the life of youth is energetic, lively & spirited, there's much hope & aspirations towards one's future. Its appears you have much going for you. I have notices from observation of others & my own experience that wisdom was much lacking in youth vigor.
I would ask you to consider these words, bring them to your mentors to receive a godly counsel Proverbs 11:14
The definition of a Christian in its simplist & purest form is to be Christ-like, He's John 14:6; ask yourselve is this becoming a Navy Seal something Jesus would do? Believes follow Christ in the regeneration & are change empowering them to Luke 6:27-31;
When the disciples want to call down thunder from heaven to destroy lives; Jesus replied Luke 9:55,56; denoting it the influence of spirit of darkness to kill & destroy lives. James 4:1,2,3,4; escape the corruption that is in this world through lust & 2Cor 6:17;
I would encourage you to lay down your weapons Isa 2:4 & become a soldier of the Cross. 2Cor 10:14; Marry your sweet heart & live 2Cor 5:15;
Hiya Jema G/M.....I saw your post ty gbu..."let these sayings sink down into your hearts and ears".... Luke 9:44....But Jema this is the bridegroom speaking about his Seed, his living Words sown in our hearts and minds ( our ears).....Initiating a spritual pregnancy.....Even in the natural a bridegrooms Seed is alive....Not a written word....But a living Seed.....Thats y he wants to KNOW US so that he can sow his good seed in our hearts and Minds our Ears..... John 16:6 kjv..... b/c i have spoken these words (his godly seeds ) sorrows have filled your hearts....A woman when she is in travail has sorrows ( a pregnancy).....But after the Child comes her sorrows are turned into joy.....Our Child is the H.G. the Child of Promise....My lil Children of whom i travail in birth Again till Christ is formed in you... Gal 4:19.....Thats y he is saying that which is BORN of the spirit is spirit.....Which is the H.G. our Child of PROMISE....Why is the H.G. the Child of Promise ?...simply b/c the H.G. IS THE REGENERATION and MULTIPLICATION OF Christ via his precious seed THE LIVING WORD....Thats y he always refers to himslef as the son of man.....Simply b/c mankind is gona bring forth fruit unto God.....A baby Christ which is the H.G...K LEMME GO....Blessed are them that follow me in the Regeneration....
Your post is on point, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, Jesus and Paul used that saying many times. This is not to generate a back-and-forth; just thought you might want to look at it. I agree the transformation was awesome and like you said we have the law and the prophets and the Messiah in the middle a true picture of the fulfillment of scriptures by the Messiah, Jesus.
I have heard it said by many, Moses and Elijah were there and were alive and I have a hard time understanding that. Does it matter? This was before the resurrection of Jesus and Jesus is the firstfruits of those who slept, 1 Cor. 15:20. So, before Jesus defeated death and was resurrected no person who ever lived had not ascended to heaven, John 3:13.
Paul tells us in Acts 2:29,34 David is dead and buried and has not ascended to heaven. How do we explain Enoch and Elijah being taken? There are some things about that like them being the two witnesses, but I do not know, by the scriptures, I have not found it. But if Moses, after he died, Deuteronomy 34:1-5, was taken up to heaven Jesus would not be the firstfruits.
We see this in Matt. 17:9Mark 9:9 Jesus said it was a vision and do not tell anyone what they saw and in Luke 9:32 they were heavy with sleep and John did not write about it. All three covered the cloud, (the Shekinah Glory), and what God said, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." Peter also repeats it in 2 Peter 1:15-18. Was it a vision? Was it to reinforce their faith?
Like I said, this is not to start a ruckus, I just cannot get an understanding of Moses and Elijah alive and being there when John wrote this after Jesus had ascended, because he said Jesus was in heaven; only Jesus who came down is the only one who has ascended to heaven, John 3:13.
In the gospels we read the story of Judas. A disciple, an apostle, he baprized new believers in water like the rest ( John 4:2), he was given authority over the Spirit to perform miracles and healings ( Luke 9:6), cast out demons, he was sent by Jesus to preach salvation ( Matthew 10:5-15), he was told that he, together with the rest, in the Judgement will sit on a throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. But in the midtime Judas allowed his heart to love money more than Jesus and eventually his love for money led him to become Jesus' trator. Why? Because his heart deceived him. People who hold the belief that salvation can not be lost try to overcome Judas' example by saying that he wasn't actually saved. for that they use the verse in John 17:12, "While I (Jesus) was with them (the 12) in the world, I kept them in thy name (Saviour): those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." So a sinful man, not saved, was sent to preach salvation to Israel? Was given gifts of healing and performing miracles? A son of satan who casts out devils? Really? No, not really. What Jesus says is that he managed to save all but Judas because Judas took the decision for himself to become a traitor, a son of perdition, like the Scriptures said and so the prophesy was fulfilled. And something else. Even if Judas never betrayed Jesus, still the Jews would capture Him sometime, one way or another. Judas wasn't their only choise.
Another example of a man who let his heart deceive him is Demas, a companion of Paul during his ministry. But eventually he left Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ...". Demas eventually loved the sinful world more than God and left Paul. Who was Demas? We don't really know. But we know that Paul was very strict when he selected his partners in the ministry.
Something that is unfortunate is that Orthodox rabbis use this verse to prove the Jesus Christ is not the Messiah because Jesus said there are some standing right here that will not taste of death until they see the Kingdom of God. They say that the Kingdom of God still has not been established on the earth, and the disciples are dead, so what Jesus said is not true. That is the way they see it.
But we know better. Peter, James, and John got to see the kingdom of God come before they died. They got to see Jesus completely transformed. In Luke 9:29, that word glistering, the Greek word represents emitting a light, not reflecting, but emitting. The light was actually coming out from Him, and it is the word that is used to describe lightning. So, you can imagine what the scene was like. It was not reflected light. It was not a spotlight coming out of heaven to shine on Jesus. He was literally transformed into His body of glory in front of them.
If I may offer another perspective on this, we see Jesus saying this also in Matthew 16:28, and Mark 9:1. If you notice, after all three presentations, it immediately goes into the transfiguration of Christ. Matthew ends at Verse 28, but as soon as you go to Matthew 17:1, it talks about the transfiguration. It's the same thing right after Mark 9:1 and Luke 9:27.
When Jesus said, "there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God," I believe He was speaking of Peter, James, and John. They were the ones who Jesus took with Him up into the mountain to pray. They were the ones that were there to witness the transfiguration of Jesus.
Luke 9:29 tells us that as he was praying, the fashion (literally outward appearance) of his countenance (or face), was altered. In the Greek text, it just uses the word HETEROS. His face became different. But even with the Greek word HETEROS, meaning different in kind than He was before, it wasn't a physical change. It was a physical change into a spiritual change. Matthew uses the word metamorphosis, meaning completely transformed. In the Greek text, it just uses the word HETEROS. His face became different.
Now in Matthew Chapter 16, it is unfortunate that Verse 28 was placed in Chapter 16 because Verse 28 goes with Verse 1. Sometimes bible commentaries will stop at the end of Chapter 16 and do a five-page presentation of what Verse 28 means. All they had to do is say go to Verse 1, that there are some standing here that will not taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming.
I understand you are busy with work and your concerns about your brother, so not to rush, not on Daniel, but just a few things to consider about Matthew 24. My understanding of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 is twofold, for then, and our future.
The reason is, history tells us the believers in Jesus got out and went to Pella across the Jordan river before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. And on the sabbath, today would not matter but then the gates would be locked, and it would be hard to leave.
Matt. 24:3, in Mark, we see it was Peter, James, John, and Andrew that ask Jesus in private. Jesus had just told them the temple would be destroyed and Matthew records "what sign of thy coming and the end of the world." It is easy to jump to they were talking about Jesus' second coming, but.
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection were hidden from them until all was done. Luke 9:44-45 Luke 18:31-34 and after they did not believe He resurrected. Mark 20:9-11Luke 24:6-8, John 20:9. Even right before He ascended, they were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom then, Acts 1:6. So why in Matthew 24:3 would we interpret it as if they were asking Jesus about His second coming?
I will send you by this weekend what I have studied on the six things determined in Daniel 9:24 if I can shorten it enough, I do not like to send long posts. If you don't want me to post it let me know.
No, I don't believe we're supposed to wear crosses. Leviticus 26:1, nowhere does it say wear a cross, as jewelry. However it does say not to make idols.
Recently I thought, if a person had a friend that was killed by gunshot & had a miraculous recovery. How would he feel, if when he returned to his friends & family, they had an image of the gun or bullet around their neck, to honor him. I would think it would be upsetting to say the least. Wouldn't he say, "your missing the main point." isn't it the life lived?Jesus himself being the example of a loving life, helping others in need? & the hope & promise of resurrection. John 5:21-29, 1Corinthians 15:42-58, John 11:25, Ecclesiastes 5:15, 1Timothy 6:7,
Bare your cross: Luke 14, looking at context, whole chapter Jesus in doing the better thing by healing, suffered rejection, hate, wrongful judgement.
A cross is painful, it's obvious, on view for everyone to see, not something we can hide in our pocket. It causes ridicule & even division. Luke 14:11, Luke 14:12-14, Luke 14:17-20,24, Luke 14:26,27, also Matthew 10, note Matthew 10:36, Matthew 10:17,18, Matthew 10:21, Matthew 10:22, please read in context Matthew 10, Matthew 10:32-42, & Luke 9:22-26, also Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:29-38, Mark 10:14-52,
The Gospels were written after Jesus ascended to heaven but when we read them it is like it was happening as they wrote them. Jesus told them several times what was going to happen to Him, but it was hidden from them, Luke 9:44-45 Luke 18:31-34. We see how they reacted when He was crucified and after He was resurrected, they did not believe the women when they told them Jesus had resurrected Luke 24:9-11.
The disciples believed Jesus the Messiah was going to set up the kingdom then, the gospel of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and being raised from the dead was hidden from them. So, when we read how Peter denied knowing Jesus and the disciples ran away when they arrested Him, this must be considered.
What they were expecting was crumbling in front of them. Their eyes were not opened until first Jesus opened their understanding, Luke 24:44-45 and later a Pentecost with the baptizing of the Holy Spirit.
Hello Parker. The Matthew 8:21,22 reference ties in with Luke 9:57-62. This disciple (not of the twelve), wanted to follow Jesus wherever he went but wasn't prepared to leave everything at once to do so. What he was asking of Jesus was if he could follow Jesus after his father had died (i.e. when his earthly responsibilities to his family were completed) & he was free to leave.
And so Jesus' response to this was, 'leave those matters to those who are concerned with them & who don't wish to follow me and learn of me - but if you're serious, then come follow Me now'. One might think that Jesus was a little hard on this man, but the message was, that time cannot be wasted on matters that others can take care of; and if we procrastinate on important matters now, we might just eventually lose interest in pursuing it altogether. Words matter little - Jesus required action as well - an immediate response, for His time was short.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
Hi Richard, good thoughts, just a few questions to study for the truth.
I agree, "Somethin' ain't right here with the logic." Many have tried to calculate how close we are and only God the Father knows. My understanding of a generation is the average life from birth to death. The 120 years in Genesis was the warning God gave, they had 120 years to repent until the flood came and wiped them all out except the 8.
I assume the generation you are referencing is the one in Matt. 24Mark 13Luke 21. My understanding is they have a dual meaning some things are for the future and many things were for then. Jesus said that generation vipers, evil, adulterous, wicked, sinful, faithless, perverse, and "That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation" Matt.23:33-39.
"This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled" is where the division of understanding comes. What did Jesus mean when He said till all be fulfilled? Was it all prophesied up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple we see in Daniel 9? Was it all until He returns? Was it part of both? We must remember at the time Jesus told them this they did not even know He was going to be crucified, Mark 16:14Luke 9:44-45 Luke 18:31-34Luke 24:6-8Luke 24:44-45.
Jesus said when you see the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel, flee Judea. History tells us all the believers in Jesus got that warning and fled to Pella a region across the Jordan river and were saved. Many today place this with saying the antichrist is the he in Dan.9:27, 7-year tribulation, and the rapture of the Church.
Has the 70-week prophecy been fulfilled? How would that change the rapture theory as taught? If we are looking to be taken out before the tribulation and that does not happen, would that be the hour of temptation and the falling away? The seven-year cleanup, could they be the first seven years of the millennium?
The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof. 1Corinthians 10:26, Psalms 24:1, Psalms 89:11, Psalms 50:12, Ephesians 1:10, Daniel 2:20-22, Genesis 1:28, Luke 9:1, 1Corinthians 15:23-28, John 19:5-11
Proverbs 29:2, Revelation 3:10,
Matthew 28:18, Acts 1:8, Matthew 18:18, Mark 16:17-19
Matthew 6, Luke 4:40, Matthew 12:15, Luke 6:19, Psalms 139, Psalms 107:20, Matthew 15:30, Luke 9:11, Matthew 4:24, Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:13, Acts 5:6, Acts 14:9, Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17,18, John 16:23, Luke 11:9-11, context Luke 11:2-13, James 5:13-20,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
Some things can't be understood. I have a few thoughts here in regard to Satan's creation and fall that may be helpful.
Satan himself was created as all things as God desired; origimally as we can see from both Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 as a "Cherubim" and song worship position to glorify God in heaven. He clearly had free will; and also clearly saw spiritual realities so that he chose to rebel after becoming proud; then drew 1/3 of the angels after him ( Rev. 12:4).
God foreknew the need for the adversary for one clear reason; to test His saints as to their loyalties. Job apparently was unaware of the heavenly discussions going on with Satan and God and that Satan was the source of his troubles. Nonetheless; He tested what Satan had accused Job of; namely cursing God when things didn't go well as well as when his body was afflicted with boils.
This testing of character could also be evident when the "thorn in the flesh" that Paul had WAS clear as to its source; nonetheless GSod's grace was sufficient and He was NOT granted the healing he prayed for 3 times. ( 2 Cor. 12:7-10).
Secondly; it is necessary to lay down our lives sacrificially for the Lord or "carry our crosses daily." ( Luke 9:23). God used Satan to bring forth the "son of Perdition" with Judas Iscariot ( John 17:12 prophesied in Psalms 109:8 and elsewhere); as well as testing Peter in Matthew 16:23. Since Satan has been granted temporary authority in this world; He has been allowed both with false doctrines and outward persecution to test the saints; and ultimately; of course the Antichrist will be used when the whole world goes through its trial ( Rev. 3:10). As God draws all men to Himself (that are His sheep); He uses Satan as a "dragnet" to draw the whole world to eventually fight Christ ( Psalm 2; Rev. 19) as well as take the Mark of the Beast and worship him.
Rewards for the saints; therefore are procured through a conflict and resistance. Spiritual warfare is where victories are won.
My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.
John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.
The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.
Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15Mark 4:10-13Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26John 16:3-4Romans 11:25Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.
This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.
in 9:2, Jesus sends them out to "preach the kingdom of God"
in 9:21, Jesus "commanded them to tell no man that thing"
My question is, what are they preaching in 9:2? It doesn't seem like he sent them out to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah or Christ, because that's apparently a secret at that time - so what was their message?
That's 1 way to look at it. Day definition as span of time. Psalms 90:4, 2Peter 3:8,
Genesis 3, Also a Spiritual death, that happened immediately, the results of which were immediate fear, instead of trust to their creator. Feeling naked before GOD, & man etc. Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:60, Romans 5:12-21,
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
The people of the world are those whom the Savior describes here as the (spiritually) dead who should bury the (physically) dead. Let people, He says, who are not interested in My work, and who are "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:1), take care of the dead. Your duty is now to follow Me.
Some hold the view that the man's father has not died yet and what the man is saying let me go take care of my father until he dies, being he was the first born.
"Jesus I will follow you but first let me stay with my father, until he dies. I am not sure how long that will take but once that happens then I will bury him. When that is done then I will come and follow you."
Also, this man may have been consideringhis inheritance. It's possible this man was waiting to claim his inheritance from his father. So, he wasn't just saying he wanted to wait until his father died. He was also saying - Lord I have some inheritance coming to me and I want to secure my financial future. Once that happens, I will be ready and at that time I will come and follow you. It was a matter of priority.
In Luke 9:60, Jesus said, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
He wouldn't even let him bury his father. That is kind of tough! Well, we know from the scriptures, in Deuteronomy 21:23, it tells us that once a person died, they had to be buried before sunset, on the day of the death.
So if this man's father had already died, he would not be out listening to the teachings of Jesus. He would be attending the funeral and burying his father.
But rather, as Matthew's account tells us, that the phrase itself in the Greek text represents the Hebraism, that basically it says "let me go back until my father dies so I get my inheritance."
You see, in those days you stayed around the house. And when the father died, then you took over. You took over the business, and you took over the estate.
And what he is saying is "I'm really not free to leave. I have got some financial interests that I cannot leave. You see if I leave now, I leave all my inheritance, and so I can't do that!"
Please notice what's happening here. Jesus is fixed towards Jerusalem. He is telling the disciples that you get fixed on Jesus and you follow Him.
But look at all the things that challenge that relationship. You have got conveniences. It's like, "Gee, I have waited my whole life to get the inheritance from my father, and now Jesus is asking me to follow Him, and if I do I am going to lose all that inheritance."
Yup! Let the spiritual dead bury their own dead. You go preach the Kingdom.
People accused Jesus of going to eat dinner at the house of a "tax collector." Luke 19:1-10. Jesus spent time with an "adulteress" John 4. He spent much of His ministry around "sinners." We're all sinners.
But yes, there are verses supporting avoiding people and avoiding trouble. Jesus fled to avoid being arrested/beaten, before it was His time. He left people to be alone to pray. He said He wasn't respected in His own town with His own family. It says this about not being welcomed: Luke 9:5. It says avoid foolish arguments Titus 3:9-11 and avoid divisive people or heretics. It says this specifically about Christians ( Matthew 18:16-17) when confronting about an issue like sin. So it seems the answer is it depends.
Found this page too which might have more verses: Link God bless.
Jesus took the loaves and blessed them, its written whether you eat or drink give glory To God. Trust in God as you pray for your food you know your father is in heaven you need to have faith him.
Luke 9:17
17 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
Mark 17:18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The last verses, 58-62, all I can say is, Wow! Sad, that these others were so caught up in their comfort zones, enough, to even keep them, from being used by the Master.
I believe you are correctly stating, here are scriptures to back that up: Matthew 18, Matthew 18:2-4, Mark 9:36,37, Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 9:46-48, Luke 18:17,
My comment is that salvation is conditional whether people believe it or not, because its what the Bible says. It's full of calls to action and challenging us to change our behavior. Most people will not be saved Matthew 7:13. Salvation is with grace but is only for believers/followers- a choice that each person must make. One way to summarize this action appears to be genuine belief and faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16. That is an action and choice.
So, if someone does not believe, one can presume the unbeliever will not be saved. This already "offends" a lot of people, because some want to justify themselves in their own mind while doing the bare minimum they assume God wants. Some have been deceived into believing obeying God is "bad." But believing is only one of many action verbs the Bible challenges us to do. Other actions fall under this category of genuine active belief and following Jesus too. All these verses in the Bible are true and are equally important. Some like to cherry pick one, but ignore others and assume they don't apply, but they all apply and are true and are God's word.
believe:
John 3:16
follow Jesus:
John 8:12
deny himself:
Luke 9:23
confess:
Romans 10:9
faith:
Ephesians 2:8
hearing:
Romans 10:17
repent and be baptized:
Acts 2:38
keep commandments:
John 15:10
love:
Matthew 22:37-40
There are many more. Some falsely assume by obeying God they are doing 'works' and that is 'bad', therefore, obeying God is 'bad'. No, that's not what the Bible says, and obeying doesn't mean you're saved by works or that people who obey believe that.
My last comment is that James and Paul are consistent. Some assume Paul was anti-works, but only if you cherry pick a few verses and ignore large parts of his book can that conclusion be drawn. Paul was very much pro-obedience as the following verses demonstrate:
the life of youth is energetic, lively & spirited, there's much hope & aspirations towards one's future. Its appears you have much going for you. I have notices from observation of others & my own experience that wisdom was much lacking in youth vigor.
I would ask you to consider these words, bring them to your mentors to receive a godly counsel Proverbs 11:14
The definition of a Christian in its simplist & purest form is to be Christ-like, He's John 14:6; ask yourselve is this becoming a Navy Seal something Jesus would do? Believes follow Christ in the regeneration & are change empowering them to Luke 6:27-31;
When the disciples want to call down thunder from heaven to destroy lives; Jesus replied Luke 9:55,56; denoting it the influence of spirit of darkness to kill & destroy lives. James 4:1,2,3,4; escape the corruption that is in this world through lust & 2Cor 6:17;
I would encourage you to lay down your weapons Isa 2:4 & become a soldier of the Cross. 2Cor 10:14; Marry your sweet heart & live 2Cor 5:15;
May His Light shine upon you, Blessing
In Love & Truth
Frankie J
Your post is on point, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, Jesus and Paul used that saying many times. This is not to generate a back-and-forth; just thought you might want to look at it. I agree the transformation was awesome and like you said we have the law and the prophets and the Messiah in the middle a true picture of the fulfillment of scriptures by the Messiah, Jesus.
I have heard it said by many, Moses and Elijah were there and were alive and I have a hard time understanding that. Does it matter? This was before the resurrection of Jesus and Jesus is the firstfruits of those who slept, 1 Cor. 15:20. So, before Jesus defeated death and was resurrected no person who ever lived had not ascended to heaven, John 3:13.
Paul tells us in Acts 2:29,34 David is dead and buried and has not ascended to heaven. How do we explain Enoch and Elijah being taken? There are some things about that like them being the two witnesses, but I do not know, by the scriptures, I have not found it. But if Moses, after he died, Deuteronomy 34:1-5, was taken up to heaven Jesus would not be the firstfruits.
We see this in Matt. 17:9 Mark 9:9 Jesus said it was a vision and do not tell anyone what they saw and in Luke 9:32 they were heavy with sleep and John did not write about it. All three covered the cloud, (the Shekinah Glory), and what God said, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." Peter also repeats it in 2 Peter 1:15-18. Was it a vision? Was it to reinforce their faith?
Like I said, this is not to start a ruckus, I just cannot get an understanding of Moses and Elijah alive and being there when John wrote this after Jesus had ascended, because he said Jesus was in heaven; only Jesus who came down is the only one who has ascended to heaven, John 3:13.
In love thank you for what you do.
God bless,
RLW
Assurance of salvation, cont.
In the gospels we read the story of Judas. A disciple, an apostle, he baprized new believers in water like the rest ( John 4:2), he was given authority over the Spirit to perform miracles and healings ( Luke 9:6), cast out demons, he was sent by Jesus to preach salvation ( Matthew 10:5-15), he was told that he, together with the rest, in the Judgement will sit on a throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. But in the midtime Judas allowed his heart to love money more than Jesus and eventually his love for money led him to become Jesus' trator. Why? Because his heart deceived him. People who hold the belief that salvation can not be lost try to overcome Judas' example by saying that he wasn't actually saved. for that they use the verse in John 17:12, "While I (Jesus) was with them (the 12) in the world, I kept them in thy name (Saviour): those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." So a sinful man, not saved, was sent to preach salvation to Israel? Was given gifts of healing and performing miracles? A son of satan who casts out devils? Really? No, not really. What Jesus says is that he managed to save all but Judas because Judas took the decision for himself to become a traitor, a son of perdition, like the Scriptures said and so the prophesy was fulfilled. And something else. Even if Judas never betrayed Jesus, still the Jews would capture Him sometime, one way or another. Judas wasn't their only choise.
Another example of a man who let his heart deceive him is Demas, a companion of Paul during his ministry. But eventually he left Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ...". Demas eventually loved the sinful world more than God and left Paul. Who was Demas? We don't really know. But we know that Paul was very strict when he selected his partners in the ministry.
Lisalou,
Something that is unfortunate is that Orthodox rabbis use this verse to prove the Jesus Christ is not the Messiah because Jesus said there are some standing right here that will not taste of death until they see the Kingdom of God. They say that the Kingdom of God still has not been established on the earth, and the disciples are dead, so what Jesus said is not true. That is the way they see it.
But we know better. Peter, James, and John got to see the kingdom of God come before they died. They got to see Jesus completely transformed. In Luke 9:29, that word glistering, the Greek word represents emitting a light, not reflecting, but emitting. The light was actually coming out from Him, and it is the word that is used to describe lightning. So, you can imagine what the scene was like. It was not reflected light. It was not a spotlight coming out of heaven to shine on Jesus. He was literally transformed into His body of glory in front of them.
Great question, blessings to you in Christ Jesus!
Lisalou,
If I may offer another perspective on this, we see Jesus saying this also in Matthew 16:28, and Mark 9:1. If you notice, after all three presentations, it immediately goes into the transfiguration of Christ. Matthew ends at Verse 28, but as soon as you go to Matthew 17:1, it talks about the transfiguration. It's the same thing right after Mark 9:1 and Luke 9:27.
When Jesus said, "there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God," I believe He was speaking of Peter, James, and John. They were the ones who Jesus took with Him up into the mountain to pray. They were the ones that were there to witness the transfiguration of Jesus.
Luke 9:29 tells us that as he was praying, the fashion (literally outward appearance) of his countenance (or face), was altered. In the Greek text, it just uses the word HETEROS. His face became different. But even with the Greek word HETEROS, meaning different in kind than He was before, it wasn't a physical change. It was a physical change into a spiritual change. Matthew uses the word metamorphosis, meaning completely transformed. In the Greek text, it just uses the word HETEROS. His face became different.
Now in Matthew Chapter 16, it is unfortunate that Verse 28 was placed in Chapter 16 because Verse 28 goes with Verse 1. Sometimes bible commentaries will stop at the end of Chapter 16 and do a five-page presentation of what Verse 28 means. All they had to do is say go to Verse 1, that there are some standing here that will not taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming.
How is this possible? Is Jesus saying one of His disciples never died?
Please answer, this is hard to figure out....
Thanks
I understand you are busy with work and your concerns about your brother, so not to rush, not on Daniel, but just a few things to consider about Matthew 24. My understanding of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 is twofold, for then, and our future.
The reason is, history tells us the believers in Jesus got out and went to Pella across the Jordan river before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. And on the sabbath, today would not matter but then the gates would be locked, and it would be hard to leave.
Matt. 24:3, in Mark, we see it was Peter, James, John, and Andrew that ask Jesus in private. Jesus had just told them the temple would be destroyed and Matthew records "what sign of thy coming and the end of the world." It is easy to jump to they were talking about Jesus' second coming, but.
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection were hidden from them until all was done. Luke 9:44-45 Luke 18:31-34 and after they did not believe He resurrected. Mark 20:9-11 Luke 24:6-8, John 20:9. Even right before He ascended, they were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom then, Acts 1:6. So why in Matthew 24:3 would we interpret it as if they were asking Jesus about His second coming?
I will send you by this weekend what I have studied on the six things determined in Daniel 9:24 if I can shorten it enough, I do not like to send long posts. If you don't want me to post it let me know.
God bless,
RLW
No, I don't believe we're supposed to wear crosses. Leviticus 26:1, nowhere does it say wear a cross, as jewelry. However it does say not to make idols.
Recently I thought, if a person had a friend that was killed by gunshot & had a miraculous recovery. How would he feel, if when he returned to his friends & family, they had an image of the gun or bullet around their neck, to honor him. I would think it would be upsetting to say the least. Wouldn't he say, "your missing the main point." isn't it the life lived?Jesus himself being the example of a loving life, helping others in need? & the hope & promise of resurrection. John 5:21-29, 1Corinthians 15:42-58, John 11:25, Ecclesiastes 5:15, 1Timothy 6:7,
Bare your cross: Luke 14, looking at context, whole chapter Jesus in doing the better thing by healing, suffered rejection, hate, wrongful judgement.
A cross is painful, it's obvious, on view for everyone to see, not something we can hide in our pocket. It causes ridicule & even division. Luke 14:11, Luke 14:12-14, Luke 14:17-20,24, Luke 14:26,27, also Matthew 10, note Matthew 10:36, Matthew 10:17,18, Matthew 10:21, Matthew 10:22, please read in context Matthew 10, Matthew 10:32-42, & Luke 9:22-26, also Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:29-38, Mark 10:14-52,
Philippians 2:1-15, Colossians 1:10-29 ,
Matthew 25:31-46, James 1:5,
Hopefully these are helpful
The Gospels were written after Jesus ascended to heaven but when we read them it is like it was happening as they wrote them. Jesus told them several times what was going to happen to Him, but it was hidden from them, Luke 9:44-45 Luke 18:31-34. We see how they reacted when He was crucified and after He was resurrected, they did not believe the women when they told them Jesus had resurrected Luke 24:9-11.
The disciples believed Jesus the Messiah was going to set up the kingdom then, the gospel of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and being raised from the dead was hidden from them. So, when we read how Peter denied knowing Jesus and the disciples ran away when they arrested Him, this must be considered.
What they were expecting was crumbling in front of them. Their eyes were not opened until first Jesus opened their understanding, Luke 24:44-45 and later a Pentecost with the baptizing of the Holy Spirit.
Just something to think about.
God bless,
RLW
Isaiah 55, = John 6, Matthew 6, Luke 16:13,
Please prayerfully consider these scriptures,
And so Jesus' response to this was, 'leave those matters to those who are concerned with them & who don't wish to follow me and learn of me - but if you're serious, then come follow Me now'. One might think that Jesus was a little hard on this man, but the message was, that time cannot be wasted on matters that others can take care of; and if we procrastinate on important matters now, we might just eventually lose interest in pursuing it altogether. Words matter little - Jesus required action as well - an immediate response, for His time was short.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
Hopefully these are helpful
I agree, "Somethin' ain't right here with the logic." Many have tried to calculate how close we are and only God the Father knows. My understanding of a generation is the average life from birth to death. The 120 years in Genesis was the warning God gave, they had 120 years to repent until the flood came and wiped them all out except the 8.
I assume the generation you are referencing is the one in Matt. 24 Mark 13 Luke 21. My understanding is they have a dual meaning some things are for the future and many things were for then. Jesus said that generation vipers, evil, adulterous, wicked, sinful, faithless, perverse, and "That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation" Matt.23:33-39.
"This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled" is where the division of understanding comes. What did Jesus mean when He said till all be fulfilled? Was it all prophesied up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple we see in Daniel 9? Was it all until He returns? Was it part of both? We must remember at the time Jesus told them this they did not even know He was going to be crucified, Mark 16:14 Luke 9:44-45 Luke 18:31-34 Luke 24:6-8 Luke 24:44-45.
Jesus said when you see the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel, flee Judea. History tells us all the believers in Jesus got that warning and fled to Pella a region across the Jordan river and were saved. Many today place this with saying the antichrist is the he in Dan.9:27, 7-year tribulation, and the rapture of the Church.
Has the 70-week prophecy been fulfilled? How would that change the rapture theory as taught? If we are looking to be taken out before the tribulation and that does not happen, would that be the hour of temptation and the falling away? The seven-year cleanup, could they be the first seven years of the millennium?
God bless,
RLW
James 2:13, Luke 9:58, Matthew 8:20, Luke 2:7, Hebrews 4:15-16
Hopefully this is encouraging
Proverbs 29:2, Revelation 3:10,
Matthew 28:18, Acts 1:8, Matthew 18:18, Mark 16:17-19
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
Satan himself was created as all things as God desired; origimally as we can see from both Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 as a "Cherubim" and song worship position to glorify God in heaven. He clearly had free will; and also clearly saw spiritual realities so that he chose to rebel after becoming proud; then drew 1/3 of the angels after him ( Rev. 12:4).
God foreknew the need for the adversary for one clear reason; to test His saints as to their loyalties. Job apparently was unaware of the heavenly discussions going on with Satan and God and that Satan was the source of his troubles. Nonetheless; He tested what Satan had accused Job of; namely cursing God when things didn't go well as well as when his body was afflicted with boils.
This testing of character could also be evident when the "thorn in the flesh" that Paul had WAS clear as to its source; nonetheless GSod's grace was sufficient and He was NOT granted the healing he prayed for 3 times. ( 2 Cor. 12:7-10).
Secondly; it is necessary to lay down our lives sacrificially for the Lord or "carry our crosses daily." ( Luke 9:23). God used Satan to bring forth the "son of Perdition" with Judas Iscariot ( John 17:12 prophesied in Psalms 109:8 and elsewhere); as well as testing Peter in Matthew 16:23. Since Satan has been granted temporary authority in this world; He has been allowed both with false doctrines and outward persecution to test the saints; and ultimately; of course the Antichrist will be used when the whole world goes through its trial ( Rev. 3:10). As God draws all men to Himself (that are His sheep); He uses Satan as a "dragnet" to draw the whole world to eventually fight Christ ( Psalm 2; Rev. 19) as well as take the Mark of the Beast and worship him.
Rewards for the saints; therefore are procured through a conflict and resistance. Spiritual warfare is where victories are won.
My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.
John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.
The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11 Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.
Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15 Mark 4:10-13 Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26 John 16:3-4 Romans 11:25 Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.
This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.
God bless,
RLW
in 9:2, Jesus sends them out to "preach the kingdom of God"
in 9:21, Jesus "commanded them to tell no man that thing"
My question is, what are they preaching in 9:2? It doesn't seem like he sent them out to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah or Christ, because that's apparently a secret at that time - so what was their message?
I understand why it's a secret in 9:21...
Genesis 3, Also a Spiritual death, that happened immediately, the results of which were immediate fear, instead of trust to their creator. Feeling naked before GOD, & man etc. Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:60, Romans 5:12-21,
Eternal life, reference too Psalms 82,
Hopefully this is helpful
Let's take it from verse 56 to get the context.
Luke 9:56-62.
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
The people of the world are those whom the Savior describes here as the (spiritually) dead who should bury the (physically) dead. Let people, He says, who are not interested in My work, and who are "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:1), take care of the dead. Your duty is now to follow Me.
Some hold the view that the man's father has not died yet and what the man is saying let me go take care of my father until he dies, being he was the first born.
"Jesus I will follow you but first let me stay with my father, until he dies. I am not sure how long that will take but once that happens then I will bury him. When that is done then I will come and follow you."
Also, this man may have been consideringhis inheritance. It's possible this man was waiting to claim his inheritance from his father. So, he wasn't just saying he wanted to wait until his father died. He was also saying - Lord I have some inheritance coming to me and I want to secure my financial future. Once that happens, I will be ready and at that time I will come and follow you. It was a matter of priority.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
In Luke 9:60, Jesus said, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
He wouldn't even let him bury his father. That is kind of tough! Well, we know from the scriptures, in Deuteronomy 21:23, it tells us that once a person died, they had to be buried before sunset, on the day of the death.
So if this man's father had already died, he would not be out listening to the teachings of Jesus. He would be attending the funeral and burying his father.
But rather, as Matthew's account tells us, that the phrase itself in the Greek text represents the Hebraism, that basically it says "let me go back until my father dies so I get my inheritance."
You see, in those days you stayed around the house. And when the father died, then you took over. You took over the business, and you took over the estate.
And what he is saying is "I'm really not free to leave. I have got some financial interests that I cannot leave. You see if I leave now, I leave all my inheritance, and so I can't do that!"
Please notice what's happening here. Jesus is fixed towards Jerusalem. He is telling the disciples that you get fixed on Jesus and you follow Him.
But look at all the things that challenge that relationship. You have got conveniences. It's like, "Gee, I have waited my whole life to get the inheritance from my father, and now Jesus is asking me to follow Him, and if I do I am going to lose all that inheritance."
Yup! Let the spiritual dead bury their own dead. You go preach the Kingdom.
But yes, there are verses supporting avoiding people and avoiding trouble. Jesus fled to avoid being arrested/beaten, before it was His time. He left people to be alone to pray. He said He wasn't respected in His own town with His own family. It says this about not being welcomed: Luke 9:5. It says avoid foolish arguments Titus 3:9-11 and avoid divisive people or heretics. It says this specifically about Christians ( Matthew 18:16-17) when confronting about an issue like sin. So it seems the answer is it depends.
Found this page too which might have more verses: Link God bless.
Luke 9:17
17 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
Mark 17:18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 1:11, context Mark 1, Luke 3:22, 2Peter 1:16-18, 1st hand account, witnessed
Also, Luke 9:34 context Luke 9:27-36, Mark 9:7, context Mark 9, Matthew 17:5, context Matthew 17, Luke 3,
Romans 8, 1John 4:15, Galatians 4:7, 1John 5:10,13,20,
Hopefully these are helpful
I believe you are correctly stating, here are scriptures to back that up: Matthew 18, Matthew 18:2-4, Mark 9:36,37, Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 9:46-48, Luke 18:17,
Hopefully these help
1Corinthians 6:9-11,
Hopefully these are helpful
My comment is that salvation is conditional whether people believe it or not, because its what the Bible says. It's full of calls to action and challenging us to change our behavior. Most people will not be saved Matthew 7:13. Salvation is with grace but is only for believers/followers- a choice that each person must make. One way to summarize this action appears to be genuine belief and faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16. That is an action and choice.
So, if someone does not believe, one can presume the unbeliever will not be saved. This already "offends" a lot of people, because some want to justify themselves in their own mind while doing the bare minimum they assume God wants. Some have been deceived into believing obeying God is "bad." But believing is only one of many action verbs the Bible challenges us to do. Other actions fall under this category of genuine active belief and following Jesus too. All these verses in the Bible are true and are equally important. Some like to cherry pick one, but ignore others and assume they don't apply, but they all apply and are true and are God's word.
believe:
John 3:16
follow Jesus:
John 8:12
deny himself:
Luke 9:23
confess:
Romans 10:9
faith:
Ephesians 2:8
hearing:
Romans 10:17
repent and be baptized:
Acts 2:38
keep commandments:
John 15:10
love:
Matthew 22:37-40
There are many more. Some falsely assume by obeying God they are doing 'works' and that is 'bad', therefore, obeying God is 'bad'. No, that's not what the Bible says, and obeying doesn't mean you're saved by works or that people who obey believe that.
My last comment is that James and Paul are consistent. Some assume Paul was anti-works, but only if you cherry pick a few verses and ignore large parts of his book can that conclusion be drawn. Paul was very much pro-obedience as the following verses demonstrate:
Romans 2:9-10
1 Peter 1:5
1 Cor 9:24-27
Hebrews 6:4-6
Galatians 5:1-4
2 Timothy 2:10
Hebrews 10:26
2 Corinthians 5:10