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.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ( Galatians 3:26)
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ( Mark 11:22)
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ( Mark 9:23)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ( Matthew 19:26)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ( Hebrews 13:5)
I hope and pray these scriptures help your faith walk. It's not how we feel its according to our faith (believing and accepting God's word as it is written) and as we believe and accept God's plan of salvation by faith (not by works, Jesus paid that precious price for our salvation), then we can do the works of Christ Jesus and build up our most holy faith by believing, prayer, studying scripture, etc.
I used search words of faith, believe, and possible to find and share some scriptures. You might find searching the word promise to be encouraging, to read and believe all the promises that are for us in God's word. I am happy to hear about your desire to continue your walk with the Lord, stay encouraged and keep the faith in all areas of your life. Nothing is too hard for God, we can begin again. God never stopped loving and forgiving us, just accept it by faith and walk in it.
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.
Therefore, I reiterate the three rules of Hermeneutics: a literal interpretation (unless a non-literal one is clearly called for); an historical, grammatical & contextual usage to understand the environment & language of that writing; & of course, using Scripture in other places within the Bible to help interpret the portion we're reading. Outside of this defined & confined meaning of 'biblical hermeneutics', we might open ourselves to erroneous understanding & teaching. If we believe that the Holy Spirit assists us in our understanding, then He would not disregard proper interpretative conventions, rather make that Scripture meaningful to us as well as applicable to our lives.
Then going back to our 'Lake of Fire' example, 'Fire' may be the common word that is seen, in say in 1 Kings 18:19-40 & in Revelation 20:14,15, but the whole context is very different between the two. Where 'fire' consumed the sacrifice on the altar in the one, & then in the other, 'fire' doesn't consume, but is eternal & tormenting (even as Jesus spoke of this in Mark 9:43-48). If we don't apply these rules, we can then make the Revelation account anything we want it to mean (or support our belief); such as being a fire of purification (purgatory), or only a spiritual (not actual) fire to demonstrate God's hatred of sin, but the soul be saved. If any of these (& other) interpretations are used, we in the first instance violate the proper understanding of the given Word & secondly, apply our own principles which ultimately makes the Word meaningless & worthless. The Holy Word is to be rigorously guarded from anything that would lead the reader to distraction & departure of the Truth.
Indeed Elijah becomes Elias in NT, like Isaiah becomes Esias. Since the New Testament was written for greek speaking people the authors of the 4 gospels used the greek forms of those hebrew names.
So at a time the apostles asked Jesus ( Mark 9:11-13), "And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?" Jesus answered to them , "And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him."
Jesus is refering to the prophesy written in Malachi 4:5-6, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 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."
And He tells His disciples that Elias has indeed come, he was actually John the Baptist. Jesus' words "as it is written of him" are refering to Elias coming before Jesus and restoring things for Him, not to what happened to him.
I thought I would start out with when we don't fast. That would be for someone that has blood sugar issues (for lengthier fasts); or when we need physical strength for work or mental acumen to perform tasks.
I have stated the verse where Jesus casts out the demon where prayer and fasting were needed for that type of demon; thus the disciples couldn't cast it out ( Mark 9:29). It appears that Jesus expected the disciples to seek the Father through prayer as to the challenges to come; so that it could be revealed to them when fasting was needed. Christ of course had the power to do all things irregardless; but in His dependence on the Spirit so that He could "suffer all things as we did but without sin" ( Heb. 4:15) meant that He trusted in the Spirit for all of His miracles and actions.
Obviously; prayer is something we all should do constantly ( 1 Thess. 5:17). We are also to meditate day and night ( Joshua 1:8). We see how Christ was up all night in prayer before He picked His first group of Disciples; and how at the end the Disciples were to fight sleep due to sorrow ad exhaustion and pray to avoid temptation.
There is no set command for fasting; it appears to have been something the fear of God instigated for instance by the pagan king in Nineveh ( Jonah 3:7). Esther had a 3 day fast before appealing to the King to save her people and reveal her origin in chapter 4; verse 16. The King of Babylon fasted for a night when he was disturbed about Daniel being placed in the lion's den in Daniel 6. Churches these days probably do this much less often than should be done; certainly a short fast would be proper more often than long ones. There are health benefits as well; obviously one without water should be limited. It would seem that God intervened before 40 days without water in the case of Nineveh or it was a miracle they survived that long.
We are to be filled with the Spirit as we are emptied of ourselves.
Encouragement and the lack thereof within the Body of Christ
It has been said that a Prophet is never honored in his own hometown in Luke 4:24. This is in regard to faith; as opposed to unbelief. Mark 9:24 shows the proper response to those seeking more faith in "helping with my unbelief". Since we are not God and only have a slight understanding "seeing as through a mirror darkly" ( 1 Cor 13:12) we can't necessarily diagnose what is true unbelief nor have the Spirit "without measure" ( John 3:34) as Christ did. If we look at outer circumstances and misuse verses to convince people that they should be healthy and wealthy then we may bring unnecessary discouragement to those who need a "merry heart" ( Prov. 17:22) for healing purposes. We don't bring things forth as some seem to cleim through words as the "name it and claim it" or blab it and grab it crowd would like us to believe. Or; more aptly put we should seek the "worst life now" as the countercultural resistance to the opposing camp (I'll leave it at that).
Recognizing potential in the gifting and talents of others seems like a rare thing today. Since we are all called to edify one another ( Romans 12:4-5) there should be a joint effort as part of the army of Christ; salt and light of the world we are called to be. This should be the duties of elders but we all have responsibilities. The giver of the gifts; of course is more crucial than the gift itself but we shouldn't have to sacrifice gifts because there are those who don't find it expedient to believe in such things.
As with anything else; as the old song goes we need to know when to hold; fold; walk or run away with the cards on the table in our hand. If the Spirit isn't present or welcome in a place of fellowship it is no mystery; sin is in the camp (Read Joshua 7).
This eliminates the effectiveness of a ministry. There is still hope if some truth is preached and at least a few still living in true faith.
You said you "want to believe" but then declared "no!" then ask for help?
Jesus encountered a man (family, members) facing a similar dilemma. Mark 9:24, the account in context seemingly starts in : Mark 9:14-29.
The question that I ask you, is what are you having trouble believing?
It's ok to ask GOD to help you overcome disbelief. I had struggled years ago with Jonah 2, because cartoon animation had influenced my thinking. I could only imagine an unbelievable Disney Character inside a whale. Someone said to me something like 'you have to believe all the Bible or none' I prayed GOD would help me. Then one day I heard a report of a man being discovered inside the belly of a fish, fully intact, on a documentary channel. I then heard more than one account.
GOD is amazing at how HE can help us overcome anything. John 8:32, James 1:5,
If you're wondering about Jesus, raising from the grave read John 16:31-33, John 16 whole chapter = this was a written account of a witness, that: Jesus knew all these things were going to happen to him, even the very witness writing this would abandon him._._ beforehand. Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28, Luke 24:34,
Also Luke 1:1-3, these people were unafraid to die for this truth: Acts 7:59,
1Corinthians 13:12, yes, it says ._. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
There seems to be scriptures that sort of suggest that it's possible. John 11, Hebrews 12:1, following from Hebrews 11, Mark 9:2-4, Matthew 17:1-3, 1Samuel 28:15-19,
We will all give account, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:12, Philippians 2:1-16, Deuteronomy 5:11, Exodus 20:7, Mark 9:39, Matthew 12:31, in context Matthew 12.
God is not The God of the dead but of the living: Matthew 22:32, Psalms 139, John 3:16, hopefully these help answer your questions
Fortunately God gave us this test to determine if spirits (including voices) are from God or not:
1 John 4:1-3
Also God says do not fear the enemy/satan. He holds no power over us:
Matthew 10:28
He can only tempt, but we can resist and he will flee. We always have a way out if we look for it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
So, you do not need to worry or have any fear about these. If you rebuke the evil spirits in the name of Jesus they will go away.
Matthew 4:10
Mark 9:28-29 Prayer
I am praying for you now. God bless you in the name of Jesus. I would do absolutely everything to dedicate your life to following Jesus, including fasting, reading the word, prayer, praise. Get rid of any filth you can and replace it with God's purity. Don't hang on to any of it. End times are near. Also, watch out for false prophets. They may lurk anywhere, even in this forum. Rely on God's truth, not on man's itching ears who love to spread lies from satan.
While you didn't directly address the questions, your chosen response indicates you might believe the New Testament isn't literal and are just parables to you, is that correct? You quoted the old testament suggesting that you might think that's literal, however. Do you mind sharing how you came to this belief?
For the benefit of anyone else reading this there are plenty of verses in the Bible about the literal hell:
Luke 12:5 - But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Matthew 5:22 - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Revelation 14:11 - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Matthew 13:50 - And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Mark 9:43-48 - And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
etc
Do you believe Jesus literally is Lord and literally died on the cross for you?
I'm sure you are 100% confident of your beliefs. I'm sure you know that most Christians believe in hell because hell is mentioned in the Bible. I'm sure you've already heard the Bible verses and interpretations of those, so I will keep my comment short. Because you are commenting on a public forum its assumed that you are willing to receive a reply from the public.
I'm curious about the belief of not believing in hell or how someone can read the same Bible and reach that conclusion. If this were true that no one goes there then why would hell exist in the first place, why did Jesus warn us about it like Mark 9:43-48, and what then would the purpose be for becoming a Christian or spreading the gospel?
If everyone is saved regardless of our beliefs or actions, then despite Hebrews 10:26-31 do you think God would be ok with everyone to go out tonight to induldge in the evils of this world and intentionally commit every kind of sin against God imagineable?
Who is an antichrist? Christ is a translation of the Greek word Christos which means anointed one. The Hebrew word is Mashiach translated Messiah which means the anointed one, the chosen one. One who God fixed for a specific purpose set apart to fulfill God's plan.
Jesus said many times that He/Him sent me, Matt. 10:40Mark 9:37Luke 10:16John 5:30 and many more times. Also, Jesus said He came down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of Him who sent Him in John 6:38, and Jesus said this in John 6:35-40.
We see when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit/Ghost, Matt 3:16Mark 1:10Luke 3:22John 1:32, and John 3:34-36 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure. Peter confesses and puts clear the Messiah/Christ, and the miracles, wonders, and signs God did by Him Acts 2:22, also read 23-39.
"God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit", manifest Greek word phanero; revealed, made known, 1 Timothy 3:16John 17:1-8. God gave His only begotten Son, God sent His Son who was come in the flesh, tempted as you or me, and the spirit of antichrist is denying that is true, John 3:161 John 4:32 John 1:7. Christ is not part of Jesus name it is a title, Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is the Christ.
A liar is he who denies or says Jesus is not the Christ/Messiah, and he is an antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. If we deny the Son, we have not the Father but if we acknowledge the Son we have the Father also, 1 John 2:18-24. You must come to your own understanding not mine, with open mind, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, you will.
These verses about the antichrist paint a picture of a deceptive seducing spirit and the people that have been deceived, just like Eve 2 Cor. 11:3. My understanding of these verses does not refer to the beast that will ascend out of the bottomless pit that has come to be called the antichrist.
Jesus speaking in context : Mark 10:13-31, notice he started with the little children that were being pushed aside._.. Notice too he says many not all. Luke 18:17, Mark 10:15,
Giannis says Israel, that seems very contradictory to the WORD: Romans 11, whole chapter. Notice, Luke 13:22-35, note Luke 13:27, iniquity, Matthew 7, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 48:12, Matthew 24:48-51,
Matthew 20:1-16, again arrogance & expecting more reward than another? Again if you go back a little in context Jesus is telling them don't forbid the children to come to Him. Matthew 19:14, continued the same event follows. Matthew 19:14-30, so Matthew 20, is repeating the teaching of 1st, & last; meekness, in another perspective same teaching. Matthew 10:22,24,25,42, Matthew 10:5-42, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:44, Matthew 20:27, Matthew 18:3,4,5,
Moses controlled the sea by order of GOD. Exodus 14:15-31,
Other times, Joshua 3, 2Kings 2:8, 2Kings 2:14, Mark 4,
Exodus 17:6, note Numbers 20:7-12, GOD even gave them the power & authority to just speak to the water to come forth, matter of fact; it was an Order, & because it wasn't followed it was counted against them.
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,
I listed scripture in hope you would read & the LORD through the HOLY Spirit would lead you. John 14:26, 1John 2:27, James 1:5,
There seems to be several ways to 'fast" before GOD. the most important seems to be, the Heart & actions of the individual or 'people' fasting. GOD points out to deal your bread to the hungry, keep it secret, pray for justice, & do Justice, act justly. It's not to be for self exalting Isaiah 58,
Sometimes people fast (most often) by not eating or drinking for a certain time. 1 meal, 'skipping a meal" 2Samuel 1:12, Judges 20:26,
Some eat regular meals but take things out that are enjoyable like sweet treats, rich meats. Like Daniel 1, Daniel 9,
Extreme fasts were Jesus & Moses. Please only fast what the HOLY Spirit leads you to. Not other's.
Sometimes it's very good to take all media, TV, phones, devices that distract, make noises ect even Christian radio away for a time to focus, be quiet & still before GOD, that's a way to humble yourself before GOD.
In the Bible many times they would rip their clothing throw dust on their heads. Joel 2:13, said don't, but rend your hearts, Matthew 6:16, Interestingly no account witnessed Jesus do that outward display, yet Jesus healed & delivered all who believed. Some people practice a life of types of fasting. Like Jesus, Paul, 2Corinthians 11:27, Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29 Please read, pray, be still & quiet waiting on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY while you dedicate time, other enjoyable things unto the LORD & study HIS WORD the Bible, also turn aside/away from things, displeasing to GOD, sin = repenting from or atleast trying & attempting to (if your fasting for your own deliverance) from things like addictions, habits etc..) abstain from wine etc.
that's what I recommend on how to "fast". Again I recommend the scriptures in previous reply.
Fasting is supernaturally amazing, it most definitely changes things, saves lives, delivers, defeats oppression, & enemies.
I recommend going straight to the Bible. Today's verse on this website is perfect 2Chronicles 7:14,
Isaiah 58, Ezra 8:21, Daniel 9, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29, Joel 2:12,14,15, Acts 10:30-31, 1Corinthians 7:2-5, Matthew 6:16,17,18,
Esther 4, context begins in previous chapters including Esther 1, explaning her heritage & by wisdom they had kept it silent.
Daniel 6:18, Jonah 3:4-10, notice these two noted here were not known as Godly people yet even their fast was recognized & rewarded by GOD, repentance & humbling themselves, before GOD.
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
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ( Mark 11:22)
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ( Mark 9:23)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ( Matthew 19:26)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ( Hebrews 13:5)
I hope and pray these scriptures help your faith walk. It's not how we feel its according to our faith (believing and accepting God's word as it is written) and as we believe and accept God's plan of salvation by faith (not by works, Jesus paid that precious price for our salvation), then we can do the works of Christ Jesus and build up our most holy faith by believing, prayer, studying scripture, etc.
I used search words of faith, believe, and possible to find and share some scriptures. You might find searching the word promise to be encouraging, to read and believe all the promises that are for us in God's word. I am happy to hear about your desire to continue your walk with the Lord, stay encouraged and keep the faith in all areas of your life. Nothing is too hard for God, we can begin again. God never stopped loving and forgiving us, just accept it by faith and walk in it.
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.
Therefore, I reiterate the three rules of Hermeneutics: a literal interpretation (unless a non-literal one is clearly called for); an historical, grammatical & contextual usage to understand the environment & language of that writing; & of course, using Scripture in other places within the Bible to help interpret the portion we're reading. Outside of this defined & confined meaning of 'biblical hermeneutics', we might open ourselves to erroneous understanding & teaching. If we believe that the Holy Spirit assists us in our understanding, then He would not disregard proper interpretative conventions, rather make that Scripture meaningful to us as well as applicable to our lives.
Then going back to our 'Lake of Fire' example, 'Fire' may be the common word that is seen, in say in 1 Kings 18:19-40 & in Revelation 20:14,15, but the whole context is very different between the two. Where 'fire' consumed the sacrifice on the altar in the one, & then in the other, 'fire' doesn't consume, but is eternal & tormenting (even as Jesus spoke of this in Mark 9:43-48). If we don't apply these rules, we can then make the Revelation account anything we want it to mean (or support our belief); such as being a fire of purification (purgatory), or only a spiritual (not actual) fire to demonstrate God's hatred of sin, but the soul be saved. If any of these (& other) interpretations are used, we in the first instance violate the proper understanding of the given Word & secondly, apply our own principles which ultimately makes the Word meaningless & worthless. The Holy Word is to be rigorously guarded from anything that would lead the reader to distraction & departure of the Truth.
It doesn't say we have to "read, in the name of" but when we pray, receive a child, or when people are being baptized,
Jesus name is the principal thing. Matthew 18:5,20, Mark 9:37,39,41,48, Mark 16:15-18, John 14:13,14,26, John 15, John 16:23-28,
Hopefully this is helpful
Hopefully this is also helpful
Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:1-29,
Proverbs 14:5,25, John 8,
Revelation 12:19,
Hopefully these are helpful
Jesus also addressess fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 18:7-14, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29,
Hopefully this is helpful
I had to pray many times as I was reading & trying to understand the Bible when I was serious about turning my life to GOD.
If there are certain situations you need help with, in life, you can even use this site to research scripture, questions & answers, or ask questions.
I've found any time I've questioned scripture seemingly contradiction, after deeper reading, prayer & study I find it doesn't.
You can search words, names, phrases.
Hopefully this is helpful
Matthew 6,
Hopefully these are also helpful
Indeed Elijah becomes Elias in NT, like Isaiah becomes Esias. Since the New Testament was written for greek speaking people the authors of the 4 gospels used the greek forms of those hebrew names.
So at a time the apostles asked Jesus ( Mark 9:11-13), "And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?" Jesus answered to them , "And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him."
Jesus is refering to the prophesy written in Malachi 4:5-6, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 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."
And He tells His disciples that Elias has indeed come, he was actually John the Baptist. Jesus' words "as it is written of him" are refering to Elias coming before Jesus and restoring things for Him, not to what happened to him.
I have stated the verse where Jesus casts out the demon where prayer and fasting were needed for that type of demon; thus the disciples couldn't cast it out ( Mark 9:29). It appears that Jesus expected the disciples to seek the Father through prayer as to the challenges to come; so that it could be revealed to them when fasting was needed. Christ of course had the power to do all things irregardless; but in His dependence on the Spirit so that He could "suffer all things as we did but without sin" ( Heb. 4:15) meant that He trusted in the Spirit for all of His miracles and actions.
Obviously; prayer is something we all should do constantly ( 1 Thess. 5:17). We are also to meditate day and night ( Joshua 1:8). We see how Christ was up all night in prayer before He picked His first group of Disciples; and how at the end the Disciples were to fight sleep due to sorrow ad exhaustion and pray to avoid temptation.
There is no set command for fasting; it appears to have been something the fear of God instigated for instance by the pagan king in Nineveh ( Jonah 3:7). Esther had a 3 day fast before appealing to the King to save her people and reveal her origin in chapter 4; verse 16. The King of Babylon fasted for a night when he was disturbed about Daniel being placed in the lion's den in Daniel 6. Churches these days probably do this much less often than should be done; certainly a short fast would be proper more often than long ones. There are health benefits as well; obviously one without water should be limited. It would seem that God intervened before 40 days without water in the case of Nineveh or it was a miracle they survived that long.
We are to be filled with the Spirit as we are emptied of ourselves.
Matthew 18:6-20,
Mark 11:22,23,24, Mark 16:15-18,
James 1:5, Colossians 3,
First you need to believe, Jesus is who He is, The Son of GOD, John 3:16-21, Mark 9:31,
Hopefully these are also helpful
Encouragement and the lack thereof within the Body of Christ
It has been said that a Prophet is never honored in his own hometown in Luke 4:24. This is in regard to faith; as opposed to unbelief. Mark 9:24 shows the proper response to those seeking more faith in "helping with my unbelief". Since we are not God and only have a slight understanding "seeing as through a mirror darkly" ( 1 Cor 13:12) we can't necessarily diagnose what is true unbelief nor have the Spirit "without measure" ( John 3:34) as Christ did. If we look at outer circumstances and misuse verses to convince people that they should be healthy and wealthy then we may bring unnecessary discouragement to those who need a "merry heart" ( Prov. 17:22) for healing purposes. We don't bring things forth as some seem to cleim through words as the "name it and claim it" or blab it and grab it crowd would like us to believe. Or; more aptly put we should seek the "worst life now" as the countercultural resistance to the opposing camp (I'll leave it at that).
Recognizing potential in the gifting and talents of others seems like a rare thing today. Since we are all called to edify one another ( Romans 12:4-5) there should be a joint effort as part of the army of Christ; salt and light of the world we are called to be. This should be the duties of elders but we all have responsibilities. The giver of the gifts; of course is more crucial than the gift itself but we shouldn't have to sacrifice gifts because there are those who don't find it expedient to believe in such things.
As with anything else; as the old song goes we need to know when to hold; fold; walk or run away with the cards on the table in our hand. If the Spirit isn't present or welcome in a place of fellowship it is no mystery; sin is in the camp (Read Joshua 7).
This eliminates the effectiveness of a ministry. There is still hope if some truth is preached and at least a few still living in true faith.
John 17, James 1, James 2,
Matthew 5:23,24,44, Matthew 6:5-34, Mark 11:24, Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 17:15-21, Mark 9:17-29,
Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21:36,
Hope these are helpful
You said you "want to believe" but then declared "no!" then ask for help?
Jesus encountered a man (family, members) facing a similar dilemma. Mark 9:24, the account in context seemingly starts in : Mark 9:14-29.
The question that I ask you, is what are you having trouble believing?
It's ok to ask GOD to help you overcome disbelief. I had struggled years ago with Jonah 2, because cartoon animation had influenced my thinking. I could only imagine an unbelievable Disney Character inside a whale. Someone said to me something like 'you have to believe all the Bible or none' I prayed GOD would help me. Then one day I heard a report of a man being discovered inside the belly of a fish, fully intact, on a documentary channel. I then heard more than one account.
GOD is amazing at how HE can help us overcome anything. John 8:32, James 1:5,
If you're wondering about Jesus, raising from the grave read John 16:31-33, John 16 whole chapter = this was a written account of a witness, that: Jesus knew all these things were going to happen to him, even the very witness writing this would abandon him._._ beforehand. Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28, Luke 24:34,
Also Luke 1:1-3, these people were unafraid to die for this truth: Acts 7:59,
John 20:29, Mark 16,
Hopefully these are helpful
Luke 17:2, Matthew 18:6,10, Mark 9:42,
There seems to be scriptures that sort of suggest that it's possible. John 11, Hebrews 12:1, following from Hebrews 11, Mark 9:2-4, Matthew 17:1-3, 1Samuel 28:15-19,
We will all give account, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:12, Philippians 2:1-16, Deuteronomy 5:11, Exodus 20:7, Mark 9:39, Matthew 12:31, in context Matthew 12.
God is not The God of the dead but of the living: Matthew 22:32, Psalms 139, John 3:16, hopefully these help answer your questions
1 John 4:1-3
Also God says do not fear the enemy/satan. He holds no power over us:
Matthew 10:28
He can only tempt, but we can resist and he will flee. We always have a way out if we look for it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
So, you do not need to worry or have any fear about these. If you rebuke the evil spirits in the name of Jesus they will go away.
Matthew 4:10
Mark 9:28-29 Prayer
I am praying for you now. God bless you in the name of Jesus. I would do absolutely everything to dedicate your life to following Jesus, including fasting, reading the word, prayer, praise. Get rid of any filth you can and replace it with God's purity. Don't hang on to any of it. End times are near. Also, watch out for false prophets. They may lurk anywhere, even in this forum. Rely on God's truth, not on man's itching ears who love to spread lies from satan.
While you didn't directly address the questions, your chosen response indicates you might believe the New Testament isn't literal and are just parables to you, is that correct? You quoted the old testament suggesting that you might think that's literal, however. Do you mind sharing how you came to this belief?
For the benefit of anyone else reading this there are plenty of verses in the Bible about the literal hell:
Luke 12:5 - But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Matthew 5:22 - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Revelation 14:11 - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Matthew 13:50 - And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Mark 9:43-48 - And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
etc
Do you believe Jesus literally is Lord and literally died on the cross for you?
I'm sure you are 100% confident of your beliefs. I'm sure you know that most Christians believe in hell because hell is mentioned in the Bible. I'm sure you've already heard the Bible verses and interpretations of those, so I will keep my comment short. Because you are commenting on a public forum its assumed that you are willing to receive a reply from the public.
I'm curious about the belief of not believing in hell or how someone can read the same Bible and reach that conclusion. If this were true that no one goes there then why would hell exist in the first place, why did Jesus warn us about it like Mark 9:43-48, and what then would the purpose be for becoming a Christian or spreading the gospel?
If everyone is saved regardless of our beliefs or actions, then despite Hebrews 10:26-31 do you think God would be ok with everyone to go out tonight to induldge in the evils of this world and intentionally commit every kind of sin against God imagineable?
Thank you for sharing your beliefs...
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
Who is an antichrist? Christ is a translation of the Greek word Christos which means anointed one. The Hebrew word is Mashiach translated Messiah which means the anointed one, the chosen one. One who God fixed for a specific purpose set apart to fulfill God's plan.
Jesus said many times that He/Him sent me, Matt. 10:40 Mark 9:37 Luke 10:16 John 5:30 and many more times. Also, Jesus said He came down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of Him who sent Him in John 6:38, and Jesus said this in John 6:35-40.
We see when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit/Ghost, Matt 3:16 Mark 1:10 Luke 3:22 John 1:32, and John 3:34-36 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure. Peter confesses and puts clear the Messiah/Christ, and the miracles, wonders, and signs God did by Him Acts 2:22, also read 23-39.
"God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit", manifest Greek word phanero; revealed, made known, 1 Timothy 3:16 John 17:1-8. God gave His only begotten Son, God sent His Son who was come in the flesh, tempted as you or me, and the spirit of antichrist is denying that is true, John 3:16 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7. Christ is not part of Jesus name it is a title, Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is the Christ.
A liar is he who denies or says Jesus is not the Christ/Messiah, and he is an antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. If we deny the Son, we have not the Father but if we acknowledge the Son we have the Father also, 1 John 2:18-24. You must come to your own understanding not mine, with open mind, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, you will.
These verses about the antichrist paint a picture of a deceptive seducing spirit and the people that have been deceived, just like Eve 2 Cor. 11:3. My understanding of these verses does not refer to the beast that will ascend out of the bottomless pit that has come to be called the antichrist.
God bless,
RLW
Giannis says Israel, that seems very contradictory to the WORD: Romans 11, whole chapter. Notice, Luke 13:22-35, note Luke 13:27, iniquity, Matthew 7, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 48:12, Matthew 24:48-51,
Matthew 20:1-16, again arrogance & expecting more reward than another? Again if you go back a little in context Jesus is telling them don't forbid the children to come to Him. Matthew 19:14, continued the same event follows. Matthew 19:14-30, so Matthew 20, is repeating the teaching of 1st, & last; meekness, in another perspective same teaching. Matthew 10:22,24,25,42, Matthew 10:5-42, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:44, Matthew 20:27, Matthew 18:3,4,5,
Hopefully these are helpful
Other times, Joshua 3, 2Kings 2:8, 2Kings 2:14, Mark 4,
Exodus 17:6, note Numbers 20:7-12, GOD even gave them the power & authority to just speak to the water to come forth, matter of fact; it was an Order, & because it wasn't followed it was counted against them.
Mark 9:23, Luke 18:27, Mark 10:27, Matthew 19:26,
James 4:1-3,
Hopefully these scriptures 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
There seems to be several ways to 'fast" before GOD. the most important seems to be, the Heart & actions of the individual or 'people' fasting. GOD points out to deal your bread to the hungry, keep it secret, pray for justice, & do Justice, act justly. It's not to be for self exalting Isaiah 58,
Sometimes people fast (most often) by not eating or drinking for a certain time. 1 meal, 'skipping a meal" 2Samuel 1:12, Judges 20:26,
Some eat regular meals but take things out that are enjoyable like sweet treats, rich meats. Like Daniel 1, Daniel 9,
Extreme fasts were Jesus & Moses. Please only fast what the HOLY Spirit leads you to. Not other's.
Sometimes it's very good to take all media, TV, phones, devices that distract, make noises ect even Christian radio away for a time to focus, be quiet & still before GOD, that's a way to humble yourself before GOD.
In the Bible many times they would rip their clothing throw dust on their heads. Joel 2:13, said don't, but rend your hearts, Matthew 6:16, Interestingly no account witnessed Jesus do that outward display, yet Jesus healed & delivered all who believed. Some people practice a life of types of fasting. Like Jesus, Paul, 2Corinthians 11:27, Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29 Please read, pray, be still & quiet waiting on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY while you dedicate time, other enjoyable things unto the LORD & study HIS WORD the Bible, also turn aside/away from things, displeasing to GOD, sin = repenting from or atleast trying & attempting to (if your fasting for your own deliverance) from things like addictions, habits etc..) abstain from wine etc.
that's what I recommend on how to "fast". Again I recommend the scriptures in previous reply.
Fasting is supernaturally amazing, it most definitely changes things, saves lives, delivers, defeats oppression, & enemies.
Hopefully this is helpful
Isaiah 58, Ezra 8:21, Daniel 9, Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29, Joel 2:12,14,15, Acts 10:30-31, 1Corinthians 7:2-5, Matthew 6:16,17,18,
Esther 4, context begins in previous chapters including Esther 1, explaning her heritage & by wisdom they had kept it silent.
Daniel 6:18, Jonah 3:4-10, notice these two noted here were not known as Godly people yet even their fast was recognized & rewarded by GOD, repentance & humbling themselves, before GOD.
Hopefully these are helpful in your study