Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 535

LaTonya, So glad to hear from you and that you are continuing to recover. I pray that the Lord will continue to keep your new heart healthy and reliably beating for many years and that your body will completely accept this transplanted heart.

Thanks for checking in with us. We care about you and wonder how you are doing. So, keep posting. you have a wonderful testimony of how God brought you a new heart when all the odds were that it would not happen for you. Praise Him for you and for the work He is doing in you daily.

Thank you for the very well put together reply. I appreciate it. God bless.

1 Samuel 1

From the Israelites' repentance, students learned that to sincerely repent, we must forsake our sins and confess them to the Lord. Based on the account of Eli and his family, students also learned that if we choose to follow the world instead of the Lord, then eventually we will experience sorrow and regret.

1 Samuel 2

The book of 2 Samuel chronicles David's anointing and reign as king of Israel. David is remembered as the greatest king in Israel's history. Because of David's faithfulness, the Lord blessed and honored David.

The book of 2 Samuel can be divided into two main sections-David's triumphs (chap 1-10) and David's troubles (chap11-20). The last part of the book (chap 21-24) is a non-chronological appendix which contains further details of David's reign.

The book begins with David receiving news of the death of Saul and his sons. He proclaims a time of mourning. Soon afterward, David is crowned king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, one of Saul's surviving sons, is crowned king over Israel (ch2). A civil war follows, but Ish-bosheth is murdered, and the Israelites ask David to reign over them as well (chapters 4-5).

David moves the country's capital from Hebron to Jerusalem and later moves the Ark of the Covenant (chapters 5-6). David's plan to build a temple in Jerusalem is vetoed by God, who then promises David the following things: 1 David would have a son to rule after him; 2) David's son would build the temple; 3) the throne occupied by David's lineage would be established forever; and 4) God would never take His mercy from David's house ( 2 Sam 7:4-16).

David leads Israel to victory over many of the enemy nations which surrounded them. He also shows kindness to the family of Jonathan by taking in Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son (chapters 8-10).

Then David falls for a beautiful woman named Bathsheba, commits adultery with her, and then has her husband murdered (chapter 11). When Nathan the prophet confronts David

Hi Dorthy,

The Bible says we will sleep until Jesus returns in the following verses and possibly more:

1 Cor 15:18-20

1 Thess 4:13-18

Job 14:12

Daniel 12:2

This scripture debunks what the other people are saying about people NOT sleeping to await Jesus. I believe what God says over what man says. Don't believe what I say either, but just look at God's truth and decide. But when I read these verses and pray about it its 100% clear what it means to me.

Those claiming immediate heaven may require ignoring these 4 verses and choosing only 2 scriptures and interpret them too broadly: (1) the one where Paul says he'd "rather" be with the Lord. Paul only states his preference. I prefer to be with the Lord too, but that doesn't automatically mean 100% of all people forever will skip judgement and be in heaven immediately. And (2) the verse about Jesus telling the criminal on this day he'll be in paradise doesn't automatically mean 100% of all people will have this, and doesn't invalidate the other 4 verses where it clearly says we'll "sleep" awaiting Jesus, and paradise is a different word than heaven and some think it might even be a place of waiting.

Suggest just following the scriptures and praying for wisdom and understanding rather than believing any unscriptural opinions. God bless.

The same topic is also discussed here and probably other places too:

Link

What does 2 Corinthians 10:7 mean?

Paul's legitimacy as an apostle is being challenged in the church at Corinth. This is probably coming from outsiders who are false teachers or self-titled apostles. Those opponents point to Paul's continual suffering, his weakness as a speaker when in person, and perhaps the lack of signs and wonders he performs as evidence that he is not much of a spiritual leader. Some Corinthian believers may have begun to believe these challenges, turning not just from Paul but also from Christ, whom Paul represents.

This passage urges these Christians to look at the evidence right in front of them. In other words, why is there a church in Corinth in the first place? Why do most of them even believe in Christ? They believed the gospel when Paul preached it to them. How could they believe themselves to belong to Christ and not believe that Paul also belongs to Christ?

Some translators read the Greek phrase at the beginning of this verse differently. The NIV, for instance, translates it, "You are judging by appearances," meaning that the Corinthians are sizing Paul up based on his unimpressive physical presentation instead of the spiritual reality in Christ. This translation would also make sense in the context of the letter, as does the idea that Paul is urging them to look around and see the results of his teaching with their own eyes.

Comment: outward appearances mean nothing. It's what's on the inside (our spirit in step with the Holy Spirit), that is to be communicated. The Holy Spirit chooses the message; and sometimes the messenger.

Man looks on outward appearances, but God looks on the heart. If a human will not speak it, He may use a donkey.

Some things are spiritually discerned. Is the Holy Spirit welcomed into your Church Service? Flesh has no life in it. Only the Holy Spirit can breathe life into the message.

Why not both? Do you believe?

What does the bible say about peace

Thank you GiGi for your further thoughts to which I fully concur. Even if we're not privy to those extra details which could help set us straight in knowledge, our anticipation as we see world events unfold, keeps us hopeful, waiting & longing to meet the Lord Whom we love, Who did everything for us to secure that love.

No that's not true we're going to sleep until Jesus comes, when he come then we shall rise to be judge.

Good evening Ronald,

Nice to hear from you.

I think we are warned to be ready for Christ's return. I take that as an admonition to grow in faith, to know the Scriptures, especially what Jesus said would happen, (after all He is the One who truly knows what will come about), and to practice loving God and others each day. This is the walk we are called to. This is the way the Spirit uses to conform us to the image of Jesus. This is the upward calling of Christ Jesus. This is the light we shine out to those who are unsaved. This is the concern we have for those we can help and the help we do give. This is the using of our intellect to gain insight into God's wisdom so that we can explain this wisdom to others. This the willingness to be taught by other believers from the Word.

I could go on and on. I just wanted to emphasize that we have plenty to do with our hours and minutes each day as we live a godly and obedient life. One day we may have to sacrifice our life for the sake of our testimony of Jesus. We should be preparing ourselves to be persecuted and martyred, not raptured, since we do not know the day, nor hour of Christ's return, but we do know that the world will increase in its hostility towards God and those who follow after Him. Jesus said that we will be delivered up by authorities as well as even family members. So, I want to be prepared in the best way. if I am raptured and do not have to go through the sufferings predicted, then that will be great. But, I want to develop a heart that is willing to suffer loss of all for Christ according to His will for me.

Bible Hub interlinear study:

Nikolaits

Definition: a Nicolaitan, a follower of Nicolaus

Usage: a Nicolaitan, possibly a follower of Nicolaus (a heretic at Ephesus)

Nicolaitan: plural, Revelation 2:6, 15 - a name which, it can scarcely be doubted, refers symbolically to the same persons who in Revelation 2:14 are charged with holding , i. e. after the example of Balaam, casting a stumblingblock before the church of God.

What does this mean to you?

amen

2 Corinthians 10:3-7

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 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; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

In Jesus name amen

Samuel, Kings and Chronicles are, in a way, like the HARMONIES of the Gospels in the New Testament.

You might read a story in Samuel or Kings and see more info added to the stories in Chronicles.

When I discovered that, my studies picked up some speed. It is like reading the "rest of the story."

Also King David was alive during those times. You'll find additional nuggets of information in Psalms.

If you don't have a reference edition of the KJV Bible, you may look at some. Those column notes around the edges of the page, send you elsewhere to read " the rest of the story."

Better yet, make good use of The SEARCH ENGINE ON THIS WEBSITE. It makes finding scriptures much faster.

Yes! Suicide is murder. It is self-murder.

Hi Andy, while the Bible doesn't specifically address that, we know its a sin because Exodus 20:13 says not to kill that would be violating that exact command by destroying God's creation. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. We are made in His image and are priceless. The bodies we temporarily inhabit are God's holy temples that belong to God and not us.

This topic is asked fairly often and some may be asking for others and some for themselves. In the event you are having such thoughts yourself, please let us know so we can listen to you and offer support. There are hotlines and sites online specifically designed for that too.

It may be a surprise to know how many people know what its like to be in that place by personal experience. To the person in the valley, the temporary struggles often like blinders and makes it hard to see clearly realities outside of that limited thinking. God always provides a way out, even if we don't notice it right away. People usually need a radical paradigm shift and something like volunteering to help people can accomplish that. God is there to help ease or burdens and His body of believers is there to offer support. God bless.

Psalm 34:17-20

Are you referring to verse 7? I see it spelled (Endor) in the KJV

I then see it spelled En Dor in Bible Hub interlinear study

However you spell it she's a Medium .

Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after those having occult knowledge, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Familiar spiritS - These are evil spirits personating dead human beings, and attaching themselves only to "mediums" and those who give up their will to them.

Thanks Giannis for sharing that. I wanted to post something similar that I had learned from a Greek professor about the Nicolaitans. I'm not sure how much of a difference there is between koine Greek and modern Greek, but what he had taught was that the word Nicolaitan is made up of two Greek words, _IKE, pronounced nee-kay, (please see my note below) which is the word for overcome. It's the word for victory like you say. _IKE means to overcome, and LAOS means the people.

It represented the democratic control of the people in the church, where the leaders ruled. They lorded it over the flock. And the Lord says I hate that!

Note: I tried sharing this a while back but it kept rejecting my post. Come to find out, me spelling it out the way I was taught was the same spelling of the athletic shoe (Just add the letter N where I placed the underscore. It kept rejecting it because it took it as advertising.

Anyways, what are your thoughts on the differences between modern Greek and Koine. I know Greek is your native language so I trust in what you might have to share on this, and thank you ahead of time!

Chris, Thank you for your reply.

I do think that the Holy Spirit is ever present and active in all of creation. I do not think He will ever remove Himself from this realm because it is God's power that sustains everything and accomplishes everything in history. I do think that the Holy Spirit was present in the earth during Jesus' lifetime, but He was not indwelling believers at the time Jesus promised to send Him to the apostles saying that the Spirit would be in them.

If the church is removed from the earth in a rapture, that does not mean that the Holy Spirit is unavailable or not present in the world to convict the world of sin, draw men to Jesus, regenerate people, and bestow grace upon those destined to be saved.. I don't think that this action on the part of the Spirit will ever cease as long as there are humans on earth in need of God's grace and mercy.

But perhaps the removal of the church and its influence will be what allows the antichrist to reveal himself. Or, as you said, maybe it is the removal of some forms of government, such as representative democracy or other type of government that respects individual rights or national sovereignty that would fight against a one world government takeover, that will allow the antichrist to "rule the world" as a whole and single unit.

Perhaps it will be some other restrainer that we do not know of. But when it is removed, the antichrist will rear up and overtake control of the nations promising peace and expecting loyalty and even worship.

I, personally, do not spend a lot of time pouring over ideas about the end times and the antichrist. I believe that God will make us fully aware of signs of the times as they happen. I am not putting my head in the sand, by any means, but I prefer to spend my time learning the whole of God's Word to us and to grow in faith and knowledge of Jesus. I also daily wish to live the day for God in His way. I am very comfortable living this way. He will keep me in perfect peace.

I'm sorry to read that you intend leaving off contributing here Ronnette as all you've shared with us has been very useful & for the building up of the saints.

But you must needs obey the Lord's leading and we know that wherever He leads us, they will be to pastures green. I pray "that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain", to God's Glory.

Hey GiGi,

I agree the Holy Spirit will not leave. Don't we wish it was written what Paul told them, 2 Thess. 2:5. I am not a believer in the rapture as taught, I believe confuses end-time prophecy. A key is "Even him, who's coming is after the working of Satan". The beast is out of the bottomless pit, is he who is retrained? Rev 9, 11, and 17. Just a thought to look into.

Love your posts and you, God bless.

RLW

do you believe in God?,or do you believe GOD ?

Fully agree GiGi, that the intended meaning of 'catholic' is 'universal'. It's only when 'Roman' is connected to it then the papacy with it's doctrines & practises are understood.

Mishael. Have heard about read it never followed or agreed with it scripturally

I don't read in bible Catholic or world wide universal church but I do read church

Of God in Christ Jesus or Body of Christ so I'll stick with scripture besides this

Isn't what the Apostle Paul was taught by Jesus Christ himself.

Hi GiGi. What you say is correct; God is an omnipresent God but I think that John 16:7,8 may help us here. If God sent forth His Spirit specifically as those verses suggest, then it would be safe to believe that God can take away, or even hold back His Spirit for His Own reasons. If the restrainer is the Holy Spirit & He is taken out of the way, then those who enjoy His infilling, must needs be taken too. But if the Spirit is only held back, then that might give weight to those who don't subscribe to an imminent rapture.

And then to add to this mystery, the other option that is also given, is the one who restrains is human government. In any case, Paul's readers seemed to have understood what Paul was referring to.

I am wondering how the Holy Spirit can ever be absent from the earth. I believe that God is omnipresent, ( present). That there is not any place in all creation that He is not present. So, I don't think that it is possible for God to remove Himself from any place. It would go against His essential ontological nature.

Hi Luke, most Christian denominations use this creed in their ministry. After the Reformation, as the body of believers began to split into denomination after denomination, most of these sects still assented to this creed and taught it in their churches.

But, there are many today who do not participate in these many denominations, so have not heard this creed, which is a summation (and clarification) of essential doctrines of the Christian faith passed down from the time of the apostles.

Dear Sparticus,

In this creed, the statement "one holy and catholic church" was referring to the entire universal Christian church. catholic means universal. It is not necessarily speaking of the Roman Catholic Church.

Does it say in the Holy Bible that suicide is a sin??

Hi Haley.

God bless you and thanks for sharing this with us, It's encouraging and a blessing to those of us who is going through a similar trial. Or perhaps will be. We can trust in the Lord and allow him to minister his love, mercy and peace in our lives.

We don't have to do anything outstanding to be a recipient of God's love. Love is what he is, He displayed that through his son. stay in touch.

We're praying with you.

God bless.

Yeah, That would be the only part I would remove! I still like it .