Discuss Matthew 9 Page 3

Dear friends forever in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 9:31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Continued: The Gospel of the Kingdom: Jesus and the 12 preached the gospel (good news) of the Kingdom at THAT time ( Matthew 4:17, Matthew 9:35, Acts 3:19). Which was for the Jew only ( Matthew 10:5,6: Luke 9:10 Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Matthew 18:11; Romans 15:8) Appropriated by repentance, baptism, faith plus works. The content of the gospel of the Kingdom was Jesus was Israel's promised Messiah, the Son of God. " And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 The apostle Peter's profession of faith was that he believed Jesus was in fact the Christ, the Son of God. Not that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead three days later. No way, how could that be Jesus was still alive. And the gospel of grace wouldn't be revealed for another 10 years. Yes, of course. Everything is based on the finished work of the cross but in time, at that time ,that was all Peter or any other Jewish person was to believe for salvation. "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven," Matthew 16:15-17 The gospel of the Kingdom began with John the Baptizer and ended during the Acts period ( Acts 15:11) The gospel of the kingdom will pick up again when the body of Christ is raptured and the Lord turns His attention back to Israel and the Kingdom gospel and the 490 years prophesied in Daniel 9. Also known as the tribulation, Jacob's Trouble, or Daniel's 70th week." And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come". Matthew 24:14 To be continued, conclusion:

Reply to - Nancy Morgan on 1 Corinthians 3

Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

I have had my shots

That is a question that has been asked for ages. Some feel that the devil knows your thoughts, while most others don't.

Scripture does not give a definite answer on that subject but scripture does indicate that not only the devil but some angelic beings have access to one's mind _ Acts 5:3 Satan filled the heart of Ananias _ Luke 22:3 Satan entered Judas _ Matthew 1:20 -25 an angel came to Joseph in a dream _ Genesis 31:11 an angel of the Lord spoke to Jacob in a dream. One can argue that to have access to one's mine doesn't mean they can read your thoughts.

And there are these scriptures

Job 1:7-12 Satan before God discusses Job and the amount of access he can have to Just.

Ephesians 6:11-16 discusses to put on the whole armor of God and to *quench* the fiery darts of Satan.

James 4:7 tells us to *resist* the devil and *he will flee*.

1st Peter 5:8 tells us Satan is like a roaring lion *seeking* whom he can *devour.*

Revelation 12:10-12 the devil stands before God day and night accusing man, and woe to the inhabitants of the earth the devil has come down.

Scripture is clear - Jesus knew one's thoughts even while in a flesh body Matthew 9:4. To Jesus the spirit was given to him without measure John 3:34.

I believe Satan and certain angels have the ability to read some of someone's thoughts and Satan, being the accuser is allowed to influence those thoughts. I feel Satan and the angelic beings who have access to any thoughts of the minds/hearts of mankind are given a limited measure, unlike God who has full measure. Example what I'm going to eat for breakfast or what type of clothes I'm going to wear any given day isn't something they would need access to or even care about. But the part of the mind our decisions are made against good or for what we know is right, Satan knows our thoughts.

Hi Jon,

In addition to prayer, God also wants us to help ourselves. Here's some scripture for you.

Colossians 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repent

God provides mankind with gifted minds in a multitude of various fields, including Medicine, Pharmacy, and other varied fields including psychology: the science or study of the mind and behavior. God provides us with these people that can help and cure, or at least help us to manage our health, both physically and mentally.

A wise person will not rule out a service provider based on their religious belief or lack of. That's like turning down emergency bypass heart surgery because the doctor might be an unbeliever. Could be the greatest heart surgeon of all time, but not doing it. Can't let you fix the hole in my roof because you're not a christian.

Be wise, and humble and look at all your options, including prayer.

God Bless.

Thanks for your response Adam, it is insightful and thoughtful. I have a few disagreements though. In regards to the definition - isn't our behavior influenced by either a submission to God or a submission to our flesh? James 4:7. Romans 8:6-8. I have yet to find a psychological theory about behavior that refers to God's word & sin and not worldly/secular explanations that are unbiblical. Doesn't it matter that psychology was heralded by people like Wundt, Freud, Jung, Skinner - all people who denied the Lordship of Jesus and were unbelievers? Matthew 9:17-18.

Positive thinking was started by Phineas Quimby who hypnotized people. He believed that the body was a reflection of the mind and all illnesses were a result of false beliefs. He had conversations with Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science founder) and influenced her to believe that 'right thinking' in accordance with scripture could cure any ailment. I don't think that 'positive thinking' can be aligned with the word of God.

Philippians 4 says 'by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving', not by 'positive thinking'. I believe Matthew 6:34 is in relation to submitting to God and trusting in Him, something atheists do not do. It was not meant to just say "don't worry about tomorrow" (which would be worldly wisdom) but "trust in the Lord" which is Godly wisdom. I would argue that psychology says "trust in yourself" and the bible says "deny yourself", two viewpoints which are incompatible.

I would say counseling is good as long as it is biblical. Shouldn't everything center around the Lord and His word? If you talk to a counselor and they do not point you to the bible and Godly wisdom, the only other option is they are pointing you towards worldly wisdom. The bible says we have a heart issue, not a mental issue. Jeremiah 17:9-10.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Acts 17:10-12. I think everything needs to be tested against scripture.

Thanks for the discussion Adam, I appreciate you.

Brother Chris,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these important issues, and the scripture that you shared regarding the wealthy young man, who let his money and material wealth get in the way of his Salvation, again stated here below:

Matthew 9:21

21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

This scripture is so pertinent today, and hopefully very teachable! Many of us struggle with these same material issues! I confess to struggling with this myself, and pray that I can overcome this too! In addition to the money/materiel issues, if we turn our backs or ignore any of the other instructions that Jesus gives us in scripture, we are forewarned that we will suffer consequences.

As Christians we may have different interpretations of scripture but in the end we will all face the same judgement:

2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Striving to grow in Christ!

God Bless.

Dear Brother ChrisE,

Sorry to hear that you and your family have suffered with the covid, but also very glad to hear that you, and family members affected, have now recovered. We also praise God along with you for the healing.

I also believe that God created his children to have special talents, including the knowledge to use medicine to heal. God provides us with this knowledge to help ourselves as the following scripture mentions.

Revelation 22:2

"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

2 Kings 20:7

"And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."

Even Jesus acknowledges that we may need a physician:

Matthew 9:12

"But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."

We Praise God for your recovery, as God continues to use others, and methods (Physicians, pharmaceuticals) to help us in the healing our physical ailments.

God Bless.

John 11:25-26 KJV

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Precious friend, IMKane: "Paul seems to be saying there were TWO gospels." Yes, Biblically Correct! Note the following 'Dispensational' Differences Between God's TWO Gospels:

Part I Gospel of the kingdom =

Gospel of the circumcision ( Galatians 2:7; Acts 3:25-26; Genesis 17:9-14)

Preached by John, Jesus, and the 12 ( Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:5-8)

The Prophecy Program for the Jews ( Luke 1:32-33; Luke 3:19-26; Daniel 2:44; James 1:1)

Preaching of The Cross as historical ( Acts 2:23,36; Acts 3:14-15; Acts 5:30)

Gospel to be believed = Christ's Name ( Matthew 16:16; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13)

Salvation by faith and water baptism ( Mark 1-4; Mark 16:16; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38)

Justification without works is dead ( James 2:17; James 2:20; James 2:24; James 2:26)

Repentance emphasized along with faith ( Mark 1:15; Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19)

Reconciliation not mentioned.

Covers Matthew - Acts 8, then Tribulation ( Acts 3:19-21; Acts 8:12; Matthew 24:14)

Under The Law ( Matthew 5:17; Matthew 8:4; Matthew 23:2-3)

Good works will follow salvation ( Matthew 7:15-20; 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7,10)

Rightly Divided From ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":

Gospel Of GRACE

to be continued...

"Then He touched their eyes saying, According to your faith be it unto you." Jesus had just healed two blind men following him, crying for mercy from the Son of David. He asked them if they believed He was able, whereupon He said the famous verse above, Matthew 9:29.

Faith is key to receiving Jesus' gifts when walking with Him in the Spirit daily, simply by: doing your morning verse and prayer, then practicing goodness with the first two commandments through the day with prayer when you need strength or forgiveness, carrying zero guilt, having no wants, carrying the Shield of Faith at all times after rising in the morning because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Faith is key, "For we walk by Faith (in things eternal knowing we are saved), not by sight (the things we see here, the evil, and death). 2Cor5:7.

Getting Faith, or growing it daily is key. It's easy. Jesus and the apostles made it so easy for us with the Gospels. None of the early Christians had the benefit of the Word, though meeting Jesus in person would have been the bomb.

HERE IT IS: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Your morning verse and prayer alone will grow your faith. Practice walking in the Spirit all day, in faith, in prayer, loving a Creator we live and move and have our being in - that gave His only Son, Jesus, to be the sacrifice for us all, and He was perfect without blemish. We all here have committed sins against the Spirit in our monkey bodies sharing 99 and 84% DNA with chimps and dogs, resp.

So faith comes by hearing the Word of God, and I add reading it will suffice as well. The Word or Bible will grow you as you walk and your strength of faith will grow as well. He has shown the way - our Lord Jesus to get home to Heaven - John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no one cometh to the Father but by Me." And today's VOTD Matthew 17:20 is very special...faith!

In the flesh I have nothing good to offer my Lord. But the Scriptures show, guide, and remind me my shorts comings in order for me to be "right" before God.

I can under stand David's reluctance to correct Absalom for his actions. Maybe David believes that time will heal everything. Provers 29:15. Not realizing that in- action does not solve anything and makes it more difficult to correct future situations.

Because of our in-action in the past we have lost the privilege to pray, and read the Bible in our school and in public places. We are not allowed to invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ or quote Scripture in the public arena. Copies of the Ten Commandments can not be displayed in Public areas. Nativity scenes have been banned in many public areas.

In times past, our halls of justice and legislature echoed the Words of wisdom of our God in prayer in speeches, and discussions.

However, our God promises a return of His glory, and healing if we call on Him, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 15. Malachi 4:2; Matthew 9:35

Let us go forward as an Army of the Lord, in loving kindness reaching to all who are in need. 1 Corinthians 13 : 1-7.

God bless all the brethren in this time of affliction as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

July 2021.

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an EVANGELIST, make full proof of thy ministry.

John 9:4

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 5:17

But Jesus answered them, My Father works, and I work.

Mark 6:5

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Acts 21:8

...and we entered into the house of Philip the EVANGELIST, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

A "publisher of glad tidings;" a missionary preacher of the" "gospel ( Eph. 4:11). This title is applied to Philip ( Acts 21:8)," who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word "(8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had" "neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy," nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of "the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their" special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists.

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the FEET of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; see Rom. 10:15

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and BE READY always to GIVE AN ANSWER to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is IN YOU...

John Chapter 15

18 If the world hate you, ye know it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I HAVE CHOSEN YOU out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

20 ...If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Hello Tommy,

I believe in the first option you mentioned, because of the most Biblical support:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - These first two are clearly stated and would be hard to misinterpret, in my opinion.. Those who die are sleeping awaiting Jesus's return and judgment. But it says not all will sleep, some will be alive and meet Jesus immediately in the air.

Daniel 12:2

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Those who believe we go immediately to heaven rely on 2 key verses which in my opinion are misinterpreted.

1. "away from the body with the lord" - based on 2 Corinthians 5:8 and a commonly repeated phrase, but is fake news, because the Bible doesn't say that. Paul said he would "RATHER" be away from his body and with the Lord. It doesn't say in 100% of all cases and 100% of all scenarios 100% of the time if you die you are 100% of the time IMMEDIATELY with the Lord, regardless of anything and everything. It doesn't even come remotely close to saying that, but yet, that's the belief repeated perhaps because it gives people comfort, especially at funerals.

2. The other verse commonly cited as 'proof' of this belief is Jesus on the cross saying on this day you will be with me in paradise. Here's what Jesus didn't say- he didn't say you and 100% of all other people, 100% of the time, in any and all cases, regardless, will INSTANTLY be with me in heaven, and not even face judgment, despite me already saying all will be judged. Jesus didn't say that. God can do whatever He wants and make special exceptions for whomever He wants. It doesn't automatically mean every single action is a template rule for all of humanity. That would be a gross overinterpretation. Also... Jesus didn't say he would go to heaven with him. He said paradise, which may be different. It could be a waiting place where the dead sleep before Jesus returns and before judgment day. Something to think about.

The question I have is as follows:

Where in the bible can I find about death specifically....When we die do we wait in sleep until the world ends and then we are brought before God for judgement? or when we die do we have judgement and join god immediately after death? Reason for question is many say after a love one has passed, that he/she if with the Lord our God and looking down upon us now.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tommy Hill

Hello Christina,

Here are a couple verses for you: Matthew 8:16, Matthew 8:28-32, Matthew 9:32-33, Mark 1:23-26, Mark 1:34,

Mark 1:39, Mark 5:2-13, Mark 7:25-30, Luke 4:33-36, Luke 4:41, Luke 11:14.

Some may be of the same account just a different book.

God Bless.

You could also cite the many Scriptures that speak of those who fell down & worshipped Jesus. And this was not people doing obeisance to a 'mighty Prophet of God', but in recognition that this Holy One came from God & to be worshipped as they would God.

A few Scriptures: Matthew 2:10,11 (the magi from the East before the Babe). Matthew 8:2 (by a Leper). Matthew 9:18. Matthew 14:33. John 9:36-38. Acts 10:25,26 (an account where Peter refused the worship of Cornelius).

I always pray to the Father, but I find no reason why I can't pray to the Lord Jesus & glorify & worship Him also.

Verse 36-Jesus felt pity for those he preached to. He wanted to help them and he acted on that desire.

If you use the SEARCH BOX on this website, you will see for yourself what the Bible says about a/any subject. No matter denomination, persuasion: you rely on what the scriptures say.

LORD OF THE HARVEST

"For unsaved loved ones, it takes rock solid faith in Jesus (unmovable), to pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into the paths of your resistant relatives.

He arranges divine appointments for people to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

They, with the Father, CREATED all we see and know. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? In REVELATION there is a scene of Jesus with a sickle, reaping the Harvest.

Get in on this! Pray for these stubborn relatives, loved ones, belligerent teenagers; even the old, the drugged up; the angry at life, everybody! Even perfect strangers.

Christ-like Love should drive you to your knees, often if not every day. Budget one hour to do serious business in your prayer life. Pray for LABORERS TO BE SENT.

This is called, love and obedience to the known will of God. Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest. Sitting at the right hand of God, making intercession for all saints. Ask and receive. Keep your faith fixed on Jesus only.

PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.

" Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 13:30

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into MY BARN.

Matthew 13:39

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."

Joel 3:13

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.

Mark 4:29

Hello Nellie,

I hope that my reply will in some way help to answer your question. I can relate to your friend's belief system, as I too was once erroneously taught the same doctrine as a child. We were taught that going to the doctor for any reason showed a lack of faith and would ultimately result in being punished by God for our disobedience. I give thanks to God for opening my eyes years later and for giving me discernment to recognize false teachings.

To answer your question regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and/or receiving any other medical treatment is against God's Will, I would go to scripture (KJV). Matthew 9:12 says "But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." In other words, Jesus was saying that those who are in good have no reason to go and see a physician. Another point that could be illustrated is the fact that the apostle Luke was a physician. We as Christians should always maintain our faith in God, whether it be to give us strength during times of weakness, or healing during times of sickness. God gave man the wisdom to become a doctor in order to help those who are sick. Maintaining our faith is always essential to our Christian journey. When we go to the doctor for medical advice or treatment, we put not our trust solely in their knowledge, but rather put our trust in the Lord that He will give the doctor wisdom and guidance to treat us in a manner that will result in better health.

Hope this helps!

God Bless,

Andrew

In the 16th century it appears as "palsy," the form used in the King James Version. This, however, is seldom used at the present day, the Latinized Greek form "paralysis" being more frequently employed, both in modern literature and in colloquial English "Sick of the palsy" is the translation either of the adjective paralutikos or of the participle of the verb paraluomai. The disease is one characterized by extreme loss of the power of motion dependent on some affection either of the motor centers of the brain or of the spinal cord. It is always serious, usually intractable, and generally sudden in onset (1 Macc 9:55 f). Miraculous cures by our Lord are related in general terms, as in Matthew 4:24; Acts 8:7. Aeneas ( Acts 9:33) was probably a paralytic eight years bedridden. Though the Lord addressed the paralytic let down through the roof ( Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:3; Luke 5:18) as "son," it was not necessarily a proof that he was young, and though He prefaces the cure by declaring the forgiveness of sin, we need not infer that the disease was the result of an evil life, although it may have been. Bennett conjectures that the centurion's palsied servant grievously tormented was suffering from progressive paralysis with respiratory spasms (see PAIN). The substantive paralusis is only once used in the Septuagint in Ezekiel 21:10, but here it refers to the loosing of the sword, not to the disease.

Comment by Alexander Macalister

For unsaved loved ones, it takes rock solid faith in Jesus (unmovable), to pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into the paths of your resistant relatives.

He arranges divine appointments for people to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

They, with the Father, CREATED all we see and know. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? In REVELATION there is a scene of Jesus with a sickle, reaping the Harvest.

Get in on this! Pray for these stubborn relatives, loved ones, belligerent teenagers; even the old, the drugged up; the angry at life, everybody! Even perfect strangers.

Christ-like Love should drive you to your knees, often if not every day. Budget one hour to do serious business in your prayer life. Pray for LABORERS TO BE SENT.

This is called, love and obedience to the known will of God. Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest. Sitting at the right hand of God, making intercession for all saints. Ask and receive. Keep your faith fixed on Jesus only.

PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.

" Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 13:30

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into MY BARN.

Matthew 13:39

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."

Do it yourself and quit whining for others to do it for you. Faith Loves Wide. Turn off the worldly world and do some business with Jesus.

Mishael

The anti christ is a man . And there is a false prophet that exalts him .

The anti christ does many things before his image is be taken or death . So it will not be any mystery who he is before the mark or image is forced upon us all . The time of decision will be when the mark is forced , why cut your self short on speculation ?

Maybe going off grid is a good idea if you don't want it over by death . And can tough it out til the Lord comes . Some will survive to the very end .

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But whatever the future holds, as humans needing to maintain our basic needs for survival & happiness, we will generally have to fall into line with the status quo. How then the believer, who knows what the anti-christ or even anti-christian govts will require of us, interprets the law & then makes his choices, will become a very personal decision, which may even be in conflict with how other Christians view & decide on those issues.

The Bible forewarns us, so we're not in ignorance of the future. What form this mark takes, we're not told, but it would be another form of identification & giving access to things pertaining to life, so that every man, woman & child will be recognized as such. Most people would readily receive it as just another 'progression' for uniformity & order in society, but for the believer, it will be a mark that ultimately determines to whom our allegiance & worship is directed to.

If you are in fellowship with those who understand & warn others of this coming aspect of anti-christian compulsion by govts, then you have the support & encouragement to hold on to the Lord & face the consequences. I pity those believers in ignorance or weak in faith who would easily succumb, rather giving in to their need for survival than to their need to wholly love the Lord & obey Him only. Could we even anticipate, in that coming day, that communes of believers would live together & maintain separation from society for as long as possible, praying & waiting for the Lord's return? We might resemble the early Church who huddled together as Saul & his murderous horde sought them out. There'll be strength & joy from the Spirit of God to face all our circumstances.

Page 1.

Hi Norman, I think that the questions you have asked & the things you have been mulling over, have also been our thoughts at one time or another. It is my sense, that those who continue to read & study the Word of God will always be sensitive to what God's Will is for them & how to understand the things that happen around them. As believers, we are no longer of this world, neither its citizens, so that immediately takes our perspective of life now & in the future to a whole different plane, as we continually measure ourselves to biblical warrants & behaviours, both now & in the future.

That said & knowing human inclination to question things or rebel against introduction of things foreign to our way of life, I feel that all that will be introduced to us (as in the past also), will have a cumulative effect on us to make us more accepting of these things, believing them to be the natural order. True, someone or a govt can rise up & make an outrageous demand upon us & we have to accept it or else suffer penalty, or those same entities can use existing, accepted norms to bring out a more demanding ruling/law that makes it much easier for us to accept & adhere to.

Some of the things we have now, e.g. the credit card, eye/finger print scans at airports, tracking bracelets or inserts, plethora of cameras in our cities, the many agencies (both govt & private) that exchange & store information on almost every aspect of our existence, etc., are all readily accepted by the greater population (though some of us have grave concerns). I see that it won't take much more change to existing apparatus to bring in the 'pressing' need for a mark or common identifier on people so that 'better management & security can be afforded to the people'.

The point is: at what stage do we refuse to go further with such demands upon us? To that end, few refuse to use a credit card, travel by airplanes, the internet, etc. trying for as long as possible to keep themselves 'invisible'.

I am a very strong believer but I am concerned about this. When the end of time comes how are we to know what to do and the right things to do like the mark and how to do all the right things? Like the mark of the beast, does everyone get the mark or who does and how to know what all the right things are to do? The reason I ask this is it looks like it is going to be like we have never seen or ever will and I want to make sure I do all the right things when the time comes. Thanks you.

I'm not ashamed of my party affiliation. If the other parties supported Gods views on sin and righteousness, I would consider their platforms fairly.

Every election it's always the same: abortion takes center stage in issues. It helps us to to choose life for all Americans.

In Old Testament cultures, some people chose to sacrifice their children to the heathen god, Moloch. In times of severe famine, they ate their children. I find that extremely hideous. But for the Grace of God, let's follow Gods blessings of obedience. I'm not ever going to be in favor of anyone that disrespects human decency.

I suggest everyone Search this website for words: Moloch and Nicolaitans.

Ezekiel 3:19

Maybe Ostrich or Peacocks?

Job:13-18, Seems to me to speak of maternal abandonment. Being lifted up with pride? Sounds like pro-choice to me?

Anybody else? Comment?

I don't pick and choose what I believe from the Bible. I accept what it says. I am being conformed into the image of Christ.

Thank You Chris for reply: Didn't think much before about it till reading the Jesus saw a man. Matt. 9 / trying to concentrate reading. I know inspired writing of the Holy Spirit. Matt. wrote the book, the Lord speaking. Always the greatest love letter ever, wrote to the world.

Interestingly, authors sometimes use the 'third person' rather than the 'first person' nouns or pronouns. We can see it in Numbers 12:1-4 when Moses uses it in his writing. Also, John 13:23, John was speaking about himself as the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Jeremiah 1:1: "The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah" but in Jeremiah 2:1, he says "the Word of the Lord came to me". And Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:2, "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago", referring to himself.

So, it's not unusual for authors to write in the first or third person, but the reason they do it can be varied. Maybe, they prefer that style, or to keep the focus on another in some special context, or even to avoid being too forward in their writing by using the first person pronoun. And then again, these same authors can revert to the first person elsewhere, so we can't judge them without knowing their purpose for doing so but as long as we can understand & appreciate the message they gave.

Matthew 9:9 If Matthew wrote the book of Matthew, Then why does it not speak the words as him being the writer. Jesus saw a man. And said unto him. ????