|
| |
Can anyone give me more reasons? |
|
|
|
Bible general Archive 1
|
| |
More Reasons .. ok
1.Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language, which was alone used by the inspired historians and poets of the Old Testament. All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is only in Latin.
2.None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.
3.The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and destroyed the apocrypha after the overthow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
4.The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the real Christian church.
5.The Apocrypha contains statements which not only contradict
the "canonical" scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in three different places.
6.The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection. The following verses are taken from the Apocrypha translation by Ronald Knox dated 1954:
Basis for the doctrine of purgatory:
(2Maccabees 12:43-45), 2.000 pieces of silver were sent to Jerusalem for a sin-offering...Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.
Salvation by works:
(Ecclesiasticus 3:30), Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms maketh atonement for sin.
(Tobit 12:8-9, 17), It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.
Magic:
(Tobit 6:5-8), If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and gall of a fish...and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore.
Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception):
(Wisdom 8:19-20), And I was a witty child and had received a good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.
It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assasination and magical incantation.
No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old Testament is referred to hundreds of times.
Because of these and other reasons, the apocryphal books are only valuable as ancient documents illustrative of the manners, language, opinions and history of the East.
|
| |
Does the Bible contradict itself? |
|
|
|
James 2:1
|
| |
True faith is a fruit of the living and powerful Holy Spirit of Messiah in a man, which moves that man to act, so Paul and James are not contradicting each other at all.
These works of faith we are doing are not the strict observance of the Torah some to, doing so to be justified by those deeds of the law in the sight of YHVH; instead, they are those good works He has prepared (ordained) for us, in Him, that we should walk in them.
Faith that does not compel you, that does not move you, that is not the faith of the Holy Spirit; but, it is a faith of the flesh (and, it is dead). I have seen people trying to talk up, or build up, their own faith; yes they say that they believe, but they do not act like believers. So, we say, if the Holy Spirit is moving you then it will be your actions (and not your words) that will show that living faith is in you.
The Anti-Christ is a religious man, who walks in a carnal understanding of the scriptures, but who never will have the manifestation of the living faith of the Holy Spirit in his life (his power is of the Devil, who encourages him to walk in the vanity of his own mind). He is a carnal man, walking in a carnal mind and a dead faith, who leads all who follow him in the way of destruction. A pretender! A make believer! He is not compelled by the Spirit, but by the flesh, and he is doing the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). His power to do witchcraft (the miracles he does) is of the Devil (HaSatan). |
| |
Commentary on Luke 4:1-13 |
|
|
|
Luke
|
| |
Matthew 4:1-3
Satan's temptations used against Christ are similar to those used against Eve.
1) Appeal to physical appetite (fruit vs. bread)
2) Appeal to personal arrogance (Will not die vs. Will not hurt Your foot)
3) Appeal to power and glory (be like God vs. Have all worlds kingdoms)
Satan's temptation of Christ is a
"Matter of comfort to all the saints. In the temptation of Christ it appears, that our enemy is subtle, spiteful, and very daring in his temptations; but it appears withal, that he is not invincible. Though he is a strong man armed, yet the Captain of our salvation is stronger than he. It is some comfort to us to think that Christ suffered, being tempted; for thus it appears that temptations, if not yielded to, are not sins, they are afflictions onlyHenry, Matthew, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1991.
Matthew 4:1
Note that Jesus is tempted immediately after a great revelation and testimony by God the Father about who He is and how the Father feels about Him. God may often allow Satan to tempt us immediately after a high point in our lives as a way of both humbling and testing our reliance upon the Spirit of God. Prhaps God was also showing us that the best inner defense against the attacks of the devil is to remember our sonship in the family of God.
Jesus was tempted while he was alone in the wilderness. A place of solitude is perfect for spending time with the Lord, but it is also a perfect opportunity for Satan to attack. We must be on our guard when we are alone and Satan has opportunities to make our thoughts wander, often followed by deeds which we would NEVER do if we were in the presence of others. Even in prayer, how often have our thoughts been pulled aside to other things besides the Lord?
Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted. God will never to do this to us (James 1:13). God led Jesus to this in order to show Satan that He was defeated. Jesus was not able to give into that temptation and sin. Such is not the position of believers. Our response should be to pray that we will not be lead into temptation (Matt 6:13). Cetainly God will never tempt us, only our own lusts and desires (James 1:14). God may allow us to be tempted for purpose of testing, but it is not something we should desire. If God leads us there, then we need to depend on Him, but we should not tempt Satan to tempt us, for God may very well leave us to our own strength at that point. Satan is not to be taken lightly.
Matthew 4:2
Jesus only became hungry AFTER 40 days and 40 nights without food? Clearly He is no ordinary man.
Matthew 4:3
Notice the timing of Satan and his temptation. He did not tempt Jesus while he was in the desert for forty days, only after. One of Satan's attacks is to attempt to take advantage of our outward condition. He watches carefully for what opportunities present themselves. What about a man whose family is starving - is it OK for him to steal to keep them from dying? What should he do? Our outward condition is no excuse to go against the commands and the will of God. As Christians, then, we must be aware of others needs around us and make sure we do what we can to help them.
Note secondly the method of attack:
1) He attempts to cause Jesus to question His relationship to the Father, His Sonship. He wants Jesus to question the goodness of God in leaving Him in this position. The Spirit testifies that we are God's children (Romans 8:16), while Satan, the accuser of the brethren, constantly refutes the claim.
2) Satan uses our physical conditions and circumstances to attempt to make us believe that God has left us, does not really love us, is not really good. When a crisis arrives, we MUST work to see Satan's role and refute him.
3) The Devil aims to shake our faith in the word of God, and bring us to question the truth of that. He did it to Adam and Eve, he tries it here with Jesus. God had just said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.", and yet Satan says "If You are the Son of God...". If we ever question any part of the Word of God, we are giving Satan an opportunity.
4) Satan wants us to act based on our own will, not that of God. Notice that he is crafty in that he tempts Jesus to do something that He has the power to do. Just because we CAN do something, does not mean that we SHOULD. How subtle it is for him to get us to do something Godly against the will of God! Satan wanted Jesus to act on His own. He does not say, Pray to your Father that he would turn them into bread; but command it to be done. We must likewise be careful not to rely on our own desires, even good ones, or our own abilities, even our spiritual gifts, to do things which are not motivated by the will of God. |
| |
Commentary on Luke 4:1-13 |
|
|
|
Luke
|
| |
Part 2 - Matthew 4:4-6
Matthew 4:4
Jesus responds with Scripture. Why? Being God, the author of all Scripture, Jesus certainly had it within himself to answer the devil without quoting from the Scriptures. He did this as an example to us, who are not God, for how to deal with Satan's temptations.
Jesus reponds from (Deuteronomy 8:3) and following. He likens his plight in the desert to that of Israel in the wilderness - 40 days vs. 40 years - coincidence? Israel was an example of a rebellious son, Jesus is the perfect Son.
Jesus had just gone 40 days without hunger. Clearly the Father had supplied His need for that time. why should he begin to distrust now that He is hungry. Here is a another lesson for us - we must remember what God has done for us in the past, sometimes the very recent past, and not let Satan make us forget or doubt God's continued care for us. It is far better to live on meager amounts provided by god than to live on plenty supplied through our own sinful pursuits.
Matthew 4:5
Satan's 2nd temptation teaches us some more about him and his ways. Note that he moves from the realm of personal need to popular power. Where the 1st temptation was alone in the wilderness, the 2nd is in the greatest city of the land, in the most prominent place. The first temptation appealed to the necessities of life, the 2nd to the desires for fame.
There is no place where we can consider ourselves safe from Satan's reach. Adam was tempted in a Holy Garden, Jesus in a Holy City. What holy place do we consider off limits to Satan?
Places of prominence are places of greater danger as they carry greater responsibility and often greater pride in our own abilities. While it is good for us to desire to do lofty work, we must let God be the one who leads us to do it, provides the way, and gets the credit. Otherwise we prepare ourselves for a fall. Note also that the higher we are, the more costly can be that fall.
Matthew 4:6
Satan is still attempting to question the goodness and the truthfulness of God. He still says "If You are the Son of God", yet Satan does make some changes in his second attack.
Satan begins to use the scriptures. Since Jesus responded with Scripture to his 1st attempt, he now uses scripture to tempt him a second time. However, he purposely did not quote (Psalm 91:11-12) accurately. He left out an important phrase, "in all Your ways." According to the psalmist, a person is protected only when he is following the Lord's will. For Jesus to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple in some dramatic display to accommodate Himself to the people's thinking would not have been God's will, and hence the promise would be null and void. Satan will twist the truth, or leave out important points in order to trap us. He is crafty. We must be wary. We must know the Scriptures, be willing to search them for truth, and follow them once we have found it. We cannot be too quick to follow. Belive in no man, but believe in what the Spirit of God reveals to you. Once He has done so, do NOT neglect to follow it.
Satan also utilizes historical prophecy in tempting Jesus that "thou art that Messenger, that Angel of the covenant, that should suddenly come to the temple" (Mal. 3:1). While Jesus following Satan's temptation would have been valid fulfillment of prophecy, it was not the way in which God intended it to happen. (Matthew 21:12).
Satan could not cast Jesus down. Satan's power is limited. He cannot make us sin. All he can do is entice us, tempt us. The sinning is up to us (James 1:14-15). For believers, temptation can be resisted (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must remember, however that just because the Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist temptation and flee sin, that we need to not be presumptuous. As Matthew Henry puts it:
Nor are any extremes more dangerous than those of despair and presumption, especially in the affairs of our souls. Some who have obtained a persuasion that Christ is able and willing to save them from their sins, are then tempted to presume that he will save them in their sins. Thus when people begin to be zealous in religion, Satan hurries them into bigotry and intemperate heats.
Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1991.
|
| |
What is the sin unto death? |
|
|
|
1 John 5:16
|
| |
That is a very tough question, and although scholars have several differnt theorys, none can be considered definate, although I believe that most can be ruled out. I will present these theorys:1)Possably a specific sin requiring the death sentance(see OT on murder or dissobidiance towards parents). 2) Sins committed intentionally v. accidentaly-in other words, and accidental sin would not carry with it the sentance of death. 3) Mortal sins v. venial sins- this would be most Catholic interpretations, although the Bible clearly teaches in many places elsewhere that all sin is sin, and the penalty is death(Rom.3)4) State of habitual sin willfully chosen and persisted in-This theory has merits, as Jihn has claimed in this epistle that the true believer does not willfully sin habitually, so it would seem to be talking about non-believers.5)Apostacy 6) Mark 3-blasphemy against the Holy Spirit(accrediting the work of the Spirit to the devil) 7) My professor has this theory, and it is the one that I would go with as well-Remember the context of the passage, and that is prayer for believers, that they might escape the sin that has them entangled. The context of the book as a whole has been the hereesy of the false teachers, and John has gone to great lengths to prove that they are not in the Light, but are in fact, un-believers. Their sin is unbelief, and that sin can not be forgiven,since it is a slap in the face of a God who had spilled His blood tht they might be saved(1 John 2:2). When we see our brother committing sin, we need to pray for them, as they have the Spirit in them, and that makes them recoverable. These false teachers have not that help, and so the sin, unbelief, is indeed a sin leading to eternal death. I hope that this helps. Let me know if I can try to comment further. Sean Lillis Emmaus Bible College |
| |
TV Show "Crossing Over" - Dead Speaks? |
|
|
|
Not Specified
|
| |
There is a relatively new show on the Sci-Fi channel called "Crossing Over" in which the host, John Edward, claims to be able to communicate with the dead. I've watched several of the shows and the information he relays is pretty exact and would seem almost impossible for him (or his staff) to research the people to gather the info. He seems to bring a lot of "mental" healing to the people he talks with. Could it be possible that God allows this to take place, or could it be the devil tricking the people, or is there some other explanation? |
| |
TV Show "Crossing Over" - Dead Speaks? |
|
|
|
Deut 18:11
|
| |
There is a relatively new show on the Sci-Fi channel called "Crossing Over" in which the host, John Edward, claims to be able to communicate with the dead. I've watched several of the shows and the information he relays is pretty exact and would seem almost impossible for him (or his staff) to research the people to gather the info. He seems to bring a lot of "mental" healing to the people he talks with. Could it be possible that God allows this to take place, or could it be the devil tricking the people, or is there some other explanation? |
| |
TV Show "Crossing Over" - Dead Speaks? |
|
|
|
Deut 18:11
|
| |
Read the entire text Deuteronomy 18:9-14.
Be vary careful with anything like this. I read a book once by a Christian author that describes some of the ways that the occult (witchcraft)works. The purpose of this book was to inform Christians so they would not be ignorant to this type of stuff and fall ignorantly under demonic influence. This book indicated that there are demonic spirits called "familiar spirits" these spirits follow people around and observe them in their lives. Some men or women under the influence or by using these "familiar spirits" are able to speak in detail of a person's past. These are the same spirits that so called "psychics" operate through. They are able to with moderate accuracy predict what is going to occur in someone's life by seeing what they have done. Those who claim to be "communicating with the dead" are doing what called "necromansing" In the above text it actually says "one who calls up the dead" in the KJV this is referred to as "necromansing"
Also read in the New Testament Luke 16:19-31 - it indicates that the dead cannot "come back" or communicate with the living. If this dead rich man could have simply communicated with his 5 brothers he so dearly wanted to warn - then he would have.
Also check out the account in Acts 16:16-19 - this young girl was a soothsayer (psychic)and it describes that she was possed with a spirit of divination. This may shed some light for you also.
Please be prayerful about what you allow into your mind through television, internet, etc. The devil doesn't always come with pointy ears, a fork and a red tail. If he did - no one would fall for him - he comes appealing to whatever seems logical or interesting to you. I pray that you are a Christian and that your walk with God would be strengthened. |
| |
Blue marbles roll faster than red ones |
|
|
|
Rev 19:4
|
| |
Thank you for challenging me to look the urantia book up. It was very informative. It kind of reminded me of L.Ron Hubbard's Dianetics mixed with the teachings of the church latter-day saints (mormons). I can't say that I agree with your assesment of it value, however. 2 Cor 11:14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (NAS;lockman foundation)
The most effective lie, is that which contains some truth in it. I believe that the Urantia Book is clever scheme of our adversary, the devil, to distract us from truly finding the truth. John 8:31-32 ( So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." NAS;lockman foundation)
Joseph Smith had a vision. He was visited by the angel moroni, this angel gave him instructions to write what became known as the book of mormon. I believe Joseph. I think he did see an angel. However, I believe he saw a fallen angel, a demon. 1 Tim 4:1 "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (NAS;lockman foundation)
We need to be carefull what we accept as truth and test everything.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."(NAS;lockman foundation)
I am willing to listen to any biblical evidence that you have that might support your theories on the book of urantia being part of "Holy Scripture".
|
| |
Forgive or confront - which to choose? |
|
|
|
Matt 18:1
|
| |
First of all, choose to forgive. Christ chose to die for us while we were yet his enemies. You and I both have a much deeper debt of sin before God than anyone has toward either of us. If we don't begin with forgiveness, we should pray in terror every time we ask God to "forgive us our debts (or trespasses) as we forgive our debtors". If we refuse to forgive "those who trespass against us" then we are asking God to hold our sins to our account and condemn us to hell. Is this extreme? How does it compare with Jesus's teaching in Mat 18:23-35? The guidelines for confronting a brother who sins (Mat 18:15-18) must be read in the context of Mat 18:23-25, as well.
When Paul (in Eph 6:27-28) tells us to "be angry and sin not" by not letting "the sun set" on our anger, there is no mention of confrontation with the other person. This is a call to a forgiveness in order to "not give the devil an opportunity"; it serves our spiritual interest by preventing bitterness from clouding our ability to love.
Once we have forgiven, we are ready to consider whether confrontation is beneficial. Confrontation is for the benefit of our brother (or sister) who has done something wrong, not for the purpose of "letting off steam" or verbal retaliation. As in Mat 18:15, where the purpose is to "[win] your brother" back to obedience and growth in his relationship with God. It's possible that Paul had this in mind in Gal 5:19-21 when he listed specific sins that are practiced by those who "will not inherit" the kingdom of heaven. The increasingly strong convictions and confrontations presented in Matthew 18 are meant to draw the offender to confession, repentance and restoration. Is this not how the Spirit convicts and confronts us, as well? He confronts us to the degree necessary and the degree we are willing to receive. He is to be our model.
I suspect that the final and unequivocable rejection of this persistent and faithful conviction ("slamming the door in the Spirit's face" if you will) is what is meant by the blasphemy against the Spirit, but that's another question. |
| |
Have you ever looked at Urantia Book? |
|
|
|
Rev 19:4
|
| |
Been there, done that! This is the exact challenge that a Mormon, a Jehovah's Witness, a Moonie or a Kokufu-no-Kagaku (Ogawa Ryuho's Science of Happiness)accolyte would use. I find it similar to someone who says, "You haven't really lived until you've played Russian Roulette. Sure, there is (one) drawback" I find that I have more than enough truth in the Bible, and after studying broadly various claims to 'enhanced' revelation, they are all spurious by nature. Any time I hear 'revelation of Revelation,' alarm signals go off in my spirit. Next thing said is that those who do not have this 'special' knowledge are inferior, and spiritually-challenged. It's a Devil's disguise-an angel of enlightenment. God has already sent His Spirit to guide and comfort His church. What more could we need than the Spirit of Christ? If you can come up with a short, compelling explanation of this cult, do it. Otherwise, thanks, but no thanks. May the Spirit of Jesus Christ give you peace. |
| |
Why must the devil be released? |
|
|
|
Rev 20:3
|
| |
Why must the devil be released for a short time after being cast into the pit and sealed for a thousand years? |
| |
Is everything God created "good?" |
|
|
|
Not Specified
|
| |
If everything God created was "good" then did he create the devil and sin? |
| |
Is everything God created "good?" |
|
|
|
1 John 1:5
|
| |
If everything God created was "good" then did he create the devil and sin? |
| |
Is everything God created "good?" |
|
|
|
1 John 1:5
|
| |
Yes! 1John 1:5 NASB "And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." God did indeed create Lucifer, the most beautiful of the angels. However, God did not create the sin of vanity, jealousy and greed that caused him to be cast out of heaven. As far as I can see, the Bible does not point to any earlier 'start' or 'cause' of sin and evil, and pins the blame completely on Lucifer (Satan). Entertaining thoughts in this line (i.e. maybe God is the culprit) can do no good, only harm. Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah." In Christ Jesus, Amen!
|
| |
Why must the devil be released? |
|
|
|
Rev 20:3
|
| |
Revelation 20:7-10 (NIV)
. . . "When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth--Gog and Magog--to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
. . . Why will the devil be released? To "go out to deceive the nations", according to God's plan.
. . . What will be the devil's ultimate fate? See verse 10.
|
| |
Who or what should never be honored? |
|
|
|
Proverbs
|
| |
Persons in the Bible who have no honor or who are not to be honored include, but are not limited to: the person of the mighty, King Uzziah, and anyone who is a fool.
. . . Generally, I limit my answers to what the Bible SAYS or what it clearly teaches when all relevant passages are considered. However, other persons who are not to be honored would obviously include: any man or woman with the spirit of antichirst, evildoers, workers of abominable and detestable things, false prophets and teachers, anyone whom the Lord does not honor, etc.
. . . NOTE: The Bible warns us, in Jude verses 8-10, not to revile nor prounounce "railing judgment" against "angelic majesties." Verse 9 (NASB): But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil...did not dare to pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (This does not imply that we should honor the devil, but that we should NOT pronounce a railing judgment against him.)
. . . I do not claim that this list is complete or that it includes EVERY person the Bible forbids us to honor. In the Bible there are other persons whom the Lord himself does not honor. This is merely the partial results of an online search in one concordance in one version of the Bible. "Partial results" means verses which did not seem to apply to your question were omitted from this list.
. . . The following are some of the results of an online search (in a concordance in the OT, New King James Version) for verses containing the words "honor" and "not."
. . . Le 19:15 'You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.
. . . 2Ch 26:18 And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the Lord God."
. . . Pr 26:1 As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. . . .
|
| |
(still) God created evil? |
|
|
|
Genesis
|
| |
I get it, melchizedekau. You are saying that God created an adversary for His plan. This same logic would be the same as a video game maker creating a good guy and a bad guy in order to have an interesting product. God made evil that we may escape it. If I create wealth, then I am responsible for the greed another may have toward that wealth. This is a twisted form of logic I am not familiar with. So, there is no good thing in us? In the same manner, there is no evil in us either. After all, God put it there, right? Flip Wilson would be very upset! Instead of, "The Devil made me do it!" it would be, "God made me do it!" After all, your logic states that God created evil, predestining me to perform it. Hung up on the word 'all' as meaning all sin, past, present and future, making our Lord the author of all evil is different than any doctrine I have ever heard. I have seen more evidence in the Bible that says there is no darkness (evil) in Jesus at 'all' than to the contrary. I can see that you are comfortable in your opinion, so enjoy it. In Christ Jesus, the Light of the world. |
| |
What is the point? |
|
|
|
1 Thessalonians
|
| |
Good morning and good night, EveryHome :-) I am centrist in doctrine, in that I desire to be unaffected by the swinging, swaying and bobbing of the 'plumb bob.' I am centralist in that I believe that all authority should rest on one Entity, Jesus Christ. I don't want to be 'of Apollos' or 'of Paul,' (or of Arminus, Calvin, the Pope, etc.) but of Jesus Christ. A thought (with a touch of irony): "...the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Acts 11:26 Could it be that the belivers in Antioch were the first to be free from denominationalism? You know, the 'Reformed Pharisees Fellowship,' the 'Church of the Circumcision Plus,' the 'Resurrection Sadducees,' and the 'First Temple of the Forgiven Tax-men' factions that were popular in Jerusalem. I agree with you that evangelism is paramount. Preaching the Good News to all the earth is a command to all believers, and leading the church to live the Good News is the responsibility of those called to serve as ministers. This would include the 'enlightened' U.S.A. Many 'enlightened' missionaries are more worried about making disciples of their thinking than disciples of Christ. Here is where we can be strengthened against the 'wiles of the devil.' Preaching Jesus, rather than doctrine, we will not be overcome by Satan.
In Christ Jesus.
|
| |
Is Jesus God? |
|
|
|
John 1:1
|
| |
Matt.1:23 Emmanuel means (God with us)
John 1:1 (If the Word was God) John 1:14 said the Word became flesh and dwelled among us. Which is evident that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, simple because the Word became flesh and dwelled with us in the earth. Revelation 1:8 He said I am the Alpha and Omega. Alpha translation is first or beginning and Omega translation is last or end. That was Jesus Christ speaking to John the revelator on the isle of patmos. That scripture coincide with Isaiah 44:6 I am the first and the last besides be there no other.
God did come in this earth as Jesus the Christ but by law he had to be a son of God, although he was God. Which means he had to have a body to dwell in while he was here legally in earth. Anyone in the earth including animals, and insects has to line up with the word of creation.
You just can't have a spirit and live on earth. The devil had to use the serpent body and brought
sin and God use Jesus body and brought redemption
but both had to live in this earth and used a phyical form whether amimanls or a man. Here's some reference scriptures: John 1:1-5,1:10,1:14; Rev.1:8; Is. 44:6, 7:14,8:8 is Immanuel and Matt.2:23 is Emmanuel. He is the father in Creation, the Son in Redemption, and the Holy Spirit in Church. Remember this in your teachings if you do not have the Spirit of God, then you will not, can not, nor see the kingdom of heaven or know things of God. Fools hate knowledge ICr.2:12 you are correct with that one scripture and thats all you need to show any one, if they don't receive you then they rejected the one who sent you. Besides some people are stuck in denial. My email is ministerhudson@hotmail.com contact me if you have any queistons.
here's a website address www.blueletterbible.com
|
| |
Point of No Return |
|
|
|
Revelation
|
| |
The Bible speaks of the False Prophet and the Antichrist of deceiving the very elect, if it were possible. I believe that all whom God has given to Christ in the Covenant of Grace which took place before the foudation of the world will come to Him. There's nothing the devil can do to thwart God's plans.
God bless. |
| |
When was the Holy Spirit first given? |
|
|
|
Acts 2:1
|
| |
Very good question! The answer is difficult, and I don't claim to be correct; all answers to this question are subjective because the Word does not provide it's own anwser. My belief is that a true interpretation of scripture cannot assume that Jesus was only promising the Holy Spirit in the gospel of John; because, the verb, "breathed" seems to clearly suggest that our Lord actually gave the apostles something. Also, John is clearly referencing Creation when GOD, "breathed" life into man. Jesus breathing on the apostles starts a new Creation, so to speak.
Considering that the apostles did in fact receive the Holy Spirit, I am persuaded to believe that the Holy Spirit was given to PROTECT the apostles until they were, "given power from on high" Luke 24:49. I believe it would be foolish for us to believe that the apostles could resist the devil without Christ for 50 days or 1 day or hour! Throughout the gospels we see the apostles fail, although they have just seen a miracle. So, in the gospel of John the Holy Spirit was given for PROTECTION, and in the book of Acts (40 or 50 days later?) the Holy Spirit was given for POWER! Hope this helps! God bless!! |
| |
Who gave the writer of Job his info @ |
|
|
|
Not Specified
|
| |
Concerning the book of Job, how did the writer get the information about the conversation in heaven between God and the Devil? They obviously were not there to observe and listen. |
| |
Who gave the writer of Job his info @ |
|
|
|
2 Tim 3:16
|
| |
Concerning the book of Job, how did the writer get the information about the conversation in heaven between God and the Devil? They obviously were not there to observe and listen. |
| |
Who gave the writer of Job his info @ |
|
|
|
2 Tim 3:16
|
| |
HEB 1:1 "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways" The Bible is not clear, how God conveyed this knowledge to his saint. However, we know that God has used visions, dreams, and by speaking directly to His people. God is not limited in His ways of communicating truth. To be as specific as he was I would venture a guess, remember just a guess, that He gave him a dream or vision and I would lean toward a vision. Maybe someone else can do a better job, but since God doesn't tell us the first answer is the right answer, I don't know. But we do know that He spoke(or breathed) the Word of God.
Praise His name we don't need to know it all, we just need to know Him.
|
| |
Is Lucifer Satan? |
|
|
|
Is 14:12
|
| |
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
King James relates this star of the morning as applying to Lucifer. It appears to support the theory that before the rebellion in Heaven Lucifer was the top Angel. His transgression earned him banishment from Heaven to the earth, where because of his adverse conflict with God, he was renamed Satan, or an enemy of God.
There is another portion of scripture from 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
All of these verses seem to indicate that Lucifer, who was banished to the earth with a third of the Angels, and Satan, or the Devil, are one and the same character.
|
| |
WHY DO WE NEED TO EVANGALIZE? |
|
|
|
Matt 28:19
|
| |
Pyle, your question begins with that big 'if' and perhaps in revisiting your ideas on the doctrine of election, or predestination, or whatever else we may conceive it to be, some light will fall. My view is that election is not the same thing as fatalism. Election says that God in His infinite love has elected (chosen) us to be heirs with his own Son of the riches of His glory. He calls us by His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, and we have the option to respond or not to respond. The Scriptures clearly teach that whosoever will may come, that God is no respector of persons. In eternity God willed that no one should perish but that all should come to salvation. That is why He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). But the Bible clearly supports the notion that not everyone will receive Him, and it makes it crystal clear that no one can come to the Father except through the Son. The view of fatalism says that, since God has already decided in advance (even before I was conceived) whether I would be saved or whether I would be condemned, why does it matter what I do or don't do, what I believe or don't believe, whether I accept Jesus as my Lord or not? -- the whole thing is out of my hands anyway. That view puts God in the role of puppeteer and us as mere puppets on His string. The Scriptures don't even remotely support such a doctrine. When God breathed into the nostrils of Adam and he became a living soul, God endowed him with the power to choose. In the Garden it was Adam and Eve's choice, not God's, heed the serpent's call and fall away in sin and disobedience. God did not will it, did not preordain it, did not elect them to disobey His will. What they did was neither God's choice nor His good pleasure. Adam and Eve sinned and thus fell short of the glory of God. Thus by their actions they created the absolute need for a Redeemer, a Savior, for someone who was empowered to retore them to a right relationship with their Creator. It was Christ then (He was in the beginning with God) and it is Christ now whom God entrusted with this awesome power, the power to restore us to a right relationship with Him. If God had already determined from all eternity that Joe would be saved and Bill would be condemned, why would it have been necessary for Him to put His Son through the agony of the cross? The way I interpret the Word is that God elected (predeterined) to offer salvation to all of his created sons and daughters through Jesus.I do believe that the Scriptures clearly teach that no one comes to God unless His Spirit calls them. But I believe the Holy Spirit calls everyone, without exception. But the response is left up to us. This subject is High Theology indeed and I surely don't pretend to be a theologian by any measure unless, as I heard one time, a theologian is a guy who says things he doesn't understand to people who don't understand them either. Now to the second part of your question, Why evangelize? Having attempted to estabish the Bible's doctrine of "choosing this day whom we shall serve" it therefore follows that Christians are entrusted with the awesome responsibity of heralds, to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to a fallen world. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."Whosoever will may come, true enough. But how shall they unsaved hear without someone to tell them? That "someone" is not just the paid preachers and missionaries. It's every child of the King. Does it make sense that Jesus would have commissioned his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone if the whole business of specifically who would be saved and who condemned had already been settled in advance? That is precisely what the Devil would love us to believe, because it would stop evangelism in its tracks! Jesus was fond of comparing His mission with a vineyard. We sow good seeds and reap a good harvest. If we don't sow seeds for Him in His vineyard, who will? Should we take the view, "It doesn't matter what I sow, or even whether I sow or not. God's already determined what the harvest will be." I truly and prayerfully trust, Pyle, that these random thoughts will help in some small way to answer your question. |
| |
I need clarification please |
|
|
|
1 Corinthians
|
| |
No, that is not exactly what I was saying. I wouldn't say that God "knew those who were going to sin and that punishment was planned for those individuals," but I do believe that God knew that Adam was going to disobey. He had already created a means of salvation for Adam and his descendants -- any who would repent of their opposition to God and believe in Him. This applied to Abraham (Gen 15:6, with commentary in Gal 3:6; James 2:23 and Rom 4:3,20-22), and it applies to us today.
I include myself among those who have brought God pain and suffering, but I know also that my salvation has brought (and brings) him great joy (Matthew 13:43-46 and 18:12-14).
Hell (also known as the "lake of fire" or the "second death"), which is the punishment that will be received, was prepared "for the devil and his angels" -- not for man. However, hell will also be the punishment of unbelieving men as well (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:12-15).
God, knowing that most people would reject him (which would result in their being merely "vessels prepared for destruction") did NOT choose to abandon his plan, but He endured such pain and rejection for the sake of showing forth his character of grace and mercy. He gave them the opportunity to live and prove themselves, and he endures their betrayal, rejection and arrogant defiance, knowing that he will eventually have to destroy them. This was done in order to show God's love toward those whom He knew would be converted (by the persistent conviction initiated and pursued consistently by His Spirit). (See Romans 9, particularly v.22) These would be brought to repentance, faith and love by God.
The blood of God the Son, who willingly sacrificed Himself for us all, has removed all sin but the blasphemy against the Spirit, which reveals such defiant unbelief as to result in a final rejection of the persistent, faithful and loving conviction of the Spirit and the evidence He brings to our attention. The one who utterly rejects the clear testimony of the Spirit has no hope of conversion.
|
| |
Using magic in church, is it sorcery? |
|
|
|
Acts 19:19
|
| |
We should not practice magic in church. The Bible condemns the use of magic. Magic is always associated in the Bible with the devil. |
| |
| To See More, Click Here... |
|
|
