Bible Discussion Thread

Genesis 1-28 King James says replenish the world. Indicating it had been done before which would help explain why some scientists and archeologists say Earth is much older than is indicated by the Bible??

Further to what Dianne has shared, it's interesting that the Hebrew word for what we read as "replenish" is 'mala or male' (pr. mar-lay) & that is rendered as 'to be full or to fill'. So whether there was some life form prior to verse 2 or that Adam & Eve were told to 'begin filling up the Earth' as a primordial event, is up to your understanding & opinion. I lean towards the latter: that the Earth was formless & empty & subsequent to God's Creative Work, this new man & woman were commanded to be fruitful, multiply & 'fill' the Earth with their progeny.

Hi Chris Here's some stuff to think about in the strongs concordance and the young's analytical biblically the word was does not exist. Now when used in the bible some times they italicized it and some times they didn't. In Genesis 1:2 It says the earth was [not italicized] without form and void and darkness was [italicized] upon the face of the deep. I'm aware that there's times when the translators are correct and sometimes they weren't. Not saying the bible is wrong translation has nothing to do with what holy men spake years ago as they were moved by holy spirit .Peter 1:20+21 Just a conversation piece. Anyone invited God Bless

HI Chris An interesting note that I saw was the other places used it appears to refill that which was lost, one place in Gen. 9:1 is same exact word male in concordance.

You are correct Dianne. In Genesis 9:1, the same Hebrew word is used & in the context of what had occurred earlier (i.e. the flood & annihilation of all flesh), then using the word 'replenish' will satisfy the meaning. Since all was lost earlier, it could only be through Noah, his family & the preserved animals that the 'new world' would be set into a 'living' motion again.

But if we use 'replenish' in Genesis 1:28 instead of the word 'fill', then some unanswerable questions arise as to whether the Earth was inhabited in a 'previous' creation: if so, what form they took, if humans were created, then the sin question, their recovery, etc., etc. So, it's one thing to consider an earlier creation, but as some would like to confirm their belief on the basis of the word 'replenish', without any other information given in the Bible or in history, has to be placed in the "I can't be sure" basket. Thank you.

Chris If your into research material may I suggest works by E.W. Bullinger just a bit ahead of His Time Very Inspiring.

Thank you Dianne. I spent quite some time yesterday researching E.W. Bullinger, especially on Genesis 1. He has certainly put out a lot of papers on many subjects but could not find anything about the issues that has been discussed here. Though, I did see that the word "was" is treated as "became" as seen in Genesis 1:2.

However, what was perplexing & may need verifying by those more familiar with his materiel, was that he believed that the Church did not commence till somewhere mid-Acts. And then nearer to his demise, he changed that view, believing that Church commenced after the Book of Acts. As well, that water baptism was irrelevant in the post-Church age. They were very troubling finds, if true; so any expansion of any of these matters (from anyone) would be welcome.

Chris This another area that's food for thought, In Genesis my understanding of the word create Biblcally is to bring something into existence that which never existed before. In genesis Chapter 1 its used in verse one then in verse 21 he created great whales and verse 27 He created man in his image. God is Spirit you can't communicate with spirit via the five senses then in chapter 2:7 It says God formed man of the dust of the ground his body and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. Now man was body soul and spirit. getting back to Genesis 1:1 God is perfect he cannot produce something not perfect that's where I think in between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 the rebellion in Heaven could have happened and lucifer came down and screwed things up with the other angels that rebelled. From verse 3 to verse to verse 19 God is setting things back in order so to speak. No I'm not hardly an expert in this field no single man in my mind is an expert on the Knowledge of God Word even the best commentators disagree among themselves so I'm like everyone else look up and research. It's a whole lot of fun to work. God Bless Any other input more than welcome.

Thanks Dianne, I understand what you're saying here. However, without clear Scriptures to show us what other things took place in Genesis chapters 1 & 2 & how the dots ought to be connected with other Scriptures, we must leave our beliefs about the matters as simply speculation. As you mentioned, even the most learned folk, after all their research, can't find agreement over these things, how much should we be wary of postulating our opinions. It's not to say that any of these many views are wrong, but one can never know, & particularly if one should claim a divine revelation on the matter. I do wonder (on your point) that if the Earth lost its form & filling at the casting down of Lucifer, why has the Earth not retreated back into that condition, given Lucifer's present & relentless activity on Earth & in the hearts of men. Engaging thoughts - with no answer, at least none from the Word.

Chris always researching I'll let you know what i find scripturally. God Bless

Chris like I said earlier just food for thought.

Sister Dianne, food for thought:

You commented, God is perfect he cannot produce something not perfect that's where I think in between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 the rebellion in heaven could have happened and lucifer came down and screwed things with the other angels that rebelled.

I thought God, through Jesus, created ALL THINGS. Since he created lucifer and lucifer sinned, then lucifer wasn't created perfect. This is what other verses say:

Romans 8:20 Because the creature (creation) ITSELF was made subject to VANITY, NOT WILLINGLY ..

Romans 9:21 Hath the potter not power over the clay, or the SAME LUMP to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour.

God' word says he did not make everything perfect in the beginning, BUT he through the REBIRTH of everyone by SPIRIT will make ALL THINGS PERFECT. IN HIS appointed time; eternity has a lot of time.

Maybe Revelations account of Satan falling from heaven represents something different and at another time.

Revelation 1:3 ...for the TIME IS AT HAND

Doesn't seen those words would apply to something that occurred back in Genesis.

Revelation 1:1 ....An SIGNIFIED it ...

Sounds like Revelation represents; through WORD SYMBOLS, things that mean something other than

what a dictionary would define them as.

Matthew 12:38 But if I CAST OUT devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God (Christ in you) is come unto you.

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven... (maybe heaven SIGNIFIES something)

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was CAST OUT (of heaven)..

Jesus said he cast Satan out of YOU

Revelation said out of heaven. Could heaven SIGNIFY YOU.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a NEW HEAVEN (where CHRIST IN YOU, dwells). SIGNIFIED.

Food for thought, the Spirit reveals.

Earl Go to Genesis and see what God says heaven is, its very interesting. Share what you come up with. God Bless

Earl There things you state that I agree with and some things I don't that's the privilege this commentary provides, its really no different from reading books of different authors and mentally saying I see this or not, so again I don't debate, but if it doesn't fit with all scripture as originally given 2 Peter 1:20+21 then I can choose to disagree. Sometimes the way it was translated changed meanings but not a lot. I wouldn't have wanted the translators job for all the tea in china LOL. So that being said its all good. God Bless

Earl We had this discussion before so I understand where your coming from. God Bless

Earl I absolutely understand your point about revelation or the Last appearing of Jesus christ, that book covers some past history, perhaps present definitely future, it is perhaps the most written about book in the entire bible. Very challenging even by scholars to understand I assure you I am not one. I really don't study it much because most of my time is spent in the Church Epistles and Gospels and certain books old testament. Trust me not here to argue just to discuss. God Bless

Earl P.S. Show me in scripture where it literally says jesus cast Satan out of me. There are that I'm aware of 13 or more descriptions of how our adversary the devil functions which are attributes as to how he operates so as the Apostle Paul put it so that we are not ignorant of His devises. Your jumping around subject matter too much for me so its your priviledge to believe what you will. God Bless

Earl Lucifer was perfect until the day iniquity was found in Him, Ezekiel 28:15 thou wast perfect in thy ways until iniguity was found in thee. Everything God created has freedom of will including angels, angels are messengers and they are either working for one side or the other and lucifer before he changed was a perfect and powerful spiritual being who wanted to be Like the most high God. I was dealing with one area you have gone to several, I wasn't attempting to prove anything it was a discussion. God Bless I respect your input.

Hey Dianne,

I believe the church started at Pentecost because the Holy Spirit filled all the disciples in that house. Then others came the number around 3000 heard Peter and the other disciples speaking in their languages. Peter stood up and said this is what you are seeing ( Joel 2:28-32). Then Peter told them "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost".

So, that is why I believe the Church started then. But these were all Jewish, and only Jewish people were told the gospel until Peter had his dream and went to Cornelius, he was among the Gentiles. At this time Peter stayed in Jerusalem and the Church was all Jewish. A little later Jesus visited Saul/Paul and sent him to unto Gentiles.

I believe the different thoughts of when the Church started comes from Paul being sent to the Gentiles with the word he was given from Jesus did not require them to be circumcised or be under the law of Moses. It was to make the Jews jealous. We see later the conflicts between the Jewish believers in Jesus and Paul's teaching. We see this in Acts 15 the debate on this, to be circumcised and be under the law. We see Paul addressed it in ( Galatians 2:4-9).

We see in Acts 21 when Paul went into Jerusalem and went unto James, and thousands of believing Jews were there and they were all zealous of the law. They accused Paul of telling the Jews that were among the Gentiles that they should not circumcise their children and not be under the law. They wanted to kill Paul and almost did.

The difference in the Jewish believers along with some of the apostles, teaching to be circumcised and be under the law and what Paul's teachings, given to him by Jesus Himself is where the question comes when the Church started.

I'm sure some will disagree, but this is my understanding.

RLW

Ronald We are on the same page to me its not a case of my understanding, God wrote what he mean't some day we might believe this stuff. If it doesn't fit like a wet suit on a human so to speak somethings wrong. I walked out of a Church one time because a guy told a story of How God Killed a pastors child to teach Him and His wife a lesson, made me sick. You are not showing me that scripturally and I don't care how you twist it. My Bible says John 10:9 The thief cometh not but to steal, to kill, and to destroy. Verse 10 I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. I'll Go With Gods Word God Bless P.S. it's not a case what we think its a case of It Is Written.

Ronald Hi The church started day of pentecost in practice but the complete knowledge of who what where when why and how was given to the Apostle Paul by Jesus Christ. When He went to Jerusalem and basically they saw the change would have loved to have been there, He endeavored to teach them but at that time they were still to caught up in the judean law. So they sent Him to the gentiles which is exactly what He was called to do Acts 9:15 talk about things working out the way God Planned it. Also he knew Judean law inside out God knew His Heart and picked the right guy again he knew the same commitment he had for the law He would he would have for the Gospel. I realise some people won't agree that's ok isn't first time won't be last. I'll stick with scripture God Bless

My phrase, "post-Church age" should have just read, 'Church age'. Apologies.

Chris I understand you sent you something else, again stuff to think about I never to question the integrity of Gods word, I never ask myself is it true or not I ask why was it said that way. God Bless

Brother Chris In regards to the beginning of the church of God in operation started day of Pentecost the full understanding of what was given was revealed to the apostle Paul by Jesus Christ in Galatians 1:11+12 thats who gave Paul the understanding of what was given on pentecost. In Ephesians 3:1-7 look at verse 9 which hath been hid in God, look at 1 Peter 1:10-12 the knowledge of The Church of God was Given to the Apostle Paul to teach, that' s my understanding when you search the church epistles. Input from anyone gladly welcome

Concerning "the birthday" of the church? "the beginning of the church {GR. ekklesia = assembly} of God in operation started day of Pentecost."? There is another Bible view of this, eliminating a lot of confusion:

(1) The Pentecostal assembly was God's Continuation of prophecy and law for Israel, the assembly Jesus showed HIS Twelve apostles, "on the EARTH," in ( Matthew 16:18)

a) This assembly is "associated" with water baptism AND Baptism By Christ, Pouring Out "WITH" HIS Holy Spirit, for "powers, signs, and wonders," and healing everyone, Correct?

However, with Right Division ( 2 Timothy 2:15), we have, for God's GRACE And MYSTERY:

(2) The GRACE church of today is a "New Creation" showed To Paul, HIS ONE apostle:

"If any man [be] In CHRIST, [he is] a New Creature..." ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

A) This "New Creation" is actually The Body Of CHRIST, which was UNknown in Matthew, being "Hidden In God" ( Ephesians 3:9), until Paul:

B) God Saved, By GRACE and MERCY, Paul as our "Pattern = in me FIRST..." ( 1 Timothy 1:16)

C) Since Paul was The FIRST man IN The Body of CHRIST, It is Called "the ONE New man"

( Ephesians 2:15)

D) This assembly, showed To Paul, from CHRIST, "IN HEAVEN," has "Associations" with:

(1) The ONE Baptism, "BY" The Holy Spirit, Identifying/Unifying new "members" with The Body Of CHRIST, "Seated In the Heavenlies" ( Ephesians 1:3) ( Ephesians 1:20)

( Ephesians 2:6) ( Ephesians 3:10)

(2) God's Amazing GRACE for our "infirmities, suffering, trouble, and tribulations" ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)

Thus, "solving the confusion IF signs, wonders, and miracles, FOR US, today"?! Amen?

An Informative/Edifying Biblical article is "The Birthday of the Church" by Ricky Kurth. Enjoy!

Grace Pentecost birthday of the church amen.

Hi Richard The bible says in the beginning God created no scientist or any one can argue because no matter how long ago it was it is still in the beginning also in the context of replenishing is talking about adam and Eve so there fore there was a life form before them what was it I don't know the bible doesn't say. God Bless

Richard Hi no one knows how old the earth is in Genesis 1:1 it says in the beginning so take your pick 20 million, 80 million no matter what they choose it doesn't change what God said it is still in the beginning. Another point the statement replenish the earth in the context was stated to man and woman, so I don't know what was there before but something was and got changed. Something to think about.

Earl Here's one question that you ask Revelation 12:7 maybe heaven signifies something the question is what does God consider to be heaven since its His rule book. Genesis 1:6 firmament is expanse 6+7 tell you what the expanse divided.Verse 8 and God called the firmament heaven means heaved up things, so now when I read from verse 8-17 it appears anything above earth is considered heaven I.E. entire solar system now there are a number of translations of heaven i.e. heavenlies heavens heavenly. but all of them deal with anything above earth. So you have an idea of what I do when I work scripture, I try to stay in the frame work of what God said and work from there. Prayer full you understand. God Bless