Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 196

Little children you know the Father and your sins are forgiven .

Young men the Word of God dwellers in you richly and yiu have overcome the wicked one .

He fathers you know Him who is from the beginning .

1John .

Little children are forgiven ,born again .

What then of " young men"? Is that not growing in grace and in the knowledge of God? and the Word of God dwelling in you richly . That's growth and development .

But what of fathers? Who know Him who is from the beginning. Some have saud this is knowing Jesus from the beginning of His ministry . This can't be so thought it might 'fit' with some denominations . But John was writing to us all not just them . So it is knowing Him who is from the beginning . The Creator.

Surely some might say if as little children you know the Father then you know the creator . Clearly not by John the Apostle who be degrees shows it takes maturity to know Him who is from the beginning .

This is certain if in any measure you know Him who is from the beginning , you are rooted and grounded in God . You not going anywhere " a tree planted by the living waters " . But also the word will hold no terrors for you for not only are you not of it but know Him who created the heaven and the earth and all that's in it .

It took only just over two years to reach the promised land from Egypt . It's time the church shook off the dust of the earth lean upon her be.over arm and leave the wilderness .

What is the word of truth and where does it come from ? ?

Apostle Paul almost got Noble Festus to believe the word of truth.

Acts 26:25

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.

Apostle Paul is telling us by believing the gospel, the word of truth, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,

The word of truth is the gospel.

Colossians 1:5

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;

We are to separate the kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews from the gospel of grace.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.

This is the gospel of grace in which is the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

May we all understand the word of truth.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

The word of truth is the gospel of grace.

Part 1 a

The Jews were started with Abraham.

Genesis 17:9

And God said untoAbraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

God called Jacob Israel.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no moreJacob, butIsrael: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

The twelve tribes of Israel started with Jacob's twelve sons when they became a nation in Egypt . In Genesis 49, Jacob blesses his sons, who become the fathers of the 12 tribes.The sons are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin.

Genesis 49:28

All these are thetwelvetribesof Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

A true Jew is from within ( spiritual).

Romans 2:29

But he is aJew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Jesus Christ took the seed of Abraham in the flesh.

Hebrews 2:16

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed ofAbraham.

Because of Abraham faith, he became a Jew inwardly.

Hebrews 11:17

By faithAbraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Romans 4:16

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith ofAbraham; who is the father of us all,

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 1 b

Apostle Paul is a Jew in the flesh.

2 Corinthians 11:22

Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed ofAbraham? so am I.

Because of Abraham, we received the blessings through Jesus Christ of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:14

That the blessing ofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are bless to receive blessings of being Abraham's seed .

Galatians 3:29

And if ye be Christ's, then are yeAbraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Now Jesus Christ is made of the seed of David in the flesh.

Romans 1:3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedof David according to the flesh;

Galatians 3:16

Now toAbrahamand his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the first true Jew.

2 Timothy 2:8

Remember that JesusChristoftheseedofDavid was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Romans 9:27

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

The first covenant that will run through Israel.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day theLordmade acovenantwith Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Some would say, " here it is, we are Spirit Jews and inherit all of Israel's covenants

.

Romans 8:17

And if children, thenheirs;heirsof God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.

Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

This will only go to the Jews, The New Covenant, because the old one didn't work for Israel.

Hebrews 8:7

For if that firstcovenanthad been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

Hebrews 8:10

For this is thecovenantthat I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Jeremiah 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith theLord, that I will makeanewcovenantwith the house ofIsrael,and with the house of Judah:

Romans 11:27

For this is mycovenantunto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 3

The grace age church in the Body of Christ Jesus is Heavenly.

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesin Christ:

Ephesians 2:6

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenlyplacesin Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Amen, glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the Heavenly Places

How important is the Jews ? ? The Jew had the word of God and all the blessings that came with it.

Romans 3:1-2

1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Acts 7:38

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the livelyoraclesto give unto us:

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, let him speak as theoraclesof God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

May we all love the Jew and pray for them.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

What is the second coming of Jesus Christ ? ? The only way to answer this question is to read the scriptures. Jesus Christ was on earth for 33 years and He died on the cross for all our sins. Now Jesus Christ will come again to land on earth, but before He lands, He will call us up, all the grace age church, dead or alive to meet him in the Clouds , it's called the Rapture.

This is the second coming of events of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:38-40

38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Revelation 1:7

Behold,hecomethwithclouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Jude 1:14

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

The wicked will be taken out first . That is the the Rapture event.

Matthew 13:41-42

41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Peter never speaks of the Rapture, only the second coming of Jesus Christ inwhich is the Tribulation.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

Jesus Christ will return on land, on Mount Olivet again.

Acts 1:11-12

11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

Only Apostle Paul speaks of the Rapture or Gathering in the clouds with Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:52-58

52In 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.

53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

May we all believe that we are in the third Gap Theory right now.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

There are three Gap Theory in the Bible .

God does things in three's .

The first is the earth was made void.

Genesis 1:2

And theearthwas without form, andvoid; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

The second was Noah's food.

Genesis 6:17

And, behold, I, even I, do bring afloodof waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

The third is the church age and the Rapture inwhich was revealed to Apostle Paul in a revelation and we are living in it right now.

Jesus stop reading in the middle of the verse. Did Jesus Christ keep the third Gap Theory a secret ?

Luke 4:18-19

18 The Spirit of the Lordisupon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Note: Jesus was reading Isaiah 61:1-2 , but stop in the middle of chapter 2. Jesus knew the Church of Grace was going to begin.

What Jesus said that day was important in describing the times in which he ministered, but he closed the book before he finished the sentence in Isaiah.

Equally important as what he read before he sat down, was what he purposely did not read all of the verses

The sentence inIsaiah 61:2continues:

"and the day of vengeance of our God" - Isaiah 61:2

Why did Jesus Christ keep the resurrection a secret from the Twelve Disiples ? ? ?

Mark 9:9-10

9And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

10And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

Here is another time when Jesus was explaining his death and resurrection and they understood nothing.

Matthew 16:21-22

21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

John 20:6-10

6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home

The Disciples couldn't understand the future resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Luke 18:31-34

31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 3

Jesus Christ kept the resurrection a secret.

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have beenkeptsecretfrom the foundation of the world.

Jesus Christ has secrets .

Romans 16:25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which waskeptsecretsince the world began,

Apostle Paul was revealed the mystery of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is themysteryof godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Apostle Paul was revealed another mystery.

Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of thismystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Jesus Christ revealed mystery to Apostle Paul in a revelation.

Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known unto me themystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Apostle Paul know the mystery of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:4

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in themysteryof Christ)

Apostle Paul was given the gospel of grace in a mystery.

Ephesians 6:19

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known themysteryof the gospel,

Apostle Paul was given another mystery in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of thismysteryamong the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 4

God has Secret.

Deuteronomy 29:29

AThesecretthingsbelongunto theLordour God: but thosethingswhich are revealedbelongunto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

None of the Twelve Disiples was waiting outside the grave site for Jesus Christ resurrection. They never believed it.

Matthew 28:1-6

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay

I Corinthians 2:6-8

6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Note: God knew that Israel would stumble and fall. God kept the resurrection a secret from the world until he revealed it the Apostle Paul. We are now in the Grace age of Church through Jesus Christ in the body . The epistles of Apostle Paul, Romans through Philemon is our daily church living for today and the rest of the Bible is for learning.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 1

What in the world is the Kingdom of God ? ?

Think of a large circle being the Kingdom of God and the two small circles are Israel and the Church . Israel will have the kingdom of heaven on earth and the Church the body of Christ will have the heavenly places.

Jesus Christ is promising the Twelve Disiples the kingdom on earth and become kingdom of priests.

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in thethroneof his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelvethrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

kingdom of priests.

The Twelve Apostles will have there new Jerusalem on earth and Jesus Christ will be there King.

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

The church, the body of Christ will have the heavenly places.

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Satan has a kingdom too and it on earth and the universe, but one day he will be kicked out.

Matthew 4:5-9

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Ray. In Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 151-4

Part 3

Satan inherit the earth and universe when Adam sinned in the garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:1

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which theLordGod had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

God had to buy us back from Satan .

1 Corinthians 6:20

For yeareboughtwithaprice: therefore glorify God in your body,and in your spirit, whichare God's.

Our kingdom is in the third Heaven where Jesus Christ dwell .

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenlykingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 14:17

For thekingdomof God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 15:24

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up thekingdomto God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

I believe we will have some part in the kingdom of heaven on earth, because where Christ is, we will be with him. One day we will see Apostle Paul in the heavenly kingdom where Jesus Christ dwell .



Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Why do Jews in the Old Testament and including the four gospels don't talk about Heaven in the Godhead ? ?

The earthly Kingdom will appear again, but the grace age believes in the Body of Christ Jesus will be taken up in the Rapture first.

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look fornewheavens and anewearth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

New Jerusalem will be the new kingdom on earth.

Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which isnewJerusalem, which cometh down out ofheavenfrom my God: and I will write upon him mynewname.

Jesus Christ will be the New Messiah drinking the cup in New Jerusalem.

Mark 14:25

Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in thekingdomof God.

The Twelve Disiples will have there New Jerusalem, the kingdom on earth.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in mykingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Kingdom of Heaven on earth will appear again.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 1

Does God heal today ? ?

God will take away some of our gifts and replace it with the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 13:8

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shallcease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

We now have the word of truth .

1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall bedoneaway.

Apostle Paul wants us to pray in the Holy Spirit.

Praying always with allprayerand supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

We should always gift thanks to the Father in Heaven before we ask .

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing byprayerand supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

We should pray to do no evil.

2 Corinthians 13:7

Now Iprayto God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

We should pray for knowledge.

Philippians 1:9

And this Ipray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

We should pray always everyday.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praywithout ceasing.

God want us to pray for everything in life.

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that menprayevery where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

We all have the tools to overcome everything in life and that is the Bible.

Ephesians 6:11-18

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I believe God heals today, but in prayer only . May God heal us all in the Gospel of Grace.

Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Thanks brother for your clarification. And I fully agree with you that we have a mission field right where we live, but if the Lord should direct us further afield then our total obedience is required.

Why I wrote the way I did, was when you made it a personal shortcoming, when you said, 'that what I wrote made you feel like a lazy Christian and you also felt sad about not doing something similar'. So, I wrote with that thought in mind, not just for you, for many others, including myself, when we don't take up opportunities or the Spirit's leading to share something of eternal things with others. True, going to another country may not always be our 'calling', but I believe that for every believer, redeemed from their sins & from the certain destiny of hell, our hearts must "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in (us) with meekness and fear". And those last words, 'meekness and fear' are so meaningful: our manner of sharing cannot be overbearing or brash, but in gentleness listening to the other person's real needs & where they're at; and "in fear", not just in the seriousness of the message but for Whom we are speaking on behalf & knowing the horrible end of those who reject the Gospel.

So brother, my words were given quite generally, for we all have a sense that we could & should be doing more, whether at home or abroad, to make Christ known. Apologies, if I conveyed to you the wrong meaning. GBU.

Yes , briefly , I have seen an example of this in my own congregation . It's mostly ( about 90 percent ) made up of older people . Our elders are slightly younger . We got a large influx of Iranian refugees interested in learning the Truth , most of them under the age of 50 , and our elders became quite obsessed with them , to the detriment of the rest of the congregation .

We ordinary members waited for what we suspected was coming , and it did . After many months most of the Iranians drifted away , just a few if the younger ones stayed and our elders still spend a disproportionate amount of time with and on them . But the rest of us are strong in the Lord do we try not to get resentful about it . The Iranians that stayed seem nice enough and time will tell if their hearts are true . For a year or so our elders were very very focussed on them and I could see that some of our older members felt very neglected .

Hello Chris

I think you have misunderstood me. when I said the philosophy of my church is to "save your house first". I meant "house" as "country". So our focus is mainly for what can be done inside my country and nation and secondarily for other nations, as far as our hand can reach. I find it somehow strange to give your energy and time for others when your own people are in a desperate need. Our own comes first. Isn't this sensible and right? Of course there is a need for all the world, but not everybody can do that. Even in the early church, there were a few that worked as missioners outside Israel, mainly Paul with Timothy, Luke, Silas and the rest forming a small team. But the rest of the apostles stayed home and worked there. And also there is need to look carefuly what is done inside the church because times are tough and the world has started invading the church bringing inside the spirit and mind.of the world. And the young generations are very volnurable. They are affected. So everybody has to stay in their position. Not everybody is a head in the Body of Christ, not everybody is a hand, not everybody is a leg, but everybody has to take their own position in the church and work according to their gift or physical talent. So lets start spreading the good news of gospel to our neighbor first and then go a little bit further away. Thanks for the inspirational stories you have shared. I would like to read more in the future. Blessings.

Colossians 2:8-23

8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfy of the flesh.

Page 2. Giannis.

As one preacher often said, "if we are concerned & praying for lost souls, then God makes that prayer truly effective when we don't just sit & do nothing, but take up any opportunity He gives us to tell another that there is One Whose Name is Jesus, Who can lift that burden of sin & give a new blessed life in and through Him".

And you're right about the general apathy in Europe, indeed everywhere we go in most countries - people are simply not interested even to hear about these weightier & eternal matters anymore, but content to pursue their immediate dreams & lusts caring not for the destiny of their soul. My Mother-in-law (before she became one to me) was traveling, on a visit to London, on one of their double-decker buses, and sat next to a young girl for a part of that journey. She asked the girl about Jesus, & the girl, in all honesty & surprise, said that she never heard of this Jesus - didn't even know of such a name or such a Man. My m-i-l was totally amazed & floundered in disbelief that such people could exist, even in such a country as England where Christ was once so well proclaimed & largely embraced, even nominally.

May we earnestly pray for lost, hell-bound souls, and when we go out into their world, seek the Spirit's guidance to help someone find the correct way to a life of real joy, hope & peace with God our Redeemer. Every blessing & thanks brother for your sharing with us.

Page 1.

Thank you brother Giannis for sharing your knowledge of those regions around you & further thoughts on what I presented. Yes, a Christian can be considered as 'lazy', if he has no interest in the state of another's soul or welfare, or being weak in faith, has no inclination to hear & respond to God's Voice to him. I think that we all, who earnestly desire to live & walk in the Holy Spirit, yearn to be of service or help to another: isn't this that Love that the Spirit fills us with - to see to another's needs & concerns first of all?

And what would be the most important way to do this, but to first have a very real ongoing concern for another's salvation & then see to their spiritual growth. And that is not just a concern for our family & friends, to whom are our first & great responsibility (our Jerusalem), but also to see to the 'Judeans, Samaritans, & the rest of the world', however we are able. When we are truly in tune with the Spirit, He will direct our paths to where & to whom we should go. But will we be obedient or else find some excuse? I think that is where we will suffer from receiving the fullness of God's Help & Blessing, whenever we know the leading of His Spirit towards a lost & helpless soul, but turn aside from His Word to us.

We all get opportunities to share the Gospel, but when we respond to the Spirit's prompting & directing, He will also embolden us, giving us His Words to share, not fearing what man might think of us or do. My own demeanor generally is to be reserved or even withdraw, but if put into a situation where I am able to converse with another, I always ask for the Lord's Help to speak or even to cause the other person to give me a lead-in question or statement that can be built on with the Gospel. In most of Asia, this isn't difficult as religion is 'built in' their belief system & outlook, but not so in the West. Onto Page 2.

I think it's very helpful , when we read the Old Testament , to know exactly who is being referred to when the words God , or Lord etc are used . Do all these different names actually refer to different beings ? You can and should , make your own mind up . Here's what I know .

El , pronounced Ail , rendered God . Represents Power , Might Strength . The Great First Cause , Power Uncreate . The means by which the angels perform their duties and the Lord Jesus his miracles . Psalm 18 v 32 , it is El that girdeth me with strength .

Eloah , also rendered God . Signified Mighty One , who's might is derived from El . Therefore the Deity in specific manifestation . This word is used of Jesus ( who is the manifestation of the Father ) in Job 19 v 26 and in Hab 3 v 3 . Hab reference should have been translated in the future tense - "shall come " .

Names of God part one . Part two to follow soon ish .

Thanks Brother Ronald.

It didn't come to my email.

However, This one did.

Thanks

2/28/25___



We were always taught,

" Watch your mouth."

Today's verse speaks to the conversations we have with each other. Be careful what comes out your mouth. Once it is said, you can't take it back. God help us all!!!

How long did it take the children of Isreal to go from Egypt to the promised land? The usual answer which I often thought was 40 years . But no . It was just over two years . But the church of which I am a part has made the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years as the norm. Jordan is death and the promised land heaven. This cannot be so . For there are no giants in heaven to conquer etc or land to battles to be fought and while Jordan is a type of death it is not the death of the body but rather the 'death' of baptism it is the entering into the spiritual life .

Paul warned the church to be not .Ike them that "entered mkt in because of unbelief"

Unbelief is not simply not believing God it's believing another message .

Paul also warned us not to be deceived like Eve. She too believed the wrong message .

When they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years thry were still His people , they had miracles every day twice on Saturday . Their cloths did not wear out . The fire by night and the cloud by day. Yet withall that they were out of the centre of Gods will.

The wilderness was boot camp as it were where civilians become soldiers . It need not have taken any longer as proved by Joshua snd Caleb who were ready .

Is it not about time we believed God ? Is it not written the Bride Christ will come out if the wilderness terrible as an army wuth banners ,leaning upon the arm ( trusting and not upon our own understanding) of her beloved"

The Lord said to be ready " be ye also ready" for we do not know the hour but we know what season we are in .Fir if by Hebrews 1:1 God hath spoken in these last days by His Son over 2000 years ago then those days were clearly "green" if those were green then today it is very dry and ready for the fire .

Is your name written in the book of LIFE ? ?

Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in thebookoflife

Anyone that was not found in the book of life is in be trouble.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in thebookoflifewas cast into the lakeoffire.

There's only one way to Heaven and that's believing the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .

Jesus Christ warns us about Him and His word .

Matthew 10:33

But whosoever shalldenyme before men, him will I alsodenybefore my Father which is in heaven.

Apostle Paul warns us about denying Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if wedenyhim, he also willdenyus:

May God Almighty in the third Heaven have mercy on us .

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Denial of the gospel of grace is cruel.

Will God give us a new body ? ? Will it be like Jesus body and will we be 33 years old ? ?

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

We are one body with Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:5

So we, being many, are onebodyinChrist, and every one members oneofanother.

We are going to be judged according to what we did with our earthly body for the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seatofChrist; that every one may receive the things done in hisbody, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

We don't have a new body until we die or be taken up in the clouds to meet Jesus Christ. We only have the Holy Spirit living inside us. We are still sinners, but sin less .

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

What? know ye not that your body is thetempleof the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Time is running out, Jesus Christ will call us up .

Romans 16:20

AndtheGod of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.Thegrace of ourLordJesus Christbewithyou. Amen.

God bless us all in the Gospel of Grace.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

One day, we will have a new body.