Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 141

Scrosby,

So glad your Mom was able to be treated properly. may her recovery go so very well.

Bennymkje

You said that my posts "seem to approach literally while you have another approach to the Bible", actually my posts/messages reflect a spiritual interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, in fact the Holy Spirit is my Preceptor, Tutor as you said, but it seems you do not discern what is spiritual, it's due to lack of the gift of discernment, thus you know only and only what is literal, like the killers of souls, the letter kills, only the Spirit gives life. The believers know that the Word is Spirit, the Word is GOD, self-executing.

Having read the circumlocution of your replyes, or mere verbiage, I would say opinions is good for nothing, what matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, self-executing, understand? John1:1. Your thinking is from a human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective. Your interpretations of the Word of GOD differ not of the interpreter of Genesis 3:1. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth, the one who comes from above is above all- John 3:31.

Revelation 20:2-3 explains:

The dragon will be laid hold, and bound/chained, and cast into the bottomless pit, he will be threw into the Abyss (in this current millennium), and he will be shut up, a seal will be set on/over him in this current millennium, seventh and last millennium, that he should deceive the nations no more.

Be careful, or then get ready

You said "'Lord of the hosts" means "the Almighty God", and He is the most powerful being in the universe'"; Yes, but the person you refer to be Him is not the true GOD, the Word, Father of the Lord JESUS Christ, and the name of Him you cited -"YAHWEH" - is wrong; In fact, it is the name of the father of the Jews- John 8:44-45-, Paul Apostle spoke about him: 2Thes.2:3-4:

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God(Jerusalem), shewing himself that he is God. Actually, YAHWEH is one of the several names of the father of the Jews, the Devil. I can listed them all.

The Word made flesh-JESUS-, said: I and my Father are One. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY- Revelation 1:8. In fact, my Lord JESUS is the LORD of the lords. And He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18.

The "I Am" is Yeshua - JESUS - not YAHWEH, this is one of the names(or nicknames)of Devil.

Charity mentioned here is not talking about a deed but a motive behind the deed. New versions bibles do not use the word charity but will render the word as love. The word charity is used in multiple verses in your KJV bible, and scripture with scripture study you will see it is the underlying motive for our actions of love.

1Corinthians 16:4 "Let all your things be done with charity"

Dear One Eighty,

I did perceive that you were speaking to how we think, speak and act towards others in general.

I think that on this site, since we cannot really know each other as we would people we meet with in person regularly, we do need to employ the motivations, attitudes, graciousness and patience that you mention.

Thank you for your kindness and openness. I appreciate you.

In 1 corinthians 13: 3 says "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing"

what does Charity mean in this context because if one bestow his or her goods to feed the poor, its considered as charity

Jimbob, in response to your question

Not according to Hebrews 8:9 on tablets of stone.

but, Yes, according to the New Covenant promise, Him writing His Law upon our heart & placing His Spirit within us.

1 John 2:27 & is not a lie.

Jimbob

you seem to be stuck on the letter.

God's Grace / Spirit / Light appears to all mankind, preaches the gospel to them within their hearts , whether they ever heard of a bible or not, or having never learnt to read, or for that matter whether they believe in God or not, or if their in some far remote places in the earth. as David expressed, Psalms 139:7-11

its the sure Word of Prophecy & is preserve for all generations & forever

Call in the order of Melchisedec in the Power of an endless life, Christ in you the hope of eternal glory.

May God graciously continue to open the eyes of your heart

to Himself, Who is within you.

FrankieJ,

You may be the first person here that's told me that. I am not sure how to respond. I would encourage you to give me a little more time, you might change your mind later!

May the Lord continue to draw you and nourish you through His word, and may that hunger always remain, God bless!!!

GiGi,

I agree 100% with your last posting to me.

For more clarity on what I last posted to you, I was not aiming my comments specifically towards activity on this site; but instead, in general terms on everything we say, do, and even think in our private thoughts towards everyone, in all circumstances and events. This is especially important in what I see as our "special" relationships, i.e. family and what we consider close friends. These are more often than not more challenging and typically need healing and active ongoing forgiveness in some manner. At least, this is what I've experienced. Yet, I think everyone we meet or speak to are forms of relationships worthy of these considerations.

Of course, I'm not speaking of physical attacks upon the body, in which we sadly may need to defend ourselves and others.

Please be assured, I'm not assuming that you were thinking that I was speaking SPECIFICALLY regarding this site. I do feel though I needed to further clarify.

To those on this site who have perceived me as attacking them, I do not doubt that their feelings are justified. I sincerely apologize.

I recall that in my late teens, I attended a conference at the Oakland Coliseum, put on by a Christian man named Bill Gothard. He provided round pin-on buttons that said PBPGINFWMY, meaning "please be patient, God is not finished with me yet". I can't say that over the years,I've always afforded others this courtesy, which I suspect has caused me and others unnecessary turmoil. With the Holy Spirit's help, we're working on it as much as I will let Him. The Holy Spirit does not limit His giving is my belief; Simply, I've limited my receiving.

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I pray for myself that I would be more open to your correction, to be forgiving of myself and others, and to be willing to understand and accept your Perfect Love. Amen.

Again, to all, Blessings and Peace

Thank you for your reply, dear Bro. Bennymkje

I see that according to the your theory, the """Principle of Similitude explains the basis of comparing the like with like; So the heaven is compared with the earth."""

Along the same line as your theory above or interpretation saying "the heaven is compared with the earth" by the Principle of Similitude,

so I took your example to compare the Similitude between the Son of GOD and the angel who was sent by Him to the isle of Patmos- Revelation 1:1-Revelation of JESUS Christ, which GOD gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His ANGEL unto His servant John. (Different of the translation, In my vision an Archangel). But what is the Similitude between the Son of GOD and the archangel sent by JESUS to speak with John?

Here goes the Similitude: Revelation 1:13-16. (By the way, JESUS was in heaven when He sent the archangel to meet John , He was sitting on the right hand of the Father).



Verse 13 - And in the midst of the seven candlesticks (7 Churches of Asia) one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Revelation 22:8-9

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship GOD.

Surely He is our fellowservant. Praise our GOD.

Blessings

AMEN Frankie J:

What is our cross for?

To DIE on or cross.

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the DEATH (on our cross) of his saints.

If we die on the cross of Christ, the we were MARRIED to him in his RESURRECTION.

1 Corinthians 15:43 .... raised in GLORY .....

1 Peter 1:21 WE by him (Christ) do BELIEVE in God, who raised him from the dead, and GAVE him GLORY....

John 17:22 And the GLORY thou GAVEST ME, I have GIVEN them, that as we are ONE, they may BE ONE in us.

There was ONLY ONE BODY raise at the RESURRECTION of Christ.

Ephesians 4:4 .....ONE body .......

1 Corinthians 12:27 ..... ye are the BODY of Christ ......

Ezekiel 36:26 A NEW HEART will I give you .....

1 Corinthians 2:16 .... ye have the MIND of Christ .....

We are a NEW Creation, ONE BODY, with the heart and mind of Christ.

Psalms 107:31 Oh that man would praise the LORD for his goodness, his wonderful works to the children of men!

God Bless YOU!

Dear One eighty. Thanks for your reply and kindness.

I am glad you are finding what I post thought provoking. That is certainly one aim I have is to inspire people to think on topics and learn from the Scriptures what is true. We should hold whatever anyone says on this forum up to the light and truth of Scriptures. It is our authority and way to know God through the working of the Holy Spirit.

We are to do and say all things from love from the heart. I try to do this here. I think it is fine to discuss, disagree, and offer a rebuttal on what someone says on this forum. But. like you said, our motivation should not be to attack another person here personally. It is ok to have strong opinions and reasoning. It is ok to strongly disagree with another, and it is ok to choose to exit a conversation that seems to be antagonistic. Disagreements are not necessarily attacks unless they are put forth in a contentious, sarcastic, demeaning, and/or disrespectful way. Thanks for your comments on this topic. We can discuss things lovingly with God's help.

Frankie J thank you for your response.

Do you believe that God preserved His Word for this generation?

If you do then where is it today?

If you do not then wouldn't that make ( Ps 12:6-7) meaningless, or even make it a lie?

Rainwalker:

There is no 7 year great tribulation. There WAS a GREAT TRIBULATION 2000 years ago, but those days of that GREAT TRIBULATION were shortened for the elects sake.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time (of the great tribulation), no, nor shall ever be.

Matthew 24:22 And except those days (of the great tribulation) BE SHORTENED, there shall no flesh BE SAVED ....

What are you SAVED from? ---DEATH --- When was DEATH defeated? ---- at the RESURRECTION of Christ ----

The above scriptures STATES the Great Tribulation had to occur before flesh could be SAVED from DEATH. Therefore the Great Tribulation had to occur before the resurrection.

The GREAT TRIBULATION was from the time Christ entered the garden until his death on the cross.

God BLESS YOU!

Yes , what is not of faith is of sin , Revelation Ch 21 V 5-8 .

Jesse

a very important subject here in both topics, faith & suffering

1.Faith, we all know that Rom 10:17, Paul earlier says it is Rom 10:8 he's not talking about the letter here

But John 6:63 The Grace / Light that appears in the heart bringing salvation to all mankind Hebrews 9:28 that wait on Him.

Believing that it is He, speaking to us & His first works within us is teaching us to deny all ungodliness & the learning of righteousness

Paul says in Gal 3:2 so there's an increase of His Spirit as we received His judgement of sin & instruction in righteousness.

Here is Power offered to overcome all sin. For He who show us our sin, will not only take them away, but power is given to preserve from repeating the sin. There is one requirement, a truly contrite & broke heart birth through godly sorrow for the offense. This is saving faith produce by the Spirit, True faith purifies the heart, cleanses the vessel 2 Timothy 2:21

2.Suffering 2Timothy 3:12

As we look through both Testaments, we see a common thread, the suffering of the faithful

Paul by the Spirit call them 2Cor 4:17 which suffering brings a far more eternal weigh of glory

Hebrews 11:35,38 attain a better resurrection, whom the world was not worthy of.

We must have a renewing of our minds as Paul contiu.. 2Cor 4:18

What an encouragement on this side of the grave, & the reward is eternal,

Folks,

lets pick up our Cross & follow Jesus, He merciful & faithfully cleanses us from all unrighteousness, takes away our sins against Him, continually increases us with His Spirit alone the Way, until we are baptize unto His death, being dead unto sin, baptizes us in His Spirit, each one fitted in the body according to His gifts, we enter into the fellowship of His suffering (He's there with us ) therefore we experience the Power of His resurrection, & He never leaves us or forsakes us.

Then rewards us for what He alone done through us, what a deal, Come on!

Jesse you inspire me, thank you

Hello GiGi,

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

I agree, all of us sin and God allows it; otherwise He would be violating our free will, which He created us with. Therefore, we would be the cause of bad stuff due to our sinning, not God.

I won't go any further than this in response to your reply, other than I also do not fully perceive the Mind of God. Yet, I perceive correctly I believe, it is worthwhile more than anything to endeavor to do so, and that those who do pursue to do so , will.

GiGi, you have no clue how thought provoking your replies are; and also the comments on this site by others. Even if I don't necessarily agree with everything. Thank you: in my mind all of you are worthy of taking into consideration of EVERYTHING you say.

One final comment: I've arrived at the conclusion that since love is obviously not sin, that everything that is not love, is; and that those, including myself that sin, it is a cry for help, due to a lack of Love. Although at times, in my own mind, I fail to recognize this. But when I accept this as true, it helps me to reconsider how I react or respond to others by not perceiving their attacks on others as evil or bad done to me or others as such; instead though as a cry for help. This helps immensely; because now I don't see myself as a victim, allowing me not to feel the need to attack in return. Seeing sin (doing something unloving) as a cry for help due to a lack of Love, is rewarding because in this way I won't attack back. I realize, from a lifetime of perceiving and returning attack, that it is ONLY an attack upon myself! And there is NO peace in that.

Peace to all

Brother Richard:

You are completely out of sync (rightly dividing the word) with the PROPHECIES of scripture.

Mosses and the Prophets reveal to us the Kingdom of God.

When Christ came HE SAID: all of Mosses and the Prophets IS fulfilled IN ME. It's FINISHED, nothing can be added and nothing can be taken way.

The Kingdom has been ON EARTH now for about 2000 years.

The whole prophecy of Daniel; is the prophecy of the Kingdom of God, no part of Daniel is a prophecy of a single anti-christ ..... what ISN'T of FAITH is anti-christ, what ISN'T of TRUTH is anti-christ.

WE ALL were born flesh and blood, no FAITH in us, no TRUTH in us, no LIFE in us, all these things CHRIST IS; we were BORN DEAD, anti-christ,our HOUSES MADE DESOLATE: and ALL the DEAD were RAISED with CHRIST; life and truth, the NEW CREATION.

Revelation is the REVEALING of this WAY, this TRUTH, this LIFE.

The doctrines of men have made the GOSPEL of the Kingdom of God of no effect.

The 1260 days, 42 months, 3 1/2 years is the time Christ spent proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God, by his cross and resurrection, all creation was RECONCILED to our Father, being made ONE by the RESURRECTION.

1335 days (pentecost) marked the time the SPIRIT of TRUTH was released on mankind to proclaim the WONDERFUL WORKS of God.

God Bless YOU!

Hello Oseas

There has been a misunderstanding. What I intented to say is that God hasn't got a name like people have in order to distinguish them from others. The names (and He has got many) He uses for Himself have a unique purpose. Through His names He reveals to people some of His characteristics. Like say "YAHWEH", which means "I am who I am" and which is interpreted as "the self existing God". So God with this name reveals to us that nobody ever created Him. You see? More on this. "Lord of the hosts" means "the Almighty God". God is showing people through that name that He is the most powerful being in the universe.

Brother, I live in Greece. Here the time is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich time. So now it is 11:10 before midnight.

Blessings to all my brothers and sisters in Brasil and the whole of South America.

More on cooperation with God, and the huge significance of prayers.

In the Book of 1 Kings, the story of prophet Elijah is described. In 1 Kings 18:1-2 Elijiah is called by God to go to the King Ahab to tell him that He was going to send rain (because it had not rain for many years and people were suffering).

"And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth."

What does one expect in such a case? Definitely that God is going to send rain. Are we(or Elijah) supposed to do something about it? The obvious answer is, "No, it is God's work, nothing that we can do. He decided it ... He will do it". But what did Elijiah do?

1 Kings 18:41-42, "41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees (and prayed seven times, which is a lot, isn't it?),"

So Elijah went to pray for rain. And the question is. Why? It was God's decision to give rain and He sent Elijah to inform Ahab. Why did Elijah have to pray for something that God decided to do? Here comes the issue of cooperation. God may decide to do something but he expects our cooperation, our prayers. The church is a "partner" of God in the work of salvation of people. God definitely wants our cooperation. He can do all things alone without needing any help from anybody else, He is the Almighty God anyway. But He will not unless we, as humans, take part in that work. So there is a big responsibilty on our shoulders, and a lot of work to do for God. Prayers are very important.

Paul was always asking for prayers to get freed from his enemies and from jail, and prayers to be able to preach the Gospel, although it was God that send him to do that.

A brother in Christ-Les Brewer-wrote about a*SUPERNATURAL TRANSFORMATION*in friendsofjesus.proboard,quoting 1Samuel 17:45"You come to me with a sword,with a spear,and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts,the GOD of the armies of Israel,whom you have defied."

We all,with unveiled face,beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Christ-occupation makes you bold but not superior,humble but not inferior.When our minds are occupied with Jesus,we don't have to try to be humble.In the presence of the Servant-King,our hearts become supernaturally transformed,and we will carry His servant heart.ITOH,when you dwell and spend time with Jesus,all that He is will rub off on you.Your thoughts and your words will be full of the fragrance of His sweet presence and grace.All your inferiority and insecurities will melt away in His marvelous love for you.It takes people who are truly secure in Christ to be able to bow down and serve others with genuine humility".

In my understand,more than ever, GOD's people need to receive and hear messages like the one posted above by our brother in Christ Les Brewer.The Word of GOD-the Word is GOD-warned us saying"This know also,that in the last days perilous times shall come"-2Ti.3:1- ITOH,there will be a battle,a spiritual War-Rev.12 combined with Rev.11:15-18 -,and the red Dragon will manifest himself"having great wrath,because he knows that he has but a short time"- Rev. 12:12.

JESUS left revealed that"Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles,until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled"- Luke 21:24 combined with Rev.11:2-"the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months",and the red dragon will"give to the Beast of sea-Rev.3:1(ruler/guide of the apostate Church of Rome-RCC,which rides upon the Beast),yeah,will give his Power,and his Seat(in the holy city-Jerusalem),and great Authority-Rev.13:2.

"Bennymkje"

Yes, as JESUS revealed,"when unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places seeking rest". The dry places where the unclean spirit walks are the men made by the dust in the belly of the Serpent( John 8:44-45), and are without the Spirit of GOD, without the Spirit of Christ, as was Israel, the clay, the dry land. The unclean spirit finds none among them which were born again from GOD and really remain in the body of Christ. 1John 5:18-19->18 We know that whosoever is born of GOD sinneth not; but he that is begotten of GOD keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 19 And we know that we are of GOD, and the WHOLE WORLD lieth in wickedness.(Because they live in the belly of the Serpent,and only within them the unclean spirit finds rest.)

The unclean spirit saith: I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./ Then goeth the unclean spirit, and taketh with himself (7) seven other spirits more wicked than himself,

1Peter 5:8-9

8 Be sober,be vigilant;because your adversary the Devil(the old Serpent),as a roaring lion,WALKETH about, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Job 1:6-There was a Day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the Lord,and Satan(the Old Serpent)came also among them.(By the way,we are entering the Day of the Lord,the last millennium)

Reevelation 11:15-18

15 - The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

...

The battle is against three unclean spirits like frogs: Revelation 16:13-15

13 I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon,and out of the mouth of the beast,and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14 They are the spirits of devils, working miracles...

15 Behold, I come as a thief. ...

In yesterday's posts; I listed categories of "left vs right" and a lawless mindset as characterizing two things which we now face as we race toward the Lord's return and the Tribulation. Since the "lawless" one is setting the stage for arrival; we can see how either political side has similar agendas leading to an endgame. ( 2 Thess. 2:8-12).

Throughout history; we see two approaches toward the church by either the left leaning leadership (such as under Communist China today) or the right leaning totalitarian dictatorship (Hitler). We see infiltration of the church by the state to constrain and monitor what is taught; or we see the leader himself taken up with a Messianic type adoration who is to be worshipped more or less as a savior. The other option is widespread persecution; looting and burning of houses of worship and executions of believers. Either extreme politically brings about lawlessness eventually; from the revolutions and overthrow of the establishment that is encouraged from the outset; to mock trials which never adhere to even the written codes for justice; to vast excesses with leadership who live in luxury while the rest of society struggles to survive. When Antichrist arrives he will claim to be God to some extent; but be "self made" and deny the father and the son ( 1 John 2:22-23).

When the Daniel 9:27 covenant is made; clearly we see other related verses describing a "man of intrigue" ( Dan. 11:21) who divides the land for gain ( Daniel 11:39) understanding "dark sentences" ( Dan. 8:23); i.e. occult mindset. Money and power broker status has always been the driving force for those in the elite to control the world and enrich themselves. It is clear that we are near an agreement or confirming that covenant with many which will allow the Temple to function and give Israel what seems like a peace arrangement with surrounding nations. At the appointed time it will happen; but also end seven years later

( Daniel 7:26).

Agape. RIch P

Beast rules for 1260 days ( Rev. 12:14; Daniel 12:7; Daniel 7:25). We are not in the Tribulation yet; for it will be held back (man of sin) until Restrainer is removed ( 2 Thess. 2:6) then the wicked one is revealed ( 2 Thess. 2:8).

Kbais344,

God gives us His Spirit and it is His Spirit that produces the faith the Bible speaks of. We do not have the capacity to produce the faith we read about. Now, both believers and nonbelievers alike can produce human faith, but this type of faith is different than the faith the Bible speaks of. Only Gods Spirit can produce spiritual faith, or saving faith ( Galatians 5:22).

As far as Philippians 1:29, here is my understanding:

It says, "For unto you it is given," and by the way, the word given is the word graced. God has blessed you, favored you, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake;



Isn't that good news? It's God's will! Just like Peter says in his letter, why are you so surprised for the fiery trials that come up against you?

It's God's will that not only you believe, but that you suffer for the sake of Christ.

But check out what it says in the next verse ( Philippians 1:30):

Having the same conflict, and that's the word agony. Having the same agony which you saw in me, and now you hear to be in me.



Paul says, you want to know what it looks like, what I just told you about believing and suffering? It's the same agony that you see in my life, as I, like an athlete battle with the opponent all day long.



That's not just God's will for Paul. That's for every believer!

Blessings to you in Christ!

Jimbob, I said that my reason for not answering was not because I do not know that answer, but because I do not wish to engage with you on this topic. So, respectfully, you can stop accusing me of not knowing the answer. Just as you did not wish to offend me, neither did I wish to offend you. I just wanted to share my feelings on why I think it is best for me to not discuss this topic with you. I can see that you are offended by that. Just as you think you have spoken truth to me, I think I have spoken truth to you. So, I hope you have a blessed night. I pray for you often and look forward to talking with you on another topic.

Hello One eighty,

This loss and trauma are terrible even if it has been decades since your brother's passing. I cannot read God's mind on this one as to why He allowed your brother to die so young. He knew that you and your mom would endure much pain and sorrow of this. may He continue to comfort you in the best way.

But I will have to say that I do not know God's reasons and don't wish to speculate on it. I can only encourage you to lean on Jesus. He will comfort you and lead you. You can be assured that God does not do evil. He is wholly good. But in His great surpassing wisdom, He allows sin, evil, sickness, and accidents, and traumas to occur for purposes we may not ever know in this life.

As to the other question concerning our guilt in the death of Jesus. Yes, all have sinned, therefore all humans have a part in His death because, though He chose to die for us out of love, it was our sin that He took to the cross to bear the wrath of the offense of sin for God once and for all. We can accept our part and confess that we our own sinful choices are the reason for the Holy Son of God's death. And then we can also agree with God that Jesus' death accomplished completely the purpose for His coming=to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Therefore, we can be thankful to God for this immeasurable sacrifice and gift of salvation AND continue in belief in our Lord and in the Father and in the Spirit as the God we worship and no other. We can commit to growing in our knowledge of who God is and how He has worked in the world, history and in our lives. This knowledge will deepen our faith and commitment to serving only Him and no other made-up god that our minds create.

One eighty. Thank you for these questions. I don't think I gave very good answers, but I hope that others will chime in.

I'll leave you this verse:

Ephesians 1:15-17

Mat.5:5-Blessed are the meek:for they shall inherit the earth.

Rev.5:10-And has made us unto our GOD kings and priests:and we shall reign on the earth.

How can the meek inherit the earth?

Zechariah 4:1-6

1-And the angel that talked with me came again,and waked me, as a MAN that is wakened out of his sleep.

2-And said unto me,What seest thou?I have looked,and behold

(1)a candlestick all of gold

(2)with a bowl upon the top of it, and

(3)his seven lamps thereon, and

(4)seven pipes to the seven lamps,which are upon the top thereof:

3-And two olive trees by it,one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

Interpreting the above Scriptures:

1-Candlestick is the Church(Rev.1:19)of the LORD-His body;

2-with a bowl upon the top of it:-the bowl is for storing and conserving the oil produced by the two olive trees to the Candlestick-that is for the anointed Church of the LORD;

3-and his seven lamps thereon:the seven lamps are the seven Spirits of GOD-Rev.4:5;

4-and seven pipes to the seven lamps which are upon the top thereof(the 7 lamps are 7 spirits of GOD-they are placed on the top of the pipes to enlighten the Church of the LORD,mainly in this time of Apocalypse-END of the times,and establishment of GOD's Kingdom: but NOT by might,nor by power(not by human power),but by my Spirit,saith the Lord of hosts,as is written in Mat.5:5 combined with Rev.5:10)

4-So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying,What are these,my lord?

5-Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me,Knowest thou not what these be?And I said,No,my lord.

6-Then he answered and spake unto me,saying,This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel,saying,Not by might,nor by power,but by my Spirit,saith the Lord of hosts.

Revelation 11:15-18

15And the seventh angel sounded;and there were great voices in heaven,saying,The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,and of his Christ;and he shall reign for ever and ever.

what does Paul mean in 1 Philippians 1:29 when he says it is a privilege granted to us to believe in Christ? does that mean that saving faith is something given to us from God or is it something we produce on our own? I'd love to hear all your thoughts!

Hi Rainwalker,

Thank you, I do agree.

God bless,

RLW