All Discussion PAGE 929

Anytime the four winds are mentioned in the Bible it is referring to "The Great Tribulation" The Time of Jacobs Trouble.

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Matthew is prophesying how God Gathers His Elect (together) out of the great tribulation for the sign of the 2nd coming is near Christ is near.

Then we are told to learn the parable of the fig tree in v32

Now learn the parable of the fig tree; When its branch shall have become already tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye get to know that summer is nigh: (Christ's return is near)

God uses the life cycle of the fig tree to give us an indication of when to expect the coming of the 2nd advent.

Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Romans 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law

please pray for me and my family

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (This is the word of God - not an opinion)

Romans 6:15-23 (verse 18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (comment-What if you die suddenly while committing one of the above)

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ( There is a difference in a fault and willful sin)

Why did the lord jesus christ leave when he did back to heaven, and wait so long to come back. which now is over 2000 years ?

I agree with you, as far as governments should apply the law correctly to capital crimes; that's why they are appointed, in part for the punishment of crimes to ensure the safety of their citizens.

Yet, from a believer's perspective, the death of anyone, innocent or guilty, brings on sadness, as lives are being taken away without knowing the love of God & His forgiveness to all who repent & turn to Jesus. Time needs to be served, even some receiving the death penalty, but the eternal state of one's spirit should be uppermost in our thoughts, however grievous the crime.

And this can be a conundrum to a believer: how should we appropriate the rightness of a severe punishment given to a criminal and yet hold a tender heart towards him, for the welfare of his soul. Not an easy thing to do but for the ministry of the Holy Spirit with our spirit & mind.

Please pray for me, a long time devoted believer and follower of the lord jesus christ diagnosed with rare aggressive skin cancer, since febuary 28 2019/ found terminal. after 2 years of chemo, and am in my 4 month of chemo immuology now. and just most recently found myself in a pattern of sin.please also pray for my family and friends, especally my brother in laws mom and gran ma who is on life support as we speak. thank you much my brothers and sisters god bless & amen

Spencer ,

After reading Jesus words about the prodical son, and hearing His explanation of the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep behind for the 1, I was compelled to write these words. Still, seeing myself in these stories as a soul that is in constant contention with the flesh, and God. Even so the Lord does not leave us alone in the midst of our sin and unfaithfulness!

Now seeing Him as He is, a faithful, loving, forgiving shepherd, who loves and forgives us.

The hearing and seeing, is that part that we learn when we leave and return! We are begotten again unto a lively hope, He is forever watching and loving His Sheep! His explanation is perfect of who He is and what He does!

In the end,Seeing Him on the cross, is the complete knowledge of what He has done for the world! It is not until we stumble and fall, that we even begin too come close to understand what He has done for mankind! This then becomes the seeing and hearing. God bless, Scanlan Thank you,for sharing

Repeat shoplifters ?

Pray that God may bless you and your child . All the blessings you need from God .

Ethiopian water baptized in Acts .

You're right bro S. Spencer, we do tend to focus on that which causes us to wonder - where nothing more is said about what Jesus wrote on the ground. Yours is a good guess as also the many others who have their suggestions; but they can remain only in our thoughts.

Mine were directed to Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Could Jesus have written along those lines, 'God is merciful to sinners - show mercy', as they readied themselves to hurl their stones. And then Jesus stood up & spoke to them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." With those words & whatever Jesus had written on the ground, they got the message, that mercy ought to prevail, even as Jesus put aside His authority to administer justice to her.

Yet the Law was still in force - but Jesus' coming brought in a transitional period, where the Law began to fade away, for the 'fulness of God's Grace & Glory' now stood before them ( John 1:14), culminating in the full expression of that Grace, at the Cross. Even if the religious leaders had the power to judge & penalize, Jesus was showing (even through this encounter with this woman), that mercy & forgiveness was now the order of the day, as this was to be seen in Jesus Himself present with them - that the harsh implications of the Law and entrance of God's abundant Grace in Christ, had absolutely no correlation, indeed, diametrically opposed to each other.

The Law revealed sin & only brought death & sin abounded by the Law for there was no mechanism within the Law to bring about a change in heart & life. Grace now came through Christ and was able to deal with that unbridled sin - that Grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." ( Romans 5:20,21). Those leaders might not have learned this, but at least seem convicted.

Thank you brothers Jesse & S. Spencer for your further words of teaching & encouragement.

Please pray for my mom, sciatica is effecting her badly. Please also pray that we would all grow spiritually, and walk faithfully with the Lord. Please pray that we would not just be hearers of the Word but doers also.

Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ

Hello Brother Spencer,

I also have heard of two views. Many believe the elders, who are of the church, clothed in white raiment, (the promise to believers), and have crowns of gold upon their heads, (evidence of the reward to believers). We see the white raiment in Rev. 3:5, and crowns of gold in Rev. 2:20.

Many believe this is the representation of both the OT and the NT, the entire church, both Jew and Gentile, with the elders and the 24 courses, or 24 elders that are sitting.

The book of Revelation is a piece of Jewish Literature and understood by the symbols and the presentations that we receive from the Tanak, the Old Testament. There are 404 verses in Revelation, and there are over 800 allusions and direct quotes from the OT.

So there are 24 elders sitting on 24 thrones.

In 2 Chronicles Chap 24 and 25, this is where it is listed for us where David began the courses of priests, and he assigned 24 courses of priests, that they would serve throughout the year so that the priesthood is covered. And all the people are covered, and they are called courses, 24 courses of priests.

24 in Jewish Literature has to do with perfection in covering, 24 courses to cover all of the people, and to cover all of the calendar for the twelve months.

Rev. 4:9 tells us that there's a time frame here. In heaven, things happen in order. The four living creatures are the ones that lead all of heaven in their orchestra of praise to God. When the four living creatures give their glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne who lives forever, then the 24 elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and they worship Him that lives for ever and ever, and they cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things for your pleasure.

So the living creatures act, the 24 elders respond, and then the rest in heaven follow in the same way of worship and action!

I'm feeling really depressed I'm going on interviews and I keep getting no's. I don't know if my previous job gave me a bad reference because the supervisors used to pick on me and they terminated me. I found out on the employee portal they didn't call me or email and I had a doctor's statement I need a financial blessing im a single mom with a autusic child and bills that has to be paid i hide my pain because ican't show it with her please pray for me

Thanks Gigi.

I'd like to say something about the oil filled lamp stand. It was beautiful and it gave light to the holy place, the place of worship. It was a shaft with 6 branches, three on each side. The shaft and the 3 sides held the lights and the stand represents our Lord Jesus Christ. He's in the midst of the candlesticks/branches. The light is the Holyspirit and shows the beauty of the lampstand our Lord.

"He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:14."

God bless.

Sherrie, I will keep you and these people in my prayers. Thanks for reminding us to pray.

Texsis,

Wondering if you are feeling better now? I hope so.

John 18 and 19 The predestined plan of God-crucifixion and atonement

Rather than detailing each event in separate chapters; I am making some general points here.

It doesn't seem fitting to do a forensic analysis of the details of the horrors of crucifixion in studying this subject; but instead doing a broad based approach to the events which played out in the time when Christ voluntarily laid down His life. ( John 10:18).

In regard to Judas Iscariot; of course he was the predestined son of perdition prophesied in Psalm 41:9. There were curses to be on his descendants as well. As to Pilate; the discourse went down in chapter 18 where Christ plainly told him that all who are of the truth hear His voice ( John 18:37). His response "what is truth" in the next verse clearly shows he remained in darkness; albeit his sin wasn't to be as great as the others who brought Him to Pilate.

We also; of course see how Christ's statement to Peter came to pass. We can sort of call prophecy predestination in a way; unless it is based on conditional factors. Jesus knew Peter couldn't stand in his own strength; but was already preparing him for when he had a change of heart. Several prophecies are in chapter 19 along with the one in the other gospels where He asks why God foresook Him taken from Psalm 22.

This most important event in human history allows us to be with Him in heaven eternally.

That is the central message that should be in our minds as to the certainty that God's plan and will are accomplished. This calls for praise and a humble and contrite spirit as Psalm 51 indicates. Psalm 110:3 shows "we shall be made willing in the day of thy power..." and seems to reflect sentiments as Job 19:25 and Isaiah 26:19 on the Resurrection

Amen my dear brother,

I must say that I am somewhat embarrassed. I said John Chapter 12 but what was being discussed is found in Chapter 13. I was trying to go off memory without actually looking up the Chapter. Lesson learned!

Thank you so much for those two pieces of scripture. They fit perfectly. Jesus always seemed to take the low road.

Jesus said I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. I see Him talking about a spiritual cleansing, and that believers need to be cleansed. It is a symbol for cleansing. Feet signify the walk through this world, and the dirt is metaphorically applied to our walk through this world, and picking up the influences of the world.



So if we bathe, and that would be salvation, but if we bathe, we have been cleansed all over, and the only thing we need from that point forward is to have our feet washed because as we walk through this world, we are going to be under its influence.



I noticed that He did not say that you should do "what I have done" to you, but you should do "as I have done" to you. He I took the position and function, the menial task, the lowest task that even a Jewish or Hebrew person would not even do, and this is what we are to do for one another.



We are to take the lowest position, what might embarrass us, and what might go against our pride! He says as I have done to you, not what I have done to you.

Thanks again for your kindness. You are such an encouragement to many of us and truly blessed in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Christ!

He who is of the tribe of Judah, or from Judea, they are Jew. Outwardly means it's a guise, Inwardly which is one "in secret"

Thanks Brother Chris.

I never thought of it in that way.

I always focused on what he might have wrote on the ground like perhaps the absent man's name.

Even if he did they would certainly need someone to execute that judgment.

Thanks and God bless.

Thanks for the comment. I am a beginner at reading the Bible.

Thank you for helping understand.

Thank you for your reply to my question. I am new at learning about the bible..

Hi Charlotte.

There's 2 popular views.

Some say the Patriarchs, and The Apostles and some say these 24 elders are represents the Church elders as a whole. I hold the view that they are of the Church.

God bless.

I've always been in favor of the death penalty. I think the worst offenders should be permanently stopped. King Solomon saw what happens when the wicked are allowed to run rampant.

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

We see the folly of showing mercy to rapists and murderers, or repeat offenders.

Amen Brother Chris.

Great parallel verses and if that expression of humility and service can come from the Lord we should have no problem serving one another.

John 13:12-17 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

God Bless

Dear Alexander, I will pray for you and Veronica tonight.

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that You will bless and guide this relationship between Alexander and Veronica. Cause Veronica to be aware of and believe Alexander's sincerity and true concern for her welfare. Cause them to grow in love with one another Your way.

We ask this of You, Lord God, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen