15...The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were(WILL BE) angry, and GOD's WRATH is come ... and should destroy them which destroy the earth.
The message above was written around 95AD to be LITERALLY fulfilled in the future( Revelation 1:1) , and now, even now, from now on, the prophecy will LITERALLY be executed, for GOD is wrathed against all nations and they will be destroyed, include the current Israel, and only and only will be saved a remnant of Israel- Micah 7:18-20, in fact only 144K will be saved- Revelation 7:1-8. And the others?
The others? Matthew 23:33-35
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (why serpents? why generation of vipers? The answer is in John 8:44.Take a look), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand?
Well,the Word is GOD,self-executing,He had a Plan:to save the mankind from the power of Devil.To execute it He needed to incarnate Himself,and He did so at the turn from the fourth to the fifth Day,so He was made flesh around 2000 years ago- Hebrews 1:1-3,He introduce Himself in the world of Devil by the name of JESUS,a LITERAL IMAGE of GOD,His Plan was to make man in His image and likeness in the SIXTH Day-Gen.1:26-Let us make man in our image,after our likeness.GOD's Plan for salvation was to preach the Gospel of His Kingdom,but by whom?Only by He Himself.
JESUS was born after week 69th,i.e.after a period of 483 years.His birth was something around 7to3BC,as this is known.
That said,GOD, now called JESUS,the stone which is become the head of the corner,He was set at nought of the builders of the OT, even the prophets which had the Spirit of Christ were killed by the builders- Matthew 23:29-35.Paul wrote:The Gospel of Christ is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believes;to the Jew and also to the Greek.For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith: Romans 1:16-17.
Acts 4:12 reveals:Neither is there salvation in any other:for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved.It still was the beginning of the fifth Day.
JESUS himself began to be about thirty years of age,He started His Ministry,saying:The time is fulfilled,and the Kingdom of GOD is at hand:repent ye,and believe the gospel- Mark 1:15.JESUS said to the Jews:My Father works hitherto,and I work-Jo.5:17.
JESUS said to the Father:I have glorified thee on the earth:I have finished the work which thou gave me to do.The validity of His sacrifice for salvation already last around 2000 years,more than 730.000 days,in days to come the false messiah of the Jews- John 5:43-47,Re.13:11,will enthrone himself in Jerusalem,the Abomination of desolation is established,the daily sacrifice is taken out,the Dispensation of Grace gets to the END.
My understanding is Jesus was baptized and anointed in the fall of the year__, he was 40 days and nights in the wilderness. Jesus then chose His 12 disciples. shortly after the wedding where Jesus turned the water to wine, He went to Passover John 2:23, this would be 6 months after He was anointed by the Holy Ghost.
There are 3 more Passovers and Jesus was crucified on the last one, John 5:1, 1.5 years John 6:4 2.5 years, and John 13:1 the Passover He was crucified 3.5 years from when He was anointed as the Messiah.
My understanding of Matthew 24 was also for the disciples for the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem not just for us today, if we compare Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 have when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet. But in Luke 21:20, He writes when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
The abomination of desolation is something done by someone as King Antiochus IV Epiphanes did in 168 BC. It happened before the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. My understanding is parts of Jesus's Olivet discourse were for them and parts are for us.
What is in Daniel 9:27 Jesus caused the sacrifice and oblation to cease when He died and the vail of the Temple rent from top to bottom. As Jesus told the woman at the well the hour has come ye shall not worship the Father in the mountain or Jerusalem, John 4:21
The wording in Daniel 9:27 is for the overspreading of abominations points to the abominations the leaders of Jerusalem will have done, Matthew 23:32-38 Jesus told them "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" The he, is Jesus who will make it desolate and, in their generation, it was made desolate by the people/Roman army, of the prince/Titus same as God used Babylon in 586 BC.
I hope this makes sense so that you can study for your understanding even if you disagree, if you have questions let me know.
WAR AGAINST THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS-WHY FROGS?
The end of times has arrived and what the Devil intends to do as the father of the Jews( John 8:44), is to direct the current world under his rule towards a global environment that will facilitate the establishment of his much desired Universal Kingdom, his fifth Universal Kingdom, for which Satan has been working since ancient times starting with Abel's murder- Matthew 23:33-35.Take a look. GOD revealed to the king of Babylon through Daniel this desire of Satan by interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream: Daniel 2:41-43, but in verses 44 to 47 GOD reveals how He will destroy the Kingdom of the Devil, father of the Jews- JOHN 8:44.
There will be a TERRIBLE WAR from now on between GOD's people X Satan's people. Re.11:15 says: The KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD are become the KINGDOMS of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. ( Matthew 5:5 combined with Revelation 5:10).
But Satan as a God intends to do the same with global world ruled by him-2Thes.2:3-4&9-12 combined with Revelation 12, i.e. to establish his satanic Universal religious Kingdom.
The WAR will be against THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS-WHY FROGS?
Revelation 16:13 to 16
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like FROGS come out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the False Prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of GOD Almighty.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Ar - mag - eddon.
15 Behold, I come as a thief. (Get ready)
Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
It will be awesome but there will be horrible times before He returns. If we are still living, we must be strong in our faith to resist the hour of temptation that is coming. When He returns it will not be some silent secret event, Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 23:39. He will return to the same place from where He ascended, Acts 1:10-11. When He touches His feet back on earth on the Mount of Olives the earth will split with the power and glory that has been given Him by God, Zechariah 14:4.
There will be the chosen and faithful, Revelation 17:14 who have been grafted into the vine in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:5-6 that will be a part of this kingdom and reign for one thousand years.
Thank you Shabbat Keeper for coming back to me. I'll respond to your three recent posts to me with my one here.
Firstly, on the name 'Gehenna', otherwise called the "Valley of Hinnom", the Encyclopaedia definition is quite correct about the purpose why that area was set aside. It was indeed a place for the burning of refuse & the dead. And yes, it meant that they were all annihilated - no more evidence except dust & ashes. So, it can mean 'annihilation', but Gehenna can also mean 'a place of burning where the fires are never quenched'. And we know that the body is disposed of there, but what about the immaterial parts of man that remains accountable to God? And you also referenced a verse I quoted in Matthew 10:28. Taken on its own, that verse could well support your belief of a complete extermination of body, soul & spirit.
But it was for that very reason that I gave you the other verses to look up & consider. Not only was Matthew 10:28 Jesus' Words, but also Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15. You didn't take these into account. And we know, as I trust you are conversant, that when we deal with a topic or a doctrine from the Bible, we need to take in all the references that deal specifically with it. Unfortunately, our natural human instinct is to accept only those that we find palatable or in agreement with, thus distorting the teaching from the Word.
So, if you would care to look at those other verses & see how they affect your understanding of Matthew 10:28, I would be very interested. It's only when we consider all verses on a subject, can we get a fuller picture of it meaning & its implications. However, sometimes there aren't too many verses to help us learn about the subject - in such cases we can't force a teaching by them & just leave the subject open. Yet, not so with these important doctrines of the Deity of Christ & human existence & punishment after death.
Actually Shabbat Keeper, I wasn't intending to bring up the Rapture debate here, as it has been well discussed over the years. Rather, I was intending to give, maybe a rather flimsy example of a type of Gospel message, telling unbelievers that "when we turn to the Lord for forgiveness of our sins & receiving Christ into our life, then we will not face (physical) death, but just be raptured (caught up, as with Enoch/Elijah), to forever be with him". Here then would be something for the unbeliever to consider, because as sure as day turns into night, we all (believer & unbeliever alike) will face death - whether this thought leaves an 'icky' feeling in us depends on how we view death. So, rapture is not my issue here, but why is death any more of a punishment when we all have to die & knowing that death (of the body) means a complete eradication of any iota of life (in body, breath, mind, & senses). Often death is welcome, especially for the terminally ill or suffering, & whether or not one experiences a new pain-free joyful existence in the Lord's Presence or not, holds little attraction if there is no more consciousness in death or after it.
If death is the only punishment to the Christ-rejecter, then why do we all have to die? And if I might ask (verses that some don't care to address), why are there so many Scriptures to warn us that physical death is not the end (e.g. Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15); all these pointing to the reality of an eternal torment? As one who doesn't believe in such an eternity, I ask you (as I've done in the past with others), why are these Scriptures rejected so as to support an emotion-charged belief rather than a biblical Truth? Why do we reject or re-write these passages to suit us, when they're given direct from the Mouth of our Lord?
OSAS. True spiritual gifts vs false manifestations.
1 Corinthians 2:14 says: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Deuteronomy 32:28-29 states "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!"
There are many reasons people may go to church and not be believers; a general statement would be there are many confessors but less who are POSSESSORS of the Holy Spirit. Focusing on earlier posts discussing how Satan focuses his attacks on the church we need in general to see how Satan is not only opposed to God but comes as s substitute; and mimics every spiritual gift in outward manifestations that may appear to be the same to the undiscerning (such as listed in 1 Corinthians 2:14 above).
As to spiritual manifestations; the "Kundalini" experience often mimics what are true spiritual experiences. We see mention in past revivals of people shaking or trembling at His Word which is scriptural ( Isaiah 66:2). But certain ritualaistic manifestations
cause abandon (usually coiling up like a snake on the floor). Godly sorrow certainly can cause weeping as was reported in many revivals from the past; uncontrollable laughter however is not something that seems edifying. Tongues of angels certainly can be imitated by demons as evidenced by experiences of those in the occult.
In looking at these "charismatic" gifts; we shoiuldn't ignore the "religious" spirit which involves endless ritual and legalistic practices that exceed the scope of the Word. The Pharisees added things with their traditions ( Mark 7:13 and other verses) and this was associated with pride; self righteous and leading others astray. (see Matthew 23:15). The opposite of this is using grace as a license to sin which Romans 6:1 warns about.
P2 Continuation on verses thinking of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 23:7- 8 "And greeting in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren."
Deuteronomy 18:15 "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."
Colossians 1:22 "In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."
We are 100% in agreement that the blood of Christ is by which we are saved throughout eternity.
Israel, "through the house of Israel" will be saved by the same way they were saved on the OT.
(But not all.) So, in Romans 11:26 where it says And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, I believe it's those of the house of Israel who will except Christ finished work on the cross. Their blindness will be removed when they call on Christ in the tribulation. You see the church is never called the house of Israel.
In the OT, before the Church was formed, those who were saved, by faith they looked ahead with those ordinances pointing them to one who would come as their redeemer "Christ"
We look back at the Cross in faith for our redemption, In the Millennium kingdom those who are saved will do the same.
Those who are saved will look back at the finish work of Christ on the cross. Everything else is a memorial. sacrifices etc.
During the tribulation period Israel will be driven to call on their Messiah as prophesied in Hosea 5:15. Also in Matthew 23:39.
obviously, they seen him again, He's saying you won't behold him again as a Nation. (They will remain blinded) as mentioned in Luke 19:42.
You also see this mentioned clearly in Zechariah 13:6-9.
Peter makes mention of a future salvation for the Nation/house of Israel in Acts 15:9-11 when studying it carefully.
And James follows it up in verses 14-17.
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.
BEHOLD, YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT UNTO DESOLATE.
For I say unto you, YE SHALL NOT DEE ME HENCEFORTH, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."
God left their house abandoned, and how can they still be His chosen people?
Think about the evidence Christ presented that He was indeed the Messiah. Indeed; supernatural blindness HAD to be given; for Jesus even told people to believe Him even for the sake of His works ( John 14:11). And the verse was indicative of His being part of the Godhead. There were HUGE numbers of people being miraculously fed at least twice; people healed of blindness which had NEVER occurred even with the Old Testament miracles ( John 10:21); people who had demons cast out of them; as well as the miracles entrusted to the 12 Apostles and the 70 sent out two by two ( Luke 10:11). There was the undeniable proof of natural phenomenon at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:54); as well as the 500 witnesses that saw Him; including the Apostles AFTER He was Resurrected and they all died except for John as martyrs; clearly they knew and believed the truth since denial would have saved their lives.
Unbelief therefore is something learned. Children are all born into sin; but scripture makes it clear that they have angels beholding the Father continually and that they were drawn to Christ (see Matt. 18:10). Children came to Christ ( Mark 10:13-16) and praised Him as a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2 and mentioned by the Lord in Matthew 21:16. To deny the obvious requires a hardness of heart and soul; and deliberate rejection of known truths; which of course made the condemnation of the Pharisees greater than most; and was much of the reason Jesus excoriated them in nearly the entirety of Matthew 23. They knew the prophecies but were blinded because of their obsession on the law and all other traditions that were added to put men in bondage and to render mercy and justice meaningless ( Matthew 23:23) with their myopic tunnel vision. The rest of the world if NOT enlightened by the Spirit only looked at Christ as some great miracle worker but didn't worship Him as God in the flesh.
Hence Matthew 16:17 must occur for true salvation.
For meditation- mostly inspired by a brother in faith that passed away around 22 years ago.
Weeks of years and weeks of days is key.
"Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers." Matthew 23:32 KJV
We believe in a risen Christ!
Gabriel delivered a message to Daniel that in time they (Israel) would finish the transgression. Jesus knew this time and spoke to the Jews that they (the same generation) would finish the measure of the fathers. In Gabriel's message both the people and the holy city would be affected by the determined time, seventy weeks.The pronouncement broke the seventy weeks down in parts. In a way the seventy years of captivity was the latter days for the Jews. From the decree of king Cyrus the seventy weeks began. First seven weeks of years in unsettled times of building back their nation as recorded in Ezra and Jeremiah. Daniel 9:26 states the Messiah will be cut off at 62 weeks. 62 weeks plus the seven weeks would "unto the Messiah" being cut off.
69 weeks not 70?
Daniel 9:27 says "and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week" this is the seventieth week or else the phrase "unto the Messiah" makes little sense.
In the middle of the 27th verse of Daniel, in the middle of the week the Messiah "shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease"
In the 70th week Jesus began His ministry of preaching the Gospel "confirmed the covenant with many". Three and one half years later, He was cut off by the crucification. When the Messiah was cutoff after delivering the New Covenant while the Old Covenant ceased at the same time in the middle part of the 70th week. For about forty years from the time of the crucification to the destruction of Jerusalem which began around the same time of the year was a period of Grace for the Jews to repent and be of the first born of God's Holy Church. This period of time completes the 70 weeks. Both verses 9:26 and 27 speak of this last time.
Before discussion on the giftings in the Spirit which Christ would utilize; I thought the general content of the messages would be pertinent to the subject at hand. Healing was something in the miraculous that Christ seemed to be unrestrained in procuring throughout His traveling ministry; with the exception being the Pharisees and those in His own hometown.
Mark 6
4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief.
The above example may be a classic case of "not seeing the forest through the trees." Those who knew Him best really knew Him the least. Seeing who He is; of course only comes through Divine guidance. Mark 7:29 shows the example further explained in Matthew 16:17 where it says that only the Father reveals this kind of information. In any case; Christ would go out of His way even to a Syrophoenician woman; to perform a healing ( Mark 7:26).
So; let us briefly review Jesus' ministry to others as we earlier examined His personal prayer life.
Ministry to the Pharisees and those of His hometown. Unbelief was; to say the least a fundamental principle in ministry to his local contacts and the Pharisees. It was; you may say a "necessary evil" as the Pharisees were entrusted to the law (which they added many further ordinances to put men in bondage). There was still a procedure whose framework Jesus expected people to follow; but not their hypocritical actions ( Matthew 23:3). So until Jesus was crucified and Resurrected He needed to deal with them; largely so that the rest of the Jewish believers could be able to worship in the soon to be abrogated Old Covenant ways.
Is it not a fruit of the Spirit given once one IS saved?
SO WHAT IS THIS SAYING?
To get the context you have to pick it up the from John 13 on through John 14:23.
John 13:34-35.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, if ye have love one to another.
Jesus taught that those who follow Him will show love for the brothern ( John 13:12-15, 34).
That is the primary sign of faith to the outside world ( John 13:35). Here, he indicates that obedience to His command is the primary sign of our love for Him.
A person cannot claim to know Christ and hate other Christians
1 John 4:20.
Proceeding from John 14:15 on thru John 14:16-23 Jesus is telling them he was going and sending them the Holyspirit that will guide them.
Throughout this section, a person's love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined
All the law hangs on this.
Matthew 23:37-40.
AND THE MINISTRATION OF THE LAW COULDN'T PRODUCE THIS.
2 Corinthians 3:8-11 concedes that regeneration by the gift of the Holyspirit in those who believe in Christ exceeds the ministration of the law.
"How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of THE GLORY THAT EXCELLETH.
FOR IF THAT WHICH IS DONE AWAY WAS GLORIOUS, MUCH MORE THAT WHICH REMAINETH IS GLORIOUS.
Sorry for such a delay. In Daniel 9:25 "Messiah the Prince"
What I was saying is it actually SAYS Messiah the king.
I didn't mean to say it's translated king from prince.
On Daniel 9:24-25. I agree with you when you say "These 6 things were determined upon Daniel's people, the lost sheep of Israel, and the holy city, Jerusalem. That's true!
Now here is where we disagree on Daniel 9:24-25. Seventy weeks are determined "UPON THY PEOPLE and upon thy holy city, DANIELS PEOPLE!
These six things wasn't accomplished for Daniels people at the cross because"Daniels people" rejected Jesus as savior.
Daniels people transgression and sin is specific.
They denied their king and savior who came at the appointed time!
This is what Hosea 5:15 is talking about.
"I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
This is also what Jesus is saying in Matthew 23:39. "For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord".
Of course they saw him again.
What Jesus is saying here is they won't behold him as a nation again until they say blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!
That affliction will come in the 70th week.
When they turn to him then will those 6 things for "Daniels people" be accomplished.
Here is what I have as the middle of the 70th week. Revelation 13:4-5 "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months".
In Matthew 24:3 When Jesus pointed his Desciples to Daniel 9 he was answering 2 of the 3 questions they asked him. "and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world.
I will first speak on your 1st question as a springboard to get into this topic concerning the 69th and 70 week of Daniel 9:26-27.
Your quote.
"If I am correct, it is thought the 69th week ended when Jesus' ride into Jerusalem fulfilling Zech. 9:9. Dan. 9:26 says 69 weeks unto the Messiah, should we look over the 3.5 years from when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit? Look at the multitude that met Him when He rode in, they knew who He was, He came for the lost sheep of Israel. End quote.
Ronald, Daniel outlines the sequence of events in the opposite order than what you present in the 69th week. We see the Messiah cut off. But if you look at Verse 26 Carefully " The People of the prince THAT SHALL COME shall destroy the sanctuary. This puts his arrival after the destruction of Jerusalem. This is saying this person who is coming, His people will destroy the sanctuary. His people destroyed the sanctuary but the Prince that shall come hasn't come yet.
This is saying, this person who is coming, His people will destroy the sanctuary. His people destroyed the sanctuary, but the This is saying this person who is coming, His people will destroy the sanctuary. His people destroyed the sanctuary but the Prince that shall come hasn't come yet.
PRINCE THAT SHALL COME hasn't come yet.
Let's examine this.
Beginning with Daniel 9:25. This is where the 69 weeks end. We know that by the beginning of vs 26, ( And after threescore and two weeks )
and here's why I place this at his entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey, In Luke 19:37-39 we see the multitude singing, referring to Psalms 118:26. parallel that with Luke 19:38. The Pharisees saw that as blasphemy!
Psalms 118:22-26 is the scope of scope of Daniel's prophecies and Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
BUT
They denied there king and here's Jesus answer to that in Matthew 23:37-38.
This is the only time Christ presented himself as king!
You are correct: Daniel is a prophecy of Christ, not antichrist.
Most don't understand the abomination that maketh desolated. It was SET UP the same time the daily sacrifice was destroyed .... Daniel 12:11
Hebrews 3:9 But Christ a Son over his own HOUSE, whose house we are .....
Matthew 23:38 Behold your HOUSES are left unto you DESOLATE ....
All men DIED, their house (BODY) was left desolate, no life, dead on the cross, then CHRIST ONLY arose.
All men arose a NEW CREATION; joint HEIRS of Christ, the body of Christ, the life now the SPIRIT of GOD.
Most don't understand the GREAT TRIBULATION.
Matthew 24:22 And unless those days be SHORTENED, no flesh should be SAVED ....
Christ and ALL MEN DIED on the cross, three SHORT days latter, ALL MEN were made ALIVE by the RESURRECTION.
ALL the wrath of God, that ALL MEN deserved, was POURED OUT on Christ, that was the GREAT TRIBULATION, three short(en) days, for the elects sake.
The same things is pictured in Revelation, all the 7 plagues and 7 vials had to be poured out before ANYONE could enter the TEMPLE, God Almighty and the LAMB are the TEMPLE .... Revelation 21:22
Revelations 15:8 ... NO ONE could enter the temple, until the seven plagues were fulfilled ......
Introduction: There is a prescribed manner of conduct in the Scriptures which give us a basic guideline of how to conduct ourselves in public worship. The ceremonial aspects involve; more or less an invocation to prayer and beginning the service; songs of thanksgiving; a sermon; and communion on a set schedule. That and other events such as weddings; funerals; outreach; recreational activities go on more or less on a rather predictable pattern.
As to how the individual interacts with the rest of the local Body present; wherever you go there tends to be a seating and greeting pattern; a mode of discussion when approaching the Pastor; deacons and anyone else with a position; and another one for the rest of the laypersons-often dictated by the proclivities of our personalities; and mutual interests or lack thereof. Ministries tend to have a rather predictable involvement; a few individuals do the majority of service oriented projects and prayer meetings; and one or two others do most of the greeting.
A careful analysis of what is written so far will expose the fact that these activities could go on in a church where the Lord is present; to almost any other religious and perhaps non religious meeting place. The fact is; in either case we tend to familiarize ourselves with what is familiar and sort of at our comfort level. We are in danger of putting form ahead of substance; and focusing on what our natural senses dictate rather than what God is trying to say to us.
The same could be said of the law in scriptures. It is vital to drive us to Christ; as Galatians 3:24 states but never has the power to save. We love its many facets as Psalm 119 explaines in great detail because it illuminates the design of God for a peaceful society and for a manner worthy of those calling themselves citizens of heaven. It is; of course justice and mercy which Jesus excoriated the Pharisees with in Matthew 23:23 as missing.
Indeed brother S. Spencer, where sin & unrighteousness was evident, the Lord never failed to call them out. Not to say, that we can take the same liberty on every matter, seeing that our understanding or motives may never meet that pure standard of the Lord in everything. But I believe that the Lord expects us to stand for the Truth & to expose falsehood where there is a clear departure from the Word. A part of the reason for the general stagnation of the Church today, is because of their feebleness & fear to be stern, lest they suffer in some way for their boldness & forthrightness. It's much easier to remain quiet & 'let the Lord take care of the matter' than for the Christian to stand for Truth & the pure Word of God.
Matthew chapter 23 is one of those great examples of the Lord's Anger vented against the religious leaders - He did not spare them, fiercely looking upon them, saying "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" ( Matthew 23:33). This wasn't a loving friendly talk with them. And then His Love & yearning Heart poured out in verse 37, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Therefore, may our words & emotions behind them be Spirit-charged & not the voice of the flesh. And we need to remember that there may be many others who come to these pages to read, consider & digest the messages - are we not responsible before the Lord to expose error or at the very least, to present the Truth so that the reader may discern? Thank you for your efforts & persistence brother, as I note also with some others here. Blessings.
I Am A Real Baptist Brider 1979 - In Reply - 1 year ago
XXI. OF THE GRACE OF TITHING AND GIVING
I believe God's plan of finance for His Baptist Church's is to be tithes and offerings. Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. I believe that every Believer, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him or her, is obligated to support his or her Baptist Church financially. I believe that God has established the tithe as a basis of giving but that every Believer should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of his or her Baptist Church for the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. I believe that Church members are commanded to bring their tithes and offerings into the Storehouse (Common Treasury) of their Baptist Church upon the first day of the week (Sunday). I believe that a Believer relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. I believe under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe - "Abraham GAVE a tenth part of all." "Abraham GAVE the tenth part of the spoils," and this was four hundred years before the Law, and is confirmed in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Himself said concerning the tithe, "... these ought ye to have done ..." ( Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:34, 35, 37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Hebrews 7:2, 4; 1 John 3:17).
Today in Sunday school; the discussion came up about finishing the race well and the verse 1 Corinthians 11:1 or another to that affect was pondered. One participant stated that she would like that to be true for her and her children and grandchildren on imitating the example set forth. Further delving into the matter of those with integrity in scripture (there are many) brought up the examples of Isaiah and Jeremiah the "weeping" prophet. I thought of Jeremiah in Lamentations and the parallel to Christ in the New Testament weeping over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37. We need to balance the hard truths such as the excoriation of the Pharisees and the prophets warnings to Israel and the collateral damage inevitably to result with the fact that when calamity did strike the Prophets would mourn and suffer; understanding God's own sentiments toward such things. That is brought out quite effectively with Hosea and the judgments to come on Ephriam such as in chapter 11 verse 8. In fact; in the prophet's personal life with his unfaithful wife he had to purchase again as well as with eventual reconciliation with Israel mentioned in earlier chapters we see past what many consider an unloving Old Testament God with one who doesn't have any joy in the destruction of the wicked ( Ezekiel 18:23).
In this discussion of the "goodness and severity of God" ( Romans 11:22) we can apply these principles to the discipling efforts that elders are commissioned to be part of along with the rest of the congregation. Open rebuke is better than hidden love ( Proverbs 27:5). There is too much laxity in such matters today from my vantage point. Let's be honest; we are more likely to take a rebuke to heart than some meaningless compliment and retain such in our memory. That can be true for something said in an insensitive manner; but most times we can at least apply some truth from the Word in our lives and respect the messenger.
Obviously the "EVERLASTING" conditons described in scripture concerning the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants.
Scriptures such as Isaiah 51:11 and many others don't exist of yet.
They are certainly back in the land but the wailing wall in Jerusalem reminds me of Matthew 27:25.
Also Matthew 23:38-39 seems to parallel with Hosea 5:15.
Does Israel disobedience void the UNCONDITIONAL COVENANT AND PROMISES?
According to Psalms 89:27-36. NO!
"My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, NOR SUFFER MY FAITHFULNESS TO FAIL.
( This is a marvelous saying! It's God's faithfulness that is on display!!)
MY COVENANT WILL I NOT BREAK, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me."
Daniel has much to say about this in Daniel 9:24
"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."
But all that is OT prophecy. Has Israel been blotted out because of their stubbornness, & only the Church is what is on God's Mind as His new Israel? I believe that God cherishes His Church (those of Israel & the Gentiles purchased with His Son's Blood), yet yearns for His chosen ones to whom His covenants were given.
The Apostle Paul shares much on this: we read of his yearning for his people & the promise that they will come to the Lord, when "the fullness of the Gentiles be come inAnd so all Israel shall be saved" ( Romans 11:25-27). He isn't referring here to a reconstructed/renamed Israel comprising believing Jews & Gentiles; Paul sees not only the Church (saved Jew & Gentile) in his many writings but also that Israel as a nation/people will continue to exist & play a major part in the end-times. To remove Israel completely out of the end-time picture, would also remove much from the Word that speaks of them as a nation (see also Hebrews 8:8-12 & Jeremiah 31:31-34 for the New Covenant which applies to all now, & will still find it's complete fulfilment in Israel's restoration in the end times). Even Jesus proclaimed that, "Ye (Israel) shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" ( Matthew 23:39) - I wonder when that time will be? ( Zechariah 12:9,10).
Mary1979, I grew up Catholic and we never did lent (we weren't very good Catholics) LOL But as a "Protestant" Christian, I've seen many brothers and sisters in Christ participate in lent, by not eating chocolate, or giving up soda, or not eating junk food. My thoughts on that, it reminds me of this verse: Matthew 23:25
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."
I don't think abstaining from chocolate is going to bring anyone closer to God. Matthew 15:11
"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
Just my thoughts. Great question, by the way. God bless!
Here are some interesting points highlighted in this discourse;
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many WONDERFUL WORKS? (The wonderful works is not disputed.) There was a outward show of holliness.
And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (CHRIST WILL PROFESS TO THEM HE (NEVER) KNEW THEM! They were NEVER connected to the vine. He NEVER knew them!!
Our outward act needs to generate from within!
This is a circumcised heart Paul speaks of in Romans 2:29. This is not done by man it is done by conversion!
It's what the the Jews couldn't do by self-effort by following command.
This is also what Jesus is telling the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26; Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
This is baptism by the holy spirit. We are quickened by the spirit! Christ IN us!
Romans 8:11-14. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, they are the sons of God.
It IS NOT HOW BUSY WE ARE!
IT IS HOW BUSY CHRIST IS IN US, IS THAT WHAT MAKES US SPIRITUAL.
Also, Philippians 1:6.
And if Christ is performing in you, you will have the fruit of the spirit present NOT the works of the flesh!
If we look at condemnation such as Zechariah 11:17 we see how the "worthless shepherd" or the Antichrist will be allowed to have authority in the future end times. This is equivalent to the "son of perdition" which stood for both Judas Iscariot and the coming Antichrist. Thus; those who would be part of the establishment and hierarchy of false religion at some point will be found to be reprobate ( Matt. 7:16). Fruits; therefore are the result of either a bad seed or heart condition or that of good seed producing good fruit.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
I was responding to an earlier reply of yours when you said there's no rapture verse in the Bible.
I believe I gave you verse
1 Thessalonians 4:17 "Then we which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord"
I didn't say it was a dispensational view.
It's a rapture verse used by Post and Pre-trib groups.
The debate issue is when it happens not if!
And that don't define dispensational as you say it do.
We're all saved by one way. Christ!
No matter the time period.
However We're not gathered with Israel as a Nation.
Paul makes that clear in Romans.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness "IN PART" is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. ( That means temporarily Gigi )
Now here's a difficult verse that troubles most people.
Romans 11:26-27. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Paul is talking about his Kinsman of the flesh!
The Nation, when he take away their blindness.
Has the "Nation" turned to Christ? No.
Will they turn to Christ? Yes.
When? During the tribulation. "70 of Daniel"
THE TRIBULATION CENTERS AROUND ISRAEL.
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge THEIR OFFENCE, and seek my face: IN THEIR AFFLICTION they will seek me early. Hosea 5:15.
THEIR OFFENCE IS REJECTING CHRIST!
He'll come when they call on him.
Matthew 23:39. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
15...The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were(WILL BE) angry, and GOD's WRATH is come ... and should destroy them which destroy the earth.
The message above was written around 95AD to be LITERALLY fulfilled in the future( Revelation 1:1) , and now, even now, from now on, the prophecy will LITERALLY be executed, for GOD is wrathed against all nations and they will be destroyed, include the current Israel, and only and only will be saved a remnant of Israel- Micah 7:18-20, in fact only 144K will be saved- Revelation 7:1-8. And the others?
The others? Matthew 23:33-35
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (why serpents? why generation of vipers? The answer is in John 8:44.Take a look), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand?
Get ready
Well,the Word is GOD,self-executing,He had a Plan:to save the mankind from the power of Devil.To execute it He needed to incarnate Himself,and He did so at the turn from the fourth to the fifth Day,so He was made flesh around 2000 years ago- Hebrews 1:1-3,He introduce Himself in the world of Devil by the name of JESUS,a LITERAL IMAGE of GOD,His Plan was to make man in His image and likeness in the SIXTH Day-Gen.1:26-Let us make man in our image,after our likeness.GOD's Plan for salvation was to preach the Gospel of His Kingdom,but by whom?Only by He Himself.
JESUS was born after week 69th,i.e.after a period of 483 years.His birth was something around 7to3BC,as this is known.
That said,GOD, now called JESUS,the stone which is become the head of the corner,He was set at nought of the builders of the OT, even the prophets which had the Spirit of Christ were killed by the builders- Matthew 23:29-35.Paul wrote:The Gospel of Christ is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believes;to the Jew and also to the Greek.For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith: Romans 1:16-17.
Acts 4:12 reveals:Neither is there salvation in any other:for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved.It still was the beginning of the fifth Day.
JESUS himself began to be about thirty years of age,He started His Ministry,saying:The time is fulfilled,and the Kingdom of GOD is at hand:repent ye,and believe the gospel- Mark 1:15.JESUS said to the Jews:My Father works hitherto,and I work-Jo.5:17.
JESUS said to the Father:I have glorified thee on the earth:I have finished the work which thou gave me to do.The validity of His sacrifice for salvation already last around 2000 years,more than 730.000 days,in days to come the false messiah of the Jews- John 5:43-47,Re.13:11,will enthrone himself in Jerusalem,the Abomination of desolation is established,the daily sacrifice is taken out,the Dispensation of Grace gets to the END.
My understanding is Jesus was baptized and anointed in the fall of the year__, he was 40 days and nights in the wilderness. Jesus then chose His 12 disciples. shortly after the wedding where Jesus turned the water to wine, He went to Passover John 2:23, this would be 6 months after He was anointed by the Holy Ghost.
There are 3 more Passovers and Jesus was crucified on the last one, John 5:1, 1.5 years John 6:4 2.5 years, and John 13:1 the Passover He was crucified 3.5 years from when He was anointed as the Messiah.
My understanding of Matthew 24 was also for the disciples for the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem not just for us today, if we compare Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 have when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet. But in Luke 21:20, He writes when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
The abomination of desolation is something done by someone as King Antiochus IV Epiphanes did in 168 BC. It happened before the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. My understanding is parts of Jesus's Olivet discourse were for them and parts are for us.
What is in Daniel 9:27 Jesus caused the sacrifice and oblation to cease when He died and the vail of the Temple rent from top to bottom. As Jesus told the woman at the well the hour has come ye shall not worship the Father in the mountain or Jerusalem, John 4:21
The wording in Daniel 9:27 is for the overspreading of abominations points to the abominations the leaders of Jerusalem will have done, Matthew 23:32-38 Jesus told them "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" The he, is Jesus who will make it desolate and, in their generation, it was made desolate by the people/Roman army, of the prince/Titus same as God used Babylon in 586 BC.
I hope this makes sense so that you can study for your understanding even if you disagree, if you have questions let me know.
God bless,
RLW
The end of times has arrived and what the Devil intends to do as the father of the Jews( John 8:44), is to direct the current world under his rule towards a global environment that will facilitate the establishment of his much desired Universal Kingdom, his fifth Universal Kingdom, for which Satan has been working since ancient times starting with Abel's murder- Matthew 23:33-35.Take a look. GOD revealed to the king of Babylon through Daniel this desire of Satan by interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream: Daniel 2:41-43, but in verses 44 to 47 GOD reveals how He will destroy the Kingdom of the Devil, father of the Jews- JOHN 8:44.
There will be a TERRIBLE WAR from now on between GOD's people X Satan's people. Re.11:15 says: The KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD are become the KINGDOMS of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. ( Matthew 5:5 combined with Revelation 5:10).
But Satan as a God intends to do the same with global world ruled by him-2Thes.2:3-4&9-12 combined with Revelation 12, i.e. to establish his satanic Universal religious Kingdom.
The WAR will be against THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS-WHY FROGS?
Revelation 16:13 to 16
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like FROGS come out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the False Prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of GOD Almighty.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Ar - mag - eddon.
15 Behold, I come as a thief. (Get ready)
Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Wake up, quick, and get ready
It will be awesome but there will be horrible times before He returns. If we are still living, we must be strong in our faith to resist the hour of temptation that is coming. When He returns it will not be some silent secret event, Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 23:39. He will return to the same place from where He ascended, Acts 1:10-11. When He touches His feet back on earth on the Mount of Olives the earth will split with the power and glory that has been given Him by God, Zechariah 14:4.
There will be the chosen and faithful, Revelation 17:14 who have been grafted into the vine in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:5-6 that will be a part of this kingdom and reign for one thousand years.
God bless,
RLW
Firstly, on the name 'Gehenna', otherwise called the "Valley of Hinnom", the Encyclopaedia definition is quite correct about the purpose why that area was set aside. It was indeed a place for the burning of refuse & the dead. And yes, it meant that they were all annihilated - no more evidence except dust & ashes. So, it can mean 'annihilation', but Gehenna can also mean 'a place of burning where the fires are never quenched'. And we know that the body is disposed of there, but what about the immaterial parts of man that remains accountable to God? And you also referenced a verse I quoted in Matthew 10:28. Taken on its own, that verse could well support your belief of a complete extermination of body, soul & spirit.
But it was for that very reason that I gave you the other verses to look up & consider. Not only was Matthew 10:28 Jesus' Words, but also Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15. You didn't take these into account. And we know, as I trust you are conversant, that when we deal with a topic or a doctrine from the Bible, we need to take in all the references that deal specifically with it. Unfortunately, our natural human instinct is to accept only those that we find palatable or in agreement with, thus distorting the teaching from the Word.
So, if you would care to look at those other verses & see how they affect your understanding of Matthew 10:28, I would be very interested. It's only when we consider all verses on a subject, can we get a fuller picture of it meaning & its implications. However, sometimes there aren't too many verses to help us learn about the subject - in such cases we can't force a teaching by them & just leave the subject open. Yet, not so with these important doctrines of the Deity of Christ & human existence & punishment after death.
Actually Shabbat Keeper, I wasn't intending to bring up the Rapture debate here, as it has been well discussed over the years. Rather, I was intending to give, maybe a rather flimsy example of a type of Gospel message, telling unbelievers that "when we turn to the Lord for forgiveness of our sins & receiving Christ into our life, then we will not face (physical) death, but just be raptured (caught up, as with Enoch/Elijah), to forever be with him". Here then would be something for the unbeliever to consider, because as sure as day turns into night, we all (believer & unbeliever alike) will face death - whether this thought leaves an 'icky' feeling in us depends on how we view death. So, rapture is not my issue here, but why is death any more of a punishment when we all have to die & knowing that death (of the body) means a complete eradication of any iota of life (in body, breath, mind, & senses). Often death is welcome, especially for the terminally ill or suffering, & whether or not one experiences a new pain-free joyful existence in the Lord's Presence or not, holds little attraction if there is no more consciousness in death or after it.
If death is the only punishment to the Christ-rejecter, then why do we all have to die? And if I might ask (verses that some don't care to address), why are there so many Scriptures to warn us that physical death is not the end (e.g. Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15); all these pointing to the reality of an eternal torment? As one who doesn't believe in such an eternity, I ask you (as I've done in the past with others), why are these Scriptures rejected so as to support an emotion-charged belief rather than a biblical Truth? Why do we reject or re-write these passages to suit us, when they're given direct from the Mouth of our Lord?
1 Corinthians 2:14 says: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Deuteronomy 32:28-29 states "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!"
There are many reasons people may go to church and not be believers; a general statement would be there are many confessors but less who are POSSESSORS of the Holy Spirit. Focusing on earlier posts discussing how Satan focuses his attacks on the church we need in general to see how Satan is not only opposed to God but comes as s substitute; and mimics every spiritual gift in outward manifestations that may appear to be the same to the undiscerning (such as listed in 1 Corinthians 2:14 above).
As to spiritual manifestations; the "Kundalini" experience often mimics what are true spiritual experiences. We see mention in past revivals of people shaking or trembling at His Word which is scriptural ( Isaiah 66:2). But certain ritualaistic manifestations
cause abandon (usually coiling up like a snake on the floor). Godly sorrow certainly can cause weeping as was reported in many revivals from the past; uncontrollable laughter however is not something that seems edifying. Tongues of angels certainly can be imitated by demons as evidenced by experiences of those in the occult.
In looking at these "charismatic" gifts; we shoiuldn't ignore the "religious" spirit which involves endless ritual and legalistic practices that exceed the scope of the Word. The Pharisees added things with their traditions ( Mark 7:13 and other verses) and this was associated with pride; self righteous and leading others astray. (see Matthew 23:15). The opposite of this is using grace as a license to sin which Romans 6:1 warns about.
Matthew 23:7- 8 "And greeting in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren."
Deuteronomy 18:15 "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."
Colossians 1:22 "In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."
P3 to follow later-
Part 1
We are 100% in agreement that the blood of Christ is by which we are saved throughout eternity.
Israel, "through the house of Israel" will be saved by the same way they were saved on the OT.
(But not all.) So, in Romans 11:26 where it says And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, I believe it's those of the house of Israel who will except Christ finished work on the cross. Their blindness will be removed when they call on Christ in the tribulation. You see the church is never called the house of Israel.
In the OT, before the Church was formed, those who were saved, by faith they looked ahead with those ordinances pointing them to one who would come as their redeemer "Christ"
We look back at the Cross in faith for our redemption, In the Millennium kingdom those who are saved will do the same.
Those who are saved will look back at the finish work of Christ on the cross. Everything else is a memorial. sacrifices etc.
During the tribulation period Israel will be driven to call on their Messiah as prophesied in Hosea 5:15. Also in Matthew 23:39.
obviously, they seen him again, He's saying you won't behold him again as a Nation. (They will remain blinded) as mentioned in Luke 19:42.
You also see this mentioned clearly in Zechariah 13:6-9.
Peter makes mention of a future salvation for the Nation/house of Israel in Acts 15:9-11 when studying it carefully.
And James follows it up in verses 14-17.
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
See part 2.
A commenter quoted Matthew 23:37-39, I pointed out vs.39 dispelled any inference it was
everlasting or endless.
As Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, He said that:
Matthew 23:37-39,
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.
BEHOLD, YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT UNTO DESOLATE.
For I say unto you, YE SHALL NOT DEE ME HENCEFORTH, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."
God left their house abandoned, and how can they still be His chosen people?
Think about the evidence Christ presented that He was indeed the Messiah. Indeed; supernatural blindness HAD to be given; for Jesus even told people to believe Him even for the sake of His works ( John 14:11). And the verse was indicative of His being part of the Godhead. There were HUGE numbers of people being miraculously fed at least twice; people healed of blindness which had NEVER occurred even with the Old Testament miracles ( John 10:21); people who had demons cast out of them; as well as the miracles entrusted to the 12 Apostles and the 70 sent out two by two ( Luke 10:11). There was the undeniable proof of natural phenomenon at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:54); as well as the 500 witnesses that saw Him; including the Apostles AFTER He was Resurrected and they all died except for John as martyrs; clearly they knew and believed the truth since denial would have saved their lives.
Unbelief therefore is something learned. Children are all born into sin; but scripture makes it clear that they have angels beholding the Father continually and that they were drawn to Christ (see Matt. 18:10). Children came to Christ ( Mark 10:13-16) and praised Him as a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2 and mentioned by the Lord in Matthew 21:16. To deny the obvious requires a hardness of heart and soul; and deliberate rejection of known truths; which of course made the condemnation of the Pharisees greater than most; and was much of the reason Jesus excoriated them in nearly the entirety of Matthew 23. They knew the prophecies but were blinded because of their obsession on the law and all other traditions that were added to put men in bondage and to render mercy and justice meaningless ( Matthew 23:23) with their myopic tunnel vision. The rest of the world if NOT enlightened by the Spirit only looked at Christ as some great miracle worker but didn't worship Him as God in the flesh.
Hence Matthew 16:17 must occur for true salvation.
Weeks of years and weeks of days is key.
"Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers." Matthew 23:32 KJV
We believe in a risen Christ!
Gabriel delivered a message to Daniel that in time they (Israel) would finish the transgression. Jesus knew this time and spoke to the Jews that they (the same generation) would finish the measure of the fathers. In Gabriel's message both the people and the holy city would be affected by the determined time, seventy weeks.The pronouncement broke the seventy weeks down in parts. In a way the seventy years of captivity was the latter days for the Jews. From the decree of king Cyrus the seventy weeks began. First seven weeks of years in unsettled times of building back their nation as recorded in Ezra and Jeremiah. Daniel 9:26 states the Messiah will be cut off at 62 weeks. 62 weeks plus the seven weeks would "unto the Messiah" being cut off.
69 weeks not 70?
Daniel 9:27 says "and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week" this is the seventieth week or else the phrase "unto the Messiah" makes little sense.
In the middle of the 27th verse of Daniel, in the middle of the week the Messiah "shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease"
In the 70th week Jesus began His ministry of preaching the Gospel "confirmed the covenant with many". Three and one half years later, He was cut off by the crucification. When the Messiah was cutoff after delivering the New Covenant while the Old Covenant ceased at the same time in the middle part of the 70th week. For about forty years from the time of the crucification to the destruction of Jerusalem which began around the same time of the year was a period of Grace for the Jews to repent and be of the first born of God's Holy Church. This period of time completes the 70 weeks. Both verses 9:26 and 27 speak of this last time.
The times of the Gentiles began at this time.
Before discussion on the giftings in the Spirit which Christ would utilize; I thought the general content of the messages would be pertinent to the subject at hand. Healing was something in the miraculous that Christ seemed to be unrestrained in procuring throughout His traveling ministry; with the exception being the Pharisees and those in His own hometown.
Mark 6
4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief.
The above example may be a classic case of "not seeing the forest through the trees." Those who knew Him best really knew Him the least. Seeing who He is; of course only comes through Divine guidance. Mark 7:29 shows the example further explained in Matthew 16:17 where it says that only the Father reveals this kind of information. In any case; Christ would go out of His way even to a Syrophoenician woman; to perform a healing ( Mark 7:26).
So; let us briefly review Jesus' ministry to others as we earlier examined His personal prayer life.
Ministry to the Pharisees and those of His hometown. Unbelief was; to say the least a fundamental principle in ministry to his local contacts and the Pharisees. It was; you may say a "necessary evil" as the Pharisees were entrusted to the law (which they added many further ordinances to put men in bondage). There was still a procedure whose framework Jesus expected people to follow; but not their hypocritical actions ( Matthew 23:3). So until Jesus was crucified and Resurrected He needed to deal with them; largely so that the rest of the Jewish believers could be able to worship in the soon to be abrogated Old Covenant ways.
Ministry to the crowds.
Ministry to individuals.
Ministry to the Disciples
More to come.
AN ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
"IF YOU "LOVE" ME KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS".
Let's put some emphasis on Love for a chance.
What manner of Love is this?
Is it not agape?
Can you generate this height of Love on your own?
Is it not a fruit of the Spirit given once one IS saved?
SO WHAT IS THIS SAYING?
To get the context you have to pick it up the from John 13 on through John 14:23.
John 13:34-35.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, if ye have love one to another.
Jesus taught that those who follow Him will show love for the brothern ( John 13:12-15, 34).
That is the primary sign of faith to the outside world ( John 13:35). Here, he indicates that obedience to His command is the primary sign of our love for Him.
A person cannot claim to know Christ and hate other Christians
1 John 4:20.
Proceeding from John 14:15 on thru John 14:16-23 Jesus is telling them he was going and sending them the Holyspirit that will guide them.
Throughout this section, a person's love for Christ, their obedience to His teachings, and the indwelling of the Spirit are intertwined
All the law hangs on this.
Matthew 23:37-40.
AND THE MINISTRATION OF THE LAW COULDN'T PRODUCE THIS.
2 Corinthians 3:8-11 concedes that regeneration by the gift of the Holyspirit in those who believe in Christ exceeds the ministration of the law.
"How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of THE GLORY THAT EXCELLETH.
FOR IF THAT WHICH IS DONE AWAY WAS GLORIOUS, MUCH MORE THAT WHICH REMAINETH IS GLORIOUS.
It's the fruit that is on exhibit.
That's what James is also saying in his letter.
Also see
Titus 3:4-8.
God bless.
Part 1.
Sorry for such a delay. In Daniel 9:25 "Messiah the Prince"
What I was saying is it actually SAYS Messiah the king.
I didn't mean to say it's translated king from prince.
On Daniel 9:24-25. I agree with you when you say "These 6 things were determined upon Daniel's people, the lost sheep of Israel, and the holy city, Jerusalem. That's true!
Now here is where we disagree on Daniel 9:24-25. Seventy weeks are determined "UPON THY PEOPLE and upon thy holy city, DANIELS PEOPLE!
These six things wasn't accomplished for Daniels people at the cross because"Daniels people" rejected Jesus as savior.
Daniels people transgression and sin is specific.
They denied their king and savior who came at the appointed time!
This is what Hosea 5:15 is talking about.
"I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
This is also what Jesus is saying in Matthew 23:39. "For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord".
Of course they saw him again.
What Jesus is saying here is they won't behold him as a nation again until they say blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!
That affliction will come in the 70th week.
When they turn to him then will those 6 things for "Daniels people" be accomplished.
Here is what I have as the middle of the 70th week. Revelation 13:4-5 "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months".
In Matthew 24:3 When Jesus pointed his Desciples to Daniel 9 he was answering 2 of the 3 questions they asked him. "and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world.
See pt 2.
Part 1
Sorry so late of a response!
I will first speak on your 1st question as a springboard to get into this topic concerning the 69th and 70 week of Daniel 9:26-27.
Your quote.
"If I am correct, it is thought the 69th week ended when Jesus' ride into Jerusalem fulfilling Zech. 9:9. Dan. 9:26 says 69 weeks unto the Messiah, should we look over the 3.5 years from when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit? Look at the multitude that met Him when He rode in, they knew who He was, He came for the lost sheep of Israel. End quote.
Ronald, Daniel outlines the sequence of events in the opposite order than what you present in the 69th week. We see the Messiah cut off. But if you look at Verse 26 Carefully " The People of the prince THAT SHALL COME shall destroy the sanctuary. This puts his arrival after the destruction of Jerusalem. This is saying this person who is coming, His people will destroy the sanctuary. His people destroyed the sanctuary but the Prince that shall come hasn't come yet.
This is saying, this person who is coming, His people will destroy the sanctuary. His people destroyed the sanctuary, but the This is saying this person who is coming, His people will destroy the sanctuary. His people destroyed the sanctuary but the Prince that shall come hasn't come yet.
PRINCE THAT SHALL COME hasn't come yet.
Let's examine this.
Beginning with Daniel 9:25. This is where the 69 weeks end. We know that by the beginning of vs 26, ( And after threescore and two weeks )
and here's why I place this at his entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey, In Luke 19:37-39 we see the multitude singing, referring to Psalms 118:26. parallel that with Luke 19:38. The Pharisees saw that as blasphemy!
Psalms 118:22-26 is the scope of scope of Daniel's prophecies and Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
BUT
They denied there king and here's Jesus answer to that in Matthew 23:37-38.
This is the only time Christ presented himself as king!
See part 2.
You are correct: Daniel is a prophecy of Christ, not antichrist.
Most don't understand the abomination that maketh desolated. It was SET UP the same time the daily sacrifice was destroyed .... Daniel 12:11
Hebrews 3:9 But Christ a Son over his own HOUSE, whose house we are .....
Matthew 23:38 Behold your HOUSES are left unto you DESOLATE ....
All men DIED, their house (BODY) was left desolate, no life, dead on the cross, then CHRIST ONLY arose.
All men arose a NEW CREATION; joint HEIRS of Christ, the body of Christ, the life now the SPIRIT of GOD.
Most don't understand the GREAT TRIBULATION.
Matthew 24:22 And unless those days be SHORTENED, no flesh should be SAVED ....
Christ and ALL MEN DIED on the cross, three SHORT days latter, ALL MEN were made ALIVE by the RESURRECTION.
ALL the wrath of God, that ALL MEN deserved, was POURED OUT on Christ, that was the GREAT TRIBULATION, three short(en) days, for the elects sake.
The same things is pictured in Revelation, all the 7 plagues and 7 vials had to be poured out before ANYONE could enter the TEMPLE, God Almighty and the LAMB are the TEMPLE .... Revelation 21:22
Revelations 15:8 ... NO ONE could enter the temple, until the seven plagues were fulfilled ......
God bless you!
Introduction: There is a prescribed manner of conduct in the Scriptures which give us a basic guideline of how to conduct ourselves in public worship. The ceremonial aspects involve; more or less an invocation to prayer and beginning the service; songs of thanksgiving; a sermon; and communion on a set schedule. That and other events such as weddings; funerals; outreach; recreational activities go on more or less on a rather predictable pattern.
As to how the individual interacts with the rest of the local Body present; wherever you go there tends to be a seating and greeting pattern; a mode of discussion when approaching the Pastor; deacons and anyone else with a position; and another one for the rest of the laypersons-often dictated by the proclivities of our personalities; and mutual interests or lack thereof. Ministries tend to have a rather predictable involvement; a few individuals do the majority of service oriented projects and prayer meetings; and one or two others do most of the greeting.
A careful analysis of what is written so far will expose the fact that these activities could go on in a church where the Lord is present; to almost any other religious and perhaps non religious meeting place. The fact is; in either case we tend to familiarize ourselves with what is familiar and sort of at our comfort level. We are in danger of putting form ahead of substance; and focusing on what our natural senses dictate rather than what God is trying to say to us.
The same could be said of the law in scriptures. It is vital to drive us to Christ; as Galatians 3:24 states but never has the power to save. We love its many facets as Psalm 119 explaines in great detail because it illuminates the design of God for a peaceful society and for a manner worthy of those calling themselves citizens of heaven. It is; of course justice and mercy which Jesus excoriated the Pharisees with in Matthew 23:23 as missing.
Matthew chapter 23 is one of those great examples of the Lord's Anger vented against the religious leaders - He did not spare them, fiercely looking upon them, saying "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" ( Matthew 23:33). This wasn't a loving friendly talk with them. And then His Love & yearning Heart poured out in verse 37, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Therefore, may our words & emotions behind them be Spirit-charged & not the voice of the flesh. And we need to remember that there may be many others who come to these pages to read, consider & digest the messages - are we not responsible before the Lord to expose error or at the very least, to present the Truth so that the reader may discern? Thank you for your efforts & persistence brother, as I note also with some others here. Blessings.
I believe God's plan of finance for His Baptist Church's is to be tithes and offerings. Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. I believe that every Believer, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him or her, is obligated to support his or her Baptist Church financially. I believe that God has established the tithe as a basis of giving but that every Believer should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of his or her Baptist Church for the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. I believe that Church members are commanded to bring their tithes and offerings into the Storehouse (Common Treasury) of their Baptist Church upon the first day of the week (Sunday). I believe that a Believer relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. I believe under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe - "Abraham GAVE a tenth part of all." "Abraham GAVE the tenth part of the spoils," and this was four hundred years before the Law, and is confirmed in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Himself said concerning the tithe, "... these ought ye to have done ..." ( Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:34, 35, 37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Hebrews 7:2, 4; 1 John 3:17).
God in heaven Sees. 1 Samuel 16:7
Jesus who was chosen by Jehovah- psalm 83:18
Who is the one Chosen by God to bring salvation- John 3:16,17
never glorified himself. Matthew 22:36,37 but with the glory
and honor and title God gave to him, he spoke. John 5:19
Matthew 23:8-12; LUKE 1:28-33; Isaiah 9:6,7
Today in Sunday school; the discussion came up about finishing the race well and the verse 1 Corinthians 11:1 or another to that affect was pondered. One participant stated that she would like that to be true for her and her children and grandchildren on imitating the example set forth. Further delving into the matter of those with integrity in scripture (there are many) brought up the examples of Isaiah and Jeremiah the "weeping" prophet. I thought of Jeremiah in Lamentations and the parallel to Christ in the New Testament weeping over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37. We need to balance the hard truths such as the excoriation of the Pharisees and the prophets warnings to Israel and the collateral damage inevitably to result with the fact that when calamity did strike the Prophets would mourn and suffer; understanding God's own sentiments toward such things. That is brought out quite effectively with Hosea and the judgments to come on Ephriam such as in chapter 11 verse 8. In fact; in the prophet's personal life with his unfaithful wife he had to purchase again as well as with eventual reconciliation with Israel mentioned in earlier chapters we see past what many consider an unloving Old Testament God with one who doesn't have any joy in the destruction of the wicked ( Ezekiel 18:23).
In this discussion of the "goodness and severity of God" ( Romans 11:22) we can apply these principles to the discipling efforts that elders are commissioned to be part of along with the rest of the congregation. Open rebuke is better than hidden love ( Proverbs 27:5). There is too much laxity in such matters today from my vantage point. Let's be honest; we are more likely to take a rebuke to heart than some meaningless compliment and retain such in our memory. That can be true for something said in an insensitive manner; but most times we can at least apply some truth from the Word in our lives and respect the messenger.
Part 2.
Obviously the "EVERLASTING" conditons described in scripture concerning the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants.
Scriptures such as Isaiah 51:11 and many others don't exist of yet.
They are certainly back in the land but the wailing wall in Jerusalem reminds me of Matthew 27:25.
Also Matthew 23:38-39 seems to parallel with Hosea 5:15.
Does Israel disobedience void the UNCONDITIONAL COVENANT AND PROMISES?
According to Psalms 89:27-36. NO!
"My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, NOR SUFFER MY FAITHFULNESS TO FAIL.
( This is a marvelous saying! It's God's faithfulness that is on display!!)
MY COVENANT WILL I NOT BREAK, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me."
Daniel has much to say about this in Daniel 9:24
"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."
See Examining the covenants
Part 2.
God bless.
But all that is OT prophecy. Has Israel been blotted out because of their stubbornness, & only the Church is what is on God's Mind as His new Israel? I believe that God cherishes His Church (those of Israel & the Gentiles purchased with His Son's Blood), yet yearns for His chosen ones to whom His covenants were given.
The Apostle Paul shares much on this: we read of his yearning for his people & the promise that they will come to the Lord, when "the fullness of the Gentiles be come inAnd so all Israel shall be saved" ( Romans 11:25-27). He isn't referring here to a reconstructed/renamed Israel comprising believing Jews & Gentiles; Paul sees not only the Church (saved Jew & Gentile) in his many writings but also that Israel as a nation/people will continue to exist & play a major part in the end-times. To remove Israel completely out of the end-time picture, would also remove much from the Word that speaks of them as a nation (see also Hebrews 8:8-12 & Jeremiah 31:31-34 for the New Covenant which applies to all now, & will still find it's complete fulfilment in Israel's restoration in the end times). Even Jesus proclaimed that, "Ye (Israel) shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" ( Matthew 23:39) - I wonder when that time will be? ( Zechariah 12:9,10).
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."
I don't think abstaining from chocolate is going to bring anyone closer to God. Matthew 15:11
"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
Just my thoughts. Great question, by the way. God bless!
Matthew 7:13-23.
Here are some interesting points highlighted in this discourse;
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many WONDERFUL WORKS? (The wonderful works is not disputed.) There was a outward show of holliness.
And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (CHRIST WILL PROFESS TO THEM HE (NEVER) KNEW THEM! They were NEVER connected to the vine. He NEVER knew them!!
Our outward act needs to generate from within!
This is a circumcised heart Paul speaks of in Romans 2:29. This is not done by man it is done by conversion!
It's what the the Jews couldn't do by self-effort by following command.
This is also what Jesus is telling the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26; Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
This is baptism by the holy spirit. We are quickened by the spirit! Christ IN us!
Romans 8:11-14. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, they are the sons of God.
It IS NOT HOW BUSY WE ARE!
IT IS HOW BUSY CHRIST IS IN US, IS THAT WHAT MAKES US SPIRITUAL.
Also, Philippians 1:6.
And if Christ is performing in you, you will have the fruit of the spirit present NOT the works of the flesh!
God bless.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
I was responding to an earlier reply of yours when you said there's no rapture verse in the Bible.
I believe I gave you verse
1 Thessalonians 4:17 "Then we which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord"
I didn't say it was a dispensational view.
It's a rapture verse used by Post and Pre-trib groups.
The debate issue is when it happens not if!
And that don't define dispensational as you say it do.
We're all saved by one way. Christ!
No matter the time period.
However We're not gathered with Israel as a Nation.
Paul makes that clear in Romans.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness "IN PART" is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. ( That means temporarily Gigi )
Now here's a difficult verse that troubles most people.
Romans 11:26-27. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Paul is talking about his Kinsman of the flesh!
The Nation, when he take away their blindness.
Has the "Nation" turned to Christ? No.
Will they turn to Christ? Yes.
When? During the tribulation. "70 of Daniel"
THE TRIBULATION CENTERS AROUND ISRAEL.
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge THEIR OFFENCE, and seek my face: IN THEIR AFFLICTION they will seek me early. Hosea 5:15.
THEIR OFFENCE IS REJECTING CHRIST!
He'll come when they call on him.
Matthew 23:39. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
This whole concept parallels
Psalms 118:18-29.
God bless.