Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 1199

Dgjot,

Something that sort of stood out to me was where you said that "You just had to take God/Jesus at their word." What I am understanding is that you were expecting some sort of grand experience after calling upon the Lord to save you, and when that didn't happen, you decided to just trust that the Lord would do what He said He would. That's about all we can do is take Him at His word and trust in His promises.

I received Christ almost 25 years ago. There was nothing spectacular as far as experience goes. But like you say, I had to take the Lord at His word. Romans 10:13 says that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, not might be, but will be.

But with that, let me share this with you. It doesn't say that this salvation is immediate. But the promise is still there. Some get saved immediately, and for others it could take a while. You see, the Lord knows our heart. He knows if and when we are ready to completely surrender our life to Him. He prepares our heart until we are ready to turn from our ways and make Him the Lord of our life.

As far as the incident you have been agonizing over for 48 years, the only advice I can offer you is to let it go. 1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If you've asked the Lord for forgiveness, you need to trust that He has forgiven you. He is a faithful and just Lord.

And you are very welcome for what I shared with you on Hebrews 10:26. God Bless!!!

I still haven't found the verse I'm looking for. I know it's in there because I have read it. A preacher many years ago was asked if America would be mentioned in end times and he read a verse, he said that the word "England" not mentioned by name, but the way it was worded you would know it was speaking of her, then it mentions in the same verse about her young lions. The preacher said America is the young lions. How I wish I could find it again. I've checked every verse from different people on here that was mentioned for me, but it's not been in any of the verses I read. I have completely read the book of Daniel and it is not in there, so I'll keep looking. I want to thank everyone who has tried to help me, I truly appreciate your time trying to help me. God bless you all with all things good!

Thanks so much for that insight. I deeply enjoy when GOD reveals things to us we've not noticed before. Recently I've been lead in my spirit to study Ezekiel. I am amazed at the things I didn't remember or notice before.

We're a work in progress, sometimes in life I've been tired emotionally, physically, mentally & spiritually. Love isn't always a feeling, it's choices. When we show compassion towards people (made in GOD's image), that's love towards GOD. Scripture examples noted above. Thanks for trusting us with the depth of truth of what you were feeling & experienced, even now.

James 5:16, 1 John 1:9

William, Where our spirit goes after we dies depends on whether or not we've accepted our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. If you have, you will go to heaven. Best Wishes.

The Lord knows your heart and forgives but you must also forgive yourself then shall you be free..... I will say a prayer for The Lord to help you with strength in letting it go..... Peace....

It has been said that there is only one baptism and this is so because there is only one Faith and one Savior Jesus Christ. We must look to him for our healing from sin to be made free. As we accept his finished work which is rich in mercy, we accept our past lost position before the Father. This acceptance is not our right, we are not entitled to know His peace and non-resistance to Cross. However we are called to be adopted into this wonderful work by faith and remission of sins. In true repentance by faith we turn from our worldly man to the one from heaven to follow. As Jesus promised to the believer he would send the Holy Spirit as a fire. This burning is not an earthly elemental burning but a Holy burning from Heaven because of His shed Blood. This burning which is a blood washing from the inside the soul outwards provides true peace and direction and a Holy kingdom to understand and live within, as shade from the heat of the world. This is the fire of Baptism. However we walk towards New Jerusalem in sinful flesh as time continues and this walk needs an understanding of keeping that which has been given clean and a reminder to seek the Holy Spirit for continued non-resistance to the Lord's leading. This new walk requires a water baptism from water which is an element upon the earth. Jesus when he was crucified after being poked by man's spear poured his water with the sprinkling of His Blood upon the earth as one flow. The seemingly two Baptisms fire and water agree as one. One Baptism one Faith. The method of the earthly Baptism is in the water and its strength is in observation of other earthly witnesses that have passed by fire into the Holy Kingdom that begins in earth but has its end in heaven. God bless our faithfulness.

Praying for you Tasha and your son A. Today. That he will have that encounter with Jesus. Humble yourself before The Lord and worship Him. He sees your heart for HimMay Gods blessings fill your heart and home in holiness this very moment

Dear Sister Lena, I just came upon this reply and it blessed me much. Thank you for your prayers.

I prayed for you too and your children and your grandchildren and your request is dear to me as if it was my own also. Thank you!!

Dear Dgjot,

I noticed your comment about your baptism experience. I too was baptized- I was young and as I grew into adulthood I starting having doubts about how legitimate it was, because I was mostly 'going along' with what family and peers were doing. I also fell away from faith for a short period of time. But I came back and felt compelled to be baptized again and so I decided to be baptized on a church trip to Israel in the Jordan river. I'm grateful for the experience and happy with that decision. So, I was baptized twice. No one ever said you can't be baptized more than once and continually recommit yourself to being a follower of Jesus Christ. Some people do this in marriage as well and I see value in it.

It's possible you have already done this, but since you didn't mention it, and since you said this has bothered you for 48 years, if you have still doubts and regret about your past actions why not recommit today and be baptized again?

Also, maybe I'm not understanding something but to me it didn't sound like you did anything wrong. I didn't love myself either when I was younger and certainly didn't love others much nor God, probably. That didn't mean I was opposed to Him, it just meant I was immature and didn't have much self love in order to offer love to others. Maybe you can relate? But if so, I don't believe that's your fault. I think it takes time to mature, to grow and learn how to love ourselves so we have a reservoir of love to share with others, including to Jesus or God the Father. Maybe this opinion will be of some value and I hope it's not unsolicited.

God bless...

Perhaps you would find some of the answers you seek in the books of Enoch, such as the nature of evil, or the humanoid beings which have animalesque features to them that were portrayed in ancient religions and whose discovery nowadays is hidden from the public. I recommend you read it.

Bro Alex,

Thanks for your response, always appreciate your thoughts, and viewpoints.

Yes, I agree, we are all like the thieves being crucified next to Jesus. We are all sinners, and Jesus was the pure sin free lamb sacrificed for us. Wow!!!!

John 1:29

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

1 John 2:2

"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

1 Peter 1:19

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"

I can find no words to express my gratitude to Jesus for HIS Sacrifice. I pray that his Holy Spirit will help to manifest in me what comes from my heart and mouth to help produce the good fruit that is so desirable.

Matthew 15:11

"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."

God Bless

Hi Doug If a man or woman was sold to a another hebrew within the tribe and served three years and stayed seven then the law was that he or she could go free but if that servant was loved and respected by the owner and wanted to be there permanently they were given the mark of a bondservant or slave. They were marked out with an aul through the ear as being owned but not by force. The marked person could leave anytime they wanted but why would because you were loved and all needs were met by your owner. In the epistles the Apostle paul mentions in Philippians 3:14 press toward the mark of the High calling of God in Christ Jesus. You sold out to the one who loves you and takes care of your every need, Paul was sold out he trusted that God in Christ Jesus would take care of every need in all situations and conditions.

Jesse - in Reply on Revelation 14

"I would like to share a couple of things with you. You mention getting saved so I have to assume that you have surrendered your life to Christ and been born of His Spirit."

At that time, I understood absolutely NOTHING, except that IF I didn't accept Jesus as my Savior- I would go into the Lake of Fire. So I prayed and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I waited by my bedroom window expecting the golden mantle of Salvation to drop down from Heaven and settle around my shoulders. When that didn't happen, I just had to take God/Jesus at their word. Then I went to the Evangelical church to be baptized (total submersion) in front of the whole congregation. I was a very shy person and loathed to be on display in front of hundreds of people. The pastor dunked me and then when he brought me up out of the water, he asked me.... (putting me in an awkward position)..... [and here the thing I imagined was a snake with it's forked tongue sticking out].... "Don't you just love Jesus?"

I nodded yes. I lied. I got saved because I was told I had to. I didn't understand the magnitude of what Jesus did for us or what he went through, like I do now. Had I not been put on the spot and could think more clearly, I would have said, "I don't know Him well enough yet to love Him." But, that would have put the pastor in an awkward position.

So I've been agonizing over this incident for 48 years. I've prayed and prayed about it, begging for forgiveness.

I'm so tired.

Hello every one . I am a bit slow to catch on some times , I've read the Bible quite a few times and today whilst reading the Gospel of Mark , I have just realised...ch10 v18-21 , I've just realised that Jesus is very probably talking to Simon of Cyrene . Only in Mark does it say : take up the cross , and follow me . Only Simon of Cyrene actually did that . I feel as if ive been asleep and some one has just kicked me awake !

Thank You, Brother dan.

Thank You, Earl Bowman.

Thank You, T. Levis.

Thank You Jesse, for explaining Hebrews 10:26-31.

There are so many things I still don't understand.

Being The Church,

Amen! (I like your name!)

I also believe John 14:6 is paramount to our salvation, but do you think we can disregard any other scripture from Jesus? Can we just pick and choose scripture that we like, or that suits our lifestyle? (Is it that Easy) How about the following scripture?

John 3:5

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

John 14:15

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Revelation 22:12-14

12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Matthew 7:21-23

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

So, are we to believe in John 14:6 and then be of no concern with Christ's gospel and other scripture that instructs us on how we must live our lives in order to enter into the Kingdom of God?

God Bless.

BE WITH ME WHERE I AM

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible (seed), BY THE WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth forever.

By reading and speaking God's word, these words began to overcome you, and you began to become ONE with these words, UNTIL:

John 17:21 That they all may be ONE; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be ONE in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:22 And the glory thou hast given me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that they may be ONE, even as we are ONE:

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they maybe made PERFECT IN ONE; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou has given me, BE WITH ME WHERE I AM; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast give me: for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.

Christ is IN HIS CREATION ( Colossians 1:27) bring them to the Father, when you depart this flesh YOU are going to be with Christ in HIS CREATION, bringing HIS CREATION to TRUTH ( Revelation 10:11).

Brother Doug,

The referenced scripture regards the piercing of the ear of a Hebrew slave that has decided to remain with their master after serving 6 years of service.

Additional scripture:

Exodus 21:1-6

1Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. 2If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. 3If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. 5And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: 6Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

They lived a very different lifestyle than we do today - thank God!

God Bless

Hiya Bro. Dan GBU lemme give ya my slant on the 2 thieves, They are ALL of US as Paul said i am Crusified with Christ yet its not i that live but Christ that lives with in me and the life i now live is by the faith of Christ Jesus etc. Bro. Dan we must all be Crusified with Christ. And as far as him NEVA knowing us that what he wants is for US humanity to know HIM thats when that good seed is sown in our hearts initiating a birth of A BABY CHRIST IN US, OUTTA OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES AND SUCKLING THOU HAS PERFECTED PRAISE,Our old man is made white at repentence but he answers to the sow that returns to her mud and the dog that returns to his vomit. That is what happens when we bring forth no fruit unto God meaning a heavenly birth of Christ in us the H.G the Child of Promise, its the H.G. the CHILD OF Promise that pleases God. our old nature returns to his vomit etc That y he has to KNOW US that when the good seed is sown in our hearts resulting in a heavenly Birth of Christ in us. THAT PLEASES GOD 100 % (((( BRO DAN )))) GBU

Sister Sacha:

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Spirit, truth, life) that WORKETH in you both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

He will make each of PERFECT in his appointed time.

Be still and behold the salvation of God.

There is never a reason to be ashamed, we are his creation and he knows how to make each of COMPLETE.

Any TRUE brother or sister understands this.

God uses you, but it's him not you.

God's grace covers ALL.

You have a gift let God express it through you.

Part 1

If I may give my understanding, did Jesus speak in parables, if so, why? Luke 8:10. In this chapter Jesus was condemning putting faith in wealth and not God, using parables. The Sadducees especially were covetous, they flaunted their wealth and the seat of authority they had and were living in adultery. The Pharisees held many spiritual beliefs not found in the Law of Moses and started in on Jesus. So, according to the rest of the context, Lazarus and the rich man was most likely a parable on the same subject.

One thing I have found that bears consideration on Luke 16 parable. When Jesus first came, many of the Jews were highly Hellenized and many interpretations of the Law had changed. Greek had become for many the major language and Greek philosophy was deep.

We see when Stephen and others were chosen to tend to the Hellenized (Grecian) Christian Jewish widows Acts 6:1-5. This parable would have been understood by the heavy Greek influence about death that still influences today. Jesus explains many of the parables to the disciples but this explanation is not recorded. But, is just being poor worthy of the gift of eternal life?

If our soul or spirit is immortal why would scripture say we are mortal and must put on immortality and this happens at the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57. Does it not say we are sown in corruption, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44? Is not resurrection rising from the dead not descending from the living?

When this body dies what is left? Scripture tells us without spirit our body dies, James 2:26. Spirit, Latin spiritus, Greek pneuma, is breath, life, and consciousness, being awake, aware of your surrounding and how we respond to it either with vigor or idleness 1 Corinthians 2:11.

continued

Brother Chris,

You stated: "to learn the Truth by reading God's Word for themselves"

Well said! I will also take up your offer to pray, that I, along with you, and others, may endeavor to read and understand the scriptures with the help of God's Holy Spirit. Amen.

Luke 24:45

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,"

Good Bless.

Part 2

When we die it is the same as when we sleep, we are not conscious, we are asleep in Jesus, Psalm 146:4 Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 we have no knowledge of our surroundings or time. This is the spirit that goes back to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7.

1 Thessalonians 4:14, when Jesus returns, this earth is round and those that are Christs will come from all over, and we see different places describing the gathering, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 along with Jesus, God brings those that are Christs with Him, the second coming back to earth to set up the kingdom on earth. I understand those who believe in the rapture being carried to heaven will disagree.

Soul; Hebrew, nephesh, meaning a soul, living being animal or human, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion. Greek psuch meaning, life, as the seat of affections and will, the self, the conscience, the individual. In our conscience that is in our soul is where the battle of the desires of the flesh and the Spirit. This is what remains asleep in the grave where ever the grave may be, awaiting resurrection when we put on immortality. Psalms 49:15 John 5:28-29

When are we absent from this body? 2 Corinthians 2:6-10 When do we appear at the judgment seat? 1 Thessalonians 2:19 1 Corinthians 15:22-23. When is a corn plant absent from its seed is it not when it springs forth from its grave of the earth? We are sown and until we are resurrected, being changed like the corn seed from corruption to incorruption, and this mortal puts on immortality being freed from this body of corruption, then we will be present with the Lord.

Sorry I got wordy I am sure not all will agree but that is ok this is just what I see.

God bless us all in the love of Jesus.

RLW

Thank you Lord for walking with me through my afflictions. Thank you for not forsaking me. Your Word comforts me, and brings me peace that I cannot explain. Thank you Lord for how you are ever present with me. Bless those who are against me, shine your face on all of us. Thank you Lord as I eagerly await your coming as you promised. Praise you Lord for your Love and Comfort.

October 23, 2021

Dear Brother Earl , thankyou so much for being brave and for doing what was the right thing to do . I respect you so much for that . You have put me back on the straight and narrow and I really appreciate what you did . Much love in Christ .

Page 2

So, where does the spirit reside, we do not know the physical location. On this side of heaven, we will never know. Paul says that we will know as we are known in 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Even if the answer as to the physical location of the spirits of the dead, could we comprehend with our lowly human brain? Surely not. However, one day we will know everything about everything.

I love your words "I can understand & appreciate the "twofold purpose" of the 'parable'; for indeed tis true, but the third purpose I see that leaps out to the reader, is of the awful torment that awaits those who have given little regard to God's Laws & practice of 'true religion". This point is either missed or ignored by so many professing Christians. Well said.

Paul's writings, in addition to being very complicated and sometimes confusing, reflect a belief that he would still be alive at the second coming of Christ. This is also true for John the Revelator. Given this view of the quickness of the return, some passages must be looked upon as reflecting this belief.

2 Corinthians 5:8 must be read within the context of the first 7 verses for understanding. I do not read verse 8 as being an immediate transferring of the spirit from the body to heaven but as a comparison of the bodily tabernacle and its earthly existence to the tabernacle that awaits us in heaven. To me, Paul is expressing his, and perhaps our, desire to pass from the earthly existence into an existence with Christ and God, but without a timetable of it being immediate.

I thank you for our conversations and find them extremely enlightening.

May God grant you a blessed day my brother in Christ.

Bill