of blessings that God held out to Abraham.(Ge.12:3). 'All families of the earth' must be set in context of the sayings of Jesus."But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."(Matt.19:30) and "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."(Matt.20:16) Between these two the text gives each its own thrust. Israel was cast out though they were the first. The overcomer, indicating those who followed Jesus,"Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(19:28). Following chapter is about a Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard which is about the generation of Jesus Christ. They were hired at an agreed charge so soul establishes their generation and only 'in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory' who are chosen and who are worthy of everlasting life shall be settled. "For my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life," Hundredfold says it all, and let us check this verse, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."(Matt.16:24) it is those,'Let him deny himself those who take up cross and those who follow him" Period.

Phares and Zara were twins. Zara showed as Jacob showed in an earlier instance a clear indication even while in his mother's womb. The scarlet thread upon his hand now creates its own passage, predestination as the touchstone of the generation of Jesus Christ distinct from that of genealogy.

"And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah."(Ge.38:30)

Pray for our family, my wife filed for divorce, she professes to be saved, but her actions do not show it. She suffers from mental illness, she needs healing.

Matt.5:1-2 "The Sermon on the Mount"

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him."(v.1) St Matthew sets Jesus in the backdrop of a mount which is significant as the traditional names are besides the point. Similarly his transfiguration is set against 'an high mountain.' Luke sets Jesus differently, "And he came down with them, and stood in the plain,",- and his sermon more or less follows the same doctrine that he brought from his Father.( Luke 6:17) St Matthew chose to give the backdrop in terms of the stone, "Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation."(Is.28:16). The House that Wisdom built and the seven pillars thereof, casts ints shadow into the narrative. Zion, the stone is a symbol. He references the generation of Jesus with allusions so we have besides Isaiah (1:22-23),another from Zechariah,"All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,/Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." (Matt.21:4-5)

Of all the Gospel writers, Matthew's use of the Hebrew Bible is the most extensive. His Gospel contains approximately 124 quotations and allusions. Of which we take the Generation of Jesus Christ in the context of Zion.

St Peter qualifies the mount of transfiguration as 'the holy mount'(2 Pe.1:18). This mount was sanctified or set apart for the generation of Jesus Christ.

Coming back to the Genesis account it marks the seventh day. The terms we have examined in terms of the Abstract such as day, the pillar refer to the fulfillment and it is a command number used by the Spirit to refer the generation of heavens. It is thus the stone serves as a symbol more so in the manner St Matthew uses it in the gospel.

please remember Jessica and her family in your prayers

Matt.1:1 "The Just" (2 of 2)

Without abiding in Jesus Christ by faith his deity would mean little and it like the man looking his natural face in a glass (Jas.1:23-25) Faith with works denote the glory of his deity being impressed therein, 'this man shall be blessed in his deed.' His works cannot seen separate from 'the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.' In short faith establishes every believer as a representative of the generation of Jesus Christ.

Adoption of Seth in place of Abel is how the Spirit has worked out the holy family. This was evident in the genealogy of Adam and we have this Pauline quote,"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."(Ro.5:17) This is the gift of righteousness we find in the life of Abraham. "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."(Ge.15:6) God blessed Abraham, "And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Ge.12:3)

Where was this blessing first stated? "And God blessed them," (Ge.1:28) God blessed Adam and Eve who represent the Son and the church, his bride. For this reason the Spirit sets him as the last Adam, to establish Jesus Christ as the redeemer for all the families of the earth. It is clearly a heresy to speak of limited salvation as it is to delink faith from works.

We shall see in terms of symbolism how St Matthew has dealt with generation of Jesus Christ in another post.

Matt.1:1 "The Just" (1 of 2)

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." We shall study the Gospel in terms of the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, beginning with the version of St Matt. Many Bible scholars have noted the Jewish upbringing because of which he uses kingdom of heaven rather than mentioning the name 'God.' They have got it only correct partly. St Matthew begins with the generation unlike other three gospels for the simple reason that it makes connection with generations of heavens in Ge.2:4 "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,"

The seven days in the Abstract that precedes are generations and are compared to seven pillars leading us to the new heavens and the new earth in Re.21:1 The Word is clear, "The earth abides forever" because it speaks of the generation of Jesus Christ where it pleased God that all his fulness should in him dwell. It is how we need interpret He.11:3 He framed the worlds by his word so the fulness of God the invisible aspects of the Father is mirrored in the earth. The earth abides forever because it is the inheritance of children of light for whom Jesus Christ is the firstborn of all creation. So new heaven and the new earth is applied exclusively in terms of the just. "The just shall live faith." This we see from the life of Abraham. "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:/For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."(He.11:9-10)

"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Ge.2:3) God rested because he blessed man in the sixth 'day' so we may say Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith and had adopted him in his Son. (Ep.1:3)

So Matthew Ch 13 from V 18 onwards , is talking about the very end of this world , after the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth in his Father's Kingdom ! V 49+50 speaks to Revelation Ch 20 !

Thank you , that ties in with Matthew Ch 13 V 28-30 and Revelation Ch 14 V 15-20 .

Thank you , you make me think about the Truth all day :) .

Thanks so much Jordyn , you have given me plenty to think about . I have often wondered about Genesis Ch 49 , it always seemed very significant to me but I couldn't work out why . Tying it to the twelve apostles and their governing of the twelve tribes in the Kingdom has been a revelation to me , thank you . As always you get my brain going and I'm very grateful for your insights :) much love in Christ .

Hello

Fred, Haven't heard from you for a while. Welcome back to posting!

Formal church attendance: Vows and covenants

1 Corinthians 10:4 talks about everyone drinking from the same spiritual rock and the Rock was Christ. God made a covenant with His chosen people and delivered them after 400 years of bondage in Egypt; passing them through the Red Sea. Not all Israel is Israel however. ( Romans 9:6-7). Some argue this represents Baptism; holding those under the covenant parents make on behalf of their children at infancy. Whatever the case; when we become church members; we make a vow or covenant as to our service toward other believers. In fact when we first come to Christ; it should be looked at as a Covenant. Christ has fulfilled everything in the finished work on the cross on our behalf; but is only EFFECTIVE if we are truly saved. God makes us willing ( Psalm 110:3) and He gives the gift of repentance. ( 2 Timothy 2:25 and several other references). If we truly are saved we will love God and of course keep His commandments ( John 14:15). This involves obedience toward Christ and Him being Lord Savior AND Master of our lives.

When we make a church vow as members we affirm our faith in Christ; and our commitment to the body of Christ (prayer and fellowship). In Pittsburgh one of the things my pastor did annually was print out our vow as a reminder which I think is a good thing. This naturally encompasses the discipline of rebuking a brother and going through necessary disciplinary measures if personal resolution cannot be accomplished. If leadership is guilty and the congregation doesn't corroborate clearly evident apostasy or sin then we must disfellowship. I went through a specific issue that I won't elaborate on now with an elder after discussion with the Pastor in a previous church; eventually I left; so I've been there. This as with a marriage involves the same principal; we always seek reconciliation but separation may be needed at times. We are all part of covenant fellowship with all true Christians.

Hello Richard, A common fellowship in the Church of God is built presently by the Lord, at the cross, in love, if we believe. Looking to another day to commune by faith has little substance.

An evening meditation.

Home church or regular church attendance: "Secondary doctrinal issues"

Perhaps one difference between home churches and formal churches is that when one has a disagreement in a home Bible study they just leave. When one is a member of a church it means someone is more likely to be entrenched for a long battle that results in much collateral damage. We should become church members at least accepting the doctrinal statement. I myself had some issues with various reformed churches as to the Post Millennium view; Baptism; etc. The first issue I agreed to disagree with; as to the second when I was in OPC before the local church shut down due to lack of attendance somehow they let me be a member without espousing to their errant view of infant Baptism as I saw it. The secondary eschatological view was also espoused elsewhere (amillennialism in that case). I wasn't at my last church before I moved here long enough to become a member; I probably would have to espouse their view on infant baptism to become a member but I'm not sure.

When I was in the home study one person broke out and joined a Preterist group; thus I had to disfellowship there. Christ clearly has not come back yet (this was full preterist sadly enough). As to eschatology I have stated before that I attended a church that believed as I did on Pre Tribulation rapture and such but didn't really discuss it. I have seen that quite often where doctrines espoused are never brought into a serious discussion. It probably is a good thing as the one time it was discussed in the past where Post Mil was the official belief the Pre Trib was mocked as a concept. We all need to choose our battles carefully.

For me the determining factor was divorce and remarriage; which I am convinced is wrong when a spouse is still alive at least as far as remarriage is concerned. PRC was one of the few places that believes it along with my current local church. I will get into vows and covenants in my next post.

Formal church or home fellowship continued

My previous posts today are focused on personal involvement and investment in the church. We can be involved in attending a service every Sunday and perhaps a few other activities but never want to stand in the gap when doctrinal error occurs or disciplinary issues arise. There shouldn't be a mutually exclusive issue when it comes to respecting the elders or pastors and coming to them to expose error; whether intentional or otherwise. In the same token; of course sin should be dealt with properly; which seems to be a rare event today from my observations in regard to church discipline for those obviously living lifestyles of sin. This is part of what elders should be doing in looking after the flock (see 1 Peter 5:1-8). There is at least doctrinal standards in reformed churches today; but my honest assessment is that such activities; along with other duties of such church officials seems to be lacking. I have seen little of prayer with oil for the sick; exhortation; or trying to assess and build up those in regard to spiritual gifts. Again; in the Reformed circles I have seen angst among those who are teaching false doctrines among the congregation (in particular the PRC I attended in Pittsburgh regarding these issues elsewhere in the country). This was a very tight knit congregation and kept a close watch in regard to that subject. Church splits are no rare event today; as controversies abound. How much the average layperson is involved in this is somewhat subjective as to whether they are church members; for instance. Unresolved issues in a local church causing strife is one determining factor that could lead us elsewhere perhaps to a home church environment; at least for a time.

I have seen both extremes; from too much tyrannical control among leadership to to lax an approach. Both can lead to serious issues. My next post will discuss "secondary issues" and considerations in church membership.

Church vs home churching considerations.

Another irony I have seen is that there was a rather strict adherence to the London Baptist confession (1600s) when I was in the home study; yet my current church where I am a member has no regular doctrinal statement it adheres to. It seems from my experience that there is a wild swing from those in Reformed circles; who often read every week from the Westminster confession and those elsewhere who only seem to discuss it when someone wants to be a new church member. Such a doctrinal stance I would expect normally would be lacking in home churches. The advantage of a home church is that people usually know each other pretty well and in depth interactions help to clarify what the consensus is in regard to doctrine. The home study I did attend was run by someone that had a seminary degree; although he didn't want to teach formally in churches due to his strong Calvanistic stance at least in part. There were occasional visits to those in family and acquaintances who preached in local churches; however. Another advantage in being there was discussion of the workplace and others we knew; whether family or friends so that regular prayers for their souls would come up. There is less room there for cliques to develop.

My current church is probably like many others where there is a network; mainly of women who are involved socially and caring for the needs of elderly "shut in" individuals. That is commendable compared with some churches in that regard; since our pastor doesn't need to push people to do things in that regard. There is still; especially among men a sort of rugged individualism. I have found some people if you give a listening ear really open up; but perhaps it takes something such as the fracture of a marriage for people to open up enough to disuss such matters (or in the case of one man his disfunctional family and sins with his kids he is grieving about). We all need to be open to those in need.

Church fellowship: Formal attendance or home church?

My last two posts discussed how we should be in fellowship especially in light of today's trends of reduced church attendance and that is part of the bigger issue of rapidly increasing percentages of the population becoming atheists. Having been involved in a home church in the past as well as being a regular attendee of a formally recognized church (now a member) I have seen factors that can be calculated in decisions as to what works best for someone considering these two options. For me it wasn't an "either or" proposition; I always had a regular Sunday church experience along with attending prayer meetings; and evangelical outreach with those in the home church along with Bible studies. There were times that conflicting events would necessitate a decision which place to attend on a given night but that was never a huge issue.

There were issues of inordinate disputes and hypercalvanism that caused some division and strife in the home church. The communion and choice of elders wasn't exactly according to church protocol in my opinion; and that along with a split caused me to move away from there. In general; I saw a distinct advantage in zeal for evangelism and prayer and the results in divine appointments from such efforts. Once this group split off; several individuals eventually attended a local church and some became members; one becoming an elder recently. This has in my opinion blessed the church with those who are committed to regular evangelism; but also brought out the contrast with others who are more lackadaisical in my opinion.

I have found recently that a strange paradox seems to be occurring. There is support for starting a new prayer group on my end. I haven't seen the desire for many in that regard based on the conversations beyond those who already are involved during the week for online prayer. Some churches are so regimented that the leadership wants to dictate.

More thoughts on fellowship in light of Hebrews 10:25

Since the COVID restrictions and the exodus of a significant percent of those professed believers from the overall corporate body of Christ in churches there has been a continued isolation from physical presence in the houses of worship. This made it easy to find an excuse to do what clearly was desired all along by many in that regard.

I have been privileged to personally meet a number of missionaries in recent years; and supported one from Bangladesh that since has gone stateside. Seeing the interaction with their wives and children has been an inspiration to me along with sound doctrine being proclaimed. We should seek to involve congregations; as in a former church I attended where there was a "missions moment" discussing a certain country where a missionary was active. Unfortunately; most churches only have an occasional presentation on this subject; yet today more than ever would be a great time for the average layperson to have communications online to support these individuals. Realizing their prayers for us (as they did when I was involved in a church plant that started seven years ago) should help us to feel closer to those formerly on the field.

Something came up recently in regard to a couple churches that are renting the building that our church worships in. I have seen issues elsewhere in regard to that situation as well. Currently there are maintenance annoyances (leaving messes; etc) but I am praying that there can be some interaction such as prayer and fellowship between these congregations at our church. This surely is a commonplace occurrence these days. When I lived in Pittsburgh I saw more interaction with various churches and charities than I see where I live today. Certain cautions need to be taken as to the doctrines being preached elsewhere; however. Missionaries have brought up to me more than once that the same errors found here occur on the mission field.

Luke 21:34 and 35 warn us not to be caught up in drunkenness and other sins for the day of the Lord will come as a snare upon the whole earth. There are further warnings in the book of Isaiah as well as James about putting our hope in the security of gold and silver (see Ezekiel 7:19; James 5:3). Wisdom and prudence are good virtues for preparing for economic turmoil; wars and other disasters that we can foresee but we also can't be obsessed on a plan to make us secure from all fears at the expense of prayer and trust in the Lord.

The Lord has given us many benefits through the fellowship of saints and this should in a large part give us a resource in time of need for food and raiment ( 1 Tim. 6:8; see also Matt. 6:25). This is what the collection for the saints should apply to in part; along with money for missionaries; the Pastor himself and other church expenses. Our church apparently has some sort of asset division written into the contract with the building ownership should it be sold or liquidated the assets in theory would go to members. In any event; it seems strange that giving and sermons on the subject hardly ever seem to touch on meeting needs of the congregation; but occasionally on giving to the needy and other causes. Obviously, we are not to go to church with a mindset of having others provide for us as an incentive to give; but we should make our giving an investment we are personally connected to whatever the cause. The gifts and talents and time we share with one another should come naturally with mature Christians in fellowship. If our life is invested in the Kingdom of God and His people we are not going to be so concerned about things of the world; that's my main idea.

Evangelism and prayer among the saints on a regular basis as a lifestyle makes it a lot easier fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a rare thing though to find in churches today; at least regular street witnessing or going to nursing homes ( 1 Cor. 12:27).

Amen brother Amen. Psalms 27:7, "Hear, O LORD, when we cry with our voice: have mercy also upon us and answer us."

Yes, LORD, answer our prayers.

Strong protection and breakthrough for us and all in need.

Sister Jema:

When Christ was telling those that were listening to him.

One shall be taken and one left.

As were the days of Noah.

The ones taken, are taken in DEATH, the ones left never see DEATH, but are translated into the presence of God ( 1 Timothy 6:16)

The sheep and goats, one believes and one don't believe.

Two mountains, one moves to the north, and one to the south, and all nations are drawn to the BATTLE:

Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this BATTLE shall be with BURNING and fuel of fire.

Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the SPIRIT of JUDGEMENT, and by the SPIRIT of BURNING.

Matthew 3:11 ...he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost and FIRE....

God Bless YOU!

Sister Jema:

There is a remnant of the 12 tribes today, they were resurrected with Christ.

These are the 144,000 in Revelation.

The 144,000 and 12,000 from each tribe is probably symbolic.

In the Old, when they were numbered, each tribe had vering numbers in those tribes.

At present they are ministering spirits (of truth) as their IMAGE Christ.

If you study and understand the blessings of Jacob given to them, they will carry those prophecy forward and have seed after the blessings of each tribe.

The blessing of Jacob upon Judah was that that tribe would be the priest and lawgivers.

All the tribes will exist again and those brought into those tribes will fall under the blessings given by Jacob to them.

This can be seen in Ezekiel, but it is hidden in complex symbols.

Jesus told his disciples, each would head a tribe of Israel.

But ONLY the Father knew which.

God BLESS YOU!

Psalms 27:7

7Hear, OLord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

Psalm 27:12

King James Version

12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

I have faith in the scripture everyday.

Sister Jema:

1 Corinthians 15:26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Christ's resurrection destroyed death and we were Joint Heirs with Christ at his resurrection, being made ONE FLESH.

Most Christians believe he died for our sin, but they don't believe they became ONE, as the Father and SON are ONE.

The wages of UNBELIEF is DEATH.

The Gift of BELIEF ia IMMORTAL LIFE and Christ ONLY has IMMORTAL LIFE ( 1 Timothy 6:16).

God says he, by Christ's resurrection made a new creation, a family of SONS of God, the exactness of Christ, a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.

So there is a FIRST DEATH and a SECOND DEATH.

Those who believe they DIED and were made ONE in Christ, will never die again ( Luke 20:36).

Those who don't believe they DIED, and the resurrection made them ONE as the Father and Son and son are ONE will be cast into prison, the GRAVE ( Revelation 20:2-3).

After God has gather all his SONS to be priest in the Kingdom, he will resurrect the unbelievers back to their flesh and blood bodies, they will be loosed out of their prison ( Revelation 20:7).

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of creation WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS of GOD.

After all the dead are raised at the second resurrection the Sons of God will preach the gospel to them about the truth of the resurrection, judge them by the words of God, and give them the truth and mercy given to us, and they will DIED the second death, and also become the SONS of God ( Isaiah 59:21).

If you need more scriptures, ask.

God BLESS YOU!

Good Morning Heavenly Father, I am thankful for the wake up call this morning Father, I am thankful that you gave me the opportunity to wake up in my right mind and health. Jesus I come to you today in this prayer and ask you to be with me on this Thursday and keep me focused on the cross and never let the devil come between us. Jesus praying for all my family and friends Lord to whatever situation they may be having or going through to let you handle their concerns and heal their hearts. I claim victory on today Lord, let me shine and remain humble. Thank you Heavenly Father and I love you so very very very much. Amen!!!!

Jordyn , you know I have total love and respect for you . If we all died with Christ then how do you explain 1st Corinthians Ch 15 , especially V 26 ? Looking forward to your reply , much love in Christ .

remember me and my family today in your prayers

Matt.1:1 "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." Matthew 1:1

The Spirit introduces Jesus as the son of David as well as the son of Abraham. Deity of Jesus Christ is on the basis of faith so whosoever believed in the Son is adopted into the fellowship of God with Man. While according to the flesh Jesus came out of the loins of David. Representational aspect of persons is thus worked into the narrative. Envy and hatred of the patriarchs against their sibling makes Joseph as a stand-in for Jesus. In dilating upon the sufferings the Spirit makes such representations irrefutable on the basis of selfsame suffering children of light shall face in their time and place. Joseph's brethren sold him so did Judas Iscariot, his master. it is the generation of Jesus where whosoever believes in him and receives his as Savior fulfills the condition of his Father. He is part of his generation.

"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life./ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life./For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."( John 3:15-17)

Life and everlasting life are as distinct as his generation from which he was cut off the land of the living. "He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living."(Is.53:8)

Lee the Follower:

2 Peter 1:20 No PROPHECY of the scripture is (in and of itself it's) OWN private interpretation.

2 Corinthians 13:1 ...in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established .....

Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall surely not DIE:

Genesis 3:5 FOR GOD DOTH KNOW that in the day you thereof, then your EYES SHALL BE OPENED, and ye shall be as gods, KNOWING GOOD and EVIL.

This is ALL PROPHECY.

Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God SAID, Behold, the man HAS BECOME AS ONE OF US, to KNOW good and evil.....

The FRUIT was KNOWLEDGE of good and evil, the KNOWLEDGE of gods.

John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not WRITTEN in your LAW, ye are gods

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the WORD the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken.

Psalms 82:6

Deuteronomy 10:17 your God is a God of gods, and Lord of Lords ....

Psalms 136:6 Give thanks unto the God of gods, for his mercy endureth for ever.

Now, Eve was a prophecy of the coming bride of Christ by HIS RESURRECTION, and what happened she was resurrected with her husband to never DIE.

The gift of God is eternal life.

God can even use Satan to speak prophecy, what did Satan say, Ye shall never DIE.

Luke 20:36 Neither can THEY DIE ANYMORE, Adam (Christ) took of the fruit and did eat with his wife and Christ and his wife (creation) DIED, and the spirit of the Father RAISED them as ONE FLESH), for they are equal unto the angels, and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN of the RESURRECTION.

Philippians 2:5 Let this MIND BE IN YOU, which also was in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, though it not robbery to be equal with God.

God Bless YOU!