Hi GiGi. Just one thought in relation to this 'Gospel' in Hebrews 4:2, "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them...". We do see words, such as Gospel, which is familiar to us that can compel us to believe that the same word must apply elsewhere in the Bible. In recent discussions about the word 'parable', I showed that what we read of Jesus' parables, do not always have the same meaning in the OT (sometimes, but not always); so we need to express care in reading & understanding.
An example in Acts 7:38, "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us". Here is a classic example of how a word, with the same spelling can have another meaning (known as 'homonyms'). E.g. in English (current; ring; spring; etc. are such examples). And I understand, the same in Hebrew & Greek (Giannis/Jesse can enlighten us on this). So, if we come to Acts 7:38 with a firm belief that Luke is speaking of the Church we know today as also applying to Moses' day, then we would greatly err. Luke (in v37), was clearly referring to Deuteronomy 18:15, when Moses spoke to the people, but Luke says, "this is he (Moses), that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in mount Sina...". So what is this 'church' comprised of? Can we assume that it must also be the same Church as we have today since 'Israel was saved as well by virtue of Christ's Sacrifice from the Earth's foundation', or, is the 'church' an homonym having another meaning? In Greek, 'ekklesia' is the word for 'church', however, it can also apply to an assembly or gathering of people. And when Luke refers this to the Hebrew rendering, 'qahal', we find that it isn't the Church we know of today, but indeed a 'gathering of God's people, Israel' ( Judges 21:8, 'assembly'; 1 Chronicles 29:1, 'congregation'). So maybe the word 'Gospel' needs similar treatment.
The great work of regeneration & renewing, picking up the Cross, the Power of God unto salvation, the dying daily, Gal 2:20; Paul knew John 8:32;. You quoted Philippians 3:12 read further :15 the word for mature is also translated "perfect" in the NKJV. (& by the way, I DON'T advocate anyone to the studying of the letter by natural arts of Hebrew/Greek etc; the different language begin at Babel, meaning confusion, & that's just what has happen, there' over 45,000 different sect's of Christianity worldwide, each proclaiming "here is Christ," When Christianity was first birth & brought forth by His Spirit, Act 4:32; Ephesians 4:5; is that the case today? Its more like Judges 21:25; God's words are Spirit & is only understood & possess by the Spirit which gave them forth. 2Cor 2:11,12; Gal 3:2 the Spirit is received by faith, which comes by hearing the Word of God in our heart, not the letter, for the letter kills, the Spirit alone gives us the very life of God, to be manifested in our mortal bodies, to the destroying ALL, ALL, ALL the works of the devil & conform us to Christ, Rom 8:39; Luke 6:40; The letter cannot do this, Scripture plainly points & instructs us in this, "he that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit has to say.) Sanctification "making holy" is on this side of the grave, the work of Titus 2:11,12 & its includes the whole man, spirit, soul & body. Titus 2:14 cleansing us from ALL iniquity, that we may Col 1:22. The faith y'all are promoting is 2 Timothy 3:5; Gal 5:8,9
The angel proclaimed Matt 1:21; His Name declares His works "He shall saved them from their sins, not in their sins"
There's much more that could be brought forth here; Rom 6 -8
The Spirit prayer in Ephesians 1:17-21 "not only in this world, but that which is to come" Thy Kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven.
hope all will seriously consider & weigh these words. 2 Cor 3:5,6
Hello Mary. The answer to your question quite probably lies in the grammar of the Hebrew language, that is used in the Old Testament. Unlike in English where we don't have a clear distinction in the word 'they/them/those' (i.e. they can refer to any gender, unless the subject is clear), in Hebrew, even the words 'they/them/those' are allocated a specific gender without the need to specify whether male or female.
Now in Psalm 68:11, the KJV rendering is correct (i.e. "...great was the company of those that published it"), but when examining the word, 'those', in Hebrew apparently, 'those' is given a feminine gender, which then necessitates the meaning, 'that the large group of people publishing the good news (i.e. rejoicing & dancing maybe because of victories won or from the giving of the Law)', were women. And often, we read in the Bible of women who are conspicuous in their presence in such celebrations (e.g. Exodus 15:20; Judges 21:21,23; 1 Samuel 18:6; Jeremiah 31:13: 'virgin', relates to young women; & maybe other references).
So, those translators that showed that these were women who came out to "publish the Word", & in all probability, in song, fanfare, & dance, were likely more accurate in their reading of the Hebrew, whereas the KJV only shows it as 'a great company', which of course may have included males as they took part in celebrations (with music, etc.).
This most depressing section of scripture; from Judges 19 thru 21 can be best summarized in the last verse of chapter 21- "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Chapter 19 gives the miserable story of a man and his servant traveling with what had become his wayward concubine. Such a tradition of concubines was never really mentioned by God; it apparently was tolerated although hardly sanctioned as a marriage covenant was; or even as multiple wives was recognized despite the many troubles ensuing from such relationships. In any case; as we get to chapter 20; there is a narrative almost identical to that of Sodom; where the men decide to want to have relations with other men; and the "collateral damage" ends up being the concubine. This time there is no angelic reprieve and she is raped by multiple men; and left dead at the man's doorstep. The act of these "men of Belial" who are either a subset of the Benjamites themselves or integrated into their community bring the wrath of the rest of Israel after the concubine is cut into twelve pieces and sent out to the tribes. It is clear with the great casualties on both sides that it was not like the battles of old; although Israel was declared to have eventual victory; probably because of this tolerance of the Sodomites in the land. This left the perdicament of chapter 21 where it was promised no women would be given as wives to the Benjamites from other tribes. This left the kidnapping routine during a festival dance as the only way to obtain a wife for them. This is truly a sad period of time in Israel.
Hi Neil. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob (Israel), by his wife Rachel. Each of the twelve sons of Israel (i.e. their descendants) were allocated portions in the Promised Land. Benjamin received his small portion which was located on the West side of the Jordan, just North of the Dead Sea. The name, Benjamites, apply to the people descended from Benjamin.
Hi ummm I'm trying to find a website of how to know if god is trying to communicate with me because my head is hearing weird things and I told my doctor and she said its just fine and I think its god so ya I'm just asking for if you could help me find a website or something thanks
Hi Skip, hope you don't mind, I agree with your "wonder to the angels". I have not read anywhere in scripture that angels will be replaced. In Matt. 25:41 we read the lake of fire was prepared for Satan (devil) and his angels and like everything else, most likely before the foundation of the world, the plan of God. We read in Job1:6 Job 2:1 Satan still has access to heaven, Satan and God are having a conversation about Job. We also see God puts restrictions on Satan.
I Luke.10:18 we read Jesus saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven.
In Revelation 12:10 we read the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down. Satan did not fall in Revelation 12, he was cast out of heaven "neither was their place found any more in heaven". We also see in Revelation 12:11 the reason they were able to cast Satan out. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony"; This shows this is at least after the crucifying of Jesus, more likely in the future. Also, in Revelation 12, it is permanent, they are rejoicing in heaven Satan will no longer have access to heaven. When Satan is cast out down to earth he gives his power to the beast in Revelation 13.
In the Bible, we can read angels left their first estate and their own habitation and are locked in chains of darkness until judgment day. Jude 1:6 and 2Pet.2:4. Some scriptures say there are demons, evil spirits on the earth, and how they got here there is little information in the Bible how. You have to go outside the Bible and compile a bushel of speculations and pick one but be careful.
Some things are not answered by scriptures but do not affect our salvation. The things we do need are in bold print.
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
The redeemed, paid for by The Blood of Christ, have no obligation to replace them.
It seems that what's going on now is a wonder to the angels. In addition to Eph 3:10 are other allusions including...
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." 1Pe 1:10-12
Point being that God has greater purposes than have been revealed to us. My ways are higher, eye hath not seen, etc.
There is little direct evidence why Lucifer was cast to earth.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" Eph 1:4
Jesus chose believers to be "in Him before the foundation of the world."
So if Lucifer was cast down to the earth, that had to be AFTER the foundation of the world. Hmmmmmm? We were chosen BEFORE and Lucifer was cast down AFTER the foundation of the world.
Lucifer was involved with Adam and Eve and The Fall.
Lucifer and the angels that fell with him, were not offered repentance and redemption for their rebellion. However, mankind has been offered repentance and redemption for their rebellion.
Jesus defeated Lucifer in The Cross and The Resurrection, bringing redemption to mankind.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Col 2:13-15
And this was hidden from Lucifer.
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1Co 2:7-8
And now, even the angels in heaven marvel at what God is doing.
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God," Eph 3:10
So why did God cast Lucifer to earth? He had a plan to rescue humans, created a little lower than the angels, by Himself becoming one of them and dying for their rebellion, something He didn't do for a greater creation.
There is a line in judges about everyone doing what was right in their own eyes ,thats an indication of what was like then ,yes ,it does seem a bit like a mr terrantino film .
I'm confused. I thought Israelites were doing evil and God left them for their enemies. Now we have Israelites gathered to do good against Benjamin over unnamed Levite's lies about his concubine cut into pieces? The Bible is like a Quentin Tarantino film lol.
So if God did not approve of the trickery of the 11 tribes giving back wives to the tribe of Benjamin did he punish them for this deceit? Thanks Murray
Comments on judges chaps 20+21
Sometimes we as humans make hasty judgment without seeking Gods advice and so we faulted and cannot take back our words, our tongue is sharper than any two edge sword and cannot be tamed. Without Gods mercies.
We need always to be prayed up n Waite on The Lords answer before we strike our task, Be Bles Sed U'All
There's no verse in the bible that says once saved always saved. Jesus said about saved people, that no one can pluck them out of my hand. As long as you stay in his hands, yes but he also gave us freewill. We still can chose to not follow him. Why would we not follow him? Satan is very powerful.
I used to think that once saved always saved. But then I came across lots of that little word "if". If you do this or that you will live and not die. And many more like verses in the bible' He that endues to the end shall be saved. He that overcometh shall live.
According to Proverbs 14:12 there is a way which seems right to a man but its end is the way of death(destruction). We must continue to seek God's face in all of our decisions.
Hmm,so I wonder,why didn't they seek GOD on what to do 4 finding wives for the house/tribe of Benjamin?,they asked if they should keep going after them in earlier chapters or cease,so why did they think kidnapping women was the answer during that time?,I get vs25 and all but,how they could seek GOD for help then,but not for that moment is beyond me,I don't always get things that happen n Bible...
I think the key to this whole incident is found in the last verse: "every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
When we keep in mind what Jeremiah 17 says about the heart of man that it is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, it is not surprising that man left to decide what is right in his own eyes, ignoring the clear laws of God, gets it totally wrong as both sides did.
The gospel was preached to National Israel as well to PROMISED ISRAEL, today.
Judges 21:25 In those days (God sees not time), there was NO KING in Israel, every man did what was right in his own eyes.
Maybe we have the same problem TODAY.
God BLESS YOU, brother.
You are right in that prayer can help.
intercessory prayer that leads to one's salvation is needed if one is not saved.
That is why we asks is one a child of God or not.
It's God's way that he must find and that is only done by the Holyspirit.
Man's ways is not like God's ways and Man's will for his life is not the Lord's will for him.
We were born with a rebellious nature, and there must be a rebirth taken place to combat this old nature of ours, ESPECIALLY THIS GENERATION.
This reminds of Judges 21:25. "In those days there was no king in Israel: EVERY MAN DID THAT WHICH WAS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES!.
Kosh74, We will be glad to pray for your son.
God bless you.
An example in Acts 7:38, "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us". Here is a classic example of how a word, with the same spelling can have another meaning (known as 'homonyms'). E.g. in English (current; ring; spring; etc. are such examples). And I understand, the same in Hebrew & Greek (Giannis/Jesse can enlighten us on this). So, if we come to Acts 7:38 with a firm belief that Luke is speaking of the Church we know today as also applying to Moses' day, then we would greatly err. Luke (in v37), was clearly referring to Deuteronomy 18:15, when Moses spoke to the people, but Luke says, "this is he (Moses), that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in mount Sina...". So what is this 'church' comprised of? Can we assume that it must also be the same Church as we have today since 'Israel was saved as well by virtue of Christ's Sacrifice from the Earth's foundation', or, is the 'church' an homonym having another meaning? In Greek, 'ekklesia' is the word for 'church', however, it can also apply to an assembly or gathering of people. And when Luke refers this to the Hebrew rendering, 'qahal', we find that it isn't the Church we know of today, but indeed a 'gathering of God's people, Israel' ( Judges 21:8, 'assembly'; 1 Chronicles 29:1, 'congregation'). So maybe the word 'Gospel' needs similar treatment.
The great work of regeneration & renewing, picking up the Cross, the Power of God unto salvation, the dying daily, Gal 2:20; Paul knew John 8:32;. You quoted Philippians 3:12 read further :15 the word for mature is also translated "perfect" in the NKJV. (& by the way, I DON'T advocate anyone to the studying of the letter by natural arts of Hebrew/Greek etc; the different language begin at Babel, meaning confusion, & that's just what has happen, there' over 45,000 different sect's of Christianity worldwide, each proclaiming "here is Christ," When Christianity was first birth & brought forth by His Spirit, Act 4:32; Ephesians 4:5; is that the case today? Its more like Judges 21:25; God's words are Spirit & is only understood & possess by the Spirit which gave them forth. 2Cor 2:11,12; Gal 3:2 the Spirit is received by faith, which comes by hearing the Word of God in our heart, not the letter, for the letter kills, the Spirit alone gives us the very life of God, to be manifested in our mortal bodies, to the destroying ALL, ALL, ALL the works of the devil & conform us to Christ, Rom 8:39; Luke 6:40; The letter cannot do this, Scripture plainly points & instructs us in this, "he that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit has to say.) Sanctification "making holy" is on this side of the grave, the work of Titus 2:11,12 & its includes the whole man, spirit, soul & body. Titus 2:14 cleansing us from ALL iniquity, that we may Col 1:22. The faith y'all are promoting is 2 Timothy 3:5; Gal 5:8,9
The angel proclaimed Matt 1:21; His Name declares His works "He shall saved them from their sins, not in their sins"
There's much more that could be brought forth here; Rom 6 -8
The Spirit prayer in Ephesians 1:17-21 "not only in this world, but that which is to come" Thy Kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven.
hope all will seriously consider & weigh these words. 2 Cor 3:5,6
In Love & Truth
Frankie J
Now in Psalm 68:11, the KJV rendering is correct (i.e. "...great was the company of those that published it"), but when examining the word, 'those', in Hebrew apparently, 'those' is given a feminine gender, which then necessitates the meaning, 'that the large group of people publishing the good news (i.e. rejoicing & dancing maybe because of victories won or from the giving of the Law)', were women. And often, we read in the Bible of women who are conspicuous in their presence in such celebrations (e.g. Exodus 15:20; Judges 21:21,23; 1 Samuel 18:6; Jeremiah 31:13: 'virgin', relates to young women; & maybe other references).
So, those translators that showed that these were women who came out to "publish the Word", & in all probability, in song, fanfare, & dance, were likely more accurate in their reading of the Hebrew, whereas the KJV only shows it as 'a great company', which of course may have included males as they took part in celebrations (with music, etc.).
Chapter 19 gives the miserable story of a man and his servant traveling with what had become his wayward concubine. Such a tradition of concubines was never really mentioned by God; it apparently was tolerated although hardly sanctioned as a marriage covenant was; or even as multiple wives was recognized despite the many troubles ensuing from such relationships. In any case; as we get to chapter 20; there is a narrative almost identical to that of Sodom; where the men decide to want to have relations with other men; and the "collateral damage" ends up being the concubine. This time there is no angelic reprieve and she is raped by multiple men; and left dead at the man's doorstep. The act of these "men of Belial" who are either a subset of the Benjamites themselves or integrated into their community bring the wrath of the rest of Israel after the concubine is cut into twelve pieces and sent out to the tribes. It is clear with the great casualties on both sides that it was not like the battles of old; although Israel was declared to have eventual victory; probably because of this tolerance of the Sodomites in the land. This left the perdicament of chapter 21 where it was promised no women would be given as wives to the Benjamites from other tribes. This left the kidnapping routine during a festival dance as the only way to obtain a wife for them. This is truly a sad period of time in Israel.
Carleton
I Luke.10:18 we read Jesus saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven.
In Revelation 12:10 we read the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down. Satan did not fall in Revelation 12, he was cast out of heaven "neither was their place found any more in heaven". We also see in Revelation 12:11 the reason they were able to cast Satan out. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony"; This shows this is at least after the crucifying of Jesus, more likely in the future. Also, in Revelation 12, it is permanent, they are rejoicing in heaven Satan will no longer have access to heaven. When Satan is cast out down to earth he gives his power to the beast in Revelation 13.
In the Bible, we can read angels left their first estate and their own habitation and are locked in chains of darkness until judgment day. Jude 1:6 and 2Pet.2:4. Some scriptures say there are demons, evil spirits on the earth, and how they got here there is little information in the Bible how. You have to go outside the Bible and compile a bushel of speculations and pick one but be careful.
Some things are not answered by scriptures but do not affect our salvation. The things we do need are in bold print.
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Thanks Ron
Carleton
Who says that any must be replaced?
The redeemed, paid for by The Blood of Christ, have no obligation to replace them.
It seems that what's going on now is a wonder to the angels. In addition to Eph 3:10 are other allusions including...
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." 1Pe 1:10-12
Point being that God has greater purposes than have been revealed to us. My ways are higher, eye hath not seen, etc.
There is little direct evidence why Lucifer was cast to earth.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" Eph 1:4
Jesus chose believers to be "in Him before the foundation of the world."
So if Lucifer was cast down to the earth, that had to be AFTER the foundation of the world. Hmmmmmm? We were chosen BEFORE and Lucifer was cast down AFTER the foundation of the world.
Lucifer was involved with Adam and Eve and The Fall.
Lucifer and the angels that fell with him, were not offered repentance and redemption for their rebellion. However, mankind has been offered repentance and redemption for their rebellion.
Jesus defeated Lucifer in The Cross and The Resurrection, bringing redemption to mankind.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Col 2:13-15
And this was hidden from Lucifer.
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1Co 2:7-8
And now, even the angels in heaven marvel at what God is doing.
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God," Eph 3:10
So why did God cast Lucifer to earth? He had a plan to rescue humans, created a little lower than the angels, by Himself becoming one of them and dying for their rebellion, something He didn't do for a greater creation.
Sometimes we as humans make hasty judgment without seeking Gods advice and so we faulted and cannot take back our words, our tongue is sharper than any two edge sword and cannot be tamed. Without Gods mercies.
We need always to be prayed up n Waite on The Lords answer before we strike our task, Be Bles Sed U'All
When we keep in mind what Jeremiah 17 says about the heart of man that it is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, it is not surprising that man left to decide what is right in his own eyes, ignoring the clear laws of God, gets it totally wrong as both sides did.