Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 34

Hi Boyd.

I would like to second what Brother Ronald has shared with you.

It is a translation.

The entire king James Bible has been translated into English except for a few words.

Jesus is not the only Name or word that has been translated.

It was needed to be done unless you can read and understand Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.

God bless.

Hello Dear Brother . As you read the Bible you will see that very many names have poinient meanings a concordance will help you with this . Throughout the Bible people have had their names changed by other people or even by God Himself . This is something that you should study for yourself and you will discover that it's not uncommon .

Hi Boyd,

The name of our Savior, Jesus that means "YHWH saves" Matthew 1:21-23 and Luke 1:31-32 the angel Gabriel told Mary to name the Son of God so that it may be fulfilled that was spoken of the LORD by the prophet Isaiah 7:14. they shall call His name Immanuel meaning God with us, nothing has changed. Jesus comes from the Hebrew word Yehoshua same as Jehoshua or Joshua, the Greek form is Iesous English is before the letter J it was Iesus now Jesus, it is just transliteration or translation from one language to another.

There were many back then with that name but only this Jesus is referred to as Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus, in Hebrew Yehoshua Moshiach, who is the Son of God, Jesus's identity, and His mission that His Father sent Him to do. The name Immanuel means with us is God, the presence of God in His Son that we see in the New Testament not His personal name. Like Jesus told Philip in John 14:7-11.

This is my understanding maybe others will have other comments, pray, and study, truth comes only from the Spirit of truth.

God bless,

RLW

ChristOpher. I love typing it that way.! :) Thanks GiGi. I Prayed all's well w/y'all. Anything you want prayer for? Fixen to try & sleep. Thanks for prayers.! Good nigh & God bless always.

Mark 14:44-46 "The Kiss"

"And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely./And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him./And they laid their hands on him, and took him."

God is love and it has a token: a sign such as what the Word become flesh indicates by the virgin birth. A kiss is also a token as the Song of Solomon describes the sensation, "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: For thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments Thy name is as ointment poured forth, Therefore do the virgins love thee."(The S.1:2-4). All the tokens of love, like overtones in music flow out when love is expressed between Christ and the bride. Fruits of the Spirit are equally felicitous analogy to love of God for Man. Moses expressed it thus: "For my name is in him."(Ex.22:21) Christ earned a name above every other name, which like precious ointment blesses the embrace which not for once but for ever more. "It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;."(Ps.133:2).

Against this we read that Judas kissed his master he was followed by men with murder in their eyes. So Jesus, "Said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?"(v.48)

Psalm 133 compares the blessings come down as a precious ointment so brotherly love is a synonym for unity. When Judas kissed it was pushing the panic button that "And they all forsook him, and fled." Mark mentions of one disciple, "And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:/And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked"(vv.50-52)

Till May I shall be taking time out so my posts shall be few and far between.

As Jaz already said; it was the Apostle John who wrote the book of Revelation, and not John the Baptist.

John the Baptist did not write any books in the Bible, but was a wild preacher and prophet that came in the likeness of Elijah ( Matthew 11:12-15), paving the way for Jesus Christ, who was his cousin.

John the Apostle wrote the Gospel of John, the three epistles 1,2,3 John, and the book of Revelation.

Texsis,

You are certainly welcome. I am happy that the Lord led me to respond to your post.

We all have some good things to contribute here and we can be prayerful about all that we post.

Some things people post (me included) are encouraging, others make us think hard, others make us search the Scriptures more on a topic, and others can be convicting or make us uncomfortable. We may even be offended by some posts. But if we seek God and His wisdom we will get right direction from Him and help us to take what people write seriously and try to avoid being dismissive.

I work hard at trying to remain objective as well as thinking the best of others, even if I am offended by what someone posts, I certainly try to be open for the input of the Spirit concerning interactions on here.

I am glad you are back on here once again. I have been wondering about you and keeping you in my prayers. It is good to have a sweet sister like you. You bless me, too.

I believe you know that the Hebrews had to cross the Red Sea, and walk through a desert, walk until they got to the Promised Land after 40 years of peregrination / pilgrimage. What about GOD's people now this current time?

Now GOD's people will have to go through (I mean win a war) against the Red Dragon, that's exactly it, a Red Dragon yes, this is no coincidence, it was predicted millennia ago. He's a false messiah who will soon manifest himself, yes, just ahead, with great signs of lying, he will manifest in Israel as a lamb with two horns, he's a Jew, of course, and he'll speak like a Dragon. Revelation 12.3-17 combined with Revelation 13:11-18.

Let's be ready to go through this not easy FINAL journey of GOD's people here, until to enter in the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18, in the Ineffable, Wonderful, Indescribable, Unspeakable, glorious, marvelous and day of exceedingly joy, the day 1.335- Daniel 12:12. Amen. Hallelujaaah!!! Are you ready for the last battle, battle against the red Dragon? Will it be? I hope so.

Woe to the inhabiters of the earth(Israel) and of the sea(Gentile peoples)! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Well, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Get ready

There was a Day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the Lord,and Satan came also among them- Job 1:6.

Now another Day arrived,the Lord's Day,seventh and last Day, seventh and last millennium,again Satan is also among the current sons of GOD( John 1:11-12),but strongly structured,more than in the time of Job,i.e. now he is with 7 heads,10 horns and a terrible TAIL- REVELATION 12:3-4-,it's a world religious MONSTER whose satanic system is established through a false Christianity in seven Continents-Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, America Central and South America(7 regions of the Earth-7 heads of the dragon).His main partner is Catholicism ruled by the MAN Beast of sea,the current guide and leader/ruler of the Roman Catholic Church which rides upon the Beast, followed by Orthodox, and Anglicanism and Protestantism and their respective divisions called denominations and sects and movements gospel.Total adherents to Christianity are currently around 2.5 billion,but Scriptures warned:The Spirit speaks expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1Timothy 4:1-2combined with Romans 1:18-25.This is the devilish scenary of the 7 heads of the Devil,the red Dragon.

But there is also the religious esoteric,and kabbalistic,and spiritist Judaism, practiced in Israel,represented by ten tribes of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its 10 Princes,one from each tribe.The MAN of sin,son of perdition,is from one of the 10 tribes,he should be of the tribe of Dan,and he is the little horn,the ileventh horn,which will manifest himself as Messiah,AN IMPOSTER- John 5:43-47 combined with Re.13:11,and will enthrone himself in Jerusalem. The next Pope to be elected in this current year, he will sit in the throne of the Messiah in Jerusalem-Re.13:2-first half of the last week,week 70th Dan.9:24-27

Get ready

Awesome.. Isaiah 45 is what I needed. Your a blessing as always.! I listened to my sister & have only been concentrating on Romans thru Philimons last few yrs, Rightly Dividing His truth. Yet now, thnx to ppl like you (when I was in Texas), Voddie Baucham (on YT) & Mr. Priday, I'm learning so much more. Thank you thank you thank you & thank you Jesus for bringing these ppl in my life.! Fixen to recaulk the kitchen..God bless, Texsis

Absolutely, All glory definitely should go to God.! Your right, I should have asked Gigi & normally I would yet I had just finished reading your responses to another & felt led to ask you. I greatly appreciate your response. If speaking to others about His word I believe we are to pray & God will guide our words, otherwise we, as mere humans, could say the wrong thing at wrong time. Been there done that. Not a good idea.

What we do, especially before being saved, is all forgiven & He won't hold against us. All we go through strengthens us as we grow wiser in His word & for His purpose to lead others to Christ. Believers are guided by His spirit to speak His truth. That's His will for all.!

So if He's calling you to do so please, don't be ashamed/worried what others will think or do. He is the one we are to fear. I regret one time He led me to talk to a lady & I shrugged it off. She passed away 3-4 days later. Now, when He leads me (especially w/my dreams) I follow through. Then I'm amazed by His work when 'said person' starts to change. Praise God.!

Yet at work, I always speak in a way they know I'm a believer. i.e., saying Lord willing, God forbid, Jesus help me or even tell them "I will pray for you" or even wearing my TCU hat while driving the company truck (I live in midst of Mormons).! They are all seeds, God sows in His time.! Plus, I don't get involved in idol gossip & won't lie. I think you definitely have a God given talent & are blessed. Thnx again

I'm seeking Truth, has anyone read Isaiah 7:14? The Father Named His Son Immanuel, why then was it changed? J E S U S is Latin right? He was a Hebrew. So I'm confused why we wouldn't call Him Immanuel what His Father Named Him. Also in the preface of my Bible it tells me they the translators or scribes changed His Name. I don't see anywhere in the scriptures where He said to do that. In fact I see where He specifically says not to add or take away from His Word. Changing His and His Son's name is doing exactly that. He tells us in Jeremiah they are going to do it and that they would pervert His Words. I know I can't be the only one seeing this.

Hello Richard, thank you for all of your good postings on the topics that come to your mind. I can tell that the Holy Spirit is guiding you.

I continue to pray for you and your situation with your parents.

We are knee deep in remodeling the interior of our home since January. Making headway, though The contractor working on our home most days is very good. He did apply for another job last Friday. Not sure if it will pan out or not. We hate to lose him for our remodel and pray that God will lead him in the best way to go. But this morning he was talking to us about his counter offer. The company has not gotten back to him yet so he thinks it may not go through. Needless to say, we are happy that he will stay on with us for now since he told us he may be gone in two weeks if he gets this job.

Please pray for him. We want him to get into a situation that is really good for him and we hope he will be with us to finish this job on our home before he moves on.

Thank you.

Texsis

Thanks for getting back to me. Glad to hear you are doing well in Utah.

I would love to pray for your son. If you feel comfortable giving me his name, I would like that. Either way he will be in my prayers.

Further insights on propetic significance of blessing descendants

Genesis 12:3 shows a blessing from God to Abraham and his descendants which affects all those who bless Israel with a blessing; and curses those with a curse. This effectively puts us all in a position to reap blessings from being part of God's family even if not in the bloodline of Abraham. Romans 9:6-7 shows that is not bloodline that guarantees eternal inheritance and John 8:33-35 makes this clear and the punchline as it were is in verse 44 where Jesus tells them point blank that they are in reality sons of the Devil. They would literally spit in the face of the one who came to save all mankind; including those Gentiles they despised.

It is very interesting to me that there were no punches pulled with any of the Patriarchs in assessing the true condition and resulting destiny of their descendants; indeed it proves inspiration from God. There was never any argument as to the bad news so to speak as to the validity of the message; only anger in the case of Esau of a blessing lost to a usurper brother.

It does seem Esau mellowed out after being in a position where he likely would have killed his brother if his mother didn't have the wisdom to send him away. Eventually there was some restitution of family ties.

I highly recommend Hebrews 11 and 12 for further insight on the saints of God and admonitions for those who profess to be Christians. Here we see how tenacity was ineffective for Esau due to his generally sinful lifestyle; but also we can see Jacob's tenacity wrestling God all night long in Genesis 32 starting in verse 22. He was preparing to meet Esau and sent his family ahead; thus alone in the wilderness and God granted the blessing. Part of it no doubt was an attitude of humility toward his brother who accepted his gift and then he separated from him. Joseph's blessing no doubt validated the dream of his youth and was proven by his humbling as a slave and exaltation.

Prophetic significance in family blessings.

The earliest blessing in scripture is for Ishmael who is said in Genesis 16:12. It isn't exactly something to be desired; except for the fact that in the family lineage there would be many descendants. He was said to be a wild "donkey" of a man; and cause much contention and strife among others. Moving on to Genesis 26:39-40 we see the blessing of Esau; and it wasn't faring much better; he was to live by the sword and eventually throw the "yoke" off his back of basically servitude to Jacob. Finally; we see Jacob's blessing of his sons; to become the 12 patriarchs; which is a mixed bag with particularly gruesome futures for Issachar (once again like a donkey" and of course Dan being as a snake. Reuben the firstborn committed sin and thus lost privileges for that position; and altogether we may say that Judah had the best blessings offered.

These patterns are interesting in that prophetically God's will was ultimately done. We can see this perhaps clearest with God explaining the futures of Jacob and Esau before they were even born. We also see the future of the bondservant (Hagar) and free woman (Sarah) and how it affects the world still to this day with the Arab (mainly Muslim) populus in the surrounding lands of the sons of Sarah and Abraham in Israel. We could say that this most clearly demonstrates what we may call a generational curse as well as blessings that are inherited.

Jeremiah 35:19 is perhaps one of the most interesting prophetic statements; in this case to adults who had been obedient to God from the start. They were promised because of that and passing the test on not drinking wine or strong drink that they would perpetually have someone to serve God; at least seemingly promising a believer to be in the family lineage throughout the generations. As to curses; we do well to meditate on Exodus 20:5 and 6 we see generational affects but those who LOVE God He shows mercy ending the curse.

Mark 14:31 "My word"

"But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."

This was what bravado where oath of man falls contrary to the sovereignty of the word so a mighty warrior like Jephthah is shown as wimp and St Peter proved to be no less. Jesus showed why. " Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."(13:31). Jesus as the fulfilment of Law places all events consequently in his deity as well as in his humanity. "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." At the outset of his earthly he presented the doctrine of his Father and condemned the doctrine of man as coming from the devil. (John8:44). From the manner the disciples could not understand him the Spirit shows why. It is not the words themselves as the controversy over KJV or other translations have raked up but the simple reason their flesh was weak. Even in our times imposter church keeps man from loving God with all might and will all their heart. "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."(John8:43) They literally follow the scriptures and flat earthers for example, they may quote," It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," Does that mean the earth is one? (Is.40:22).

"In thee is the fountain of life" Jesus said "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life./.... Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."(John6:63-65; Ps.36:9) In the same night the disciples will fail their master at Gethsemane and forsake him. "My word " speaks of Christ's spirit of obedience and was for the glory of God. So abiding life means walking with him and understanding His will concerning us. That is true Light

PUNISHMENT OF THE ANCIENT AND CORRUPT CHURCH OF ROME FROM NOW ON -THE ANTICHRIST'S CRADLE

Revelation 18:1-5

1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2And he cried mightily voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen,and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird

3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies

4Come out of her,my people,that ye be not partakers of her sins,and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES

5For her sins have reached unto heaven,GOD hath remembered her iniquities

In my foresee,I wrote in another site at April 19,2021-Death of Pope Francis-it must happen soon,until 2024 at the latest,no more.

- The Beast of the earth(of Israel-the clay-Is.64:8)with two horns LIKE A LAMB rises up-Re.13:11

-Election of the a new Pope-his nickname may be Paulus VII(?)

-The Beast of the earth LIKE A LAMB manifests himself as God in Israel;in fact a false messiah,an esoteric,and kabbalistic and spiritist false messiah; John 5:43-47

-The kabbalistic false messiah of the Jews,Beast of the earth, makes great signs and wonders of lie,even makes fire come down to the earth before men;(things of spiritism)

-The Pope(Paulus VII?)will meet the Beast like lamb;

-Both will develop a union between the RCC and Judaism,iron with clay-Dan.2:41-43,but they shall not cleave one to another, as iron is not mixed with clay;

-A religious and universal satanic Empire will be build by both religious leaders;Re.11:1-2;

-The esoteric Beast of the earth will make a deal with the Beast of sea and will give to the Beast of sea his Power,his Throne and great Authority-Re.13:2.The Antichrist's Empire is conceived by both Beasts.Then begins the last week-Dan.9:27

The cradle of Antichrist is the primitive Church of Rome-1Jo.2:18-21

The Word of GOD reveals the birthplace of Antichrist by the VISUAL testimony of Apostle John about the Church of Rome

18 Little children,it's the last time:and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come,even NOW are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

19They(Church of Rome)went out from us(apostate),but they were not of us;if they had been of us,they would no doubt have continued with us:but they went out,that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

20Ye have an unction from the Holy One,and know all things.

Re.13:1-18,written around 65 years after JESUS's ascension,two distinct Beasts are described:The first lasts around 2000 years,we can discern and foresse both Beasts will lead two distinct satanic religious systems in near future.The FIRST MAN Beast of sea exists millennia ago,the another MAN Beast has not yet,but he will manifest in near future.Catholicism&Judaism.

The Beast of sea,a satanic religious system developed within the former Church of the Lord in Rome and into Roman Empire,after Satan corrupted the church established by Apostle Paul,killed by persecution,then was developed satanic Antichrist's movements through the corrupt church of Rome,called first Catholic Church.Revelation describes 7 churches,church of Rome would be the eighth,but it was left out because was completely disapproved by JESUS.

The religious structures and organizations of the RCC,which rides upon the Beast of sea,the Pope,within the Roman Empire,since the confuse election of the first Pope in first century,it can be Linus or Clement,later to increase the confuse election of whom really is the first Pope,Satan,the main leader of the blasphemer movement of Antichrist in the church of Rome,he himself,time after,around the 2nd or early 3rd century by convention began of regarding Peter as the first pope.It's more a satanic blasphemy of the MAN Beast of sea.

Get ready

Dear Brother if you take time to read the Gospels of Matthew Mark Luke and John you will discover that John the Baptist died quite early into Jesus's ministry so it's extremely unlikely that he penned the book of Revelation . It is much more likely that it was penned by the Apostle John .

Mark 14:28 "Galilee"

"But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee."

The Spirit presents us a seemingly minor detail but it has a great spiritual importance. For one association of the Son is set there. Fellowship of God was not with any other than his Son. Whosoever believed in him were blessed in his Son (Ep.1:3).As Word become flesh the twelve apostles were men chosen by the Father was recorded in the scriptures. Joseph did not choose Galilee but God the Father chose it for his Son."Being warned of God in a dream, he (Joseph) turned aside into the parts of Galilee:/And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matt.2:22-23).

Nazareth is a small town in the hill country of Galilee while Jerusalem belongs to Judea.

Most of his disciples were from Galilee so we have this hint from the Holy Spirit why he went beforehand into Galilee

Secondly Jesus 'shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go' is already mentioned by Prophet Ezekiel."And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch ofthatgate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof."(Ez.46:8)

"Behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;/Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."(Ac.1:10-11). He however warned his disciples not to leave Jerusalem is for no other reason than setting coordinates of his throne in heaven with 'his body" and the right hand of the most high in heaven is called New Jerusalem. Consequently the city of the great King (Matt.5:35) fits nicely with David from whose loins his humanity took shape. David calls him his Lord , the Lord of lords and King of kings. (Re.19:16)

By literal approach do we really get the role of place names right?

Mark 14:50 "forsook him"

"And they all forsook him, and fled."

In continuation to the previous post Jesus knew beforehand that his disciples would flee from him in 'the evil hour. As it was written of him in the scriptures they were also written and in the same quote from Zachariah we read thus, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." The eleven disciples are 'the sheep' mentioned there. By the principle of Association the little ones include us as well. We received the gospel of salvation as 'the little ones'. We were called before the worlds began but how did we receive it?"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;/And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen"(1 Co.1:27-28)

God chose man and not nations. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."( 1 Co.10:11)These are examples for our spiritual instruction

The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal"(1 Co.12:7) This shall explain the Law of Gradation where all things are held together in Christ. Moses doubled for Jesus and how the Spirit has organised his going up the mount we have here in v.26. "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." The mount of Olives is a sign. Jesus was taken in because as the word of God had foreshadowed the evil hour was to manifest, as the golden calf leading to the imposter church of our times, and many other events all these leading to the final battle. (Re.19). These kangaroo events teach us, "There is nothing new under the sun.(Ec.1:9)"

Is John the Baptist the same John who wrote" revelation

Mark 14:27 "As it is written"

"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."

I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)

The three points you make are sound. Serving God according to the grace given to me I serve in my 80+years. I work with more zeal because the word of God that I read as child,- and still read as the word meant for our spiritual food; so whatever insights I receive daily I share in this forum. I have a word ministry to which I am equally devoted. Am I looking for readers. No I am not. It is God to whom I am committed my life so I leave what is not in my control alone. Let every one looks to his/her own salvation.

Joy and peace with Him, greetings

Conclusion on a Mission Statement and Vision

In terms of my quote of Malachi; I am praying that children can come to faith and bring their parents to salvation as well as vice versa. Serious efforts at children's prayer groups could bring that about. Also children's ministry that uses music with scripture memory is good. I sense there has to be a balance between presenting a content suitable for children and yet not underestimating their ability to understand spiritual things. We should certainly not be what retards them from growth; but so many distractions from entertainment make that a challenge today. Parents of course need to make clear that they FEAR the Lord and are in AWE of His mighty power. In line with that message there needs to be a relationship between husband and wife that shows attitudes scripture mandates such as 1 Peter 3 and verses in Ephesians so that their roles are clear and discipline can be swift and firm; yet loving. Kids need to emulate what they see and if the parents are disingenuous then if the kids do find the Lord it often is after a long period of rebellion. Many who know what they are talking about will attest to the fact that a lack of discipline brings fear and insecurity; sometimes even more than those in less than idyllic home situations. Cross generational outreach for one and two generations each have a valuable benefit and a healty church helps to facilitate such interactions.

Outreach is commendable; however there always should be caution that other organizations aren't preaching false doctrine and of course are financially sound. I would say that benevolence is best when it can be among individuals when a need arises.

A friend of mine who has recently lost his job and whose tires were blown out Sunday has been faithful coming to church; and I have helped him out. Without the Pastor and others helping as well it wouldn't have been enough. Thankfully they were there for him this past Sunday.

Mission Statements: A vision for the future.

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)

The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).

One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.

All glory goes to God; although I am glad if it is helpful. I am trying to promote reading of scriptures so always trying to find something new there. Gigi clearly has greater depth and more precise details related to historical context; a far better writer than I. My style is very swift with little if any preparation; although I have done a lot of thinking about things in my own life which I am able to rapidly assimilate.

My gifting is in discernment and sadly I have still much softening needed in my heart and soul; partially due no doubt to the divorce I had to go through the better part of 10 years ago. My views against remarriage when a spouse is alive isn't something I'm going to push on this site but I know the Lord has given me another specific calling to warn others about the subject. It is risky mentioning this as there are some who I love in Christ who have been offended but I must speak what I believe He has given me to say.

I suppose I could use prayer that I can somehow be bolder sharing on my job; although often I'm too busy working fast paced in my food service work. If the Lord tarries once my elderly parents (in their 90s) have passed then I probably will revert back to spending more of my time witnessing; so that is part of the reason I belt out so much stuff now; along with whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.

I can only hope that as Daniel states some will shine as the stars in the sky (or firmament- Daniel 12:3) as a result of some message whether it is myself or someone else at this site or elsewhere. The true experience of being filled with the Spirit I contend is rare and you have to search like it for gold and eventually you will begin to be able to know when it is present.

You will see it in others mainly; and is in a minority of professing believers. Again I appeal to the scriptures on running for the prize ( Philippians 3:3) and even Paul said it can be forfeited ( 1 Cor. 9:27; see also Revelation 3:11).

Jer.4:26-28

26I beheld,and the fruitful place was a wilderness(place where JESUS preached the Gospel,it was fruitful until 70AD),and all the cities thereof were broken down(even the Temple in LITERAL fulfillment of GOD's Word),at the presence of the Lord(yes)by His fierce anger.

27The Lord said,The whole land(Israel)shall be desolate;yet will I not make a full end(there shall be great tribulation,such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time,no,nor ever shall be).

28For this shall the earth(Israel)mourn,and the heavens above be black(the 1st & 2nd heavens-Eph.1:3-8-,i.e.the OT and NT will no longer be valid,

for that which decayes and waxes old is ready to vanish,so the 3rd will still be established from now on),for I have spoken it,I have purposed it,and will not repent,neither will I turn back from it.(the heavens(the first two heavens)and the earth(current Israel),which are now,by the same Word are kept in store,reserved unto fire against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ)and perdition of ungodly men.

Is.65:17-I create NEW heavens(the 3rd)and a NEW earth(ISRAEL)and the former shall not be remembered,nor come into mind.

Je.4:23-25

23I beheld the earth(Israel)...without form,and void;and the heavens(Eph.1:3-8)they had no light

24I beheld the mountains...they trembled,the hills moved lightly

25I ...there was no man,and all the birds of the heavens were fled

Re.6:12-17

12When he opened the sixth seal,lo,there was a great earthquake;sun became black...the moon as blood;

13The stars of heaven(angels)fell unto the earth shaken of a mighty wind(Re.12:4).

14And heaven departed...;every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15Kings of earth,and great men,rich men,chief captains,the mighty men hid themselves in the dens and rocks;

16Saying to the mountains and rocks,Fall on us,hide us from the face of Him that sits on the throne,and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17The great Day of His WRATH is come;who shall be able to stand?

Awesome..between you & Gigi.

I'll be busy studying a while. Love it. Nothing I'd rather do. God bless you Mr. Priday, as always your teachings help me to grow in His word. God bless, Texsis