17The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
And JESUS said (around 2000 years ago): let the dead (they which have not the Spirit of GOD, Spirit of life) bury their dead. Matthew 8:17
Daniel 12:1-2 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16
Michael comes first, and after of him comes Lord JESUS.
12:1 at that time(at this current time, or at this Day, the Lord's Day, the seventh and last Day/millennium)shall Michael (the archangel) stand up, ...
12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake (RESURRECTION), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
1 Thes.4:15- For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord (the Word is GOD, self-executing), that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent(precede) them which are asleep.
1 Thes. 4:16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel-Michael- , and with the Trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
And 1Corinthians 15:51-54 reveal:
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery;We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,(Compare with Philippians 3:20-21)
52 ...at the last trump:for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,and we shall be changed.
(the trumpet shall sound:Re.11:15-And the seventh angel sounded;and there were great voices in heaven(heaven??? Ephesians 1:3-8), saying, 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-JESUS said: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth).
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (CAUGHT???)
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,Death is swallowed up in victory.-Hallelujaaaah!!!
Scripture tells us Jesus returns only one time, Zachariah 14:4 Matthew 24:30Acts 1:111 Thessalonians 4:16-17Hebrews 9:28Rev. 1:7Rev. 6:15-16. When Jesus returns those who are chosen and faithful are resurrected to reign on earth with Jesus, Rev. 17:14Daniel 2:44Daniel 7:26-272 Timothy 2:12Rev. 5:10Rev. 11:15.
This reign on earth begins after the tribulation and the armies of Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the ten kings/countries of the beast who destroy mystery Babylon come to battle Jesus in the battle of Armageddon, Zachariah 14:1-3 Ezekiel 39:17-22Rev. 19:17-19Rev. 16:13-16. In Rev. 20 we see Satan bound and sealed in the bottomless pit for 1000 years. Jesus then sets up the Kingdom on earth and we see the judgment of those in the first resurrection who will be reigning with Jesus on earth for 1000 years Rev. 20:4-6.
The 1000-year Kingdom will be on the earth, but it will be very different from the world today without the temptation of Satan, Isaiah 65:25Zechariah 14:16 It will be a time when Lord Jesus and those chosen to rule the nations with an iron rod so that all the promises of God be fulfilled, all the boundaries of land God promised Abraham have never been, Genesis 15:18-20Numbers 34:1-12 but they will in the future.
We know from Rev. 20:7-10, that there will be nations after the 1000 years that Satan will go out to deceive and bring them together to battle. After this battle, a fire burns up the earth and Satan is cast into the lake of fire, "the earth and the heaven fled away" The final Judgment of the white throne is not just for the lost, and all in this judgment who is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:11-15, Daniel 12:2Matthew 25:32-46 John 5:28-29.
And now JESUS WILL RETURN AGAIN HERE IN THE SAME PLACE from where He ascended to the third heavenly environment and a cloud RECEIVED Him: Acts 1:10-11)-->10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come IN LIKE MANNER as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
yes, He will again return now IN LIKE MANNER to the same place from where He ascended, and He will reign and lead us in new celestial environment ( Ephesians 1:3) by His power, for a period of 1.000 years, the SAME CLOUD also will appear again, understand?) , as it is revealed in Philippians 3:20-21: -->20 For our conversation is in heaven (heaven: Ephesians 1:3. Take a look.)-; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. By the way, He made it very clear when He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18.
Get ready,Behold, the bridegroom cometh;go ye out to meet Him- Matthew 25:6.
Lets pray
Unfortunately,there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Re.18:1-3
According to GOD's Word,what needs to happen first? Exactly what is written in Revelation 18:1-5,i.e. the Judgment of the Great Whore,as follows:
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2And he cried(will cry)mightily with a strong voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her...
11And be ready against the third day:for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
14And Moses went down from the mount unto the people,and sanctified the people;and they washed their clothes.
15And he said unto the people,Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
16And it came to pass on the third day in the morning,that there were thunders and lightnings,and a thick cloud upon the mount,and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud;so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
17And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with GOD;and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
18And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
19And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and GOD answered him by a voice.
20And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
John 2:18-20
18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Hebrews 1:1-2
1GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2Hath in these last days (last two Days or last 2000 years)spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
The third Day arrived, the clothes must be washed,the Lord shall descend from heaven(from the 3rd heaven),the dead in Christ shall rise first- 1Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 19:7-8.
Matthew 25:6-Behold,the bridegroom cometh;go ye out to meet Him.
In my last post after I got wiped out AGAIN the first time I forgot to elaborate on the verse of the servant who said he wouldn't do something and later does; and vice versa. ( Matthew 21:30). We need to test the validity of a true disciple over time not instant following; that concept is also true for identifying who is truly saved; and corresponds with the parable of the "good fruit".
Another thought before I attempt to get into what seems clearly "secondary issues" I will also add to this discussion by stating that someone who is a true disciple has to make the hard decisions to go against church leadership or bring a disciplinary issue up with the church if one on one with a rebellious brother proves futile. This would include and I fear increasingly so these days challenging those who are teaching errant doctrine; no matter how esteemed the minister. If we aren't willing to be jealous for His Name's sake; we may end up with a church being much the same as the Temple was when Jesus had to clear it out overturning the moneychangers tables; that is a house of merchandise that is literally selling out the souls of men under it's roof. This is following in Christ's footsteps; and walking in the Spirit means we love the things He loves; and hate things He hates.
Furthermore; being a disciple means standing up for brothers and sisters who are being persecuted; even to risking our own lives when necessary. I won't give a manual on the subject as it varies depending on the situation we are in; protecting our family and whatever the Lord brings into our lives as a challenge in this area. Nonetheless; it is how we take seriously verses such as Matthew 25:36 which I believe is ultimately fulfilled in the Tribulation which will determine those who are saved by their behaviors when all of God's people are imprisoned or killed for their faith and support anywhere in the world will guarantee our lives are in jeopardy.
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me
( Song of Solomon 5:7).
Perhaps for context we can look at these verses ( Matthew 25: 1-13). Specifically verse 5 says "
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."
The main theme of Song of Solomon is about two lovers; the one woman had; in previous verses heard the knocking of the door. "I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." ( Song of Solomon 5:2).
Here we see some similarities to Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
We are to wait for the bridegroom; this story reminds us of the foolish virgin. Verse 6 in this chapter of Song of Solomon seems to also say the same thing; possibly an analogy of missing the Rapture.
There is some conjecture to beating fellow servants which is in Matthew 24:48 to the end which would seemingly represent servants warning of the Rapture who are rejected today. Luke 12:47 says
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
This could also be a parallel verse to Song of Solomon 5:7.
This particular topic came up with some who espoused the idea that there was a "phased rapture". I tend to agree with the Rapture being a reward for a remnant of those sold out for the Lord now; but a later resurrection of the dead either at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation. That is what I would call a tertiary issue; eschatology as to Pre Trib or not view secondary. The main thing is not to become lukewarm. As my latest posting shows I don't like to get too much into hidden meanings.
If I had include Enoch in the list of twenty four elders I would be a liar, understand?
Your thinking about me myself according Scriptures is irrelevant, it is from a human perspective, a stumb block, not from GOD's perspective.
Have you never read? My Lord JESUS made it clear, saying: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath- Matthew 25:29.
Be careful
Don't you know that the saints shall Judge the world? Yeah, the world shall be Judged by the saints. Know you not that the saints shall Judge angels?
Hello EPAB. In this chapter of giving wise counsel in view of life's uncertainties, we see in Ecclesiastes 10:2, that the "right hand" is equated to 'wisdom', as the "left (hand)" to foolishness. When we look at the Scriptures, we often see the emphasis of the 'right hand' as it applies to action taken as a result of one's decision ( Matthew 5:30, Matthew 6:3); of being in the place of God's Approval ( Matthew 25:33,34); and of Power & Authority ( Matthew 26:64, Acts 2:33; Revelation 1:16).
So here in Ecclesiastes, to say that "a wise man's heart is at his right hand", implies that a wise, prudent person will always have his heart direct his thoughts, & then his actions towards his 'right hand' (and this is seen as the place of wise & correct action based on sound knowledge & judgement). Are there any then wise in their actions (i.e. always towards the right), or having hearts that are foolish, going to the opposite place (the left) of risk, speculation, with error & regret following?
Yet, as Christians, we are blessed above all, not relying (or, leaning) only on our own understanding as we fully trust in the LORD, only acknowledging Him in all that we do, and we will know how perfectly He directs our paths ( Proverbs 3:5,6).
Greetings in Christ JESUS,sisters Ellen and Momsage
Praise our Lord JESUS Christ,which is,and which was,and which is to come,the Almighty.Aleluia!
Yes,the Word is GOD.Once the Word of GOD is in your heart,it is GOD dwelling within you,understand?in your heart,and is everlasting Life,understand?Aleluia.
Our conversation is in heaven(heaven?Ephesians1:3-8 & 2:6-10);from whence also we look for the Saviour,the Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall change our vile body,that it may be fashione like unto His glorious body,according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself- Philippians 3:20-21.
JESUS assured us,saying:Jo.7:38-39:->38 He that believes on Me,as the Scripture has said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39This spake He of the Spirit,which they that believe on Him should receive.
GOD is Spirit,as our Lord JESUS said,and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth-Jo.4:24.
JESUS said:Jo.5:24-25
24Verily,I say unto you,He that hears my Word,and believes on Him that sent me,has everlasting life,and shall not come into condemnation;but is passed from death unto life.
25...The hour is coming,and now is,when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of GOD:and they that hear shall live.
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Cor.12:8-11:
8For to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdom;to another the Word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To another faith;to another the gifts of healing;
10To another the working of miracles;to another prophecy;to another discerning of spirits;to another divers kinds of tongues;to another the interpretation of tongues:
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,dividing to every one severally as He will.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of GOD, which is in you, aleluia.
Our Lord JESUS promised us,saying:Unto every one that has shall be given,and he shall have abundance- Matthew 25:29.Aleluia.
"To be anointed with oil is to be separated as GOD's chosen one- Matthew 25:31-34. Take a look. The true chosen ones of the Lord are prudent and wise, they have lamp to shine as they walk in the world of darkness, and enough oil to keep the lamp burning to meet the Lord, the bridegroom, and be saved. By the way, He said: Revelation 3:11-13:
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown."
This post was from Richard.
The last point for now is that we must be open for others to pray for our needs as well. We need each other.
If momsage reply was for me, this is what I meant. It was good to read those words as I travel this road thorough this barren land among people that seemed to have loss faith in the future.
We need to encourage each other.
It is good for me to know that I am on the "right" road.
As you know, the kings of Israel chosen by GOD they were anointed with oil by the prophets of the Lord.
To be anointed with oil is to be separated as GOD's chosen one- Matthew 25:31-34. Take a look. The true chosen ones of the Lord are prudent and wise, they have lamp to shine as they walk in the world of darkness, and enough oil to keep the lamp burning to meet the Lord, the bridegroom, and be saved. By the way, He said: Revelation 3:11-13:
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my GOD, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my GOD, and the name of the city of my GOD, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my GOD: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Att all times, let your garments be white, and let oil not be wanting on your head - Ecclesiastes 9:8.
Revelation 19:5-8:
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our GOD, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord GOD Omnipotent reigneth.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Regarding mystery of GOD, I have already commented in prior posts, our Lord JESUS-the Word made flesh- spoke of this in Matthew 11:27, and according His promise, unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Hallelujah!.
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection
Staying intimately connected to the True Vine is the only way to "bear fruit in old age" ( Psalm 92:14), to "run and not grow weary" ( Isaiah 40:31), and to not "grow weary in well-doing" ( Galatians 6:9).
One counterfeit to bearing good fruit is pretense. We can become experts at the routines, the lingo, and "acting Christian," while experiencing no real power and bearing no eternal fruit. Our hearts remain self-centered, angry, and joyless even while we go through the motions of serving God. We can easily slip into the sin of the Pharisees of Jesus' day in judging ourselves by how we think we appear to others and neglecting that secret place of the heart where all good fruit germinates. When we love, desire, pursue, and fear the same things that the rest of the world does, we are not abiding in Christ, even though our lives may be filled with church-related activity.
And, often, we don't realize that we are living fruitless lives ( 1 John 2:15-17).
Our works will be tested by fire. Using a different metaphor than fruit,
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 says, "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved-even though only as one escaping through the flames."
God is the judge of even our thoughts and motivations. All will be brought to the light when we stand before Him ( Hebrews 4:12-13).
God knows what He has entrusted to each of us and what He expects us to do with it ( Luke 12:48). Our responsibility before God is to be "faithful with little" so that He can trust us with much ( Matthew 25:21).
GOD grant that we may be like the children of Isaachar (verse 32 below) in His hands, hands of GOD the Almighty.
I Chronicles 12:23-40
23 Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the War.
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32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do;(now, what the Lord's Church of the Lord ought to do, even now, from now on, for example Matthew 25:6); the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
...
May our Lord GOD BLESS and keep us, and give us His protection
44 And in the days of these kings shall the GOD of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
GOD revealed to Daniel and to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (and to us too), that the Kingdom He establishes it can NEVER be destroyed, neither be left to other people. GOD's dominion on Earth is absolute, an example or proof is the GOD's garden, garden of Eden, that was governed by a Cherubim that GOD had created to rule and protect the garden. The reign of Eden was not destroyed by a conventional war or invasion of enemies, neither left to other people.
The same will occur from now on with the millennial Kingdom of GOD, it will never be destroyed or invaded by the enemies.
Revelation 11:15-18
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped GOD,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord GOD Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the NATIONS were ANGRY, and thy WRATH is come(GOD's WRATH), and the time of the dead, that they should be Judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest DESTROY them which destroy the earth.
Get ready
Matthew 25:10->And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Do you know the Hymn "When the Trumpet of the Lord shall sound"? Or "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder"? Listen to this hymn and wake up,... fast.
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
Who comes first, Michael or JESUS? It's very important, for in this current time, yes, even now, after around 2000 years or after two GOD's Days- Hebrews 1:1to4- so it is
as the lightning that cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be. Get ready- Matthew 25:10-, knowing that only lamp- Psalm 119:105-is not suffice to enter in the kingdom of GOD - Matthew 7:21-27 and Malachi 4:11-14.
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
JESUS/JOSHUA warned: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by me, so Adonai, Jehovah, YHWH, Yahweh, HaShem, Yehovah, Elohim, Yahusha , YEHshia, YEHvah, ten supposed and fictitious names, better, NICKNAMES of GOD, added in the Jewish Bible, and inadvertently copied into the Gentile Bible by the translators, they all are good for nothing.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. But who comes first that will cause to happen Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. My Lord JESUS made it very clear, saying: Except those days (this current time) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
A false messiah is at door, he will manifest himself soon- Revelation 13:11-14 combined with John 5:43-47-AN IMPOSTOR- , he was born decadas ago, understand? It is he the God of the Jews- 2Thessalonians 2:3-4.
My Lord JESUS warned: If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELEIVE IT NOT.
Honestly, when I read these verses that you quoted I feel as I was caught up, because I see JESUS as if he were speaking to me in person, not as if I were merely reading biblical texts. JESUS really promised: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance... Matthew 25:29
The Laodicean church is what many consider to typify the last stages or phase of church history. It is clear from that passage that only a few there are worthy; as we see in Revelation 3:4 with the church of Sardis as well. The general state is one of a pitiful state of spiritual poverty which the outer adornment; much like the Pharisees cleaning the outer parts of their vessels which appear to be showing opulence. Matthew 25:9 reminds me of those who need to pay the price for receiving the refreshing of the Holy Spirit as it will be with the fiery trial and mass martyrdom of the Tribulation. I see this as an example of those who have patiently waited for the Lord and now receive their reward because of enduring much as Lot did until the Lord rescued him from the disaster to come (see 2 Tim. 4:8). Those who are in a Laodicean church aren't putting themselves or anyone else into persecution as all those who are godly in Christ Jesus suffer ( 2 Tim. 3:12). Whether they are truly saved or not ultimately will be determined by God; I tend to see the Rapture as a reward issue but if I'm wrong then rewards will be lost for those backslidden ( Rev. 3:11); and it is certain many aren't truly saved now but many will wake up on the other side of the rapture; whether left behind people who professed Christ beforehand or new converts.
As to the second part of my study on the Jews suffering Tribulation first; we can of course see that pattern in many Old Testament passages as well as the many wars in history; the most obvious recent one of worldwide significance being World War two. This current Hamas battle also started with an attack causing suffering to Jews. These verses would show the military campaigns that will occur prior to Armageddon as well when God finally defends His people ( Zech. 14:2) and then the nations are dealt with. The various judgments will be centered on Israel as well.
5 The bridegroom tarried, and they ALL slumbered and slept.
6 And at MIDNIGHT (at the turn from the sixth to the seventh and last Day, or seventh and last millennium) there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. - Sad, very sad. -
9 ... go ye rather to them that sell oil, and buy for yourselves. (Only lamp is not suffice for salvation. Wake up)
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Get ready, otherwise you will scream loud: Lord, Lord, open to us.
Oh no, you won't have any more chances, the perdition is for ever and ever.
I thanks fully of your prayers in the name of the Lord JESUS
You know that the Lord's Church is living in perilous times- 1Timothy 4:1-2- , I also pray to the Lord asking Him to help us and keep us under His powerful hands- Acts 11:21- , and He bless His people in whole Earth; giving them victories in struggles, in difficulties, and supplying the needs of each one, and healing illnesses and warding off the evils and the sickness in the among His people. And above all in giving Wisdom and understanding of His Word to all, lifting up the fallen, strengthening the weak and downcast by the Power of His Word. Amen. Matthew 28:18.
Our Lord JESUS promised: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance... Matthew 25:29. Amen.
May our Lord GOD bless us, and keep us, and give us His protection
The Word is GOD the Father, around 2000 years ago He was made flesh in the womb of a virgin(For with GOD nothing is impossible), and the NAME that GOD chose for He Himself was JESUS, understand? Acts 4:11-12:->11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Yes indeed, GOD the Father also hath highly exalted JESUS, and given Him a NAME which is above every name: Ph.2:9 KJV
In fact, JESUS or JOSHUA is the only NAME of GOD, and it is above every name.
You asked: Even above Jehovah? Well, well, who is Jehovah? Jehovah is the name of the father of the Jews, don't you know? It is what JESUS, the own GOD made flesh, said to the Jews: John 8:44-45
But Jeovah is not the only name of the father of the Jews. They invented several names for their god mainly in the modern world. In antiquity there were several names of god, to this day there is even the star of the god Remphan on the flag of the current esoteric and kabbalist and spiritualist Israel(the star of David has nothing to do with the current witchkraft of the Jews), whose country to this day is full of idolatries and sorcery, the holy city today is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt.
By the way, in the begining of October 2023, I posted here to GIANNIS saying to him that YHWH, Jehovah, Yahweh, Yehovah, Elohim, Adonai, HaShem, Yahusha, YEHshia, YEHvah, these names are not NAMES of GOD, quite the opposite, all these names listed are strictly the names of the Devil, or NICKNAMES of Devil.
I don't quite understand why people lend credence to Kabbalistic and esoteric, and spiritists sources to speculate GOD's NAME. Think about it. Tares will now be cast into the fire to be burned for everlasting time.
Be careful and get ready to meet JESUS- Matthew 25:6-13
I started my post quoting Esther 5:1 and making some important highlights, and I wrote: "1Now it came to pass on the third day(see John 2:19),that Esther put on her royal apparel(see Revelation19:7-8)and stood in the inner court of the king's house over against the king's house(ref. Revelation 11:2),and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,over against the gate of the house.
The main point of my post is the comparison with the true Church of the Lord JESUS-the body of JESUS Christ- the current Temple of GOD in this current Covenant, so, we must discern that we are in the beginning of the first century of the 3rd Day (2024 AD), that is in the turn exactly from the sixth to the seventh and last GOD's Day.
Well, JESUS promised to rise up the Temple in the 3rd Day-the Temple of GOD-the Church of the Lord- John 2:19. And exactly from now on, from this same wonderful moment, "let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife must made herself ready". Revelation 19:8 says propheticaly: And to her -to the Church of the Lord- His body- was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
Furthermore, JESUS is already sat on His Throne, as it is described in Revelation chapters 4 and 5, and GOD the Father is already in His rest as He planned to do since the beginning, it in the exactly and current seventh Day. And he sais: Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. These are the true sayings of GOD.
The Word is GOD, self-executing
Be careful and get ready - Matthew 25:6-12 will LTERALLY fulfill itself.
Yes, we need to be spiritually awaked, as you said, for the bridegroom is coming and we need to go out to meet Him- Matthew 25:1-6, with lighted lamps and oil because it is midnight, that is, we are living at the turn of the sixth to the seventh and final Day - the Day of the Lord, or seventh and final millennium, the darkness of midnight is a very dangerous blackness, despite the woman being clothed with the Sun, clothed with the Greater Light- John 8:12-, having the Lesser Light under her feet- John 15:26 combined with Revelation 12:1, and crowned (by Jesus) with 12 stars(12 Apostles-, so as is written in Colossians 3:1-4 -take a look: -> 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of GOD. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
5th point
Yes, let's get our hearts fix on the Kingdom to Come- Revelation 11:15-18, you said Christ is coming and we will all stand (or fall) before Him.
Yes, as everyone know, JESUS is the stone: Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
6th point:
About your comment on a sad incident that caused you be desperate, I should say to you what my Lord JESUS said: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect-Mat.5:48.
Actually, we GOD's people, we are going together to meet JESUS, and He is coming to meet us, in time and space. So, each day that passes, He gets a little closer of the meeting point, and we who are walking in the way also get a little closer to Him, and the gap between us and JESUS decreases, and the moment will come when JESUS and we will arrive at the indicated time, in the place and space( Ephesians 1:3), as He combined with us, i.e. to be at the exact time and place of the glorious meeting. Hallelujah!
See, it is certain that the day of JESUS 'return is very very close.In my understanding it is the mysterious day 1.335- Daniel 12:12-, i.e.45 days after the end of the Abomination of Desolation of 1,290 days as was prophesied by Daniel. Dan.12:v.11 combined with Dan.9:v.27, both verses direct us to the majestic and indescribable event of JESUS's return.
Time is ticking,ticking,ticking; see,don't sleep,but if you're already asleep, wake up and get up fast, and take in mind that each passing day we are personally closer to JESUS.See how near He is. For meditation: Matthew 25:1-13
1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him.
3And this is life eternal,that they might know thee the only true GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (combined with John 5:17)
5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
See, it is certain that the day of JESUS 'return is very very close. See how near He is, and take in mind that each passing day we are personally closer to JESUS. Time is ticking,ticking,ticking; see,don't sleep, but if you're already asleep, wake up, get up yourself fast.
Think well, we are at each day walking to meet our Lord JESUS- Matthew 25:6- , and He is coming walking to meet us in according He combined- John 14:1-4KJV:
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD - the Word is GOD -, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
JESUS warned: At midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out TO MEET him- Matthew 25:6. Who's going?
See, IT'S NOT ENOUGH to just have lamp-the Word of GOD-a lamp for the feet- Psalm 119:105; It's necessary also to have oil, otherwise the lamp will go out. Unfortunately, the lamp of many people has already gone out for good, but at midnight? In full darkness and terrors by night? Terrible, very terrible.
Understand, MIDNIGHT as the Lord said, it is indicating the END of a Day (end of a millennium) and the beginning of a new Day (beginning of a new millennium) simultaneously. It is necessary to understand that GOD's clock does not stop, yeah, never stop, to every thousand years passed there is a turn of Day at GOD's clock, understand? We are living the TURN FROM THE SIXTH TO THE SEVENTH MILLENNIUM. On GOD's clock it's already past midnight,minutes of course,but don't forget that 1000 years is as a Day (1000x360x24) in our Christian calendar, just 23 years, how many minutes have already passed?) Note: I'm not a mathematician.
As it happened in Eden- Genesis 3:8-10-and GOD found Adam and Eve completely naked-, the clothe they made from the FigTree,one among other trees in the Garden,it was not enough to cover them from their nakedness. GOD needed to make an appropriate garment for that purpose. By the way, JESUS said through the book of Revelation, chap. 16: v.15: Behold, I come as a thief, Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he WALK NAKED, and they see his shame.
At midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh;
Get ready
OTOH, to buy oil out of time, it's a total waste of time.Both those who will buy and those who will offer and selling oil(Pastors, Bishops, Evangelists,among others)will lose their souls forever,for all Eternity. It's like the CURSE of the FigTree:JESUS CURSED it never to bear fruit again,and the sentence was and is LITERALLY fulfilled. The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
Today, and foe many years now, Preachers don't preach and acknowledge the truth about sin, and everlasting hell, and they are leading their congregations straight down the wide path to hell! Matthew 25:41James 3:1
We MUST fear God! This is the very beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
God is Vengeful and He tells us so. Hell is God's way of getting His vengeance. Isaiah 47:3
God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He knows, that if we have NO FEAR to motivate us to change our ways, we will continue in sin. God is also Love. He sacrificed his Son for us so thru Him we can recieved forgivness. He provides His Holy Spirit to break the bonds of sin. Preachers are not helping anyone by not preaching Hell and the fear of God!
If we are still repeatedly sinning..we DO NOT have God's Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:26 God's Holy Spirit will not let us habitually sin.
Today, most so called Christian Pastors/Preachers are about the money. They don't want to focus on the sin in their congregation, if they do, they will lose their entire congregation. Sinners don't want to hear they are sinners, and they certainly don't want to think or hear about hell, they come to church to feel good about themselves and to be entertained. Churches today are all about making everyone feel good. Sad but true.
Which reminds me of this very powerful verse 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
I understand in delays in replies many work and have family responsibilities. This subject is being discussed by several people and I just wanted to share a few points of my understanding on it. The questions were not directed towards you, you can reply to them if you want but they were some of the questions I wrote down when I was studying this subject because some Scriptures seem to support both understandings if not deeply studied, not saying you have not.
Scripture tells us God is love, 1 John 4:8,16 and we have been told God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 33:11 caries us to John 3:16 God does not want us to perish. The Bible tells us the soul that sinneth will die, Ezekiel 18:4 God preserves the souls of the saints Psalms 97:10 the faith and belief in Jesus by the grace of God can save our soul Hebrews 10:39.
Scripture tells us of various degrees of punishment like in Luke 12:46-48Revelation 21:8. In Genesis 2:7 man became a living soul/being, my understanding is the breath of God is the spirit of life which goes back to God when we die whether lost or saved and this body becomes a dead soul that sleeps in the dust until resurrection then the judgment Revelation 20.
To repeat, eternal life is our promise it is something we do not have, only by faith and belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God we will receive this gift when we are resurrected not before. If we say our souls are immortal, we are saying we already have eternal life, and it is just where are we going to spend it?
My understanding is the lost and wicked punishment is eternal forever, not the punishing, Satan and the fallen angels the beast and false profit will be tormented day and night for ever and ever as we see in Revelation 20:10, but they are not mortal beings like we are, and we see in Matthew 25:41 it was originally prepared for them.
17The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
And JESUS said (around 2000 years ago): let the dead (they which have not the Spirit of GOD, Spirit of life) bury their dead. Matthew 8:17
Daniel 12:1-2 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16
Michael comes first, and after of him comes Lord JESUS.
12:1 at that time(at this current time, or at this Day, the Lord's Day, the seventh and last Day/millennium)shall Michael (the archangel) stand up, ...
12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake (RESURRECTION), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
1 Thes.4:15- For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord (the Word is GOD, self-executing), that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent(precede) them which are asleep.
1 Thes. 4:16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel-Michael- , and with the Trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
And 1Corinthians 15:51-54 reveal:
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery;We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,(Compare with Philippians 3:20-21)
52 ...at the last trump:for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,and we shall be changed.
(the trumpet shall sound:Re.11:15-And the seventh angel sounded;and there were great voices in heaven(heaven??? Ephesians 1:3-8), saying, 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-JESUS said: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth).
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (CAUGHT???)
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,Death is swallowed up in victory.-Hallelujaaaah!!!
Get ready --> Matthew 25:10
Scripture tells us Jesus returns only one time, Zachariah 14:4 Matthew 24:30 Acts 1:11 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Hebrews 9:28 Rev. 1:7 Rev. 6:15-16. When Jesus returns those who are chosen and faithful are resurrected to reign on earth with Jesus, Rev. 17:14 Daniel 2:44 Daniel 7:26-27 2 Timothy 2:12 Rev. 5:10 Rev. 11:15.
This reign on earth begins after the tribulation and the armies of Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the ten kings/countries of the beast who destroy mystery Babylon come to battle Jesus in the battle of Armageddon, Zachariah 14:1-3 Ezekiel 39:17-22 Rev. 19:17-19 Rev. 16:13-16. In Rev. 20 we see Satan bound and sealed in the bottomless pit for 1000 years. Jesus then sets up the Kingdom on earth and we see the judgment of those in the first resurrection who will be reigning with Jesus on earth for 1000 years Rev. 20:4-6.
The 1000-year Kingdom will be on the earth, but it will be very different from the world today without the temptation of Satan, Isaiah 65:25 Zechariah 14:16 It will be a time when Lord Jesus and those chosen to rule the nations with an iron rod so that all the promises of God be fulfilled, all the boundaries of land God promised Abraham have never been, Genesis 15:18-20 Numbers 34:1-12 but they will in the future.
We know from Rev. 20:7-10, that there will be nations after the 1000 years that Satan will go out to deceive and bring them together to battle. After this battle, a fire burns up the earth and Satan is cast into the lake of fire, "the earth and the heaven fled away" The final Judgment of the white throne is not just for the lost, and all in this judgment who is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:11-15, Daniel 12:2 Matthew 25:32-46 John 5:28-29.
God bless,
RLW
yes, He will again return now IN LIKE MANNER to the same place from where He ascended, and He will reign and lead us in new celestial environment ( Ephesians 1:3) by His power, for a period of 1.000 years, the SAME CLOUD also will appear again, understand?) , as it is revealed in Philippians 3:20-21: -->20 For our conversation is in heaven (heaven: Ephesians 1:3. Take a look.)-; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. By the way, He made it very clear when He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18.
Get ready,Behold, the bridegroom cometh;go ye out to meet Him- Matthew 25:6.
Lets pray
Unfortunately,there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Re.18:1-3
According to GOD's Word,what needs to happen first? Exactly what is written in Revelation 18:1-5,i.e. the Judgment of the Great Whore,as follows:
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2And he cried(will cry)mightily with a strong voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her...
Get ready
11And be ready against the third day:for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
14And Moses went down from the mount unto the people,and sanctified the people;and they washed their clothes.
15And he said unto the people,Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
16And it came to pass on the third day in the morning,that there were thunders and lightnings,and a thick cloud upon the mount,and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud;so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
17And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with GOD;and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
18And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
19And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and GOD answered him by a voice.
20And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
John 2:18-20
18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Hebrews 1:1-2
1GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2Hath in these last days (last two Days or last 2000 years)spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
The third Day arrived, the clothes must be washed,the Lord shall descend from heaven(from the 3rd heaven),the dead in Christ shall rise first- 1Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 19:7-8.
Matthew 25:6-Behold,the bridegroom cometh;go ye out to meet Him.
In my last post after I got wiped out AGAIN the first time I forgot to elaborate on the verse of the servant who said he wouldn't do something and later does; and vice versa. ( Matthew 21:30). We need to test the validity of a true disciple over time not instant following; that concept is also true for identifying who is truly saved; and corresponds with the parable of the "good fruit".
Another thought before I attempt to get into what seems clearly "secondary issues" I will also add to this discussion by stating that someone who is a true disciple has to make the hard decisions to go against church leadership or bring a disciplinary issue up with the church if one on one with a rebellious brother proves futile. This would include and I fear increasingly so these days challenging those who are teaching errant doctrine; no matter how esteemed the minister. If we aren't willing to be jealous for His Name's sake; we may end up with a church being much the same as the Temple was when Jesus had to clear it out overturning the moneychangers tables; that is a house of merchandise that is literally selling out the souls of men under it's roof. This is following in Christ's footsteps; and walking in the Spirit means we love the things He loves; and hate things He hates.
Furthermore; being a disciple means standing up for brothers and sisters who are being persecuted; even to risking our own lives when necessary. I won't give a manual on the subject as it varies depending on the situation we are in; protecting our family and whatever the Lord brings into our lives as a challenge in this area. Nonetheless; it is how we take seriously verses such as Matthew 25:36 which I believe is ultimately fulfilled in the Tribulation which will determine those who are saved by their behaviors when all of God's people are imprisoned or killed for their faith and support anywhere in the world will guarantee our lives are in jeopardy.
( Song of Solomon 5:7).
Perhaps for context we can look at these verses ( Matthew 25: 1-13). Specifically verse 5 says "
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."
The main theme of Song of Solomon is about two lovers; the one woman had; in previous verses heard the knocking of the door. "I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." ( Song of Solomon 5:2).
Here we see some similarities to Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
We are to wait for the bridegroom; this story reminds us of the foolish virgin. Verse 6 in this chapter of Song of Solomon seems to also say the same thing; possibly an analogy of missing the Rapture.
There is some conjecture to beating fellow servants which is in Matthew 24:48 to the end which would seemingly represent servants warning of the Rapture who are rejected today. Luke 12:47 says
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
This could also be a parallel verse to Song of Solomon 5:7.
This particular topic came up with some who espoused the idea that there was a "phased rapture". I tend to agree with the Rapture being a reward for a remnant of those sold out for the Lord now; but a later resurrection of the dead either at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation. That is what I would call a tertiary issue; eschatology as to Pre Trib or not view secondary. The main thing is not to become lukewarm. As my latest posting shows I don't like to get too much into hidden meanings.
Agape.
If I had include Enoch in the list of twenty four elders I would be a liar, understand?
Your thinking about me myself according Scriptures is irrelevant, it is from a human perspective, a stumb block, not from GOD's perspective.
Have you never read? My Lord JESUS made it clear, saying: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath- Matthew 25:29.
Be careful
Don't you know that the saints shall Judge the world? Yeah, the world shall be Judged by the saints. Know you not that the saints shall Judge angels?
So here in Ecclesiastes, to say that "a wise man's heart is at his right hand", implies that a wise, prudent person will always have his heart direct his thoughts, & then his actions towards his 'right hand' (and this is seen as the place of wise & correct action based on sound knowledge & judgement). Are there any then wise in their actions (i.e. always towards the right), or having hearts that are foolish, going to the opposite place (the left) of risk, speculation, with error & regret following?
Yet, as Christians, we are blessed above all, not relying (or, leaning) only on our own understanding as we fully trust in the LORD, only acknowledging Him in all that we do, and we will know how perfectly He directs our paths ( Proverbs 3:5,6).
Praise our Lord JESUS Christ,which is,and which was,and which is to come,the Almighty.Aleluia!
Yes,the Word is GOD.Once the Word of GOD is in your heart,it is GOD dwelling within you,understand?in your heart,and is everlasting Life,understand?Aleluia.
Our conversation is in heaven(heaven?Ephesians1:3-8 & 2:6-10);from whence also we look for the Saviour,the Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall change our vile body,that it may be fashione like unto His glorious body,according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself- Philippians 3:20-21.
JESUS assured us,saying:Jo.7:38-39:->38 He that believes on Me,as the Scripture has said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39This spake He of the Spirit,which they that believe on Him should receive.
GOD is Spirit,as our Lord JESUS said,and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth-Jo.4:24.
JESUS said:Jo.5:24-25
24Verily,I say unto you,He that hears my Word,and believes on Him that sent me,has everlasting life,and shall not come into condemnation;but is passed from death unto life.
25...The hour is coming,and now is,when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of GOD:and they that hear shall live.
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Cor.12:8-11:
8For to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdom;to another the Word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To another faith;to another the gifts of healing;
10To another the working of miracles;to another prophecy;to another discerning of spirits;to another divers kinds of tongues;to another the interpretation of tongues:
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,dividing to every one severally as He will.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of GOD, which is in you, aleluia.
Our Lord JESUS promised us,saying:Unto every one that has shall be given,and he shall have abundance- Matthew 25:29.Aleluia.
"To be anointed with oil is to be separated as GOD's chosen one- Matthew 25:31-34. Take a look. The true chosen ones of the Lord are prudent and wise, they have lamp to shine as they walk in the world of darkness, and enough oil to keep the lamp burning to meet the Lord, the bridegroom, and be saved. By the way, He said: Revelation 3:11-13:
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown."
This post was from Richard.
The last point for now is that we must be open for others to pray for our needs as well. We need each other.
If momsage reply was for me, this is what I meant. It was good to read those words as I travel this road thorough this barren land among people that seemed to have loss faith in the future.
We need to encourage each other.
It is good for me to know that I am on the "right" road.
I exceedingly appreciated your reply
As you know, the kings of Israel chosen by GOD they were anointed with oil by the prophets of the Lord.
To be anointed with oil is to be separated as GOD's chosen one- Matthew 25:31-34. Take a look. The true chosen ones of the Lord are prudent and wise, they have lamp to shine as they walk in the world of darkness, and enough oil to keep the lamp burning to meet the Lord, the bridegroom, and be saved. By the way, He said: Revelation 3:11-13:
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my GOD, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my GOD, and the name of the city of my GOD, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my GOD: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Att all times, let your garments be white, and let oil not be wanting on your head - Ecclesiastes 9:8.
Revelation 19:5-8:
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our GOD, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord GOD Omnipotent reigneth.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Regarding mystery of GOD, I have already commented in prior posts, our Lord JESUS-the Word made flesh- spoke of this in Matthew 11:27, and according His promise, unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Hallelujah!.
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection
Amen
Barring fruit.
Part 2.
Staying intimately connected to the True Vine is the only way to "bear fruit in old age" ( Psalm 92:14), to "run and not grow weary" ( Isaiah 40:31), and to not "grow weary in well-doing" ( Galatians 6:9).
One counterfeit to bearing good fruit is pretense. We can become experts at the routines, the lingo, and "acting Christian," while experiencing no real power and bearing no eternal fruit. Our hearts remain self-centered, angry, and joyless even while we go through the motions of serving God. We can easily slip into the sin of the Pharisees of Jesus' day in judging ourselves by how we think we appear to others and neglecting that secret place of the heart where all good fruit germinates. When we love, desire, pursue, and fear the same things that the rest of the world does, we are not abiding in Christ, even though our lives may be filled with church-related activity.
And, often, we don't realize that we are living fruitless lives ( 1 John 2:15-17).
Our works will be tested by fire. Using a different metaphor than fruit,
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 says, "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved-even though only as one escaping through the flames."
God is the judge of even our thoughts and motivations. All will be brought to the light when we stand before Him ( Hebrews 4:12-13).
God knows what He has entrusted to each of us and what He expects us to do with it ( Luke 12:48). Our responsibility before God is to be "faithful with little" so that He can trust us with much ( Matthew 25:21).
God bless.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Thanks for your kind reply
GOD grant that we may be like the children of Isaachar (verse 32 below) in His hands, hands of GOD the Almighty.
I Chronicles 12:23-40
23 Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the War.
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32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do;(now, what the Lord's Church of the Lord ought to do, even now, from now on, for example Matthew 25:6); the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
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May our Lord GOD BLESS and keep us, and give us His protection
Amen
44 And in the days of these kings shall the GOD of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
GOD revealed to Daniel and to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (and to us too), that the Kingdom He establishes it can NEVER be destroyed, neither be left to other people. GOD's dominion on Earth is absolute, an example or proof is the GOD's garden, garden of Eden, that was governed by a Cherubim that GOD had created to rule and protect the garden. The reign of Eden was not destroyed by a conventional war or invasion of enemies, neither left to other people.
The same will occur from now on with the millennial Kingdom of GOD, it will never be destroyed or invaded by the enemies.
Revelation 11:15-18
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped GOD,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord GOD Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the NATIONS were ANGRY, and thy WRATH is come(GOD's WRATH), and the time of the dead, that they should be Judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest DESTROY them which destroy the earth.
Get ready
Matthew 25:10->And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Do you know the Hymn "When the Trumpet of the Lord shall sound"? Or "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder"? Listen to this hymn and wake up,... fast.
Paul prophesied:1Tessalonians 4:15
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
That's for your meditation
as the lightning that cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be. Get ready- Matthew 25:10-, knowing that only lamp- Psalm 119:105-is not suffice to enter in the kingdom of GOD - Matthew 7:21-27 and Malachi 4:11-14.
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
JESUS/JOSHUA warned: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by me, so Adonai, Jehovah, YHWH, Yahweh, HaShem, Yehovah, Elohim, Yahusha , YEHshia, YEHvah, ten supposed and fictitious names, better, NICKNAMES of GOD, added in the Jewish Bible, and inadvertently copied into the Gentile Bible by the translators, they all are good for nothing.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. But who comes first that will cause to happen Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. My Lord JESUS made it very clear, saying: Except those days (this current time) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
A false messiah is at door, he will manifest himself soon- Revelation 13:11-14 combined with John 5:43-47-AN IMPOSTOR- , he was born decadas ago, understand? It is he the God of the Jews- 2Thessalonians 2:3-4.
My Lord JESUS warned: If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELEIVE IT NOT.
Be careful and get ready
Thanks for your kind reply
Honestly, when I read these verses that you quoted I feel as I was caught up, because I see JESUS as if he were speaking to me in person, not as if I were merely reading biblical texts. JESUS really promised: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance... Matthew 25:29
Amen
GOD bless
The Laodicean church is what many consider to typify the last stages or phase of church history. It is clear from that passage that only a few there are worthy; as we see in Revelation 3:4 with the church of Sardis as well. The general state is one of a pitiful state of spiritual poverty which the outer adornment; much like the Pharisees cleaning the outer parts of their vessels which appear to be showing opulence. Matthew 25:9 reminds me of those who need to pay the price for receiving the refreshing of the Holy Spirit as it will be with the fiery trial and mass martyrdom of the Tribulation. I see this as an example of those who have patiently waited for the Lord and now receive their reward because of enduring much as Lot did until the Lord rescued him from the disaster to come (see 2 Tim. 4:8). Those who are in a Laodicean church aren't putting themselves or anyone else into persecution as all those who are godly in Christ Jesus suffer ( 2 Tim. 3:12). Whether they are truly saved or not ultimately will be determined by God; I tend to see the Rapture as a reward issue but if I'm wrong then rewards will be lost for those backslidden ( Rev. 3:11); and it is certain many aren't truly saved now but many will wake up on the other side of the rapture; whether left behind people who professed Christ beforehand or new converts.
As to the second part of my study on the Jews suffering Tribulation first; we can of course see that pattern in many Old Testament passages as well as the many wars in history; the most obvious recent one of worldwide significance being World War two. This current Hamas battle also started with an attack causing suffering to Jews. These verses would show the military campaigns that will occur prior to Armageddon as well when God finally defends His people ( Zech. 14:2) and then the nations are dealt with. The various judgments will be centered on Israel as well.
5 The bridegroom tarried, and they ALL slumbered and slept.
6 And at MIDNIGHT (at the turn from the sixth to the seventh and last Day, or seventh and last millennium) there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. - Sad, very sad. -
9 ... go ye rather to them that sell oil, and buy for yourselves. (Only lamp is not suffice for salvation. Wake up)
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Get ready, otherwise you will scream loud: Lord, Lord, open to us.
Oh no, you won't have any more chances, the perdition is for ever and ever.
GiGi
I thanks fully of your prayers in the name of the Lord JESUS
You know that the Lord's Church is living in perilous times- 1Timothy 4:1-2- , I also pray to the Lord asking Him to help us and keep us under His powerful hands- Acts 11:21- , and He bless His people in whole Earth; giving them victories in struggles, in difficulties, and supplying the needs of each one, and healing illnesses and warding off the evils and the sickness in the among His people. And above all in giving Wisdom and understanding of His Word to all, lifting up the fallen, strengthening the weak and downcast by the Power of His Word. Amen. Matthew 28:18.
Our Lord JESUS promised: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance... Matthew 25:29. Amen.
May our Lord GOD bless us, and keep us, and give us His protection
Amen
Dearest Adam
The Word is GOD the Father, around 2000 years ago He was made flesh in the womb of a virgin(For with GOD nothing is impossible), and the NAME that GOD chose for He Himself was JESUS, understand? Acts 4:11-12:->11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Yes indeed, GOD the Father also hath highly exalted JESUS, and given Him a NAME which is above every name: Ph.2:9 KJV
In fact, JESUS or JOSHUA is the only NAME of GOD, and it is above every name.
You asked: Even above Jehovah? Well, well, who is Jehovah? Jehovah is the name of the father of the Jews, don't you know? It is what JESUS, the own GOD made flesh, said to the Jews: John 8:44-45
But Jeovah is not the only name of the father of the Jews. They invented several names for their god mainly in the modern world. In antiquity there were several names of god, to this day there is even the star of the god Remphan on the flag of the current esoteric and kabbalist and spiritualist Israel(the star of David has nothing to do with the current witchkraft of the Jews), whose country to this day is full of idolatries and sorcery, the holy city today is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt.
By the way, in the begining of October 2023, I posted here to GIANNIS saying to him that YHWH, Jehovah, Yahweh, Yehovah, Elohim, Adonai, HaShem, Yahusha, YEHshia, YEHvah, these names are not NAMES of GOD, quite the opposite, all these names listed are strictly the names of the Devil, or NICKNAMES of Devil.
I don't quite understand why people lend credence to Kabbalistic and esoteric, and spiritists sources to speculate GOD's NAME. Think about it. Tares will now be cast into the fire to be burned for everlasting time.
Be careful and get ready to meet JESUS- Matthew 25:6-13
GOD BLESS
Thank you for your reply.
I started my post quoting Esther 5:1 and making some important highlights, and I wrote: "1Now it came to pass on the third day(see John 2:19),that Esther put on her royal apparel(see Revelation19:7-8)and stood in the inner court of the king's house over against the king's house(ref. Revelation 11:2),and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,over against the gate of the house.
The main point of my post is the comparison with the true Church of the Lord JESUS-the body of JESUS Christ- the current Temple of GOD in this current Covenant, so, we must discern that we are in the beginning of the first century of the 3rd Day (2024 AD), that is in the turn exactly from the sixth to the seventh and last GOD's Day.
Well, JESUS promised to rise up the Temple in the 3rd Day-the Temple of GOD-the Church of the Lord- John 2:19. And exactly from now on, from this same wonderful moment, "let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife must made herself ready". Revelation 19:8 says propheticaly: And to her -to the Church of the Lord- His body- was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
Furthermore, JESUS is already sat on His Throne, as it is described in Revelation chapters 4 and 5, and GOD the Father is already in His rest as He planned to do since the beginning, it in the exactly and current seventh Day. And he sais: Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. These are the true sayings of GOD.
The Word is GOD, self-executing
Be careful and get ready - Matthew 25:6-12 will LTERALLY fulfill itself.
4th point:
Yes, we need to be spiritually awaked, as you said, for the bridegroom is coming and we need to go out to meet Him- Matthew 25:1-6, with lighted lamps and oil because it is midnight, that is, we are living at the turn of the sixth to the seventh and final Day - the Day of the Lord, or seventh and final millennium, the darkness of midnight is a very dangerous blackness, despite the woman being clothed with the Sun, clothed with the Greater Light- John 8:12-, having the Lesser Light under her feet- John 15:26 combined with Revelation 12:1, and crowned (by Jesus) with 12 stars(12 Apostles-, so as is written in Colossians 3:1-4 -take a look: -> 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of GOD. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
5th point
Yes, let's get our hearts fix on the Kingdom to Come- Revelation 11:15-18, you said Christ is coming and we will all stand (or fall) before Him.
Yes, as everyone know, JESUS is the stone: Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
6th point:
About your comment on a sad incident that caused you be desperate, I should say to you what my Lord JESUS said: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect-Mat.5:48.
GOD BLESS and get ready
Actually, we GOD's people, we are going together to meet JESUS, and He is coming to meet us, in time and space. So, each day that passes, He gets a little closer of the meeting point, and we who are walking in the way also get a little closer to Him, and the gap between us and JESUS decreases, and the moment will come when JESUS and we will arrive at the indicated time, in the place and space( Ephesians 1:3), as He combined with us, i.e. to be at the exact time and place of the glorious meeting. Hallelujah!
See, it is certain that the day of JESUS 'return is very very close.In my understanding it is the mysterious day 1.335- Daniel 12:12-, i.e.45 days after the end of the Abomination of Desolation of 1,290 days as was prophesied by Daniel. Dan.12:v.11 combined with Dan.9:v.27, both verses direct us to the majestic and indescribable event of JESUS's return.
Time is ticking,ticking,ticking; see,don't sleep,but if you're already asleep, wake up and get up fast, and take in mind that each passing day we are personally closer to JESUS.See how near He is. For meditation: Matthew 25:1-13
GOD BLESS
John 17KJV
1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him.
3And this is life eternal,that they might know thee the only true GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (combined with John 5:17)
5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
See, it is certain that the day of JESUS 'return is very very close. See how near He is, and take in mind that each passing day we are personally closer to JESUS. Time is ticking,ticking,ticking; see,don't sleep, but if you're already asleep, wake up, get up yourself fast.
Think well, we are at each day walking to meet our Lord JESUS- Matthew 25:6- , and He is coming walking to meet us in according He combined- John 14:1-4KJV:
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD - the Word is GOD -, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
See, IT'S NOT ENOUGH to just have lamp-the Word of GOD-a lamp for the feet- Psalm 119:105; It's necessary also to have oil, otherwise the lamp will go out. Unfortunately, the lamp of many people has already gone out for good, but at midnight? In full darkness and terrors by night? Terrible, very terrible.
Understand, MIDNIGHT as the Lord said, it is indicating the END of a Day (end of a millennium) and the beginning of a new Day (beginning of a new millennium) simultaneously. It is necessary to understand that GOD's clock does not stop, yeah, never stop, to every thousand years passed there is a turn of Day at GOD's clock, understand? We are living the TURN FROM THE SIXTH TO THE SEVENTH MILLENNIUM. On GOD's clock it's already past midnight,minutes of course,but don't forget that 1000 years is as a Day (1000x360x24) in our Christian calendar, just 23 years, how many minutes have already passed?) Note: I'm not a mathematician.
As it happened in Eden- Genesis 3:8-10-and GOD found Adam and Eve completely naked-, the clothe they made from the FigTree,one among other trees in the Garden,it was not enough to cover them from their nakedness. GOD needed to make an appropriate garment for that purpose. By the way, JESUS said through the book of Revelation, chap. 16: v.15: Behold, I come as a thief, Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he WALK NAKED, and they see his shame.
At midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh;
Get ready
OTOH, to buy oil out of time, it's a total waste of time.Both those who will buy and those who will offer and selling oil(Pastors, Bishops, Evangelists,among others)will lose their souls forever,for all Eternity. It's like the CURSE of the FigTree:JESUS CURSED it never to bear fruit again,and the sentence was and is LITERALLY fulfilled. The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
So true, and I agree with much that you said.
Today, and foe many years now, Preachers don't preach and acknowledge the truth about sin, and everlasting hell, and they are leading their congregations straight down the wide path to hell! Matthew 25:41 James 3:1
We MUST fear God! This is the very beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
God is Vengeful and He tells us so. Hell is God's way of getting His vengeance. Isaiah 47:3
God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He knows, that if we have NO FEAR to motivate us to change our ways, we will continue in sin. God is also Love. He sacrificed his Son for us so thru Him we can recieved forgivness. He provides His Holy Spirit to break the bonds of sin. Preachers are not helping anyone by not preaching Hell and the fear of God!
If we are still repeatedly sinning..we DO NOT have God's Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:26 God's Holy Spirit will not let us habitually sin.
Today, most so called Christian Pastors/Preachers are about the money. They don't want to focus on the sin in their congregation, if they do, they will lose their entire congregation. Sinners don't want to hear they are sinners, and they certainly don't want to think or hear about hell, they come to church to feel good about themselves and to be entertained. Churches today are all about making everyone feel good. Sad but true.
Which reminds me of this very powerful verse 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
The plain truth is: Sin keeps us from our God!
GBU
I understand in delays in replies many work and have family responsibilities. This subject is being discussed by several people and I just wanted to share a few points of my understanding on it. The questions were not directed towards you, you can reply to them if you want but they were some of the questions I wrote down when I was studying this subject because some Scriptures seem to support both understandings if not deeply studied, not saying you have not.
Scripture tells us God is love, 1 John 4:8,16 and we have been told God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 33:11 caries us to John 3:16 God does not want us to perish. The Bible tells us the soul that sinneth will die, Ezekiel 18:4 God preserves the souls of the saints Psalms 97:10 the faith and belief in Jesus by the grace of God can save our soul Hebrews 10:39.
Scripture tells us of various degrees of punishment like in Luke 12:46-48 Revelation 21:8. In Genesis 2:7 man became a living soul/being, my understanding is the breath of God is the spirit of life which goes back to God when we die whether lost or saved and this body becomes a dead soul that sleeps in the dust until resurrection then the judgment Revelation 20.
To repeat, eternal life is our promise it is something we do not have, only by faith and belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God we will receive this gift when we are resurrected not before. If we say our souls are immortal, we are saying we already have eternal life, and it is just where are we going to spend it?
My understanding is the lost and wicked punishment is eternal forever, not the punishing, Satan and the fallen angels the beast and false profit will be tormented day and night for ever and ever as we see in Revelation 20:10, but they are not mortal beings like we are, and we see in Matthew 25:41 it was originally prepared for them.
Just my understanding of Scripture thanks again.
God bless,
RLW