As you know, the kings of Israel chosen by GOD they were anointed with oil by the prophets of the Lord.
To be anointed with oil is to be separated as GOD's chosen one- Matthew 25:31-34. Take a look. The true chosen ones of the Lord are prudent and wise, they have lamp to shine as they walk in the world of darkness, and enough oil to keep the lamp burning to meet the Lord, the bridegroom, and be saved. By the way, He said: Revelation 3:11-13:
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
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.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Att all times, let your garments be white, and let oil not be wanting on your head - Ecclesiastes 9:8.
Revelation 19:5-8:
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our GOD, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord GOD Omnipotent reigneth.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Regarding mystery of GOD, I have already commented in prior posts, our Lord JESUS-the Word made flesh- spoke of this in Matthew 11:27, and according His promise, unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Hallelujah!.
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection
Verse 3. "This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL:....( There's the evil! ) .."THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL" This speaks of the mindset and philosophy of man under the sun.
....yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Now Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 continues on with this mindset of man under the sun.
Some say Proverbs is a book of practical wisdom, while Ecclesiastes is a book of speculative wisdom.
Ecclesiastes presents us a naturalistic vision of life-one that sees life through distinctively human eyes.
Perhaps others would like to share their thoughts.
Scriptures in Ecclesiastes 9:5 states that " The Dead know nothing at all" How is it that the (rich man) was able recognize Father Abraham and Lazarus being comforted within " Abraham Bosom" as well as carry on a conversation with Father Abraham to tell Lazarus dip his finger in water and touch is (the rich man's) tongue , and also ask Father Abraham to send someone from the dead to tell/warn his 5 other brother's not come to where he (the rich man) was in hell ? If the Dead know nothing
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. ( John 5:17).
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ( Colossians 3:23-24).
These two verses demonstrate to us that work in the secular or "spiritual" realm is to be done with all of our might (following the principal of Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ actually states that in some cases such as John 4:38 that they have reaped what others have sown. John 4 discusses the conversion of the Samaritan woman (woman at the well) and her evangelistic campaign. In this case she did the sowing and the Disciples reaped the benefits. It is interesting to think that she was the first evangelist listed even before the Disciples were sent out two by two (I think). Even Jesus didn't have to work that hard in that respect; such gratitude for being saved by sins was shown in other women such as Mary Magdeline. Would we all approach the Great Commission with such eagerness.
When it comes to our everyday jobs I am grateful in my situation even with just part time work being all that I can do with other responsibilities that I am surrounded by people that work hard. I work doing food prep in a high school kitchen; and especially with intense State Inspection coming those who would want to mess about won't remain very long. Having supervisors that I respect in each of the other surrounding schools in the District where we are sent on occasion is an added bonus; along with the lady from one of them that joined our team today. There are a number of passages discussing employer and employee relations (in many cases servant and master analogy). Our work ethic isn't a substitute for sharing God's Word; but an opportune moment won't earn any respect if we don't have a foundation of trusted service for the weeks or months before such a conversation can occur.
Perhaps I should have added verse 2 for more context for my post to better understand the evil mentioned of men under the sun.
HERE'S A PICTURE OF MAN'S VAIN MIND.
Ecclesiastes 9:2.
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. THIS IS AN EVIL AMONG ALL THINGS THAT ARE DONE UNDER THE SUN, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Ecclesiastes 9:2-3
Vs 4. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
The theme here is "the living dog, he will one day parish and never return, as well as the Lion.
However, atleast the dog is alive because according toverse2 "All things come alike to all"
THE VAIN MIND OF THE MEN UNDER THE SUN BELIEVES
( All things come alike to all")
(there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked;)
The life you have now is your portion. It's all you get.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 is commonly used for the belief in soul sleep.
Again, However Ecclesiastes 12:7 says otherwise.
(Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.)
Ok.My point is what my Lord JESUS said.Follow me;and let the dead bury their dead-Mat.8:22.In JESUS is life;the LIFE is the light of men, the LIGHT shineth in darkness;and the darkness comprehend it not- John 1:4-5.
Speaking of dog,what matters and prevails is what is written in Isaiah 56:10-11: 10 His watchmen are blind:they are all ignorant,they are all dumb dogs,they cannot bark;sleeping,lying down,loving to slumber.
11Yea,they are greedy dogs which can never have enough,and they are SHEPHERDS(Pastors)that cannot understand:they all look to their own way,every one for his gain,from his quarter.
And my Lord JESUS warned:Re.22:15-For without are dogs,and sorcerers,and whoremongers,and murderers,and idolaters,and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
And Paul warned:Beware of dogs... Philippians 3:2
JESUS said:Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,murders, adulteries,fornications,thefts,false witness,blasphemies-Mat.15:19
Their throat is an open sepulchre;with their tongues they have used deceit;the poison of asps is under their lips-Ro.3:13:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue:and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
GOD warned Adam:Gen.2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil( Genesis 3:1),thou shalt not eat of it:for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Daniel prophesied:Many that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,some to everlasting life,and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
It because dust is the food of the Serpent-Gen.3:17
The King shall say unto them on His right hand,Come, ye blessed of my Fathe
Are you saying, Shabbat Keeper, that it would be a scary thought that unbelievers will just cease to exist upon dying? Just clarifying. But if that is the case, I doubt if it would be scary for them since they have already died ( Ecclesiastes 9:5) - or have I missed something?
If I were an unbeliever & continued to resist the Gospel of Salvation, knowing that only death & no more was the end of my mortal existence, I would live it up even more while I still have breath - for tomorrow I die & will be no more. What then is the Gospel that we preach? For what purpose did Christ have to come & die? Why did He have to bear the sins of the world with God's Wrath/Punishment, if the unbeliever has none of it to confront him after death? And lastly, if death alone is the punishment, then both believer & unbeliever alike have to face death one day if the Lord tarries. Now if the believer by his faith & God's Mercy never ever tastes of physical death (maybe he gets to old age & then raptured), then maybe there is some small message of hope to the unbeliever in such a Gospel.
Thanks, brother, I hope you did not take Greek Philosophy personally. I understand the Hebrew word nephesh, it can be any being, dog, cat, or cow. It can also mean a soul, a living being, a dead being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, and emotion, basically who we are. When I said the spirit of life, I did not mean it had anything to do with the Spirit of God, sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant spirit/breath as the word neshamah used in Job 27:3.
I understand our being or soul is the same thing it is who we are and who will someday be with Jesus and see God's face. But that day is the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30. In Scripture in death there is no remembrance of us, Psalm 6:5. In death we lie down until, Job 14:12-14 the grave is our house and our bed Job 17:13-16.
We will see death and the grave and our soul will be there Psalm 89:48 and this Ecclesiastes 9:5-10. I know our understanding may be different, but I do not see in Scripture where we or any part of us is immortal until resurrection day 1 Cor. 15:52-53 we will be raised from the grave, us, our soul/being, who we are.
The definition of death is the separation of the soul from the body I do not see in Scripture. It does say there is no knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, death, Ecclesiastes 9:10. I do not see that has changed. I know many understand as you and I hope you take this as just a little of where my understanding comes from, for it does not affect salvation.
The way I see it, we are waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with His reward of eternal life, either we will be alive or asleep in the grave.
Psalm 88. Probably the most depressing passage in all scripture as to a personal viewpoint of experience in this life. This certainly reminds us of the book of Job. (see Job 30:15 in particular).
Verse 4 seems to indicate that this person is near unto death and is further supported by verse 6 where it seems the pit of Sheol is nigh. We see that those in that state are "cut off from thy hand" therefore there is no more mercy from God at that point. We are reminded of Isaiah 38:18 and many other passages which show that the dead will not praise God (verse 10). Furthermore; destruction and forgetfulness also describe the fate of those in hell (verse 11-12). Those things which affected our emotions and desires on earth ( Ecclesiastes 9:5) will not exist as the body returns to the dust. However; the soul lives on and for the unregenerate in conscious torment (see Lazarus and the unnamed rich man ( Luke 16:19-31).
Nonetheless; we must seek His face while He can be found. Job's state wasn't hopeless; and neither is anyone in Christ who truly repents and seeks the Lord. The enemy certainly can have us ensnared in sin; or oppressing us with feelings of hopelessness. We need to confess sin and seek His face; as well as trusting His promises despite circumstances. That is good advice surely in war; famine and other horrendous circumstances that bring us near death as well as seeing death all around us. These passages should remind us to seek those who may be disfigured by disease and to demonstrate God's love through service wherever we can.
My understanding is like Adam's, just to add to what Adam said. You should study on your own, there are different views.
The belief that our soul is immortal comes from ancient Greek philosophy. The meaning of death, being a separation of the soul from the body also came from ancient Greek philosophy that is different than what we see in the Old Testament.
It is Platonism, Augustine of Hippo held this philosophy. He was a theologian, and philosopher with a strong influence on doctrines in the church, in the fourth and early fifth century.
Gen. 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. The spirit/breath gives us life.
The Hebrew word nephesh means a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, and emotion. The Greek word psuche means the soul, life, self, and a person's distinct identity. If you study them, it is also used for all living beings' fish, animals, birds, and man.
Physically we live AND die, eternally we live OR die, our choice of the gift of God that is through Jesus Christ our Lord, eternal life, or die the second death.
The word spirit, the Bible writers used the Hebrew word ruach meaning breath, wind, spirit, or the Greek word pneuma also meaning wind, breath, spirit, this life-giving breath/spirit is what goes back to God.
We are buried dead, mortal, in corruption and we are raised immortally incorruptible 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. That is when we will be absent from this flesh body.
All consciousness ends when we die. Psalm 6:5Job 14:12-14Job 17:13-16Psalm 89:48Psalm 115:17Ecclesiastes 9:5-10
We sleep in death until resurrection day, the day of redemption. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54Ephesians 4:30
Our spirit (breath) given to us by God is what keeps us alive, and we are a living soul. Ecclesiastes 12:7Psalm 104:29Psalm 146:4James 2:26
When studying the story of Peter and His denial of Christ; the first thing that tends to come up is the self confidence of Peter and his arrogance in thinking he was stronger than he actually was. That is certainly a valid point; although it could be said for all the Disciples at that time who ran off. What is also evident is the sense of complacency; or predictability which they all thought could be depended on; closing their hearts and thus blinding their minds to the frequent prophetic warnings from Christ about his death that was soon to come.
The same thing applies to us as believers; for instance if we have had a long season (as in this country) of relative freedom. Should organized governmental persecution; war, famine or another pestilence come are we too set in our ways to be able to endure?
There is; of course the inevitable day of death; either for ourselves or others we know. Ecclesiastes 9:13 states that it comes as a snare and on an unknown schedule. Getting our affairs in order as a believer involves the daily disciplines and working toward His goals which involves; one way or another fulfilling the Great Commission. The disciples were to learn what was needed to begin growing the church; and were given the Comforter and thus His presence to guide them ( John 14:26). The next major change was after Paul was martyred; as well as Peter. They both warned of the wolves in the flock who would soon be preaching falsehood. Satan is constantly to be watched for; both causing falsehood as well as persecution to affect the Body of believers.
Just as we would prepare for a natural disaster; it pays to be proactive with prayer and our devotional life. It strengthens us with our trust in the Lord through scripture meditation and memorization; but is also necessary as a witness to others; both lost individuals and those caught in life's unexpected trials. Wisdom with physical resources means we can aid others
First, it is not the denial of life after death; just simply the observation that death is the end of life as we know it. Only the living things experience the things of life.
Psalm 57. James 3:6 is one of the first things I notice a parallel to with verse 4. There are other verses describing animals prophetic of those surrounding Christ during the crucifixion in Psalm 22:12-13. Here in this Psalm we once again are given in the intro. the information that this was written during David's cave retreat as happened multiple times with Saul's insanity.
We see crying in verse 2 and singing in verses 7-8; finally praise in verse 9 with the resulting appreciation of mercy and truth (v.10) with His name exalted in the last verse. These are solid Biblical approaches to persecution; as we see when Paul was incarcerated in Acts 16:25-28 along with Silas; it in fact led to deliverance.
Ecclesiastes 9:12 and a host of other verses describe men being caught in nets due to their own sin. (see Job 18:5-9; Isaiah 24:18). "Vengeance is mine; I shall repay" is in Deuteronomy 32:35 and quoted in Romans 12:19. It is important to remember David's attitude toward "God's anointed" (see 1 Samuel 24). Even when Saul died David still mourned over him. This attitude of loving our enemies should characterize our lives while we still proclaim the truth that indeed the Day of His wrath is coming; and only through the cross will we escape.
The subsequent verses clearly indicate that this group is taken out of great Tribulation. Many would argue that the 144,000 were witnessing to this great multitude; and this is the result of the world's greatest evangelistic outreach.
I; however question that in light of verse 14 of the same chapter. This indicates that their robes were washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. It would seem that there is a link here to those who had stained garments such as Sardis church in Rev. 3:4; with a further admonition in the next verse of being victorious. In light of those who are in white and unwrinkled garments in Ephesians 5:27 and even the admonition of Ecclesiastes 9:8 as well as possibly the parable of the wise virgins it seems like a strong possibility that in the first part of the Tribulation some may be left behind who are currently compromised and worldly. In other words; that would make the Rapture a reward issue; rather than merely a salvation one.
At some point of course there will be those who are martyred for not taking the mark of the Beast. That appears to be after this event if we take things mainly chronologically. Even in that case; we need to remember by the sixth seal everyone is aware of God an Christ and they go to the caves to hide from their presence ( Rev. 6:15). That is a far cry from when eventually they fight against Christ at Armageddon. My point though is that there will be no need to preach as we do now that Christ is Lord but a declaration of judgment ensuing; and the Kingdom arriving on earth will be proclaimed. We see this also once angels and apparently an eagle go throughout the earth admonishing man to worship the Creator; not to take the mark; and the woes are given to Babylon. ( Rev. 14:6-12). Notice that at the end of this passage those who are about to die are mentioned; thus bolstering another group of martyrs after the one mentioned in Revelation 7.
Scripture describes death as sleep and the grave/hell is our home until Jesus returns and releases us from the pains of death, Acts 2:24, and the hope we have, Rom. 8:11. We see in Psalm 6:5Job 14:12-14Job 17:13-16. When a person dies, he "lies down" in death and does not arise out of that sleep until his regeneration at the resurrection. Psalm 89:48Psalm 115:17Ecclesiastes 9:5-10.
Jesus said this referring to eternal life, Matthew 16:26. Sory for being wordy but I hope this sort of explains my understanding. If our soul is immortal, Luke 16 is a real story, I believe scripture is clear, our soul is us and is mortal, there would be nothing to resurrect. Where would be victory over the grave and death? 1 Cor. 15:54-551 Cor. 15:14.
Jesus's soul along with his body was as He said of Jonah/Jonas, Matt. 12"40. In Acts 2:22-35 Jesus was not left in Hell and did not see corruption, in vs. 24 God loosed the pains of death because Jesus was sinless, and death had to let go.
1 Peter 3:18-20 is hard, we have spirits in prison who were disobedient in the days of Noah, and the waters of the flood compared to the baptizing waters saving not washing away the filth of the flesh but for the conscience toward God. Our conscience, our hard drive our testimony, 2 Cor.1:12 tells us with the help of the Holy Spirit if we are good to go and it is pure.
There is no clear indication of when Jesus did this so to say it was when He was in the tomb would be just an opinion.
Spirits in prison from Noah's time building the ark? Why that time and not all the time up to His resurrection? I may be wrong, but I do not know of the dead being called spirits and being in prison, but the angels who left their first estate are locked in chains of darkness. Revelation gives another look at what that prison may be. This one will be full of opinions that would need setting at a table discussion, so I will leave this one to your understanding.
Vain repetitions: There are those who would be Pharasitical that repeat a phrase; or mantra somehow trying to impress men or God with their petitions. Clearly; there is precident as with the persistent widow ( Luke 18:1) to pray without ceasing ( 1 Thess. 5:16-18).
It should be acknowledged on our part that some prayers are answered after only one request; in fact divine occurances can occur without anyone present (as far as we know) have offered up any prayer. It is He; Christ Himself who "ever intercedes" for us ( Heb. 7:25 and other passages). We; therefore should seek to worship in the Spirit; in accordance with His will. This is accomplished through knowledge of the living Word; and often is shown scripturally to be in agreement with the covenants and promises already established by God.
There are generally thought to be 3 ways God responds to a prayer request; namely no; not yet; or yes. The bigger problem is not why a specific prayer seems to be unmet or not responded to; but HOW God is speaking to us regarding a matter. We often focus on the result or effect of an inner problem as shown in external actions; or behaviors. We tend not to see how the Lord is using a difficulty for either our edification or that of the individual lifted up in prayer. This; of course may be wisdom that takes time to appear. If someone is a mature believer; then they are more likely to request something based on better understanding of the ways of God working in their lives. All things work out for the good for those who love God ( Romans 8:28). Our prayers for unsaved people should always be centered on their need for repentance; not ignoring their other needs.
There is actually no Bible verse where we are asked to pray for an individual to be saved; thus a strong indication of God's sovereignty in the doctrine of election.
Hopefully; in all this when there are things we can do for someone in need; we can take action to be an answer to prayer( James 2:16).
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
the Book of Psalms was written by many writers. A Psalm is a Song. Many people have recorded songs with Bible verses.
It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that helps us praise. You show yourself to be very blessed.
I even sing Psalms, through tears, when reading of the difficulties King David experienced-so much like my own problems.
I much prefer music on YouTube that is all scripture so I can hear the Melody. I like John Michael Talbot and his brother, Terry's music sometimes. See what you think.
'Troubadour' means singer. John has an album called Troubadour.
In the battle against The Walls of Jericho; the Singers were in the front, the musicians next.
when Jesus was in the garden he was praying the same prayer, so why can't we...we say in our church (pray until something happens, he may not come when you want him but he always on time
Always thank God for every good thing in your life , in doing this you are acknowledging Him as the source of all good things and thanking Him for His generosity and mercy and loving kindness to you , even asking something from Him is praising Him because in doing so you are acknowledging His power to intervene and do anything He wants to with His creation . Helping others is also praising Him , if you do some thing nice for some one and they thank you , you could say to them ; don't thank me thank God , they may think that you are crazy but that's their problem . I'm often nice to people I don't like very much because I know that God wants me to be kind to everyone , this is also praising Him , when you do His will even if you don't really want to ! Submission to God's will is definately praising Him . In submission you are showing your faith in Him and His righteousness . I sometimes thank God for the same things every day , if it's truly from the heart it doesn't matter if it's a bit repetitive .
Hiya Robert GBU....Lemme give ya my take on Praising God....Our old adamic nature is too tainted with sin to praise God Perfectly...We need to birth a new innerman, a new heart and a new spirit which is the H.G. the Child of Promise....Remember Jesus said outta of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou has PERFECTED PRAISE....Which is the H.G. our new innerman, That Child of Promise....That results from his seed the word that is planted in our hearts etc...Being bornagain of an incorruptible seed etc...Even by the word of God that liveth and abideth for ever..the living WORD that good seed
....Thats y the new birth is so important...We get a new heart and a new spirit...That Child of Promise that can Praise God Perfectly...And a Kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...Its that lil Child which is the H.G that can Praise God Perfectly...As we have borne the image of the earthly ( Our adamic nature ) we must also bear ( birth ) the image of the heavenly....the H.G. that Child of Promise.
....Thats y Elijah has to come and turn the hearts of the Fathers to the CHILDREN ...Which are the babes and sucklings that can Praise God PERFECTLY...OK
I exceedingly appreciated your reply
As you know, the kings of Israel chosen by GOD they were anointed with oil by the prophets of the Lord.
To be anointed with oil is to be separated as GOD's chosen one- Matthew 25:31-34. Take a look. The true chosen ones of the Lord are prudent and wise, they have lamp to shine as they walk in the world of darkness, and enough oil to keep the lamp burning to meet the Lord, the bridegroom, and be saved. By the way, He said: Revelation 3:11-13:
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
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.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Att all times, let your garments be white, and let oil not be wanting on your head - Ecclesiastes 9:8.
Revelation 19:5-8:
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our GOD, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord GOD Omnipotent reigneth.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Regarding mystery of GOD, I have already commented in prior posts, our Lord JESUS-the Word made flesh- spoke of this in Matthew 11:27, and according His promise, unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Hallelujah!.
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection
Amen
Here is what I understand on Ecclesiastes 9:5.
I will need verse 3 to get the context.
Verse 3. "This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL:....( There's the evil! ) .."THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL" This speaks of the mindset and philosophy of man under the sun.
....yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Now Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 continues on with this mindset of man under the sun.
Some say Proverbs is a book of practical wisdom, while Ecclesiastes is a book of speculative wisdom.
Ecclesiastes presents us a naturalistic vision of life-one that sees life through distinctively human eyes.
Perhaps others would like to share their thoughts.
God bless.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ( Colossians 3:23-24).
These two verses demonstrate to us that work in the secular or "spiritual" realm is to be done with all of our might (following the principal of Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ actually states that in some cases such as John 4:38 that they have reaped what others have sown. John 4 discusses the conversion of the Samaritan woman (woman at the well) and her evangelistic campaign. In this case she did the sowing and the Disciples reaped the benefits. It is interesting to think that she was the first evangelist listed even before the Disciples were sent out two by two (I think). Even Jesus didn't have to work that hard in that respect; such gratitude for being saved by sins was shown in other women such as Mary Magdeline. Would we all approach the Great Commission with such eagerness.
When it comes to our everyday jobs I am grateful in my situation even with just part time work being all that I can do with other responsibilities that I am surrounded by people that work hard. I work doing food prep in a high school kitchen; and especially with intense State Inspection coming those who would want to mess about won't remain very long. Having supervisors that I respect in each of the other surrounding schools in the District where we are sent on occasion is an added bonus; along with the lady from one of them that joined our team today. There are a number of passages discussing employer and employee relations (in many cases servant and master analogy). Our work ethic isn't a substitute for sharing God's Word; but an opportune moment won't earn any respect if we don't have a foundation of trusted service for the weeks or months before such a conversation can occur.
Perhaps I should have added verse 2 for more context for my post to better understand the evil mentioned of men under the sun.
HERE'S A PICTURE OF MAN'S VAIN MIND.
Ecclesiastes 9:2.
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. THIS IS AN EVIL AMONG ALL THINGS THAT ARE DONE UNDER THE SUN, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Ecclesiastes 9:2-3
Vs 4. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
The theme here is "the living dog, he will one day parish and never return, as well as the Lion.
However, atleast the dog is alive because according toverse2 "All things come alike to all"
THE VAIN MIND OF THE MEN UNDER THE SUN BELIEVES
( All things come alike to all")
(there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked;)
The life you have now is your portion. It's all you get.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 is commonly used for the belief in soul sleep.
Again, However Ecclesiastes 12:7 says otherwise.
(Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.)
God bless.
S Spencer
You commented Ecclesiastes 9:3-5
Ok.My point is what my Lord JESUS said.Follow me;and let the dead bury their dead-Mat.8:22.In JESUS is life;the LIFE is the light of men, the LIGHT shineth in darkness;and the darkness comprehend it not- John 1:4-5.
Speaking of dog,what matters and prevails is what is written in Isaiah 56:10-11: 10 His watchmen are blind:they are all ignorant,they are all dumb dogs,they cannot bark;sleeping,lying down,loving to slumber.
11Yea,they are greedy dogs which can never have enough,and they are SHEPHERDS(Pastors)that cannot understand:they all look to their own way,every one for his gain,from his quarter.
And my Lord JESUS warned:Re.22:15-For without are dogs,and sorcerers,and whoremongers,and murderers,and idolaters,and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
And Paul warned:Beware of dogs... Philippians 3:2
JESUS said:Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,murders, adulteries,fornications,thefts,false witness,blasphemies-Mat.15:19
Their throat is an open sepulchre;with their tongues they have used deceit;the poison of asps is under their lips-Ro.3:13:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue:and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
GOD warned Adam:Gen.2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil( Genesis 3:1),thou shalt not eat of it:for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Daniel prophesied:Many that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,some to everlasting life,and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
It because dust is the food of the Serpent-Gen.3:17
The King shall say unto them on His right hand,Come, ye blessed of my Fathe
Those who believe in Soul Sleep misinterpret Ecclesiastes 9:3-5.
This is speaking of the philosophy of the "man under the sun." They say a man is just like a dog, "When he dies, that's it."
Verse 3 says this saying or belief is "an evil among all things that are done under the sun,
Ecclesiastes 9:3 THIS IS AN EVIL AMONG ALL THINGS THAT ARE DONE UNDER THE SUN,
(THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL:)
yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
4, For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
5, For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
( THIS "THOUGHT" IS AN EVIL AMONG ALL THINGS)
The writer believes in absent of the body is to be present with the Lord.
Look ahed at Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
God bless.
If I were an unbeliever & continued to resist the Gospel of Salvation, knowing that only death & no more was the end of my mortal existence, I would live it up even more while I still have breath - for tomorrow I die & will be no more. What then is the Gospel that we preach? For what purpose did Christ have to come & die? Why did He have to bear the sins of the world with God's Wrath/Punishment, if the unbeliever has none of it to confront him after death? And lastly, if death alone is the punishment, then both believer & unbeliever alike have to face death one day if the Lord tarries. Now if the believer by his faith & God's Mercy never ever tastes of physical death (maybe he gets to old age & then raptured), then maybe there is some small message of hope to the unbeliever in such a Gospel.
Thanks, brother, I hope you did not take Greek Philosophy personally. I understand the Hebrew word nephesh, it can be any being, dog, cat, or cow. It can also mean a soul, a living being, a dead being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, and emotion, basically who we are. When I said the spirit of life, I did not mean it had anything to do with the Spirit of God, sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant spirit/breath as the word neshamah used in Job 27:3.
I understand our being or soul is the same thing it is who we are and who will someday be with Jesus and see God's face. But that day is the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30. In Scripture in death there is no remembrance of us, Psalm 6:5. In death we lie down until, Job 14:12-14 the grave is our house and our bed Job 17:13-16.
We will see death and the grave and our soul will be there Psalm 89:48 and this Ecclesiastes 9:5-10. I know our understanding may be different, but I do not see in Scripture where we or any part of us is immortal until resurrection day 1 Cor. 15:52-53 we will be raised from the grave, us, our soul/being, who we are.
The definition of death is the separation of the soul from the body I do not see in Scripture. It does say there is no knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, death, Ecclesiastes 9:10. I do not see that has changed. I know many understand as you and I hope you take this as just a little of where my understanding comes from, for it does not affect salvation.
The way I see it, we are waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with His reward of eternal life, either we will be alive or asleep in the grave.
God bless,
RLW
Verse 4 seems to indicate that this person is near unto death and is further supported by verse 6 where it seems the pit of Sheol is nigh. We see that those in that state are "cut off from thy hand" therefore there is no more mercy from God at that point. We are reminded of Isaiah 38:18 and many other passages which show that the dead will not praise God (verse 10). Furthermore; destruction and forgetfulness also describe the fate of those in hell (verse 11-12). Those things which affected our emotions and desires on earth ( Ecclesiastes 9:5) will not exist as the body returns to the dust. However; the soul lives on and for the unregenerate in conscious torment (see Lazarus and the unnamed rich man ( Luke 16:19-31).
Nonetheless; we must seek His face while He can be found. Job's state wasn't hopeless; and neither is anyone in Christ who truly repents and seeks the Lord. The enemy certainly can have us ensnared in sin; or oppressing us with feelings of hopelessness. We need to confess sin and seek His face; as well as trusting His promises despite circumstances. That is good advice surely in war; famine and other horrendous circumstances that bring us near death as well as seeing death all around us. These passages should remind us to seek those who may be disfigured by disease and to demonstrate God's love through service wherever we can.
My understanding is like Adam's, just to add to what Adam said. You should study on your own, there are different views.
The belief that our soul is immortal comes from ancient Greek philosophy. The meaning of death, being a separation of the soul from the body also came from ancient Greek philosophy that is different than what we see in the Old Testament.
It is Platonism, Augustine of Hippo held this philosophy. He was a theologian, and philosopher with a strong influence on doctrines in the church, in the fourth and early fifth century.
Gen. 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. The spirit/breath gives us life.
The Hebrew word nephesh means a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, and emotion. The Greek word psuche means the soul, life, self, and a person's distinct identity. If you study them, it is also used for all living beings' fish, animals, birds, and man.
Physically we live AND die, eternally we live OR die, our choice of the gift of God that is through Jesus Christ our Lord, eternal life, or die the second death.
The word spirit, the Bible writers used the Hebrew word ruach meaning breath, wind, spirit, or the Greek word pneuma also meaning wind, breath, spirit, this life-giving breath/spirit is what goes back to God.
We are buried dead, mortal, in corruption and we are raised immortally incorruptible 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. That is when we will be absent from this flesh body.
All consciousness ends when we die. Psalm 6:5 Job 14:12-14 Job 17:13-16 Psalm 89:48 Psalm 115:17 Ecclesiastes 9:5-10
We sleep in death until resurrection day, the day of redemption. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 Ephesians 4:30
Our spirit (breath) given to us by God is what keeps us alive, and we are a living soul. Ecclesiastes 12:7 Psalm 104:29 Psalm 146:4 James 2:26
May this help your study.
God bless,
RLW
When studying the story of Peter and His denial of Christ; the first thing that tends to come up is the self confidence of Peter and his arrogance in thinking he was stronger than he actually was. That is certainly a valid point; although it could be said for all the Disciples at that time who ran off. What is also evident is the sense of complacency; or predictability which they all thought could be depended on; closing their hearts and thus blinding their minds to the frequent prophetic warnings from Christ about his death that was soon to come.
The same thing applies to us as believers; for instance if we have had a long season (as in this country) of relative freedom. Should organized governmental persecution; war, famine or another pestilence come are we too set in our ways to be able to endure?
There is; of course the inevitable day of death; either for ourselves or others we know. Ecclesiastes 9:13 states that it comes as a snare and on an unknown schedule. Getting our affairs in order as a believer involves the daily disciplines and working toward His goals which involves; one way or another fulfilling the Great Commission. The disciples were to learn what was needed to begin growing the church; and were given the Comforter and thus His presence to guide them ( John 14:26). The next major change was after Paul was martyred; as well as Peter. They both warned of the wolves in the flock who would soon be preaching falsehood. Satan is constantly to be watched for; both causing falsehood as well as persecution to affect the Body of believers.
Just as we would prepare for a natural disaster; it pays to be proactive with prayer and our devotional life. It strengthens us with our trust in the Lord through scripture meditation and memorization; but is also necessary as a witness to others; both lost individuals and those caught in life's unexpected trials. Wisdom with physical resources means we can aid others
Then notice it says Ecclesiasticus 32:7-18, is in context, also saying " do not sin by proud speech"
Doesn't that point to another scripture Ecclesiastes 9:10, Deuteronomy 8:18,
it's GOD that gives us abilities
Hopefully this is helpful
We see crying in verse 2 and singing in verses 7-8; finally praise in verse 9 with the resulting appreciation of mercy and truth (v.10) with His name exalted in the last verse. These are solid Biblical approaches to persecution; as we see when Paul was incarcerated in Acts 16:25-28 along with Silas; it in fact led to deliverance.
Ecclesiastes 9:12 and a host of other verses describe men being caught in nets due to their own sin. (see Job 18:5-9; Isaiah 24:18). "Vengeance is mine; I shall repay" is in Deuteronomy 32:35 and quoted in Romans 12:19. It is important to remember David's attitude toward "God's anointed" (see 1 Samuel 24). Even when Saul died David still mourned over him. This attitude of loving our enemies should characterize our lives while we still proclaim the truth that indeed the Day of His wrath is coming; and only through the cross will we escape.
I; however question that in light of verse 14 of the same chapter. This indicates that their robes were washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. It would seem that there is a link here to those who had stained garments such as Sardis church in Rev. 3:4; with a further admonition in the next verse of being victorious. In light of those who are in white and unwrinkled garments in Ephesians 5:27 and even the admonition of Ecclesiastes 9:8 as well as possibly the parable of the wise virgins it seems like a strong possibility that in the first part of the Tribulation some may be left behind who are currently compromised and worldly. In other words; that would make the Rapture a reward issue; rather than merely a salvation one.
At some point of course there will be those who are martyred for not taking the mark of the Beast. That appears to be after this event if we take things mainly chronologically. Even in that case; we need to remember by the sixth seal everyone is aware of God an Christ and they go to the caves to hide from their presence ( Rev. 6:15). That is a far cry from when eventually they fight against Christ at Armageddon. My point though is that there will be no need to preach as we do now that Christ is Lord but a declaration of judgment ensuing; and the Kingdom arriving on earth will be proclaimed. We see this also once angels and apparently an eagle go throughout the earth admonishing man to worship the Creator; not to take the mark; and the woes are given to Babylon. ( Rev. 14:6-12). Notice that at the end of this passage those who are about to die are mentioned; thus bolstering another group of martyrs after the one mentioned in Revelation 7.
Not worth arguing about; let us all be Bereans.
Agape
Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5, 1Samuel 15:35, Job 10:21,22, Job 34:22, Job 38:17, Revelation 2:7, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 16:19-31, Psalms 6:5, Psalms 48:14, Psalms 49:14, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Isaiah 38:18, Romans 7, 2Corinthians 7:10,
Psalms 56:13, Psalms 89:48, Proverbs 10:2, Proverbs 14:27, Ecclesiastes 9:4,
Psalms 116:15, Proverbs 14:32, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 25:8, Hosea 13:14, Luke 18:33, John 8:51, John 5:24, Acts 2:24-27, Romans 5:10-21, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8, 2Timothy 1:10, 1John 3:14,
Jeremiah 21:8, Ezekiel 18:31,32, 1Corinthians 15:20-58, Revelation 1:18,
Hebrews 2:9-18, Revelation 20, Revelation 21,
Here are some scriptures on hope, when & if anyone needs it:
Psalms 31:24, Psalms 33:18, Psalms 38:15, Psalms 71:5, Psalms 78:7, Psalms 119:114, Psalms 130:7, Psalms 146:5, Jeremiah 17:7, Ecclesiastes 9:4, Lamentations 3:21-26, Joel 3:16, Romans 5:5, 2Corinthians 1:7,
Psalms 147:11, Romans 12:12, 1Timothy 1:1, Psalms 139, Romans 8:14-39
Romans 15:4, Romans 15:13,
Hope these are encouraging
Soul life or breath life. Animals have body and soul life also then the spirit if born
Again goes back to God who gave it. Also look at Ecclesiastes 9:5+6. Some
Believe soul and spirit are same biblically we are created formed made breath
In man which starts when ababy takes its first breath has nothing to do with
Eternal spirit from God his gift when born again. That's why Ephesians says we
Are born first time without God and without hope until born again.
Part 2
Scripture describes death as sleep and the grave/hell is our home until Jesus returns and releases us from the pains of death, Acts 2:24, and the hope we have, Rom. 8:11. We see in Psalm 6:5 Job 14:12-14 Job 17:13-16. When a person dies, he "lies down" in death and does not arise out of that sleep until his regeneration at the resurrection. Psalm 89:48 Psalm 115:17 Ecclesiastes 9:5-10.
Jesus said this referring to eternal life, Matthew 16:26. Sory for being wordy but I hope this sort of explains my understanding. If our soul is immortal, Luke 16 is a real story, I believe scripture is clear, our soul is us and is mortal, there would be nothing to resurrect. Where would be victory over the grave and death? 1 Cor. 15:54-55 1 Cor. 15:14.
Jesus's soul along with his body was as He said of Jonah/Jonas, Matt. 12"40. In Acts 2:22-35 Jesus was not left in Hell and did not see corruption, in vs. 24 God loosed the pains of death because Jesus was sinless, and death had to let go.
1 Peter 3:18-20 is hard, we have spirits in prison who were disobedient in the days of Noah, and the waters of the flood compared to the baptizing waters saving not washing away the filth of the flesh but for the conscience toward God. Our conscience, our hard drive our testimony, 2 Cor.1:12 tells us with the help of the Holy Spirit if we are good to go and it is pure.
There is no clear indication of when Jesus did this so to say it was when He was in the tomb would be just an opinion.
Spirits in prison from Noah's time building the ark? Why that time and not all the time up to His resurrection? I may be wrong, but I do not know of the dead being called spirits and being in prison, but the angels who left their first estate are locked in chains of darkness. Revelation gives another look at what that prison may be. This one will be full of opinions that would need setting at a table discussion, so I will leave this one to your understanding.
See part 3
It should be acknowledged on our part that some prayers are answered after only one request; in fact divine occurances can occur without anyone present (as far as we know) have offered up any prayer. It is He; Christ Himself who "ever intercedes" for us ( Heb. 7:25 and other passages). We; therefore should seek to worship in the Spirit; in accordance with His will. This is accomplished through knowledge of the living Word; and often is shown scripturally to be in agreement with the covenants and promises already established by God.
There are generally thought to be 3 ways God responds to a prayer request; namely no; not yet; or yes. The bigger problem is not why a specific prayer seems to be unmet or not responded to; but HOW God is speaking to us regarding a matter. We often focus on the result or effect of an inner problem as shown in external actions; or behaviors. We tend not to see how the Lord is using a difficulty for either our edification or that of the individual lifted up in prayer. This; of course may be wisdom that takes time to appear. If someone is a mature believer; then they are more likely to request something based on better understanding of the ways of God working in their lives. All things work out for the good for those who love God ( Romans 8:28). Our prayers for unsaved people should always be centered on their need for repentance; not ignoring their other needs.
There is actually no Bible verse where we are asked to pray for an individual to be saved; thus a strong indication of God's sovereignty in the doctrine of election.
Hopefully; in all this when there are things we can do for someone in need; we can take action to be an answer to prayer( James 2:16).
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
the Book of Psalms was written by many writers. A Psalm is a Song. Many people have recorded songs with Bible verses.
It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that helps us praise. You show yourself to be very blessed.
I even sing Psalms, through tears, when reading of the difficulties King David experienced-so much like my own problems.
I much prefer music on YouTube that is all scripture so I can hear the Melody. I like John Michael Talbot and his brother, Terry's music sometimes. See what you think.
'Troubadour' means singer. John has an album called Troubadour.
In the battle against The Walls of Jericho; the Singers were in the front, the musicians next.
God Bless You!
gbu
....Thats y the new birth is so important...We get a new heart and a new spirit...That Child of Promise that can Praise God Perfectly...And a Kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...Its that lil Child which is the H.G that can Praise God Perfectly...As we have borne the image of the earthly ( Our adamic nature ) we must also bear ( birth ) the image of the heavenly....the H.G. that Child of Promise.
....Thats y Elijah has to come and turn the hearts of the Fathers to the CHILDREN ...Which are the babes and sucklings that can Praise God PERFECTLY...OK
If You read accounts of Isaiah's or John's vision of heaven, You will notice that the angels repeatedly cry "Holy, holy, holy is the
Lord God Almighty."
I don't think that Scripture is talking about repeating words of praise to God, rather speaking to Him with empty words coming
from our mouths but not from our heart and mind.
You could take a little time to write down a variety of praise phrases and continue to add to these along the way. Then you can
read through some of these before you give them up to God. When you do come to God, use what the Holy Spirit brings to
mind.
One thing that helped me many years ago was to write words describing God under each letter A-Z and find Scripture references
for these. This helped me expand my praise vocabulary AND deepen my understanding of God's character.