Discuss Matthew 5 Page 4

New Year's thoughts.

Resolutions; it is typically pointed out usually start with a wish to abstain from something (usually tied in with the gluttony around the holidays); or perhaps a promise to ourselves that we will behave ourselves in some capacity for the coming year. The overwhelming result; of course is usually a few weeks of concerted effort followed by a slow decline and eventual collapse a few months later. Behavior modification; of course can be done in a worldly sense; complete with advice from "gurus"; hypnosis or other "positive thinking" mantras. It seems in terms of "vows" that men make; unless it is to God Himself or in something such as marriage that is God's established covenant; we are to let our "yea be yea" or "nay be nay"; anything else we swear is sin. ( Matthew 5:37). It is pointless; of course to say that we will wait another 48 hours from today to avoid any obvious sin whether in commission or omission until the New Year; then have no plans to continue it in 2024. If one is a new believer; of course repentance and turning away permanently may just happen to start around New Years Day. We can also rededicate our lives to the Lord from now on.

If we avoid making resolutions; there is another more scripturally based challenge that I will bring up. I should give a caveat..it is even harder to do at least initially. That would be asking God to "chastise us" as He sees fit; or alternatively; to ask Him to grant us patience. These are scriptural requests ( Heb. 12:6) and I am confident that HE WILL ANSWER it. I don't know how not to shout here in caps over this because of the quote from Hebrews He chastises all that means ALL He loves!

I'm afraid to pray it most of the time; no point pretending. I think I'm learning to appreciate these things; as well as the trying people in my life. It is unlikely that I would pray for anyone else either in that light lest I be the test in others lives and they blame me!

Revelation 11, Revelation 11:4, Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, Luke 8:16, Luke 11:33, Hebrews 9:2,

Exodus 25, Romans 11,

Hopefully these are also helpful in your study

Scripture about an Angels carrying ._. Not "spirit" Luke 16:22, 'your question spirit seeing loved ones on earth', more importantly GOD ALMIGHTY sees us Psalms 139, Psalms 27:10, & Jesus intercedes for us Romans 8,

It's important to understand the Biblical laws of marriage were given to Moses for Israel & "the Children of GOD" John 1:12, also Romans 8, relevant.

These laws are for GOD fearing, believers, a guideline for what's best.

Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 19:3-12, Matthew 5:31-37, notice it was to test, Jesus. Deuteronomy 24:1-4

1Corinthians 7,

Malachi 2:10-15, John 3:16, Matthew 25:31-46, Jude 1,

Hopefully these are helpful

Romans 12:12, Acts 6:4, Hebrews 13:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17,

John 17, James 1, James 2,

Matthew 5:23,24,44, Matthew 6:5-34, Mark 11:24, Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 17:15-21, Mark 9:17-29,

Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21:36,

Hope these are helpful

Part 3: Context in cross references

The danger of Dominionists is that they think that they can rule and reign on the earth; making the world "ready" for Christ's appearance by somehow taking over a world that God Himself has allowed Satan to usurp to ultimately accomplish His purposes.

They enjoy taking verses such as Joel 2:30-31 and verses in Revelation on a countless multitude chapter 7 verse 9 and think that despite verses to the contrary on many falling away from the faith in the last days that any "revival" must be from God. Satan Himself according to the book of Jude must be properly addressed; even Michael had to show deference to the Lord when he rebuked him ( Jude 1:9). The obvious conclusion to this situation is that we should never apply a meaning to a specific passage that clearly contradicts the rest of scripture as a whole. The same problem exists for Preterists who use verses that seem to clearly indicate the Transfiguration ( Matthew 17) and somehow seem to think it can be proven that Christ physically returned in AD 70. Doctrinally speaking as I have alluded to in my earlier statements; if we for instance dogmatically state that God is finished with the nation of Israel as a whole and attribute all passages as symbolic or a description of the church today we get ourselves into trouble.

There is also the proper application of cross references. Jesus; for example laid out two concepts (loving God and your neighbor) as the SUM of the law (see Matthew 22:36-40). However; the law itself was superceded as it were with grace. That meant more STRINGENT applications as were brought up with the subject of thoughts related to adultery and hatred also brought up by Christ. (see Matthew 5:17-30). The concept of covenants in scripture is equally valid; as I see it with dispensations as there are multiple covenants (some for Israel; and the only one for the church being the New Covenant). Even that won't be totally fulfilled until the Millennium.

Hiya Rob Gbu...Good Question....The New Heaven and New Earth will come via his Seed...The contents of the Book that he wrote with his own blood...Unless The Lord of Sabaoth had left us a SEED We wd have been made like unto Sodom and Gomarath...Isaiah says as the new heaven and the new earth will remain so shall thy seed and Name remain...Plz Note that the Kingdom of God does not come till the Woman is in birth pains... Rev 12:10...After the Book is opened...The Words of the book are the seeds of the sower as Jesus said the good seeds are Children of the Kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...Jesus had a secret thats y he always spoke in parables...It was not time for the Children to be born in us which is the H.G..The Israel of God, That Woman giving birth is US Humanity as Jesus said the field is the world where that good seed will be sown.... Matthew 13:26

.....When the disciples argued among themselves who was the greatest....Jesus sat a child in their midst..And they asked Jesus who was greatest in the KiNGDOM OF God and Jesus replied unless ya be converted and become as a lil Child you Matthew 18:2 ...Which is the H.G. The Child of Promise....Rev.12:10....Now is come salvation and the power of his Christ ( the manchild) that is gonna rule all nations...Which is our new heart and new spirit...Our New Innerman...The H.G. THAT Child of Promise...God swore by himself when he made that great Promise that Jesus wd be multiplied as the stars of heaven...When a seed dies it multiplies...Thus the H.G. is that Child of Promise...And whosoever receiveth one Child in MY NAME RECEIVETH ME...thats Y THE H.G. has to me in his name...A lil one is gona become a 1000 and a small one a strong nation...I the Lord will hasten it in its time...An Israel of God Which is gonna be perfect...by his seed the words of the book that wrote with is own blood...Be ye Perfect as your father in heaven is perfect... Matthew 5:48...Gbu

Signs of Rapture Part 2

Principle 2: Prophecies related to Second Coming and/or the Rapture.

I would say that despite there being no clear prophetic event showing the date of the Rapture; there certainly are signs of it's imminency; as stated before largely related to the state of the church today. If we are not producing the "salt and light" ( Matthew 5:13-14) that we should then we shouldn't be surprised when the secular society we live in falls apart. I have stated before as well that the basic lack of respect for a covenant marriage bond and subsequent aftermath of divorce and remarriages with the damage incurred has been a largely successful attempt of Satan to push boundaries further in other areas of immorality. As I discussed with someone in church today; the fear of God is something that causes conviction of the nonbeliever if indeed we are walking in the Spirit of God. If we refuse to honor Holiness in our personal lives and create a God (or Christ) in some dumbed down version suiting our imaginations then we are not going to even deserve the blessing of being persecuted and forfeit any resulting reward. Just how far we have gone or whether or not it is actually possible for any large scale revival or repentance is something only God knows.

There are parables relating to the profitable vs. unprofitable servant; and the wise and unwise virgins that at first glance appear to reference the Rapture; but also may have some application for the Second Coming. Since BOTH events are getting closer to appearing we should of course expect that most have reference to both. That gets me into point 3.

Principle Three: Who is actually raptured? Revelation 3:10 and Luke 21:36 certainly give us pause to consider if not individuals that are going to be Raptured; the church typifying people that are going to be taken out when He comes for His bride. The question of whether it is a reward or salvation issue is worth investigating.

Okay. I understand what you mean but why did Christ Himself say this;

Matthew 5:19

In Revelation 12:17, we see that the dragon went to make war with the woman's seed (metaphorically Israel) and they keep The Commandments.

Furthermore, in 1 John 2:3-4, John states that only those who keep God's Commandments actually know Him. The Law is still in effect. If not, how do people differentiate between right and wrong ?

Dear Prosperity,

My understanding is that Jesus fulfilled all of the Law perfectly and fulfilled all of the prophecies concerning the first coming of the Messiah. Also, he abolished the curse of the Law for those who believe in Him. So, we are freed from having to fulfill the law perfectly and from receiving the curse of the Law for not obeying God perfectly.

Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. ( Matthew 5:17)

Colossians 2:14 says that "..you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has me made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that were against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." is speaking of the debt of our sin (the handwritten note that keeps an account of all of the ways we have disobeyed the Law of God) being removed from us and no longer applies to us. We are forgiven completely and the sins we the debt against us that the law requires for disobedience, which is death, has been wiped out and nailed to the cross in the body of Jesus, our perfect sacrifice, who alone can remove this debt that deserves the wrath of God upon us.

Elsewhere, Paul says that the law is holy, righteous and good, but our sinful nature is against obeying the law and so we cannot ever be justified by the law. The law will always condemn us. But to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh, we will be given the power to live godly lives.

Paul was not saying that we are no longer responsible to live morally godly lives, rather, we are, by being dead in Christ and then risen in Him, we have resurrection power to live by faith, believing that anything we do that is morally right is done by the Spirit within us and not by our carnal fleshly nature. God is working in and through us by grace to live according to the Spirit who will always want us to do what is morally right and to obey God

God loves you, Ayen. In a book called the Pilgrim's Progress, when the giant of despair captured Christian and his friend Hopeful, they talked:

"Chr. "Brother," said CHRISTIAN, "what shall we do? the life that we now live is miserable: for my part I know not whether is best--to live thus, or to die out of hand. 'My soul chooses strangling rather than life';

"So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life." Job 7:15

and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon. Shall we be ruled by the Giant?"

Hope says no

Hope: "'Indeed our present condition is dreadful, and death would be far more welcome to me than thus for ever to abide; but yet let us consider, the Lord of the country to which we are going hath said, "Thou shalt do no murder," no, not to another man's person. Much more, then, are we forbidden to take his counsel to kill ourselves.'" It is murder to kill oneself, and as stated in 1 John 3:15 "no murderer has eternal life"

God cares for you and is able to deliver you from your affliction.

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"

Psalm 37 seems to be a general overview of many of the preceding Psalms; although once again it should be emphasized that the chronology is not in order but the verse about the righteous never being foresaken (v. 25) shows it is likely written after many others.

There are many examples found in other Psalms. For example; we see in verse 13 about God laughing at the wicked; which is mentioned in Psalm 2. Another example found in Psalm 10 is in verse 17 about the arms of the wicked which are broken. We also find verses elsewhere in scripture; including the N.T. One such case in verse 11 is quoted by Jesus in the Gospels in Matthew 5:5.

We even see elements of predestination in verses 23 to 24. Ephesians 2:10 talks of good works before the foundation of the world prepared for us to perform. Verse 24 gives us the concept of "Perseverance of the Saints" also echoed in Proverbs 24:16. There is the concept largely covered in Psalm 119 about having the law of God in their hearts (v. 31) Verse 34 could be a Millennial reference; exhorting us to wait on the Lord; such a theme of patience is found in numerous other passages along with promises of the Saints (as well as David) to rule when the Kingdom of God comes to earth. ( Jeremiah 30:9; etal).

The main idea here seems to be the eternal destinies of the righteous and the wicked and the brevity of this life. Passages such as in verse 28 are not popular today. As an individual; we should not seek vengeance on anyone in particular; but we should understand that the suffering of the church at large in the world where persecution is much greater than in this country; for example needs to be recompensed through Divine justice. We all are saved from wrath and being enemies of God and therefore we need to be humble in preaching the Gospel but also deliver the whole truth; including eternal judgment for the damned who will not repent.

I'd like to add to discussion on Matthew 5:22

Matthew 25:31-46, is how we are to treat the "least of these" to belittle anyone is a direct offense to GOD. 1Corinthians 1:20-27, Proverbs 17:5, Romans 14:13, James 4:11, 1Corinthians 4:5, John 13:34, Romans 12:10,

This is "brother or sister" literal & family of believers aka "brethren " because those words from "family" hurt deepest

We're to edify Romans 13:8, 1John 4:7, Romans 14:19, 1Thessalonians 5:8-23,

Hopefully these are helpful

Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

And in 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

I'm positive all has not been fulfilled

Matthew 5:22

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."

does anyone have any ideas of the meaning of this?

Hi Earl,

While you didn't directly address the questions, your chosen response indicates you might believe the New Testament isn't literal and are just parables to you, is that correct? You quoted the old testament suggesting that you might think that's literal, however. Do you mind sharing how you came to this belief?

For the benefit of anyone else reading this there are plenty of verses in the Bible about the literal hell:

Luke 12:5 - But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Matthew 5:22 - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Revelation 14:11 - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Matthew 13:50 - And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 9:43-48 - And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

etc

Do you believe Jesus literally is Lord and literally died on the cross for you?

Psalm 25.

Let us start this commentary on verse 14. We are reminded here of the verse in Deuteronomy 29:29 about the secret things of the Lord that we are NOT to know. There are other verses that state what is seemingly the opposite (namely; Proverbs 25:2) which states that it is the honor of kings for such matters to be revealed. Since we are "kings and priests" in the Lord; therefore we are given some comprehension of such mysteries. ( Rev. 5:10).

Two major themes here relate to the fear of the Lord (in the verses 12-14) and not harboring sins (verses 1-7). Meek individuals (verse 8) remind us of the verse in the Gospels stating that the "meek shall inherit the earth" ( Matthew 5:5). Verse 10 also brings up the concept of those keeping His covenant (not stated which covenant) as well as those who keep "his testimonies." Obviously; the word of our testimony ( Rev. 12:11) is vital which involves confessing with our mouth as well as our heart. Trust is also a theme here of importance (verse 2 as well as verse 20). The last verse talks of Israel as a whole; which in context could refer to David's descendants or the eventual plan at the end of the age where it is restored to the position originally intended.

Finally; patience in waiting on God is noted in verses 5 and 21. There are numerous references in scripture on that subject as a fruit; as one type of crown being given as a reward for those who wait patiently for the coming of the Lord ( James 5:7; etal). When we see such great wickedness around today such as was in the time of Lot and Noah we need to keep in focus the big picture.

There is a sort of universal theme in this Psalm about asking where God is; as can be applied to David's life but more likely referring to times of exile. It also has overtones with the end times.

The verse about not being moved (v. 6) along with the statement "I shall never be in adversity" surely reminds us of Revelation 18:7; as well as with Jeremiah 5:12 and the false prophets.

Verse 11 reminds us as well of other passages when man reasons that God won't see what is going on (see Isaiah 49:14). Finally; verse 15 is also related to the Antichrist; as see in Zechariah 11:17 on the foolish shepherd along with; of course Revelation 13:3.

Verse 16 to 18 shows how wicked are removed; he meek inherit the earth; and God remembers the fatherless and oppressed (v. 18). Verse 12 to 14 further illustrate how God does provide for the needs of the poor and fatherless. (see Matthew 5:5).

All the concern about the poor being hunted down in verses 6 through 11 may be a reflection of David's humble beginnings and sufferings early on; that allowed compassion in his heart.

These scriptures; of course also are words the Spirit of God is speaking through David and is an encouragement to us and the glorious future for His people.

Thanks Giannis.

That's the way I have it as well.

On the Matthew 24:31-46 I think I was responding to Gigi.

Her quote;

By GiGi

The most consistent view in the church over the centuries was that the rapture happens on the Last Day, as Jesus said in Luke 21:27; Matthew 24:29-31. Even Daniel was told that he would arise on the Last Day in Daniel 12:13. This is why I believe that Jesus comes back only once again and will gather believers to Himself on the Last Day.

End quote.

My point was that Matthew 24 was not about the rapture.

Those taken away are gathered for judgment.

She's rapturing the wrong group!

Some say that the tribulation is a time of testing for God's people. Who and what is being tested? God's grip?

We must consider these verses. John 10:28-29.

I John 4:4.

Matthew 28:20.

John 14:18-20.

Ephesians 3:30.

Jude 1:24-25.

Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST:

So it's obvious God is not testing a spirit filled vessel.

TRIBULATION.

This is mentioned in Daniel 12 where a specific time period is mentioned and Jesus confirms it in Matthew 24:15-21. This tribulation is to come upon the whole world. This is not the persecution ( By the world ) promised to the Church in Matthew 5:10 and other places.

There's a huge difference between persecution by the world and tribulation ( UPON ) the world.

Millennium.

Where does Christ thousand years reign here on earth fit in their theology?

My reason for asking is they are split in this view.

If you say the rapture comes after the tribulation and you use Matthew 24 to authenticate that, When is the thousand years reign of Christ here on earth?

Why would you rapture people out of the Millennium?

Some hold the view the Millennium has already begun and the Church will usher in the Millennium by preaching the Gospel.

They say there is no rapture.

Continue this weekend.

God bless.

If a person believes Jesus was commanded by his Father to establish the following doctrine, then they must obey the command:

"...if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

Matthew 5:23-24 KJV

If a person does not want to obey the preceeding command, they must present a compelling argument against it.

"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."

Luke 21:15 KJV Crown copyright in the United Kingdom

By example can one be a light unto the world, let your light shine: The Truth IS the issue! Pray for Wisdom !

Dear Rocky Perry Amen!

Romans 3:22-26

Stay strong in the word and Jesus, love u in Christ

GOD does NOT make undercover secret Christian that do not magnify ThyWORD of Thy whole name. Only way I can be a light is if I set a mans heart on fire for Christ. He might become saved by faith right then or he might be red fiery hot mad at me but he might later on become a fire for my Lord Jesus Christ. May GOD allow me to be in the number that sets the world on fire with the gospel that saves 1Chorinthians15:1-4. Amen. The Truth is the ISSUE !!

Clara,

Deuteronomy 24:1-5, Matthew 5:27-32, Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Romans 7:1-4, Malachi 2:11-17,

Deuteronomy 7:3-16, Nehemiah 13:23-29, 1Corinthians 7,

1Timothy 4:1-10, 1Timothy 5:14, Hebrews 13:4,

James 1:5

Standing out from the crowd: Fellowship of the Saints (continued)

Sadly; in Protestant circles today the proper concept of "confessing sins to one another" ( James 5:16) has been buried with the misapplication of the Catholic system and the hierarchy of church officials taking that approach toward parishioners; rather than the other way around. Before we cast stones in that direction; we need to see how well we are doing in light of Matthew 5:23.

When there is strife and envy and a brother is hardened like a city wall ( Prov. 17:14) and we are the cause it is our duty to rectify things. This is particularly true as well for a husband and wife so that their prayers won't be hindered ( 1 Peter 3:7).

It is said with the popular adage in the secular world that we are all part of creating a village (or something to that affect). The concept of the saints of Christ being a part of a victorious army should be made clearer when we see how when one member hurts all members suffer ( 1 Cor. 12). When we look at these actions as being duties rather than options; and Christ BEING our life rather than the "center" of it (which still places ourselves as the one who determines the meaning of that definition and all the other parameters as well) it helps to give us a better picture of the way things should be.

Responsibilities as laypersons.

There are correct methodologies presented by Christ Himself as well as the Apostle Paul for disciplinary action. Nonetheless; we are to judge righteously. Those who suggest we shouldn't judge lest we be judged in the same manner who are truly in the faith need to be honest. If WE are the ones expounding error we should WANT others to hold us accountable; and that also applies for our responsibility as church members in particular to point out error among leadership with themethods prescribed in scripture. How can we not be jealous for the Word of God when "damnable heresies" are sneaking in (see Jude and many admonitions by Paul)

Giannis

I apologize, I should have dissected Matthew 5:32 more closely.

You see their are exceptions to divorcing without causing one to sin on one another, and it is fornication.

The verse should be interpreted as Jesus saying (except) for fornication, if one takes the word (saving) back to it's original language it means (except) for fornicating

Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving/except for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

So you see there is an exception to divorce, God put away Israel for fornicating/adultery, and He forgave her so she can be.

Bible Hub interlinear study.

God divorced Israel when they broke the covenant: Jeremiah 3:8 Though she saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding

Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Matthew 5:31 It was said, 'Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That every one that shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to

commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

If one truly repents, I believe ALL sins are forgiven, but I guess churches don't see it that way, they have their rules, can't change that. sry!

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and turn ye again to Me, that your sins may be (blotted out), in order that ... times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent [change your mind for the better and morally], and be baptized every one of

you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and ye shall receive the free gift of THE Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 3:12 Must be another rule of The Church, because Titus doesn't state Children must be in the Faith.

The verse states "well managed children", and not "Children of Faith". Where do you get Children must be in the Faith out of ruling their children, and their own houses? In verse 12

Managing their children is the same as ruling, It means (Well Respected) honorable,commendably,kind enough,honestly,usually morally.

Hello Luke

I guess you mean something else when you say that God is a divorcee.

Before going to our topic of discussion let's see if divorce is allowed according to the Gospel, and if yes in which cases.

Matthew 5:31-32.

Here it says that the only reason divorce is allowed is due adultery, not for any other reason. If the pair separates for any other reason and gets married again to smb else then in God's eyes this is adultery. God does not accept the separation, for Him the pair are still married together nomatter what churches do.

Next question. I was divorced because my wife went with another guy, can I marry now to another woman?

Answer. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. Verse 11 says that if a woman is divorced (permitted only due to adultery) then she must stay unmarried or go back to her husband. Same with men. No remarriage is allowed by the Lord even if the separation was legal by the Gospel.

There is only one case that remarriage can be accepted. Romans 7:1-3. Here it says only in the case that one of the pair dies the other person if free to marry again.

So lets go back to what we were discussing.

1. About children

The verses in Titus are clear. A believer can only be elder if his children are in faith. Do you believe that this can change after he has become an elder for sometime and now can remain an elder even if his children are gone away? So different things are required when one is to become an elder and when he has already became one? It doesn't seem right to me.

Deacons. Elders are selected from the body of deacons, that is why the requirements for both elders and deacons are precisely the same. 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Pastors. They are selected from the body of elders. Same requirements.

2. Wifes. The text says " husband of one wife". So it must be "one" and "a wife".

Definitely he must have (not had) a wife, not divorced, not a widower.

One wife means that he cannot keep his ministry if his wife has died or gone away from the house (or has left the faith).

GBU

Luke 6:22,26, Mark 13:11, Matthew 5:11, Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 10:34, 1Peter 4, 2Timothy 3:12, 1Peter 3:8-22,

2Timothy 2:3,

ST. MATTHEW 5:7, was the first verse that I learned from the Bible. I was a Pastor's and Pastor's wife, son and Most people learned ST. JOHN 3:16 first, I didn't.

Dear Annette, Jesus feels your pain as He too suffered a loss when Lazurus died, even knowing that He was going to raise His friend from the dead.

Be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Your big sister will rise from the grave when Jesus comes for His church during the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first...