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I have wondered the same thing about dreams, for example, because they too are thoughts and we appear to have no choice or control of it. I don't believe we can sin in dreams, but can through thoughts while awake. I also believe someone taking drugs or alcohol and is in a weird state of consciousness is 100% responsible for their sin even if they don't remember it. That is one of the dangers of taking things that lower our inhibitions. The verse James 1:15 explains it well how a temptation in a sense develops into or gives birth to sin.
The Bible is full of metaphors to explain things like our relationship to God. I see T. Levis shared scriptures for "sons", so I'll share different ones:
Be like children:
Matthew 18:3
Romans 8:17
Galatians 4:6
Be people and sheep:
Psalms 100:3
John 10:11
Jeremiah 50:6
We're clay:
Isaiah 64:8
We're branches:
John 15:5
We're salt:
Matthew 5:13
I'm sure there's more.
a. In Exodus 3:13,14, Moses asks God what Name shall he give them, when they ask, "What is his name - this God of their fathers?" Here, God tells Moses to tell them that His Name is "I AM THAT I AM". I AM the Self-existent One, the same God Who was with your fathers.
b. Now the rest of your question is not found in the Bible, but some scholars(?) & rabbis take the word, LORD, as in Exodus 3:15 "The LORD God of your fathers" & refer to it particularly. In Hebrew, LORD is Yahweh (YHWH), & it is claimed (I believe erroneously), that YH & WH also constitute the breathing sounds when spoken. That is, YH is the sound/act of inhalation, & WH the sound/act of exhalation. And of course, this belief then develops into other absurdities, such as a baby's first cry being God's Name or even in human's natural breathing, we are speaking out God's Name.
So Mary, I would just stick to God's Word for all you need to know about our great God, His Name & His wonderful Works and leave off what the world tries to add to it, diluting it & suffocating it with nonsense. The LORD's Name can be spoken & praised using His Names given in the Bible & this is acceptable to Him (in whatever language) and not with some mystical meaningless thoughts added to it.
I am not going to attempt to state whether those who are lukewarm now will make it to the Bema Seat and go through the fire and suffer loss in 1 Cor. 3:12-15 after they are raptured; OR if that means that they will have to endure part of the Tribulation to make their garments white; as the Tribulation saints apparently do. We see both time frames that appear to be mentioned with verses in Rev. 3 as well as Revelation 7.
What I will state is that we need to trust Him to overcome the fear of death. That always starts; as Christ's example to us; with being a suffering servant with the needs of others above our own; serving rather than being served. Ultimately; our physical death brings that conflict with the flesh to a conclusion. Going back to the themes of the world; flesh and the devil; things which easily ensnare us need to be overcome through His propitiation and atoning sacrifice on the cross. Many have although they won't say it; deluded themselves to think that they have no sin ( 1 John 1:8). If Paul struggled with it; we surely will as well. We have potential to remain sinless in our conduct; but must be wary of our minds; because the enemy will attempt to make those who ARE born again THINK that all sorts of unclean thoughts originate with them. In reality; we need to arrest it at the gate; and not allow our souls to once again be taken captive by the snares of the devil. ( 2 Tim. 2:26).
Keeping our mind on things above; the cloud of witnesses ( Heb. 11:29) in heaven we also realize that we shall return with Him in the clouds someday; as well as stand in heaven as Kings and Priests ( Rev. 1:6) seeing all the judgments on earth will put our focus in the right place. I will conclude with this thought; whether it is now or the Tribulation where undoubtably new believers will have to in a large part be martyred; or what is coming in the near term lukewarmness should make us puke as God does.
There are endless ways of compromise with doctrines; lifestyles and other things which basically put us with one foot in the world and the other in a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof ( 2 Tim. 3:5). I won't attempt to mine all the wreckage that different paths of the broad road have presented. However; the ultimate destination for all this is for all the tares to finally cast aside any truth whatsoever; and embrace the Mystery Babylon religion (the Great Whore). Whether it is sexual seduction by a largely attractive or sensual presentation from scantily dressed young female "worship leaders"; or the temptation to embrace culturally acceptable protocols; keep holding onto the "American dream"; or we find some pleasure in any mystical practices that are sneaking into our presence (such as Yoga) it all ends up the same way. The poison is much stronger now; the hypnotic trance more paralyzing; the oppression more fierce as the fear of what is to come takes over.
In most congregations there are a few who stand out; or should stand out. Sadly a lot of those who SHOULD see the potential in others are not bothering; as it is too easy to be caught up in casual conversation than in discussing scripture; prayer; and how the Lord's faithfulness is working in our lives. As to fight or flight; that depends on the individual circumstances.
We can be grateful to see that perhaps preserving life has bought us some time. But the curse is on this land; we are running out of time. The church as a whole rather than the bastion of truth sending missionaries abroad only 100 years ago is now becoming islands in a stream; the enemy encampments have largely surrounded us in all directions.
The gifts were always to edify the Body; and to promote the Gospel. True messengers are guaranteed to be persecuted according to SIXTY Bible verses.
God chastises all those He loves ( Heb. 12:6). With such a permissive society ( 2 Tim. 3:2) where the fruits of such through 2 or 3 generations means we have a generation that tends by default to be lazy; and closed to correction. Rebuke isn't "politically correct" so we are expected to affirm all aberrant behaviors; and society castigates those who would dare because of unconditional love to correct those headed toward destruction.
As far as hastening the time for His coming by preaching the Good News and prayer ( 2 Peter 3:12); God certainly has foreknowledge of how long it will take for His word to be preached to all nations (whether that refers to before the Rapture; or when it is preached by witnesses and ultimately angels of God). At any rate; not putting efforts into supporting missionaries in prayer and short term trips whenever possible; and fulfilling the Great Commission ourselves certainly isn't going to help us. The sower and reaper are said to rejoice ( John 4:36).
Again; when we see like sufferings that others go through as a reason for prayer ( 1 Peter 5:9) which specifically relates to trials we also see the value of prayer for missionaries; as well as for a healthy church. We certainly are NOT going to find a strong church with those who are satisfied with a 5 minute prayer before a service; or even a midweek hour of prayers. Like my friend in Pittsburgh said to me when He started a prayer group early in the morning in the park He was DESPERATE for prayer. I am convinced that unless there is some sort of prayer most days; as well as evangelism at least a couple times a month; then a church is on the way to dying.
There needs to be a careful assessment of those who have tested themselves to see if they are in the faith and passed that exam ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6) if they are working so as NOT to lose their reward ( Rev. 3:11; also 2 John in 2 different places!) See 1 Cor. 3:15 as to suffering loss!
In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25; we see the servant who hid his talent ended up losing what he had or thought he had and ending up in outer darkness; or likely hell. The same parable in Luke 19 ends in losing his reward; but possibly still making it into the Kingdom; unlike the enemies to be killed before Him who didn't want Him to rule ( Luke 19:27). There are different interpretations here; with the end in particular a reference to national Israel who would ultimately reject and crucify Christ and in the end times be destroyed either by Antichrist Himself or at Christ's return with the rest of wicked mankind.
We see here in both instances someone who is essentially a coward; and in some sense not understanding how the Spirit of the Lord works; but fearing the consequences of wrong actions. This brings to mind in the Matthew parable the warning in Revelation 21:8. My own interpretation here may be off; and I will be open to correction. It seems like the opposite of those who are doing all these things in Christ's name and He says "I never knew you" ( Matt. 25:12). Gifts and heavenly treasure are to be used for the Master's service; as He states elsewhere if you cannot be trusted with earthly riches then how can we with heavenly treasure ( Luke 16:11). Of course this includes money; but goes on to reflect all of our God given potential and unique traits as to how God made us and spiritual giftings.
There is; especially today; a variety of ways those who are professing believers can fellowship; and plenty who are spiritually bankrupt either playing the part as a tare; or seriously compromised by living as Lot did in Sodom. Note that God still stated that he was vexed with the evil ( 2 Peter 2:8). But he made a poor choice by settling in there; with the world and it cost him most of his family; and all his possessions. He would escape as through the fire; but lose any real reward ( 1 Cor. 3:15).
Jeremiah 6:14 talks about healing slightly by declaring peace, peace when there is no peace. Such is much like the state of a lukewarm church; in front of the raging spiritual battlefront. When our garments are filthy ( Zech. 3:3) we are compromised to the point that the enemy of our souls has rendered us ineffective to battle. This means we aren't even fighting the good fight ( 1 Tim. 6:12). Others who are capable of putting on the full armor of God; and even have knowledge of how to use the weapons at hand are at times not being diligent to use them. This often starts with leadership; who may have the correct doctrines; but don't put heartfelt prayer in the beginning of their sermons. How refreshing would it be to be as Daniel; honestly assessing the rebellion of His people and the results ( Dan. 9:4-19). When we are desperate enough to realize that only He who is ever interceding for us as our High Priest ( Heb. 7:25) can cause us to overcome; then we begin to fight. Our enemy never sleeps; day and night seeking whom He can devour ( 1 Peter 5:8).
Many are battle weary; and have little strength from being shell shocked. ( Rev. 3:8). Should not we support our brothers and sisters; that remnant who bear the brunt for many others who have sidelined themselves through deliberate sins; unknown distractions or just careless abandon while casualties mount? When one part of the Body hurts; we all hurt and when one rejoices all do ( 1 Cor. 12:26). We must begin to understand that His Body is truly where our identity is as adopted children. ( Eph. 1:4; etc.) Just as a marriage ceases to define us and our own individual identities apart from the other; we are no longer to conform to this world but be transformed into the image of His Son. ( Romans 12:2). His sufferings in some sense become ours ( 2 Cor. 1:5). We can rejoice that our end is as His in glory; and that He bore our sins on the tree.
Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, 1John 3:2,
Luke 8:48, 1Peter 3:6, Acts 2:17,
Hopefully these are helpful
Good answer, you can see with Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9 The sun and the moon and with Joseph twelve stars, Israel. You can eliminate Mary mother of Jesus for she did not have a remnant. You can eliminate the Church because it did not birth Jesus, it is the body of Christ.
The man child Jesus, the woman, Israel brought forth is to rule all nations with a rood of iron and after His resurrection he ascended to heaven to the right side of God. We see the dragon trying to devour Jesus with Herod, and the killings of all the man children of 2 years old of all the land, Matt. 2:16.
Then after the dragon is cast out of heaven permanently, in vs. 8 no place is found anymore in heaven. Satan is wroth with the woman/Israel and went to make war with the remnant of her seed starting the three- and one-half years tribulation.
God bless,
RLW
Yes, all of Israel (not just Judah) was God's chosen people. The O.T. states this many times. You can google the question and get answers.
And, the tribes of the Israelite kingdom (northern) that was taken captive to Assyria were scattered across the world as they migrated out of Assyria to other regions. Some returned to the promised land in Palestine, but most migrated. Many lost their sense of identity as Israelites as the generations passed and they continued to migrate further and further from the land of Israel.
God knows each member of these tribes, where they are located, all about them.
The people of Judah (Southern Kingdom) were taken to Babylon after the northern kingdom was taken captive to Assyria. Some of the tribe of Judah, Levi, and Benjamin returned to Judah after the captivity, but most decided to stay in Babylon and many also migrated out of the region like the other tribes did.
Dear Heavenly Father, in Jesus name I lift up Vanessa's boyfriend and ask that You will deliver him from these severe angry emotions and rage. I ask that You heal him of what has hurt him so badly to cause this pattern in his character. I ask that You renew within him a right spirit and clean heart. I ask that You guide him to the person and situation that will be most helpful for him. I ask that You protect Vanessa physically and emotionally from this man's anger and rage. Keep her safe and give her wisdom to know if this relationship is truly healthy and godly or not. Asking all this of You, Father, in the name of Your son, Jesus. Amen.
Thank you for all of these Scripture verses that speak about the dangers of alcohol consumption. Personally, I do not drink alcoholic beverages. Tried it when I was a young adult a few times, hated it, and so left it at that and decline to drink alcohol. I have always been one who avoided anything that alters my thinking, judgement, etc.
But I do think we have liberty as a believer to decide on this matter. Paul says all things are permissible but not always beneficial.
He even instructed Timothy to drink some type of alcoholic beverage to calm his stomach issues. I think for most people it is best to not drink alcohol, but if someone who is a believer wishes to do so and can do so responsibly, then I think it is permissible according to Paul's instruction. But, as you said, there is a lot of Scripture that warns us to be careful with alcohol, and we should take that seriously, as well.
Ultimately, it doesn't honor God to be inebriated, even slightly, as most of the time it impairs our judgment and ability to check our actions, words, and thoughts.
Luke 10:21-24
21. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babies: even so, Father for so it seemed good in thy sight.
22. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
23. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eye which see the things that ye see.
24. For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
John 7:37-39
37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thrist, let him come unto me, and drink.
38. He that believeth on me, as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow of living water.
39. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
"And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was "as it were" great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
So my opinion is that His sweat was "like they were big drops of blood", not actually drops of blood, how can that be anyway? Jesus in His agony was sweating a lot and continiously. GBU
If he's only sipping it at 1, he might be okay. But I would keep a close eye on him during happy hour!
A friend once said that metaphor "You can't prevent birds sitting on the branches of your tree but you can send them away."
GBU
The Septuagint Text was a translation of the OT done during the 3rd centuary BC for the Jews that inhabited the Greek influenced world at that time, and spoke the Greek language not Hebrew. This translation was done during a time that Jews still knew exactly what YAHWEH meant.
So when Jesus said to Jews "before Abraham I am", He most possibly meant "before Abraham I exist". Not existed but exist, before-now-and for ever.
GBU
Paul said it best.
1 Corinthians 3:11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
God bless you.