Bible Questions

  • Richard H Priday - 33 minutes ago
    Ezekiel 18:25-28 states:

    25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

    26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

    27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

    28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

    These verses at first glance seem to contradict the idea of the Grace of God. A basic argument that holds some water here is that the Spirit of God didn't work at it does today ( John 16:8) with a permanent indwelling as this and other verses promise.

    We could also look at such instances as King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:6 who apparently had a righteous life and God heard his prayer to continue 15 more years. One good study is with Saul's foolishness which ended with an early death after he saught wisdom from the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. We see other wicked kings as well have a shortened life; perhaps also Solomon. Of course we all die physically; and some would argue the soul dies also only the spirit goes on to eternity. I would add the solution is in verse 31 of Ezekiel 18 which mentions getting a new heart and spirit. This only comes through the Lord ( Ezekiel 36:26-27). Without this we can superficially ask forgiveness every time an outward sin is found; but this doesn't make us able to do good because of man's sin nature; and ignores sins of omission as well as one's we aren't aware of. It also shows how we shouldn't boast how long we haven't sinned as some foolishly proclaim; ignoring warnings in 1 John about the fact that we are a liar if we claim we have no sin. God's children are corrected even through their sin in the sanctification process.
  • Bennymkje - 2 hours ago
    Mark 8:1-9 "Three and Seven" (2 of 2)

    How Jesus presented the loaves in the Feeding of Five Thousand is different than in the Four Thousand. Mark presents the Son of man, "And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed" (6:41). His humanity is revealed here. He looks up to heaven so when he gathers the 12 baskets of broken loaves it is the testimony of the word become flesh. Compare it with the Four Thousand,-"And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people."(8:6-7) As the Son he gave thanks or blessed them. He does not look up to heaven as in other case. The Spirit is very particular as draw a distinction between the Son (the heaven) and the Son of man (the earth). In short the body of the scriptures revolve about two loci, from his deity and from his humanity respectively.

    It is also noteworthy that the Spirit has given us this short colloquy in order to instruct us the point we make in these posts:

    "When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve./ And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.? And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?" (8:19-21) For those who approach his word superficially the Spirit asks ,"How is it that ye do not understand?"
  • Bennymkje - 4 hours ago
    Mark 7:32-37

    "(Jesus)he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

    As with the raising of Jairus' daughter Jesus does healing and St Mark intends us to see it as significant. "And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him./And he took him aside from the multitude,." In the case of the man with palsy, "And it was noised that he was in the house."(2:1) He saw the faith who found an ingenious way to get the man before Jesus. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."(2:1-5,10) Who was Jesus? "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins," it was faith that connected him to the world. His Father sent him with a mandate that made sin standing athwart man and his malady. So he addressed it by forgiving him. Their faith was good as of the impotent man.

    Whether in the house or in the open, the man in need of a cure was on one-to -one with Jesus and faith was what effected the healing. In the case of the Syrophoenician woman who sought out Jesus when he visited their environs, the demon-possessed damsel was in her house while her mother displayed her faith. She was as much an intercessor as Jesus stood in relation to his Father. "Behold I and the children which God hath given me./ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;/And deliver them.(He.2:13-15)" Her daughter was instantly healed as in the case of the deaf and dumb man. " And straightway his ears were opened,... and he spake plain."(v.35) What is the significance of a man's spittle when it was the means to heal him? It just proves," Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same." His humanity fits with his need.
  • Bennymkje - 10 hours ago
    Mark-7 Synopsis

    In vv.3-4 Mark explains for the non Jewish converts about the tradition of the elders. Similarly he quotes the words and supplies its meaning. "Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."(5:41)

    In vv. 5:40 "And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying." The world would not know the distinction between sleeping and dying. In the land of the living Jesus knew his Father better than they all. He is the God of the living. So he did not want the disbelieving world in the house where he was present.

    Another interesting feature of the gospel is in the manner the Evangelist uses the tag of the house to designate two worlds. In the raising of the dead Jesus goes into the house and in healing the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman he rewarded her implicit faith by sending her off,"And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed."(7:30).In both cases the house has to have belief for its own sake. "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"( Luke 18:8). The earth abides forever because it belongs to the Son.

    vv.14-16 Jesus preaches gospel to the world and the Spirit gives us a clue as to how it is to be interpreted." If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." St Mark thereafter inserts this verse, "And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable."(v.17) The house is where the Master expounds truth to those who hunger after righteousness."But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear./ For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them./Hear ye therefore." (Matt.13:16-18)
  • Bennymkje - 1 day ago
    Mark 7:13 "Of none effect"

    " Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

    Parable of the Sower illustrates how the word sown in the heart of man fails to produce what is intended. God formed all hearts alike but the enemy slipping in tares speak of a heart that is let untended. It is a no man's land or the wayside where birds of the air can make away with the good seed. The heart is like a sluggard's field for many and with such what is truth? It is all things to all occasions. God commanded the man not to eat of the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. But Eve let the serpent an occasion to hear his take on the matter. is truth to be treated for anyone to counsel how? Eve let the context determine her course of action. Her senses took over bypassing what was inscribed in her hearts. Ever since what has knowledge of good and evil given her? God cursed the ground, "for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;/ Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;"(Ge.3:17-18)

    Spiritual meaning of thorns and thistles we may glean from the Parable of the Sower. For instance the oncologists warns us of a troubling trend that Early onset cancer, which is defined as happening in adults under 50 years of age, is no anomaly. In fact, it is part of a rising global trend in which newly diagnosed cancer patients are getting younger. Further, it deflates the myth that cancer is the preserve of older people. Cumulative effect of sin treated so lightly for instance glossing over the works embedded in faith so fruits of the Spirit is produced by abiding life in Christ. How can those actively engaged in culture wars, and churches that ride the coattails of politicians come to the light lest their works of darkness be reproved by Christ? Instead the imposter religion has traditions of their elders. Sin never remains single but every evil work are carried on without let up
  • Bennymkje - 1 day ago
    Mark 7:1-9 Doctrinal war"

    God framed the worlds by the word of God. So the Word lays down the constitution of His kingdom where both unseen and what was made to appear are complete in his Son Jesus Christ. (He.11:3; Col.1:19). Of him we received grace for grace which empowers us to not only believe in him and enjoy the liberty of producing the fruits of the Spirit. Besides the blessings of his Father in him also has given us the peace which is not as the world can give so death signifies only dissolution of our vile bodies. Everlasting life that comes with faith shall continue.

    Mark narrates how the Pharisees and the scribes coming from Jerusalem were offended at the disciples of Jesus. "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?"(v.5). How did the tradition of the elder become the Law without God permitting doctrine of men supersede his word? Recent news illustrates the same dilemma. Is Constitution of a nation and their Bill of Rights are to be given same sanctity and worshiped? Jesus did drive out those who made it a business, "And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."(Matt.21:13). There is a place where state's business are transacted and when we pray it has to be done with all our heart our soul and might. This is how tradition of the elders where money is to be made becomes a doctrine. Where does it come from? Not from unwashed hands but from the heart of man. " For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,/Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:/All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."(vv.21-23)

    What goes into the mouth shall find their own passage while what comes out of heart can be very deceptive. So love of God is either whole hearted for his glory or none at all.
  • Bennymkje - 1 day ago
    Mark 6:45-56

    v.10 "And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place." St Mark also designates the twelve as the associates so the principle of Association is stated indirectly. Those who rejected them was tantamount to reject him who sent them.(v.11a) Compare Matt.10:40; Luke 10:16. The cities stood in judgment and were not part of the house. This explains that Jesus was not aware of the fate of John the Baptist, who would remain within as Erasmus would not join with Luther when broke away from the Mother Church.In his case it did not work, either. Within a century of his death religious wars broke out widening the rift farther. Honor of Herod, the unclean spirit was working among princes of the church. Both Calvin and Luther were not behind in their maneuvering.

    v.31 "And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while." Jesus had no interest in news of the day and it was no different than what we hear these days. Dog eats dog and ungodly men make a mountain of molehill of them. Their conspiracy theories are ropes they hang themselves with. So Jesus took them apart after they had completed their mission.

    vv.39-40 " And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass./ And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties".In the multiplying of loaves those who present were to form file and rank and the order within the house speak of worship with a sober mind and peace. Peace of God is the characteristic of the house where they lodged. Rumors of war, accidents famine plagues that assail us from news media tells the world where Satan has them in thrall and what does he flash before their eyes? Honor of a Herod and worth is it? By not giving glory an angel would strike him instantly. What price was his glory? (Ac.12:22-23)

    v.46 " And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray."
  • Bennymkje - 2 days ago
    Mark 6:41 Two fishes"

    "And the two fishes divided he among them all./And they did all eat, and were filled." Here we have an example of kangaroo words. The two primarily refers to the number of fishes while there were five loaves of bread. What you eat has it way of passage, and as Jesus took pains to explain it is eaten "Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?(7:19). What the heart can do leads to everlasting life while traditions of man, with his table manners in the Roman times often lasted into late hours in suppers where the guests would end under the table in their own vomit. What the Spirit is demonstrating are heaven and earth as two worlds so Jesus " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them."(v.41)

    Before appointing the twelve he goes up to a mountain, and called them who would. His Sermon on the Mount set the Rock of Ages for a testimony and Mark similarly narrates that Jesus bound the twelve to service so their authority came from heaven as his came. As the master so were the disciples.

    As indicative of their singleness of purpose Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." In short the disciples were partakers of the heavenly calling.(He.3:1). The number of fishes is two and signifies a number of objects each is set in terms of God. God fashions all hearts alike and tries their works. In the Parable of the Talents each servant was bound to give account over them. Number of men in this chapter "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men".(v.44) In the other,"And they that had eaten were about four thousand: "(8:9). These are set for a purpose.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 days ago
    Why do men hate God?

    When attempting to bring attention to man's deplorable state of heart Wh( Jeremiah 17:9) I have found in my own self examination that it is best to evaluate all that we consider what Phillipians 4:8 states and then look at our own heart and soul carefully.

    When we seek all that men may say is kind; benevolent; compassionate; etc. and try to find pleasure in life apart from God of course we look to other religions and usually end up in a humanistic mentality. We ascribe to others as well who seem to portray such attributes as somehow "enlightened". I can only speak for myself as a man here; but how much of the flesh is appealed to in today's "Christian" music industry? If someone is young; thin and attractive does it move us as much as someone who is a bit overweight and unattractive who performs on stage? Do we favor those in our own social circles or families above others? What are our motives when we serve others?

    Such logic of course often results in men not appreciating what God does provide such as a wife mentioned in Proverbs 18:22.

    To find the "grass greener on the other side of the field" people think it worthwhile to get a new model and get rid of the spouse that they have been granted by covenant; something Malachi 2:15 says we should not do (also see Proverbs 15:18-20). Interestingly Proverbs 15:8 just before that talks about the sacrifice of the wicked being detestable as contrasted to prayers of the righteous.

    Of course many hate God outright; at least being honest about their intentions; accusing God often of being a "killjoy" and sometimes being an admitted Satanist "do as thou wilt" mentality. Of course we have to look at men's obvious evil acts; so we have laws God has set forth to keep order. With all the self professed benefits of "freedom" we see the end result in the fruits of violence and discord in society that many possess or develop as the cultish mentality comes out. Mark 7:21 is the end result.
  • Bennymkje - 2 days ago
    Mark 6:7 "The Twelve"

    "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."

    Jesus ordained them for a purpose. " And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him./And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach"(3:13-14).Having introduced the disciples the Spirit gives us two symbols which gives an altogether different emphasis to the discipleship.

    We shall first examine it before we take up the topic. St Matthew presents the doctrine of his Father before a mountain while St Mark informs us that Jesus first went up into a mountain and calls whom he would. It does not mean the twelve disciples were among them but the emblem of Zion (Is.28:16; Matt.5:1) is the witness for the discipleship. Jesus Christ the rock of ages embodies the doctrine of his Father; so are the twelve disciples. By choosing Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve he was accountable to the Word as he as the word become flesh his testimony also was on the line. Testimony of Jesus: the spirit of prophesy.(Re.19:10) . Mark gives us the list and ends with," And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house." (3:19) The house is not specified but the house serves as a proper context for Jesus and all his twelve disciples. St Mark sets the entire gospel about Jesus as that of the Son so the house referred here is the Father's house." In my Father's house are many mansions:.:( John 14:2) Of whose house are we? Is simplicity in Christ or honor of Herod what do we hunger for?

    When it was time he sent them as the key verse says, two by two and gave them authority just as his Father had given him.

    Jesus had no place to lay his head. He sent his disciples similarly to depend solely on His Father in heaven. Faith made them feel at home and the peace of which was not as the world gives. This was Christ's testimon.y
  • Bennymkje - 3 days ago
    Mark 6:14-18 "Honor of Herod"

    " and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him."

    Herod was not farther from truth to set John in relation to Jesus. Nevertheless he had blood on his hand. Satan is a murderer. (John8:44) Mark set the Gadarenes episode to bring out the similarities with the unclean spirits, be it one or legion having the same cast of mind, they know the truth when they see or hear it. Is is under the department of conscience. Herod's conscience pricked that he put to death an innocent man. But Satan had given him safe cover as with the man with the legion at his throat. He would not cast them out by faith. Instead he did some monkeying. his untamed spirit was such the Marvel comics could have found their superhero, 'dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:"(5:3)

    Satan had given his seat and authority as he did with the beast. (" and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority-"Re.13:2)"For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." In what was his fear different from the Jews? "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me./Howbeit in vain do they worship me."(7:6-7) Herod read the script given to him and he had a part to play. Hearing with his heart and understanding the will of God and being converted was not allowed. Instead Satan gave him pomp and circumstance, as sop to the dignity of a ruler. Do we not see such honor unravelling before our very eyes? Power is potent as a drink. Even after drawn over hot coals of impeachment what do we hear? "They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again."(Pr.23:35)

    Such honor is like the golden ring on the snout of a swine.
  • Bennymkje - 3 days ago
    Mark 5:36-45 Multiplying loaves (1 of 2)

    While studying the significance of the command numbers Twelve and Seven respectively their place in the body of Scriptures is to fix the role of the Son as the heir of all things and the Son of man who is the Word become flesh. It is in the latter role whose humanity sets the doctrine of God as the good news since he died and rose again. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."(He.2:9). So he appointed the twelve in obedience to the Word who was with God.( John 1:1). By healing two, where twelve years are a reminder of the word of God stated in Ge.6:3. As the Word become flesh he obeyed the word of God. Similarly when virtue went out Jesus it was the Spirit's way of reminding that he was anointed for his ministry. He was the Servant-Messiah, fulfilling what was spoken of him by the prophets, "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."(Matt.8:17)

    For this reason the Spirit gives us the number of baskets as twelve, which serves as a testimony to God. "And they did all eat, and were filled./And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes."(vv.42-43)

    The Holy Spirit tags the entities who made the everlasting covenant as the Father and the Son. Of the latter John says,"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made./In him was life; and the life was the light of men."(John1:3-4). Fulfilling the divine Will of the Father we have the tag Seven which is Perfect number. Seven provisions in the covenant therefore are seven days. Thus when the angel warns "for the hour of his judgment is come" the hour is set in heaven and it is not as we count earth time. Ministry of Jesus is from heaven so what role did all the prophets until John did? ( Luke 16:16)
  • ToshiroWhite - 3 days ago
    Hi everyone, i was kinda curious about revelation as it seems to be filled with many prophecies. so one thing that comes to mind is "what is the mark of the beast" found in revelation 13? would appreciate the explanation! thank you
  • Bennymkje - 3 days ago
    Mark 5:24-34 "Twelve years"

    "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years," The Spirit gives us when it comes to the healing of the daughter of Jairus and the woman with an issue of blood the number in terms of years in both cases.

    In the previous post we covered the Command number 12 being assigned to the gospel whether in heaven or on the earth. For this reason the Spirit refers to the everlasting gospel. ("And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."-Re.14:6)

    The spiritual significance of the gospel is set in terms of man. In the case of Noah we have this rule:"And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."(Ge.6:3) Life of The two who stood in need of healing was set in context of the word of God. By the same token having decreed a day for the Son (Ps.2:7-8) the seven 'days' are not days as we normally apply the duration of 24 hours. Instead it is set in the context of the everlasting covenant between God and Man. It is how we approach the entire opening chapter of the Book of Genesis. 'Days' and years" are kangaroo words so we are warned to look beyond the chronological time. We are considering the word as eternal and his promises are yea in his Son.

    The woman with the issue of blood came where Jesus was present in order to get the healing. He was in a throng did not stop her, She herself thought of a way and "She said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole./ And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague./ And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?"(vv.28-30) She was a pioneer for this reason. We read in 6:56 the sick touching the hem.
  • Jaz - 3 days ago
    Dear Brothers and Sisters do any of you hold the belief that the book of Revelation is mostly about the fall of the roman empire ? If yes why and if no why not please .
  • Bennymkje - 3 days ago
    Mark 6 "The number twelve"

    "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"(v.7)

    This number is constant and it broadly signifies the gospel. When God sent forth his word it signaled the good news of fellowship where all are invited in his Son. So 3x4 makes up the command number. For this reason when Judas Iscariot left the original twelve it necessitated choosing one to fell into the breach. "Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." Besides those who were assembled in the number were multiples of 12."12x10 clues us in what bonded them, - it was the word, the peace which the Lord had left them with, -or the presence of the Lord, the word is set down by the command number (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)"Ac.1:26,15; John 14:27).

    This gospel outreach was in the divine Will when he appointed a day for the Son with the emblem, the slain Lamb before the foundation of the world(Re.13:8) Pre-eminence of Jesus Christ was established in heaven and on the earth and the lower parts. So the Four and twenty elders (8x3) are as memorial before the throne of God. This significance we see in the multiplying of loaves in vv.37-43. "And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes." These baskets are memorial of his ministry.

    In the preceding chapter Mark prepares us with the number 12. The woman with the issue of blood and the daughter of Jairus are both tagged by the number 12. Jesus commanded the word "Talitha cumi" and was in keeping with the divine Will.(Ps.107:20; 5:41) "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years," Her faith completed the divine Will and the healing. What connected her with Christ while she was among a throng? His virtue went out to establish that he was Christ. How a believer can deny the truth? "Thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." (Ps.45:7)
  • Shafer! - 4 days ago
    Can women preach

    Be a preacher?
  • Bennymkje - 4 days ago
    Mark 6:1-6 "His own country"

    "And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him."

    Matthew places less emphasis on his country than with Mark. After delineating the visit to Gadarenes Matthew goes on with the the healing so much so the multitudes "marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men".(Matt.9:8). The unclean spirits all had a country to call their own whereas Jesus refers Capernaum in Galilee as his own country. Jesus had declared,"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."(Matt.8:20). So what significance the place names hold? These names associated with him sets the humanity of Jesus in focus. But twists and turns of it owe to the scriptures than by the will of man. He was born in Nazareth thereby fulfilling what was spoken of him by the prophets.(Matt.2:23) His Galilean ministry revolved about Capernaum so much so in terms of his deity Nazareth was interchangeable for Capernaum since he dwelt among them as the word become flesh.

    The earth and the fulness belongs to God which is the point from which St Mark's Gospel surveys. So the country that the unclean spirit referred to was the observation of a servant. "And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."( John 8:35). The Preacher declared the truth beforehand. "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever."(Ec.1:4). Thus Luz shall be known as Bethel. Jerusalem was earlier known as the city of Jebus. Since God has left all judgment to his Son these place names has the same characteristic: now you see now you don't. Sodom, Egypt Jerusalem are interchangeable.(Re.11:8)

    The Spirit organized the life of the Son so what Mark informs us gives the narrative of Matthew an heightened reality.
  • Bennymkje - 4 days ago
    Mark 5:12-20 "Go home"

    "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." (v.19)

    Jesus cast out the unclean spirits from the man, who now in his sober mind wanted to follow Jesus. He was not the only one who wanted do it. "Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?"( John 13:37). Jesus showed him the way to follow him and immediately what Jesus wanted of him was a life of witnessing.. After a life of harrowing what he needed most was rest to his soul. "Take my yoke and learn of me', the hardest part is for the Son to take care.(Matt.11:28-29) Jesus, ever true image of his Father, shows mercy.

    In contrast we have the owners of the swineherds cowering before Jesus. They heard the testimony of the finger of God' and the man ever normal and they could not be but be afraid."And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."(v.15) The loss of other man's riches did not heal them. The unclean spirit still worked with them and they would rather see the back of Jesus than risk loss of other means of revenue.

    In v.13 we have the number of swines ("they were about two thousand") and were choked in the sea, which is a tag placed by the Spirit. Compare with this verse," And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them." It is cue that God had prepared the four angels for the end times. multiples of 2000 refer to the Alpha and Omega expressed in terms of day of salvation and regeneration- signifying endtimes- white throne judgment.

    John saw them as well as heard the number. To be sure those who rejected Jesus for loss of their wealth shall have them as witnesses. If in the court of law hush money could be cited as proof shall these citizens of Gederanes escape rejecting the prince of life for some swine?
  • Sonofman1973 - 4 days ago
    Is anyone up for discussing God's eternal purpose
  • Bennymkje - 5 days ago
    Mark 5:1-20 "My country" (2 of 2)

    Mark in his gospel presents the Son in control so the earth obeyed the Will of his Father, By presenting the doctrine in the form of parables where the earth admits no other shortcuts but must follow just as faith of man would require steps in obedience."As if a man should cast seed into the ground;/And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."(4:26-29). Between sowing and harvest nothing else would hinder the reapers. So the earth admits no other sovereign authority than of his Father. So when he stilled the storm and calmed the sea so "And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Faith held both world's together. (4:39-41)

    5:8 When Jesus cast out he did on the authority of the Spirit of his Father, " Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit." In healing the man it was manifest that the unclean spirit did not belong to the kingdom but was an usurper.

    Why? For the simple reason that the spirit took over the man so his soul of man did not reveal the truth.. It lay under the shadow of the devil. Recently a pig's kidney replaced the damaged kidney of a man. The soul of man is still under the grace of his Father so his faith shall serve his Will. His creation still declares His glory because the man is created in 'our image and in our likeness.'
  • Bennymkje - 5 days ago
    Mark 5:1-20 "my country" (1 of 2)

    "And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country." (v.10)

    Mark sets Jesus crossing" the other side of the sea into the country of the Gadarenes."The sea mentioned here is the lake of Galilee on the south. Lucan gospel explains the location so we may conclude that Jesus with his disciples arrived there from Galilee. ("which is over against Galilee".-8:26) Gadara is not directly named in the scripture but was a walled city where the Gentiles lived mostly and was a part of the Decapolis. The point of location we need note to our intent and purpose is this: geographically Gadarenes is situated on the east of the Jordan river. Crossing of the Jordan river in spiritual terms signifies death.

    Jesus cast out the many demons from the man. They all had a request:"And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

    "For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit."/And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many./And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country."(vv.8-10)

    Unclean spirits require a body which is impossible for Satan to create. He is the father of lies and not of life. For this reason he used a serpent to beguile Eve and being cast out they had unanimously chose the herd of swine.

    "All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds."(1 Co.15:38-40). Here we have a country separate from the land of Galilee. In the Parable of Lazarus and the rich man, the latter had a place while Galilee signified the blessed state of the beggar. The other man's riches come in all forms and weights. Sheep, cattle and swines are part contributing to the wealth, and the rich man who wished Lazarus to visit him had chosen his own country. His cry came too late. ( Luke 16:24)
  • Ronald Whittemore - 5 days ago
    Traditions,

    Part 1

    Traditions are practices, customs, or rituals that are passed down from generation to generation.

    Truth refers to unbiassed reality, the correct representation of facts, it surpasses personal opinions or feelings.

    Easter Sunday is a holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world who honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is also the day that many children excitedly wait for the Easter Bunny to arrive and deliver their treats of baskets filled with chocolate, eggs, and stuffed rabbits.

    Easter is a holiday that is now chosen to correspond with the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox unless the full moon falls on a Sunday then it would be the next Sunday. Passover is now not considered in selecting the day. The Jewish feast that was the same day Jesus resurrected that most overlook is the Feast of First Fruits even though Jesus is the First Fruits of them that slept.

    There are many myths about Easter, but all come from pagan sun worship and their festivals correspond with the sun's equinoxes. The ascension of Christ and Pentecost has been changed to 40 days from Easter and 50 days from Easter not from the first day after the Sabbath after Passover day.

    Easter was originally called Resurrection Morning which was the Feast of First Fruits, the first day after the sabbath day after Passover during the Feast of unleavened bread, this is the first day in counting the days of the seven sabbaths of the Feasts of Weeks, that has been replaced with traditions of Good Friday, two days in the grave, sunrise services, Ezekiel 8:15-16, bunnies, colored eggs, baskets, pretty hats and dresses.

    Does the Bible tell us what day Jesus was crucified? Yes, Jesus is our Passover and for Him to fulfill the Feasts it would have to be exactly as the first Passover. The lambs were taken up on the 10th and killed on the evening before the sunset on the 14th of Nisan, Exodus 12:1-6.

    See part 2.
  • Momsage - 5 days ago
    Hello: What does it mean when a child of God says: I love living a righteous life, but "AM NOT FULLY COMMETED" mean?
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3- Conclusion

    "Who is my mother, or my brethren?"

    The question is all the more striking since Jesus does not include his father. Jesus never had doubt as to where he came from or was going to. St Luke informs us, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"( Luke 2:49). His Father was in heaven and he knew his deity was still entwined in his Father's bosom. So the words that he spoke as he heard while in heaven and what he put in his mouth. So the conclusion? Man can only be part of their relationship by acknowledging that he has to fulfill the will of the Father which art in heaven while in flesh and blood. No other shortcuts.

    "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."

    God breathed in the nostrils of man so everyone of us is represented in Adam. The spirit of God breathed into us must be for entering into the rest of God. The kingdom of God rules over all so His sovereignty is what makes His creation bask in his power and glory.(Ps.103:19). We shall understand the power of the Spirit in controlling movements. Murmuring of starling is fascinating to watch. As they sway en masse and form clouds no one can be identified in the multitude. One may be any where and yet nowhere. They flit and float without any mishap. How do they do it? There is a skill the spirit of God has given them, the wherewithal so they prosper.

    The same power of God and glory and the fall of man shows where he differs from the birds of the air. Instead of being sustained by the grace from the throne of God he speaks of culture as Jews would wave 'the traditions of their fathers' that brought condemnation from Jesus. Without acknowledging God as the Father and doing his will perfectly no nations shall survive.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:31-35 "Our Father in heaven"

    Jesus was ever dutiful Son who would while hanging on the cross entrusted the care of his mother to John, "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!/Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."( John 19:26-27). By literal approach how false teachers consistently strip passages of their pith and serve the husks instead. This is one example. Covenant between God and Man entrusts man with His creation and does he care?

    God had prepared a worm as he a great fish to instruct Prophet Jonah. At the end of the book He tells Jonah,"And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?"( Jonah 4:11) Family of man is incomplete without this same care for His creation. The Four beasts in heaven is a memorial.

    Pilgrims in 1630 settled in the Americas to make a New Canaan. However it was like sewing old garment to the new in the manner the divine Will was shortchanged. Salt crystal is made up of chlorine and sodium which by themselves have their distinctive characteristics. Sodium is metal, and corrosive while chlorine is a gas and poisonous. How billions of these atoms are precisely arranged by force keeping the formation gives the table salt its savor. In the manner culture wars have dogged the country tells making a family or nation without fulfilling the will of the Father is a non-starter. "And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles."(2:22)
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:31-35 "Our Father in heaven" (1 of 2)

    "Who is my mother, or my brethren?"

    In this passage the Spirit is setting two sets of families each representing the world of the Spirit and of the body. In the former world familial relationship is pendent to the covenant between God and Man, The latter is symbolic of heaven but in keeping with the body formed of the dust, it is the union of dust to dust and ashes to ashes. "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."(12:25; Matt.22:30). Resurrection of the dead is restoration of the covenant to its former glory where Power and glory of God renders the Man his throne so "and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3)

    Thus the saying of Jesus refers to the world of the Spirit,"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren./And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."(Matt.23:8-9)

    In marriage man and woman leave their parents and they shall be one flesh, "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?"( Luke 16:12; Ge.2:23)

    This was provisioned for in the covenant. In Ge.1:28-29 we are shown what our Father in heaven had entrusted them with His creation. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." This was entrusted with man in his Son. It is to this God willed and the covenant exists, and as a proof sent his only begotten Son to the world in fulness of time.

    As the key verse states there is no gender difference. Only those who do the will of God.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:25-27 "Strong man's house"

    " No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house."

    Of whose house are we? " But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (He.3:6).One whose hope is firm to the end and works are done in faith cannot be a weak vessel. He is instead an overcomer" Jesus Christ has overcome the world and abiding in him all things are possible because he has promised and we know all promiseds of God are yea in his Son. If we have the Son we have the Father as well.

    The verse speaks of anyone who serves God and mammon; like Samson there comes a point in his life that he gets taken like the dumb beast for the slaughter-house. "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him."(Ju.16:20)

    Parable of Jesus tells how the unclean spirit spoils his house.

    "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none./ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." (Matt.12:43-45)

    When Jesus sent his disciples he authorized them to cast out demons. "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."(Matt.10:1) Jesus was among them as a sign; so are believers whose lives identify with it. "And these signs shall follow them,"(16:17). 'In my name'
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:29-30 "Faith with works"

    "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation./ Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit."

    Jesus was in a synagogue when he cast out the man with the unclean spirit. He called Jesus," Let us alone; what have we to do with thee". He was using the spirit of man so uses the plural form and tells "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."(1:24-25). St Paul warned us that no one with indwelling Spirit shall say Jesus is accursed. ("Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."-1 Co.12:3). The unclean spirit in the man having taken over his life would not curse Jesus but only want him to leave him in peace. He showed faith in his speech, did he not, testifying,' I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God'. This is what faith without works mean. In our times some of the so-called believers deny the deity of Jesus while not leaving it altogether, ought to warn not to have any trek with them. They are besides themselves to hold on to their belief. Their heresies and holding on to them, does not remain on a single point but becomes entangled with great many other errors. If one says, resurrection of the body is a lie, he is likely to cover it by the glory of this world. It is what the devil offered Jesus before he would preach the gospel. Christian nationalism, white evangelicalism are similarly are telltale signs of believers who simply appropriate Jesus, and their faith is the truncated tail of a lizard without the body of Christ."And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him."(1:25)

    While we groan in this vile body we have a building of God eternal in heavens. So do we live both worlds as one or not? "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." In thy light we see the light.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:19-27 "Besides himself"

    Jesus formally chose the twelve "And they went into an house." Here we a curious passage,"And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread./And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself."(vv.20-21).

    Fame of the new prophet we read earlier in the Gospel of Mark was no different than of John the Baptist. "And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee."(1:28) Jesus having seen the masses who were as sheep without a shepherd.(Matt.9:36) began to preach of the gospel while his cousin before him aroused much speculation and curiosity. "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan." to hear his message.(Matt.3:5) " And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?"( John 1:19). His testimony was received and they saw him as well. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Here we have an unvarnished look at fame or celebrity status. The ear hears so much as eye sees so often yet Jesus was an unknown quantity to his friends. "He is possessed!" summed up their report. The Spirit gives us the instance of his mother, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."( Luke 2:19).

    Hearing without faith is a dumb thing to do and it is how Jesus became so many things to so many. She heard with her ear of faith and digested over it. What many have witnessed or heard are good seed sown into the heard but it poves to be no man's land."When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."(Matt.13:19). Is it strange to hear that some believers do not believe in trinity?


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