And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Here in Revelation, chapters 1,2, and 3 the Lord is addressing his Church.
In this thread I want to focus on the candle stick. (Which is actually a lamp stand.) "Light barer".
The Lord identifies the Lamp stand in verse 20) the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20.
Also, what's important to see is Jesus's placement in the picture drawn. He is in the midst of the lampstand.
This is a picture of the Menorah.
It is to be oiled filled and never burn out.
WITH THAT IN MIND LETS GO TO THE GOSPELS.
John 9:4.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 1:4-12.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
It is clear Jesus came into the world to give light to a dark world and testifies to the world that its works is evil.
And Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." ( Luke 20:8).
The Pharisees; who derided Christ throughout His public ministry had this to say shortly before the crucifixion. Jesus shut them out; as well as remaining silent soon after during Pilate's interrogation. Self exaltation and justification wasn't necessary for Christ didn't seek to be served but to serve and give His life for a ransom for many. ( Mark 10:45) The fact is; the Pharisees and religious leaders should have known who He was; and therefore were operating in deliberate blindness; uniquely qualifying them to commit the unpardonable sin. (See Matthew 12:24).
Part of the concept of the verse on "casting pearls before swine" ( Matt. 7:6) relates to this. Jesus hid meanings of the Parables to others who were deliberately spiritually blind (see Matthew 13:34; and Matthew 13:15; Isaiah 42:19-20). John 9:39-41 shows the end of an entire chapter related to a blind man's healing; where Jesus explains how men are made blind to the truth; but the Pharisees after asking if that was the intention of what Jesus said were still left with the judgment for themselves because they could see and were responsible for their sin.
These are sobering reminders that man is not justified in any righteousness of their own and estranged from God from the womb ( Psalm 58:3); yet has a conscience given by God where men are judged more harshly that know the law ( Romans 2:15).
Jesus warned that judgment would be worse for those cities that rejected Him than for Sodom and Gomorrah ( Matthew 10:15).
This attitude led to the unpardonable sin; blasphemy of the Holy Spirit where Beelzebub was attributed to Christ's healing rather than God ( Matthew 12:22). The issue of forgiveness of sins was truly where the problem was; since the miracles were manifold.
Nonetheless; Jesus wouldn't use His power to save Himself on the cross or when unbelief was present (see Matthew 13:58).
In the study of Creation there appear to be at least 2 different accounts in Genesis but they are emphasizing different things and hence complement one another ( Genesis 1 and 2). There are many Psalms related to Creation as well. We also see in Jesus quoting almost every book including reference to the Creation ( Matthew 19:8 on divorce); as well as the literal story of Jonah as to how it relates to the Son of Man ( Matthew 12:40). These accounts show the truth of the Old Testament and aren't able to hold water to arguments that things were merely symbolic.
One could argue as an atheist that since the same things seem to happen over and over again in scripture they can't be true; and/or they are borrowed from pagan traditions. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says that there is "nothing new under the sun." If we study things like prophecy there are more often than not multiple fulfillments; we can look at the earlier example of the Temple and abomination therein and see not just Antiochus but also the siege of Rome in 70 AD and to a lesser extent around 130 AD and the final application for Antichrist himself yet to come. The same pattern exists with Psalm 22 and descriptions foreshadowing Christ and demonstrating David's situation; some seem mutually exclusive others overlapping. Jesus was frequently hounded and persecuted much as David was; the difference being He was sinless; David was not. The whole story of the death; burial and Resurrection is seen with the pagan legends and religions as well but if we believe Satan is real he always is coming as a substitute for or against the God of the Bible; as we see in the persona of the Antichrist Beast and world economic and religious system. Satan knows scripture well enough to quote it; and we wouldn't expect anything less from the enemy of God's people.
We can see in the miracles of Christ similar things to the ministry of Elijah. Healing of the blind is unique ( John 9:32-33
Yes the Light is indeed the Light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And upon careful study of the scriptures the darkness was already there, thus it was created because as you pointed out in Isaiah 45:7. I have revelation that that darkness was the Old Lucifer who turned the light God gave to him into that darkness and God knew he would,for it is All according to his eternal purpose. The Light of the knowledge of God excelleth that darkness. Thus something happened between Genesis 1:1-2. For everything was overturned and made a wilderness at the fierce anger of the Lord. I think it's in Jeremiah 4:23- (Paraphrase) got I'm speaking the truth from the heart. " I beheld and lo the earth was void and empty and darkness and it was overthrow by the fierce anger of the Lord. And Isaiah 14 says Lucifer made the world as a wilderness. And he calls the darkness - NIGHT. So it was overthrown in the night by The lord.- Job 34:25. And paraphrasing Jesus Christ. He said are their not 12 hours in a day? And John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is DAY: THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK JOHN 9:5- while I Am in the world,I am the Light of the world. He will come as a thief in the night. I am persuaded I have the testimony of Jesus which is the Spirit of prophecy. Not that I am anything or anyone. But Jesus Christ And Him loving My poor and needy self. Thank you so much for blessing me with an opportunity to share the deep things of God's unsearchable word. God bless you
Again a very backwards teaching as we are washed from sin not cleansed. The reason why you sin and can't stop sinning is because you are a slave to it a slave to the devil. The apostle Paul preached in Romans 6:18 "Being then made free from sin ye become the servants of righteousness" (Jesus) The apostle Paul is just like me an ex-sinner saved by grace.
John 8:34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
[35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
[36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
The apostle Paul did not say he sins daily. He dies daily and not to sin, but to the things of the world. We have to die daily as Paul picked up from Jesus teaching.
John 9:41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
We are to be blind remain dead to sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The wages of sin is death/hell firer and brimstone. The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven. This eliminates 99% of all Christians as they claim they can not be righteous free from sin.
1st Cor 6:9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Romans 6:[20] For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
[21] What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
[22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Good luck in being heard as God does not hear the prays of sinners. We see this everyday people dying in the hospital or looking for an out because of their pain and God hasn't heard them yet. A saved sinner means is a righteous person.
If nobody is without sin then nobody is going to heaven. Jesus told people in John 5:14 "go and sin no more." The Bible says in 1st John 3:8 "he that commith sin is of the devil..." no such verse as you sin because you are of God or Jesus. The wages of sin is hell fire and brimstone Romans 6:23. It pays to sin, it pays to serve the devil, your wage or payment is called death and not life eternal. Sinless people after the cross as Christ came to wash away sin and not make a new type of sinner called Christian sinners.
The apostle Paul just like me is an ex-sinner saved by grace Romans 6:18. If nobody can be free from sin, Jesus died for nothing. The Bible makes it clear God does not hear the prayers uttered by sinners John 9:31.
Romans 6:16] Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
[17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
[18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 5:19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
[20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
The apostle Paul was free from sin after he was saved, Peter, John, James, etc. All ex-sinners as they knew that sin is deceitful and only brings death. Why sin? Why walk in sickness, darkness, and death?
1st John 1:[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness ((sin)), we lie, and do not the truth:
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
John 9:31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Christianity all around the world believe for the most part God loves them and they are saved by grace and yet they still sin. This is not what the bible says at all in John 9:31. The blind man was kicked out of church for preaching the truth. This is something that was known and not some new doctrine or directive issued by the church council or church meetings that God does not hear the prayer of sinners. The ex-blind man who went to church all his life never read the book of the law as brail was not invented yet for people to read. Yet, he heard something from behind the pulpit that stood out in his mind, unlike any other verse or scripture. I believe Isaiah 59:1-2 was reinforced into his mind over and over again in order for the ex-blind man to come up with the truth.
Isaiah 59:1] Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
[2] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
The ex-blind man was excommunicated from his church for preaching the truth. You go down and preach what the ex-blind man in John 9 preached and you will be out in the street. Churches don't want to hear God does not hear the prayers of sinners. Churches want to indulge in their riot with their ungodly events and way of living for the devil up to their neck in sin and unrighteousness. To get churches to go back to the old ways of revival like Jeremiah 6:16 will never happen, as they have tasted too much of the world and the devil's delights and are not interested in engaging with the words of Jesus Christ which are spirit and life John 6:63. All sin is of the devil 1st John 3:8. Tge wages or payment is called hellfire and brimstone Romans 6:23. I am an ex-sinner saved by grace, an ex-sinner is a righteous person Romans 6:18.
-while disobeying HIS word then we became ineffective Christians who cannot even say boo to a demon.
Yes, Such People and ministries exist
-There are Men of God who are actually Led by the Spirit of God and are called according to the Gifts given to men by our Lord Jesus Christ, but instead of putting a show they fear God and walk with Him.
They that believe in Him, and they that are committed to His do Him will Revelation 12:11, KJV.
But what we are witnessing is.
-Men have departed from God and the church is a business and entertaining industries.
-Men don't pray earnestly before God and if they pray it's a shopping request rather than worship before God.
-No one is taking head according to the word of God and repentance has become optional this days where people have forgeten that God does not hear sinners ( John 9:31, KJV) and our sins separates us from our God (Isiah 59:2,KJV)
-Lets us pick our Bibles and wipe the dust off from them and lets us be given to God in prays and fasting seeking to fellowship with Him always while continuing in the word of GOD grounded in faith Amen.
-Remember faith without works is dead!
Lastly repent of your sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
Time is a sign. It is in this sense we have the Spirit tells specifically of its purpose under the heaven. "And a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die (Ec.3:1-6)". God's covenant with Noah is similarly pendent on the decree that He made with his Son, and it has to do with the day (Ps.2:7). (See entry under D-Day)
Time is of no consequence to eternal God. So we have time reconstituted to apply the role of the Son of man as the Word made flesh. St Peter provides us a clue to it in 2 Pe.3:8.
"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.( John 9:4)." His call 'follow me' applies to the day in which the Preacher sets out a whole range of work any man who would follow the way the Son may do.
"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him (Ps.2:12)."
Noah walked with God and he did according to the instruction. So how long he took to build the ark is left out by the Spirit for a reason. The Spirit instruct us to abide in God a Spirit so our volume carries our earthly circumstance, time subsumed into the will of God. When you received the Son,, you are part of the body of Christ as the ark of Noah and the man symbolically became one.
Covenant of heaven with the earth has thus a time marked by the Spirit where number has specific significance in the same manner a bow in heaven would signify.
Each day is with regards to the day, that is appointed for the Son and it shall have its own sequence continual progression of events till the fulness of times. This is also tagged as a pillar of the house that Wisdom built. (Pr.9:1)
God separated Day from Night, which marks the Day especial and apart from other days mentioned in the creation account. Jesus remarked on this day in these words, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day."( John 9:14) In another passage we know it includes both Father and Son. I and my Father are one. As for the works, he was specific, My Father works hitherto, and I work." ( John 5:17)
God named or called the light Day.(v.5) Here the Spirit is giving us the hint with regards to names. God decreed a day, -'Thou art my Son' (Ps.2:7) and with it his name is superior to every name in heaven or under it. He has given him "a name, which is above every name.' It brings in turn the significance of the expression, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. So we have to conclude that death of his Son was well established under an everlasting covenant and it has to do with the Fellowship of God with Man. Holiness of God requires the divine Will is holy, meaning it requires no correction or afterthought to settle for a Plan B. It is what we read in the following passage. ."(Ph.2:8-11)
The quote from the Gospel of John refers to a night and from the context it is clear that it is about his impending death on the cross. "the night cometh, when no man can work."(John9:4).
And God called the firmament, the heaven significance of which is in the face, The waters above interacts with waters which is below.
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. ( John 9:41).
In the Old Testament we see the mad Prophet Balaam stopped by a donkey who God readily used to block his way and for a mouthpiece of rebuke. ( 2 Peter 2:16-18 as quoted in the N.T. from Numbers 22-24). We see also how the demons Jesus cast out knew who Jesus was ( Mark 3:11-12). This is somewhat understandable from the fact that the angels were there to see God in heaven and witness the creation of the earth ( Job 38:7).
We are warned in James 2:19 about not just saying that we believe in God. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; this is quoted many times in scripture. The conscience of men can be seared after some time; hearts hardened ( 1 Tim. 4:2; Exodus 7:3 and subsequent verses with Pharaoh). A believer has a healthy awe based on God's Holiness; and without holiness no man can see God ( Heb. 12:14).
Only man could see the miracles of Christ and still remain in unbelief. That would not just be related to the physical miracles when on earth; but also the miracle of salvation which often was accompanied by deliverance in scripture but which we see today. Mercifully God forgives any sin against the Father or Son is forgivable ( Matt. 12:32); but against the Holy Spirit is not.
The Spirit demonstrates His Holiness amongst the ministry of John 16:8 warning the world of sin; righteousness and judgment to come. The opposite of a broken and contrite heart is pride and self righteousness (only the sick need a physician Matt. 9:12).
Therefore such Pharisitical people also make their own twisted judgments on right and wrong and condemn others based on that mindset.
May we read scripture for its true meaning not through any man centered agenda; respecting ALL of it as God's Word ( 2 Tim. 3:16). May we have a heart to always glean new truths from God; seeking His face daily ( Psalm 1:2
In Luke 4:18 Jesus opens the book of Isaiah and reads; "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
RECVERING THE SIGHT OF THE BLIND.
Jesus done this literally and figuratively. Notice what Jesus tells the blind man and the Pharisees in John 9:39-41.
"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, "THAT THEY WHICH SEE NOT MIGHT SEE; AND THEY WHICH SEE MIGHT BE MADE BLIND."
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore, your sin remaineth.
Not all were blind as Paul mentions in Romans, but noticed Jesus says this before they rejected him.
Also see John 1:5-9.
"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
I don't hold quite the view you do on the mystery was salvation going out the Gentiles,
I believe the inability to receive the cross and resurrection as God's redemption plan is what made it a mystery.
And it was a mystery to them "The Jews" that that was the redemption plan for them as well.
Worshipping in truth and in spirit was made possible in this new covenant at the resurrection by way of believe and be baptized by the Holyspirit.
Christ put his spirit IN us to receive the thing of God. Jews and Gentiles.
The Apostles were told to wait, after they recieved, they were sent out to the world.
1 Timothy 6:9 talks about traps which "drown men in perdition." Let us consider for a moment how things will stand after the Rapture of the Church (assuming of course in a Pre-Trib rapture viewpoint). Before we tangle with what seems to be an impossible situation for those remaining on the earth to believe what just happened is anything other than calling His saints home to glory; let us rewind back to the time of Christ. In this time there clearly were many miracles which could only be attributed logically to God. (see John 9:32 and the healing of the blind man). Nonetheless; Satan (or Beelzebub which is a reference to an equally evil entity) was attributed to such things by the blind Pharisees. ( Matthew 12:22). This was despite the obvious fulfillment of prophecies which pertained to Christ from the Old Testament; not to mention his own prophetic warnings of crucifixion to come as well as the Resurrection seen by 500 ( 1 Cor. 15:1-11). Such hatred shows the blindness of the minds of men by the god of this world ( 2 Cor. 4:4); as well as our own state apart from the illumination of the Holy Spirit to such matters.
So looking ahead to the beginning of the Tribulation; we should expect more of the same. Evil will be unrestrained at that time unlike any time before or since ( Matt. 24:21). Since all but 8 died in Noah's flood; we expect therefore that the demons being loosened will be the thing making things worse since a number actually will physically survive to the end. A short inspection of the media today should clearly indicate how entrenched images of occult and Satanic worship has become acceptable to the mainstream. When we see undeniable and verifiable signs such as fire coming down from heaven that the False Prophet performs; it is no surprise the world embraces it; and worships the image (as well as likely creating it themselves perhaps on their own computers).
IT seems that with the downplay (if even being a factor at all) of coming to saving faith of repentance for individuals another issue is being unwilling to confront national evils which we are called to sound out against as per Ezekiel 33. There are several reasons for this; one being fear of societal disapproval or persecution; going against the grain of many who are rather lukewarm about the subject and the most insidious perhaps being our own tendancy to be overcomfortable as the pot approaches boiling as we see in the case of Lot. James 5:3 should be carefully read; as many think that through their own efforts they can make it through the Tribulation; or even be able to endure things before that should there be a crash in the metals market; or perhaps something else such as nuclear fallout that could render such wealth useless. There needs to be a healthy balance between wise prudence in resources and hoarding; the former being ideally used for other saints in a time of crisis as was in the book of Acts; and the latter being a tendency to fall into based on political persuasion being set above spiritual wisdom.
As with my first part in this series; it should be obvious that the crap will hit the fan; so to speak. Or; as I put it God is much more longsuffering than I am; considering the long list of abominations our own nation has committed; although hardly alone in such actions we have been the catalyst for expanding these horrors worldwide (abortion; pornography; illicit drug trade).
Whether we are Babylon or not; or a part of the final world system it is evident that destruction when it comes will be so speedy that there is no remedy to avoid the famine; plagues; war and demonic infestation of the earth at that time short of Divine Intervention and protection.
Satan will have his day in the spotlight; so let us work while it still is day. ( John 9:4).
Why do you assume the ones teaching on this forum; and those teaching, refute the doctrine of the church, are in error, and not the church being in error.
That's a stretch:
Isaiah 6:8 And I (Christ, he is the WORD(s) that are written) heard the voice of the LORD (my Father) saying, Whom shall I (the Father) SEND? and who will go for us? Then said I (Christ), here am I, SEND ME.
Isaiah 6:9 And he (the father) said, Go (Christ), and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, BUT UNDERSTAND NOT, and see ye indeed, and PERCEIVE.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they UNDERSTAND.
Most in the church will tell you the WORD is not a parable, nor believe it is a parable, so why do you think their doctrines are correct, when they don't believe the WORDS OF GOD.
God sent Jesus to be the saviour of the world, and his RESURRECTION saved the world, the church doesn't believe this, you have said yourself most go to hell,:there is going to be a kingdom, back on this earth, when God raises the UNBELIEVERS (even Satan believes there is a God, he just doesn't believe the WORDS of GOD) back to their flesh, and they will bow and confess GOD'S WORDS ARE TRUTH.
You don't believe you fall into this pigeon hole, because you believe the DOCTRINES of man instead of God's words, Revelation SAYS: Satan who deceives the WHOLE WORLD; this includes his church, you don't believe the church is deceive, can you point to the time God caused you to SEE this deception. Until you AGREE with God, that you and I and everyone one else has been deceive, and ASK God to open your eyes and HIM CAUSE you to see, you will be among those spoken of in John:
John 9:41 Jesus is saying unto YOU: If you were blind you would have NO SIN: but now you say I SEE (you day, I haven't been deceived) therefore YOUR SIN REMAINETH.
They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.
The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.
Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."
In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).
In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.
I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was
John 9:41 ....if you were blind, you would have no sin: but now you say, WE SEE, therefore your sin remainth.
When we read God's word and we come to words such a mountain, we automatically picture in our carnal minds a physical mountain, instead of what it represents in Christ mind.
As we study and the spirit of Christ teaches, we begin to develop the mind of Christ, we see the meaning, not the physical, this is a process that happens with time and study.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables, because they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Daniel 7:13 ...one like of the Son of man come with the clouds of heaven ----has that image popped into your carnal mind ------ that not the meaning in Christ mind ----
God Bless you as he creates the mind of Christ IN YOU.
As has been brought out by my pastor and is clear from my earlier postings; a society can't last too long in the moral morass we have experienced the last few decades. Whether assessing the political left or the attitude of youth these days we see something foreign to its original concept. That is the lack of a work ethic. "If we don't work we don't eat" ( 2 Thess. 3:10). Our enemies surely must have met if not exceeded their goals in rendering our society too lazy to prevent their own self destruction if by overeating; drug addiction; suicide or other vices at their disposal. There are many other verses supporting the Apostle Paul as a tentmaker earning what he could and not being a burden even to his own detriment in some cases. Would we want someone planting churches over whole regions of the world having to concern himself with finding secular employment today? Not in this country; anyway.
Spiritual wisdom dictates that we also prepare for things to come as wise are commended for it ( Prov. 22:3). The fools of course do the opposite and calamity overcomes them. IF we are Babylon then I expect all calamities to come at one time eventually to this country; and even if not it seems much is overdue. If it weren't for the waste in this country as such a huge consumer of energy we wouldn't have such a need for things. As it is; instead of utilizing resources available and in a complete manner such as the Indians did with the buffalo in the past we are too comfortable with instant measures to provide our needs from the government or food in supermarkets rather than learing survival instincts. What I am saying is that humanism as any idealistic mindset blinds us to obvious contradictions and we of course see this with a general lack of outrage in this country as opposed some others to the plans for world government to take over.
As Christians our focus should be preaching the Word while it is yet day. ( John 9:4).
"He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight."
Is we wash our eyes with the water(Word of God) of Siloam(in Hbr Siloam it means the "one who is sent") then we will se clearly(the truth).
Today; we seem to think little on the next generation; hence kids have found that there isn't much value in their existence. With so many cut off before birth it is no wonder that kids would feel unvalued today and with such poor parenting skills undisciplined themselves. Hosea 4:6 indicates that because of a lack of knowledge people are perishing. Life is as a vapor as several scriptures indicate ( James 4:14). Not only are things accelerated today ( Daniel 12:4) but as I said in the last piece the value of everything has diminished. There will be no suffering loss; I assure you for cell phones; computers and other high tech entertainment sources NOT being present in heaven. We need to be careful in earthly treasures as well (See Luke 16:11); such behaviors show what is really in our hearts as to our conduct in this world.
In light of these facts; do we consider how great it is that we are saved from having to be in an unregenerate state for all eternity? Isaiah 66:4 describes how God "chooses their delusions" and later on at the end of that chapter a vivid description of hell is given. Phillipians 1:21 states that Paul said "to live is Christ; to die is gain." and other verses show that it is better to be in the house of mourning rather than mindless happiness ( Ecclesiastes 7:2).
In light of all this; we do well to see how we approach the House of Worship but also how we live out the rest of the week. It is sad today how many people insist on having beepers and other cell phone distractions interrupt the services. Personally; I feel a need to have a cell phone only in case my elderly parents have an emergency at home. That was the original use of "beepers". For every moment here on earth there are eternal ramifications; we need to focus on working while it is yet day ( John 9:4). As for Christ it is also for us in that respect our time to serve here is short and we need to focus on the Great Commission.
The summary of the Psalm seems to be similar or perhaps is connected to the previous one; as we see a mention of aching bones in verse 3. I had already postulated as to the possible cause of these issues; and it seems in verse 5 that certain behaviors may have led to this condition (as well as the hand of God being heavy on David in verse 4).
Verse 6 discusses coming to the Lord while there is yet time; not say in the "great flood" which could be a past reference to what happened in the days of Noah or perhaps in the end times as well. Surely we need to be mindful of sin and approach Christ while there is yet day and we can work ( John 9:4 and similar admonitions). Verse 7 once again discusses a "hiding place" or place of refuge which could be deliverance through the trials in this life or from the wrath to come; or certain other things today.
We see an interesting change of wording in verse 8 which seems to carry to verse 9. The "I will instruct thee" clearly is God Himself talking; and it seems that verse 9 is very much like the book of James in the N.T. ( James 3:3). Verse 10 also is like other verses which state there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 57:21).
We are told to "shout for joy" if indeed righteous. We are reminded of the Beatitudes where we are said to be "blessed' when persecuted and many say things against us for Christ's sake ( Matt. 5:11). It seems David spent much of his years patiently handling accusations; first from Saul and then from his own offspring; partially as the result of God's chastisement due to his own transgressions.
To clarify, you wrote "BUT his words are a parable, because he said they were a parable."
Do you believe all of Jesus's words are parables? If so, then when Jesus said He was speaking in parables that also would be a parable, right? It would seem strange to believe 99.9% of what Jesus says is a figurative parable, except only one verse or phrase where He says He's speaking in parables, correct? For example Mark 4:11 is literal?
To me its evident when Jesus or anyone else in the Bible is speaking literally, telling a story, using a figure of speech, metaphor, simile, just as its usually evident when conversing with anyone else in person.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" John 9:35 KJV
Jesus said He's the Son of God, do you believe he was being literal or telling a parable when He said that?
"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48 KJV
Another literal quote from Jesus which do you believe is literal that Judas did in fact betray Him with a kiss, or do you believe this is also a parable?
Do you believe Jesus is Lord as it says in Colossians 2:6-9 and the Mighty God as it says in Isaiah 9:6?
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. An exhortation to obey the Great Commission, Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel, unto every creature. Let us thank the Lord we still have time to preach the gospel openly, the hour is late, we need to work the works of him that sends us while it is day John 9:4. Let us redeem the time because the days are evil Ephesians 5:16.
In this chapter; we see the most severe and rapid fire sequence of judgments. These are exclusively involving the reprobate (with the exception of a few hidden away in the wilderness or a handful scattered in certain places). We see in the first vial a reaction for those with the mark. Some have suggested that mercury or other toxins in computer chips could affect people this way.
The TOTAL destruction of life in the sea (ostensively indicating all the oceans in the world) is mind numbing. The exception would be the marine life in the Dead Sea which is destined (as is already starting) to have fresh water come into it; which will accellerate in the Millenium and beyond when water flows from the Holy City.
The fresh water sources of the whole world are then turned to "blood". Whether this is literal blood or some blood red contaminant may not be entirely clear here; but we have a precedent with Egyptian plagues here and with other vial judgments.
The fourth vial; fifth and seventh all indicate a lack of repentance and continuing blasphemies against God. The sixth seal uses demons to convince men to fight at Armageddon after gathering there (v. 12-16). This probably has something to do with the East vs West (as Daniel states that there are rumors from the North and East that bother Antichrist in chapter 11; verse 44); but evolves into people fighting amongst themselves then turning against Christ when they are immediately destroyed. When we realize that at the end of the Millennium Satan is released one more time for yet ANOTHER insurrection to overthrow God we realize how deluded unregenerate men's minds are as well as how wicked Satan is.
We see that there is unrestrained judgment here in accordance with man's complete lack of repentance. Man repeats what the Beast spews forth in Revelation 13 and somehow thinks that they can "forecast a device" against the Lord ( Psalm 21:11). Let us do His work while it is yet day ( John 9:4).
Thus; Armageddon and the judgment of the nations where fires burn from one end of the earth to the other along with carcasses ( Jer. 25:33); Zeph. 3:8-10 are inevitable. Christ will come and destroy in one fell swoop those attacking Him in Armageddon; and cast the Antichrist and False Prophet into hell; and Satan will go into the pit for 1000 years.
We need; therefore in order to be part of the harvest warning people of the wrath to come; because the night comes when no man can work. ( John 9:4). This is probably with a double meaning; the time when Christ was first taken away after the crucifixion until His Resurrection; and perhaps later in 70 AD for a time but of course the last part of the Tribulation comes into mind as well. There will be no possibility of repentance after the mark is taken.
Part 1.
Revelation 1:12-13.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Here in Revelation, chapters 1,2, and 3 the Lord is addressing his Church.
In this thread I want to focus on the candle stick. (Which is actually a lamp stand.) "Light barer".
The Lord identifies the Lamp stand in verse 20) the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20.
Also, what's important to see is Jesus's placement in the picture drawn. He is in the midst of the lampstand.
This is a picture of the Menorah.
It is to be oiled filled and never burn out.
WITH THAT IN MIND LETS GO TO THE GOSPELS.
John 9:4.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 1:4-12.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
It is clear Jesus came into the world to give light to a dark world and testifies to the world that its works is evil.
John 7:7.
On to page 2.
The Pharisees; who derided Christ throughout His public ministry had this to say shortly before the crucifixion. Jesus shut them out; as well as remaining silent soon after during Pilate's interrogation. Self exaltation and justification wasn't necessary for Christ didn't seek to be served but to serve and give His life for a ransom for many. ( Mark 10:45) The fact is; the Pharisees and religious leaders should have known who He was; and therefore were operating in deliberate blindness; uniquely qualifying them to commit the unpardonable sin. (See Matthew 12:24).
Part of the concept of the verse on "casting pearls before swine" ( Matt. 7:6) relates to this. Jesus hid meanings of the Parables to others who were deliberately spiritually blind (see Matthew 13:34; and Matthew 13:15; Isaiah 42:19-20). John 9:39-41 shows the end of an entire chapter related to a blind man's healing; where Jesus explains how men are made blind to the truth; but the Pharisees after asking if that was the intention of what Jesus said were still left with the judgment for themselves because they could see and were responsible for their sin.
These are sobering reminders that man is not justified in any righteousness of their own and estranged from God from the womb ( Psalm 58:3); yet has a conscience given by God where men are judged more harshly that know the law ( Romans 2:15).
Jesus warned that judgment would be worse for those cities that rejected Him than for Sodom and Gomorrah ( Matthew 10:15).
This attitude led to the unpardonable sin; blasphemy of the Holy Spirit where Beelzebub was attributed to Christ's healing rather than God ( Matthew 12:22). The issue of forgiveness of sins was truly where the problem was; since the miracles were manifold.
Nonetheless; Jesus wouldn't use His power to save Himself on the cross or when unbelief was present (see Matthew 13:58).
In the study of Creation there appear to be at least 2 different accounts in Genesis but they are emphasizing different things and hence complement one another ( Genesis 1 and 2). There are many Psalms related to Creation as well. We also see in Jesus quoting almost every book including reference to the Creation ( Matthew 19:8 on divorce); as well as the literal story of Jonah as to how it relates to the Son of Man ( Matthew 12:40). These accounts show the truth of the Old Testament and aren't able to hold water to arguments that things were merely symbolic.
One could argue as an atheist that since the same things seem to happen over and over again in scripture they can't be true; and/or they are borrowed from pagan traditions. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says that there is "nothing new under the sun." If we study things like prophecy there are more often than not multiple fulfillments; we can look at the earlier example of the Temple and abomination therein and see not just Antiochus but also the siege of Rome in 70 AD and to a lesser extent around 130 AD and the final application for Antichrist himself yet to come. The same pattern exists with Psalm 22 and descriptions foreshadowing Christ and demonstrating David's situation; some seem mutually exclusive others overlapping. Jesus was frequently hounded and persecuted much as David was; the difference being He was sinless; David was not. The whole story of the death; burial and Resurrection is seen with the pagan legends and religions as well but if we believe Satan is real he always is coming as a substitute for or against the God of the Bible; as we see in the persona of the Antichrist Beast and world economic and religious system. Satan knows scripture well enough to quote it; and we wouldn't expect anything less from the enemy of God's people.
We can see in the miracles of Christ similar things to the ministry of Elijah. Healing of the blind is unique ( John 9:32-33
John 8:34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
[35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
[36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
The apostle Paul did not say he sins daily. He dies daily and not to sin, but to the things of the world. We have to die daily as Paul picked up from Jesus teaching.
John 9:41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
We are to be blind remain dead to sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The wages of sin is death/hell firer and brimstone. The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven. This eliminates 99% of all Christians as they claim they can not be righteous free from sin.
1st Cor 6:9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Romans 6:[20] For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
[21] What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
[22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Good luck in being heard as God does not hear the prays of sinners. We see this everyday people dying in the hospital or looking for an out because of their pain and God hasn't heard them yet. A saved sinner means is a righteous person.
The apostle Paul just like me is an ex-sinner saved by grace Romans 6:18. If nobody can be free from sin, Jesus died for nothing. The Bible makes it clear God does not hear the prayers uttered by sinners John 9:31.
Romans 6:16] Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
[17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
[18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 5:19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
[20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
The apostle Paul was free from sin after he was saved, Peter, John, James, etc. All ex-sinners as they knew that sin is deceitful and only brings death. Why sin? Why walk in sickness, darkness, and death?
1st John 1:[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness ((sin)), we lie, and do not the truth:
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Christianity all around the world believe for the most part God loves them and they are saved by grace and yet they still sin. This is not what the bible says at all in John 9:31. The blind man was kicked out of church for preaching the truth. This is something that was known and not some new doctrine or directive issued by the church council or church meetings that God does not hear the prayer of sinners. The ex-blind man who went to church all his life never read the book of the law as brail was not invented yet for people to read. Yet, he heard something from behind the pulpit that stood out in his mind, unlike any other verse or scripture. I believe Isaiah 59:1-2 was reinforced into his mind over and over again in order for the ex-blind man to come up with the truth.
Isaiah 59:1] Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
[2] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
The ex-blind man was excommunicated from his church for preaching the truth. You go down and preach what the ex-blind man in John 9 preached and you will be out in the street. Churches don't want to hear God does not hear the prayers of sinners. Churches want to indulge in their riot with their ungodly events and way of living for the devil up to their neck in sin and unrighteousness. To get churches to go back to the old ways of revival like Jeremiah 6:16 will never happen, as they have tasted too much of the world and the devil's delights and are not interested in engaging with the words of Jesus Christ which are spirit and life John 6:63. All sin is of the devil 1st John 3:8. Tge wages or payment is called hellfire and brimstone Romans 6:23. I am an ex-sinner saved by grace, an ex-sinner is a righteous person Romans 6:18.
The prophecies in Jeremiah were as much for the PROMISED ISRAEL as was it for national Israel.
National Israel was preached the gospel then, as promised Israel is preached the gospel today.
John came preaching the GOSPEL of the Kingdom of God saying REPENT of your SINS.
They didn't understand THEN, as we don't understand TODAY.
Christ was CRUCIFIED from the foundation of the world, the sins of the FLESH God sees NOT, only the righteousness of Christ.
National Israel had this gospel THEN, as well as promised Israel has it TODAY.
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our sins from us.
So what was John message of REPENTANCE of our sins.
UNBELIEF is the ONLY sin that keeps us from the PRESENCE of GOD.
John 16:8 An when HE (Christ) IS COME (the second time as the Spirit of Truth), he (Christ) will reprove the world of SIN.
John 16:9 Of SIN because they BELIEVE NOT ......
You REPENT of the sins of UNBELIEF.
CONFESS your SINS of not understanding God's word.
ASK and you will RECEIVE.
John 9:41 ... If you were BLIND, you would have NO SIN, but because you say I SEE, your SIN (not understanding) remaineth.
You may have to read the WORD fifteen hundred times as LIGHT is shined into DARKNESS: our carnal mind of misunderstanding.
These words are meant for encouragement, not condemnation, we are all being JUDGED by the WORD.
Each of us STAND or FALL by those WORDS.
Look at yourself as GOD sees YOU, a NEW CREATION.
Philippians 2:5 Let this MIND be IN YOU, which was ALSO in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:6 Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God.
God Bless YOU!
-while disobeying HIS word then we became ineffective Christians who cannot even say boo to a demon.
Yes, Such People and ministries exist
-There are Men of God who are actually Led by the Spirit of God and are called according to the Gifts given to men by our Lord Jesus Christ, but instead of putting a show they fear God and walk with Him.
They that believe in Him, and they that are committed to His do Him will Revelation 12:11, KJV.
But what we are witnessing is.
-Men have departed from God and the church is a business and entertaining industries.
-Men don't pray earnestly before God and if they pray it's a shopping request rather than worship before God.
-No one is taking head according to the word of God and repentance has become optional this days where people have forgeten that God does not hear sinners ( John 9:31, KJV) and our sins separates us from our God (Isiah 59:2,KJV)
-Lets us pick our Bibles and wipe the dust off from them and lets us be given to God in prays and fasting seeking to fellowship with Him always while continuing in the word of GOD grounded in faith Amen.
-Remember faith without works is dead!
Lastly repent of your sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
The whole word of God is about Christ and his bride, the church.
The whole chapter of Ephesians 5 is speaking of Christ the husband and the woman his wife.
Ephesians 5:32 This is a MYSTERY, but I SPEAK CONCERNING Christ and HIS CHURCH.
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind you would have NO SIN, but because you say I SEE, you sin remaineth
God Bless YOU!
Time
Time is a sign. It is in this sense we have the Spirit tells specifically of its purpose under the heaven. "And a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die (Ec.3:1-6)". God's covenant with Noah is similarly pendent on the decree that He made with his Son, and it has to do with the day (Ps.2:7). (See entry under D-Day)
Time is of no consequence to eternal God. So we have time reconstituted to apply the role of the Son of man as the Word made flesh. St Peter provides us a clue to it in 2 Pe.3:8.
"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.( John 9:4)." His call 'follow me' applies to the day in which the Preacher sets out a whole range of work any man who would follow the way the Son may do.
"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him (Ps.2:12)."
Noah walked with God and he did according to the instruction. So how long he took to build the ark is left out by the Spirit for a reason. The Spirit instruct us to abide in God a Spirit so our volume carries our earthly circumstance, time subsumed into the will of God. When you received the Son,, you are part of the body of Christ as the ark of Noah and the man symbolically became one.
Covenant of heaven with the earth has thus a time marked by the Spirit where number has specific significance in the same manner a bow in heaven would signify.
The Second Day
Each day is with regards to the day, that is appointed for the Son and it shall have its own sequence continual progression of events till the fulness of times. This is also tagged as a pillar of the house that Wisdom built. (Pr.9:1)
God separated Day from Night, which marks the Day especial and apart from other days mentioned in the creation account. Jesus remarked on this day in these words, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day."( John 9:14) In another passage we know it includes both Father and Son. I and my Father are one. As for the works, he was specific, My Father works hitherto, and I work." ( John 5:17)
God named or called the light Day.(v.5) Here the Spirit is giving us the hint with regards to names. God decreed a day, -'Thou art my Son' (Ps.2:7) and with it his name is superior to every name in heaven or under it. He has given him "a name, which is above every name.' It brings in turn the significance of the expression, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. So we have to conclude that death of his Son was well established under an everlasting covenant and it has to do with the Fellowship of God with Man. Holiness of God requires the divine Will is holy, meaning it requires no correction or afterthought to settle for a Plan B. It is what we read in the following passage. ."(Ph.2:8-11)
The quote from the Gospel of John refers to a night and from the context it is clear that it is about his impending death on the cross. "the night cometh, when no man can work."(John9:4).
And God called the firmament, the heaven significance of which is in the face, The waters above interacts with waters which is below.
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. ( John 9:41).
In the Old Testament we see the mad Prophet Balaam stopped by a donkey who God readily used to block his way and for a mouthpiece of rebuke. ( 2 Peter 2:16-18 as quoted in the N.T. from Numbers 22-24). We see also how the demons Jesus cast out knew who Jesus was ( Mark 3:11-12). This is somewhat understandable from the fact that the angels were there to see God in heaven and witness the creation of the earth ( Job 38:7).
We are warned in James 2:19 about not just saying that we believe in God. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; this is quoted many times in scripture. The conscience of men can be seared after some time; hearts hardened ( 1 Tim. 4:2; Exodus 7:3 and subsequent verses with Pharaoh). A believer has a healthy awe based on God's Holiness; and without holiness no man can see God ( Heb. 12:14).
Only man could see the miracles of Christ and still remain in unbelief. That would not just be related to the physical miracles when on earth; but also the miracle of salvation which often was accompanied by deliverance in scripture but which we see today. Mercifully God forgives any sin against the Father or Son is forgivable ( Matt. 12:32); but against the Holy Spirit is not.
The Spirit demonstrates His Holiness amongst the ministry of John 16:8 warning the world of sin; righteousness and judgment to come. The opposite of a broken and contrite heart is pride and self righteousness (only the sick need a physician Matt. 9:12).
Therefore such Pharisitical people also make their own twisted judgments on right and wrong and condemn others based on that mindset.
May we read scripture for its true meaning not through any man centered agenda; respecting ALL of it as God's Word ( 2 Tim. 3:16). May we have a heart to always glean new truths from God; seeking His face daily ( Psalm 1:2
It seems I lost count; This is Part 3.
Blindness.
In Luke 4:18 Jesus opens the book of Isaiah and reads; "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
RECVERING THE SIGHT OF THE BLIND.
Jesus done this literally and figuratively. Notice what Jesus tells the blind man and the Pharisees in John 9:39-41.
"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, "THAT THEY WHICH SEE NOT MIGHT SEE; AND THEY WHICH SEE MIGHT BE MADE BLIND."
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore, your sin remaineth.
Not all were blind as Paul mentions in Romans, but noticed Jesus says this before they rejected him.
Also see John 1:5-9.
"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
I don't hold quite the view you do on the mystery was salvation going out the Gentiles,
I believe the inability to receive the cross and resurrection as God's redemption plan is what made it a mystery.
And it was a mystery to them "The Jews" that that was the redemption plan for them as well.
Worshipping in truth and in spirit was made possible in this new covenant at the resurrection by way of believe and be baptized by the Holyspirit.
Christ put his spirit IN us to receive the thing of God. Jews and Gentiles.
The Apostles were told to wait, after they recieved, they were sent out to the world.
1 Timothy 6:9 talks about traps which "drown men in perdition." Let us consider for a moment how things will stand after the Rapture of the Church (assuming of course in a Pre-Trib rapture viewpoint). Before we tangle with what seems to be an impossible situation for those remaining on the earth to believe what just happened is anything other than calling His saints home to glory; let us rewind back to the time of Christ. In this time there clearly were many miracles which could only be attributed logically to God. (see John 9:32 and the healing of the blind man). Nonetheless; Satan (or Beelzebub which is a reference to an equally evil entity) was attributed to such things by the blind Pharisees. ( Matthew 12:22). This was despite the obvious fulfillment of prophecies which pertained to Christ from the Old Testament; not to mention his own prophetic warnings of crucifixion to come as well as the Resurrection seen by 500 ( 1 Cor. 15:1-11). Such hatred shows the blindness of the minds of men by the god of this world ( 2 Cor. 4:4); as well as our own state apart from the illumination of the Holy Spirit to such matters.
So looking ahead to the beginning of the Tribulation; we should expect more of the same. Evil will be unrestrained at that time unlike any time before or since ( Matt. 24:21). Since all but 8 died in Noah's flood; we expect therefore that the demons being loosened will be the thing making things worse since a number actually will physically survive to the end. A short inspection of the media today should clearly indicate how entrenched images of occult and Satanic worship has become acceptable to the mainstream. When we see undeniable and verifiable signs such as fire coming down from heaven that the False Prophet performs; it is no surprise the world embraces it; and worships the image (as well as likely creating it themselves perhaps on their own computers).
IT seems that with the downplay (if even being a factor at all) of coming to saving faith of repentance for individuals another issue is being unwilling to confront national evils which we are called to sound out against as per Ezekiel 33. There are several reasons for this; one being fear of societal disapproval or persecution; going against the grain of many who are rather lukewarm about the subject and the most insidious perhaps being our own tendancy to be overcomfortable as the pot approaches boiling as we see in the case of Lot. James 5:3 should be carefully read; as many think that through their own efforts they can make it through the Tribulation; or even be able to endure things before that should there be a crash in the metals market; or perhaps something else such as nuclear fallout that could render such wealth useless. There needs to be a healthy balance between wise prudence in resources and hoarding; the former being ideally used for other saints in a time of crisis as was in the book of Acts; and the latter being a tendency to fall into based on political persuasion being set above spiritual wisdom.
As with my first part in this series; it should be obvious that the crap will hit the fan; so to speak. Or; as I put it God is much more longsuffering than I am; considering the long list of abominations our own nation has committed; although hardly alone in such actions we have been the catalyst for expanding these horrors worldwide (abortion; pornography; illicit drug trade).
Whether we are Babylon or not; or a part of the final world system it is evident that destruction when it comes will be so speedy that there is no remedy to avoid the famine; plagues; war and demonic infestation of the earth at that time short of Divine Intervention and protection.
Satan will have his day in the spotlight; so let us work while it still is day. ( John 9:4).
Why do you assume the ones teaching on this forum; and those teaching, refute the doctrine of the church, are in error, and not the church being in error.
That's a stretch:
Isaiah 6:8 And I (Christ, he is the WORD(s) that are written) heard the voice of the LORD (my Father) saying, Whom shall I (the Father) SEND? and who will go for us? Then said I (Christ), here am I, SEND ME.
Isaiah 6:9 And he (the father) said, Go (Christ), and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, BUT UNDERSTAND NOT, and see ye indeed, and PERCEIVE.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they UNDERSTAND.
Most in the church will tell you the WORD is not a parable, nor believe it is a parable, so why do you think their doctrines are correct, when they don't believe the WORDS OF GOD.
God sent Jesus to be the saviour of the world, and his RESURRECTION saved the world, the church doesn't believe this, you have said yourself most go to hell,:there is going to be a kingdom, back on this earth, when God raises the UNBELIEVERS (even Satan believes there is a God, he just doesn't believe the WORDS of GOD) back to their flesh, and they will bow and confess GOD'S WORDS ARE TRUTH.
You don't believe you fall into this pigeon hole, because you believe the DOCTRINES of man instead of God's words, Revelation SAYS: Satan who deceives the WHOLE WORLD; this includes his church, you don't believe the church is deceive, can you point to the time God caused you to SEE this deception. Until you AGREE with God, that you and I and everyone one else has been deceive, and ASK God to open your eyes and HIM CAUSE you to see, you will be among those spoken of in John:
John 9:41 Jesus is saying unto YOU: If you were blind you would have NO SIN: but now you say I SEE (you day, I haven't been deceived) therefore YOUR SIN REMAINETH.
This is written in LOVE:
God bless YOU!
And
They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.
The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.
Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."
In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).
In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.
I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was
Have you every considered that you might not be seeing, we all fall into this sin.
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now ye saw WE SEE; therefore your sin remaineth.
God Bless You!
John 9:41 ....if you were blind, you would have no sin: but now you say, WE SEE, therefore your sin remainth.
When we read God's word and we come to words such a mountain, we automatically picture in our carnal minds a physical mountain, instead of what it represents in Christ mind.
As we study and the spirit of Christ teaches, we begin to develop the mind of Christ, we see the meaning, not the physical, this is a process that happens with time and study.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables, because they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Daniel 7:13 ...one like of the Son of man come with the clouds of heaven ----has that image popped into your carnal mind ------ that not the meaning in Christ mind ----
God Bless you as he creates the mind of Christ IN YOU.
As has been brought out by my pastor and is clear from my earlier postings; a society can't last too long in the moral morass we have experienced the last few decades. Whether assessing the political left or the attitude of youth these days we see something foreign to its original concept. That is the lack of a work ethic. "If we don't work we don't eat" ( 2 Thess. 3:10). Our enemies surely must have met if not exceeded their goals in rendering our society too lazy to prevent their own self destruction if by overeating; drug addiction; suicide or other vices at their disposal. There are many other verses supporting the Apostle Paul as a tentmaker earning what he could and not being a burden even to his own detriment in some cases. Would we want someone planting churches over whole regions of the world having to concern himself with finding secular employment today? Not in this country; anyway.
Spiritual wisdom dictates that we also prepare for things to come as wise are commended for it ( Prov. 22:3). The fools of course do the opposite and calamity overcomes them. IF we are Babylon then I expect all calamities to come at one time eventually to this country; and even if not it seems much is overdue. If it weren't for the waste in this country as such a huge consumer of energy we wouldn't have such a need for things. As it is; instead of utilizing resources available and in a complete manner such as the Indians did with the buffalo in the past we are too comfortable with instant measures to provide our needs from the government or food in supermarkets rather than learing survival instincts. What I am saying is that humanism as any idealistic mindset blinds us to obvious contradictions and we of course see this with a general lack of outrage in this country as opposed some others to the plans for world government to take over.
As Christians our focus should be preaching the Word while it is yet day. ( John 9:4).
"Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
"He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight."
Is we wash our eyes with the water(Word of God) of Siloam(in Hbr Siloam it means the "one who is sent") then we will se clearly(the truth).
Today; we seem to think little on the next generation; hence kids have found that there isn't much value in their existence. With so many cut off before birth it is no wonder that kids would feel unvalued today and with such poor parenting skills undisciplined themselves. Hosea 4:6 indicates that because of a lack of knowledge people are perishing. Life is as a vapor as several scriptures indicate ( James 4:14). Not only are things accelerated today ( Daniel 12:4) but as I said in the last piece the value of everything has diminished. There will be no suffering loss; I assure you for cell phones; computers and other high tech entertainment sources NOT being present in heaven. We need to be careful in earthly treasures as well (See Luke 16:11); such behaviors show what is really in our hearts as to our conduct in this world.
In light of these facts; do we consider how great it is that we are saved from having to be in an unregenerate state for all eternity? Isaiah 66:4 describes how God "chooses their delusions" and later on at the end of that chapter a vivid description of hell is given. Phillipians 1:21 states that Paul said "to live is Christ; to die is gain." and other verses show that it is better to be in the house of mourning rather than mindless happiness ( Ecclesiastes 7:2).
In light of all this; we do well to see how we approach the House of Worship but also how we live out the rest of the week. It is sad today how many people insist on having beepers and other cell phone distractions interrupt the services. Personally; I feel a need to have a cell phone only in case my elderly parents have an emergency at home. That was the original use of "beepers". For every moment here on earth there are eternal ramifications; we need to focus on working while it is yet day ( John 9:4). As for Christ it is also for us in that respect our time to serve here is short and we need to focus on the Great Commission.
The summary of the Psalm seems to be similar or perhaps is connected to the previous one; as we see a mention of aching bones in verse 3. I had already postulated as to the possible cause of these issues; and it seems in verse 5 that certain behaviors may have led to this condition (as well as the hand of God being heavy on David in verse 4).
Verse 6 discusses coming to the Lord while there is yet time; not say in the "great flood" which could be a past reference to what happened in the days of Noah or perhaps in the end times as well. Surely we need to be mindful of sin and approach Christ while there is yet day and we can work ( John 9:4 and similar admonitions). Verse 7 once again discusses a "hiding place" or place of refuge which could be deliverance through the trials in this life or from the wrath to come; or certain other things today.
We see an interesting change of wording in verse 8 which seems to carry to verse 9. The "I will instruct thee" clearly is God Himself talking; and it seems that verse 9 is very much like the book of James in the N.T. ( James 3:3). Verse 10 also is like other verses which state there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 57:21).
We are told to "shout for joy" if indeed righteous. We are reminded of the Beatitudes where we are said to be "blessed' when persecuted and many say things against us for Christ's sake ( Matt. 5:11). It seems David spent much of his years patiently handling accusations; first from Saul and then from his own offspring; partially as the result of God's chastisement due to his own transgressions.
To clarify, you wrote "BUT his words are a parable, because he said they were a parable."
Do you believe all of Jesus's words are parables? If so, then when Jesus said He was speaking in parables that also would be a parable, right? It would seem strange to believe 99.9% of what Jesus says is a figurative parable, except only one verse or phrase where He says He's speaking in parables, correct? For example Mark 4:11 is literal?
To me its evident when Jesus or anyone else in the Bible is speaking literally, telling a story, using a figure of speech, metaphor, simile, just as its usually evident when conversing with anyone else in person.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" John 9:35 KJV
Jesus said He's the Son of God, do you believe he was being literal or telling a parable when He said that?
"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48 KJV
Another literal quote from Jesus which do you believe is literal that Judas did in fact betray Him with a kiss, or do you believe this is also a parable?
Do you believe Jesus is Lord as it says in Colossians 2:6-9 and the Mighty God as it says in Isaiah 9:6?
God bless
Seeing, they see not, and hearing, they hear not.
John 9:39 ...for JUDGEMENT I am come to this world, that they which see not might see; and they which see might be made blind.
John 16:8 And when he is come (the Holy Ghost, Christ the second coming), he will reprove the world of SIN .....
John 16:9 Of SIN, because not on me (the words of Christ).
If creation would only believe God's words, and understand JUDGEMENT, and SIN, and the WRATH of God.
God has blessed you with his understanding, and his grace and his mercy, and a little child shall lead them.
The TOTAL destruction of life in the sea (ostensively indicating all the oceans in the world) is mind numbing. The exception would be the marine life in the Dead Sea which is destined (as is already starting) to have fresh water come into it; which will accellerate in the Millenium and beyond when water flows from the Holy City.
The fresh water sources of the whole world are then turned to "blood". Whether this is literal blood or some blood red contaminant may not be entirely clear here; but we have a precedent with Egyptian plagues here and with other vial judgments.
The fourth vial; fifth and seventh all indicate a lack of repentance and continuing blasphemies against God. The sixth seal uses demons to convince men to fight at Armageddon after gathering there (v. 12-16). This probably has something to do with the East vs West (as Daniel states that there are rumors from the North and East that bother Antichrist in chapter 11; verse 44); but evolves into people fighting amongst themselves then turning against Christ when they are immediately destroyed. When we realize that at the end of the Millennium Satan is released one more time for yet ANOTHER insurrection to overthrow God we realize how deluded unregenerate men's minds are as well as how wicked Satan is.
We see that there is unrestrained judgment here in accordance with man's complete lack of repentance. Man repeats what the Beast spews forth in Revelation 13 and somehow thinks that they can "forecast a device" against the Lord ( Psalm 21:11). Let us do His work while it is yet day ( John 9:4).
Thus; Armageddon and the judgment of the nations where fires burn from one end of the earth to the other along with carcasses ( Jer. 25:33); Zeph. 3:8-10 are inevitable. Christ will come and destroy in one fell swoop those attacking Him in Armageddon; and cast the Antichrist and False Prophet into hell; and Satan will go into the pit for 1000 years.
We need; therefore in order to be part of the harvest warning people of the wrath to come; because the night comes when no man can work. ( John 9:4). This is probably with a double meaning; the time when Christ was first taken away after the crucifixion until His Resurrection; and perhaps later in 70 AD for a time but of course the last part of the Tribulation comes into mind as well. There will be no possibility of repentance after the mark is taken.