Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19Isaiah 46:10Psalm 33:11Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
"But the importance is that everybody must settle it in their own hearts and minds about who Jesus is." So true. This has been discussed I think most know my understanding on this.
Was He just a great man? 1 Timothy 2:5Numbers 23:19 1 Hosea 11:19 Corinthians 15:21-22 Was He just a great teacher? John 3:2 Was He a great healer? Luke 4:18-19 Was He a prophet? Deuteronomy 18:18 Was He the brother of Satan? No, He is the only begotten Son, John 3:161 John 4:14. Was He Michael the archangel? No, Hebrews 1:5. Or was He God in the flesh? 1 Timothy 3:16 manifest, (make clear, make known) John 5:19. Did Peter give the right answer? Yes.
This doctrine was developed almost 400 years after Jesus's crucifixion, today in Christianity salvation is dependent on the belief in the Trinity doctrine. If that is true. Why is it not taught anywhere in the New Testament?
If Jesus is God why would God have to anoint Him with His Spirit? Did Jesus do the works and the miracles or did God the Father by His Spirit/Holy Spirit? Is salvation at the mercy of the belief in the Trinity doctrine? Did Jesus say the Father was His God? Could God fulfill the law that was made for man? Did God give Himself or His Son that we would not perish? If we say Jesus is God, do we deny the Son?
Jesus said this, John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
Balak must have acknowledged that YHWH had the authority in this situation, even above himself.
Balaam's parable was that God cannot lie, for He is not a man, a created being, and He never sins, like all humans. Vs. 19 goes on to say that Balaam says that God is true to His word. Whatever He has spoken, He will do it.
Vs. 20-21 Balaam tells Balak that he has received a commandment from God to bless Israel, and He hath blessed Israel. This blessing cannot be reversed. God does not hold Jacob's sin against him because He has given Israel the means to have their sins forgiven and that the LORD is with Israel, bot against him. Balaam also says that the shout of a king is among them. I think that this is prophetic, concerning the Messiah King to come (Jesus Christ) who will bring salvation and forgiveness to Israel.
Balaam attests to the fact that it was the LORD who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, saying that he has the strength of an unicorn. Is Balaam speaking of Israel having this strength or the LORD?
Vs, 23 Israel does not possess any of these blessings through enchantment or from divination. but all has been wrought by YHWH and this is what will be proclaimed about the Jacob/Israel.
Balaam then goes on to say that Israel will drink the blood of the slain like a lion. This does not mean that the Israelites will actually drink blood as they are prohibited in the Law from doing so. It is just saying that, like a lion, Israel will totally destroy the enemies.
Balak tells Balaam to either curse Israel nor not bless them at all. Balaam answers, reminding Balak that he told Balak that he must only say all that the LORD tells him to speak concerning Israel.
So Balak again, takes Balaam to another mountain top, Peor. Balaam again says to build seven altars to sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams. Balak thinks that perhaps this time. YHWH will allow Balaam to curse Israel. So now this is the fourth mountain (high place of Baal). cont. pt. 4
Oops I meant to say that Balaam went to a place to be alone.
YHWH put in Balaam's mouth the words He willed for Balaam to speak. And then Balaam left to see Balak. Whether God spoke the words He wanted Balaam to say or if He placed them in Balaam's mind, we just don't know.
When Balaam came before Balak and the princes of Moab, he spoke the words that God put in him. He used his office as a prophet of YHWH to pronounce a blessing upon Israel.
"How can I curse, whom God has not cursed? or defile those God has not defiled?
Vs. 9 is a bit confusing: "From the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations."
Is Balaam speaking of the LORD as to whom he sees or the Israel? The rest of the verse is definitely about Israel. As God's chosen people, Israel will be set apart as "holy unto the LORD" and not mingle with the other nations of the land promised to them.
Vs. 10 Balaam hopes to die a righteous death like Jacob did. In this verse, Balaam definitely desires to have the favor of God as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did, so he must have had knowledge of them and their faith and that it was counted to them as righteousness.
Balak questions why Balaam did not curse Israel. Balaam's reply was that he must take heed of and speak what the LORD had put in him to speak.
So Balak takes Balaam to another mountain, a high place of Baal, so that Balaam can see the encampment of Israel, most of it except the utmost part of it. So some of the people were out of the sight of the place where they went, Mt. Pisgah. Again, seven altars are built and seven bulls and seven rams are sacrificed there. Again Balaam tells Balak to stay by the sacrifice as he goes off to meet the LORD off yonder. And again the LORD meets Balaam and gives him the words he is to say to Balak. Balak asks:
What has the LORD spoken?" So, it seems that Balak acknowledges the God of Balaam. cont. Pt 3
Balak left to a place to be alone hoping that the LORD would come to meet with him. This must have happened often with Balaam, but he stated that "peradventure" the LORD would come to him. So, most likely, even though Balaam had a practice of going to a place to be alone to seek God's presence, God may not have always come to him, but did so often enough for Balaam to hope for it to occur.
When YHWH did appear to Balaam and Balaam spoke of preparing seven altars and the sacrifices for Him, YHWH did not reprimand Balaam's way of sacrificing to Him.
In Job 42:8 seven bulls and seven rams were offered to YHWH by Job after having his amazing and life-changing encounter and conversation with YHWH. Job sacrificed on behalf of his "counselors" having forgiven them for their mis-counsel and asking YHWH to forgive them, also. In Numbers 23, Balaam also asks that seven bulls and seven rams be offered to YHWH on the high places where Balak took him to curse Israel. Unlike Job, Balaam asked for seven different altars instead of just one. Perhaps this was to have all sacrificed at the same time. Maybe it was a custom to do so among those who followed YHWH, or maybe having seven altars was the practice of the pagans when they sacrificed to multiple idols. We really don't know why Balaam asked for seven altars, but we do know that the number seven is so often referred to in Scripture and may therefore be a number to symbolize perfection of completeness or a reverend way to honor God.
In Nu. 22:40, Balak offered oxen and sheep on the high place before he sent for Balaam. So apparently, offering oxen and sheep was common for the Moabites (descendants of Lot) also. The next day (vs. 41) Balak took Balaam and took him up to the high places of Baal in order to view the Israelites camped below. We do not know if Balak worshipped Baal or not, but it seems so, but maybe most of the mountains in the area were places where altars were set up to sacrifice to Baal and so, in order to view the encampment one needed to go to a mountain which happened to be a place of Baal worship, as vs, 41 seems to imply.
Num. 23:1 When both Balaam and Balak were on this high place, Balaam asks for seven altars to be built and seven bullocks and seven rams to be brought to him on the mountain to be sacrificed. Balak did as Balaam asked. It was Balaam who did the sacrificing, but it was not to Baal, but YHWH. Balaam asked Balak to stand by the sacrifice. ..... cont. Pt. 3
At the end of Chapter 22, Balaam arrives before Balak. Balak takes Balaam to the top of a mountain (a high place where pagans sacrificed to idols) in order for Balaam to overlook the camp of the Israelites and consider how to curse them. However, Balaam tells Balak that he can only say what YHWH tells him to say concerning Israel. Balaam seems to know that God is all-powerful and can strike him dead if he does not speak for Him in this situation. Balaam seems to have some fear of YHWH along with his belief in Him. It is most likely that Balaam had enough knowledge of YHWH and relationship with YHWH to worship Him and be used by YHWH as a prophet. Balaam's faith in YHWH was very incomplete and lacking many things that Abraham had in his faith in YHWH.
This chapter speaks of Balaam being called by Balak from his home country in Aram, which is where Haran was located. Nahor, Laban, Rebekkah, Leah, and Rachel all were from Aram which is in northeast Syria near the eastern tributary of the Euphrates.
With the contact of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with these relatives, it is likely that there was knowledge of YHWH taught from generation to generation. Balaam was obviously a prophet of YHWH just as Jethro was a priest of YHWH. Midianites were descended from the son of Abraham and Keturah. Abraham must have passed his belief of YHWH to this and the others sons of Keturah, so their descendants would also have faith in YHWH. It is apparent that God calls people from peoples that are not Israelites and communicates with them by appearing to them as He did to Moses. Balaam was among those related to the family of Abraham who was blessed with faith and knowledge of YHWH and with a prophetic voice and perhaps miraculous powers. He was blessed with speaking directly with YHWH. But it seems that, like the Israelites, Balaam was also influenced by the pagan beliefs and practices of those around him. Syncretism was so easily applied to one's faith. cont. Pt. 2
I firmly believe that Scripture states unequivocally that God is the same, today, yesterday, and forever (Heb, 13:8; 1:12; Ps. 102:27). This means that He never changes in any way. Scripture also says that He has all wisdom and knowledge that is to be known. I believe that God is omniscient (all-knowing) without every gaining knowledge or forgetting anything. If he could gain or lose knowledge, then this would indicate a change in Him, but the Scriptures say that He never changes.
When the Scriptures elsewhere speak of God repenting, they are talking about His grieving in real time (from man's perspective). But in eternity, God always has known of how wicked mankind would become and that He always will be grieved by it. The Scriptures do not say that God is surprised by any situation, decision, nor actions of mankind. We, in our limitedness and fallenness can speculate that He must be taken by surprise because we would be.
Hammer, I am glad that you responded to me. I have given you my response and I know that my belief aligns with Scripture and the consistent teaching of the church over the centuries. You are free to think your own way, but I always try to remember when something in Scriptures perplexes me that "there is a way that seems right to a man ( Pr. 14:12) but its end is the way of death." So, therefore, I study to know the God and His nature more thoroughly so that I can hold my perplexing thoughts up to what I know is true of God.
We now see a 'converted' Balaam, one who goes to the Lord to receive His Word & then speaks it with boldness, even to a king who has the power to take his life in an instant. When once he thought he could make gain by getting God to change His Mind, Balaam now learned to heed every Word of God & to declare it without fear or shame.
The lesson: For us as well, when we know God's Word & what His Spirit directs us to do, we must not fail to heed it and do it. God will be pleased, we will be blessed, and those who stand in opposition against us will one day know the word brought to them is of the Lord & He will indeed bring it to pass. And they need to heed it & not be foolish & resistant like Balak.
In this chapter, we see a changed Balaam, one who confidently gave God's Word to Balak & brought it out in a series of parables (actually, poems). Balak tried hard to convince Balaam to bless Moab, but each time was given a clear Word from the Lord. As Balaam said, "All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do." ( Numbers 23:26); we see a very different Balaam now.
Encouragement from the Streetpreacher - 2 years ago
Some Christians manifest a different kind of flip-flop. It's a flip-flopping lifestyle. These are called flip-flopping saints.
Sadly, flip-flopping is the kind of action that negatively affects their walk with God. This kind of flip-flopping is a change of mind. It's a decision to reverse an earlier decision. Flip-flopping faith seems common among some who say they believe God one day but easily change their minds the next.
Apostle James wrote about flip-flopping Faith. He said, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" ( James 1:8). A double-minded man is someone that believes today but changes his mind tomorrow. This is the flip-flopping saint that can't be trusted. He is double-minded. He is not dependable, breaks rank, is lukewarm, and doesn't keep his word. The Holy Spirit says this person is unstable and double-minded. You should be careful around such a person.
Abraham refused to walk in flip-flopping faith. The Bible says, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform" ( Romans 4:20-21).
Flip-floppers can never please God. Remember, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Don't let the seed of God's word fall on hard ground. Build your house on the rock. Scripture declares, "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred" ( Mark 4:20). God rewards steadfastness.
Watch your walk. As already said, be careful around flip-flopping faith. Stagger not in unbelief but give glory to God. Think about this. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" ( Numbers 23:19)
Listen to this song: "Lay Down This World" by Darrell Mansfield
I feel there is a significant detail that is possibly a detail that the LORD wants to show you. You may want to independent research about lions. I would be interested in what you find relating to what the LORD shows you!
Psalms 91, lions Psalms 91:13,
1st I must thank you, Thanks for bringing me back to this Psalms it's Powerful & encouraging!
Hear are more scriptures on lions within the scripture. Several of GOD's people were delivered from lions.
I understand it to mean, any lion just incase we question "what about a young one". Here's a scripture about "._._.an old lion,who shall rouse him up?' Genesis 49:9,
Young lion : Numbers 23:24,
these also mention a difference between: Job 4:8-21, Job 28:8, Job 38:39, Psalms 17:12, Isaiah 30:6, Isaiah 31:4,
Ezekiel 19:3, Amos 3:4, Micah 5:8,
Victory from lions : Judges 14, 1Samuel 17:34,36, 2Timothy 4:17, Daniel 6,
But also used against a Prophet that disobeyed GOD's specific orders : 1Kings 13,
In the Old Testament ( Numbers 22-24) when the Israelites were about to enter Hanan the king of Moab Balaam asked the prophet Balam to curce them for him. Balam told him that he will pray to God and what God tells him that he will do.
This is what God said to Balam: (amongst other)
Numbers 23:23 " Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel..."
Numbers 24:9 " ... Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee."
If that was true for Israel at that time, then how much more that is true now in NT that we have Jesus Christ's Blood as a shield against evil things? Didn't Jesus said that we have authority on satan? Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you"
The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram. And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.
Genesis 22:21
Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,
Numbers 23:7
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. [Moab is east of Israel]
1 Chronicles 1:17
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
1 Chronicles 2:23
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
1 Chronicles 7:34
And the sons of Shamer; Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.
Matthew 1:3-4
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
Luke 3:33
Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Aram also known as Aramea, was a historical region including several Aramean kingdoms covering much of the present-day Syria, southeastern Turkey, and parts of Lebanon and Iraq
Aram, Ancient country, Middle East, southwestern Asia. It extended eastward from the Anti-Lebanon Mountains to beyond the Euphrates River.
So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory. Some time later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria.
Today it's part of Syria Jordan Israel Lebanon.
You'll have to Google ancient Bible Maps to see the areas described.
Tom, The word of God is a parable. The Spirit of Christ wrote the Bible.
Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (the words) of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus to the multitudes in parables, and without a parable spake he not into them.
Numbers 23:7 And he took up this PARABLE ....
Numbers 23:18 And he took up this PARABLE .....
Numbers 24:20-21 ...and he took up his parable ....
Job 27:1 Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Job 29: Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....
Ezekiel 17:2 ... and speak a parable ...
Ezekiel 24:3 ..... utter a parable .....
Micah 2:4 ..... take up a parable .....
Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all take up a parable against him .....
Know this is what happens when you don't BELIEVE GOD when he says he speaks in parables.
Proverbs 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal, SO IS A PARABLE IN THE MOUTH OF FOOLS.
Heaven is a parable of the place GOD LIVES.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....CHRIST IN YOU .....GOD LIVES IN MAN
The angle of the Lord is a ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) the angle of the Lord is GOD, therefore that ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is planting his SEED (inpregenating) man with TRUTH AND LIFE; creating man in the IMAGE OF GOD.
YES, ANGLES (MEN, that has left this body of flesh, and BECOME ministering spirits being BORN AGAIN (FATHER by the HOLY GHOST) and ONE WITH CHRIST are inpregenating creation with the SEED OF GOD.
Genesis 1:26, "let them" & please note "dominion over fish of the Sea" so why would he put 1 man 1 woman into a garden HE made after HE told them to take dominion? If you read with Wisdom from GOD as given by asking GOD: James 1:5, You will find GOD is the same yesterday today & forever, Hebrews 13:8, Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2, GOD does not lie nor tempt people to sin: James 1:13, 1Samuel 15:29, never said that was ok, it's contrary: Leviticus 20:17, Therefore understanding GOD's nature read again. Genesis 1:26-29, Genesis 2:7-8, Notice there is distinction between formed here. The Garden may be representative of the Church notice also the command given to the 'man Gen 1:27-28, yet this man was left alone, Gen 2:15-23, Explain Gen 4:14-25, without other people. Please also ask yourself honestly: would parents actually give a daughter to a murderer? It really takes more fake faith to believe the lies of perversion! Those lies have no scripture support!
2Thessalonians 2:10-12, Colossians 2:8, Even to the ' religious authority ' Jesus had to rebuke: John 8:44,
Keep reading The WORD, keep seeking truth GOD loves those that seek HIM Deuteronomy 4:29, 3John 1:3, John 17:17, Zechariah 8:16,
Hopefully these are helpful in your searching for truth
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
Titus 1:2 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
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The Bible says to trust Him, and not lean on our own understanding of how things should happen, or if certain promises should have applied to him, but didn't:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
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Only God knows the "hidden things of darkness" in the hearts of men (we can't know everything):
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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And God's thoughts and judgements are infinitely higher than ours:
Isaiah 55:6-9 - 6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
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The Bible also shows us there are things that can shorten our lives - I obviously don't know if this specific verse applies, but as an example, having certain things in his heart and actions (even if it's not this particular verse) wouldn't be honoring the parents who raised him:
Psalms 55:23
"But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee."
Hi Robin. The unicorn is a mythological beast, depicted as a horse with a horn from its forehead. However, in the Bible, the references to unicorn are commonly understood to be a wild ox (Hebrew: reem), which was known for its strength. Now, whether there is a wild ox, past or present, having a horn, or whether a rhinocerous is inferred, can only be a guess. Numbers 23:22 speaks of the unicorn's strength; Psalm 92:10: having a horn. So, clearly this was a strong savage beast & probably one that couldn't be domesticated (see Job 39:10: such an animal couldn't be used for ploughing & field work, such was its nature & strength).
Indeed Lighton, a verse with those words would be difficult to find. The only ones that could come a little close are found in: Numbers 23:19 (where the word 'repent', would be 'a change of mind or relent'); 1 Samuel 15:29 (the same Hebrew word is used here as well); Isaiah 49:15 (where the "woman" signifies humankind (of the flesh) who might even forget their nursing children, but God would never). I realize that none of these fit perfectly to what you're seeking - maybe you'll get some other suggestions.
I never looked at it like that, I guess one can say Christianity is not a religion but when man adds his belief systems or efforts to establish his contribution to this grace, Suddenly he has fallen from Grace and put himself under a religion.
In this case I believe the first act religion is when Adam and Eve tried to Clothe themselves.
Also Abraham and Sarah showed an act of religion when they agreed to have a child by Sarah's handmaid, for the heir, when the heir was supposed to come by promise. I believe When you try to add to the Grace of God by adding some man made condition you put yourself under a religion and have fallen from grace.
To me, everyone has a religion, because everyone holds certain beliefs to explain their worldview on life. Atheism is a religion too and atheists believe certain things to explain why they think they exist. Political ideologies are some people's religion, for example some hold their faith and hope in is government. Some will censor, edit, gaslight to try to make their belief seem believable and true. People throughout history have made up and worshipped false gods, so people inventing a belief system as their own twisted religion isn't anything new. Christianity is a religion. Some seem to hold a negative connotation towards that word and assume it only means works, but I don't buy into that. If you look up the word religion in the dictionary Christianity fits the definition exactly, and everyone else has a religion (belief system) too, even if they say they don't.
Glenn I've always considered religion as mans way of getting to God works ,works,works, Jesus Christ was God way of Getting the Family a Father wanted Grace,Grace,Grace. It's interesting that the first time in the scripture that God is called a Father is by Jesus Christ, from what i've seen. Best definition I've ever heard of grace was divine unmerited favour God to man.
Hi Dianne ,.. thank you,.. although I think dominations means divisions, an of course our father loves all his children, so I'm a Christian, an old school values,.. for Christianity is not a religion, it's a reality
Part two
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19 Isaiah 46:10 Psalm 33:11 Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
God bless,
RLW
"But the importance is that everybody must settle it in their own hearts and minds about who Jesus is." So true. This has been discussed I think most know my understanding on this.
Was He just a great man? 1 Timothy 2:5 Numbers 23:19 1 Hosea 11:19 Corinthians 15:21-22 Was He just a great teacher? John 3:2 Was He a great healer? Luke 4:18-19 Was He a prophet? Deuteronomy 18:18 Was He the brother of Satan? No, He is the only begotten Son, John 3:16 1 John 4:14. Was He Michael the archangel? No, Hebrews 1:5. Or was He God in the flesh? 1 Timothy 3:16 manifest, (make clear, make known) John 5:19. Did Peter give the right answer? Yes.
This doctrine was developed almost 400 years after Jesus's crucifixion, today in Christianity salvation is dependent on the belief in the Trinity doctrine. If that is true. Why is it not taught anywhere in the New Testament?
If Jesus is God why would God have to anoint Him with His Spirit? Did Jesus do the works and the miracles or did God the Father by His Spirit/Holy Spirit? Is salvation at the mercy of the belief in the Trinity doctrine? Did Jesus say the Father was His God? Could God fulfill the law that was made for man? Did God give Himself or His Son that we would not perish? If we say Jesus is God, do we deny the Son?
Jesus said this, John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Acts 4:12 God bless,
RLW
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
See Part 2.
Balak must have acknowledged that YHWH had the authority in this situation, even above himself.
Balaam's parable was that God cannot lie, for He is not a man, a created being, and He never sins, like all humans. Vs. 19 goes on to say that Balaam says that God is true to His word. Whatever He has spoken, He will do it.
Vs. 20-21 Balaam tells Balak that he has received a commandment from God to bless Israel, and He hath blessed Israel. This blessing cannot be reversed. God does not hold Jacob's sin against him because He has given Israel the means to have their sins forgiven and that the LORD is with Israel, bot against him. Balaam also says that the shout of a king is among them. I think that this is prophetic, concerning the Messiah King to come (Jesus Christ) who will bring salvation and forgiveness to Israel.
Balaam attests to the fact that it was the LORD who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, saying that he has the strength of an unicorn. Is Balaam speaking of Israel having this strength or the LORD?
Vs, 23 Israel does not possess any of these blessings through enchantment or from divination. but all has been wrought by YHWH and this is what will be proclaimed about the Jacob/Israel.
Balaam then goes on to say that Israel will drink the blood of the slain like a lion. This does not mean that the Israelites will actually drink blood as they are prohibited in the Law from doing so. It is just saying that, like a lion, Israel will totally destroy the enemies.
Balak tells Balaam to either curse Israel nor not bless them at all. Balaam answers, reminding Balak that he told Balak that he must only say all that the LORD tells him to speak concerning Israel.
So Balak again, takes Balaam to another mountain top, Peor. Balaam again says to build seven altars to sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams. Balak thinks that perhaps this time. YHWH will allow Balaam to curse Israel. So now this is the fourth mountain (high place of Baal). cont. pt. 4
Oops I meant to say that Balaam went to a place to be alone.
YHWH put in Balaam's mouth the words He willed for Balaam to speak. And then Balaam left to see Balak. Whether God spoke the words He wanted Balaam to say or if He placed them in Balaam's mind, we just don't know.
When Balaam came before Balak and the princes of Moab, he spoke the words that God put in him. He used his office as a prophet of YHWH to pronounce a blessing upon Israel.
"How can I curse, whom God has not cursed? or defile those God has not defiled?
Vs. 9 is a bit confusing: "From the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations."
Is Balaam speaking of the LORD as to whom he sees or the Israel? The rest of the verse is definitely about Israel. As God's chosen people, Israel will be set apart as "holy unto the LORD" and not mingle with the other nations of the land promised to them.
Vs. 10 Balaam hopes to die a righteous death like Jacob did. In this verse, Balaam definitely desires to have the favor of God as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did, so he must have had knowledge of them and their faith and that it was counted to them as righteousness.
Balak questions why Balaam did not curse Israel. Balaam's reply was that he must take heed of and speak what the LORD had put in him to speak.
So Balak takes Balaam to another mountain, a high place of Baal, so that Balaam can see the encampment of Israel, most of it except the utmost part of it. So some of the people were out of the sight of the place where they went, Mt. Pisgah. Again, seven altars are built and seven bulls and seven rams are sacrificed there. Again Balaam tells Balak to stay by the sacrifice as he goes off to meet the LORD off yonder. And again the LORD meets Balaam and gives him the words he is to say to Balak. Balak asks:
What has the LORD spoken?" So, it seems that Balak acknowledges the God of Balaam. cont. Pt 3
Cont...
Balak left to a place to be alone hoping that the LORD would come to meet with him. This must have happened often with Balaam, but he stated that "peradventure" the LORD would come to him. So, most likely, even though Balaam had a practice of going to a place to be alone to seek God's presence, God may not have always come to him, but did so often enough for Balaam to hope for it to occur.
When YHWH did appear to Balaam and Balaam spoke of preparing seven altars and the sacrifices for Him, YHWH did not reprimand Balaam's way of sacrificing to Him.
to be continued.. got to break away for a time.
Continued...
In Job 42:8 seven bulls and seven rams were offered to YHWH by Job after having his amazing and life-changing encounter and conversation with YHWH. Job sacrificed on behalf of his "counselors" having forgiven them for their mis-counsel and asking YHWH to forgive them, also. In Numbers 23, Balaam also asks that seven bulls and seven rams be offered to YHWH on the high places where Balak took him to curse Israel. Unlike Job, Balaam asked for seven different altars instead of just one. Perhaps this was to have all sacrificed at the same time. Maybe it was a custom to do so among those who followed YHWH, or maybe having seven altars was the practice of the pagans when they sacrificed to multiple idols. We really don't know why Balaam asked for seven altars, but we do know that the number seven is so often referred to in Scripture and may therefore be a number to symbolize perfection of completeness or a reverend way to honor God.
In Nu. 22:40, Balak offered oxen and sheep on the high place before he sent for Balaam. So apparently, offering oxen and sheep was common for the Moabites (descendants of Lot) also. The next day (vs. 41) Balak took Balaam and took him up to the high places of Baal in order to view the Israelites camped below. We do not know if Balak worshipped Baal or not, but it seems so, but maybe most of the mountains in the area were places where altars were set up to sacrifice to Baal and so, in order to view the encampment one needed to go to a mountain which happened to be a place of Baal worship, as vs, 41 seems to imply.
Num. 23:1 When both Balaam and Balak were on this high place, Balaam asks for seven altars to be built and seven bullocks and seven rams to be brought to him on the mountain to be sacrificed. Balak did as Balaam asked. It was Balaam who did the sacrificing, but it was not to Baal, but YHWH. Balaam asked Balak to stand by the sacrifice. ..... cont. Pt. 3
At the end of Chapter 22, Balaam arrives before Balak. Balak takes Balaam to the top of a mountain (a high place where pagans sacrificed to idols) in order for Balaam to overlook the camp of the Israelites and consider how to curse them. However, Balaam tells Balak that he can only say what YHWH tells him to say concerning Israel. Balaam seems to know that God is all-powerful and can strike him dead if he does not speak for Him in this situation. Balaam seems to have some fear of YHWH along with his belief in Him. It is most likely that Balaam had enough knowledge of YHWH and relationship with YHWH to worship Him and be used by YHWH as a prophet. Balaam's faith in YHWH was very incomplete and lacking many things that Abraham had in his faith in YHWH.
This chapter speaks of Balaam being called by Balak from his home country in Aram, which is where Haran was located. Nahor, Laban, Rebekkah, Leah, and Rachel all were from Aram which is in northeast Syria near the eastern tributary of the Euphrates.
With the contact of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with these relatives, it is likely that there was knowledge of YHWH taught from generation to generation. Balaam was obviously a prophet of YHWH just as Jethro was a priest of YHWH. Midianites were descended from the son of Abraham and Keturah. Abraham must have passed his belief of YHWH to this and the others sons of Keturah, so their descendants would also have faith in YHWH. It is apparent that God calls people from peoples that are not Israelites and communicates with them by appearing to them as He did to Moses. Balaam was among those related to the family of Abraham who was blessed with faith and knowledge of YHWH and with a prophetic voice and perhaps miraculous powers. He was blessed with speaking directly with YHWH. But it seems that, like the Israelites, Balaam was also influenced by the pagan beliefs and practices of those around him. Syncretism was so easily applied to one's faith. cont. Pt. 2
In these passages Scripture speaks of God not changing His mind or changing.
Numbers 23:19 1Sam. 15:29. Ps. 110:4 Mal. 3:6
In these passages Scripture speaks of God's knowledge of man's hearts, thoughts, actions, and history.
Mt. 12:25 John 2:24 1 Kings 8:39 Ps. 139:1 Ps. 94;!0 Is. 40:14 Is.46:10 1 Sam. 2:3 Mt. 6:8 Lk. 16:13
I firmly believe that Scripture states unequivocally that God is the same, today, yesterday, and forever (Heb, 13:8; 1:12; Ps. 102:27). This means that He never changes in any way. Scripture also says that He has all wisdom and knowledge that is to be known. I believe that God is omniscient (all-knowing) without every gaining knowledge or forgetting anything. If he could gain or lose knowledge, then this would indicate a change in Him, but the Scriptures say that He never changes.
When the Scriptures elsewhere speak of God repenting, they are talking about His grieving in real time (from man's perspective). But in eternity, God always has known of how wicked mankind would become and that He always will be grieved by it. The Scriptures do not say that God is surprised by any situation, decision, nor actions of mankind. We, in our limitedness and fallenness can speculate that He must be taken by surprise because we would be.
Hammer, I am glad that you responded to me. I have given you my response and I know that my belief aligns with Scripture and the consistent teaching of the church over the centuries. You are free to think your own way, but I always try to remember when something in Scriptures perplexes me that "there is a way that seems right to a man ( Pr. 14:12) but its end is the way of death." So, therefore, I study to know the God and His nature more thoroughly so that I can hold my perplexing thoughts up to what I know is true of God.
We now see a 'converted' Balaam, one who goes to the Lord to receive His Word & then speaks it with boldness, even to a king who has the power to take his life in an instant. When once he thought he could make gain by getting God to change His Mind, Balaam now learned to heed every Word of God & to declare it without fear or shame.
The lesson: For us as well, when we know God's Word & what His Spirit directs us to do, we must not fail to heed it and do it. God will be pleased, we will be blessed, and those who stand in opposition against us will one day know the word brought to them is of the Lord & He will indeed bring it to pass. And they need to heed it & not be foolish & resistant like Balak.
In this chapter, we see a changed Balaam, one who confidently gave God's Word to Balak & brought it out in a series of parables (actually, poems). Balak tried hard to convince Balaam to bless Moab, but each time was given a clear Word from the Lord. As Balaam said, "All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do." ( Numbers 23:26); we see a very different Balaam now.
Hopefully these are helpful
Sadly, flip-flopping is the kind of action that negatively affects their walk with God. This kind of flip-flopping is a change of mind. It's a decision to reverse an earlier decision. Flip-flopping faith seems common among some who say they believe God one day but easily change their minds the next.
Apostle James wrote about flip-flopping Faith. He said, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" ( James 1:8). A double-minded man is someone that believes today but changes his mind tomorrow. This is the flip-flopping saint that can't be trusted. He is double-minded. He is not dependable, breaks rank, is lukewarm, and doesn't keep his word. The Holy Spirit says this person is unstable and double-minded. You should be careful around such a person.
Abraham refused to walk in flip-flopping faith. The Bible says, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform" ( Romans 4:20-21).
Flip-floppers can never please God. Remember, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Don't let the seed of God's word fall on hard ground. Build your house on the rock. Scripture declares, "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred" ( Mark 4:20). God rewards steadfastness.
Watch your walk. As already said, be careful around flip-flopping faith. Stagger not in unbelief but give glory to God. Think about this. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" ( Numbers 23:19)
Listen to this song: "Lay Down This World" by Darrell Mansfield
Psalms 91, lions Psalms 91:13,
1st I must thank you, Thanks for bringing me back to this Psalms it's Powerful & encouraging!
Hear are more scriptures on lions within the scripture. Several of GOD's people were delivered from lions.
I understand it to mean, any lion just incase we question "what about a young one". Here's a scripture about "._._.an old lion,who shall rouse him up?' Genesis 49:9,
Young lion : Numbers 23:24,
these also mention a difference between: Job 4:8-21, Job 28:8, Job 38:39, Psalms 17:12, Isaiah 30:6, Isaiah 31:4,
Ezekiel 19:3, Amos 3:4, Micah 5:8,
Victory from lions : Judges 14, 1Samuel 17:34,36, 2Timothy 4:17, Daniel 6,
But also used against a Prophet that disobeyed GOD's specific orders : 1Kings 13,
Hopefully these are helpful
In the Old Testament ( Numbers 22-24) when the Israelites were about to enter Hanan the king of Moab Balaam asked the prophet Balam to curce them for him. Balam told him that he will pray to God and what God tells him that he will do.
This is what God said to Balam: (amongst other)
Numbers 23:23 " Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel..."
Numbers 24:9 " ... Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee."
If that was true for Israel at that time, then how much more that is true now in NT that we have Jesus Christ's Blood as a shield against evil things? Didn't Jesus said that we have authority on satan? Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you"
GBU
The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram. And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.
Genesis 22:21
Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,
Numbers 23:7
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. [Moab is east of Israel]
1 Chronicles 1:17
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
1 Chronicles 2:23
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
1 Chronicles 7:34
And the sons of Shamer; Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.
Matthew 1:3-4
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
Luke 3:33
Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Aram also known as Aramea, was a historical region including several Aramean kingdoms covering much of the present-day Syria, southeastern Turkey, and parts of Lebanon and Iraq
Aram, Ancient country, Middle East, southwestern Asia. It extended eastward from the Anti-Lebanon Mountains to beyond the Euphrates River.
So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory. Some time later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria.
Today it's part of Syria Jordan Israel Lebanon.
You'll have to Google ancient Bible Maps to see the areas described.
Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (the words) of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus to the multitudes in parables, and without a parable spake he not into them.
Numbers 23:7 And he took up this PARABLE ....
Numbers 23:18 And he took up this PARABLE .....
Numbers 24:20-21 ...and he took up his parable ....
Job 27:1 Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Job 29: Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....
Ezekiel 17:2 ... and speak a parable ...
Ezekiel 24:3 ..... utter a parable .....
Micah 2:4 ..... take up a parable .....
Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all take up a parable against him .....
Know this is what happens when you don't BELIEVE GOD when he says he speaks in parables.
Proverbs 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal, SO IS A PARABLE IN THE MOUTH OF FOOLS.
Heaven is a parable of the place GOD LIVES.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....CHRIST IN YOU .....GOD LIVES IN MAN
The angle of the Lord is a ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) the angle of the Lord is GOD, therefore that ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is planting his SEED (inpregenating) man with TRUTH AND LIFE; creating man in the IMAGE OF GOD.
YES, ANGLES (MEN, that has left this body of flesh, and BECOME ministering spirits being BORN AGAIN (FATHER by the HOLY GHOST) and ONE WITH CHRIST are inpregenating creation with the SEED OF GOD.
God Bless You!
2Thessalonians 2:10-12, Colossians 2:8, Even to the ' religious authority ' Jesus had to rebuke: John 8:44,
Keep reading The WORD, keep seeking truth GOD loves those that seek HIM Deuteronomy 4:29, 3John 1:3, John 17:17, Zechariah 8:16,
Hopefully these are helpful in your searching for truth
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
Titus 1:2 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
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The Bible says to trust Him, and not lean on our own understanding of how things should happen, or if certain promises should have applied to him, but didn't:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
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Only God knows the "hidden things of darkness" in the hearts of men (we can't know everything):
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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And God's thoughts and judgements are infinitely higher than ours:
Isaiah 55:6-9 - 6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
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The Bible also shows us there are things that can shorten our lives - I obviously don't know if this specific verse applies, but as an example, having certain things in his heart and actions (even if it's not this particular verse) wouldn't be honoring the parents who raised him:
Psalms 55:23
"But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee."
same thing applies to us in our day and time, His Word believed or not Will never Fail!
Rick, please read : Mark 12:27, Luke 20:36-38, Hebrews 9:14-15, Luke 9:60, Genesis 2:17,
Genesis 3:20,
John 3:3,5,6,
Numbers 23:19, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, Leviticus,
Nowhere, is that stated in Scripture. Colossians 2:8
Revelations 22:19,
And they will say unto me in that DAY: did I not, etc....etc...and he will say depart from me yea workers of iniquities.
All (work) is of GOD (the Spirit), we are JUST the vessels.
That's a great way to put it!!
I never looked at it like that, I guess one can say Christianity is not a religion but when man adds his belief systems or efforts to establish his contribution to this grace, Suddenly he has fallen from Grace and put himself under a religion.
In this case I believe the first act religion is when Adam and Eve tried to Clothe themselves.
Also Abraham and Sarah showed an act of religion when they agreed to have a child by Sarah's handmaid, for the heir, when the heir was supposed to come by promise. I believe When you try to add to the Grace of God by adding some man made condition you put yourself under a religion and have fallen from grace.
God bless.