Even in 1 Corinthians Chapter 5, where there was one man in the church in Corinth that was committing sexual immorality, and Paul says you're not doing anything about it. Don't you know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? One person living in un-repented sin in a church affects the whole church. Just think of how much effect it has on a church if you have 1,000 people show up.
When our main goal is "numbers," there will always be problems. In the early church, they wouldn't let any single church get larger than 10 to 15 people, because then people would notice you, and they were trying to hide from all the persecution and meet privately. But also, because 10 to 15 people were about all a person could really pastor and keep track of all week long, so that people could help each other that are within the fellowship.
We push in the opposite direction, and we bring the leaven into the church. We bring in the false teaching into the church because we want to get as many people in there as possible, when in reality, from day one, the church was for Christians to get fed and to grow. That doesn't mean the church can't evangelize and preach the gospel message. But the church was specifically for God's people, to feed them. And we've lost our way!
In 3 John, he's going to minister to another fellow by the name of Gaius who has a church in his home. But there's somebody in that fellowship that basically has taken this commandment too far: don't let anybody stay in your home that's come from John.
And so, when John sent out people to these various churches to minister to them, this one guy says don't house John's helpers.
So, John's going to have some things to say to him. And then after we get finished with that, we'll take the one chapter of Jude. Some believe Jude is the most powerful book in the bible. It is very powerful, and we'll study about false teaching in the last days.
2 John 1:13 - The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Then he says, the children of your elect sister greet you. Amen. Nothing about the sister, but the children of the elect sister. The ones who were with John greet her. And it is believed that whoever the elect sister is, she's either not there, or she has deceased.
One of the reasons that causes us to interpret this as a real person is because it is written to someone who houses people in their home, not to the whole church type of a thing, even though it would apply to everyone.
But children are children of God, not children of the church. So, if the sister is the church, and her children are the members of the church, that wouldn't fit with correct doctrine. People are not children of the church. They're children of God. There are many different approaches that people take, but the teaching section remains the same, and it remains for us.
For many years now, the "public" church opens up the body of Christ to the non-believers, and the heretics, and everybody else to come in. And there's nothing you can do about it, not unless they cause a disturbance. You can ask them to leave, but they don't have to leave because it's a public church. It's illegal to kick them out!
I know of a pastor who was approached and told that there was some immoral activity going on in his congregation, right there in the church service. And he said he knew about it but he couldn't do anything because they would sue him! So, we have this problem today. And I look at the early church, and how the scripture says don't let them in your house if they don't have the correct doctrine of Jesus Christ.
But yet, there's a philosophy and a mentality today that that's what church is for. Bring in all the non-believers, and all the quacks, and all the false whatever's, and we'll preach the gospel to them. Well, what do you do when they stay around, and they propagate their own false teachings?
2 John 1:12 - Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
So, he says I'm writing this because this is urgent. Don't let anybody in your house that does not carry the correct doctrine of Jesus Christ. But it's interesting that he says I write with paper and ink. Actually, the leaves of the papyrus plants in Egypt were used like paper, what we know as paper.
And they used to make ink out of soot and water, mixed with resin gum to make it hard, sort of like a chalk stick. And they would write on this papyrus paper leaf. He says I'm writing to you on the papyrus with ink, but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
2 John 1:10 - If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
That last phrase, neither bid him God speed, means do not speak greetings. Receive him not into your house, neither speak greetings to him. Now that's pretty harsh! But if you remember, the church met in the homes. But especially this elect lady, she was hospitable towards traveling teachers and preachers.
She had to find out what their doctrine was and if they did not hold to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, as taught by Christ and the apostles, she was not to let them into her home. In our day and time, people might say that this is not showing love. But that is John's whole point here. We as believers, we compromise with the truth for the sake of love. But that's not divine love.
2 John 1:11 - For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
The word partaker is the word KOINONIA which means fellowship, fellowship with their evil works. Now that's pretty heavy! What he's saying is that truth and love go hand in hand. You cannot compromise with the truth and say "Well, we don't agree on the truth, but we'll just love one another!"
Remember what John said at the beginning, I love my children who walk in truth. They are inseparable. God's divine love only loves in the truth, period! And we're doing others and ourselves a grave disservice by compromising with the truth for the sake of what we call love, so that we don't offend anyone.
What kind of love is that anyways if I have to compromise with the truth and you die in your sins? We have to ask ourselves, is it really love if we compromise with the truth so that that person doesn't get offended in the truth of Christ? We're supposed to represent the truth of Christ, and His love.
2 John 1:9 - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Whosoever transgresses, and abides (MENO) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. Does not have God!
A person is called a transgressor that's going beyond. The Gnostics went beyond the teachings of Jesus Christ, or the doctrine of Christ. And they went beyond the teachings of the apostles. They didn't remain in the doctrine of Christ but went in another direction. John says they do not have God.
He that abides, (Present Participle), the one who is abiding continuously in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. Uh oh! The Gnostics don't believe the Father and the Son go together, or as one. Here we go again!
Jesus said, the Father judges no man, but has given all judgement to the Son, that as all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. If you do not honor the Son, you honor not the Father who has sent Him. They go together. You cannot separate them. You cannot give the Father honor and not the Son. And you can't give the Son honor and not the Father.
John 5:18 says therefore the Jews sought to kill Him because He not only had broken the Sabbath day, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. They knew! Some might say, "Well, I wouldn't have gotten that out of that." That's because ours is in an English translation.
The way it is understood in the Middle East, when Jesus said my Father works today, and I work, He's saying the Father and I are one. So, they sought to kill Him because it says He made Himself equal to God. Jesus could have told them "No, no, you guys misunderstood me," because that's blasphemy to call Him God.
But He didn't do that, because He is God! And they sought to kill Him. So, the person who is abiding in the correct doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:7 - For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This person is, and these have Definite Articles, this person is (the) deceiver, and (the) antichrist. We have a false confession going on. So, he is encouraging them to walk in love and keep the commandments as the evidence in the believer's life. Now you might think that's a pretty simple thing, but he's actually setting her up for something here.
2 John 1:8 - Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Look to yourselves, and that's the first commandment in the letter, look. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have worked, but that we receive a full reward.
A believer cannot lose their salvation. I am saved because Christ is in me. Jesus Christ would have to leave me in order for me not to be saved. And He says He won't do that. That's the basis of salvation. Once I'm saved, the work that Christ performs in my life, the changes and the transformation that takes place in me, the renewing of the mind, it lasts forever. But it's a growth process.
We see in 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, and in 2 Peter Chapter 1 that a believer is going to suffer loss, not their salvation, but we're going to pass through the fire. This is not Hell. It's sort of a "test range." But we're going to pass through the fire and that which is not of Christ is going to burn. And whatever we have left, that's who we will be throughout eternity.
So, he's saying to those people, be watching, so that first of all, we don't lose the work, the ministry that we've done among you. And secondly, you don't miss receiving your full reward by being distracted away from love and truth.
2 John 1:2 - For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Verse 2 in the Greek text says, On account of the truth. That's the literal translation. It's the premise, the basis. On account of the truth, which is dwelling in us, and shall be with us forever. Of course, he's personifying truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. If you have Christ, you have life. If you have Christ, you have the truth. We have the truth that dwells in us, and the truth will be with us forever!
2 John 1:4 - I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
He says, I rejoiced greatly that I have found of your children walking in truth. He keeps repeating it over, and over again. But he's doing it for a purpose. He says I have greatly rejoiced that I have found of your children walking in truth.
Walking is a Participle, showing a way of life, a habit of life. It is very rare to find these days. That's why John says I greatly rejoiced when I found out that your children are walking in the truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
2 John 1:5 - And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
And now I beseech thee, lady, and the word beseech which usually means appeal, in this instance, it means request. He's not commanding them. He's not appealing to them. He says now I make a request of thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we should be loving one another.
Again, notice that it's not a command. We who know Christ, if indeed we are saved, then we should be loving one another. That's the evidence of being saved. It's not something that we have to practice doing.
And Christians helped other Christians so they wouldn't have to stay at the Inns. Not only did it cost them money at the Inns, but the Inns were corrupt. They were mainly dens of prostitution. And for the believers who were traveling, they would come into town and find out who the Christians were and then stay at someone's home. It didn't cost them anything, and it kept them away from the corruption that took place at the Inn.
So, this woman, and in fact, some people go as far as to take the Greek word for the word lady, in elect lady. The word lady is KURIA. Some believe that's her name, the elect KURIA. But it is some woman who obviously is important in the church. Some believe it is Mary, that she would be the elect lady, and her children. So, it's from the elder John, to this elect lady and her children.
Then he says whom, that's plural for all of them, for the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; That's a strange statement. Aren't we supposed to love everybody? Interesting that God's love is not separated from the truth. The bible says love not the world, neither the things in the world. That includes the people.
How did God show His love for the world? It was by sending His Son to die for their sins. But it was His own people that He blessed! Others who had not repented, who did not belong to Christ, they were still in their sins. God worked with them, but He didn't share with them the humanitarian kind of love that we think love is.
These people whom I love in the truth. What if they're not in the truth? Well, that's exactly the point!
And not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; Notice "have known." That's a Perfect Tense. He's talking about those with him, his friends, people he fellowships with. They also love those who are walking in the truth. That is, those who have known the truth.
So it is to a woman, and her children. And many believe that because John, and you'll remember at the cross in John Chapter 19, John was given Mary to take care of her. Jesus said son behold thy mother, and mother behold thy son. And He's talking to John, that after the death of Christ, John was to take care of Mary.
It's interesting, because again John who is in his 90's now, he is in the city of Ephesus, and many believe that he's writing to her and the church that is in her home, and that she does have children. Now keep in mind that the early church was not in a building. It didn't have names on it. It was not an organization.
The early believers, for almost three hundred years, they either met in the home, or as the persecution increased over the years, they met in secret. And so, you get this idea when you hear about the church, that there's this grandioso building, with stained glass windows, and the whole deal, you know?
But the word church in the bible (EKKLESIA) means called out ones. It's the name of the people. People are the church, the called-out ones. What John is dealing with here is this wonderful elect lady and her children, and the fact that she has some of the church people in her home at times.
But he indicates for sure that she gives lodging to traveling Christians, especially traveling preachers. And that's what they did in those days. The preacher would come into town, and he would seek out what families in town were being hospitable to the itinerate preachers, and they would go and stay there with them.
2 John was written to combat the infiltration of Gnostic teaching into the church. John's main theme is the correct doctrine of the humanity of Jesus Christ. The sub-theme is the assurance of salvation for genuine believers.
2 John 1:1 - The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
He says the elder. He's introducing himself as the elder. He is elder in two different ways. He's in his 90's now. He's in Ephesus as the oldest apostle still living. All the others have died a martyr's death. He is the elder in position, and age. He says unto the elect lady and her children.
There are two views as to who the elect lady is. Some believe that it is a church, and that her children are the members of the church. In Verse 13 itself, in signing off, he says the children of your elect sister greet you. There's no greeting from the sister. Apparently, she's not there. Or if it's a person, she's passed away, and only the children send their greetings.
You may or may not agree, but it is my position that he's actually writing to a woman and her children. It is interesting, as you carry that out, as archaeologists have found that the city of Ephesus is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived and died in her later years. And of course, Matthew 13:55 tells us that after the birth of Jesus Christ, Joseph and Mary had other children.
Some groups don't believe that. They want to keep Mary pure and a virgin for her whole life. But that's not what the bible teaches. She was a virgin up to the birth of Christ. But there are other brothers and sisters to Him. And He actually had interaction with them during His public ministry.
Thanks GiGi for your comments & adding further to this thread. I understand that this belief has different interpretations, but also those views were present from the earliest known writings. You referred to Zwingli & Luther and then to Ignatius of Antioch.
A major part of the writings by the early Church fathers on this matter stemmed from the prevailing Gnostic (Docetic) heresies rife within the Church. So when we read from Ignatius or Irenaeus for example, we must bear in mind that that was what was primarily in their minds: to refute the Docetic heresy that Jesus did not possess a real physical body of flesh & blood (even as the Apostle John warned against such in 2 John 1:7). So when Jesus spoke speaking of the bread & wine, "this is My Bodythis is My Blood of the New Testament", these fathers would show & confirm with the Church that from the very Mouth of Jesus, He affirmed His physical presence & not some phantom-like appearance as declared by the heretics.
So, it was not only to combat heresy alone, but also to affirm their beliefs in the symbolic nature of the elements, did those fathers also declare; as Tertullian did, "Having taken the bread and given it to His disciples, Jesus made it His own body, by saying, 'This is My body', that is, the SYMBOL of My body. There could not have been a symbol, however, unless there was first a true body. An empty thing or phantom is incapable of a symbol. He (Jesus) likewise, when mentioning the cup and making the new covenant to be sealed 'in His blood,' affirms the reality of His body. For no blood can belong to a body that is not a body of flesh" (Against Marcion, 4.40). Though I'm sure there were also others of the faith who espoused the actual substance change in the elements.
Anyway, this has been a good discussion, as we share how we understand God's Word, and of course, in all our readings, we must be open to the Spirit's enlightening Work in us. Blessings.
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
1 Corinthians 15:25,28 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
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 is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?
Jesus was obedient to the Father, Jesus said many times it is not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him, the same as we are to do, John 4:34John 5:30Mark 3:35.
Do you believe that a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?
First, I will have to say it was the will of the Father, Jesus at the end even asked His father if there was another way but not Jesus's will but the will of His Father, Matthew 26:39Luke 22:42. We are told this is the foundation of our faith, Jesus' sacrificial death. God cannot die God is Spirit He has no blood to shed for sin it had to be a man, His Son, born of a woman.
John 3:16 God gave His Son not Himself 1 John 2:221 John 4:32 John 1:7Romans 5:82 Corinthians 5:21, God cannot be made sin, 1 Corinthians 15:17 Jesus died, and God raised Him from the dead, the first man to live a perfect life, the first fruits of those who sleep in death. 1 Corinthians 15:14 as said if Jesus was not a man who lived a perfect life and died and was raised from the dead all is vain.
The first Adam was the first man Jesus was the last Adam and the second man, 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. The law had to be fulfilled by a man.
How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?
As we see Luke 2:51-52 Jesus grew up increasing in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man. Jesus was twelve years old and He knew His father was God, but it doesn't say Jesus knew then He was to be the Messiah. God also said He would raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 11:1-5Isaiah 61:1-2 confirmed in Luke 4:18-21. Romans 1:1-42 Timothy 2:8.
Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23
What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17Revelation 3:12.
The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.
As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.
Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3Ephesians 6:231 Thessalonians 1:12 Timothy 1:2Titus 1:42 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.
If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.
To avoid them, you have to know who they are. You can't avoid somebody if you don't know who they are. This idea of identifying and avoiding shows up in
1 Corinthians 5:11;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,
2 Thessalonians 3:14;
2 Timothy 3:5;
2 John 1:10.
In other words, Christians, and shepherds in particular, should be discerning and alert to behavior and teaching that dishonors Christ and destroys people - and not treat it in a casual or harmless way.
And then in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul went beyond just "avoid them" to "rebuke them publicly." So, speaking of elders who persist in error, he said, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin" - and that can be sin of false doctrine or sin of evil behavior, anyone who does not accept correction - "rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.."
And then Paul went on and actually named destructive false teachers:
"Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me" 2 Timothy 4:10.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" 2 Timothy 1:15.
"By rejecting this [faith and a good conscience], some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander" 1 Timothy 1:19-20.
"Their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus" ( 2 Timothy 2:17).
Paul names at least six false teachers that the church should watch out for.
So, I infer from Jesus and Paul and Luke and John that false teaching and destructive behavior are present dangers in this fallen world for the church. And all of us - especially shepherds, pastors - should be alert and discerning to identify and, in appropriate ways, expose. In order to protect the flock, we should expose them and minimize the spread of the gangrene (as Paul calls it).
This is a difficult subject to discuss openly. Being one is to be united in the holy love of God. The way we can do this is to become one with His Son, Jesus Christ the only way to the Father, John 14:6. When a man and woman are married, they become one as we through faith become one in Jesus. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist Jesus was filled without measure with the Holy Ghost/Spirit, God's Spirit, John 3:34.
God was manifested in Jesus, John 14:101 Tim. 3:10. Jesus was the Tabernacle of God, John 10:38. Jesus and the Father are one John 10:30 and Jesus told us we can be one as He and the Father are one, John 17:20-23. Jesus did nothing on His own, only the will of the Father, Jesus was obedient to the Father, Rom. 5:19 and as you said, Jesus was sent by the Father, John 5:30. The doctrine Jesus laid out was not His doctrine but His who sent Him, the Father, John 7:16.
All things are delivered unto Jesus of the Father, Matt. 11:27 and all in heaven and earth is under Jesus's feet, 1 Cor. 15:27 and will be until the last enemy is under His feet, that is death, Rev. 20:14. Jesus said the Father was greater than Him, John 14:28. Scripture says Jesus has a God, 2 Cor. 11:3 1 Eph. 1:3Eph. 1:17Col 1:3 Jesus said He had a God John 20:17.
In the garden, Jesus prayed to the Father that the cup He was about to partake could pass if there was another way, but said not His will but the Father's will, Matt. 26:39. All the introductions, greetings, and blessings in the Scriptures in the New Testament that are given to the followers of Christ and called to be saints from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, two not three.
Rom. 1:7-81 Cor. 1:3-41 John 1:32 John 1:32 Cor. 1:2-3Gal. 1:3-4Eph. 1:2-3Phil. 1:2Col. 1:2-3 2 Thess.1:2 1 Tim.1:2 2 Tim.1:2 Titus 1:4Philemon 1:32 Pet. 1:2.
You must study the Scriptures letting the Holy Spirit the Spirit of God guide you to your understanding, not from my reply, or man.
What does it mean to believe? What is the evidence that we believe? As Paul said, it is like running a race, when we start this race, we believe we are going to finish, and with God's Spirit we have all the determination and motivation we are not only going to finish this race we are going to win this race.
We are saved! We are being saved! We shall be saved! When we start, are all our sins forgiven, our past, present, and our future sins the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and are baptized? Is our salvation guaranteed and we cannot lose it or fall out of grace regardless?
We are saved. Eph. 2:5 When we accept the gospel and are baptized our sins are blotted out, Isaiah 44:22Acts 3:19 and we become a child/son/daughter of God, John 1:12 we are justified, made righteous by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and now we begin a relationship through God's Spirit, and God and Jesus abide in us, 2 John 1:9. This is the start of the race, the beginning of our salvation.
We are being saved. Philippians 1:6 Hearing the Word one believes and is baptized into Christ they are made clean (justification) the work of grace, and the Lord will continue working in us until He returns if we abide in Him John 15:3-5. How does God complete his good work in us? Testing James 1:2-4, chastising Heb. 12:6-7 Our relationship. If we abide in Him, Jesus, and God abides in us. The branches bear the fruit of the vine, the vine produces the fruit not us/branch, sanctification. We are running the race Philippians 2:12
We shall be saved. Redemption and glorification. Our full salvation comes at the end, when Jesus returns. Luke 21:28 "being now justified" We started the race. We are being saved, "being reconciled" we are running the race, 2 Cor. 5:18. We shall be saved at the end of the race. Romans 13:11.
I've been reading the comments concerning the word of God, the Bible.
It appears that y'all have come to a conclusion that the Scriptures are to be the rule & guide of a Christian life, or at least finally stated this conclusion. Friends, no its not!
The Guide & Rule of a Christian life is not the Scriptures, but the Spirit, that gave forth the Scriptures
Jesus said, John 16:13, He didn't say the letter would lead us into all truth, but the Spirit. 1John 2:272Pet 1:3
Rom 8:14; not the letter, but led by the Spirit are the sons & daughters of God
Psalms 143:10Gal 4:10Rom 8:16Rom 8:9
Friends, you who are fermented on the Scriptures, do you not hear what the letters has to say?
2Cor 3:61Cor 2:9-13Rev 2:7,11Rev 2:29 etc;
Jesus was made like unto us in all things, & is our Example, its recorded in Scriptures John 7:15 was not taught by man, but taught & lead by God Spirit John 5:192Cor 5:19,20Rom 8:11 & was made 1Cor 15:45 to all that will receive Him in Spirit.
John the Baptist, was in the wilderness unto the day of his appearing; Luke 1:80 it is written Luke 3: 2 John 1:33 the Spirit of God came to him, taught him & empowered him for the life & ministry chosen for him from the foundation of the world.
The same principle applies to us this day, God has not change, He works the same way He always has & that's by His Spirit.
As I stated previously the Scripture true glory & honor are they give us a true testimony of Christ & point to Him who did return as He promised, & that in Spirit. The Scriptures are very profitable indeed when honor for which they were given forth. The NT is the administration of the Spirit 2Cor 3:8
Paul says Philippians 1:19 The Spirit of Christ is what lead him & taught him all that we read of in his writing. He counted all the knowledge & understanding that he previously attain to & live as Dung, Philippians 3:5-8 compare to the experiential knowledge John 5:17 he received from Holy Spirit. 1John 4:6 do you hear Him?
Sorry brother did not see your last post. I know we differ on this, as long as we inspire each other to study both sides we are doing ok. I feel the word antichrist has been used so many times having people looking for the wrong thing. This beast will ascend out of the bottomless pit, Rev. 17:8 we don't know what he will look like, the man of sin.
The word antichrist is not in Revelation, and where we see it in 1 John 2:18,221 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 all are describing people or the spirit of antichrist, deceivers not a beast. There has been people from the time Jesus ascended claiming to be the Messiah and will deliver them from Roman oppression up to revolts before 70 AD. There was one in Acts 21:38 and some others and probably some today.
2 Thessalonians 2:4, which says this beast will exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Above God, or whatever people all over this world worship, this will be a world event for people of all religions. I agree the deception will be great and he may appear to many as Christ or what or who other people worship. I am sure many will accept him as the Christ.
In Revelation, we have Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and fallen angels on this earth, all working against God, Jesus, and all who have faith in them, it will not be a pleasant time. From the time Satan and his angels are cast down to earth and Satan gives his power, seat, and authority to the beast I only see 3.5 years not 7. And I do not see anyone taken out only the second coming of Jesus. 7 years only comes from Daniel 9 whether that turns out to be true or false. Hope this makes some sense.
If one decide to minister on this site he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide not to minister he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide to treat this community as a round table he has that freedom and if one takes the word of God to be handed serious he had that freedom.
Freedom goes on and if it's freedom you want, give it and expect it from everyone including me.
I'm not giving my opinion, I'm repeating what they have literally said out their own mouth!
If the accusation is false that's one thing but if it's true and is as easy as asking them, feel freely to do so.
In other words ask them directly and they should tell you directly that which they have said "We will be Gods and the Gospel which we preach is man made.
If it don't bother you when they say it don't let it bother you when I repeat it.
This is a King James site and what's written in it tells us to mark such a person.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17.
Galatians 1:8-9.
Titus 3:10.
2 John 1:10-11.
Sometimes it's easier to know what the bible says than to do what it says.
Are you saying you better than Judas, and you are not a son of perdition.
If the son of perdition is describing a single antichrist; then the antichrist was Judas, and the antichrist has already come; IF 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ....the son of predition is also describing antichrist; then there would be 2 antichrist.
The son of perdition is describing all the antichrist, NOT JUST ONE.
2 John 1:7 ....ye have heard that antichrist shall come, EVEN NOW there are many ANTICHRIST ----sons of perdition ---
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceiver you by any means: for THAT DAY --- 2 Thessalonians 2:8 ---the day the lord consumes you ---destroys YOU --- the son of perdition --- with the brightness of HIS COMING ---his PRESENCE IN YOU ---and there first must come a FALLING AWAY ---what have you got to fall away from ----- your deception ---- an repent of what you believe --- the son of perdition is not someone else IT'S YOU ---- it's any person reading God's word --- the word's of God are for whoever is reading those words --- it's about revealing the KINGDOM to the person reading.
If you judge yourself by GOD'S WORD, you want be judged with the world.
Antichrist is any and everything that isn't Christ --- the word of God --- all the beliefs contrary to God's word.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who CONFESS NOT Jesus is COME in the FLESH, this is a deceiver and an a antichrist.
Have you confessed that Christ is come, by HIS resurrection, and now lives IN YOU --- YOUR flesh ---- or are you still deceived and an antichrist needing to have your carnal mind destroyed.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU (your flesh) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Are YOU:
2 Thessalonians 2:4 ... so that he (the son of perdition) sitteth in the temple of God ---- YOUR the temple of God ----so whose on the throne ---Christ, or the son of perdition ----If it's YOU then get back on the cross.
John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Anti means to be opposite that scripture.
A person believes his Life is himself, instead of the LIFE being GOD IN YOU.
The person believes they have FREE WILL.
If you have come to truth you understand that since God is the LIFE IN YOU, it's God's WILL being done IN YOU
There is NO SINGLE antichrist, just millions of antichrist.
1 John 2:18 ....and you have heard that antichrist shall come, even NOW are there many (millions) of antichrist
2 John 1:7 .....who confess not Jesus IS COME in the FLESH .....Christ CAME ONCE, and has already come the SECOND TIME: IN THE FLESH, you can't see him, he came like a thief in the night. The KINGDOM is not in OBSERVATION but UNDERSTANDING.
John 17:22 ....that they may be one, even as we are one ....
Because of the WORKS of the resurrection; ALL FLESH died with Christ, and ALL FLESH rose with Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:27 YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST ....
BELIEVE: Christ has COME IN the flesh: YOU and I and ALL.
Colossisns 1:27 .....THIS MYSTERY .....CHRIST IN YOU .......
Isaiah 28:1 .... that he may do his work (the WORK OF HIS CROSS), his STRANGE WORK, his ACT his STRANGE ACT .....
I was copying and pasting so fast I didn't realize it when I came to the end.
I've noticed something very sinister about some false speakers when you are amongst the worst! They don't have to fully agree with one another in their deception in order to bless one another's mission. They just have one thing in common and that is to stand in the way of truth.
GIVING THEM GOD SPEED.
The word God speed is found in only one passage in the Bible, and only in the King James Version: "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" ( 2 John 1:10-11). Here John is warning believers against receiving false teachers or contributing to the success of anyone bearing a false gospel. To bid a false teacher "godspeed" is to express a wish for his success. Although we should love all people and desire their welfare, we cannot be faithful to the truth and at the same time wish the enemies of truth success in their endeavors. As John says, extending hospitality to a false teacher is to share in his work of falsehood.
As Jacqui said there is a lot out there. The mark we see in Rev. 13 is a mark, or the name of the beast, or the number 666 in their right hand, or in their foreheads. This will not be a mystery at the time, people will not accidentally take it they will take it willingly.
My understanding: the hour of temptation, not taken out, but strengthened to go through, Rev. 3:10 and 2 Thess. 2:7-12 corresponds with the false prophet, by miracles, great wonders, and power was given him in the sight of the beast causing people to take the mark and worship the beast or be killed. A similar thing was done by Decian during the persecution in 250 AD. Instead of a mark, it was a signed and witnessed certificate, that people had to sacrifice to the Roman gods or else.
The number 666, many apply to people, Popes, and other things. This number goes way back in history, it is tied to false god worship, Paganism worship of the hosts of heaven, astrology, the 36 groups of stars, and when added 1+2+3 up to 36 = 666.
The word antichrist, many teachings and millions of dollars have been made on this word. It is in the Bible in 1 John 2:18,221 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 and according to John, there are billions of antichrists in the world not just one. It is also associated with the man of sin, the son of perdition in 2 Thes. 2:3. What is interesting is perdition has the same meaning as the name of the king the angel of the bottomless pit, destruction, Rev. 9.
In Revelation, there is the dragon (Satan), a beast, a false prophet, and the mystery Babylon the great. Satan is cast down and out of heaven permanently Rev. 12, he gives his seat power and authority to the beast, Rev. 13 we see this beast ascends out of the bottomless pit, Rev. 11:7Rev. 17:8. The beast is given 42 months (3.5 years), not 7.
A study of this will carry you all over the Bible. Rev. jumps, what I mean, is parts of the same event will be in another chapter.
Traditions of men, how they make void the word of God, Man's wisdom, philosophy, mans wisdom how it can throw you a curve, penalty can be read of doing so in 2 John 1:5: beginning in verse 5 I should say, where we easily can become a partaker of deeds; there's nothing new under the sun, we know from the book of Ecclesiasties where it tells us how we can be happy/blessed in theese flesh bodies.
Most Holiday's have been perverted/twisted by man, take Christmas for example, Christ wasn't born in December, He was conceived.
So it's the philosophy of man that have twisted traditions that we love and enjoy and partake in.
I love Christmas, I just celebrate it differently since.
Who is an antichrist? Christ is a translation of the Greek word Christos which means anointed one. The Hebrew word is Mashiach translated Messiah which means the anointed one, the chosen one. One who God fixed for a specific purpose set apart to fulfill God's plan.
Jesus said many times that He/Him sent me, Matt. 10:40Mark 9:37Luke 10:16John 5:30 and many more times. Also, Jesus said He came down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of Him who sent Him in John 6:38, and Jesus said this in John 6:35-40.
We see when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit/Ghost, Matt 3:16Mark 1:10Luke 3:22John 1:32, and John 3:34-36 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure. Peter confesses and puts clear the Messiah/Christ, and the miracles, wonders, and signs God did by Him Acts 2:22, also read 23-39.
"God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit", manifest Greek word phanero; revealed, made known, 1 Timothy 3:16John 17:1-8. God gave His only begotten Son, God sent His Son who was come in the flesh, tempted as you or me, and the spirit of antichrist is denying that is true, John 3:161 John 4:32 John 1:7. Christ is not part of Jesus name it is a title, Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is the Christ.
A liar is he who denies or says Jesus is not the Christ/Messiah, and he is an antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. If we deny the Son, we have not the Father but if we acknowledge the Son we have the Father also, 1 John 2:18-24. You must come to your own understanding not mine, with open mind, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, you will.
These verses about the antichrist paint a picture of a deceptive seducing spirit and the people that have been deceived, just like Eve 2 Cor. 11:3. My understanding of these verses does not refer to the beast that will ascend out of the bottomless pit that has come to be called the antichrist.
Hi. You may care to look at these Scriptures: 2 John 1:7 (denial of the divinity of Christ; see also 1 John 2:22 & 1 John 4:2,3). These Scriptures speak about the spirit of anti-christ in those who reject Jesus in both His Person and Office, but THE coming anti-christ is not named in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 1:17. Here's a verse where the emphasis is often placed on whether Paul baptized or not, when thw focus should be on the division amongst believers. Here's the key text. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13..
....IS CHRIST DIVIDED? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
NO! Christ is not divided.
Notice vs 17.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, LEST THE CROSS OF CHRIST SHOULD BE MADE OF NONE EFFECT.
There's power in preaching the cross UNITES BELIEVERS and it is not in man's intellect. It's not in joining another's belief system! It's the baptism of the Holyspirit that puts you into the body of Christ where you become children of God. And the Spirit causes you to love your brother. But it divides unbelievers and believers. Vs18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Read on through
1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
Also 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
I'm at odds with heresies and I respond to those who undermine the truth. But I don't hate them.
Here's verses I try to keep in mind when it seems to be tares, apostates or contentious brothern present.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.
2 John 1:10-11.
Galatians 1:8-10.
Titus 3:9-11.
The thing is it's discernment not partiality. You don't know them by their works, You know them by their fruit. And it certainly seems that certain doctrine is sown to the flesh and produces corruption and is at odds with the truth.
Therefore they're are fruitless.
We also sometimes walk in the flesh "trying to put on politeness" and say something polite by telling these tares they have something to offer, But scripture says otherwise.
You can politely rebuke them with scripture. But any carnal establishment or person will say you're contentious.
I did a thorough study on when Jesus died. It was very interesting that men follows the traditions of men. Paul already warned us in Colossians 2:8
I personally confirmed that Jesus died on Wednesday. Just as the pattern of a wonderful God has created a day, so understanding that a day starts in the evening and the morning Genesis 1:5. Then next a great God gave the Jews a great and only sign of Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40 a prophetic sign of when Jesus will die, buried and resurrected for 3 days and 3 nights. Our God is such a great Intelligent Designer so that the true believers will not be deceived tossed to and fro ( Ephesians 4:14) by any so-called Religious Christian Deceivers. So by knowing this you will know who is lying to you and to stay away from this cult. Revelation 18:4
It was also a perfect match on the day of Passover and the Sabbath. Noticed the day Mary went to the tomb and her preparation of her spices. I will leave a room for you to study.
So anybody says Jesus died on Friday, it is fake news they are making you a merchandised 2 Peter 2:3; Revelation 18:11; Revelation 18:12 Stay away immediately if they do not listen to the truth. The truth will set you free. John 14:6. The greatest and intelligent thing God said is that there is no other interpretation in the word of God. So if you do not get it you must be a lost person and not saved or just not reading your Bible enough. I do want ALL to be saved 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. I just hate the Nicolaitans (2X) Revelations 2:6; Revelation 2:15. Beware of many modern Pharisees.
Main thing is that we true believers 1 John4:2-3; 2 John 1:7 should not be divided 1 Corinthians 1:10; Luke 11:17. We need each other Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 20
We are truly in the last days. Psalms 2:1-12. God wants everybody to understand The Word of God. Many of you will not believe. It is expected. Many will meet Jesus in the cloud 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. See you soon.
2 John 1:13 Continued
Even in 1 Corinthians Chapter 5, where there was one man in the church in Corinth that was committing sexual immorality, and Paul says you're not doing anything about it. Don't you know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? One person living in un-repented sin in a church affects the whole church. Just think of how much effect it has on a church if you have 1,000 people show up.
When our main goal is "numbers," there will always be problems. In the early church, they wouldn't let any single church get larger than 10 to 15 people, because then people would notice you, and they were trying to hide from all the persecution and meet privately. But also, because 10 to 15 people were about all a person could really pastor and keep track of all week long, so that people could help each other that are within the fellowship.
We push in the opposite direction, and we bring the leaven into the church. We bring in the false teaching into the church because we want to get as many people in there as possible, when in reality, from day one, the church was for Christians to get fed and to grow. That doesn't mean the church can't evangelize and preach the gospel message. But the church was specifically for God's people, to feed them. And we've lost our way!
In 3 John, he's going to minister to another fellow by the name of Gaius who has a church in his home. But there's somebody in that fellowship that basically has taken this commandment too far: don't let anybody stay in your home that's come from John.
And so, when John sent out people to these various churches to minister to them, this one guy says don't house John's helpers.
So, John's going to have some things to say to him. And then after we get finished with that, we'll take the one chapter of Jude. Some believe Jude is the most powerful book in the bible. It is very powerful, and we'll study about false teaching in the last days.
Blessings to you all in Christ!
2 John 1:13 - The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Then he says, the children of your elect sister greet you. Amen. Nothing about the sister, but the children of the elect sister. The ones who were with John greet her. And it is believed that whoever the elect sister is, she's either not there, or she has deceased.
One of the reasons that causes us to interpret this as a real person is because it is written to someone who houses people in their home, not to the whole church type of a thing, even though it would apply to everyone.
But children are children of God, not children of the church. So, if the sister is the church, and her children are the members of the church, that wouldn't fit with correct doctrine. People are not children of the church. They're children of God. There are many different approaches that people take, but the teaching section remains the same, and it remains for us.
For many years now, the "public" church opens up the body of Christ to the non-believers, and the heretics, and everybody else to come in. And there's nothing you can do about it, not unless they cause a disturbance. You can ask them to leave, but they don't have to leave because it's a public church. It's illegal to kick them out!
I know of a pastor who was approached and told that there was some immoral activity going on in his congregation, right there in the church service. And he said he knew about it but he couldn't do anything because they would sue him! So, we have this problem today. And I look at the early church, and how the scripture says don't let them in your house if they don't have the correct doctrine of Jesus Christ.
But yet, there's a philosophy and a mentality today that that's what church is for. Bring in all the non-believers, and all the quacks, and all the false whatever's, and we'll preach the gospel to them. Well, what do you do when they stay around, and they propagate their own false teachings?
2 John 1:12 - Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
So, he says I'm writing this because this is urgent. Don't let anybody in your house that does not carry the correct doctrine of Jesus Christ. But it's interesting that he says I write with paper and ink. Actually, the leaves of the papyrus plants in Egypt were used like paper, what we know as paper.
And they used to make ink out of soot and water, mixed with resin gum to make it hard, sort of like a chalk stick. And they would write on this papyrus paper leaf. He says I'm writing to you on the papyrus with ink, but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
2 John 1:10 - If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
That last phrase, neither bid him God speed, means do not speak greetings. Receive him not into your house, neither speak greetings to him. Now that's pretty harsh! But if you remember, the church met in the homes. But especially this elect lady, she was hospitable towards traveling teachers and preachers.
She had to find out what their doctrine was and if they did not hold to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, as taught by Christ and the apostles, she was not to let them into her home. In our day and time, people might say that this is not showing love. But that is John's whole point here. We as believers, we compromise with the truth for the sake of love. But that's not divine love.
2 John 1:11 - For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
The word partaker is the word KOINONIA which means fellowship, fellowship with their evil works. Now that's pretty heavy! What he's saying is that truth and love go hand in hand. You cannot compromise with the truth and say "Well, we don't agree on the truth, but we'll just love one another!"
Remember what John said at the beginning, I love my children who walk in truth. They are inseparable. God's divine love only loves in the truth, period! And we're doing others and ourselves a grave disservice by compromising with the truth for the sake of what we call love, so that we don't offend anyone.
What kind of love is that anyways if I have to compromise with the truth and you die in your sins? We have to ask ourselves, is it really love if we compromise with the truth so that that person doesn't get offended in the truth of Christ? We're supposed to represent the truth of Christ, and His love.
2 John 1:9 - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Whosoever transgresses, and abides (MENO) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. Does not have God!
A person is called a transgressor that's going beyond. The Gnostics went beyond the teachings of Jesus Christ, or the doctrine of Christ. And they went beyond the teachings of the apostles. They didn't remain in the doctrine of Christ but went in another direction. John says they do not have God.
He that abides, (Present Participle), the one who is abiding continuously in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. Uh oh! The Gnostics don't believe the Father and the Son go together, or as one. Here we go again!
Jesus said, the Father judges no man, but has given all judgement to the Son, that as all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. If you do not honor the Son, you honor not the Father who has sent Him. They go together. You cannot separate them. You cannot give the Father honor and not the Son. And you can't give the Son honor and not the Father.
John 5:18 says therefore the Jews sought to kill Him because He not only had broken the Sabbath day, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. They knew! Some might say, "Well, I wouldn't have gotten that out of that." That's because ours is in an English translation.
The way it is understood in the Middle East, when Jesus said my Father works today, and I work, He's saying the Father and I are one. So, they sought to kill Him because it says He made Himself equal to God. Jesus could have told them "No, no, you guys misunderstood me," because that's blasphemy to call Him God.
But He didn't do that, because He is God! And they sought to kill Him. So, the person who is abiding in the correct doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:7 - For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This person is, and these have Definite Articles, this person is (the) deceiver, and (the) antichrist. We have a false confession going on. So, he is encouraging them to walk in love and keep the commandments as the evidence in the believer's life. Now you might think that's a pretty simple thing, but he's actually setting her up for something here.
2 John 1:8 - Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Look to yourselves, and that's the first commandment in the letter, look. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have worked, but that we receive a full reward.
A believer cannot lose their salvation. I am saved because Christ is in me. Jesus Christ would have to leave me in order for me not to be saved. And He says He won't do that. That's the basis of salvation. Once I'm saved, the work that Christ performs in my life, the changes and the transformation that takes place in me, the renewing of the mind, it lasts forever. But it's a growth process.
We see in 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, and in 2 Peter Chapter 1 that a believer is going to suffer loss, not their salvation, but we're going to pass through the fire. This is not Hell. It's sort of a "test range." But we're going to pass through the fire and that which is not of Christ is going to burn. And whatever we have left, that's who we will be throughout eternity.
So, he's saying to those people, be watching, so that first of all, we don't lose the work, the ministry that we've done among you. And secondly, you don't miss receiving your full reward by being distracted away from love and truth.
2 John 1:2 - For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Verse 2 in the Greek text says, On account of the truth. That's the literal translation. It's the premise, the basis. On account of the truth, which is dwelling in us, and shall be with us forever. Of course, he's personifying truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. If you have Christ, you have life. If you have Christ, you have the truth. We have the truth that dwells in us, and the truth will be with us forever!
2 John 1:4 - I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
He says, I rejoiced greatly that I have found of your children walking in truth. He keeps repeating it over, and over again. But he's doing it for a purpose. He says I have greatly rejoiced that I have found of your children walking in truth.
Walking is a Participle, showing a way of life, a habit of life. It is very rare to find these days. That's why John says I greatly rejoiced when I found out that your children are walking in the truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
2 John 1:5 - And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
And now I beseech thee, lady, and the word beseech which usually means appeal, in this instance, it means request. He's not commanding them. He's not appealing to them. He says now I make a request of thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we should be loving one another.
Again, notice that it's not a command. We who know Christ, if indeed we are saved, then we should be loving one another. That's the evidence of being saved. It's not something that we have to practice doing.
2 John 1:1 Continued
And Christians helped other Christians so they wouldn't have to stay at the Inns. Not only did it cost them money at the Inns, but the Inns were corrupt. They were mainly dens of prostitution. And for the believers who were traveling, they would come into town and find out who the Christians were and then stay at someone's home. It didn't cost them anything, and it kept them away from the corruption that took place at the Inn.
So, this woman, and in fact, some people go as far as to take the Greek word for the word lady, in elect lady. The word lady is KURIA. Some believe that's her name, the elect KURIA. But it is some woman who obviously is important in the church. Some believe it is Mary, that she would be the elect lady, and her children. So, it's from the elder John, to this elect lady and her children.
Then he says whom, that's plural for all of them, for the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; That's a strange statement. Aren't we supposed to love everybody? Interesting that God's love is not separated from the truth. The bible says love not the world, neither the things in the world. That includes the people.
How did God show His love for the world? It was by sending His Son to die for their sins. But it was His own people that He blessed! Others who had not repented, who did not belong to Christ, they were still in their sins. God worked with them, but He didn't share with them the humanitarian kind of love that we think love is.
These people whom I love in the truth. What if they're not in the truth? Well, that's exactly the point!
And not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; Notice "have known." That's a Perfect Tense. He's talking about those with him, his friends, people he fellowships with. They also love those who are walking in the truth. That is, those who have known the truth.
2 John 1:1 Continued
So it is to a woman, and her children. And many believe that because John, and you'll remember at the cross in John Chapter 19, John was given Mary to take care of her. Jesus said son behold thy mother, and mother behold thy son. And He's talking to John, that after the death of Christ, John was to take care of Mary.
It's interesting, because again John who is in his 90's now, he is in the city of Ephesus, and many believe that he's writing to her and the church that is in her home, and that she does have children. Now keep in mind that the early church was not in a building. It didn't have names on it. It was not an organization.
The early believers, for almost three hundred years, they either met in the home, or as the persecution increased over the years, they met in secret. And so, you get this idea when you hear about the church, that there's this grandioso building, with stained glass windows, and the whole deal, you know?
But the word church in the bible (EKKLESIA) means called out ones. It's the name of the people. People are the church, the called-out ones. What John is dealing with here is this wonderful elect lady and her children, and the fact that she has some of the church people in her home at times.
But he indicates for sure that she gives lodging to traveling Christians, especially traveling preachers. And that's what they did in those days. The preacher would come into town, and he would seek out what families in town were being hospitable to the itinerate preachers, and they would go and stay there with them.
(2 John Part 1a):
2 John was written to combat the infiltration of Gnostic teaching into the church. John's main theme is the correct doctrine of the humanity of Jesus Christ. The sub-theme is the assurance of salvation for genuine believers.
2 John 1:1 - The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
He says the elder. He's introducing himself as the elder. He is elder in two different ways. He's in his 90's now. He's in Ephesus as the oldest apostle still living. All the others have died a martyr's death. He is the elder in position, and age. He says unto the elect lady and her children.
There are two views as to who the elect lady is. Some believe that it is a church, and that her children are the members of the church. In Verse 13 itself, in signing off, he says the children of your elect sister greet you. There's no greeting from the sister. Apparently, she's not there. Or if it's a person, she's passed away, and only the children send their greetings.
You may or may not agree, but it is my position that he's actually writing to a woman and her children. It is interesting, as you carry that out, as archaeologists have found that the city of Ephesus is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived and died in her later years. And of course, Matthew 13:55 tells us that after the birth of Jesus Christ, Joseph and Mary had other children.
Some groups don't believe that. They want to keep Mary pure and a virgin for her whole life. But that's not what the bible teaches. She was a virgin up to the birth of Christ. But there are other brothers and sisters to Him. And He actually had interaction with them during His public ministry.
A major part of the writings by the early Church fathers on this matter stemmed from the prevailing Gnostic (Docetic) heresies rife within the Church. So when we read from Ignatius or Irenaeus for example, we must bear in mind that that was what was primarily in their minds: to refute the Docetic heresy that Jesus did not possess a real physical body of flesh & blood (even as the Apostle John warned against such in 2 John 1:7). So when Jesus spoke speaking of the bread & wine, "this is My Bodythis is My Blood of the New Testament", these fathers would show & confirm with the Church that from the very Mouth of Jesus, He affirmed His physical presence & not some phantom-like appearance as declared by the heretics.
So, it was not only to combat heresy alone, but also to affirm their beliefs in the symbolic nature of the elements, did those fathers also declare; as Tertullian did, "Having taken the bread and given it to His disciples, Jesus made it His own body, by saying, 'This is My body', that is, the SYMBOL of My body. There could not have been a symbol, however, unless there was first a true body. An empty thing or phantom is incapable of a symbol. He (Jesus) likewise, when mentioning the cup and making the new covenant to be sealed 'in His blood,' affirms the reality of His body. For no blood can belong to a body that is not a body of flesh" (Against Marcion, 4.40). Though I'm sure there were also others of the faith who espoused the actual substance change in the elements.
Anyway, this has been a good discussion, as we share how we understand God's Word, and of course, in all our readings, we must be open to the Spirit's enlightening Work in us. Blessings.
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
1 Corinthians 15:25,28 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
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 is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
God bless,
RLW
Part 4 Trinity discussion.
Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?
Jesus was obedient to the Father, Jesus said many times it is not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him, the same as we are to do, John 4:34 John 5:30 Mark 3:35.
Do you believe that a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?
First, I will have to say it was the will of the Father, Jesus at the end even asked His father if there was another way but not Jesus's will but the will of His Father, Matthew 26:39 Luke 22:42. We are told this is the foundation of our faith, Jesus' sacrificial death. God cannot die God is Spirit He has no blood to shed for sin it had to be a man, His Son, born of a woman.
John 3:16 God gave His Son not Himself 1 John 2:22 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7 Romans 5:8 2 Corinthians 5:21, God cannot be made sin, 1 Corinthians 15:17 Jesus died, and God raised Him from the dead, the first man to live a perfect life, the first fruits of those who sleep in death. 1 Corinthians 15:14 as said if Jesus was not a man who lived a perfect life and died and was raised from the dead all is vain.
The first Adam was the first man Jesus was the last Adam and the second man, 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. The law had to be fulfilled by a man.
How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?
As we see Luke 2:51-52 Jesus grew up increasing in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man. Jesus was twelve years old and He knew His father was God, but it doesn't say Jesus knew then He was to be the Messiah. God also said He would raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 11:1-5 Isaiah 61:1-2 confirmed in Luke 4:18-21. Romans 1:1-4 2 Timothy 2:8.
See part 5
Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23
What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17 Revelation 3:12.
The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.
As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.
Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3 Ephesians 6:23 1 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 Titus 1:4 2 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.
If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.
God bless,
RLW
To avoid them, you have to know who they are. You can't avoid somebody if you don't know who they are. This idea of identifying and avoiding shows up in
1 Corinthians 5:11;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,
2 Thessalonians 3:14;
2 Timothy 3:5;
2 John 1:10.
In other words, Christians, and shepherds in particular, should be discerning and alert to behavior and teaching that dishonors Christ and destroys people - and not treat it in a casual or harmless way.
And then in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul went beyond just "avoid them" to "rebuke them publicly." So, speaking of elders who persist in error, he said, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin" - and that can be sin of false doctrine or sin of evil behavior, anyone who does not accept correction - "rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.."
And then Paul went on and actually named destructive false teachers:
"Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me" 2 Timothy 4:10.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" 2 Timothy 1:15.
"By rejecting this [faith and a good conscience], some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander" 1 Timothy 1:19-20.
"Their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus" ( 2 Timothy 2:17).
Paul names at least six false teachers that the church should watch out for.
So, I infer from Jesus and Paul and Luke and John that false teaching and destructive behavior are present dangers in this fallen world for the church. And all of us - especially shepherds, pastors - should be alert and discerning to identify and, in appropriate ways, expose. In order to protect the flock, we should expose them and minimize the spread of the gangrene (as Paul calls it).
AVOID, REBUKE, AND CALL OUT.
God bless
This is a difficult subject to discuss openly. Being one is to be united in the holy love of God. The way we can do this is to become one with His Son, Jesus Christ the only way to the Father, John 14:6. When a man and woman are married, they become one as we through faith become one in Jesus. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist Jesus was filled without measure with the Holy Ghost/Spirit, God's Spirit, John 3:34.
God was manifested in Jesus, John 14:10 1 Tim. 3:10. Jesus was the Tabernacle of God, John 10:38. Jesus and the Father are one John 10:30 and Jesus told us we can be one as He and the Father are one, John 17:20-23. Jesus did nothing on His own, only the will of the Father, Jesus was obedient to the Father, Rom. 5:19 and as you said, Jesus was sent by the Father, John 5:30. The doctrine Jesus laid out was not His doctrine but His who sent Him, the Father, John 7:16.
All things are delivered unto Jesus of the Father, Matt. 11:27 and all in heaven and earth is under Jesus's feet, 1 Cor. 15:27 and will be until the last enemy is under His feet, that is death, Rev. 20:14. Jesus said the Father was greater than Him, John 14:28. Scripture says Jesus has a God, 2 Cor. 11:3 1 Eph. 1:3 Eph. 1:17 Col 1:3 Jesus said He had a God John 20:17.
In the garden, Jesus prayed to the Father that the cup He was about to partake could pass if there was another way, but said not His will but the Father's will, Matt. 26:39. All the introductions, greetings, and blessings in the Scriptures in the New Testament that are given to the followers of Christ and called to be saints from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, two not three.
Rom. 1:7-8 1 Cor. 1:3-4 1 John 1:3 2 John 1:3 2 Cor. 1:2-3 Gal. 1:3-4 Eph. 1:2-3 Phil. 1:2 Col. 1:2-3 2 Thess.1:2 1 Tim.1:2 2 Tim.1:2 Titus 1:4 Philemon 1:3 2 Pet. 1:2.
You must study the Scriptures letting the Holy Spirit the Spirit of God guide you to your understanding, not from my reply, or man.
God bless,
RLW
Part two
What does it mean to believe? What is the evidence that we believe? As Paul said, it is like running a race, when we start this race, we believe we are going to finish, and with God's Spirit we have all the determination and motivation we are not only going to finish this race we are going to win this race.
We are saved! We are being saved! We shall be saved! When we start, are all our sins forgiven, our past, present, and our future sins the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and are baptized? Is our salvation guaranteed and we cannot lose it or fall out of grace regardless?
We are saved. Eph. 2:5 When we accept the gospel and are baptized our sins are blotted out, Isaiah 44:22 Acts 3:19 and we become a child/son/daughter of God, John 1:12 we are justified, made righteous by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and now we begin a relationship through God's Spirit, and God and Jesus abide in us, 2 John 1:9. This is the start of the race, the beginning of our salvation.
We are being saved. Philippians 1:6 Hearing the Word one believes and is baptized into Christ they are made clean (justification) the work of grace, and the Lord will continue working in us until He returns if we abide in Him John 15:3-5. How does God complete his good work in us? Testing James 1:2-4, chastising Heb. 12:6-7 Our relationship. If we abide in Him, Jesus, and God abides in us. The branches bear the fruit of the vine, the vine produces the fruit not us/branch, sanctification. We are running the race Philippians 2:12
We shall be saved. Redemption and glorification. Our full salvation comes at the end, when Jesus returns. Luke 21:28 "being now justified" We started the race. We are being saved, "being reconciled" we are running the race, 2 Cor. 5:18. We shall be saved at the end of the race. Romans 13:11.
See part three.
I've been reading the comments concerning the word of God, the Bible.
It appears that y'all have come to a conclusion that the Scriptures are to be the rule & guide of a Christian life, or at least finally stated this conclusion. Friends, no its not!
The Guide & Rule of a Christian life is not the Scriptures, but the Spirit, that gave forth the Scriptures
Jesus said, John 16:13, He didn't say the letter would lead us into all truth, but the Spirit. 1John 2:27 2Pet 1:3
Rom 8:14; not the letter, but led by the Spirit are the sons & daughters of God
Psalms 143:10 Gal 4:10 Rom 8:16 Rom 8:9
Friends, you who are fermented on the Scriptures, do you not hear what the letters has to say?
2Cor 3:6 1Cor 2:9-13 Rev 2:7,11 Rev 2:29 etc;
Jesus was made like unto us in all things, & is our Example, its recorded in Scriptures John 7:15 was not taught by man, but taught & lead by God Spirit John 5:19 2Cor 5:19,20 Rom 8:11 & was made 1Cor 15:45 to all that will receive Him in Spirit.
John the Baptist, was in the wilderness unto the day of his appearing; Luke 1:80 it is written Luke 3: 2 John 1:33 the Spirit of God came to him, taught him & empowered him for the life & ministry chosen for him from the foundation of the world.
The same principle applies to us this day, God has not change, He works the same way He always has & that's by His Spirit.
As I stated previously the Scripture true glory & honor are they give us a true testimony of Christ & point to Him who did return as He promised, & that in Spirit. The Scriptures are very profitable indeed when honor for which they were given forth. The NT is the administration of the Spirit 2Cor 3:8
Paul says Philippians 1:19 The Spirit of Christ is what lead him & taught him all that we read of in his writing. He counted all the knowledge & understanding that he previously attain to & live as Dung, Philippians 3:5-8 compare to the experiential knowledge John 5:17 he received from Holy Spirit. 1John 4:6 do you hear Him?
in L & T
Sorry brother did not see your last post. I know we differ on this, as long as we inspire each other to study both sides we are doing ok. I feel the word antichrist has been used so many times having people looking for the wrong thing. This beast will ascend out of the bottomless pit, Rev. 17:8 we don't know what he will look like, the man of sin.
The word antichrist is not in Revelation, and where we see it in 1 John 2:18,22 1 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 all are describing people or the spirit of antichrist, deceivers not a beast. There has been people from the time Jesus ascended claiming to be the Messiah and will deliver them from Roman oppression up to revolts before 70 AD. There was one in Acts 21:38 and some others and probably some today.
2 Thessalonians 2:4, which says this beast will exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Above God, or whatever people all over this world worship, this will be a world event for people of all religions. I agree the deception will be great and he may appear to many as Christ or what or who other people worship. I am sure many will accept him as the Christ.
In Revelation, we have Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and fallen angels on this earth, all working against God, Jesus, and all who have faith in them, it will not be a pleasant time. From the time Satan and his angels are cast down to earth and Satan gives his power, seat, and authority to the beast I only see 3.5 years not 7. And I do not see anyone taken out only the second coming of Jesus. 7 years only comes from Daniel 9 whether that turns out to be true or false. Hope this makes some sense.
God bless
RLW
Yes we have freedom of speech as the world gives.
What is important to spiritual growth is truth!
That's what we earnestly seek for.
If one decide to minister on this site he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide not to minister he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide to treat this community as a round table he has that freedom and if one takes the word of God to be handed serious he had that freedom.
Freedom goes on and if it's freedom you want, give it and expect it from everyone including me.
I'm not giving my opinion, I'm repeating what they have literally said out their own mouth!
If the accusation is false that's one thing but if it's true and is as easy as asking them, feel freely to do so.
In other words ask them directly and they should tell you directly that which they have said "We will be Gods and the Gospel which we preach is man made.
If it don't bother you when they say it don't let it bother you when I repeat it.
This is a King James site and what's written in it tells us to mark such a person.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17.
Galatians 1:8-9.
Titus 3:10.
2 John 1:10-11.
Sometimes it's easier to know what the bible says than to do what it says.
God bless.
Are you saying you better than Judas, and you are not a son of perdition.
If the son of perdition is describing a single antichrist; then the antichrist was Judas, and the antichrist has already come; IF 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ....the son of predition is also describing antichrist; then there would be 2 antichrist.
The son of perdition is describing all the antichrist, NOT JUST ONE.
2 John 1:7 ....ye have heard that antichrist shall come, EVEN NOW there are many ANTICHRIST ----sons of perdition ---
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceiver you by any means: for THAT DAY --- 2 Thessalonians 2:8 ---the day the lord consumes you ---destroys YOU --- the son of perdition --- with the brightness of HIS COMING ---his PRESENCE IN YOU ---and there first must come a FALLING AWAY ---what have you got to fall away from ----- your deception ---- an repent of what you believe --- the son of perdition is not someone else IT'S YOU ---- it's any person reading God's word --- the word's of God are for whoever is reading those words --- it's about revealing the KINGDOM to the person reading.
If you judge yourself by GOD'S WORD, you want be judged with the world.
Antichrist is any and everything that isn't Christ --- the word of God --- all the beliefs contrary to God's word.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who CONFESS NOT Jesus is COME in the FLESH, this is a deceiver and an a antichrist.
Have you confessed that Christ is come, by HIS resurrection, and now lives IN YOU --- YOUR flesh ---- or are you still deceived and an antichrist needing to have your carnal mind destroyed.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU (your flesh) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Are YOU:
2 Thessalonians 2:4 ... so that he (the son of perdition) sitteth in the temple of God ---- YOUR the temple of God ----so whose on the throne ---Christ, or the son of perdition ----If it's YOU then get back on the cross.
God Bless YOU!
John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Anti means to be opposite that scripture.
A person believes his Life is himself, instead of the LIFE being GOD IN YOU.
The person believes they have FREE WILL.
If you have come to truth you understand that since God is the LIFE IN YOU, it's God's WILL being done IN YOU
There is NO SINGLE antichrist, just millions of antichrist.
1 John 2:18 ....and you have heard that antichrist shall come, even NOW are there many (millions) of antichrist
2 John 1:7 .....who confess not Jesus IS COME in the FLESH .....Christ CAME ONCE, and has already come the SECOND TIME: IN THE FLESH, you can't see him, he came like a thief in the night. The KINGDOM is not in OBSERVATION but UNDERSTANDING.
John 17:22 ....that they may be one, even as we are one ....
Because of the WORKS of the resurrection; ALL FLESH died with Christ, and ALL FLESH rose with Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:27 YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST ....
BELIEVE: Christ has COME IN the flesh: YOU and I and ALL.
Colossisns 1:27 .....THIS MYSTERY .....CHRIST IN YOU .......
Isaiah 28:1 .... that he may do his work (the WORK OF HIS CROSS), his STRANGE WORK, his ACT his STRANGE ACT .....
A NEW CREATION
FEW believe this, it makes for many antichrist.
God Bless YOU!
There is no part 6.
I was copying and pasting so fast I didn't realize it when I came to the end.
I've noticed something very sinister about some false speakers when you are amongst the worst! They don't have to fully agree with one another in their deception in order to bless one another's mission. They just have one thing in common and that is to stand in the way of truth.
GIVING THEM GOD SPEED.
The word God speed is found in only one passage in the Bible, and only in the King James Version: "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" ( 2 John 1:10-11). Here John is warning believers against receiving false teachers or contributing to the success of anyone bearing a false gospel. To bid a false teacher "godspeed" is to express a wish for his success. Although we should love all people and desire their welfare, we cannot be faithful to the truth and at the same time wish the enemies of truth success in their endeavors. As John says, extending hospitality to a false teacher is to share in his work of falsehood.
As Jacqui said there is a lot out there. The mark we see in Rev. 13 is a mark, or the name of the beast, or the number 666 in their right hand, or in their foreheads. This will not be a mystery at the time, people will not accidentally take it they will take it willingly.
My understanding: the hour of temptation, not taken out, but strengthened to go through, Rev. 3:10 and 2 Thess. 2:7-12 corresponds with the false prophet, by miracles, great wonders, and power was given him in the sight of the beast causing people to take the mark and worship the beast or be killed. A similar thing was done by Decian during the persecution in 250 AD. Instead of a mark, it was a signed and witnessed certificate, that people had to sacrifice to the Roman gods or else.
The number 666, many apply to people, Popes, and other things. This number goes way back in history, it is tied to false god worship, Paganism worship of the hosts of heaven, astrology, the 36 groups of stars, and when added 1+2+3 up to 36 = 666.
The word antichrist, many teachings and millions of dollars have been made on this word. It is in the Bible in 1 John 2:18,22 1 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 and according to John, there are billions of antichrists in the world not just one. It is also associated with the man of sin, the son of perdition in 2 Thes. 2:3. What is interesting is perdition has the same meaning as the name of the king the angel of the bottomless pit, destruction, Rev. 9.
In Revelation, there is the dragon (Satan), a beast, a false prophet, and the mystery Babylon the great. Satan is cast down and out of heaven permanently Rev. 12, he gives his seat power and authority to the beast, Rev. 13 we see this beast ascends out of the bottomless pit, Rev. 11:7 Rev. 17:8. The beast is given 42 months (3.5 years), not 7.
A study of this will carry you all over the Bible. Rev. jumps, what I mean, is parts of the same event will be in another chapter.
God bless,
RLW
Traditions of men, how they make void the word of God, Man's wisdom, philosophy, mans wisdom how it can throw you a curve, penalty can be read of doing so in 2 John 1:5: beginning in verse 5 I should say, where we easily can become a partaker of deeds; there's nothing new under the sun, we know from the book of Ecclesiasties where it tells us how we can be happy/blessed in theese flesh bodies.
Most Holiday's have been perverted/twisted by man, take Christmas for example, Christ wasn't born in December, He was conceived.
So it's the philosophy of man that have twisted traditions that we love and enjoy and partake in.
I love Christmas, I just celebrate it differently since.
Who is an antichrist? Christ is a translation of the Greek word Christos which means anointed one. The Hebrew word is Mashiach translated Messiah which means the anointed one, the chosen one. One who God fixed for a specific purpose set apart to fulfill God's plan.
Jesus said many times that He/Him sent me, Matt. 10:40 Mark 9:37 Luke 10:16 John 5:30 and many more times. Also, Jesus said He came down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of Him who sent Him in John 6:38, and Jesus said this in John 6:35-40.
We see when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit/Ghost, Matt 3:16 Mark 1:10 Luke 3:22 John 1:32, and John 3:34-36 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure. Peter confesses and puts clear the Messiah/Christ, and the miracles, wonders, and signs God did by Him Acts 2:22, also read 23-39.
"God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit", manifest Greek word phanero; revealed, made known, 1 Timothy 3:16 John 17:1-8. God gave His only begotten Son, God sent His Son who was come in the flesh, tempted as you or me, and the spirit of antichrist is denying that is true, John 3:16 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7. Christ is not part of Jesus name it is a title, Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is the Christ.
A liar is he who denies or says Jesus is not the Christ/Messiah, and he is an antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. If we deny the Son, we have not the Father but if we acknowledge the Son we have the Father also, 1 John 2:18-24. You must come to your own understanding not mine, with open mind, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, you will.
These verses about the antichrist paint a picture of a deceptive seducing spirit and the people that have been deceived, just like Eve 2 Cor. 11:3. My understanding of these verses does not refer to the beast that will ascend out of the bottomless pit that has come to be called the antichrist.
God bless,
RLW
....IS CHRIST DIVIDED? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
NO! Christ is not divided.
Notice vs 17.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, LEST THE CROSS OF CHRIST SHOULD BE MADE OF NONE EFFECT.
There's power in preaching the cross UNITES BELIEVERS and it is not in man's intellect. It's not in joining another's belief system! It's the baptism of the Holyspirit that puts you into the body of Christ where you become children of God. And the Spirit causes you to love your brother. But it divides unbelievers and believers. Vs18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Read on through
1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
Also 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
I'm at odds with heresies and I respond to those who undermine the truth. But I don't hate them.
Here's verses I try to keep in mind when it seems to be tares, apostates or contentious brothern present.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.
2 John 1:10-11.
Galatians 1:8-10.
Titus 3:9-11.
The thing is it's discernment not partiality. You don't know them by their works, You know them by their fruit. And it certainly seems that certain doctrine is sown to the flesh and produces corruption and is at odds with the truth.
Therefore they're are fruitless.
We also sometimes walk in the flesh "trying to put on politeness" and say something polite by telling these tares they have something to offer, But scripture says otherwise.
You can politely rebuke them with scripture. But any carnal establishment or person will say you're contentious.
1 Peter 3:14-17.
God bless.
I personally confirmed that Jesus died on Wednesday. Just as the pattern of a wonderful God has created a day, so understanding that a day starts in the evening and the morning Genesis 1:5. Then next a great God gave the Jews a great and only sign of Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40 a prophetic sign of when Jesus will die, buried and resurrected for 3 days and 3 nights. Our God is such a great Intelligent Designer so that the true believers will not be deceived tossed to and fro ( Ephesians 4:14) by any so-called Religious Christian Deceivers. So by knowing this you will know who is lying to you and to stay away from this cult. Revelation 18:4
It was also a perfect match on the day of Passover and the Sabbath. Noticed the day Mary went to the tomb and her preparation of her spices. I will leave a room for you to study.
So anybody says Jesus died on Friday, it is fake news they are making you a merchandised 2 Peter 2:3; Revelation 18:11; Revelation 18:12 Stay away immediately if they do not listen to the truth. The truth will set you free. John 14:6. The greatest and intelligent thing God said is that there is no other interpretation in the word of God. So if you do not get it you must be a lost person and not saved or just not reading your Bible enough. I do want ALL to be saved 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. I just hate the Nicolaitans (2X) Revelations 2:6; Revelation 2:15. Beware of many modern Pharisees.
Main thing is that we true believers 1 John4:2-3; 2 John 1:7 should not be divided 1 Corinthians 1:10; Luke 11:17. We need each other Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 20
We are truly in the last days. Psalms 2:1-12. God wants everybody to understand The Word of God. Many of you will not believe. It is expected. Many will meet Jesus in the cloud 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. See you soon.
Not all the scripture below are totally relevant, but I think they will help:
Matthew 18:15-18
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Galatians 6:1
1 Timothy 1:3-4
1 Timothy 1:20
1 Timothy 5:1-2
1 Timothy 5:19-20
1 Timothy 6:3-5
2 Timothy 4:2-4
Titus 1:10-11
Titua 3:10-11
Philemon 1:8-9
2 John 1:9-11
Rev 2:14
Rev 2:20