All Discussion PAGE 457

Jimbob, Thank you for bearing with me.

Part 5

... saying the if the first-fruit (Jesus) is holy, then the whole lump is holy. And if the root be holy, then the whole is holy, the branches (unbelieving Jews) are broken off, and believing Gentiles are ingrafted into the cultivated olive tree (the Israelite nation)

The branches broken off are outside of the redemption of God being separated from the life-giving root (Jesus, the way, the truth, and life). But if the unbelieving Jew repents and believes, he will be grafted back into the cultivated olive tree.

Paul does go on to say the all Israel shall be saved. But is he speaking of ethnic Israel in unbelief, or Jews chosen by election to believe in Jesus and be ingrafted back into the olive tree that has Jesus as its root? He says that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

So, either "All Israel refers to the remnant of elected Israelites that believe in Jesus and are in Him or refers to all Israel going back the Jacob where the nation of Israel began.

verses 32 says that God has concluded them all in unbelief, that He may have mercy upon all.

For me, I don't know which it is, because I do not think that the Bible teaches universal salvation for all of mankind.

Romans 9:27 says that the remnant shall be saved. I don't think Paul is teaching salvation without faith in Jesus here. There is only one way of salvation, faith in God and His Messiah.

Perhaps you have some insight on this. But for now I am getting sleepy. Going to head off to bed. Good night,.

Jimbob

Pt. 4

These Jews became one in Christ along with the Gentiles and together are the True Israel of God, the people of God, a holy nation, royal priesthood, peculiar people, chosen of God. This is a spiritual people, which is the highest and most perfect way for one to be joined to God as His people.

In my view, there are no more promises or prophecies to be fulfilled for ethnic Israel, because Jesus fulfilled all of them, being Yes in them. So, I do not believe it is God's will for the Jews to have an earthly kingdom in the end times, or to rebuild a temple, and begin to offer sacrifices once again. If the Jews do this, it is of their making, not God's.

God had promised to bring the remnant of Israel back to God from all parts of the world, but this is a remnant that is in Christ, not the ethnic nation of Israel. What we see as the nation of Israel was brought about by Zionists in places of power, But God allowed it desiring them to turn back to Him. But as Jesus said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem...... how often would I have gathered your children together.....and Ye would NOT! Behold your house is left to you desolate (70 A.D.) Matt. 23:37-38. And today, they still WILL NOT.

But all Jews who are in Christ will be saved, the remnant that God elected, chosen before the creation of the world. In Romans 9 Paull quotes Hosea 2:25-27 saying that the people that were not Gods people, are now HIs people, sons of the living God. And Paul quotes Isaiah 10_20-23 and Hosea 1:10 concerning Israel, that though the number of the children of Israel be as sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.

Romans 11:2 says that God has not cast away his people which He foreknew...And in verse 5 Paul says that that there is a remnant according to election by grace reserved for salvation. Paul says that ethnic Israel has been blinded, and have a spirit of slumber, their eyes do not see and ears do not hear.

Paul then goes on to explain the two olive trees, .....cont.

Jiombob

Pt. 3

Jesus (called Israel by God) was also a nation of One until He added to the nation of true Israel with the redeemed, those who are in Him by faith (including Abraham).

This true Israel is a physical and a spiritual people. Jesus was ethically and Jew but also God. His church is a spiritual people of God. In the NT, the people of God is no longer ethnic Israel, the kingdom was taken from them and given to believers. Ethnic Israel's purpose was completed in Christ's first advent.

Jesus was clear that they no longer were recipients of the kingdom on the Messiah. In predicting the downfall of Jerusalem and it coming to pass, utterly destroying the city, temple, and 1.1 million Jews died. Not only was the city destroyed, the temple where God once dwelled upon the mercy seat, was cast down. The OT Mosaic religious rites were ended with the destruction of the temple. The Jews that were left were scattered and taken as prisoners becoming slaves once again. The nation of Israel was technically destroyed in the siege, but also their religion was also stopped in the sense of being able to offer the daily sacrifices, follow the commands of God at Sinai, and celebrate the feasts that required Jewish males to come to Jerusalem to do the rites required of the feasts in the temple. (bring their offerings to the priest) The fulfillment of this prophecies left the whole house of Judah desolate.

Instead of repenting and turning to Jesus after this destruction, the Rabbis spoke and taught blasphemously about Jesus, and still do to this day, many of these blasphemies are recorded in the Talmud, Mishnah and other writings that emerged after the desolation of Jerusalem. Judaism became more occultic after this becoming more "mystical". The Rabbis led the Jews further and further away for God and their Messiah. They remain this way today as a whole. But there is a remnant that have been born again in Christ. They joined the True Israel of God in Christ......cont.

Hi,

it would be highly advisable for one to not expose himself to any form of magic or tricks. Why glory in satans entertainment when its clearly written he who glory let him glory in the Lord. It's also written1 Corinthians 10:31, 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. each person who is believer in Jesus Christ need to re-evaluate is this glorying God or satan whether is trick or Magic to movies and music check by the scriptures if its glorifying God.

Love not the world

Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Thank YOU FATHER for the forgiveness of my sins.

v2

Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputs not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

I have confessed my sins and have not withheld my iniquities before YOU; V5 "and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah."

All who are godly shall pray unto to YOU LORD, because YOU are our hiding place, and place of preservation. I am at peace and comfort because of the songs of deliverance that surround me as well as all who walk up rightly in YOUR presence.

Thank YOU for teaching and showing me YOUR way and where I should walk. I will not go about as a person who is obligated, or coerced; but I will walk in the love of YOUR wisdom and understanding.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked: but I will have YOUR mercy and peace all around me because I have learned to trust in YOU; Isaiah 26:3.

The righteous and upright in their heart will be glad in the LORD GOD, and rejoice, and shout for joy. For the joy of the LORD is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10

GOD bless and shine HIS face on all who are on this forum in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

April 14, 2023

Jimbob,

Romans 9:6-8 "..For not all are not Israel, that are of Israel." Calling out the ethnic Jews as being "uncitizened" so to speak as being genetically of Israel. Paul say, NO they are not all Israel. 2 Cor. 1:20 says "....For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him..." The promises to Abraham are fulfilled in Jesus and Jesus alone fulfills all of the promises of God. God always had His Son in view when making these promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These were not promises only made to Abraham, but re-promised to Isaac, and to Jacob, and then centuries later to the nation of Israel. So if Jesus is the true and absolute Seed of In Abraham, Isaac AND Jacob (Israel).

In Isaiah 49:1-7 the servant of the Lord (Messiah) is called "Israel" in whom God will be glorified. Also in this passage this servant is called God will give His servant (Messiah) as a "light to the Gentiles" Here God plainly speaks of the Messiah as Israel. Verse 2 says that God has made His servant's mouth like a sharp sword. This passage refers to God's servant as Israel, a light to the Gentiles, having a mouth like a sharp sword, the Holy One, Redeemer, who will be despised, who the NATION aborrheth.

In Luke 2:28-32 Simeon prophesies about Jesus when His parents brought Him to the temple. In his prophesying Simeon refers to Isaiah 49:6 as Jesus being the light to the Gentiles. This citation by Luke shows that the "servant, Israel" spoken of in Isaiah 49:1-7 is referring to Jesus. (See also Jn 1:5-11; 8:12.

So, the ethnic Israelites were a type or shadow pointing to the true Israel, Jesus who fulfilled all the requirements of the Law as a jew. God said several times from heaven, that He was well pleased with Jesus, His Son.

When we speak of end times events we do need to not weave a narrative that is not stated in the NT Scriptures, as the OT Covenant was ended in Jesus' advent and the New Covenant in Jesus (as Jacob was a nation of one when called by God as Israel....cont.

Hi Jody. My opinion on this is, 'No, this type of entertainment doesn't go against the Word of God'. To qualify my belief, what we refer to as magicians performing for entertainment, are more correctly termed, 'illusionists' (i.e. they are not using any supernatural power to show that they are doing anything out of the ordinary). Their 'tricks' are done with the sleight of hand & to take the audience focus off what is being done elsewhere. So, this is all just trickery for amusement & amazement: children will think it's magic & hopefully adults will try to analyse how the trick is being done.

So, I just see this as entertainment, but like all things done outside the Bible's parameters, including reading of doubtful novels & viewing questionable films for instance, one should take care whether those things can lead one away from trusting in the Lord or even displease Him. And that is why He has given us His Spirit, so that we might correctly discern the myriad of things that demand our thoughts & attention every day.

Please pray for Peace, Protection, Improvement, Clean-up and God's abundant blessings for our neighborhoods of Holland and Wheatsheaf. Asking this request in the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Thank you for praying and God Bless all of you.

HI Jimbob, thanks for the thoughtful response. I simply stand by my first post to you. Jesus is the promised Seed, as Paul states so clearly. And yes, Isaac was the promised seed also. Through Isaac came Esau and Jacob. Jacob was chosen, Esau not, Then of the 12 sons of Jacob (Israel) Judah was chosen by God for the Messiah King to come. Israel was scattered all over the world from captivity in Assyria. They were not the bloodline of Jesus, so God had them assimilate and intermarry among the nations. From Judah Jesus came. Judah was returned from captivity not because they were more deserving than Israel nor more repentant, but solely because the Messiah was promised to come from Judah. Then at the appointed time, God sent His Son, via Mary. So, the promise to Abraham concerning his seed had an earthly, physical fulfillment in Isaac and an earthly and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus, as Jesus was born of Mary but His Father was God and Jesus was God in the flesh. Israel was one man when God gave Jacob this name, but he had a multitude of descendants through his twelve sons and also daughter Dinah. Jesus was given the name Israel by God. He was one man, but has had million upon millions of spiritual descendants over the centuries.

The promise to Isaac was a double prophecy and I believe that Abraham knew this as Paul says that the gospel was preached to Abraham in his time. ( Eph. 3:8) He knew the Messiah would come from his lineage through Isaac.

IN Rev. 2:9 and 3:9 in speaking to the churches Jesus says that those who say they are Jews (attesting to be ethnically Jews), they truly are not the people of God, but Jesus calls them a synagogue of Satan. Thus identifying them as unfaithful, apostate, and wicked as an ethnic group. This is due to them rejecting Jesus, the Messiah they were hoping for as prophesied, but whose ears were made deaf, and eyes blind, so that they were unable to recognize their Messiah and acknowledge Him as Jesus.

cont.

GiGi to continue our conversation. I think its more about the bloodline, that would be the bloodline that Jesus would come through. The promise of Jesus was in ( Isa. 7:14) also in ( Isa. 9:6) There are probably a lot of other places in the Old Testament that show the promise of His coming. What about the promise of "in Isaac shall thy seed be called"? ( Gen. 21:12) The word (seed) is #2233; it means fruit, plant, sowing-time, ((posterity)), carnally, child, bear, conceive seed. The word (called) is #7121; it means to call out to, address by name, that are bidden, call (forth) cry (unto) guest, invite. Those who are (called) would be the church being called out by name wouldn't it GiGi? And this is the OT. Now the New Testament ( Rom. 9:7) and ( Heb. 11:18) The word (seed) in Greek is #4690; it means something sown, i.e. seed (including male "sperm") by implying ((offspring)). The word (called) in Greek is #2564; it means to "call" aloud, bid, call (forth) (whose sur-) name (was called) (That would be the church being called out by name). In ( Eph. 5:27) The word (church) is #1577; it means a calling out, to "call" aloud, bid, call (forth) This is the seed or bloodline Jesus Christ was born through and it seems to be that bloodline in the Lastdays of which those who are called out by name, that would be the church. I know people are grafted in if they believe but this would have to be those who are chosen from the foundation of the world as ( Eph. 1:4) tells us. ( Eph. 1:3-5,10-11) We see in ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17) The word (shout) is #2752; it means a cry of incitement "hail" to incite by word, i.e. order, bid, (at, give) command. Thank you Jesus!! I may have went a little off track here but what are your thoughts on this GiGi? Blessings.

I pray that my church brother, Rex, would be healed of heart issues..thank you very much...Amen in Jesus name...HEAL MY BROTHER REX LORD...THANK YOU

GiGi Thank you for your response. We need to see where those powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places are during this time period, which is the time we are living right now. (So we have to assume they are somewhere today, Right?) Jesus would cast out devils in many places in the gospels. The word (devils) is #1140; in Greek: it means a demonic being, a demon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature) Those devils or supernatural spirits didn't stop possessing people after Jesus left this earth, there are many of these demonic spirits on this earth right now. The Bible doesn't say anything that I have seen about them leaving the earth at any time. I think they will be manifesting themselves more and more as we get closer to the antichrist receiving power for forty two months. Thats also the time period Satan is cast out of heaven to the earth. I believe this will happen very soon. I find it hard to believe you said this generation is no more wicked than past generations GiGi. It seems to me that the evil, the violence, just cold hearted people, the deception and corruption, and just really bad things happening to people and them having troubles in their lives has greatly increased in the last 2 or 3 years. I believe we are living ( Mt. 24:4-8) right now with great tribulation just around the corner! I agree GiGi we should have hope in this life grounded in Jesus. Thats the only hope we have in this life or even after this life. Those living without Jesus Christ today are living in a world that's getting more evil everyday with no hope at all, unless they find Jesus. How sad is that to think about? God Bless you GiGi.

Is magic that's done for entertainment go against the word of God? I don't mean anything evil, hateful or hurtful, I'm just talking about magicians who perform shows.

Giannis,

I meant to say that I do NOT like to categorize my self into any "ism" camp.

Giannis, until I started studying dispensationalism these past six months, I realized that I cannot embrace it as a plausible

theology of God's overreaching purposes and actions in creation. While looking into dispensationalism, I realized that there was

another theological approach that is called covenant theology. I had never heard of the term dispensational nor covenant

theology before this recent study. I guess I lean more towards covenant theology, and definitely do not embrace dispensational

theology. I do like to categorize my theological leanings under any "ism" as I am still learning. But covenant theology seems to

fit much better with the revelation of God throughout the Bible. I'm not one to say I am 100% this way or not. I leave room for

God to teach me through the Scriptures.

I guess God kept me from either of these theological systems all my life for a reason. I have always been one to simply read

the Bible again and again to learn the way God has worked throughout history. I began using a concordance about 20 years ago

because, while I could remember many verses, I did not know the chapter and verse. The concordance helps me find the verse

that the Spirit brought to my mind and then I can read the chapter to understand the verse in context.

Giannis, I hope that you are doing well and I appreciate all of your wise and good input on this forum.

Hello Gigi

If I understand well your post has to do something with dispensationalism? That is the way God deals with mankind through time? Your belief is the opposite of the dispensational theology, that is the covenant theology? If so then we agree on that although we disagree about the time of the rapture. I went through some sites that explained dispensationalism and the only thing I got at the end was a headache. At the end I found an Eastern Orthodox site that explained the differences well. So yes the covenant theology is what seems to be the right one to me. If I got you wrong then forget my post. GBU

Jimbob, I understand where you are coming from, but I believe that this verse is strictly speaking of spiritual powers, not humans in power. And yes, there wickedness is pervasive in this world, as it has been since before the flood and after. This generation on earth is not any more wicked than past generations. But we are far more aware of it due to media, so we find out about so much more than people in the past.

But I do believe that God is at work in HIS world and all creation, restraining evil so that mankind does not destroy the planet and all people and life on it. He has an end that His will shall accomplish in the time He determines. So, while I do believe that we need to be aware, wise, and godly in our wicked generation, I am confident that God will see all believers through to glory. So, I am ready to fight the battles He lays out for me, I will not go out looking for a fight. These verses speak to us being on defense, not offense with spiritual powers. But there may be times we need to go on offensive with other humans. And we should know how to gird up our loins and ready our "weapons" to stand up for what is right and godly when God brings us to a battle.

We are to have hope in this life, grounded in Jesus and the promises He has made to be with us always. He is stronger within us than any in the world. So I do not take a dismal view of tis life. It is full of opportunity to serve others, share the word, and alleviate suffering in our sphere of influence. I leave the rest of the world up to those who God calls to work while it is day in their spheres. I know the end-WE WIN!

Absolutely Jesse and Richard.

We are to put no confidence in the flesh, and our heart is wicked, and our mind is fixed on this life so often, all due to our sinful nature.

But praise the Lord, He has overcome all of what the sin has done to us and saved us from our own sin. We do not need to expect condemnation by God, NO! We receive mercy and grace and are made a new creation in our spirit. We can look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. It all comes from Him!

We are so blessed, even in heavenly places where Jesus sits on His throne next the Father, reigning over all creation. We have come to Mt. Zion, the throne of grace in Christ. We can rejoice in God our Savior and give thanks to Him. We can give Him the honor due Him and focus our love on Him since He has done so to us first.

But in the all in all, it is God who wrought all of this in us, desiring since before creation to draw out of sinful humanity a redeemed people for Himself. And we are that people, the holy nation, royal priesthood, and a peculiar people, chosen from pre-creation to receive the Kingdom of heaven with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit called to show forth His praises. ( 1 Peter 2:8-9) This was said of the people of Israel in the Old Testament,, but now in the New Testament it is said only of the redeemed in Christ. The OT people were a type and shadow of the people God would redeem.

Richard,

I am enjoying your posts on Salvation and Assurance. Thank you!

Something you wrote that stands out for me is where you said, "Our confidence; of course is to be in the finished work of Christ;"

I say amen to that!

Part 6

Assurance of salvation, cont...

As I said Paul was very careful and strict when he was selecting his partners in the ministry. He once didn't want with Him Mark(the Evangelist who wrote one of the gospels, he was also apostle Peter's nephew) because Mark left him and Barnabas in a trip to Cyprus. and that was the reason he separated himself from Barnabas ( Acts 15:37-40). So Demas wasn't an ordinary, loose christian. He was one of the best for that ministry. But like Judas, he let his heart deceive him and loved the world more than God. What happened to him? We don't really know but Paul never mentioned Demas in his epistles any more, so he never returned, at least as long as Paul was alive.

And there are more stories in the Gospel about people who never finished their courses. And they didn't get the prize of the eternal life. Tomorrow I am going to deal with some other people who lost their salvation. Ananias and Sapphira. Also with people in the Old Testament.

The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:". Devour? The devil? Us, believers? But isn't our salvation secured, as some say?

Part 5.

Assurance of salvation, cont.

In the gospels we read the story of Judas. A disciple, an apostle, he baprized new believers in water like the rest ( John 4:2), he was given authority over the Spirit to perform miracles and healings ( Luke 9:6), cast out demons, he was sent by Jesus to preach salvation ( Matthew 10:5-15), he was told that he, together with the rest, in the Judgement will sit on a throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. But in the midtime Judas allowed his heart to love money more than Jesus and eventually his love for money led him to become Jesus' trator. Why? Because his heart deceived him. People who hold the belief that salvation can not be lost try to overcome Judas' example by saying that he wasn't actually saved. for that they use the verse in John 17:12, "While I (Jesus) was with them (the 12) in the world, I kept them in thy name (Saviour): those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." So a sinful man, not saved, was sent to preach salvation to Israel? Was given gifts of healing and performing miracles? A son of satan who casts out devils? Really? No, not really. What Jesus says is that he managed to save all but Judas because Judas took the decision for himself to become a traitor, a son of perdition, like the Scriptures said and so the prophesy was fulfilled. And something else. Even if Judas never betrayed Jesus, still the Jews would capture Him sometime, one way or another. Judas wasn't their only choise.

Another example of a man who let his heart deceive him is Demas, a companion of Paul during his ministry. But eventually he left Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ...". Demas eventually loved the sinful world more than God and left Paul. Who was Demas? We don't really know. But we know that Paul was very strict when he selected his partners in the ministry.

Part 4

My thoughts on Assurance of Salvation

Richard, I continue my posts from yesterday.

In Philippians 2:12 Paul advices believers "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".

Why fear and trembling? Fear what? Although the meaning of the verse is clear, I would like to point out another fear, not about our salvation but about our heart.

In Jeremiah 17:9, it is written "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" We don't really know our heart, we don't know how we are going to act when a temptation comes infront of us, that is why in the "Our Father in Heaven" we ask God to take temptations away from us.

In the parable of the Sower the 2nd and 3rd cases are about people who believed and were saved but still later in their lives they fell out,

Luke 8:13-14, " 13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."

In the 3rd case it is very evident of where our heart can lead us if we are not careful in our spiritual life. Jesus said that "where our heart is, also our treasure is" and the opposite "where our treasure is also our heart is" is true. Jesus also asked us to love Him more even than our lives ( Matthew 10:37-39). Why? Because a. He deserves that and b. this will give us the assurance that we will follow Him to the end. If in the midtime we love something else more than Jesus then it is that that we are going to follow and not God, so we will leave our christian course. And that will lead us into trouble.

I'm truly sorry, I truly did not mean for you to take it that way. that's why I said.. 'you "either" don't know, "don't understand" or refuse to believe". just in case. Because so many ppl including myself (up to a few months ago) lived in the dark of their wrong doings. Heck sweetie, I'm still in shock of things I learn almost daily. It pert near brings me to tears & we're even helping to pull any kids we know out of school at this years end. Pray your well or get better real soon. Please read what I sent (our American B of R being sure to use the Black Law dictionary that was used when it was written). If you don't already know about this as well, you may want to sit down. I tried to mention it on here before yet I don't think they allowed it. I wish there was a way we could be in touch off this site. I don't do any form of electronic junk but this and a game I play with my Lil brother. We play WORD CHUMS. My name is Laminin3 *** I pray everyone out there reads what I've posted here (as far as the Bill of Rights that is) and does something about it. I for one am saving over $400 a month knowing the truth.! God is in control and only wants the best for us. Love & Prayers

Thank you so much for your prayer, it means a lot to me, if you have a spe ial prayer request, let me know, God bless you and your family

GiGi I have to respectfully disagree. ( Eph. 6:10) Tells us "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might". Its written to True Believers in Jesus Christ. ( Eph. 6:11) Tells us to "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the (wiles) of the devil. The word (wiles) is #3180; it means (trickery). (The devils trickery will be very deceptive and in many ways) ( Eph. 6:12) Tells us (True Believers) "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, (demonic powers) against the rulers of the darkness of this world, (The rulers of the darkness) against spiritual wickedness in high places. (True Believers are in a spiritual war today against ((demonic powers)) against the ((rulers of the darkness)) of this world, and against ((spiritual wickedness in high places)). High places more than likely would be those leaders, or even the higher ups in the nations who are preparing for the one world system that must come to be so the antichrist can control all nations). ( Eph. 6:13) Tells us if we don't put on the full armour of God we will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil in the evil day. (If we don't see it we will surely be deceived and not stand against it) Corruption and deception are in almost everything today, most don't see it because they hide it or mask it, they cover it up in pretending its a good thing. (Isiash. 5:20) This verse shows us what is happening today. ( 2 Cor. 4:4) Is another verse that shows us what is happening today. Also we should remember all the warnings of Jesus, and also of Paul about not being deceived in the Lastdays. I believe we are living those Lastdays now. Do you GiGi? Thank you for your reply. God Bless you.

Hi, my name is Ursula, and I am in need of a kidney. I go to dialysis three times per week, and I am believing today for a kidney transplant. Thank you in joining me in praying for this transplant.

Dear John Ray

At times when one is past the point of being able to pray, that is where we come in. Thanks for sharing. I will keep you in my prayers. Do get back to us to let us know how you are doing. I am sorry that life is so hard for you at this time and in your past. May God bless you today and everyday and lead you on the straight and narrow path of Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Abide in Him, John. He desires you to do so and will help you, so ask Him.

Good Afternoon, Jimbob,

Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ

For me, this verse says that God went from Abraham straight to Jesus-identifying Christ as the Seed of Abraham to which the promises were made. This verse indicates that God bypassed all of the nation that came from Abraham physically to come to Christ, which is the promised Seed. If Abraham's natural seed resulted in the multiple nations that came from Ishmael and the other 6 sons Abraham had through Keturah (after Sarah died) and from Isaac (who was the child of promise), yet the prophecy said, thy "Seed", which Paul says is Christ. Therefore, it is valid to say that Jesus is true Israel-the promised Seed, not those nations who make up the many, the nation fathered by Jacob.

I realize that the people of Israel in the OT were the God's chosen people, not because they were righteous, but according to His redemptive plan for all of mankind, which culminates in Christ, is fulfilled in Christ, and in Christ, the Israel of God continues to both Jew and Gentile by faith, not by natural lineage.

We may differ on this Jimbob. That's ok. This thread is really long, so it may be best to begin a new thread on this topic if you wish.

Hello, Texsis,

Haven't heard from you in a while. Glad to hear from you!

You have characterized me in a way that is untrue. I am very aware of what is happening in our country. I've been keeping myself informed for at least 30 years. I understand far more than you give me credit for.

But that aside. We may not have the same outlook here, just opinions that may differ, which is allowable.

I hope you are doing well. Are you still living with your son?

Jimbob, No I do not think that this verse in Ephesians is speaking about fighting against our government or for us to see our government as an adversary. the verse is speaking of spiritual powers, principalities, rulers and authorities that are evil and fight to harm our faith and dedication to our Lord.

I do think that there are politicians and government officials that are enacting laws and policies that are harmful to our country and individual citizens, and we should oppose these through legal and lawful means.

FEMA is designed to help people in need when disaster happens or, as in the case of money to churches, to help make places where people gather regularly safer. There is nothing evil in such measures.