The dire/horrible/heinous/hair-raising picture of the current world of Devil,as you so well have described,it is the reflection the wicked and devilish nations of the Devil's world are already descending into hell as a whole,by the power of the Word of GOD,except the sons of GOD- John 1:12-13-of course,in LITERAL fulfilment of Malachi 4:1-3:->1For, behold,the Day cometh(seventh and last GOD's Day or seventh and last millennium),that shall burn as an oven;and all the proud,yea, and all that do wickedly,shall be stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up,saith the Lord of hosts,that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;and ye shall go forth,and grow up as calves of the stall( Isaiah 43:2) .
3And ye shall tread down the wicked;for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the Day(seventh)that I shall do this,saith the Lord of hosts( 1Corinthians 15:24-26).
As you know,JESUS in His prayer to the Father,said: John 17:9-10 and 15-17:
9I pray for them:I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me;for they are thine.
10And all mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth:thy Word is Truth.
Malachi 3:16-18
16Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that Day when I make up my JEWELS;and I will spare them,as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return,and discern between the righteous and the wicked,between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Who comes first, Michael or JESUS? It's very important, for in this current time, yes, even now, after around 2000 years or after two GOD's Days- Hebrews 1:1to4- so it is
as the lightning that cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be. Get ready- Matthew 25:10-, knowing that only lamp- Psalm 119:105-is not suffice to enter in the kingdom of GOD - Matthew 7:21-27 and Malachi 4:11-14.
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
JESUS/JOSHUA warned: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by me, so Adonai, Jehovah, YHWH, Yahweh, HaShem, Yehovah, Elohim, Yahusha , YEHshia, YEHvah, ten supposed and fictitious names, better, NICKNAMES of GOD, added in the Jewish Bible, and inadvertently copied into the Gentile Bible by the translators, they all are good for nothing.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. But who comes first that will cause to happen Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. My Lord JESUS made it very clear, saying: Except those days (this current time) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
A false messiah is at door, he will manifest himself soon- Revelation 13:11-14 combined with John 5:43-47-AN IMPOSTOR- , he was born decadas ago, understand? It is he the God of the Jews- 2Thessalonians 2:3-4.
My Lord JESUS warned: If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELEIVE IT NOT.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)
The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).
One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.
Mat.25:6-At midnight there was a cry:Behold,the bridegroom cometh;go ye out to meet Him
Rev.19:7-8
7Let us be glad and rejoice,and give honour to him:for the marriage of the Lamb is come,and his wife hath made herself ready
8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:the fine linen is the righteousness of saints
How does Revelation describe the marriage supper?
Re.19:17-18
17And I saw an angel standing in the sun;and he cried with a loud voice,saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven,Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great GOD;
18That ye may eat the flesh of kings,and the flesh of captains,and the flesh of mighty men,and the flesh of horses,and of them that sit on them,and the flesh of all men...
Questions?
1-An angel standing in the sun:What sun?
We know that the woman is clothed with the sun-Re.12:1.It must be the light of the greater Light-JESUS. Malachi 4:2-Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;
2- the fowls that FLY in the midst of heaven:What fowls?
Is.60:1-5&8-A clue to understand these allegories:
1Arise,shine;for thy light is come,and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
2For,behold,the darkness shall cover the earth(Israel,the clay-Is.64:8 combined with Gen.1:9),and gross darkness the people:but the Lord shall arise upon thee,and His glory shall be seen upon thee
3And the Gentiles(the waters-Gen.1:9 and Re.17:15)shall come to thy light,and kings(Re.1:6) to the brightness of thy rising
4Lift up thine eyes round about,and see:all they gather themselves together,they come to thee:thy sons shall come from far,and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side
5Then thou shalt see,and flow together,and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged;because the abundance of the sea-Re.17:15-shall be converted unto thee...the Gentiles shall come unto thee
...
8Who are these that FLY as a cloud,and as the doves to their windows?
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10Psalms 92:7Proverbs 10:28-29Job 20:4-7Malachi 4:1-3 2 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3Daniel 12:2Acts 13:361 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15John 6:54Romans 6:23Titus 1:21 John 2:25Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
Don't know where you get your teaching Elijiah serves as a double for the Son. Not bible. John the Baptist had the sane spirit as Elijiah which means he had the same words. Elijiah himself did not come down to John the Baptist, John had the same spirit as Elijiah. Elijiah visited Jesus and he will be coming back with Moses according to Revelation 11:6. Elijiah did not physically serve as a double for Jesus. That is like saying your earthly mother is serving as a double for your sister. It don't work that way. Samething in the bible. It is the spirit of words Elijiah that people had and not his person.
Rev 11:6] These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Malachi 4:5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
[6] And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Matthew 17:10] And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
[11] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
[12] But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
[13] Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Mark 9:4] And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
[5] And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
[6] For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
[7] And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness.
Matthew 3:15.
John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for the people of Israel.
John came in the spirit of Elijah to turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,
Malachi 4:5-6.
Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's work in the world.
He is the goal and consummation of all God's saving activity.
God sent John as the final herald of the King's return, and now Jesus comes in line with this and fulfills it by submitting to John's baptism.
( He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, He was IDENTIFYING with all what was said of him in the OT. Prophet, King, Priest, ect.
Jesus was 30 years old, The required age to enter the Leviticus Priesthood.
Jesus was soon on his way to the cross where he would end that priesthood and covenant by dying and usher in a new covenant and a everlasting Priesthood.
see Hebrews 9:15-17
SIDE NOTE:
Jesus had no sin so he had no need of repentance.
John the baptist said Jesus would come and baptize with the Holyghost and with fire. Luke 3:16.
He done this after his death and resurrection, He gave us an earnest of his spirit and sealed us until the day of redemption.
We now are IDENTIFIED with Jesus death and resurrection.
Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great waters. And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn.
And they shall go steadfastly unto Babylon , and make her afraid. They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her shall bewail her. And they that remain under her shall do service unto them that have put her in fear."
Revelation 18:4-9
Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
"Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. For her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.
Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief.
In her heart she says,
'I sit as queen I am not a widow and will never see grief.'
Therefore, her plagues will come in one day-death and grief and famine-and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her."
Then the kings of the earth who committed immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out:
"Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come."
Malachi 4:2
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
"Behold a horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from the east: Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear and tremble. Also the Carmanians (Iran) raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land (Afghanistan) of the Assyrians.
And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their nature (Taliban); and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them, then these shall be troubled bled, and keep silence through their power, and shall flee. And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strife among their kings.
Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm. They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star; and blood shall be from the sword unto the horse's belly, and dung of men unto the camel's hough.
And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them. And then shall there come great storms from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west. And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be destroyed (detonated). The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath, and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent place a horrible star.
The old testament hope is the son of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. Malachi 4:2.
The morning star always rises at the darkest time of the night.
It indicates that the sun will be coming up shortly.
Job 3:9. "Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
Here in Job 38:7 it indicates there's several morning stars.
"When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Isaiah 14:12 indicates Satan is just one of the many.
I believe Jesus is the Morning star for the Saints, Letting us know there's Light ahead of these dark times.
2Peter 1:19 puts it this way;
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
If you take those verses you presented chronologically I believe it explains itself.
John 3:22-26. "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
For John was not yet cast into prison.
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him."
Then in John 4:1-2 the Pharisees took notice of this but verse 2 explains it.
Vs 2. ( Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
John's ministry was about up.
"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. John 1:6-8."
John was to present the one in the loins of Abraham prophesied to come into the world in the OT.
John the baptist baptism was for Israel to turn/repent from Judaism.
Luke 1:16-17.
Malachi 4:5-6.
He announced one coming for the lost sheep of Israel.
The reason why we need to preach repentance is because some of the Christian are just church attendees while others are the Entertained Christian this are those that go to church for entertainment and the pastors are actors in on the stage. This is a catastrophe because the actors are pretending in their roles in order to get
So churches like this have little to no words of GOD being preched hence the congregation have sins which they have not repented while others have never repented.
In a platform large like this we cannot tell who is saved who God is workin on.
So we as the salt we need to teach and rebuke
While pointing people at the cross. While reminding them of any an confessed sins to turn and seek THE LIVING GOD.
Jesus calls everyone to repent and believe the Gospel concerning Him so they can trust in Him for salvation. Most on this site have done that and live in Christ now. My prayer is that each of us will be given boldness to encourage those who are not in Christ to repent and believe as well. This is more difficult for some of us to do as those we witness to may receive this salvation in Christ but many will refuse and even break the relationship we have been able to nurture over time. Jesus told us we may need to lose friends and family for His sake. And that we may be mistreated or even given up to government officials for persecution or death.
So, as believers, we should do God's work "while it is still day", for the day is coming when time will be up for those who do not know Him. I know that I need more boldness to share the commands of Christ with others to repent and believe. So, prayer is definitely needed.
The comfort in this is that God know exactly how many and who will complete the elect to be saved. So, when people we know die without Him, we can know that He calls all who are elect without fail. And also that when He returns, ALL who God chose to save will have been saved. The bride of Christ will be complete and after that, no more chances for anyone as judgement will follow His return. We who are elected to salvation will rejoice that God has brought all things to completion when He brings the culmination of history and the consummation of His will on the earth and mortal men.
Then we enter the eternal state and will be with God in Christ forevermore without an cursed thing to bring us sorrow or any rebellion to concern us nor any sin to corrupt us. How wonderful that will be!
-So john did not test death until he saw the Lord Coming back for the second time, its important to not this Event is yet to come so i encourage all of your brethren
Please repent of your sins AND FORSAKE THEM The king is coming the Judge of the whole world is coming repent of your sins in Jesus' name amen.
First i pray that God will give us the strength to understand of His words.
Remember wisdom is the principal thing therefore in all your getting get understanding amen. ( Proverbs 4:7)
To better understand this verse please recount the event of Stephen who was martyred and before he died, He saw Jesus Christ the son of God standing on the right hand of power.
So Stephen Saw Jesus before he died.
But to answer your Question The book of Revelation is written by John one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, John received the Revelation of Jesus all the word of Living God all the things he saw.
( Revelation 1:1-2)
1,The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
So here John is an old man and receives the vision of God and to be more exact he sees the vision of Jesus Christ the son of the living God appearing in Glory with his angles and this event to came and it is written in the book of revelation.
( Revelation 19:11-16)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
1) The day of the Lord is mentioned 31 times in the bible, 26 times in the Old Testament and 5 in the New Testament.
To my knowledge nowhere in scripture it mentions any removal of the saints.
Here's a few.
Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:5) and several times in the New Testament ( Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). It is also alluded to in other passages ( Revelation 6:15-17; 16:14).
In 2 Peter 3:3-18 we are told the Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, and holding back his wrath not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Notice something in verses 11 and 12.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? ITS A QUESTION!!
The answer is NO!
Here's what were looking for;
Verses 13-16.
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
See part 2 and the second issue I have with that view.
Hi lisalou....this is the way i look at that....TASTE OF DEATH....When Jesus said to count the cost he was telling them they had to give away everything they had...They had to give it all away...Which is death to our old old adamic nature.
....Remember Paul said i have suffered the loss of all things and count them but dung that i might win Christ.... Philippians 3:8...kjv...And some had left their families their wives and Children in order to follow Jesus....They went thru a type of death.....They tasted DEATH spiritually speaking....He that loveth wife and Children more them me is not worthy of me....They tasted death, its not easy to forsake everything you have and follow Jesus...But the early Church did that....They sold everything they had and divided the money....They tasted Death....If a man forsake not everything he has he cannot be my disciple....Thats y he told them to count the cost b/f you follow me....Its gona cost ya everything....maybe even your life...They tasted death...Alex
Gi-Gi...Yes we still use the written word but listen to what Paul is saying....1 st Cor. 13:9...We know in part we prophesy in part etc but when that which is perfect ( the New Covenant) That book in the fathers right hand....is come that which is done in part shall be done away with....Gi Gi....We don't wanna be married to the written word but to the living word...That New Covenant...Remember that image in Daniel 2 that had the head of gold....It was all in parts...From the head to the foot all in parts...But a stone cut out of the mountain had to strike the image on his feet then it was all dissolved....Even its head of Gold...Modern day Chritianity is that image....Thats y Paul is saying when that which is perfect is come ( the new covenant the book written in his blood ) The stone ( the seed of the sower that has to be sown in mans hearts... That which is done in parts shall be done away with....Yes we love the bible but the bible is not the living word...That New Covenant...The Church has to be married to Christ the living word much greater then the written word...We don't wanna be married to the written Word...the old covenant word.... but to the living word Christ Jesus....Its Christ that is the bridegroom not the bible..
..... John 5 :39...Thats y Jesus said search the scriptures ( the written words ) In them you think you have ETERNAL LIFE BUT IT IS THEM THAT TESTIFY OF ME which are living words....The H.G. The babes and sucklings as that which s born of the spirit is spirit the H.G....a living being....Our new hearts and new spirits are living beings...Much greater then written words...Thats y Isaiah is saying a lil Child is gonna lead them...a living being ...which is that spirit of truth that is gona rule all nations....Thats y the scripture is saying...2 Cor.3:6 God has made us able ministers of the New Covenant...Not of the written word but of the living word....The written word is a killer but the spirit gives life..My Words are spirit and life..gb
Hiya GiGi...Lemme tell you thats this New Covenant is not about written words....But about living words a living being has to be born in us which is that N.C....You are of the same mentality as old Israel...They knew the bible by heart....They were sola scriptura...But God was not pleased with Israel....They stoned most all the Prophets and rejected the Christ....The written word did not help them 1 bit....The written word answers to the lesser light...David comes to mind....Thats y God wanted a new covenant....Remember Jesus said no man desires New wine....they say the old wine is the best wine....Thats you Gi-Gi you do not understand that Jesus made a new covenant in his blood but this N.C. Requires a new bottle....A new innerman which is the H.G....You are in essence saying the O.C. is th best covenant....That OLD WINE...The written word is not the N.C....The N.C.is a birth of Christ in us...You gotta realize that Jesus shed his blood to bring in a new covenant...Which is the H.G. a living being that has to be born in us..which is our new bottle that is given the spirit without measure..Israel cd not obtain righteousness by the Torah the written word....Thats y the scripture tells us if righteousness came by the law the written word then JESUS SHED HIS BLOOD IN VAIN..Gal.2:15....And the Cross was just foolishness...Thats y Jesus refered to himself as the Son of Man....Simply b/c mankind has to birth a new innerman...A New bottle that cannot break when that NEW Covenant in given to us sinners....But you continually to lift up written words not understanding that Israel was sola Scriptura...Written word only...But there was none righteous no not one...Thus the need for a new covenant in his blood @ Calvary...Thats y the New Birth is so important....She brought forth a manchild which was her new innerman the H.G. The Children of Promise....our new bottle that cannot break living words, living beings...Gi-Gi behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of world.
For instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works."
Alex, I pray that you will stop dissing the written, God-breathed Word of God, along with the church as a whole. Your disdain for what God calls us to respect, love, and uphold is concerning. If you truly believe that believers do not need any one else to teach them, then why do you post on here and tell people that they are in error followed by your "correction"? If what you say is true about each person learning by the Spirit without the input of others, then we can just disregard what you say because, according to your view, we have nothing to learn from you.
Alex, you know that I love and care for you, so this is not an attack on you, rather it is a logical response to what you have posted. I hope you have a good day. You do not need to respond back.
Alex, God used men to spread the gospel and teach others as He commissioned the apostles and many other disciples to go and teach all nations what He had taught them. And then, He inspired men to write their teachings in letters to the churches and in the gospel accounts as well as Acts. God used Moses to write the books of the Old Testament and David and others to write their psalms.
Anyone who resists learning from others resists God's ordained way of building up the body of Christ. Your prejudice against the church is so evident, as you indicate that you are a loner and separated from any oversight over your Christian walk. Of course, we have the Holy spirit within us since our conversion, but the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write that we are to submit to those He has put over us to teach and direct us in the Word and in how we live out our lives in Christ ( 1 Cor. 16:15-16; Heb. 13:17)
You can "keep telling me" of your take on this till you are blue in the face. I will not heed what you say because it goes against Scripture and shows a lack of humility, reveals an unteachable spirit where you lack a willingness to learn from others whom God may send to you to instruct you. You have shown by your repeated posts with the same narrative that you hold to some grievous errors that have been addressed by myself and others on this forum repeatedly.
We are told in Scripture to test what we hear preached, taught, or promulgated by people who claim to be Christians to be sure that it aligns with Scripture. The words of Scripture are our guide to sound beliefs that will keep us from straying into false beliefs. This is what God has chosen for His Church as a means for instruction and for bringing people to faith in Jesus. But, although you cite Scriptures regularly, you say that the letter kills.
We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, .. continued
Gi Gi Its the Anointing that teaches us all things....1 st John 2 :27...Which is the gift of the H.G. That Living word....How many times have i tried to tells you this ....Thats y Jesus was saying search the Scriptures ( the written word) in them you think you have eternal life...But it is them that testifies of me....That new Covenant in his blood...Thats y we have a zillion different Churches on almost every corner....Thats y 1 Cor.3:6 is telling us God has made us able ministers of this New Covenant not of the letter but of the spirit...The Letter is a killer but in the spirit there is life....As my words are Spirit and life...That Book in the right hand of the father is that NEW COVENANT that our lord has written with his own blood....There is no eternal life in written words....If Eternal life were in the written word...That OLD covenant Then Jesus shed his blood in vain and the Cross was just foolishness....Thats y Churchanity is dead simply b/c there is no eternal life in the written words...And thats y God gave up on them Micah 5:3...Till the woman is in birth pains Rev.12 :5...The Kingdom does not come till the woman is in birth pains....Thats y Jesus said i have a greater witness then that of John....Which is the H.G the living word that resulted from his blood @ Calvary ...That New Covenant in his blood.... 2 Cor. 3:6..God has made us able ministers of that New Covenant not of the written word that old covenant for the written word is a killer but the new covenant is a life giving spirit....Which is that ANOINTING that teaches ALL things....Not a CERTAIN LANGUAGE BUT OF HIS SPIRIT THE H.G. that N.C....Gi Gi its best to let God teach us not mankind...which is the ANOINTING, Mans teaching just results in divisions....There are probable over 30,000 different Churches in AMERICA...All b/c they think that eternal life is in the wrtten word...They don't understand that we are in a New COVENANT...And its only the anointing that can teach all things...the H.G...
Thank you Jesse , I know I often forget that were thousands of people who followed Jesus and heard his words so yes , I think it's very probable that Stephen was in that crowd and Jesus may have know his fate well before his actual stoning . It's logical to think that this phrase was to do with the transfiguration because it comes straight afterwards . I remember also that it was Peter James and John who witnessed the miracle of the twelve year old girl brought back to life by Jesus . It seems these three were in some way special to Jesus and I think it was because they would be leaders after his death . These three would need the strength that witnessing these miracles and visions would give them in the future . They would be persecuted and tortured and would have to be very strong in their faith in order to stand this awful treatment and , in order to convince others of the Truth, they and us , need to be convinced in themselves because this conviction would shine through them and their testimonies and help to convince others . Always enjoy your posts thank you for replying to me .
Thank you so much for sharing this. That is something I had not considered before about what Stephen had seen. That is very interesting. Could this have meant that Stephen was in the crowd of people listening to those words Jesus spoke? It is possible that he could have been there, so what you are saying makes sense. Thank you again, and please know that you've explained it quite well. And also, I think you are amongst many patient and caring believers here, so nothing to be concerned about with that!
The New Testament was written in Greek, so learning what the Greek translation is of a passage and gaining understanding of the Greek (that is much more exacting than English) is helpful. It is the language God used as He inspired the writers of the New Testament. We should respect that and be willing to learn from this language. Same is true of the Old Testament, written in Hebrew, which also is a language that has far more depth than English. This is the language God used to inspire the writers of the Old Testament. So few of us know these languages, so I truly appreciate it when people who do know these languages provide us with their knowledge of Greek and Hebrew. We are lucky to have Giannis and Jesse here to teach us. God uses believers to teach one another. We should be willing to make use of this way God teaches us along with what the Holy Spirit teaches us in our personal reading of the Word. It is the same Spirit that instructs in both circumstances.
I do think that most of us on this forum are here to learn from Scripture from one another, not just to post our own interpretations and not be willing to learn from others. So, we should be humble and recognize our need for one another and value how God uses each other to help us grow in faith and knowledge of Scripture and especially of Jesus Christ.
Greetings in Christ
The dire/horrible/heinous/hair-raising picture of the current world of Devil,as you so well have described,it is the reflection the wicked and devilish nations of the Devil's world are already descending into hell as a whole,by the power of the Word of GOD,except the sons of GOD- John 1:12-13-of course,in LITERAL fulfilment of Malachi 4:1-3:->1For, behold,the Day cometh(seventh and last GOD's Day or seventh and last millennium),that shall burn as an oven;and all the proud,yea, and all that do wickedly,shall be stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up,saith the Lord of hosts,that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;and ye shall go forth,and grow up as calves of the stall( Isaiah 43:2) .
3And ye shall tread down the wicked;for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the Day(seventh)that I shall do this,saith the Lord of hosts( 1Corinthians 15:24-26).
As you know,JESUS in His prayer to the Father,said: John 17:9-10 and 15-17:
9I pray for them:I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me;for they are thine.
10And all mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth:thy Word is Truth.
Malachi 3:16-18
16Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that Day when I make up my JEWELS;and I will spare them,as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return,and discern between the righteous and the wicked,between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Sorry.
as the lightning that cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be. Get ready- Matthew 25:10-, knowing that only lamp- Psalm 119:105-is not suffice to enter in the kingdom of GOD - Matthew 7:21-27 and Malachi 4:11-14.
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
JESUS/JOSHUA warned: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by me, so Adonai, Jehovah, YHWH, Yahweh, HaShem, Yehovah, Elohim, Yahusha , YEHshia, YEHvah, ten supposed and fictitious names, better, NICKNAMES of GOD, added in the Jewish Bible, and inadvertently copied into the Gentile Bible by the translators, they all are good for nothing.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. But who comes first that will cause to happen Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. My Lord JESUS made it very clear, saying: Except those days (this current time) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
A false messiah is at door, he will manifest himself soon- Revelation 13:11-14 combined with John 5:43-47-AN IMPOSTOR- , he was born decadas ago, understand? It is he the God of the Jews- 2Thessalonians 2:3-4.
My Lord JESUS warned: If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELEIVE IT NOT.
Be careful and get ready
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)
The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).
One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.
Rev.19:7-8
7Let us be glad and rejoice,and give honour to him:for the marriage of the Lamb is come,and his wife hath made herself ready
8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:the fine linen is the righteousness of saints
How does Revelation describe the marriage supper?
Re.19:17-18
17And I saw an angel standing in the sun;and he cried with a loud voice,saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven,Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great GOD;
18That ye may eat the flesh of kings,and the flesh of captains,and the flesh of mighty men,and the flesh of horses,and of them that sit on them,and the flesh of all men...
Questions?
1-An angel standing in the sun:What sun?
We know that the woman is clothed with the sun-Re.12:1.It must be the light of the greater Light-JESUS. Malachi 4:2-Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;
2- the fowls that FLY in the midst of heaven:What fowls?
Is.60:1-5&8-A clue to understand these allegories:
1Arise,shine;for thy light is come,and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
2For,behold,the darkness shall cover the earth(Israel,the clay-Is.64:8 combined with Gen.1:9),and gross darkness the people:but the Lord shall arise upon thee,and His glory shall be seen upon thee
3And the Gentiles(the waters-Gen.1:9 and Re.17:15)shall come to thy light,and kings(Re.1:6) to the brightness of thy rising
4Lift up thine eyes round about,and see:all they gather themselves together,they come to thee:thy sons shall come from far,and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side
5Then thou shalt see,and flow together,and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged;because the abundance of the sea-Re.17:15-shall be converted unto thee...the Gentiles shall come unto thee
...
8Who are these that FLY as a cloud,and as the doves to their windows?
Next
Part 1
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10 Psalms 92:7 Proverbs 10:28-29 Job 20:4-7 Malachi 4:1-3 2 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3 Daniel 12:2 Acts 13:36 1 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15 John 6:54 Romans 6:23 Titus 1:2 1 John 2:25 Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
See part 2
Rev 11:6] These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Malachi 4:5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
[6] And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Matthew 17:10] And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
[11] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
[12] But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
[13] Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Mark 9:4] And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
[5] And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
[6] For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
[7] And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
To be baptized is to identify with.
Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness.
Matthew 3:15.
John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for the people of Israel.
John came in the spirit of Elijah to turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,
Malachi 4:5-6.
Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's work in the world.
He is the goal and consummation of all God's saving activity.
God sent John as the final herald of the King's return, and now Jesus comes in line with this and fulfills it by submitting to John's baptism.
( He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, He was IDENTIFYING with all what was said of him in the OT. Prophet, King, Priest, ect.
Jesus was 30 years old, The required age to enter the Leviticus Priesthood.
Jesus was soon on his way to the cross where he would end that priesthood and covenant by dying and usher in a new covenant and a everlasting Priesthood.
see Hebrews 9:15-17
SIDE NOTE:
Jesus had no sin so he had no need of repentance.
John the baptist said Jesus would come and baptize with the Holyghost and with fire. Luke 3:16.
He done this after his death and resurrection, He gave us an earnest of his spirit and sealed us until the day of redemption.
We now are IDENTIFIED with Jesus death and resurrection.
Romans 6:3-11.
God bless.
Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great waters. And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn.
And they shall go steadfastly unto Babylon , and make her afraid. They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her shall bewail her. And they that remain under her shall do service unto them that have put her in fear."
Revelation 18:4-9
Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
"Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. For her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.
Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief.
In her heart she says,
'I sit as queen I am not a widow and will never see grief.'
Therefore, her plagues will come in one day-death and grief and famine-and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her."
Then the kings of the earth who committed immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out:
"Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come."
Malachi 4:2
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
Sun is correct.
(1/2)
"Behold a horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from the east: Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear and tremble. Also the Carmanians (Iran) raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land (Afghanistan) of the Assyrians.
And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their nature (Taliban); and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them, then these shall be troubled bled, and keep silence through their power, and shall flee. And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strife among their kings.
Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm. They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star; and blood shall be from the sword unto the horse's belly, and dung of men unto the camel's hough.
And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them. And then shall there come great storms from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west. And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be destroyed (detonated). The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath, and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent place a horrible star.
You have SUN. It should be Son.
The old testament hope is the son of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. Malachi 4:2.
The morning star always rises at the darkest time of the night.
It indicates that the sun will be coming up shortly.
Job 3:9. "Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
Here in Job 38:7 it indicates there's several morning stars.
"When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Isaiah 14:12 indicates Satan is just one of the many.
I believe Jesus is the Morning star for the Saints, Letting us know there's Light ahead of these dark times.
2Peter 1:19 puts it this way;
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Hopefully someone can add .
God bless.
Jesus certainly was overseeing some baptizing.
If you take those verses you presented chronologically I believe it explains itself.
John 3:22-26. "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
For John was not yet cast into prison.
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him."
Then in John 4:1-2 the Pharisees took notice of this but verse 2 explains it.
Vs 2. ( Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
John's ministry was about up.
"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. John 1:6-8."
John was to present the one in the loins of Abraham prophesied to come into the world in the OT.
John the baptist baptism was for Israel to turn/repent from Judaism.
Luke 1:16-17.
Malachi 4:5-6.
He announced one coming for the lost sheep of Israel.
God bless.
So churches like this have little to no words of GOD being preched hence the congregation have sins which they have not repented while others have never repented.
In a platform large like this we cannot tell who is saved who God is workin on.
So we as the salt we need to teach and rebuke
While pointing people at the cross. While reminding them of any an confessed sins to turn and seek THE LIVING GOD.
Jesus calls everyone to repent and believe the Gospel concerning Him so they can trust in Him for salvation. Most on this site have done that and live in Christ now. My prayer is that each of us will be given boldness to encourage those who are not in Christ to repent and believe as well. This is more difficult for some of us to do as those we witness to may receive this salvation in Christ but many will refuse and even break the relationship we have been able to nurture over time. Jesus told us we may need to lose friends and family for His sake. And that we may be mistreated or even given up to government officials for persecution or death.
So, as believers, we should do God's work "while it is still day", for the day is coming when time will be up for those who do not know Him. I know that I need more boldness to share the commands of Christ with others to repent and believe. So, prayer is definitely needed.
The comfort in this is that God know exactly how many and who will complete the elect to be saved. So, when people we know die without Him, we can know that He calls all who are elect without fail. And also that when He returns, ALL who God chose to save will have been saved. The bride of Christ will be complete and after that, no more chances for anyone as judgement will follow His return. We who are elected to salvation will rejoice that God has brought all things to completion when He brings the culmination of history and the consummation of His will on the earth and mortal men.
Then we enter the eternal state and will be with God in Christ forevermore without an cursed thing to bring us sorrow or any rebellion to concern us nor any sin to corrupt us. How wonderful that will be!
-So john did not test death until he saw the Lord Coming back for the second time, its important to not this Event is yet to come so i encourage all of your brethren
Please repent of your sins AND FORSAKE THEM The king is coming the Judge of the whole world is coming repent of your sins in Jesus' name amen.
And yes, John also died.
Remember wisdom is the principal thing therefore in all your getting get understanding amen. ( Proverbs 4:7)
To better understand this verse please recount the event of Stephen who was martyred and before he died, He saw Jesus Christ the son of God standing on the right hand of power.
So Stephen Saw Jesus before he died.
But to answer your Question The book of Revelation is written by John one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, John received the Revelation of Jesus all the word of Living God all the things he saw.
( Revelation 1:1-2)
1,The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
So here John is an old man and receives the vision of God and to be more exact he sees the vision of Jesus Christ the son of the living God appearing in Glory with his angles and this event to came and it is written in the book of revelation.
( Revelation 19:11-16)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.
-So john did not test death
part 1
That's a good point you make,
However, Here's a few issues with that view,
1) The day of the Lord is mentioned 31 times in the bible, 26 times in the Old Testament and 5 in the New Testament.
To my knowledge nowhere in scripture it mentions any removal of the saints.
Here's a few.
Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:5) and several times in the New Testament ( Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). It is also alluded to in other passages ( Revelation 6:15-17; 16:14).
In 2 Peter 3:3-18 we are told the Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, and holding back his wrath not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Notice something in verses 11 and 12.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? ITS A QUESTION!!
The answer is NO!
Here's what were looking for;
Verses 13-16.
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
See part 2 and the second issue I have with that view.
....Remember Paul said i have suffered the loss of all things and count them but dung that i might win Christ.... Philippians 3:8...kjv...And some had left their families their wives and Children in order to follow Jesus....They went thru a type of death.....They tasted DEATH spiritually speaking....He that loveth wife and Children more them me is not worthy of me....They tasted death, its not easy to forsake everything you have and follow Jesus...But the early Church did that....They sold everything they had and divided the money....They tasted Death....If a man forsake not everything he has he cannot be my disciple....Thats y he told them to count the cost b/f you follow me....Its gona cost ya everything....maybe even your life...They tasted death...Alex
..... John 5 :39...Thats y Jesus said search the scriptures ( the written words ) In them you think you have ETERNAL LIFE BUT IT IS THEM THAT TESTIFY OF ME which are living words....The H.G. The babes and sucklings as that which s born of the spirit is spirit the H.G....a living being....Our new hearts and new spirits are living beings...Much greater then written words...Thats y Isaiah is saying a lil Child is gonna lead them...a living being ...which is that spirit of truth that is gona rule all nations....Thats y the scripture is saying...2 Cor.3:6 God has made us able ministers of the New Covenant...Not of the written word but of the living word....The written word is a killer but the spirit gives life..My Words are spirit and life..gb
Love your name, by the way.
For instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works."
Alex, I pray that you will stop dissing the written, God-breathed Word of God, along with the church as a whole. Your disdain for what God calls us to respect, love, and uphold is concerning. If you truly believe that believers do not need any one else to teach them, then why do you post on here and tell people that they are in error followed by your "correction"? If what you say is true about each person learning by the Spirit without the input of others, then we can just disregard what you say because, according to your view, we have nothing to learn from you.
Alex, you know that I love and care for you, so this is not an attack on you, rather it is a logical response to what you have posted. I hope you have a good day. You do not need to respond back.
Anyone who resists learning from others resists God's ordained way of building up the body of Christ. Your prejudice against the church is so evident, as you indicate that you are a loner and separated from any oversight over your Christian walk. Of course, we have the Holy spirit within us since our conversion, but the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write that we are to submit to those He has put over us to teach and direct us in the Word and in how we live out our lives in Christ ( 1 Cor. 16:15-16; Heb. 13:17)
You can "keep telling me" of your take on this till you are blue in the face. I will not heed what you say because it goes against Scripture and shows a lack of humility, reveals an unteachable spirit where you lack a willingness to learn from others whom God may send to you to instruct you. You have shown by your repeated posts with the same narrative that you hold to some grievous errors that have been addressed by myself and others on this forum repeatedly.
We are told in Scripture to test what we hear preached, taught, or promulgated by people who claim to be Christians to be sure that it aligns with Scripture. The words of Scripture are our guide to sound beliefs that will keep us from straying into false beliefs. This is what God has chosen for His Church as a means for instruction and for bringing people to faith in Jesus. But, although you cite Scriptures regularly, you say that the letter kills.
We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, .. continued
Thank you so much for sharing this. That is something I had not considered before about what Stephen had seen. That is very interesting. Could this have meant that Stephen was in the crowd of people listening to those words Jesus spoke? It is possible that he could have been there, so what you are saying makes sense. Thank you again, and please know that you've explained it quite well. And also, I think you are amongst many patient and caring believers here, so nothing to be concerned about with that!
Blessings to you!
The New Testament was written in Greek, so learning what the Greek translation is of a passage and gaining understanding of the Greek (that is much more exacting than English) is helpful. It is the language God used as He inspired the writers of the New Testament. We should respect that and be willing to learn from this language. Same is true of the Old Testament, written in Hebrew, which also is a language that has far more depth than English. This is the language God used to inspire the writers of the Old Testament. So few of us know these languages, so I truly appreciate it when people who do know these languages provide us with their knowledge of Greek and Hebrew. We are lucky to have Giannis and Jesse here to teach us. God uses believers to teach one another. We should be willing to make use of this way God teaches us along with what the Holy Spirit teaches us in our personal reading of the Word. It is the same Spirit that instructs in both circumstances.
I do think that most of us on this forum are here to learn from Scripture from one another, not just to post our own interpretations and not be willing to learn from others. So, we should be humble and recognize our need for one another and value how God uses each other to help us grow in faith and knowledge of Scripture and especially of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for sharing that. We are also told in Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the APAUGASMA, or outbeam of God's glory.