Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 76

Spiritual warfare: Music and taking it in for a landing (can I do it)

Lord please help me convey what You would here. Help to set people free from bondages.

I elaborated on the various types of music; but the general theme is that it is a powerful driver of men's lives. In modern movies it varies from the stereotypical 1980s music to today's style. The reflection of the spirit of the age made a radical transformation from ideological influences in the late 60s and early 70's to the materialism and shallow affections of those in the 1980s. We could think that everyone was succeeding in the corporate world seeing movies at that time; and of course the 9 to 5 movie was women's revenge on the man centered corporate world at the time. This began a depersonalization as well so that as music was dumbed down the basic element it was conveying is there with no real substance behind it reflecting dumbed down minds at the time. Once drugs and immorality passed the initial shock and awe in their glorification the themes then went to self destruction and violence without any moral compass. Today's music is either covertly or overtly Satanic; just look at the top 10 today and I'll bet its always like that (I last looked a few years back).

What music inspires needs to be investigated. While it is true a married couple can have some sanctimonious memories from the past; much of today's so called innocent country for instance glorifies one night stands in particular. Whether the music affects the musician or vice versa the spirit of the age whatever it is brings about destruction. That is a major point here!

The most difficult thing for me is stuff that is beautiful music harmonically and sung with great talent that leads us astray. It will not release us in our minds we become in bondage to whatever the spirit behind it conveys. As with great and Godly music of the past something can be intriguing but lead us toward darkness. God must be the focus!

RHP

Hi Bible Alone.

I will get back to you perhaps when I get off of work.

Blessings

Brother Ronald,

I got your message. I am heading out of the house for a few hours but will try and get back with you tonight. If not, I will respond tomorrow.

Blessings!

Hey S Spencer,

Thinking it was Peter's angel as his spirit to me would be a stretch; it would be like seeing a ghost, our souls or spirits don't move around after we die. Angels are messengers; to me, they may have thought it was someone delivering a message. They knew he was in prison.

If we look at Matthew 24:29-31 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the Earth is round. When Jesus returns, there will be saints all over it. The angels Jesus sent to gather us, the air where we meet Jesus, is the Greek word 'aer,' meaning the air we breathe.

The angels will gather all the saints from across the earth to meet and escort Jesus as He descends to earth as King. This aligns with 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and Jude 1:14-15.

When Satan was cast out of heaven down to earth, his angels were cast down with him. We see many verses portraying angels as an army, like in 2 Kings 3:17 and Isaiah 37:36.

The Bible doesn't say this explicitly, but with all the fallen angels cast down here, I believe it will take an army of angels, along with the resurrected saints, to cleanse this world of evil. After the angels go back to heaven.

Thanks, brother,

God bless,

RLW

Spiritual warfare and modern music: Ragtime and jazz

There is one famous jazz musician who was said to have sold his soul to the devil and suddenly got great talent in his day. Ragtime began at the turn of the century and was the start of accompaniment to the silent films until sound was introduced and it lost its limelight. We need not try to hide the fact that much sordid things were going on at that time; and the immoral burlesque style environment. What was perhaps old folk music and Irish jigs when one imbibed themselves in the local bar transferred to this style of music. Then came prohibition along with the Great Depression and the heyday was gone. At first of course as much as I am aware ragtime actually came from the spirituals that African Americans would sing; and some was surprisingly slow and melodic when properly performed of the Scott Joplin music. Jazz then arrived and began the wild drum and instrumental fusion that would eventually transfer to the early rock and roll music. I personally find George Gershwin to have been a musical genius with Porgy and Bess; not politically correct today but along with other compositions extremely complex particularly with the piano in my opinion. This of course was a venue that expanded for the black population in the 40s and 50s which showcased an exaltation of rebellion in the movies along with beautiful ballads. There was always some contingent of Christian musicians at the time. We should be aware that with this music and the mania for Frank Sinatra; for instance and later with even the rock around the clock music mania occured. However much mind control was deliberately developed over the masses by governments; we can truly say that by the 70s Satanism was directly influencing many groups which continues to this day.

I'm outta space here but have to bring this home as this isn't a site to rant about a topic without primarily applying it to scripture. I'll get into it next post.

Spiritual warfare: Music continued

Classical music. I will give a brief synopsis of different types of music here. If we look at much of Western classical music a good chunk is Christian; whether we look at J.S. Bach and his weekly church music produced prolifically; Mendelssohn; Brahms; and of course Handel's Messiah. When it comes to opera in my time (and I'm pretty old) it was already considered boring and unless you are going to Juliard or of a peculiar musical pursuasion it probably isn't your cup of tea and hence doesn't have any big effect. Of course you can't understand what the heck they are saying in foreign tongue most of the time. This would have been considered the introduction of the "romantic" music of the time; and themes of sacrificial (or suicidal) love are seen in Romeo and Juliet. These were theatrical performances; not likely purposely developed to induce suicidal behavior. Themes of war are seen in Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture which show in some ways glorification of the victor in a war; and patriotism. Patriotism in some way is dangerous; apparently Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge; I had thought he was an atheist but he was considered a Christian socialist. I'll let the audience hash that one out. At any rate there isn't much music that seems to move people at least in our country related to Patriotic themes; and it is sad since we don't appreciate sacrifices made in our behalf and we see disrespect in general to any authority. Overall and with studies on life expectancy proving it; classical music in general is the best music of all types to listen to to live a long life. My own life is a case in point; as my Dad at 94 still appreciates this music even though his only other entertainment of late is patterns of cars in the parking lot.

Ragtime and jazz and the commercialization of the early 20th century

When it comes to all sorts of unseemly hangouts and habits starting in the "roaring 20s" such as burlesque.

Spiritual warfare: Music

I am still listening to some "secular" music usually acoustic guitar experts or some prog rock. Nonetheless; as a rule we should only listen to Christian music and only some stuff that is edifying; and has a solid scriptural basis. It is an honest fact that much music in recent years that is Godly tends to be boring and repetitive; as with others in the genre I feel bluegrass has been an exception with creativity today.

Talking about repetition I have harped on this several times here over the last few years. I don't think I could be comprehensive enough but will once again state that the obvious evil of certain music like death metal scares children and we have some natural fear of something that dark and loud and rightly so. I am not sure here how specific I can be about certain groups but will say that I understand those that prohibit listening to any heavy metal but some music has been much more solid there than in lighter ballads that are supposed to be Christian.

Let's face it; well I'm not sure about today but it seems romantic music isn't really covered in heavy metal or hard rock-to each is own with today's tattoo covered mindless youth but it is much like what they call dark or white magic; it is all evil. There are self proclaimed witches out there who often produce lighter sounds or very pleasant sounding tunes but they are often hypnotic.

This is the New Age sort of tune which is characterized by sounds mimicking nature but in reality demon spirits from foreign lands. These spirits of the earth show up looking innocuous with all the surrounding plants on display; incense; soft enchanting music and often are seen in beauty salon type environments. The drumbeats are no doubt instigated through certain rituals whoever creates the music. One basic concept we need to understand is that you don't need the ancient rites and idol worship for the spirit in the music to do the same and put one in a trance.

To all that be in Christ,

i'm curious, who believes you can lose your salvation and who believes once saved always saved?

For years I believed you could lose your salvation, that is no longer the case.

Ephesians 1: 10-13

Would we be so kind as to respond with supporting scripture?

God Bless!

Spiritual war

There is around us battles of every sort being waged; mainly lost in regard to overall success and victory of the church at least here in the West; yet the war is won. The Rapture is one official notice as it were giving sudden victory; or that is the salvation of our bodies from this fallen world into heaven itself. We know the war was won over sin because Jesus had the victory over death and hell which is eternal death at the cross. This ensures that we are all alive in Christ and our souls live forever sealed in the Spirit which resides in every true saint of God.

Now some have had dramatic salvation experiences; and I am sure my own hardened heart took away much of what I should have experienced back in May 1982 when I made a true confession of faith in Christ to save me from my sins and "accept" Him as personal Savior and Lord. I don't like that terminology of course since He is Lord whether we accept it or not. The issue was my sin; as it was correctly indicated that without Him I would end up in hell. The description of hell had certain claims of torment which may or may not be warrented in scripture but nonetheless I can say that my conversion was genuine and I took seriously not turning the back on the plow ( Luke 9:62). As with any situation; we can't be too extreme in the sense that a verbal confession is an end all; because there is no guarantee our vow is genuine; and also true sanctification makes sin clearer as we grow so in some way it seems we are worse than before. This seems like a paradox but as more sin is revealed; or another layer exposed we find ourselves more dependent. In reality it is just making clearer how all along our plight was absolute and desperate but it isn't all clear right away. This involves as one of the hardest things for me and I suspect others giving up all affections and love that seems innocent and good but rooted in this world. Much of that comes from music; more in the next post.

Brother Ronald.

Revised.

Maybe Jesus is coming back with both.

We can't ignore these scriptures.

Jude 1:14-15, And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his SAINTS,

To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his SAINTS. .

Where do they fit?

Here's another argument I've heard but I'm not sure it's correct but on the surface it's interesting.

The word Angel is used in diverse ways in scripture.

Example.

And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. Acts 12:14-15.

Blessings

Rev.19.7-9 "Bride of Christ" (2 of 2)

" for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." The blessed, every one of them has a body prepared by God to, and complete in itself add to the whole. It is like reversal of the dispersion of light. Rainbow colours in the body of Christ is white light, as it were, Righteousness of saints came from the Father of lights, Thus establishes the colour of righteousness in terms of light. By the same token what does outer darkness to which the cursed of the Lord are sent present. For lack of vision the nation of Israel have become color-blind as it were. "And to (the bride) her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

"And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." Know nothings pervert the true saying to fit with their own doctrine, We have been called and as the Parable of the Wedding Guest, take heed: Have you availed the Garment issued freely to each one? Free and perfect i salvtion and washed by the blood of the Lamb and made white.

Correction to my earlier reply. Israel became a nation in 1948 not 1988. I think 1988 was actually the beginning of the great tribulation, but that's another discussion altogether in terms of that date. Everything I said still holds.

To all that be in Christ,

Romans 11, Paul's "wild olive branches" are often misunderstood.

Many assume they represent Gentiles in general, but in light of Old Testament olive tree imagery, the context points to believing Jews from outside the covenant nation (scattered tribes or proselytes) rather than pagan Gentiles being "natural" branches.

1. OT Background - Israel as the Olive Tree

Jeremiah 11:16-17 - Israel is "a green olive tree," but God will burn its branches for idolatry.

Hosea 14:6 - Israel's beauty will be like the olive tree in restoration.

Psalm 52:8 - The faithful are like a green olive tree in God's house.

Zechariah 4:11-14 - Two olive trees stand by the lampstand, representing God's appointed leaders and His covenant people.

The olive tree represents Israel's covenant position rooted in God's promises to Abraham.

When the northern kingdom was scattered ( 2 Kings 17), many became "wild" (outside the cultivated covenant) yet remained physical Israelites.

2. Romans 11 - Paul's Olive Tree

Root = Abrahamic covenant promises and patriarchal faith.

Natural branches = covenant-position Jews (primarily Judah).

Broken branches = unbelieving Jews removed for rejecting Messiah.

Wild olive branches = those outside the cultivated covenant - possibly dispersed Israelites - now believing in Christ.

Paul warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant; "wild" here is about covenant standing, not ethnicity.

3. Key Points

"Wild" = outside cultivated nation, not necessarily Gentile bloodline.

OT consistently shows the olive tree is Israel ( Jer. 11, Hos. 14, Ps. 52, Zech. 4).

Re-grafting is restoration to covenant blessings through faith.

Gentiles share in the root by grace, but the imagery grows from Israel's prophetic history.

This keeps the metaphor consistent with the prophets: the olive tree is Israel, its wild branches are those once cut off, and faith - not heritage - determines restoration.

Blessings.

Deuteronomy 4:30 "When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;"

Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Matthew 24:9"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."

Mark 13:24-27 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light," "And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." "And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven."

Blessings

Chris,

Thanks for your reply.

WE CAN NOT BE GRAFTED BRANCHES - Romans 11

Romans 11 explains Israel's fall, the temporary place of blessing in God's plan, and Israel's future restoration. Paul uses the picture of an olive tree, with natural branches broken off and a wild graft put in their place (11:17-24). Many conclude this graft is the church, equating it with "spiritual Israel," but this is a mixing of prophecy and the mystery. Romans 11:25-26 is where they meet, yet the graft is not the Body of Christ revealed to Paul in the mystery.

Israel stumbled through unbelief, rejecting Christ ( Rom 11:20; 9:32; 10:2-3). Peter, Hebrews, John, Jesus, Hosea, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel all speak of Israel's degeneration, exile, and promised mercy. Paul had already taught that Israel contained both vessels of wrath and a believing remnant ( Rom 9:21-24; 11:5-7).

Details in the text matter: the olive tree and its root existed before the graft; the graft is addressed personally ("thou"), stands by faith (the same faith unbelieving Israel refused), can be cut off, and is only part of Israel-not all. This does not match all Gentiles, the Body of Christ in this dispensation, or the church as a whole. The graft fits a believing remnant within a covenant context, not the mystery Body revealed later.

We may share similarities with the graft, but our identity is distinct. We are one in Christ, yet a new creature formed by the revelation of the mystery ( Eph 2:15). We are saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work, not by covenantal faith that can be dead. We partake of promises in Christ, but as His Body, not as branches ( 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 5:30). We are complete in Him apart from covenants ( Col 2:10) and are Abraham's seed by faith, heirs according to promise ( Gal 3:28-29), placed into the fellowship of the mystery-not Israel's prophetic tree.

Knowing our position in Christ keeps us from misreading Romans 11 and wrongly placing ourselves among the grafted branches.

GB

Thank you for that question, Mr. Spencer

I believe the Bible teaches that we are currently living in the Great tribulation period spoken of in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. This period likely began in 1988 when Israel, almost miraculously, became a Nation once again among the Nations of the World. We see the Nation of Israel (the Fig Tree) in Leaf, but bearing no Fruit. In other words they have no interest in Christ as their Messiah and continue in total rebellion against God and the teachings of the Whole Bible. Yet despite this rebellion and unbelief as a Nation, God has Remnant, His Elect from the Nation of Israel whom He has chosen and continues to save right up until Christ returns on the Last Day to complete His Judgment and Salvation program for this entire World.

Unfortunately but all in accordance with God's plan, the other thing that occurred at the beginning of the Great Tribulation is that God's Judgment fell upon the Churches and Congregations where the Bible has lost its authority as the Word of God, the Law of God as we read in 1 Peter 4, 2 Thessalonians 2, etc.

However, outside of the Churches and National Israel, beginning I think in 1994 which was a Jubliee year, God began a program to save a "Great Multitude which no man can number" ( Rev 7) from every Nation, many of which have not had the Gospel ("the first shall be last and the last shall be first") as the True Gospel goes forth from Individual Believers and Ministries that are not associated with the Churches. This will continue until ALL of God's Elect, from every Nation, have become "saved" ( Matthew 24:14)

I recognize this is a painful pill for those in the Churches to hear and believe, but look around at the Churches and what is being taught and where their authority lies compared to 50-75 years ago; the Bible has lost its authority.

I think the Millennium is a figurative period of the Church Age which began at the Cross (or perhaps at Pentecost) and ended with the Great Tribulation.

Jesse, I appreciate all the in formation you share with us and look forward to learning from your study on elect.

Thank you, Mr. Spencer.

But you have misunderstood and perhaps I was not clear in what I was attempting to communicate and what I believe God is teaching in this passage and, quite frankly, throughout the entire Bible.

When it comes to the "Elect of God", these are ALL those individuals whom God has chosen to save, from any nation, including those from national Israel, throughout time.

When it comes to salvation, God is not saving entire nations. God is saving individuals from all the nations of the world.

Someone from national Israel may be one of God's elect, just as readily as someone from any other nation may be one of God's elect. God has been saving individuals throughout time outside of the Nation of Israel. And he has been saving individuals from the nation of Israel and will continue to do so up until the last day when God has completed his salvation program for ALL of his elect, those from gentile nations and those from the nation of Israel.

When God is talking about the blindness of national Israel, he is talking about blindness relative to the nation as a whole, but not to those individuals from the nation of Israel who are God's elect, like the apostle Paul for example.

Salvation is a very individual relationship with God himself. Being a member of national Israel or a member of the organized churches has been no guarantee that we are one of God's elect.

So what God is saying here is that the blindness of national Israel as a nation will continue right up until the time that He has completed saving His elect from all of the gentile nations, ie the Last Day.

But despite the blindness of national Israel, there will be those from the nation of Israel, just like from all the other nations of the world, that will become saved because they are one of God's elect and God has obligated himself to save them.

God's salvation of individuals from any nation, including the nation of Israel, throughout time is always a remnant of individuals, not nations.

Dear all. That's how it is Jesse, Hallelujah Praise be to God Almighty! May we all be ready to go at that moment. When Jesus comes. And in my life that is so short He will come in time. We all cling to this earthly kingdom as long as we can. But we have a Heavenly hope, something that no one can destroy, a kingdom that will stand forever. Dan 7:14 That is where we are going who have received the hope and righteousness of faith. Then all earthly bondage of things and entanglements that in the long run destroy the body. Be far away from us. That we are this living hope for everyone we meet, small and great. That we remain in the teaching we have received from the Holy Spirit and that we can truly meet the Lord with a clear conscience, Amen love u all in Christ

Brother Jesse,

If I may, the armies that come from heaven when Jesus returns are angels, as mentioned in Matthew 13:39, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:31, Matthew 25:31, Matthew 26:53, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, and others.

If the Church, the dead in Christ, are resurrected and those still living are changed and taken to heaven, raptured before Jesus returns. When Jesus does return, who are they in Revelation 20:4-6? The judgment seat of Christ includes some who are here during the time of the beast. That would make another resurrection.

A separate rapture before the second coming would mean two resurrections before the white throne judgment. I can't find that in Scripture. The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event.

God bless,

RLW

Jas,1,17 "Father of lights" (1 of 2)

"The Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

We shalll consider only th nature of light here. There is no shadow of changeability.Holiness of God has no variableness. 'I am that I am" This perfect gift is from above, the lord from heaven is the true Light that lighteth "every man that cometh into the world."(Jn.1.9) This perfect gift makes every child of God a part of the world framed by the word of God. He is blessed according to the everlasting Covenant. "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness."(Gen.1.4) So what does the Spirit instruct as to the qualityof this world?" "And ye are complete in him."

God created the natural word but separated it from the kingdom of light in which the True Light worked where there is no shadow of turning;.' In order to illustrate God set the bow in heaven. No two persons see the rainbow identical, signifying that the Law of the Spirit anoints with blessings so he may be complete by abiding in Christ. (Jn15.) The seven colours signify the Word so rainbow has a spiritual underpinning which explains the throne of heaven."and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."(Rev.5.4). The 12 stones in the breastplate et al owe to the true Light.

How does the stone laid as foundation in Zion becomes the mountain of God? The same rational that made the stone cut not with hands replaces the kingdoms of thi world. God saw the light was good and separate the natural world from the world framed by the word of God. In order to warn the nation of Israel set up two stones mount Ebal and mount Gerizim.(Josh.8.33; Deut.11.29) On the latter The tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin stood at Mount Gerizim, and the other six at Mount Ebal." Joseph belonged to the rock that was Christ.(Exod.28.21) The stones without Christ were glass but the True light gave them relevance.

Hi Brother Ronald.

I agree 100th percent with you.

For me personally this is a tough area of scripture.

It takes much study throughout the Bible.

That's why I wanted to know how others approach it.

I wanted to do it this way to focus on what comes after the tribulation period.

As for Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and

Postmillennialism these 3 groups have divisions among themselves within their own group.

You probably can get 50 different interpretations out of these three groups.

I am no expert on anything here we are talking about.

I will try to get back to you later today if God permits.

God bless

Brother S Spencer,

Revelation is difficult to discuss briefly, and I may have stumbled.

I tried to explain that Revelation isn't arranged in order like other books in the Bible, and I didn't do a good job. Jesus doesn't return until the seventh trumpet, the last trump, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Revelation 10:7.

I'm sorry, but I don't know much about Premillennialism, Amillennialism, or Postmillennialism. I haven't studied them, and I don't care for titles.

My understanding is that Jesus returns in Revelation 19:11-16, and the saints are resurrected, Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 20:4-6.

This is when the great tribulation ends, and God's wrath is poured out, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 16:1-17.

Next comes the battle of Armageddon, Revelation 19:17-21 which those in the first resurrection will participate, Revelation 17:14. Their Judgement is shown in Revelation 20:4. The beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire, and those who worshiped the beast and had the mark are either cast in then or during the white throne judgment, but their verdict was already given, Revelation 14:9-10.

Then the kingdom will be established, and there will be people left in the nations whom Satan, after he is released, will deceive.

The land of Israel will be restored, Ezekiel 11:17, Jeremiah 23:5-6, and members of the tribes of Israel that will be gathered from all the nations will inhabit that land during the 1000 years, Jeremiah 29:14. Other nations will, as seen in Zechariah 14:16-20, witness Jesus ruling with a rod of iron; there are other Scriptures about this time.

I hope this makes things clearer.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Bible Alone.

Revised.

May I ask you what's your interpretation of the events beginning at the Great tribulation on to the second/Rapture on through the Millennium.

And who populates the Millennium?

Thanks in advance.

God bless.

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

17But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

18The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. ( 2 Tim. 1:16-18).

Here; we are reminded of Jesus' words regarding those who visited Him in prison in Matthew 25 in regard in that case to the sheep and goat judgment. In context that seems to indicate the standard for those entering into the Millennial period who remain as physical survivors after the Tribulation as that will be the standard or the norm for believers along with martyrdom at that time. Looking into what would be considered normal Christianity at the time of the early church; and indeed much of the world today this concept is something familiar and we should heed it as well. Imprisonment and support of those in that situation during persecution puts us at risk as well for supporting that which is against the policy of the state. The act of kindness here is emphasized in regard to one individual who went out of his way to seek after Paul so that he could minister to him; no doubt encouraging him but also bringing things that could continue his survival.

This is something to consider in terms of organizations that send communications to persecuted believers in the world. Care has to be used of course not to encourage further persecution of the incarcerated individual since no doubt letters are read ahead of time.

We also see in the chapter as a whole those who would abandon Paul or no longer be effective; and there are other verses as well such as later on in chapter 4 of 2 Timothy where all but Luke abandoned him in verse 16 at his "first defense". He mentions the Gentiles here so this may be a court hearing; I'll let others look into that as my time is short this morning.

Maranatha. RHP

Dan.2.45 . Rock of Ages-2

"Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, ."

All expressions that the Spirit employs where a natural feature like rock figures there shall be a spiritual ancillary which is a sign. God sets a bow."I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth." This token is a sign. So it is not simply a rainbow but calling man to remember the covenant that God set between the heaven and earth, the Fellowship of God with Man. In the Man component any man may enter into the same Covenant, and there is none otherin this age or any other age to come.It is thus we look at the verse, 'that rock was Christ'. Natural world where we have naural olive tree and also tree anointed. "These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."(Zec.4.14). The same oil of gladness with which God has blessed us in his Son. Heaven and earth signified in terms of olive tree. Where does the blessing come from:The Covenant stipulates fruit bearing tree having seed in itself.(Gen.1.11) Thus the Spirit of God establishes holy mountin of God. Zion it is called which is implied in the cream of King Nebuchadnezar. The stone laid by God is not cut with hands. " Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a sure foundation:"This stone is same as a mountain because it the Will of God when fulfilled. The natural when framed by the word of God sets two worlds one signifies the holy city of God and the other the chaff. God commanded Moses to set up two rocks one signifies the curse of disobedience and mount Gerizim to indicate divine blessings. By rejecting Christ they chose, "Then answered all the people, and said, " His blood be on us, and on our children."(Mt.27.25) Now sons of Barabbas runs Israel," Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, wasting and destruction are in their paths.."(Isa.59.7)

Ps.133.2 "Rock of Ages" (2 of 2)

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness./ Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."(Mt.23.27-28) We shall see how true it ws, and we see it evenin our times, Caiphas who is not sorry for himself but the nation and what does he say and do? "And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation."(Jn.11.50-51) Thereafter covenantswith Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. This is hypocrisy and it is what mount Ebal signifies from where the curse of man who does not totally obey the commandments of God. Covenant is intended here. Either you have entered therein and it is abiding life, till he is called hom

Rule# 4 "Whole or nothing" You cannot serve God and mammon.Saul whom Israel chose is Barabbas in the time of Jesus. In such choices the nation of Israel historically has gone from bad to worse. So Jesus writes them as,"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"(Mt.23.32) These know nothings do so because when they are presented the mountain of God they can only think of mount Hermon and Aarons skirts. Their righteousness is like filthy rags.

In this forum a know nothing faulted me, Bennymkje hates the brethren and forgets thse false brethren are the Judsizers who have stayed below the radar like little foxes, "And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:/To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you."(Gal.2.4-5). My accusers do so without even reading a line of what I post.

Ps.133.2 Rock of offence (1 of 2)

" 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"

Rule #3 Blessings come from greater to the lesser.'

It is thus God presented his first begotten to the world and, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.' To which the writer to the Hebrews responds with a Psalm quote,"Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre./Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."(Ps.45.5) Here we have the Father-Son relationship. Jesus Christ is anointed above all because he has a name above every name(Phi.2.9-10)"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;/ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This is the Covenant in seven days assuring all heavenly and earthly blessingd to believer who received the Son in faith. He entered into the God's rest. "No more I but Christ who liveth in me.' Some doctrine of sons of Belial will make it three programs where it is the the word of God sanctifying body soul and spirit. Those who rejecte to enter thhe rest are sons of Belial, sons of perdition. It is thus we have the beast, marked 6-6-6. This explains the blessing and the curse God ;commanded Joshua to set up. " that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal."(Deut,11,29;27.2). Of these rocks the stone of offence was to be plastered. Jesus reference it to mean the curse that covered the nation of Israel. " Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness./Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men,

How fast is the twinkling of an eye?

(Part 1):

If you were to research this question online, you will find that the twinkling of an eye is often defined as occurring in about a billionth of a second, which is much faster than a blink or wink. In contrast, a typical blink lasts around 100 to 400 milliseconds.

I would say that the human eye cannot see anything that fast.

In 1 Corinthians 15:52, speaking of the rapture, it says, "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. These are fascinating statements! In the Greek text, this word "moment" is ATOMA which is the word for atom. Here, in 1 Corinthians 15:52, Paul is describing the rapture of the church, and this gives us an indication on how fast this will happen.

Now, the twinkling of an eye is not the same as the blinking of an eye. We can actually see someone's eye blink. The twinkling of an eye is describing how fast the rapture will be. And the word moment (ATOMA) in this verse tells us that we can't even split the second that it's going to take for this to happen!

This verse also tells us that it's at the last trumpet. This is where some believe that the rapture will occur after the seventh trumpet blast in the book of Revelation. And that seventh trumpet blast introduces the Second Coming of Christ.

How fast is the twinkling of an eye?

(Part 2):

But the seventh trumpet is not the last trumpet. It's the seventh trumpet! It's the last of the seven, but this one is specifically the last trumpet for the call. It's the same trumpet mentioned in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 about the rapture because he says, "For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised."

This trumpet is not an actual trumpet. In the Hebrew, it's the word Shofar. It is a ram's horn. They blow them even in Israel today. It's played for the gathering of the armies. It's sounded from the top of the temples for the priests to come do their daily duties at the temple.

What I find interesting with this is that in Revelation 19:14, it says, "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

Now, I believe that Revelation 19:14 is speaking of the Second Coming. But who else could these armies be besides the church that will come back with Christ? At the beginning of this chapter, in Revelation 19:1, it speaks about a "great voice of much people in heaven," and they are giving praise to the Lord. This is before we even get to the Second Coming in Verse 14. Who are these "much people"?

Whoever they are, they are described as being at a marriage supper taking place in Heaven prior to the Second Coming, and they are also arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. So, are these armies saints who will come with Jesus when He returns?

So, this shofar will sound, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, not in their corruptible body, but a new body incorruptible, and we shall be changed.