All Discussion PAGE 2128

Lystra George ,you can take this literally ,humans and snakes ? We dont usually get on too well ,there is a symbolical meaning too ,im sure the symbolism will be revealed to you as you read your Bible ,i could tell you but it would spoil it for you ,just take it as literal for now .

Jesus ancestry could be discribed as dysfunctional i suppose ,we KNOW this because the Bible tell us ,there was a moabite and a caaananite prostitute in there way back ,as for his contemperary family ,i just go by what the Bible says ,anything else is speculation ,its fine to speculate ,i do it too sometimes but i dont think speculation should be presented as anything but that .

Unfortunately, to maintain the firm belief in the doctrine of perpetual virginity of Mary, some (from both the RC & protestant camps) have had to redefine the Scriptures to support their belief. Therefore, not finding support it in the Canon of Scripture, appeal must be made to extra-biblical sources, such as the Gospel of James, the Gospel of Thomas, the First & Second Apolocalypse of James, as so on.

I'm afraid "Error breeds Error".

while believe that Jesus is coming back., i have been a Christian for some time and when it comes to the book of revelation we must try to read and study it in its proper context, because a whole lot of crazy ideas have come out i have heard that Russia was the beast, that America was the beast and so on what that old prophecy way back about Jesus coming back in 1988 and so on.....you have pretrib, midtrib, post trib beliefs....now you folks coming out saying the vaccine is the mark....we need to stay away from conspiracy's as much as possible because it breeds fear and confusion......and God is not the author of confusion but love and a sound mind.

I honestly cant bear so called "inspirational " books ,i tried to read a few very many years ago when i was first seeking God and even as a Babe i could tell they were humanistic self promoting drivle ,since then ive never looked at one other than the Only One That Is True ,its written by the Everlasting Creator and Sustainer of AAAALL life ,i think i will just let Him guide me thanks ,and if i have any questions i will come to a site like this and ask other people who recognise the Bible for what it is and ask them .

If these books are missing how do we know they are missing ? ,if you want the real truth dont listen to people ,even us on here ! Turn your electricals off and pick up your Bible .

I won't add to the other brothers' good responses to you Norman, but would like to just mention this: when sharing with Muslims about the Gospel & the Word of God, amongst the many accusations that they make towards Christians, one is, that "you Christians have changed God's Word". Of course, I know what they mean by this: that the Bible we read does not align with the scriptures that they hold dear (i.e. the Quran) - that we have changed words & believe in three gods. I tell them that what they say is very interesting & that I would like to also know where in the Bible these errors are, what were the original texts & what changes have been made. Of course, they can't take that argument further because their accusations are simply regurgitations from their religious leaders' unqualified rhetoric about the Bible & the Christians' deceptive behaviour.

And likewise with the understanding of the Triune God. Their rejection of the Divinity of Christ is simply an extension of the Docetic heresy which claims that "the incarnation is incredible (unbelievable) because deity cannot unite itself with anything material, such as a human body". And this heresy has permeated the Church today even as it was in the apostles' days, when they had to (as the Apostle John did) in 1 John 4:1-3: (v3) "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God". And 2 John 7, "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver & an antichrist." The Muslim certainly believes in the historical prophetical Jesus & gives Him utmost respect, but simply cannot believe that this Jesus was & is Divine by His very Nature & not imputed with the Divine.

It becomes a case of their (& the guy on FB) predetermination of not only an excuse to not read from the Bible, but to not wanting to believe its Holy Message for them.

Life was always a complicated drama of choices and compromises. KJV Bible is not a definitively clear cut manuscript, forcing us to decide matters for ourselves, always evolving. Jesus' immediate family tree is surprisingly dysfunctional to our standards: James.

James (brother of Jesus) was Joseph's son by Joseph's first wife, not by Mary... Joseph became the father of James and his three brothers (Joses, Simeon, Judah) and two sisters (a Salome and a Mary or a Salome and an Anna) with James being the elder sibling.

Dissenting opinion below, because there's always 2 sides to the story:

Saint Jerome believed that the "brothers" of the Lord were Jesus' cousins, thus amplifying the doctrine of perpetual virginity. Jerome concluded that James "the brother of the Lord", ( Galatians 1:19) is therefore James, son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and the son of Mary Cleophas.[11]

Jerome also concluded that James "the brother of the Lord" is the same as James the Less. To explain this, Jerome first tells that James the Less must be identified with James, the son of Alphaeus. Jerome concludes that James, the son of Alphaeus, James the Less, and James, brother of the Lord, are one and the same person.

Faith (belief in God) and Obedience to God's WORD is the basic requirement for fellowship with Father,Son through Holy Spirit which inturn is brought by His grace and mercy.

Faith and Obedience essential for His rest to us-salvation

Hebrews 11:6 KJV - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 11:30 KJV - For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

Hebrews 3:12 KJV - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Hebrews 4:2 KJV - For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Hebrews 4:3 KJV - For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 4:6 KJV - Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

Romans 16:26 KJV - But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1 Peter 1:2 KJV - Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Spencer S, I think Norman just wanted to know about the lesser known, down voted books of the Bible. These are not forbidden books vying to be part of the 66, nor are they an insult to God. From a literature standpoint, it is gold to find preserved works of antiquity, canonized or not. It is the Catholic Bible that has added books. Are the works of Josephus, cataloging Jesus and the 1st century church, any less palatable?

The truely factual body of believers in Our King Jesus has fallen by the wayside. We need to stand back up in our most Holy Faith and use these materials to come home again. Study. Meditate. Think. Pray And not just jiberish but determine to pay attention to Gods Word and purposely interact with our Father. He is waiting. Don't let Him down.

For meditation.

The Lamb is humility in foundation eternal. We are adopted by faith to this purpose in his shed blood.

Hi Norman,

I believe that suggestion is a insult to our Lord,

The creation shows his Glory! God spoke this universe into existence! God made these vessels of clay live! God has no beginning or ending, Knows our thoughts, Stands outside of time looking in!!

GOD IS OMNISCIENT, "ALL KNOWING "

Isaiah 46:9-10. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

.

Psalms 94:8-9. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

Psalms 139:3-4. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105,

WE DEPEND ON THE WORD FOR LIFE IN THIS WORLD AND THE WORLD TO COME!!

THERE'S NO FAITH WITHOUT THE WORLD AND NO SALVATION.

WITH THE WORD BEING SO PRECIOUS AND VITAL AND GOD BEING ALL WISE AND ALL KNOWING, WHY IS IT SO MANY PEOPLE DISCREDIT GOD BY SAYING HE CAN NOT PRESERVE HIS WORD!!

And little created man can out smart God by scrambling the inspired scripture and derail his plan for salvation. That thought is disrespectful.

God bless.

anyone research one time mention verses ie: Prince of Life Acts 3:15, or bind satan 100 years Rev: 20:2

Miyelani, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

There was no sin until man was created.

Romans 8:20 For the creature (man) was created SUBJECT TO VANITY, not willingly, but by reason of him (God) who hath SUBJECTED the same (man) in hope,

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 ....also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from beggining to the end.

Adam and Eve were created with a heart subject to the weakness of FLESH.

They were predestined to sin because; Christ was predestined to die for OUR sins:

Revelation 13:8 And ALL THAT DWELL upon the earth SHALL WORSHIP HIM, whose names ARE NOT WRITTEN in the book of the life of the Lamb SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION of the world.

Hi Michael.

Amen, Great advice.

Nope, they're all there. Each of the 66 books can be read as individual standalone books anyway, so the argument you heard just sounds like an excuse to not read the Bible.

Why at times did God want Israel to have lots of gold lots of silver, & lots of jewelry and wear it if they should choose to ? and other times he didn't want them to have any gold, silver, or any Jewelry. ( clues ) Answers are found in Ezekiel chapter 16. Also Isaiah chapter 61: 10 read before and after. It was a way of life in Israel . Then Exodus chapter 28 : Concerning the minister or High priest by God's command had to wear in worship . All the colours And gold and twelve stones embedded into the ephod each one with the names of the twelve tribes etched in them. The dress affair is a interesting study. But it was commanded by God .Also take a look at Rebecca in genesis. When you get your answer, you will also understand the story Jesus told about the prodigal son And why his father treated him like he did when the boy returned. God bless you all. Thank for this opportunity.

Dear Jesus, please lead this cousin to seek help through You and detox. May You break the chains of his addiction. Amen.

May the Lord be with you, may he heal you, and keep you.

I believe this is about the extreme importance of being prepared for the Lord's coming. Five of the virgins failed to bring oil for their lamps while the other five brought oil. When the bridegroom arrived, the five that had no oil were not accepted by the bridegroom...he stated "I know you not." Get your house in order, pray and be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

I was looking at face book today and a guy said he would believe the Bible when all of the missing books were in it. Is there missing books in the Bible that we know about?

I agree. Children can read and understand the Bible, especially when seeking God through prayer and asking for understanding. So, when another author comes out with a book to help explain the Bible, I usually don't get it. Why read someone else's opinion about God's word rather than direct from God's word? I'm saddened everytime I hear of a 'Bible study' where they don't read the Bible, but just a random Christian book. There's no replacement for the Word of God. I don't think anyone needs it explained to them, only ask God for understanding and keep reading it.

Hi William

I would keep reading and cover every book in the Bible, And pray often for understanding, Get a good concordance.



Get a reading program and a study program.

Share what you have learned often.

NEVER SUBSTITUTE THE BIBLE FOR ANY SO CALLED SPIRITUAL SECULAR BOOKS.

Don't spend to much time. in scripture trying to validate a viewpoint, leave room for the Holyspirit.

Be patient.

And here's a verse that you may want to keep in mind.

James 1:5-7 (KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

May God bless you on your journey.

Victor,

1 Corinthians 7:18-19 can be taken together. This is not talking about a fleshly circumcision.

18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.



19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.



So just keep God's commandments. If you're Gentile, you don't have to become Jewish. If you're Jewish, you don't have to become un-Jewish. It's in the heart!

I'll do my best to answer your question but I'm compelled to ask... Have you trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, for your sins? If you are not sure that you possess eternal life as a present possession then read the book of Romans chapters 1-5 that is where you need to start. You need to be saved, reason is if you are not saved you can spend your whole life (even if you had 200 years :) reading the Bible and never understand it.

And I know this because of 1 Corinthians chapter 2 (read the whole chapter if you don't believe me) the importance of being saved so God can teach you his Word and give you understanding..

here is a little to wet your appetite...

1 Corinthians 2



1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Now back to Romans. Chapter 1-3 will let you know what your status is as a "natural or unsaved man" (if you are not sure if you are saved) that you were born a sinner and have a certain wrath waiting for you at the time of your death and will let you know what God already did by sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for you. Chapters 4-5 will let you know who you are now that you have been saved. I don't want to confuse so read the chapters if you will. Please if you have any questions let me know. God bless you William and may the Lord bless your time in his Word.

i want to know this, was sin there before the earth was created?

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

would like to understand what God meant by this verse.

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

I would like more clarity thank you.

Thank you.