So, when Peter was called PETROS, or Cephas in Aramaic, and remember in John Chapter 1, Jesus said you will be called Cephas. Well, at this particular time in Matthew 16:18 is when Jesus named him PETROS. It's a spiritual name. It's a rock. But it's not a foundation stone. That's PETRA, and that's Jesus.
Simon Peter, Andrew, and their father were from the village called Bethsaida, on the Northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee. They later moved to Capernaum to continue their fishing business, as recorded in Mark 1:21, and Mark 1:29. The reason for the move was because Capernaum was the Lord's home during much of his public ministry.
Luke 4:38-39 tells us that Peter was married. In this account, Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Simon Peter's wife also accompanied him on some of the missionary journeys as told to us in I Corinthians 9:5.
Simon Peter also appears to be the leader of the Apostles. In all four lists of the Apostles in the New Testament, Simon Peter is named first. Matthew 10:2-7; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13.
In Acts Chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Peter was the one who gave the first sermon.
In Acts Chapter 4, Peter is the one answering to the Sanhedrin (the religious council of the Jews). They pulled the disciples in and said you cannot preach the resurrection anymore in the name of Jesus. It was Peter who responded and spoke for the disciples.
In Acts Chapter 5, Peter is the one administering discipline in the Church. So, he's a leader.
Thanks Gasman for your reply; I'm glad that my answer to you might have been a little helpful. However, your question as to when does a human (whether still in embryonic form or after release from the womb) is equipped with a soul & spirit, can't really be answered irrefutably, simply because the Word is silent on it & very likely the medical profession will never admit it. Though some Scriptures might help us, such as Ecclesiastes 3:19-21; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59; James 2:26; and maybe others which seem to show both the importance & destination of the human spirit when the body dies. Then again, the word 'soul' is also used similarly: Matthew 10:28; Matthew 16:26; Revelation 6:9, which seems to further confuse this matter of distinction between soul & spirit. However, as man is made in his Creator's Image, I believe that he needs to be fully equipped with & reflect this fully formed creative work; hence the need for this three-fold aspect of his humanness.
Yet, as you wrote, "Our core values we know for sure but secondary issues we don't", which is what we need to emphasize & build up one another on, rather than on matters we know little or nothing about. Yet, it's always an interesting exercise to ponder even over such things. Blessings.
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Jesus despite His statement in Matthew 12:48 (He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?) Jesus demonstrated at the cross his concern for his mother's care and had John live there with her in John 19. It was even worded in the same way "behold your mother"and "behold your son" in verses 26 and 27. We see from the verses above as well as others that family is often the most dificult to reach; even in Christ's case James only believed after the cross. ( John 7:5) shows this; along with unbelief of other brothers at the time. If a sinless Christ was viewed in His hometown as merely being the Son of Joseph and Mary at the time despite the virgin birth being a reality; then of course the only other option would have been as the Pharisees said in John 8:41. And of course we can't expect anything more; since we indeed are all sinners saved by grace. Our family will see something different about us from what we once were; especially if there is a dramatic change in behavior due to certain outward manifestations of behavior radically different after salvation. Of course all of our past mistakes and human weaknesses will be scrutinized by those who grew up with us.
We have challenges from Jesus in both loving God more than our own family as well as the mandates to honor our Father and mother. Clearly our Lord understood the right balance and we should learn from His example. Our natural family isn't our spiritual one; it may or may not become that in time. In my own life not only do I have 2 unbelieving parents in their 90's; NO one in my family to the best of my knowledge are saved. Having to live at home at present therefore means my walk and behavior has to be consistent. Preaching is not going to accomplish much; they are aware I have been a believer 40 years+
Matthew was one of the 12 Apostles. In Matthew 10:3, we have the record of Matthew being called out from the disciples to be one of the original 12 Apostles.
NOW FOR MATTHEW'S GOSPEL:
WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written in the late 60's AD. Here are some things that are important to know:
LINK TO OTHER BOOKS:
Out of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Mark was written first. It is the shortest of the gospels. But it is interesting that out of the 661 verses in Mark, Matthew has 500 of them, almost word for word. It shows that Matthew was following Mark's Gospel as a template for his writings.
So, Mark wrote his first, Matthew second, and then Luke. And if you've ever read the introduction to Luke (the first four verses of Chapter 1), Luke says he has collected all the writings that he could find in order to write his gospel.
So, Luke had Matthew, he had Mark, and he had all the different writings from the different witnesses and the different people who were with Christ. So, he wrote his gospel, and out of the synoptic gospels, Luke's was written third and was written last.
Now the purpose for the Synoptic Gospels was to present a certain side of Jesus to a certain group of people. To the Jews they were presented the Messiah. To the Roman mind, the Servant, God who came as a Servant to die for our sins. And then Luke, his gospel was for the Gentiles.
We find a lot of literature in Matthew. This is very important because some pull verses out of Matthew that are not found in the other gospels, and they apply it incorrectly to Christians today because what you find in Matthew, you don't find anywhere else. It's because Matthew wrote them uniquely for the Jews. Ten parables in Matthew are not found anywhere else because they were written to the Jews. And we have to understand that from a Jewish perspective, not from a culture of the Gentiles. So, it is very important to understand how all these books function in their purpose.
The sheep you are looking for - do not hear your voice.
Matthew 10:27-30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
The best place to commence reading is the New Testament's Book of John through to the Book of Jude.
Then go to the Old Testament books, commencing at the Book of Genesis and reading each book through to the end of Malachi.
Then continue on reading the remaining gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke and finish with reading the Book of Revelation.
You should aim to read it through in a year - cover to cover. Generally speaking, reading three chapters of the Old Testament and one chapter of the New Testament each day should see you complete the task in the year.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
1. Knowledge about the Bible is inexhaustible. You can never stop learning the many truths it contains.
2. If you are seeking the truths within God's word and not simply dabbling in it, God will keep giving your MORE TRUTHS:
"For whosoever hath [a passion for the truths in the Bible], to him shall be given [many more truths], and he shall have more abundance [including the WISDOM of God in a MYSTERY - 1 Cor 2:6-7]: but whosoever hath not ['truth' but prefers a religious viewpoint instead], from him shall be taken away [his salvation] even that he [thinks he] hath." ( Matthew 13:12)
3. It is hard to find a truly Bible-based church these days. nevertheless,
- keep looking for a church,
- keep reading your Bible,
- Check everything you are told by using your Bible,
Hello, thank you but those verses don't say anything about being saved immediately. I think its important to not add or subject from the Bible's meaning. There are lots of verses about being saved, but none I have come across that say you are saved immediately on earth. I have found verses indicating people are saved later, however. The following say in the "end" or "after" things. They don't say "now" or "immediately".
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10 KJV
2 Corinthians 5:10
If there are no verses saying we are immediately saved before we die and are judged, why do people assume that? If not in the Bible where did this belief originate?
Previously; the concept has been introduced as to evidence of good or bad fruit as indicators of true or false salvation in earlier posts. The idea of self; somehow being able to adequately perform the behaviors such as illustrated in the Beatitudes on the Sermon on the Mount (i.e. be a peacemaker; meek; etc) basically demonstrates humanism in some form. I also mentioned the idea of "decisional regeneration". Often; there isn't much thought once we have "fire insurance" as it were; of such verses as 2 Corinthians 13:5 in testing ourselves to see if we are; indeed in the faith. Iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is a way that God often uses to chastise us; which He does with all who are truly in the faith. We also should examine carefully the entire message of scripture; in this case the Beatitudes. Here it DEFINES who the meek are; those who are "despitefully used; wrongfully accused and otherwise abused" (my own rhyme giving the gist of the scripture). In the flesh we may put up with this; but expect someone to pity us; unlike what Jesus went through in Isaiah 53. To die for a friend is one thing; but for enemies is something else ( Romans 5:7-8).
The opposite also holds true; people somehow read the Gospels and think that Christ was all about bringing people together; peace and harmony. The unregenerate mind glosses over Matthew 10:34; 10:36; and the 10 times they tried to kill Jesus by various methods such as stoning and throwing him off a cliff BEFORE the cross. The last case was when Lazarus was raised from the dead when he along with Christ were in the final failed attempt at assassination. The world of course has trouble understanding the need for a bloody cross; of the fact that ALL of us are guilty for His death (at least the elect). Ultimately; to believe Christ is God (part of a triune God) has to be given by God ( Matt. 16:17).
Without God we can do nothing ( John 15:5). See also Hebrews 11:6.
I believe we have a all knowing God who can't be surprised who stands on the outside of time looking in!
Anything you are going to do next week or next year, in God's view you did it yesterday!
How can we know his judgments?
We know that he's just and we're all guilty.
He's righteous, Merciful, longsuffering and he's just, beyond what we can comprehend.
With that being said our minds don't measure up when trying to understand his Judgments.
So if we use his attributes along with what is consistent throughout ALL scripture as a principle to guide us we should come to conclusion hearing and receiving the word of God or refusing to hear and rejecting the word of God plays the primary role in God's Judgment.
So there must be an age of maturity enough for one to understand they need an savior because little two year old Billie is a sinner and he don't know it.
An accountability is likely when one matures and have understanding of some sort of consequences for sin, Some acknowledgement of the need for a savior.
And I believe God judges them according to what they receives.
Here's a few scriptures according to those basics.
Luke 10:13-14
Matthew 10:14-15.
Luke 12:47-48.
God shall judge righteous.
You see a picture of how he uses discretion in judgment in
Genesis 18:23-32.
Genesis 18:35 should be considered along with God's sovereign and foreknowledge and circumstances.
I believe there's a lot more going on in this dark world than what is on the surface and these things should be taken into consideration when questioning God's decision to destroy nations.
We could never fully understand God's methods of Judging but we can take what we do have in scripture and say one would have to be able to comprehend more than what a child is capable of to receive judgment without mercy.
Example.
DEUTERONOMY 1:39
Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day HAD NO KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL..
True, David0921, 'stagnation' would be too subtle a word to more fully describe how the Church at large treats God's Word & deals with sin & rebuke of erring ones. Unfortunately, from my limited experience, it seems that the larger the Church (congregation), the weaker they are in some of these areas we've referred to. The smaller, & probably the more exclusive (sectarian) of them, keep a much more rigid control on behavior & adherence to the Word. Yet, saying that, often their teachings also tend to be a little off-track. A few however, I believe, have found the right balance.
Now, I have a query on what you had earlier written (& now), in discussion with Jema a few days ago: "So when we look at the nature of God's Judgment program very carefully, we find that the Final Punishment is annihilation, that is destruction". And I quote this as you also shared here, "When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?" Obviously, I think I have misunderstood you, where it appears that you believe that the final state of man is, either he's enjoying eternal life with the Lord, or a cessation of all existence (annihilation, as you put it). And then the "Wrath of God for sin" as you now stated. Without making any further assumptions, maybe you could clarify your belief, as in my mind I'm unable to reconcile the two statements.
I believe that Matthew 10:28 was quoted as a reference to the complete destruction of soul & body, to which the Greek word does support; as it does to John 3:16 ("perish"), Romans 2:12, 1 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Peter 3:9, and many others. But reference wasn't made to Daniel 12:1,2; Matthew 18:8,9; Matthew 25:46; Jude 1:7; Revelation 20:10,14,15; & others. In the light of these other Scriptures as well as the essence of the Gospel message which requires an eternal suffering, or else we don't have any Good News of salvation to give, how should we understand your statements? Blessings.
Good answers brother Jesse. I've been observing your interactions here & elsewhere, but kept out of it so that your attention be focussed. But just popping in here now, to make some general observations, but not necessarily seeking comments.
a. Judas' spiritual condition. I believe that none of the twelve were Christians. They may have portrayed that name (Christian) by following Jesus & being discipled by Him, but could not be considered to be Christians as defined post Acts chap 2. When Jesus sent them out to the lost sheep of Israel, He gave them power for that specific ministry & time ( Matthew 10:1-8), just as certain people in the OT received God's Spirit to accomplish their tasks ( Numbers 11:25-27; Othniel, Judges 3:10; Gideon, Judges 6:34; Jephthah, Judges 11:29; Isaiah 59:21; & many more) - none of these were permanently indwelt by the Spirit, but the Spirit was given by God for a special purpose. As you mentioned, Judas & the other eleven were all sinners, but the day would come when they would be transformed (except Judas who suicided), & do great exploits in Jesus' Name.
b. Water baptism. After the twelve (now Matthias is included here) had the Holy Spirit come upon them, and in them & baptized them with the evidence of speaking in 'unlearned' tongues, were these apostles ever water baptized? I never recall any of them writing of that event taking place in their lives. Of course, Paul did, but he was not of the twelve, as "one born out of due time", but were the twelve ever baptized in water? Jesus had left them before this time, so He couldn't do it and there was no one else that was born again at that time to do it, so I wonder what happened. Some maintain that they were definitely baptized, but there's no evidence of it, & if not baptized, then the apostles would have still baptized others. Or I've heard, that they baptized each other, which doesn't make sense as their testimony was the same. So maybe an unbaptized believer can baptize another.
**The Latter Day RAINS** (Zachariah 10:1) to come & wash our minds from what we think & our hearts from what we desire, that The MESSIAH may bless our minds to dwell on what The HE thinks & fill our hearts with what
*HE desires* to be done. For the good works of men are filthy rags & *The MESSIAH's Works* *endure For-Ever* & never a lack to their IN-crease. Who do you want to work for?
Pray for
*The POWER* of
The MESSIAH in
*The might of HIS strength* (Ephesians6:10 -17). And all 6 qualities mentioned of HIS great ARMOR. If we seek them out with all our heart&put on the 1st- 6 gifts, is it not his will to show us the *7th greater gift.
Pray without ceasing(meaning morning&evening) that we may
*be filled* with
*the full knowledge* of
*HIS will* for us in
*all wisdom* &
*spiritual understanding* (Colossians1:9).
Pray like the mighty & receive like the mighty, HE is not a respecter of mankind what HE has done for one, HE will do for another !!
That we may go forth girded up in HIS Truth, in HIS Power uncovering the great deceit in the last days & expose it with HIS Truth, silencing the scoffers in love & leading many to HIS magnificent Truth.
Pray for YAHSHUA to send HIS Word that The SPIRIT of YAHWEH may bring IT to our remembrance, teaching us how our prayers may come in before HIM w/the fibrant prayer(the knocking) of the righteous(is it not written,James&Paul knew). That HE may open HE's gates w/Thanksgiving & enter into HIS courts w/praise, that HE may hear our prayers as sweet incense & act upon them(king David & John the Revelator knew). Because we pray according to The SPIRIT of Truth bringing to our remembrance The LivingWORD of The Magnificent SON, The MOUTHPIECE of The FATHER YAHWEH unto all the creation !!
Let us pray to be among them, that ar jump higher &shouting louder, great thanksgiving & praise, crying out look what YAHSHUA can do with a lowly one like me!
In the gospels we read the story of Judas. A disciple, an apostle, he baprized new believers in water like the rest ( John 4:2), he was given authority over the Spirit to perform miracles and healings ( Luke 9:6), cast out demons, he was sent by Jesus to preach salvation ( Matthew 10:5-15), he was told that he, together with the rest, in the Judgement will sit on a throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. But in the midtime Judas allowed his heart to love money more than Jesus and eventually his love for money led him to become Jesus' trator. Why? Because his heart deceived him. People who hold the belief that salvation can not be lost try to overcome Judas' example by saying that he wasn't actually saved. for that they use the verse in John 17:12, "While I (Jesus) was with them (the 12) in the world, I kept them in thy name (Saviour): those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." So a sinful man, not saved, was sent to preach salvation to Israel? Was given gifts of healing and performing miracles? A son of satan who casts out devils? Really? No, not really. What Jesus says is that he managed to save all but Judas because Judas took the decision for himself to become a traitor, a son of perdition, like the Scriptures said and so the prophesy was fulfilled. And something else. Even if Judas never betrayed Jesus, still the Jews would capture Him sometime, one way or another. Judas wasn't their only choise.
Another example of a man who let his heart deceive him is Demas, a companion of Paul during his ministry. But eventually he left Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ...". Demas eventually loved the sinful world more than God and left Paul. Who was Demas? We don't really know. But we know that Paul was very strict when he selected his partners in the ministry.
In Philippians 2:12 Paul advices believers "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".
Why fear and trembling? Fear what? Although the meaning of the verse is clear, I would like to point out another fear, not about our salvation but about our heart.
In Jeremiah 17:9, it is written "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" We don't really know our heart, we don't know how we are going to act when a temptation comes infront of us, that is why in the "Our Father in Heaven" we ask God to take temptations away from us.
In the parable of the Sower the 2nd and 3rd cases are about people who believed and were saved but still later in their lives they fell out,
Luke 8:13-14, " 13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."
In the 3rd case it is very evident of where our heart can lead us if we are not careful in our spiritual life. Jesus said that "where our heart is, also our treasure is" and the opposite "where our treasure is also our heart is" is true. Jesus also asked us to love Him more even than our lives ( Matthew 10:37-39). Why? Because a. He deserves that and b. this will give us the assurance that we will follow Him to the end. If in the midtime we love something else more than Jesus then it is that that we are going to follow and not God, so we will leave our christian course. And that will lead us into trouble.
If I'm understanding your question correctly, you are asking me about where Jesus said "when they deliver you up," and when this takes place, if the "deliver you up" time period proves that Jesus was speaking of the end-time tribulation period?
My answer is no, and here's why. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus says "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Jesus is sending them out as sheep amongst wolves. He knows what's going to happen to them once they start preaching the gospel, and He tells them what's going to happen in Matthew 10:17-18. They are going to be "delivered up."
Jesus is not talking about the end-time tribulation period here. He is sending His disciples out and telling them that they will be delivered up to the councils (Jewish Councils). And then in Matthew 10:19, Jesus says "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (This is not talking about the end-time).
In Matthew 24:9, this is to the Jews, not the church.
In Mark 13:9, Jesus says "But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them."
What I notice are the words council and synagogues. The word council is literally Sanhedrin, the chief Council of the Jews. Jesus is talking to Jewish people. He is talking directly to His disciples. He is talking directly to His believers, (Jewish believers). Mark 13:11 tells us that they are going to be captured. As for Luke 21:12, this is also to the Jews, not the church.
When dealing with end-time prophecy I think the misunderstanding of the prophecies of the last days is based upon combining Luke's account with Matthew's and Mark's account as if they are the same message. They are not the same message.
Sorry for the late reply. I have not had a chance to be on here for a couple days. I just read your address to myself and brother Chris. This might be a little long, so I apologize ahead of time. I will begin this as (Part 1):
I had previously asked you if you were referring to the word HUPOMENO because #5278 in the Strong's Concordance is the word HUPOMENO. However, both the Textus Receptus and the Greek Interlinear use show it as HUPOMEINAS, not HUPOMENO. Those words are closely related but when properly used, they convey different meanings. I don't know why Strong's says HUPONEO when the Greek text actually uses HUPOMEINAS. If you own a Greek Interlinear Bible, you will see the correct usage.
HUPOMEINAS is used in three places in the NT ( Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, and Mark 13:13). It is #5278 in the Strong's Concordance, but the word is HUPOMEINAS, not what's listed in the Strong's. This word (HUPOMEINAS) describes a person who is saved. A saved person (will) endure to the end. Some take these verses and try and tie them into the end-time tribulation period, and they say that the church will go through this and the ones who shall endure to the end, they will be saved. They say that you have to endure to the end of the tribulation. But that is not the proper context of these scriptures.
In Matthew 10:22, Jesus is speaking to His 12 Apostles. This is the training of the 12 which is outlined for us in Verses 16-42. Jesus is not speaking about people enduring through the end time tribulation. In Verse 22, Jesus says, "And ye (the twelve) shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." He's speaking to the 12.
Tribulation: Declaration vs Preaching the Gospel today.
In today's dispensation (if you don't mind me using this time frame as a proponent of that terminology in the church age at present) we preach on the death; burial and resurrection of Christ. We therefore are "blessed" as Christ referred to Thomas of those who have believed and not seen ( John 20:29). There is a general call to the crowd and to those chosen (such as the more intimate discussions between Christ and His Disciples into the meanings of parables; for instance and other matters).
In the Tribulation as noted in my last post by Revelation 6 there is no need to explain these things; only a declaration to the world of judgments already transpiring and to come; a sort of "signs and wonders" prophetic battle between the side of God's angels and the demons before Christ's final battle settles the score once and for all. I proposed that the Rapture is to wake up the Jewish nation; and specifically activation of the 144,000 for just such a purpose to fulfill the original commission to reach all the cities of Israel which cannot happen until that time ( Matthew 10:23). It is odd that until the time of Christ's initial stages to take back Jerusalem ( Zech. 12:12 but also apparently alluded to on a larger scale in Matthew 24:30) that the Jews will not come to full realization of who Christ is. They at least are deluded until the midpoint of the Tribulation as to the fact Antichrist is not their Messiah and since the world at large knows His identity at the sixth seal it may be that they don't realize they have a need for Him to be their personal Savior but they may start understanding His Lordship over the earth. Thus; I would look at the Tribulation temple to be one that isn't wrong as to the ceremonial aspects; since Antichrist himself desecrates it. Psalm 50:8 seems to show this; albeit many other verses show God's disdain at such things. Those who don't know God will worship the Beast and die.
Read Ephesians 4:32. When we truly are saved, we become a new creation in Christ. The old is passed away. We are forgiven. As Christians we are to be doers of the word. Jesus said in John 14:15, if you love me, keep my commandments.
1John 2:4
1John 4:20-21
The Lord is my Shepherd.
I am lifting you all up in prayer today. Jesus Christ is coming soon. We are living in the last of the last days, and hell is a real place of torment. Eternal. I don't want to go there and I don't want you to go there.
Matthew 10:28
Matthew 13:50
2Thessalonians 1:9
Psalms 145:20
Hebrews 10:26-31
So let Jesus work in your heart and life. No one can put Him there. You must see your need for Him and repent (stop sinning,stop hating,forgive,stop rejecting Christ) REPENT of YOUR own evil deeds, ask Jesus Christ for forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15
He paid for our sin with His life's blood when He was crucified on the cross.His gift of forgiveness is free. Please accept it. Repent and be baptized in water and the Holy Spirit.
HE IS COMING BACK SOON. If YOU are not ready, the Bible says you will be eternally lost. I would not wish Hell on my worst enemy. No, on the contrary. I want to spend eternity loving and worshiping Jesus Christ together with them.
( Matthew 5:44)
May the Lord richly bless you today in Christ Jesus!
Helpful tip; touch the verse addresses in red and they will open up. You won't have to look them up separately.
Hi Michael, the Bible doesn't say we will never be sick or have hardship or suffering. It guarantees we will have them, and says we will even be persecuted for our faith. I think anyone pushing a health and wealth doctrine is pushing a lie.
James 1:12
Romans 5:3-5
Matthew 10:28 - says to not fear those who can do us harm but fear God.
It does say if you pray with faith you will basically get what you ask. I think this means you have genuine and pure faith, not praying for selfish things like a new ferrari. That is my opinion.
No, I don't believe we're supposed to wear crosses. Leviticus 26:1, nowhere does it say wear a cross, as jewelry. However it does say not to make idols.
Recently I thought, if a person had a friend that was killed by gunshot & had a miraculous recovery. How would he feel, if when he returned to his friends & family, they had an image of the gun or bullet around their neck, to honor him. I would think it would be upsetting to say the least. Wouldn't he say, "your missing the main point." isn't it the life lived?Jesus himself being the example of a loving life, helping others in need? & the hope & promise of resurrection. John 5:21-29, 1Corinthians 15:42-58, John 11:25, Ecclesiastes 5:15, 1Timothy 6:7,
Bare your cross: Luke 14, looking at context, whole chapter Jesus in doing the better thing by healing, suffered rejection, hate, wrongful judgement.
A cross is painful, it's obvious, on view for everyone to see, not something we can hide in our pocket. It causes ridicule & even division. Luke 14:11, Luke 14:12-14, Luke 14:17-20,24, Luke 14:26,27, also Matthew 10, note Matthew 10:36, Matthew 10:17,18, Matthew 10:21, Matthew 10:22, please read in context Matthew 10, Matthew 10:32-42, & Luke 9:22-26, also Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:29-38, Mark 10:14-52,
This form of self-transformation is also referred to as self-righteousness ( Romans 10-3), while in truth you follow after a image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and deceived the whole world ( Rev. 12:9), as people by nature are in fact children of the devil ( Acts 13:10).
Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and the scriptural references we use serve as confirmation that it is not us that speak, but the Spirit of our Father that speaketh in us ( 2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Acts 4:8; 6:10).
Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
Genesis 2:15,16,17, Genesis 3:1-6, skipping parts Genesis 3:14,15, between the seed of Serpent - Revelation 20:2,
John 8:34, 1John 3, Romans 5, John 3:16-21, James 1:5, Proverbs 8:17,
Example, simple Salvation "GOD save me" many times in life threatening situations, & many times HE has. Psalms 18:3, Psalms 107:13, Psalms 44:7, Luke 18:42, Psalms 34:6,
Matthew 10:22, Hebrews 2, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Psalms 139,
We cannot love God with all our hearts and minds and strength and all of our souls etc...And have to plz some Spouse...We have to love God with 100% of our being...Nothin less then our complete cooporation is exceptable with him (Jesus)...He that loveth wife or children more then me is not worthy of me...I come not to bring peace but a sword... matthew 10:37
Luke 20:34...The Children of this world marry and are given in marriage. But them that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world ( that new heart and new spirit) ...and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are they given in marriage...Remember Jesus is the Ressurection.
Thats y Jesus is saying to count the cost....Its gonna cost you everything...But there is a kingdom involved...Which is greater then all of the possessions of this world....Paul said he had suffered the loss of all things and counted them as dung that he might win the Kingdom/Christ... Philippians 3:8
The anointing we have to receive of him under this new covenant will teach us all things and guide all the way to the mountain which is new Jerusalem..We need an internal pastor that neva sleeps which is a type of Christ in us...Abide in me and i in you...We are his temple as the H.G the anointing is gonna be born in us...I will make a new Covenant not according to the old covenant...I will make a man more precious then Gold even the golden wedge of Ophir...A Man not a church building...He wants to be married to us humanity the world...God so loved the world...Humanity....There is no more Church buildings under this New Covenant...Now the mystery of the Kingdom of God is Christ in you...Abide in me and i in you...Thats where the good seed is sown in our hearts not in a Church buildings...Where 2 or 3 are gathered is simply in the Godhead...H.G. BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER SON AND H.G....If any man hears my words and keeps them my father and i will come and take our abode with him...His words are spirit and life The H.G.
Hi Barry. In Luke chapter 15, Jesus shares three parables with those who came to listen to him. And these folk were both the Jewish religious leaders as well as the despised publicans & others burdened with sin. The religious leaders saw this Man Jesus as a low class careless person, given to receiving & fellowshipping with like-minded people. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus then proceeded to give them these parables that should have removed their objections, if they used their ears & hearts to receive God's
Message.
And the simple structure of each of those parables was: the responsible shepherd searching for even one lost sheep; the diligent woman searching for that one lost piece of silver coin; and the loving Father who waited for & longed for his one beloved son, deemed to be lost & possibly dead, to once again return back to his family. And in all three parables, there was much rejoicing that the once lost was now found. And what should have hit home to those Jewish leaders, was what Jesus stated in Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
I'm sure Jesus riveted His Eyes on them when He emphasized that all of Heaven rejoices when that one lost sinner has repented & is found, unlike those who considered themselves righteous & without sin looking down upon the spiritually destitute. Instead of leading lost perishing souls to God (through Jesus their Messiah), the leaders determined to cast judgement against them & rejected them as the filth of the world. Rather, their own hearts lay bare before their Wise Judge & they would have done well to heed Jesus' Message to them & first look inwardly rather than finding fault in others.
Even those who inadvertently stray away, or lose their direction in life, even as the prodigal son who made a deliberate unwise choice to leave, still have a patient God in Heaven longing for their return.
Matthew 6, Luke 4:40, Matthew 12:15, Luke 6:19, Psalms 139, Psalms 107:20, Matthew 15:30, Luke 9:11, Matthew 4:24, Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:13, Acts 5:6, Acts 14:9, Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17,18, John 16:23, Luke 11:9-11, context Luke 11:2-13, James 5:13-20,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
Ok, I don't share that particular belief with you because of what the Bible says:
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Gal 5:4 "ye are fallen from grace."
Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12 KJV
"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10 KJV
Salvation is conditional upon following Christ. Those who hate or don't follow Christ aren't going to be saved, based on what the Bible says.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
I don't know how some can read these verses and twist them into meaning anything other than what they mean. This should be prayed about very deeply.
So, when Peter was called PETROS, or Cephas in Aramaic, and remember in John Chapter 1, Jesus said you will be called Cephas. Well, at this particular time in Matthew 16:18 is when Jesus named him PETROS. It's a spiritual name. It's a rock. But it's not a foundation stone. That's PETRA, and that's Jesus.
Simon Peter, Andrew, and their father were from the village called Bethsaida, on the Northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee. They later moved to Capernaum to continue their fishing business, as recorded in Mark 1:21, and Mark 1:29. The reason for the move was because Capernaum was the Lord's home during much of his public ministry.
Luke 4:38-39 tells us that Peter was married. In this account, Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Simon Peter's wife also accompanied him on some of the missionary journeys as told to us in I Corinthians 9:5.
Simon Peter also appears to be the leader of the Apostles. In all four lists of the Apostles in the New Testament, Simon Peter is named first. Matthew 10:2-7; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13.
In Acts Chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Peter was the one who gave the first sermon.
In Acts Chapter 4, Peter is the one answering to the Sanhedrin (the religious council of the Jews). They pulled the disciples in and said you cannot preach the resurrection anymore in the name of Jesus. It was Peter who responded and spoke for the disciples.
In Acts Chapter 5, Peter is the one administering discipline in the Church. So, he's a leader.
Yet, as you wrote, "Our core values we know for sure but secondary issues we don't", which is what we need to emphasize & build up one another on, rather than on matters we know little or nothing about. Yet, it's always an interesting exercise to ponder even over such things. Blessings.
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Jesus despite His statement in Matthew 12:48 (He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?) Jesus demonstrated at the cross his concern for his mother's care and had John live there with her in John 19. It was even worded in the same way "behold your mother"and "behold your son" in verses 26 and 27. We see from the verses above as well as others that family is often the most dificult to reach; even in Christ's case James only believed after the cross. ( John 7:5) shows this; along with unbelief of other brothers at the time. If a sinless Christ was viewed in His hometown as merely being the Son of Joseph and Mary at the time despite the virgin birth being a reality; then of course the only other option would have been as the Pharisees said in John 8:41. And of course we can't expect anything more; since we indeed are all sinners saved by grace. Our family will see something different about us from what we once were; especially if there is a dramatic change in behavior due to certain outward manifestations of behavior radically different after salvation. Of course all of our past mistakes and human weaknesses will be scrutinized by those who grew up with us.
We have challenges from Jesus in both loving God more than our own family as well as the mandates to honor our Father and mother. Clearly our Lord understood the right balance and we should learn from His example. Our natural family isn't our spiritual one; it may or may not become that in time. In my own life not only do I have 2 unbelieving parents in their 90's; NO one in my family to the best of my knowledge are saved. Having to live at home at present therefore means my walk and behavior has to be consistent. Preaching is not going to accomplish much; they are aware I have been a believer 40 years+
Matthew was one of the 12 Apostles. In Matthew 10:3, we have the record of Matthew being called out from the disciples to be one of the original 12 Apostles.
NOW FOR MATTHEW'S GOSPEL:
WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written in the late 60's AD. Here are some things that are important to know:
LINK TO OTHER BOOKS:
Out of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Mark was written first. It is the shortest of the gospels. But it is interesting that out of the 661 verses in Mark, Matthew has 500 of them, almost word for word. It shows that Matthew was following Mark's Gospel as a template for his writings.
So, Mark wrote his first, Matthew second, and then Luke. And if you've ever read the introduction to Luke (the first four verses of Chapter 1), Luke says he has collected all the writings that he could find in order to write his gospel.
So, Luke had Matthew, he had Mark, and he had all the different writings from the different witnesses and the different people who were with Christ. So, he wrote his gospel, and out of the synoptic gospels, Luke's was written third and was written last.
Now the purpose for the Synoptic Gospels was to present a certain side of Jesus to a certain group of people. To the Jews they were presented the Messiah. To the Roman mind, the Servant, God who came as a Servant to die for our sins. And then Luke, his gospel was for the Gentiles.
We find a lot of literature in Matthew. This is very important because some pull verses out of Matthew that are not found in the other gospels, and they apply it incorrectly to Christians today because what you find in Matthew, you don't find anywhere else. It's because Matthew wrote them uniquely for the Jews. Ten parables in Matthew are not found anywhere else because they were written to the Jews. And we have to understand that from a Jewish perspective, not from a culture of the Gentiles. So, it is very important to understand how all these books function in their purpose.
We have already been warned about you.
Acts 20:28-30
Matthew 7:15-16
The sheep you are looking for - do not hear your voice.
Matthew 10:27-30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
The best place to commence reading is the New Testament's Book of John through to the Book of Jude.
Then go to the Old Testament books, commencing at the Book of Genesis and reading each book through to the end of Malachi.
Then continue on reading the remaining gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke and finish with reading the Book of Revelation.
You should aim to read it through in a year - cover to cover. Generally speaking, reading three chapters of the Old Testament and one chapter of the New Testament each day should see you complete the task in the year.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
1. Knowledge about the Bible is inexhaustible. You can never stop learning the many truths it contains.
2. If you are seeking the truths within God's word and not simply dabbling in it, God will keep giving your MORE TRUTHS:
"For whosoever hath [a passion for the truths in the Bible], to him shall be given [many more truths], and he shall have more abundance [including the WISDOM of God in a MYSTERY - 1 Cor 2:6-7]: but whosoever hath not ['truth' but prefers a religious viewpoint instead], from him shall be taken away [his salvation] even that he [thinks he] hath." ( Matthew 13:12)
3. It is hard to find a truly Bible-based church these days. nevertheless,
- keep looking for a church,
- keep reading your Bible,
- Check everything you are told by using your Bible,
- keep praying to God and Jesus for guidance,
- keep on "enduring to the end" ( Matthew 10:22)
Blessings, Brian!
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10 KJV
2 Corinthians 5:10
If there are no verses saying we are immediately saved before we die and are judged, why do people assume that? If not in the Bible where did this belief originate?
Previously; the concept has been introduced as to evidence of good or bad fruit as indicators of true or false salvation in earlier posts. The idea of self; somehow being able to adequately perform the behaviors such as illustrated in the Beatitudes on the Sermon on the Mount (i.e. be a peacemaker; meek; etc) basically demonstrates humanism in some form. I also mentioned the idea of "decisional regeneration". Often; there isn't much thought once we have "fire insurance" as it were; of such verses as 2 Corinthians 13:5 in testing ourselves to see if we are; indeed in the faith. Iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is a way that God often uses to chastise us; which He does with all who are truly in the faith. We also should examine carefully the entire message of scripture; in this case the Beatitudes. Here it DEFINES who the meek are; those who are "despitefully used; wrongfully accused and otherwise abused" (my own rhyme giving the gist of the scripture). In the flesh we may put up with this; but expect someone to pity us; unlike what Jesus went through in Isaiah 53. To die for a friend is one thing; but for enemies is something else ( Romans 5:7-8).
The opposite also holds true; people somehow read the Gospels and think that Christ was all about bringing people together; peace and harmony. The unregenerate mind glosses over Matthew 10:34; 10:36; and the 10 times they tried to kill Jesus by various methods such as stoning and throwing him off a cliff BEFORE the cross. The last case was when Lazarus was raised from the dead when he along with Christ were in the final failed attempt at assassination. The world of course has trouble understanding the need for a bloody cross; of the fact that ALL of us are guilty for His death (at least the elect). Ultimately; to believe Christ is God (part of a triune God) has to be given by God ( Matt. 16:17).
Without God we can do nothing ( John 15:5). See also Hebrews 11:6.
I believe we have a all knowing God who can't be surprised who stands on the outside of time looking in!
Anything you are going to do next week or next year, in God's view you did it yesterday!
How can we know his judgments?
We know that he's just and we're all guilty.
He's righteous, Merciful, longsuffering and he's just, beyond what we can comprehend.
With that being said our minds don't measure up when trying to understand his Judgments.
So if we use his attributes along with what is consistent throughout ALL scripture as a principle to guide us we should come to conclusion hearing and receiving the word of God or refusing to hear and rejecting the word of God plays the primary role in God's Judgment.
So there must be an age of maturity enough for one to understand they need an savior because little two year old Billie is a sinner and he don't know it.
An accountability is likely when one matures and have understanding of some sort of consequences for sin, Some acknowledgement of the need for a savior.
And I believe God judges them according to what they receives.
Here's a few scriptures according to those basics.
Luke 10:13-14
Matthew 10:14-15.
Luke 12:47-48.
God shall judge righteous.
You see a picture of how he uses discretion in judgment in
Genesis 18:23-32.
Genesis 18:35 should be considered along with God's sovereign and foreknowledge and circumstances.
I believe there's a lot more going on in this dark world than what is on the surface and these things should be taken into consideration when questioning God's decision to destroy nations.
We could never fully understand God's methods of Judging but we can take what we do have in scripture and say one would have to be able to comprehend more than what a child is capable of to receive judgment without mercy.
Example.
DEUTERONOMY 1:39
Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day HAD NO KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL..
GB.
Now, I have a query on what you had earlier written (& now), in discussion with Jema a few days ago: "So when we look at the nature of God's Judgment program very carefully, we find that the Final Punishment is annihilation, that is destruction". And I quote this as you also shared here, "When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?" Obviously, I think I have misunderstood you, where it appears that you believe that the final state of man is, either he's enjoying eternal life with the Lord, or a cessation of all existence (annihilation, as you put it). And then the "Wrath of God for sin" as you now stated. Without making any further assumptions, maybe you could clarify your belief, as in my mind I'm unable to reconcile the two statements.
I believe that Matthew 10:28 was quoted as a reference to the complete destruction of soul & body, to which the Greek word does support; as it does to John 3:16 ("perish"), Romans 2:12, 1 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Peter 3:9, and many others. But reference wasn't made to Daniel 12:1,2; Matthew 18:8,9; Matthew 25:46; Jude 1:7; Revelation 20:10,14,15; & others. In the light of these other Scriptures as well as the essence of the Gospel message which requires an eternal suffering, or else we don't have any Good News of salvation to give, how should we understand your statements? Blessings.
a. Judas' spiritual condition. I believe that none of the twelve were Christians. They may have portrayed that name (Christian) by following Jesus & being discipled by Him, but could not be considered to be Christians as defined post Acts chap 2. When Jesus sent them out to the lost sheep of Israel, He gave them power for that specific ministry & time ( Matthew 10:1-8), just as certain people in the OT received God's Spirit to accomplish their tasks ( Numbers 11:25-27; Othniel, Judges 3:10; Gideon, Judges 6:34; Jephthah, Judges 11:29; Isaiah 59:21; & many more) - none of these were permanently indwelt by the Spirit, but the Spirit was given by God for a special purpose. As you mentioned, Judas & the other eleven were all sinners, but the day would come when they would be transformed (except Judas who suicided), & do great exploits in Jesus' Name.
b. Water baptism. After the twelve (now Matthias is included here) had the Holy Spirit come upon them, and in them & baptized them with the evidence of speaking in 'unlearned' tongues, were these apostles ever water baptized? I never recall any of them writing of that event taking place in their lives. Of course, Paul did, but he was not of the twelve, as "one born out of due time", but were the twelve ever baptized in water? Jesus had left them before this time, so He couldn't do it and there was no one else that was born again at that time to do it, so I wonder what happened. Some maintain that they were definitely baptized, but there's no evidence of it, & if not baptized, then the apostles would have still baptized others. Or I've heard, that they baptized each other, which doesn't make sense as their testimony was the same. So maybe an unbaptized believer can baptize another.
**The Latter Day RAINS** (Zachariah 10:1) to come & wash our minds from what we think & our hearts from what we desire, that The MESSIAH may bless our minds to dwell on what The HE thinks & fill our hearts with what
*HE desires* to be done. For the good works of men are filthy rags & *The MESSIAH's Works* *endure For-Ever* & never a lack to their IN-crease. Who do you want to work for?
Pray for
*The POWER* of
The MESSIAH in
*The might of HIS strength* (Ephesians6:10 -17). And all 6 qualities mentioned of HIS great ARMOR. If we seek them out with all our heart&put on the 1st- 6 gifts, is it not his will to show us the *7th greater gift.
Pray without ceasing(meaning morning&evening) that we may
*be filled* with
*the full knowledge* of
*HIS will* for us in
*all wisdom* &
*spiritual understanding* (Colossians1:9).
Pray like the mighty & receive like the mighty, HE is not a respecter of mankind what HE has done for one, HE will do for another !!
That we may go forth girded up in HIS Truth, in HIS Power uncovering the great deceit in the last days & expose it with HIS Truth, silencing the scoffers in love & leading many to HIS magnificent Truth.
Pray for YAHSHUA to send HIS Word that The SPIRIT of YAHWEH may bring IT to our remembrance, teaching us how our prayers may come in before HIM w/the fibrant prayer(the knocking) of the righteous(is it not written,James&Paul knew). That HE may open HE's gates w/Thanksgiving & enter into HIS courts w/praise, that HE may hear our prayers as sweet incense & act upon them(king David & John the Revelator knew). Because we pray according to The SPIRIT of Truth bringing to our remembrance The LivingWORD of The Magnificent SON, The MOUTHPIECE of The FATHER YAHWEH unto all the creation !!
Let us pray to be among them, that ar jump higher &shouting louder, great thanksgiving & praise, crying out look what YAHSHUA can do with a lowly one like me!
Assurance of salvation, cont.
In the gospels we read the story of Judas. A disciple, an apostle, he baprized new believers in water like the rest ( John 4:2), he was given authority over the Spirit to perform miracles and healings ( Luke 9:6), cast out demons, he was sent by Jesus to preach salvation ( Matthew 10:5-15), he was told that he, together with the rest, in the Judgement will sit on a throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. But in the midtime Judas allowed his heart to love money more than Jesus and eventually his love for money led him to become Jesus' trator. Why? Because his heart deceived him. People who hold the belief that salvation can not be lost try to overcome Judas' example by saying that he wasn't actually saved. for that they use the verse in John 17:12, "While I (Jesus) was with them (the 12) in the world, I kept them in thy name (Saviour): those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." So a sinful man, not saved, was sent to preach salvation to Israel? Was given gifts of healing and performing miracles? A son of satan who casts out devils? Really? No, not really. What Jesus says is that he managed to save all but Judas because Judas took the decision for himself to become a traitor, a son of perdition, like the Scriptures said and so the prophesy was fulfilled. And something else. Even if Judas never betrayed Jesus, still the Jews would capture Him sometime, one way or another. Judas wasn't their only choise.
Another example of a man who let his heart deceive him is Demas, a companion of Paul during his ministry. But eventually he left Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ...". Demas eventually loved the sinful world more than God and left Paul. Who was Demas? We don't really know. But we know that Paul was very strict when he selected his partners in the ministry.
My thoughts on Assurance of Salvation
Richard, I continue my posts from yesterday.
In Philippians 2:12 Paul advices believers "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".
Why fear and trembling? Fear what? Although the meaning of the verse is clear, I would like to point out another fear, not about our salvation but about our heart.
In Jeremiah 17:9, it is written "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" We don't really know our heart, we don't know how we are going to act when a temptation comes infront of us, that is why in the "Our Father in Heaven" we ask God to take temptations away from us.
In the parable of the Sower the 2nd and 3rd cases are about people who believed and were saved but still later in their lives they fell out,
Luke 8:13-14, " 13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."
In the 3rd case it is very evident of where our heart can lead us if we are not careful in our spiritual life. Jesus said that "where our heart is, also our treasure is" and the opposite "where our treasure is also our heart is" is true. Jesus also asked us to love Him more even than our lives ( Matthew 10:37-39). Why? Because a. He deserves that and b. this will give us the assurance that we will follow Him to the end. If in the midtime we love something else more than Jesus then it is that that we are going to follow and not God, so we will leave our christian course. And that will lead us into trouble.
If I'm understanding your question correctly, you are asking me about where Jesus said "when they deliver you up," and when this takes place, if the "deliver you up" time period proves that Jesus was speaking of the end-time tribulation period?
My answer is no, and here's why. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus says "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Jesus is sending them out as sheep amongst wolves. He knows what's going to happen to them once they start preaching the gospel, and He tells them what's going to happen in Matthew 10:17-18. They are going to be "delivered up."
Jesus is not talking about the end-time tribulation period here. He is sending His disciples out and telling them that they will be delivered up to the councils (Jewish Councils). And then in Matthew 10:19, Jesus says "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (This is not talking about the end-time).
In Matthew 24:9, this is to the Jews, not the church.
In Mark 13:9, Jesus says "But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them."
What I notice are the words council and synagogues. The word council is literally Sanhedrin, the chief Council of the Jews. Jesus is talking to Jewish people. He is talking directly to His disciples. He is talking directly to His believers, (Jewish believers). Mark 13:11 tells us that they are going to be captured. As for Luke 21:12, this is also to the Jews, not the church.
When dealing with end-time prophecy I think the misunderstanding of the prophecies of the last days is based upon combining Luke's account with Matthew's and Mark's account as if they are the same message. They are not the same message.
Blessings to you!
Sorry for the late reply. I have not had a chance to be on here for a couple days. I just read your address to myself and brother Chris. This might be a little long, so I apologize ahead of time. I will begin this as (Part 1):
I had previously asked you if you were referring to the word HUPOMENO because #5278 in the Strong's Concordance is the word HUPOMENO. However, both the Textus Receptus and the Greek Interlinear use show it as HUPOMEINAS, not HUPOMENO. Those words are closely related but when properly used, they convey different meanings. I don't know why Strong's says HUPONEO when the Greek text actually uses HUPOMEINAS. If you own a Greek Interlinear Bible, you will see the correct usage.
HUPOMEINAS is used in three places in the NT ( Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, and Mark 13:13). It is #5278 in the Strong's Concordance, but the word is HUPOMEINAS, not what's listed in the Strong's. This word (HUPOMEINAS) describes a person who is saved. A saved person (will) endure to the end. Some take these verses and try and tie them into the end-time tribulation period, and they say that the church will go through this and the ones who shall endure to the end, they will be saved. They say that you have to endure to the end of the tribulation. But that is not the proper context of these scriptures.
In Matthew 10:22, Jesus is speaking to His 12 Apostles. This is the training of the 12 which is outlined for us in Verses 16-42. Jesus is not speaking about people enduring through the end time tribulation. In Verse 22, Jesus says, "And ye (the twelve) shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." He's speaking to the 12.
In today's dispensation (if you don't mind me using this time frame as a proponent of that terminology in the church age at present) we preach on the death; burial and resurrection of Christ. We therefore are "blessed" as Christ referred to Thomas of those who have believed and not seen ( John 20:29). There is a general call to the crowd and to those chosen (such as the more intimate discussions between Christ and His Disciples into the meanings of parables; for instance and other matters).
In the Tribulation as noted in my last post by Revelation 6 there is no need to explain these things; only a declaration to the world of judgments already transpiring and to come; a sort of "signs and wonders" prophetic battle between the side of God's angels and the demons before Christ's final battle settles the score once and for all. I proposed that the Rapture is to wake up the Jewish nation; and specifically activation of the 144,000 for just such a purpose to fulfill the original commission to reach all the cities of Israel which cannot happen until that time ( Matthew 10:23). It is odd that until the time of Christ's initial stages to take back Jerusalem ( Zech. 12:12 but also apparently alluded to on a larger scale in Matthew 24:30) that the Jews will not come to full realization of who Christ is. They at least are deluded until the midpoint of the Tribulation as to the fact Antichrist is not their Messiah and since the world at large knows His identity at the sixth seal it may be that they don't realize they have a need for Him to be their personal Savior but they may start understanding His Lordship over the earth. Thus; I would look at the Tribulation temple to be one that isn't wrong as to the ceremonial aspects; since Antichrist himself desecrates it. Psalm 50:8 seems to show this; albeit many other verses show God's disdain at such things. Those who don't know God will worship the Beast and die.
Read Ephesians 4:32. When we truly are saved, we become a new creation in Christ. The old is passed away. We are forgiven. As Christians we are to be doers of the word. Jesus said in John 14:15, if you love me, keep my commandments.
1John 2:4
1John 4:20-21
The Lord is my Shepherd.
I am lifting you all up in prayer today. Jesus Christ is coming soon. We are living in the last of the last days, and hell is a real place of torment. Eternal. I don't want to go there and I don't want you to go there.
Matthew 10:28
Matthew 13:50
2Thessalonians 1:9
Psalms 145:20
Hebrews 10:26-31
So let Jesus work in your heart and life. No one can put Him there. You must see your need for Him and repent (stop sinning,stop hating,forgive,stop rejecting Christ) REPENT of YOUR own evil deeds, ask Jesus Christ for forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15
He paid for our sin with His life's blood when He was crucified on the cross.His gift of forgiveness is free. Please accept it. Repent and be baptized in water and the Holy Spirit.
HE IS COMING BACK SOON. If YOU are not ready, the Bible says you will be eternally lost. I would not wish Hell on my worst enemy. No, on the contrary. I want to spend eternity loving and worshiping Jesus Christ together with them.
( Matthew 5:44)
May the Lord richly bless you today in Christ Jesus!
Helpful tip; touch the verse addresses in red and they will open up. You won't have to look them up separately.
James 1:12
Romans 5:3-5
Matthew 10:28 - says to not fear those who can do us harm but fear God.
It does say if you pray with faith you will basically get what you ask. I think this means you have genuine and pure faith, not praying for selfish things like a new ferrari. That is my opinion.
God bless
No, I don't believe we're supposed to wear crosses. Leviticus 26:1, nowhere does it say wear a cross, as jewelry. However it does say not to make idols.
Recently I thought, if a person had a friend that was killed by gunshot & had a miraculous recovery. How would he feel, if when he returned to his friends & family, they had an image of the gun or bullet around their neck, to honor him. I would think it would be upsetting to say the least. Wouldn't he say, "your missing the main point." isn't it the life lived?Jesus himself being the example of a loving life, helping others in need? & the hope & promise of resurrection. John 5:21-29, 1Corinthians 15:42-58, John 11:25, Ecclesiastes 5:15, 1Timothy 6:7,
Bare your cross: Luke 14, looking at context, whole chapter Jesus in doing the better thing by healing, suffered rejection, hate, wrongful judgement.
A cross is painful, it's obvious, on view for everyone to see, not something we can hide in our pocket. It causes ridicule & even division. Luke 14:11, Luke 14:12-14, Luke 14:17-20,24, Luke 14:26,27, also Matthew 10, note Matthew 10:36, Matthew 10:17,18, Matthew 10:21, Matthew 10:22, please read in context Matthew 10, Matthew 10:32-42, & Luke 9:22-26, also Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:29-38, Mark 10:14-52,
Philippians 2:1-15, Colossians 1:10-29 ,
Matthew 25:31-46, James 1:5,
Hopefully these are helpful
This form of self-transformation is also referred to as self-righteousness ( Romans 10-3), while in truth you follow after a image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and deceived the whole world ( Rev. 12:9), as people by nature are in fact children of the devil ( Acts 13:10).
Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and the scriptural references we use serve as confirmation that it is not us that speak, but the Spirit of our Father that speaketh in us ( 2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Acts 4:8; 6:10).
Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Genesis 2:15,16,17, Genesis 3:1-6, skipping parts Genesis 3:14,15, between the seed of Serpent - Revelation 20:2,
John 8:34, 1John 3, Romans 5, John 3:16-21, James 1:5, Proverbs 8:17,
Example, simple Salvation "GOD save me" many times in life threatening situations, & many times HE has. Psalms 18:3, Psalms 107:13, Psalms 44:7, Luke 18:42, Psalms 34:6,
Matthew 10:22, Hebrews 2, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Psalms 139,
Romans 10:13, context Romans 10, Everlasting Salvation, Isaiah 45:17, Acts 4,
1John 3:14, Job 38:17, Revelation 20, Psalms 49, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Romans 5, Revelation 21,
Hopefully these are helpful
Luke 20:34...The Children of this world marry and are given in marriage. But them that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world ( that new heart and new spirit) ...and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are they given in marriage...Remember Jesus is the Ressurection.
Thats y Jesus is saying to count the cost....Its gonna cost you everything...But there is a kingdom involved...Which is greater then all of the possessions of this world....Paul said he had suffered the loss of all things and counted them as dung that he might win the Kingdom/Christ... Philippians 3:8
The anointing we have to receive of him under this new covenant will teach us all things and guide all the way to the mountain which is new Jerusalem..We need an internal pastor that neva sleeps which is a type of Christ in us...Abide in me and i in you...We are his temple as the H.G the anointing is gonna be born in us...I will make a new Covenant not according to the old covenant...I will make a man more precious then Gold even the golden wedge of Ophir...A Man not a church building...He wants to be married to us humanity the world...God so loved the world...Humanity....There is no more Church buildings under this New Covenant...Now the mystery of the Kingdom of God is Christ in you...Abide in me and i in you...Thats where the good seed is sown in our hearts not in a Church buildings...Where 2 or 3 are gathered is simply in the Godhead...H.G. BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER SON AND H.G....If any man hears my words and keeps them my father and i will come and take our abode with him...His words are spirit and life The H.G.
Message.
And the simple structure of each of those parables was: the responsible shepherd searching for even one lost sheep; the diligent woman searching for that one lost piece of silver coin; and the loving Father who waited for & longed for his one beloved son, deemed to be lost & possibly dead, to once again return back to his family. And in all three parables, there was much rejoicing that the once lost was now found. And what should have hit home to those Jewish leaders, was what Jesus stated in Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
I'm sure Jesus riveted His Eyes on them when He emphasized that all of Heaven rejoices when that one lost sinner has repented & is found, unlike those who considered themselves righteous & without sin looking down upon the spiritually destitute. Instead of leading lost perishing souls to God (through Jesus their Messiah), the leaders determined to cast judgement against them & rejected them as the filth of the world. Rather, their own hearts lay bare before their Wise Judge & they would have done well to heed Jesus' Message to them & first look inwardly rather than finding fault in others.
Even those who inadvertently stray away, or lose their direction in life, even as the prodigal son who made a deliberate unwise choice to leave, still have a patient God in Heaven longing for their return.
Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:1-29,
Proverbs 14:5,25, John 8,
Revelation 12:19,
Hopefully these are helpful
Psalms 34:19
Luke 21:12-15, context Luke 21, Matthew 10:16-20, context Matthew 10, Mark 13:9-11, context Mark 13,
Luke 12:8, 2Timothy 3:12, Romans 8:22-39
Hopefully these strengthen you
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Gal 5:4 "ye are fallen from grace."
Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12 KJV
"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10 KJV
Salvation is conditional upon following Christ. Those who hate or don't follow Christ aren't going to be saved, based on what the Bible says.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
I don't know how some can read these verses and twist them into meaning anything other than what they mean. This should be prayed about very deeply.
God bless.