Addendum: Demonic "miracles" and answered "prayers" and casting out demons
False signs and wonders are scriptural warnings for the last days; particularly in the Book of Revelation. Most who are of sound mind would cringe at the so called "Kundalini awakening" or other such phenomenon that invokes the coiled serpent within for all sorts of magical powers. What can be said is that as Christians we are promised all power over the evil one; and since that was won at the cross we have no reason to suspect that doesn't still exist as the authority given by Christ over demons according to the promises of ( Luke 10:19). Of course as with all scripture this passage must be taken in context; in Paul's case a snake fell off his arm and caused no harm; he didn't go out looking for some sensational footage; as clearly indicated in Acts 28:5-6. We also don't go out willy nilly after the evil one as the sons of Sceva did without bad results ( Acts 19:11-20). However as Spirit filled believers when we are exercising in His strength and with His authority we are fulfilling necessary service in casting out demons or commanding them not to continue to oppress people. This means; of course that we make sure a person WANTS to be freed; and willing to repent of any sins which give Satan legal foothold on their souls.
There are also demonic incantations or "prayers to Satan" of which I had the dubious distinction of hearing spoken against me a few years back. We need to factor in spiritual hinderances to our prayer as it is scriptural as we see in the book of Daniel and apparently with some missionary efforts Paul had. This doesn't guarantee our prayers are answered but such hinderences certainly make a breakthrough unlikely if we haven't dealt with strongholds in our own lives of entrenched sin as well as in others as well who we hope to see delivered.
The last point for now is that we must be open for others to pray for our needs as well. We need each other.
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."
v.29 "and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." In Re. Ch.12 we see the reason why."And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,/And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven."(Re.12:7-8) Jesus had warned, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."(12:28) This war result in Satan cast down. "for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."(Re.12:12b.) Jesus ses it happening." And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."( Luke 10:18) These seventy other disciples indicate the latter end of 'everlasting gospel' mentioned in Re.14:6-8). Jesus is on the earth and yet he see what must yet happen! In the passage one angel speaks 'his hour of judgment is come. In the next verse the second angel announces, "Babylon is fallen' which in chapters 17 and 18 are in detail shown. To our intent and purpose the discourse of Jesus in vv.29-51 cover Babylon, both Jews and the Gentiles. vv.16-20 owe to the Roman army almost at the doors.(v.33)
"'This generation shall not pass' refer to the generation of Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:1) It covers both Abraham and David. Son of Abraham sets him as the Word become flesh. (Before Abraham was, I am- John 8:58) We shall explain the shortening of Great tribulation from this logos aspect. Heaven and earth is set in terms of time on a single scale of Alpha Omega aspect. "that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.(2 Pe.3:8) As the lord from heaven Jesus sends the twelve disciples must integrate the everlasting gospel preached by the 70 other disciples as well. The war in heaven casts out Satan to the earth and he knows 'that he hath but a short time.'. Great tribulation is on reconstituted time vv.21-22
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven./Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants."
'Therefore' preceding the verse connects the verse before which gives us the Perfect number 7 and multiples of it. Kingdom of heaven calls for accounts which is directly pendent to the everlasting covenant drawn up in 'seven' days. God blessed His servants in manifold ways covered by verses in Ge.1:3- till 2:3. In the Parable of Jesus he refers God's commandment to man is service. He is the steward. Adam is a representational figure.(Ge.1:28) These are the Abstract and God shall require of his servants the proof of their service. Seventy is a man's life ("The days of our years are threescore years and ten,"-Ps.90:10). In short seventy years signifies the end times so when Jesus appointed seventy 'other' disciples he is referring to the everlasting gospel.( Luke 10:1)
The Spirit gives us an example of the Min-Max mode of narrative where a specific even veers of to the end times. Malachi 3:1 is a classic example. How we serve today is set in direct frame of reference to the Judgement so without abiding in Christ as so many branches to the true vine we are like the servant who hid his talent in the ground. ( John 15:3)
How does the talent is converted into the quality of service that one does? Gifts of the Spirit is given for building up each servant as well as for the common good. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."(1 Co.12:7). And it is towards the one body to which gifts severally given to each member should count. In short no one may dare offending the will of God by serving as he pleases but according to 1 John 5:7-8.Both heaven and the earth must agree. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"(v.13)
The same hour is a tag set by the Spirit so comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake,"(Re.11:13) for instance is the duration of his ministry and the two witnesses are part of his earthly ministry. In short the work of the Son as the Word become flesh has to incorporate the divine will of the Father. One cannot be without the other since it explains the rationale of Father who revealed the testimony through an angel as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name. Consequently when Jesus rejoiced as quoted from the Lucan gospel refers to the babes, they have their presence before God. Hence Jesus warns,"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."(18:10)
"And he to whom the Son will reveal him"( Luke 10:22). Jesus as the Good Shepherd came to save the lost. In delivering man who is dead in sin and trespasses he reveals the mercy of his Father. "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins/Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." (Ep.2:1-2) What is the significance of quickening one who is dead? Everlasting life proof of which is the believer and his angel in the presence of the Father are aligned without any distortion. "the third part of the stars of heaven" being cast out is how the believers in this world have handled the truth in unrighteousness. How we walk the talk has grave consequences on the cloud of witnesses. (Re.12:4) This explains the joy in heaven over the one sheep lost and found.
"Verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." The Spirit is referring the Son who is the Good Shepherd. He is the visible image of the invisible God so all emotions attributed to God must be seen as coming from the Son.
Similarly the Spirit refers to an hour which is with reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight./ All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."( Luke 10:21-22)
Jesus at the Marriage at Cana referred,"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4). By the same token he is referring to the wine which is distinctly with reference to the kingdom to come, " But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(26:29) It is thus the Spirit has organized the Salvation Program of God giving a tag for his ministry and his Father's kingdom. When he explains his work he tells his captors, "but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand:" the same hour is the duration of his ministry and the two represents the testimony of the Son which his Father. It is same as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name.
2 Co.5:17-19 "Ministry of Reconciliation" (1 of 2)
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"
This ministry that St Paul refers here would have hit a blank wall but for 'the word of reconciliation.' "To wit that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" so the word used in the context explains what it means by the Word became flesh. The work Jesus finished on earth is only one part of his ministry. The worlds of the Spirit and of the body are to be reconciled as well. So his promise to return after preparing a place for us means he has to fulfill why God was in him and gave him the ministry of reconciliation. The word of God is a sign where heaven and earth are by him consist. The cloud of witnesses and us are set on a single measurement in the Son.
The Spirit gives us a concrete image to explains his ministry of reconciliation. It also has to do with the holy city of God.
The angel who guided him was his fellow servant "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." and he reveals himself,"for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book." (Re.21:17;22:9)
We have already seen three principles which are ultimately the basis for the works of the Son. Principle of Association works on the basis of believers who have heard his doctrine and believed that he came from God.( Luke 10:16; Matt.10:40). The second principle is of Similitude so heaven is compared to earth to which parables are classic examples. Thus when Jesus Christ delivers the doctrine of Father, Evangelist Matthew gives him a seat the rock symbolized Zion (Matt.5:1)Melchizedek presenting Abraham with bread and wine is yet another. "TheLordhath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Ps.110:4)
Double in the parlance of the Spirit refers to Salvation that has its part on earth as well as in heaven. When the seventy other disciples returned rejoicing that even demons were subject 'unto thy name', Jesus responded, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." ( Luke 10:20). (see under B-book of life)
Fullness of the Son was made manifest even in his humanity proof of which was the perfection (He.10:14). So a believer who is led by the Spirit is being conformed to the image of Christ (who is in him by faith)." For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,(Col.2:9-NIV) This leads us to explain the ear of faith. Our natural ear hears but the ear of faith is Person specific. "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God."(Ps.62:11) We hear in faith and do as he showed us. So how do we respond when we are falsely accused by the world. "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"(1 Pe.2:23)
Prophets of old expressed double in the sense Israel was dealt double for her sins double. By the same token Messianic promise of blessing were also double
(Is.40:2),(Is.61:7)
Jesus promised us double portion because he is risen from the dead This is revealed in terms of works. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father./ And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son./ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
we have Elisha asking for a double portion of Elijah's spirit we have this verse, "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit". (2 Ki.2:9-10)
A disciple is one who has but one master. Elisha condemned Gehazi for running after other man's riches. "Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes?"(2 Ki.5:26). "Not I but Christ who lives in me"( Gal. 2:20)
Without eating of the bread from heaven and the faith that he shall live forever as he is, by way of witnessing, what disciple is he? "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."( 1 John 2:19). Wisdom of the word must have its perfect working. (Matt.7:24). Serving God and mammon is how Gehazi proved his discipleship. St Paul proved the man was the message.
Seventy other disciples ( Luke 10:1) is how discipleship is perfected so ripple effect of Christ, the Man the message would spread outwards. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth./... and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." How Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke treats discipleship is in keeping with the supremacy of the Word which was God. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Mark 16:61-72 Simon Peter denied Christ before the maid who kept the door of the chief priest's palace. "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee (Matt.26-69)". In the darkness Simon Peter's voice betrayed him. 'Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee (v.73)'. Voice carries much more significance than the mere sound of it. The words that Jesus spoke was not his own. 'He who hears me hears who sent me ( Luke 10:16). Simon Peter forsook all in order to become his disciple. In denying Christ he was also denying the voice of the Lord he heard. Principle of Association (Matt.10:40).
Voice recognition of a Christian is in the way truth in his inward parts matches with his action. Voice of the Lord is dealing with the living word and it is to bring out the full potential of man. It is truth written in his inward parts that places his words and actions in harmony. (1 Co.14:7)
"For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
In order to understand this passage we need recall the doctrine of Christ is not a lists of dos and don'ts but Person specific. Thus when Jesus chose his disciples every 'little one' like sheep has to pass under the hand of the Good Shepherd. They were to learn of him so when they returned back to the fold he exulted in spirit and said," I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."(11:25) Gospel of Luke adds to it, Jesus took delight in the success of his disciples and it validated that they were given under his care which as the Great Shepherd of souls had made a list as it were, So St Luke adds,"but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven./In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit."( Luke 10:20-21) They were associates and in their success he could take delight equally.
Gospel of God involved the Word which worked continually since sent forth; so did God the Father to which Jesus Christ affirmed,"My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."( John 5:17) Gospel of Christ required him to oversee the development of the souls his Father had entrusted under his care (11:27) Jesus tested their level of understanding "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"(v.13)
God revealing it to Simon Peter was no different than what the prophets of old had spoken. The Spirit of Christ was at work continually which St Peter admits, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify,"(1 Pe.1:10-11). Such revelations are for whosoever He has called and historically Simon Peter spoke what his ear of faith heardno different than Jonah had heard. He heard the call to go to Nineveh " But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." It requires faith to hear it right.
"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee./ But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas."
Birth of Jesus was a sign that Prophet Isaiah had given beforehand. So were 'the little ones' whom he sent out to preach." Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."(Is.8:18) Such a sign is what the Word signifies. It is a sound and seen both which occurred in the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, "the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear."(Ac.2:33). Without faith the nation of Israel would not profit from a sign and their entire history attested. So the sign of Jonah was an invitation to them to see their true state and be converted. Oh no they would not take it.
At the end of the chapter we read the validation of the Power of the Spirit that made the disciples his brethren determined in the will of his Father. "And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!/ For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."(v.28) The same power was given to his disciples because God dealt with it liberally. In His glory and power there was no point in partiality because the glory was patent in their wellbeing. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."( Luke 10:17). Jesus exulted in his spirit and glorified God,"I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.."(11:25).
The prayer of Jesus as given in the Gospel of John helps us to understand the prayer recorded by Evangelist Matthew. The Amen at the end of the Lord's Prayer is replaced with vv.20-26 giving a context to all prayers since his death and resurrection.
17:20 " Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." He was well aware of the mandate of his Father was as the Savior of the World and not in a limited sense. He sanctified himself on account of the 12 disciples, significance of the number being fixed and he sending them two by two established the Principle of Association. (10:40; Luke 10:16). Now he knew his hour was nigh so he prays for all 'them which shall believe on me through their word'.
17:21 "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Here we are given an insight into the function of the term "Amen," being intended a tag, Unity of the Spirit that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Instead the church riven with heresies tell another story. Miry clay trying to compromise with the defunct Roman empire is neither here nor there.
17:22 "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:." The only glory Evangelicals on either side of the Atlantic are Cathedrals or mega churches, monument to the doctrine of Jesus Christ wrongly applied. Love, joy forbearance such fruits of the Spirit are glossed over when the congregation says 'Amen' what one misses is,'That they may be one, even as we are one'.
17:23 "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one..." Perfect in one is what the Prayer began with,"Thy kingdom come"( v.10) In glossing over the deity of Jesus, reasonable faith deny 'works' the key to abiding life. It is time the Church got their worship in Spirit and truth.
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Alms giving in a manner of speaking is noticing one who is created in the selfsame image. Mercy acknowledges another irrespective of their circumstances, and serve in whatever capacity as a brother to another or as a father to one in need of consolation. Is it not wonderful for man that he for once settled on an universal symbol to converse. A pittance to a widow in need salves the conscience of man but when the widow in question puts two mites in the collection drew the breath of Jesus away."but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had,"He observed. ( Luke 21:1-4) Rich are those who out of abundance toss much more without counting. There is not mercy per se but an irksome task to get over with. It is similar to the Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan who "came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side." ( Luke 10:32). The Samaritan who was not obliged according to the social mores or custom of the day to help but he did for no other reason that Jesus was an intercessor. As Isaiah said, "And wondered thatthere wasno intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him."(Is.59:16). The Samaritan was the good neighbor because he stood the place of Jesus Christ. The same 'arm' that bought salvation is qualified as the right arm. It is thus God in sending his Son to the world would determine how goats shall be separated from the sheep. In short either we are one with him or at odds with him.
30And the times of this ignorance GOD winked at;but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31Because He hath appointed a Day,in the which He will Judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto ALL men,in that He hath raised him from the dead.
Mat.28:18-And JESUS came and spake unto them,saying,All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Luke 10:19-20
19Behold,I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,and over ALL the power of the enemy:and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not,that the spirits are subject unto you;but rather rejoice,because your names are written in heaven.
Joel 2:1-11
1Blow the trumpet in Zion,sound an alarm in my holy mountain:let all the inhabitants of the land tremble:the Lord's Day comes...
2A Day of darkness and of gloominess,a Day of clouds and of thick darkness...a great people and a strong there has not been ever the like,neither shall be any more after it...
3A fire devoures before them;and behind them a flame burns:the land is as the garden of Eden before them,and behind them a desolate wilderness...
5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoures the stubble,as a strong people set in battle array.
6Before their face the people shall be much pained...
7They shall run like mighty men;they shall climb the wall like men of war;and they shall march every one on his ways,and they shall not break their ranks:
8...and when they fall upon the sword,they shall not be wounded.
9They shall run to and fro in the city;they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses;they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
10The earth shall quake before them...
11And the Lord shall utter His voice before His army:His camp is very great:He is strong that executes His Word:the Day of the Lord is great,very terrible;and who can abide it?
I beg to differ with regards to Elijah, and please check the quote from St Paul Col.1:16-17. I follow KJV and read comparing spiritual with spiritual and as St Peter says,"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God./f any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pe.4:11) So we are discussing the matter as oracles of God. (2 Co.5:20) What does St Paul mean with 'And if Christ be in you? (Rom.8:10) is it not that he died to sin and the world and lives now in heavenly places. There is only one place for a Bible preacher or a teacher. to be his ambassador or a double. Elijah was one and I by the grace of God strive to be one. So my own talents,'glory', ego, appetites are hid in Christ. Every believer worth his salt has been sanctified by the word, Thy word is truth, Jesus said. As a Bible preacher, I am sure you agree? Jesus sent his disciples Matt.10:40 Luke 10:16. Principle of Association is eternal as the word is eternal. So Elijah, St Paul,you and me are as double or Associates with Jesus Christ. He.13:8
And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith theLordGod of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of theLord, even over Israel.(2 Ki.9:6)
In vv.24-29 we are given a new king of Judah. Ahaziah reigned in his father's stead. He went with the king of Israel to war against Hazael the king of Syria whom Elisha had anointed as the king (in the place of Elijah.) While things are going from bad to worse for Ahaziah and Joram, we have Elisha entrusting the third task God had given Elijah to his associate. His is only called the young man, the prophet. He is to run over to Jehu who is at Ramothgilead and anoint him as the new king of Israel. We see the same chain in command as Jesus ordained in his time. His disciples are sent to preach and 'he who receives you receives me.'. So God's gospel is same as Gospel of Christ and we are all associates of Christ regardless of time in the same vineyard fellow-laborers. Our hire is already fixed as we have in the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. That day must end of an age and we shall collect ours when we are called up. ( Luke 10:16; Matt.10:40.)
God gives a task which is to be performed and it is exactly in God's time. In the eyes of God the time is 'now''. Elijah is merely a name as Elisha and he is on the same level as the anonymous prophet. The Spirit gives us an insight as to the manner he works with rise and fall of nations. We are seeing the kings in Israel and Judah are becoming nonentities a few kings better than others, that is all. In the Salvation plan of God, the prophets are shaping the spiritual landscape of Israel and we are seeing the rise of world empires. Syria, Assyria and Babylon are all becoming stronger so Israel does not know when disaster is going to strike them.
Holy Spirt states 1John 2:1 children do not sin, & if you do. Indicating their state
Then in 1John 2:12-14 Holy Spirit distinguishes the maturity of the believers, as children who sins are forgiven for His name sake, the young men who have overcome the wicked one & the fathers that have known Him from the beginning, each according to the measure of the Spirit they received in their growth in Christ.
1Pet 5:1 Peter here makes a distinction, in exhorting the elders that are among them
1John 2:6
Your wrong it does imply this, as plenty of Scriptures confirms this.
Rom 8:29, conformed to the image of His Son,
1John 3:3 pure as He is pure
Gal 2:20 not I but Christ lives in me, only the pure in heart see & experience this on the spiritual level Paul is speaking from here.
we think, talk & walk as He did. 1Cor 2:16 we have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5
2Pet 1:3 freely has given us all things,
Luke 10:19 He's not talking about physically hurt here, as the Scriptures give witness too.
Luke 12:5 & that fear is to depart from evil, sin along can hurt us.
Col 3:10Ephesians 4:23,24 the renewing of our minds in the knowledge after the image of Him that created him,
"the new man", is the work of Sanctification of the Spirit, bringing us into ever increasing measures of growth to maturity in Christ, the divine nature, fruits of the Spirit & ultimately being born again of the Incorruptible Seed,
your comparisons paragraph
you end with "how are you going to walk differently? You answered your own question
quoting you "I DON'T always in the human perfectly follow" one's not abiding in the Vine & according to this Scriptural statement, one has transgress against the Light, which the Spirit declares in the contest of these Scriptures is that one is still a child, for the young men have overcome the wicked one & the fathers have likewise.
Last par; Yes, this is the heart of the Father in sending His Son, Christ being the first born among many brethern
" For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth."
"For yet seven days"
The narrative is set clearly on the basis of *the Law, which is the eternal word settled in the heaven. So in the creation account there were seven 'days' of creation, and and judgment now is to to be meted out upon the ungodly old world shall come in seven days.
The rains when they did come lasted for forty days and forty nights. The command number Four is a tag for the Son who came to the world as the word become flesh. A man's life the number 10 is deemed legally adequate. (Thus 4x10). The Spirit presents Jesus before being led to be tempted of the devil fasting for forty days. "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil./After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."(Matt.4:1-2-NIV) Likewise the risen Christ was seen for forty days."The apostles whom he had chosen,/to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days(Ac.1:2-3).
In v.9 we are shown the creatures going in two and two unto Noah into the ark calls to mind the manner Jesus sent his disciples to preach the good news. ('and sent them two and two'- Luke 10:1)
* of the Law
vv. 2-3 the Law of the Lord:" Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female./ Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth." These shall come into their own under the Law of Moses but he is giving us from the standpoint of the Son and it is Jesus Christ who is to manifest in the fullness of time, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."(Ro.10:4;Ac.13:39)
I like you was sincere, etc, but I was sincerely wrong, oh how I struggled, the veil always separated me from my Beloved, there was no pure unity of the faith & oneness that Christ prayed for, my conscience bearing witness against me, no matter how I cried, repented, fasted, prayed or studies the letter, & walk accordingly, yet, the veil was still hung between us & why? 2Cor 3:6 I remember it quiet well, a yoyo of an experience.
1 Cor 15:34,45 true knowledge is given by the true Grace of God who appears bringing salvation to all mankind.
Ronald, have you ever had an unction that cross your own will, telling you not to do or say something & show you what to do or to say? & if not heeded to, condemn you for it? Or maybe you were in a tryst state, & say or did something & later Holy Spirit/ Grace convicted you of wrong? This is the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, Grace/Light/Anointing we have received & appears within us, & if minded & exercised is the daily Cross & is not a lie, abide in Him & in the steadfast confidence continual exercising of it, will eventually set us free from the law of sin & death. Received by Luke 10:42Psalms 130:5"the word of His Grace, who words are Spirit & Life" Psalms 145:12-18Psalms 123:2Psalms 62:5 meaning silencing all thoughts & imaginations & in stillness of soul, wait. Psalms 46:10 and He will appear Hebrews 9:28 . Believing that it is He appearing to you is faith, hearing the Word of God in the heart, that Paul preached & this faith purifies the heart & gives victory over the world.
2Cor 3:16-18 this stillness & waiting upon the Lord is turning to Him, who is Spirit, whom takes the veil away & gives us knowledge of Himself, 2Cor 4:6,7 setting us free from the bondage of sin, we know the Truth & the Truth set us free & transforms us into His Image. Light begets light, in whom there is no darkness at all.
causing you Philippians 2:13Hebrews 13:21 "obviously this is not sinning".
"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.(v.7)
The Lord fashioned all hearts alike so how come Cain responded to please God was different from that of Abel? Sin made all the difference. Sin created a smokescreen so man is easier handled by the conjuror's art, smoke and mirrors which man looks at believes in a lie of course.
God from whom comes all the good gifts now onwards becomes a 'bogy' to Adam and man and woman would rather hide as made His presence 'in the cool of day'. So their fall signified there were barriers put up between them and their God. This reality was reflected in their hearts as well.
Cain presented fruit of the field, which tells us the world of the flesh weighed uppermost in his calculation. Abel on the other hand laid much in store with the world of the Spirit. All that was knowable of God was in the heart of Cain and Abel alike. God tests their works as the Psalm quote tells us.(Ps.33:15)
God's calling and gifts are irrevocable. Their hearts presented a level playing field a face as the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters, which is between heaven and the earth.God forbade them access to this kingdom without getting rid of sin that put up barriers between the two. It is to which God referred." If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?" Peace with God was impossible with this crouching sin at the door. Cain had certainly a problem. It was obvious that he viewed the worlds that his heart circumscribed differently than his brother who was righteous as the Spirit annotates. Cain viewed according to the carnal wisdom taught by Satan.. St John writes of Cain,' who was of that wicked one,'( 1 John 3:12, 8) and contrasts his brother as righteous.
Luke 10:38-42 Mary chose the better part. Abel did better because he trusted in the promises of God.
First your question of the angel whom Jesus Christ semt 'and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John'(Re.1:1) The angel reveals himself, " I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things./ Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book."(Re.22:8-9) 'fellowservant' and 'brethren' Again we have "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Re.19:10) Those who have the testimony of Jesus. They are the saints called before the worlds began. They are the cloud of witnesses ('Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses'-He.12:1) We see them as St Stephen saw(Ac.7:56) or St Peter (Ac.10:11) and our heart is not anatomical part but carries a spiritual space. Daniel saw in the night vision, "thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him." (Dan.7:10) This is a great congregation that Psalm 40:10 refers to. On account of this what we whisper in our bedchamber is like shouting from the roof tops. Nothing is hidden.
Secondly regarding principle of Similitude He.11:3 The unseen world (of the will of the Father- the heaven) with the visible earth (seen the word become flesh-the Son)The Lord's prayer.Matt.6:10 ('Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.') Principle of Association is about the gospel. (Matt.10:40; Luke 10:16) Thirdly Ministry of Reconciliation. All 'theory" or suppositions must be backed by the word of God. Hope this makes clear.
"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."
The everlasting covenant was between two equal parties. The Man component as mentioned earlier gave the Son equal status which underpins the Father Son relationship. It also evidently points out emblem in the divine Will. "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" opened the Advent of the Son (as the Word become flesh,) as predestined. Triune God presents the body of the Son, the spirit of Christ as the mist, which we shall come across "and watered the whole face of the ground."(Ge.2:6).
The Spirit moving upon the face of the waters made every atom fall in to the dictates of the divine Law. So fire shall go out when the air is removed a natural law, nevertheless derived from God a Spirit. A body hast thou prepared me establishes consequently an association in His creation. Adam in 'our image' is the double for Son so this association works across from one end of the earth to the other.. We shall come to the point that God breathes in the nostrils of Adam and made him the living soul.(Ge.2:7) This association as a result takes up and down as well. Ep.1:3 refers to spiritual blessings which are word-based. The Advent of the only begotten Son was in the divine Will. Jesus sending disciples was established on the basis. (Matt.10:40; Luke 10:16) Whoever received his disciples was as though he received Christ himself.
God blessed His creation in his Son, the firstborn from all creation, This being the case there cannot any other interpretation to the command, " Dominion over" gives man a license to hunt them down to extinction.
Discussion on Matthew 10: Near term and far reaching prophetic implications.
When we see Matthew 10 and compare it with Luke 10 we see some differences. Those in Matthew 10 were told only to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:6). Such was NOT the case with the 72 in Luke's account. We see there is no return mentioned of the Disciples as was with the 72 in Luke 10:17. The same cities were rebuked in Matthew 11:17 as they are in Luke 10:13-15. (incidentally these cities were rebuked BEFORE the Disciples retuned which also signifies their lack of belief in the miracles of Christ Himself if not implying their lack of response to the Gospel and miracles the Disciples and 72 performed in both Gospel accounts).
When we look at Matthew 10 we see far implications; persecutions; being hated by all nations for His Name's sake; going to trial with kings and rulers and finally verses in verse 22:23. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." This is a clear indication of the Tribulation as indeed this refers to the Second Coming. It is notable today that one cannot be a citizen of Israel if declaring themselves to be a Christian. The only other option here is to somehow imply the Lord came already as a Full Preterist viewpoint which says somehow Christ already returned in AD 70. The implications here are not only for the Disciples but all those who are going to suffer persecution for His Name's sake; perhaps particularly but not only related to the cities of Israel. Also the 144,000 and 2 Prophets would also be something bringing the climax and greatest challenge for Israel ever seen in the time of "Jacob's Trouble". ( Jeremiah 30:7). God promises deliverance eventually; by death or Rapture or Resurrection.
David0921. I didn't say that Hebrews 11 spoke about Hades. I referred to Abraham (in Hebrews 11); that when he died, that he went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31).
Here are some Scriptures for you that speak about Hell (Hades, as opposed to Gehenna or Tartarus): Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18; Luke 10:15, Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Revelation 1:18, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 20:13,14. Yes, Hades is a very real place where the dead pre-Cross went, both the righteous & unrighteous. And they had to go there when they died, for the Work of the Cross was not completed & their salvation was not secured. Only the shed Blood of Jesus could save them & us - they had to wait for it & their release from Hades.
The picture of mankind in Romans 3 (of Jew & Gentile) tells us that all are sinners & that circumcision or the Law gave no profit to the Jew. Only the "faith of Jesus Christ" & by His Redemptive Work can a sinner be justified by faith. I see nothing in this chapter about the "Salvation of OT Believers" - only of 'faith vs the law', for instruction to the Church in Rome, and by extension, believers beyond them in space & time.
Phillips Craig and Dean from the song From the Inside Out (Fearless Album)
Proverbs 16:9 shows that man makes plans but the Lord orders his steps. Our best attempts at determining what is right even as Christians can't possibly take into account the bad things that happen and just how the Lord will use those things for our good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes ( Romans 8:28). Time and again the Lord has shown in scripture as well as today that martyrs ultimately serve a greater purpose; it such as Jim Elliot martyred with his friends in the jungle and the efforts of his wife and others afterwards with the resulting fruit of their efforts in converts.
Dying to self may or may not demand a complete change in trajectory as to our vocation or living situation. God makes it clear that those married to unbelievers are not to depart unless forced by the other person. We are also to work heartily unto the Lord ( Col. 3:23-24) and in fact; if we don't work we don't eat ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Luke 10:7 shows how the workman is worthy of his hire at least in terms of ministry but Paul supplemented support through tentmaking as to not be a burden to others. Obviously; as with the woman caught in adultery ( John 8:1-11) there had to be an end to sin therefore a radical change in lifestyle and by default cutting off many social ties. Whether we can be a witness or former associates post conversion are a detriment is based on several factors in individual situations. Clearly any criminal sources of income have to be ended; and we should make restitution whenever possible for those we have offended (see Ephesians 4:28; implied in doing good with what is earned).
As to our affections being set on things above ( Colossians 3:3-10) it is an ongoing process. As an onion each layer of self is peeled away.
From what you've express in your open statement, it seems your understanding comes from a searching of collective consciences in their studying of the Scriptures, from the conceiving of one's own brain from the letter.
Friend.. please bear with me,
There's a surer Way, & that is to choose the better part Luke 10:39Luke 10:42
The Spirit who inspired the Scriptures, is alone the Opener of them, freely giving us their true import. 1Cor 2:13,14
For this He was sent John 16:7, John 16:13
His words are a certainty, a infallible foundation that we can bottom on or trust in.
I wasn't giving my opinion of these Scriptures, referencing Jesus own words with His disciples on the question they ask of Him, Matt 24:3 quoting His words several times in His disclosure to them, for in Him is Psalms 36:9
You've stated; "We also see things that have not yet been fulfilled" in a sense, yes, in a sense, no,
I'll explain; Jesus plainly states, 24:34 its clear He's referring to these end time events in a "present tense", many time to His disciples, They were fulfilled in them, & to all in their generation & every generation since, & will be fulfilled in the generations to come until Rev 11:15
Think about the evidence Christ presented that He was indeed the Messiah. Indeed; supernatural blindness HAD to be given; for Jesus even told people to believe Him even for the sake of His works ( John 14:11). And the verse was indicative of His being part of the Godhead. There were HUGE numbers of people being miraculously fed at least twice; people healed of blindness which had NEVER occurred even with the Old Testament miracles ( John 10:21); people who had demons cast out of them; as well as the miracles entrusted to the 12 Apostles and the 70 sent out two by two ( Luke 10:11). There was the undeniable proof of natural phenomenon at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:54); as well as the 500 witnesses that saw Him; including the Apostles AFTER He was Resurrected and they all died except for John as martyrs; clearly they knew and believed the truth since denial would have saved their lives.
Unbelief therefore is something learned. Children are all born into sin; but scripture makes it clear that they have angels beholding the Father continually and that they were drawn to Christ (see Matt. 18:10). Children came to Christ ( Mark 10:13-16) and praised Him as a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2 and mentioned by the Lord in Matthew 21:16. To deny the obvious requires a hardness of heart and soul; and deliberate rejection of known truths; which of course made the condemnation of the Pharisees greater than most; and was much of the reason Jesus excoriated them in nearly the entirety of Matthew 23. They knew the prophecies but were blinded because of their obsession on the law and all other traditions that were added to put men in bondage and to render mercy and justice meaningless ( Matthew 23:23) with their myopic tunnel vision. The rest of the world if NOT enlightened by the Spirit only looked at Christ as some great miracle worker but didn't worship Him as God in the flesh.
Hence Matthew 16:17 must occur for true salvation.
I am sure there will be other responses here. This is what is often either ignored or deliberately avoided in Jewish communities; as the whole chapter is prophetic in regard to the crucifixion of Christ centuries later. Verse 53:3 shows that He was a man of sorrows; despised and rejected. This and so many other verses show how Christ was not revered for being God in the flesh; but often was revered for all the wrong reasons. Isaiah 52:14 in the previous chapter shows that He was marred beyond belief; so to speak. This was the ultimate expression of love; but love for His enemies and showed the cost of that committment. When Christ was followed He often had to weed those out looking for a free meal ( John 6:26-35); or those trying to justify themselves ( Luke 10:29). Those who wanted to follow Him often had loyalties more to money or family ties; and many if not most regarded Him as a Prophet or a great teacher ( Matt. 13:16-20). These verses indicate how only God can reveal that Christ is indeed; the "I AM" or God in the flesh (see also John 8:58). Such comments; no doubt would bring upon a reaction of madness from the Pharisees and others who could not accept this saying despite the prophecies such as in this book.
Verses 10 through 12 give us some indication of Christ's exaltation coming in the Millennial reign after we come back with Him to rule and reign from heaven. This will bring to fruition many other prophecies not yet fulfilled (such as Isaiah 61:2). This time delineation explains why Jesus only read the first verse in that chapter in Luke 4:18.
There will be complete fulfillment of all prophecies not yet complete after He returns to earth. Genesis 3:15 shows the first Messianic prophecy about Christ's wounds on His hands and feet which will always be present as a reminder; as well as Satan's ultimate defeat.
I believe we have a all knowing God who can't be surprised who stands on the outside of time looking in!
Anything you are going to do next week or next year, in God's view you did it yesterday!
How can we know his judgments?
We know that he's just and we're all guilty.
He's righteous, Merciful, longsuffering and he's just, beyond what we can comprehend.
With that being said our minds don't measure up when trying to understand his Judgments.
So if we use his attributes along with what is consistent throughout ALL scripture as a principle to guide us we should come to conclusion hearing and receiving the word of God or refusing to hear and rejecting the word of God plays the primary role in God's Judgment.
So there must be an age of maturity enough for one to understand they need an savior because little two year old Billie is a sinner and he don't know it.
An accountability is likely when one matures and have understanding of some sort of consequences for sin, Some acknowledgement of the need for a savior.
And I believe God judges them according to what they receives.
Here's a few scriptures according to those basics.
Luke 10:13-14
Matthew 10:14-15.
Luke 12:47-48.
God shall judge righteous.
You see a picture of how he uses discretion in judgment in
Genesis 18:23-32.
Genesis 18:35 should be considered along with God's sovereign and foreknowledge and circumstances.
I believe there's a lot more going on in this dark world than what is on the surface and these things should be taken into consideration when questioning God's decision to destroy nations.
We could never fully understand God's methods of Judging but we can take what we do have in scripture and say one would have to be able to comprehend more than what a child is capable of to receive judgment without mercy.
Example.
DEUTERONOMY 1:39
Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day HAD NO KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL..
False signs and wonders are scriptural warnings for the last days; particularly in the Book of Revelation. Most who are of sound mind would cringe at the so called "Kundalini awakening" or other such phenomenon that invokes the coiled serpent within for all sorts of magical powers. What can be said is that as Christians we are promised all power over the evil one; and since that was won at the cross we have no reason to suspect that doesn't still exist as the authority given by Christ over demons according to the promises of ( Luke 10:19). Of course as with all scripture this passage must be taken in context; in Paul's case a snake fell off his arm and caused no harm; he didn't go out looking for some sensational footage; as clearly indicated in Acts 28:5-6. We also don't go out willy nilly after the evil one as the sons of Sceva did without bad results ( Acts 19:11-20). However as Spirit filled believers when we are exercising in His strength and with His authority we are fulfilling necessary service in casting out demons or commanding them not to continue to oppress people. This means; of course that we make sure a person WANTS to be freed; and willing to repent of any sins which give Satan legal foothold on their souls.
There are also demonic incantations or "prayers to Satan" of which I had the dubious distinction of hearing spoken against me a few years back. We need to factor in spiritual hinderances to our prayer as it is scriptural as we see in the book of Daniel and apparently with some missionary efforts Paul had. This doesn't guarantee our prayers are answered but such hinderences certainly make a breakthrough unlikely if we haven't dealt with strongholds in our own lives of entrenched sin as well as in others as well who we hope to see delivered.
The last point for now is that we must be open for others to pray for our needs as well. We need each other.
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."
v.29 "and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." In Re. Ch.12 we see the reason why."And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,/And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven."(Re.12:7-8) Jesus had warned, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."(12:28) This war result in Satan cast down. "for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."(Re.12:12b.) Jesus ses it happening." And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."( Luke 10:18) These seventy other disciples indicate the latter end of 'everlasting gospel' mentioned in Re.14:6-8). Jesus is on the earth and yet he see what must yet happen! In the passage one angel speaks 'his hour of judgment is come. In the next verse the second angel announces, "Babylon is fallen' which in chapters 17 and 18 are in detail shown. To our intent and purpose the discourse of Jesus in vv.29-51 cover Babylon, both Jews and the Gentiles. vv.16-20 owe to the Roman army almost at the doors.(v.33)
"'This generation shall not pass' refer to the generation of Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:1) It covers both Abraham and David. Son of Abraham sets him as the Word become flesh. (Before Abraham was, I am- John 8:58) We shall explain the shortening of Great tribulation from this logos aspect. Heaven and earth is set in terms of time on a single scale of Alpha Omega aspect. "that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.(2 Pe.3:8) As the lord from heaven Jesus sends the twelve disciples must integrate the everlasting gospel preached by the 70 other disciples as well. The war in heaven casts out Satan to the earth and he knows 'that he hath but a short time.'. Great tribulation is on reconstituted time vv.21-22
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven./Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants."
'Therefore' preceding the verse connects the verse before which gives us the Perfect number 7 and multiples of it. Kingdom of heaven calls for accounts which is directly pendent to the everlasting covenant drawn up in 'seven' days. God blessed His servants in manifold ways covered by verses in Ge.1:3- till 2:3. In the Parable of Jesus he refers God's commandment to man is service. He is the steward. Adam is a representational figure.(Ge.1:28) These are the Abstract and God shall require of his servants the proof of their service. Seventy is a man's life ("The days of our years are threescore years and ten,"-Ps.90:10). In short seventy years signifies the end times so when Jesus appointed seventy 'other' disciples he is referring to the everlasting gospel.( Luke 10:1)
The Spirit gives us an example of the Min-Max mode of narrative where a specific even veers of to the end times. Malachi 3:1 is a classic example. How we serve today is set in direct frame of reference to the Judgement so without abiding in Christ as so many branches to the true vine we are like the servant who hid his talent in the ground. ( John 15:3)
How does the talent is converted into the quality of service that one does? Gifts of the Spirit is given for building up each servant as well as for the common good. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."(1 Co.12:7). And it is towards the one body to which gifts severally given to each member should count. In short no one may dare offending the will of God by serving as he pleases but according to 1 John 5:7-8.Both heaven and the earth must agree. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"(v.13)
The same hour is a tag set by the Spirit so comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake,"(Re.11:13) for instance is the duration of his ministry and the two witnesses are part of his earthly ministry. In short the work of the Son as the Word become flesh has to incorporate the divine will of the Father. One cannot be without the other since it explains the rationale of Father who revealed the testimony through an angel as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name. Consequently when Jesus rejoiced as quoted from the Lucan gospel refers to the babes, they have their presence before God. Hence Jesus warns,"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."(18:10)
"And he to whom the Son will reveal him"( Luke 10:22). Jesus as the Good Shepherd came to save the lost. In delivering man who is dead in sin and trespasses he reveals the mercy of his Father. "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins/Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." (Ep.2:1-2) What is the significance of quickening one who is dead? Everlasting life proof of which is the believer and his angel in the presence of the Father are aligned without any distortion. "the third part of the stars of heaven" being cast out is how the believers in this world have handled the truth in unrighteousness. How we walk the talk has grave consequences on the cloud of witnesses. (Re.12:4) This explains the joy in heaven over the one sheep lost and found.
"Verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." The Spirit is referring the Son who is the Good Shepherd. He is the visible image of the invisible God so all emotions attributed to God must be seen as coming from the Son.
Similarly the Spirit refers to an hour which is with reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight./ All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."( Luke 10:21-22)
Jesus at the Marriage at Cana referred,"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4). By the same token he is referring to the wine which is distinctly with reference to the kingdom to come, " But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(26:29) It is thus the Spirit has organized the Salvation Program of God giving a tag for his ministry and his Father's kingdom. When he explains his work he tells his captors, "but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand:" the same hour is the duration of his ministry and the two represents the testimony of the Son which his Father. It is same as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name.
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"
This ministry that St Paul refers here would have hit a blank wall but for 'the word of reconciliation.' "To wit that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" so the word used in the context explains what it means by the Word became flesh. The work Jesus finished on earth is only one part of his ministry. The worlds of the Spirit and of the body are to be reconciled as well. So his promise to return after preparing a place for us means he has to fulfill why God was in him and gave him the ministry of reconciliation. The word of God is a sign where heaven and earth are by him consist. The cloud of witnesses and us are set on a single measurement in the Son.
The Spirit gives us a concrete image to explains his ministry of reconciliation. It also has to do with the holy city of God.
The angel who guided him was his fellow servant "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." and he reveals himself,"for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book." (Re.21:17;22:9)
We have already seen three principles which are ultimately the basis for the works of the Son. Principle of Association works on the basis of believers who have heard his doctrine and believed that he came from God.( Luke 10:16; Matt.10:40). The second principle is of Similitude so heaven is compared to earth to which parables are classic examples. Thus when Jesus Christ delivers the doctrine of Father, Evangelist Matthew gives him a seat the rock symbolized Zion (Matt.5:1)Melchizedek presenting Abraham with bread and wine is yet another. "TheLordhath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Ps.110:4)
Double
Double in the parlance of the Spirit refers to Salvation that has its part on earth as well as in heaven. When the seventy other disciples returned rejoicing that even demons were subject 'unto thy name', Jesus responded, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." ( Luke 10:20). (see under B-book of life)
Fullness of the Son was made manifest even in his humanity proof of which was the perfection (He.10:14). So a believer who is led by the Spirit is being conformed to the image of Christ (who is in him by faith)." For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,(Col.2:9-NIV) This leads us to explain the ear of faith. Our natural ear hears but the ear of faith is Person specific. "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God."(Ps.62:11) We hear in faith and do as he showed us. So how do we respond when we are falsely accused by the world. "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"(1 Pe.2:23)
Prophets of old expressed double in the sense Israel was dealt double for her sins double. By the same token Messianic promise of blessing were also double
(Is.40:2),(Is.61:7)
Jesus promised us double portion because he is risen from the dead This is revealed in terms of works. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father./ And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son./ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
we have Elisha asking for a double portion of Elijah's spirit we have this verse, "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit". (2 Ki.2:9-10)
A disciple is one who has but one master. Elisha condemned Gehazi for running after other man's riches. "Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes?"(2 Ki.5:26). "Not I but Christ who lives in me"( Gal. 2:20)
Without eating of the bread from heaven and the faith that he shall live forever as he is, by way of witnessing, what disciple is he? "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."( 1 John 2:19). Wisdom of the word must have its perfect working. (Matt.7:24). Serving God and mammon is how Gehazi proved his discipleship. St Paul proved the man was the message.
Seventy other disciples ( Luke 10:1) is how discipleship is perfected so ripple effect of Christ, the Man the message would spread outwards. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth./... and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." How Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke treats discipleship is in keeping with the supremacy of the Word which was God. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Mark 16:61-72 Simon Peter denied Christ before the maid who kept the door of the chief priest's palace. "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee (Matt.26-69)". In the darkness Simon Peter's voice betrayed him. 'Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee (v.73)'. Voice carries much more significance than the mere sound of it. The words that Jesus spoke was not his own. 'He who hears me hears who sent me ( Luke 10:16). Simon Peter forsook all in order to become his disciple. In denying Christ he was also denying the voice of the Lord he heard. Principle of Association (Matt.10:40).
Voice recognition of a Christian is in the way truth in his inward parts matches with his action. Voice of the Lord is dealing with the living word and it is to bring out the full potential of man. It is truth written in his inward parts that places his words and actions in harmony. (1 Co.14:7)
(See under B-betray)
"For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
In order to understand this passage we need recall the doctrine of Christ is not a lists of dos and don'ts but Person specific. Thus when Jesus chose his disciples every 'little one' like sheep has to pass under the hand of the Good Shepherd. They were to learn of him so when they returned back to the fold he exulted in spirit and said," I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."(11:25) Gospel of Luke adds to it, Jesus took delight in the success of his disciples and it validated that they were given under his care which as the Great Shepherd of souls had made a list as it were, So St Luke adds,"but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven./In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit."( Luke 10:20-21) They were associates and in their success he could take delight equally.
Gospel of God involved the Word which worked continually since sent forth; so did God the Father to which Jesus Christ affirmed,"My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."( John 5:17) Gospel of Christ required him to oversee the development of the souls his Father had entrusted under his care (11:27) Jesus tested their level of understanding "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"(v.13)
God revealing it to Simon Peter was no different than what the prophets of old had spoken. The Spirit of Christ was at work continually which St Peter admits, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify,"(1 Pe.1:10-11). Such revelations are for whosoever He has called and historically Simon Peter spoke what his ear of faith heardno different than Jonah had heard. He heard the call to go to Nineveh " But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." It requires faith to hear it right.
"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee./ But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas."
Birth of Jesus was a sign that Prophet Isaiah had given beforehand. So were 'the little ones' whom he sent out to preach." Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."(Is.8:18) Such a sign is what the Word signifies. It is a sound and seen both which occurred in the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, "the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear."(Ac.2:33). Without faith the nation of Israel would not profit from a sign and their entire history attested. So the sign of Jonah was an invitation to them to see their true state and be converted. Oh no they would not take it.
At the end of the chapter we read the validation of the Power of the Spirit that made the disciples his brethren determined in the will of his Father. "And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!/ For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."(v.28) The same power was given to his disciples because God dealt with it liberally. In His glory and power there was no point in partiality because the glory was patent in their wellbeing. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."( Luke 10:17). Jesus exulted in his spirit and glorified God,"I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.."(11:25).
The prayer of Jesus as given in the Gospel of John helps us to understand the prayer recorded by Evangelist Matthew. The Amen at the end of the Lord's Prayer is replaced with vv.20-26 giving a context to all prayers since his death and resurrection.
17:20 " Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." He was well aware of the mandate of his Father was as the Savior of the World and not in a limited sense. He sanctified himself on account of the 12 disciples, significance of the number being fixed and he sending them two by two established the Principle of Association. (10:40; Luke 10:16). Now he knew his hour was nigh so he prays for all 'them which shall believe on me through their word'.
17:21 "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Here we are given an insight into the function of the term "Amen," being intended a tag, Unity of the Spirit that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Instead the church riven with heresies tell another story. Miry clay trying to compromise with the defunct Roman empire is neither here nor there.
17:22 "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:." The only glory Evangelicals on either side of the Atlantic are Cathedrals or mega churches, monument to the doctrine of Jesus Christ wrongly applied. Love, joy forbearance such fruits of the Spirit are glossed over when the congregation says 'Amen' what one misses is,'That they may be one, even as we are one'.
17:23 "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one..." Perfect in one is what the Prayer began with,"Thy kingdom come"( v.10) In glossing over the deity of Jesus, reasonable faith deny 'works' the key to abiding life. It is time the Church got their worship in Spirit and truth.
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Alms giving in a manner of speaking is noticing one who is created in the selfsame image. Mercy acknowledges another irrespective of their circumstances, and serve in whatever capacity as a brother to another or as a father to one in need of consolation. Is it not wonderful for man that he for once settled on an universal symbol to converse. A pittance to a widow in need salves the conscience of man but when the widow in question puts two mites in the collection drew the breath of Jesus away."but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had,"He observed. ( Luke 21:1-4) Rich are those who out of abundance toss much more without counting. There is not mercy per se but an irksome task to get over with. It is similar to the Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan who "came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side." ( Luke 10:32). The Samaritan who was not obliged according to the social mores or custom of the day to help but he did for no other reason that Jesus was an intercessor. As Isaiah said, "And wondered thatthere wasno intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him."(Is.59:16). The Samaritan was the good neighbor because he stood the place of Jesus Christ. The same 'arm' that bought salvation is qualified as the right arm. It is thus God in sending his Son to the world would determine how goats shall be separated from the sheep. In short either we are one with him or at odds with him.
30And the times of this ignorance GOD winked at;but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31Because He hath appointed a Day,in the which He will Judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto ALL men,in that He hath raised him from the dead.
Mat.28:18-And JESUS came and spake unto them,saying,All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Luke 10:19-20
19Behold,I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,and over ALL the power of the enemy:and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not,that the spirits are subject unto you;but rather rejoice,because your names are written in heaven.
Joel 2:1-11
1Blow the trumpet in Zion,sound an alarm in my holy mountain:let all the inhabitants of the land tremble:the Lord's Day comes...
2A Day of darkness and of gloominess,a Day of clouds and of thick darkness...a great people and a strong there has not been ever the like,neither shall be any more after it...
3A fire devoures before them;and behind them a flame burns:the land is as the garden of Eden before them,and behind them a desolate wilderness...
5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoures the stubble,as a strong people set in battle array.
6Before their face the people shall be much pained...
7They shall run like mighty men;they shall climb the wall like men of war;and they shall march every one on his ways,and they shall not break their ranks:
8...and when they fall upon the sword,they shall not be wounded.
9They shall run to and fro in the city;they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses;they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
10The earth shall quake before them...
11And the Lord shall utter His voice before His army:His camp is very great:He is strong that executes His Word:the Day of the Lord is great,very terrible;and who can abide it?
And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith theLordGod of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of theLord, even over Israel.(2 Ki.9:6)
In vv.24-29 we are given a new king of Judah. Ahaziah reigned in his father's stead. He went with the king of Israel to war against Hazael the king of Syria whom Elisha had anointed as the king (in the place of Elijah.) While things are going from bad to worse for Ahaziah and Joram, we have Elisha entrusting the third task God had given Elijah to his associate. His is only called the young man, the prophet. He is to run over to Jehu who is at Ramothgilead and anoint him as the new king of Israel. We see the same chain in command as Jesus ordained in his time. His disciples are sent to preach and 'he who receives you receives me.'. So God's gospel is same as Gospel of Christ and we are all associates of Christ regardless of time in the same vineyard fellow-laborers. Our hire is already fixed as we have in the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. That day must end of an age and we shall collect ours when we are called up. ( Luke 10:16; Matt.10:40.)
God gives a task which is to be performed and it is exactly in God's time. In the eyes of God the time is 'now''. Elijah is merely a name as Elisha and he is on the same level as the anonymous prophet. The Spirit gives us an insight as to the manner he works with rise and fall of nations. We are seeing the kings in Israel and Judah are becoming nonentities a few kings better than others, that is all. In the Salvation plan of God, the prophets are shaping the spiritual landscape of Israel and we are seeing the rise of world empires. Syria, Assyria and Babylon are all becoming stronger so Israel does not know when disaster is going to strike them.
Holy Spirt states 1John 2:1 children do not sin, & if you do. Indicating their state
Then in 1John 2:12-14 Holy Spirit distinguishes the maturity of the believers, as children who sins are forgiven for His name sake, the young men who have overcome the wicked one & the fathers that have known Him from the beginning, each according to the measure of the Spirit they received in their growth in Christ.
1Pet 5:1 Peter here makes a distinction, in exhorting the elders that are among them
1John 2:6
Your wrong it does imply this, as plenty of Scriptures confirms this.
Rom 8:29, conformed to the image of His Son,
1John 3:3 pure as He is pure
Gal 2:20 not I but Christ lives in me, only the pure in heart see & experience this on the spiritual level Paul is speaking from here.
we think, talk & walk as He did. 1Cor 2:16 we have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5
2Pet 1:3 freely has given us all things,
Luke 10:19 He's not talking about physically hurt here, as the Scriptures give witness too.
Luke 12:5 & that fear is to depart from evil, sin along can hurt us.
Col 3:10 Ephesians 4:23,24 the renewing of our minds in the knowledge after the image of Him that created him,
"the new man", is the work of Sanctification of the Spirit, bringing us into ever increasing measures of growth to maturity in Christ, the divine nature, fruits of the Spirit & ultimately being born again of the Incorruptible Seed,
your comparisons paragraph
you end with "how are you going to walk differently? You answered your own question
quoting you "I DON'T always in the human perfectly follow" one's not abiding in the Vine & according to this Scriptural statement, one has transgress against the Light, which the Spirit declares in the contest of these Scriptures is that one is still a child, for the young men have overcome the wicked one & the fathers have likewise.
Last par; Yes, this is the heart of the Father in sending His Son, Christ being the first born among many brethern
" For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth."
"For yet seven days"
The narrative is set clearly on the basis of *the Law, which is the eternal word settled in the heaven. So in the creation account there were seven 'days' of creation, and and judgment now is to to be meted out upon the ungodly old world shall come in seven days.
The rains when they did come lasted for forty days and forty nights. The command number Four is a tag for the Son who came to the world as the word become flesh. A man's life the number 10 is deemed legally adequate. (Thus 4x10). The Spirit presents Jesus before being led to be tempted of the devil fasting for forty days. "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil./After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."(Matt.4:1-2-NIV) Likewise the risen Christ was seen for forty days."The apostles whom he had chosen,/to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days(Ac.1:2-3).
In v.9 we are shown the creatures going in two and two unto Noah into the ark calls to mind the manner Jesus sent his disciples to preach the good news. ('and sent them two and two'- Luke 10:1)
* of the Law
vv. 2-3 the Law of the Lord:" Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female./ Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth." These shall come into their own under the Law of Moses but he is giving us from the standpoint of the Son and it is Jesus Christ who is to manifest in the fullness of time, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."(Ro.10:4;Ac.13:39)
I like you was sincere, etc, but I was sincerely wrong, oh how I struggled, the veil always separated me from my Beloved, there was no pure unity of the faith & oneness that Christ prayed for, my conscience bearing witness against me, no matter how I cried, repented, fasted, prayed or studies the letter, & walk accordingly, yet, the veil was still hung between us & why? 2Cor 3:6 I remember it quiet well, a yoyo of an experience.
1 Cor 15:34,45 true knowledge is given by the true Grace of God who appears bringing salvation to all mankind.
Ronald, have you ever had an unction that cross your own will, telling you not to do or say something & show you what to do or to say? & if not heeded to, condemn you for it? Or maybe you were in a tryst state, & say or did something & later Holy Spirit/ Grace convicted you of wrong? This is the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, Grace/Light/Anointing we have received & appears within us, & if minded & exercised is the daily Cross & is not a lie, abide in Him & in the steadfast confidence continual exercising of it, will eventually set us free from the law of sin & death. Received by Luke 10:42 Psalms 130:5"the word of His Grace, who words are Spirit & Life" Psalms 145:12-18 Psalms 123:2 Psalms 62:5 meaning silencing all thoughts & imaginations & in stillness of soul, wait. Psalms 46:10 and He will appear Hebrews 9:28 . Believing that it is He appearing to you is faith, hearing the Word of God in the heart, that Paul preached & this faith purifies the heart & gives victory over the world.
2Cor 3:16-18 this stillness & waiting upon the Lord is turning to Him, who is Spirit, whom takes the veil away & gives us knowledge of Himself, 2Cor 4:6,7 setting us free from the bondage of sin, we know the Truth & the Truth set us free & transforms us into His Image. Light begets light, in whom there is no darkness at all.
causing you Philippians 2:13 Hebrews 13:21 "obviously this is not sinning".
Grace be to you
"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.(v.7)
The Lord fashioned all hearts alike so how come Cain responded to please God was different from that of Abel? Sin made all the difference. Sin created a smokescreen so man is easier handled by the conjuror's art, smoke and mirrors which man looks at believes in a lie of course.
God from whom comes all the good gifts now onwards becomes a 'bogy' to Adam and man and woman would rather hide as made His presence 'in the cool of day'. So their fall signified there were barriers put up between them and their God. This reality was reflected in their hearts as well.
Cain presented fruit of the field, which tells us the world of the flesh weighed uppermost in his calculation. Abel on the other hand laid much in store with the world of the Spirit. All that was knowable of God was in the heart of Cain and Abel alike. God tests their works as the Psalm quote tells us.(Ps.33:15)
God's calling and gifts are irrevocable. Their hearts presented a level playing field a face as the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters, which is between heaven and the earth.God forbade them access to this kingdom without getting rid of sin that put up barriers between the two. It is to which God referred." If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?" Peace with God was impossible with this crouching sin at the door. Cain had certainly a problem. It was obvious that he viewed the worlds that his heart circumscribed differently than his brother who was righteous as the Spirit annotates. Cain viewed according to the carnal wisdom taught by Satan.. St John writes of Cain,' who was of that wicked one,'( 1 John 3:12, 8) and contrasts his brother as righteous.
Luke 10:38-42 Mary chose the better part. Abel did better because he trusted in the promises of God.
First your question of the angel whom Jesus Christ semt 'and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John'(Re.1:1) The angel reveals himself, " I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things./ Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book."(Re.22:8-9) 'fellowservant' and 'brethren' Again we have "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Re.19:10) Those who have the testimony of Jesus. They are the saints called before the worlds began. They are the cloud of witnesses ('Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses'-He.12:1) We see them as St Stephen saw(Ac.7:56) or St Peter (Ac.10:11) and our heart is not anatomical part but carries a spiritual space. Daniel saw in the night vision, "thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him." (Dan.7:10) This is a great congregation that Psalm 40:10 refers to. On account of this what we whisper in our bedchamber is like shouting from the roof tops. Nothing is hidden.
Secondly regarding principle of Similitude He.11:3 The unseen world (of the will of the Father- the heaven) with the visible earth (seen the word become flesh-the Son)The Lord's prayer.Matt.6:10 ('Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.') Principle of Association is about the gospel. (Matt.10:40; Luke 10:16) Thirdly Ministry of Reconciliation. All 'theory" or suppositions must be backed by the word of God. Hope this makes clear.
"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."
The everlasting covenant was between two equal parties. The Man component as mentioned earlier gave the Son equal status which underpins the Father Son relationship. It also evidently points out emblem in the divine Will. "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" opened the Advent of the Son (as the Word become flesh,) as predestined. Triune God presents the body of the Son, the spirit of Christ as the mist, which we shall come across "and watered the whole face of the ground."(Ge.2:6).
The Spirit moving upon the face of the waters made every atom fall in to the dictates of the divine Law. So fire shall go out when the air is removed a natural law, nevertheless derived from God a Spirit. A body hast thou prepared me establishes consequently an association in His creation. Adam in 'our image' is the double for Son so this association works across from one end of the earth to the other.. We shall come to the point that God breathes in the nostrils of Adam and made him the living soul.(Ge.2:7) This association as a result takes up and down as well. Ep.1:3 refers to spiritual blessings which are word-based. The Advent of the only begotten Son was in the divine Will. Jesus sending disciples was established on the basis. (Matt.10:40; Luke 10:16) Whoever received his disciples was as though he received Christ himself.
God blessed His creation in his Son, the firstborn from all creation, This being the case there cannot any other interpretation to the command, " Dominion over" gives man a license to hunt them down to extinction.
When we see Matthew 10 and compare it with Luke 10 we see some differences. Those in Matthew 10 were told only to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:6). Such was NOT the case with the 72 in Luke's account. We see there is no return mentioned of the Disciples as was with the 72 in Luke 10:17. The same cities were rebuked in Matthew 11:17 as they are in Luke 10:13-15. (incidentally these cities were rebuked BEFORE the Disciples retuned which also signifies their lack of belief in the miracles of Christ Himself if not implying their lack of response to the Gospel and miracles the Disciples and 72 performed in both Gospel accounts).
When we look at Matthew 10 we see far implications; persecutions; being hated by all nations for His Name's sake; going to trial with kings and rulers and finally verses in verse 22:23. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." This is a clear indication of the Tribulation as indeed this refers to the Second Coming. It is notable today that one cannot be a citizen of Israel if declaring themselves to be a Christian. The only other option here is to somehow imply the Lord came already as a Full Preterist viewpoint which says somehow Christ already returned in AD 70. The implications here are not only for the Disciples but all those who are going to suffer persecution for His Name's sake; perhaps particularly but not only related to the cities of Israel. Also the 144,000 and 2 Prophets would also be something bringing the climax and greatest challenge for Israel ever seen in the time of "Jacob's Trouble". ( Jeremiah 30:7). God promises deliverance eventually; by death or Rapture or Resurrection.
Agape.
Here are some Scriptures for you that speak about Hell (Hades, as opposed to Gehenna or Tartarus): Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18; Luke 10:15, Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Revelation 1:18, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 20:13,14. Yes, Hades is a very real place where the dead pre-Cross went, both the righteous & unrighteous. And they had to go there when they died, for the Work of the Cross was not completed & their salvation was not secured. Only the shed Blood of Jesus could save them & us - they had to wait for it & their release from Hades.
The picture of mankind in Romans 3 (of Jew & Gentile) tells us that all are sinners & that circumcision or the Law gave no profit to the Jew. Only the "faith of Jesus Christ" & by His Redemptive Work can a sinner be justified by faith. I see nothing in this chapter about the "Salvation of OT Believers" - only of 'faith vs the law', for instruction to the Church in Rome, and by extension, believers beyond them in space & time.
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Phillips Craig and Dean from the song From the Inside Out (Fearless Album)
Proverbs 16:9 shows that man makes plans but the Lord orders his steps. Our best attempts at determining what is right even as Christians can't possibly take into account the bad things that happen and just how the Lord will use those things for our good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes ( Romans 8:28). Time and again the Lord has shown in scripture as well as today that martyrs ultimately serve a greater purpose; it such as Jim Elliot martyred with his friends in the jungle and the efforts of his wife and others afterwards with the resulting fruit of their efforts in converts.
Dying to self may or may not demand a complete change in trajectory as to our vocation or living situation. God makes it clear that those married to unbelievers are not to depart unless forced by the other person. We are also to work heartily unto the Lord ( Col. 3:23-24) and in fact; if we don't work we don't eat ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Luke 10:7 shows how the workman is worthy of his hire at least in terms of ministry but Paul supplemented support through tentmaking as to not be a burden to others. Obviously; as with the woman caught in adultery ( John 8:1-11) there had to be an end to sin therefore a radical change in lifestyle and by default cutting off many social ties. Whether we can be a witness or former associates post conversion are a detriment is based on several factors in individual situations. Clearly any criminal sources of income have to be ended; and we should make restitution whenever possible for those we have offended (see Ephesians 4:28; implied in doing good with what is earned).
As to our affections being set on things above ( Colossians 3:3-10) it is an ongoing process. As an onion each layer of self is peeled away.
Hi Ronald
From what you've express in your open statement, it seems your understanding comes from a searching of collective consciences in their studying of the Scriptures, from the conceiving of one's own brain from the letter.
Friend.. please bear with me,
There's a surer Way, & that is to choose the better part Luke 10:39 Luke 10:42
The Spirit who inspired the Scriptures, is alone the Opener of them, freely giving us their true import. 1Cor 2:13,14
For this He was sent John 16:7, John 16:13
His words are a certainty, a infallible foundation that we can bottom on or trust in.
I wasn't giving my opinion of these Scriptures, referencing Jesus own words with His disciples on the question they ask of Him, Matt 24:3 quoting His words several times in His disclosure to them, for in Him is Psalms 36:9
You've stated; "We also see things that have not yet been fulfilled" in a sense, yes, in a sense, no,
I'll explain; Jesus plainly states, 24:34 its clear He's referring to these end time events in a "present tense", many time to His disciples, They were fulfilled in them, & to all in their generation & every generation since, & will be fulfilled in the generations to come until Rev 11:15
Think about the evidence Christ presented that He was indeed the Messiah. Indeed; supernatural blindness HAD to be given; for Jesus even told people to believe Him even for the sake of His works ( John 14:11). And the verse was indicative of His being part of the Godhead. There were HUGE numbers of people being miraculously fed at least twice; people healed of blindness which had NEVER occurred even with the Old Testament miracles ( John 10:21); people who had demons cast out of them; as well as the miracles entrusted to the 12 Apostles and the 70 sent out two by two ( Luke 10:11). There was the undeniable proof of natural phenomenon at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:54); as well as the 500 witnesses that saw Him; including the Apostles AFTER He was Resurrected and they all died except for John as martyrs; clearly they knew and believed the truth since denial would have saved their lives.
Unbelief therefore is something learned. Children are all born into sin; but scripture makes it clear that they have angels beholding the Father continually and that they were drawn to Christ (see Matt. 18:10). Children came to Christ ( Mark 10:13-16) and praised Him as a fulfillment of Psalm 8:2 and mentioned by the Lord in Matthew 21:16. To deny the obvious requires a hardness of heart and soul; and deliberate rejection of known truths; which of course made the condemnation of the Pharisees greater than most; and was much of the reason Jesus excoriated them in nearly the entirety of Matthew 23. They knew the prophecies but were blinded because of their obsession on the law and all other traditions that were added to put men in bondage and to render mercy and justice meaningless ( Matthew 23:23) with their myopic tunnel vision. The rest of the world if NOT enlightened by the Spirit only looked at Christ as some great miracle worker but didn't worship Him as God in the flesh.
Hence Matthew 16:17 must occur for true salvation.
Verses 10 through 12 give us some indication of Christ's exaltation coming in the Millennial reign after we come back with Him to rule and reign from heaven. This will bring to fruition many other prophecies not yet fulfilled (such as Isaiah 61:2). This time delineation explains why Jesus only read the first verse in that chapter in Luke 4:18.
There will be complete fulfillment of all prophecies not yet complete after He returns to earth. Genesis 3:15 shows the first Messianic prophecy about Christ's wounds on His hands and feet which will always be present as a reminder; as well as Satan's ultimate defeat.
I believe we have a all knowing God who can't be surprised who stands on the outside of time looking in!
Anything you are going to do next week or next year, in God's view you did it yesterday!
How can we know his judgments?
We know that he's just and we're all guilty.
He's righteous, Merciful, longsuffering and he's just, beyond what we can comprehend.
With that being said our minds don't measure up when trying to understand his Judgments.
So if we use his attributes along with what is consistent throughout ALL scripture as a principle to guide us we should come to conclusion hearing and receiving the word of God or refusing to hear and rejecting the word of God plays the primary role in God's Judgment.
So there must be an age of maturity enough for one to understand they need an savior because little two year old Billie is a sinner and he don't know it.
An accountability is likely when one matures and have understanding of some sort of consequences for sin, Some acknowledgement of the need for a savior.
And I believe God judges them according to what they receives.
Here's a few scriptures according to those basics.
Luke 10:13-14
Matthew 10:14-15.
Luke 12:47-48.
God shall judge righteous.
You see a picture of how he uses discretion in judgment in
Genesis 18:23-32.
Genesis 18:35 should be considered along with God's sovereign and foreknowledge and circumstances.
I believe there's a lot more going on in this dark world than what is on the surface and these things should be taken into consideration when questioning God's decision to destroy nations.
We could never fully understand God's methods of Judging but we can take what we do have in scripture and say one would have to be able to comprehend more than what a child is capable of to receive judgment without mercy.
Example.
DEUTERONOMY 1:39
Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day HAD NO KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL..
GB.