The Bible as a whole gives a systematic and cohesive narrative clearly describing certain truths; at least all necessary for instruction and teaching in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The idea of the law of God is intermingled in the Genesis story; with the first covenant of God being established with the marriage of Adam and Eve which was instituted by God Himself. There was apparently the concept of a sacrifice long before the laws that were in Exodus; Leviticus and Deuteronomy as indicated by the offerings brought forth by Abel and Cain. And we also have the mysterious Melchizedek who was a true priest of God but not under known lineage in the line of the Jews.
The law; of course comes in Exodus and Deuteronomy with the basic 10 Commandments; as well as the 600 odd other laws releting to various national laws; moral laws and ceremonial laws specific to Israel as well as to mankind in whole. Those who would question that need to carefully read the Old Testament where we see passages such as God describing the Amorites ( Gen. 15:16); as well as the destruction of other nations; even Nineveh after God spared it due to repentance for a time in the time of Jonah. Verses about marriage in regard to Abraham and Isaac as well as John the Baptist clearly indicate the law was recognized by the Egyptians as well as with Herod having his brother's wife ( Mark 6:18) which led to his beheading indirectly after imprisonment. We see in Amos 1:13-14 scripture where Ammon was to be destroyed for what is described as mutilating pregnant women (a nice way to say it). There are other verses as well where people are given back punishment based on what they've done similar to this; it fits in basically to an "eye for an eye". We even see special healing given to a Gentile (Naaman the Syrian) in the Old Testament.
This concept of the law shows exceptions to basic principles of God's actions in the O.T and N.T.
Jesus appointed the twelve and sent them two by two so they represented both heaven and earth. The Son and the Son of man are like the two edged sword, is all about the sound and sign of the Gospel.(He.4:12). The word of truth sanctifies so we consider both the master and disciples are as one. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." (He.2:11)
The disciples were to preach the gospel and cast out demons by the authority of the word so they are heard. They are also signs. "And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me," is a reference to the Isaiah quote. The number Two is embedded in the Word where two worlds of heaven and the earth are simultaneously at work. So Isaiah opens with this verse,"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken,"(Is.1:2).
In this context the two witnesses are not merely two individuals but a label for the ministry of the Son in heaven and on earth through his prophets. Time is not according to earth time but time as tagged by the Spirit. Three and half years on earth and heaven gives us the Perfect Number 7. "And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."(Re.11:11)
Three and half years roughly works out to be the duration of Christ's earthly ministry. After his resurrection his ministry in heaven is half an hour that rounds off the Command number for the Word as Four. Gospel is the same through out the four cardinal directions because of one faith.(One Lord, one faith-Ep.4:5) Feeding Four thousand where 4x1000 refer to the people who became figuratively the partakers of the holy calling. (8:9) Command Number Three is the tag for the Son. Jesus was tempted for Forty days(4x10) (1:13 )or was seen after resurrection refers to the man (Ac.1:3;He.2:14)
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."
"And the two fishes divided he among them all./And they did all eat, and were filled." Here we have an example of kangaroo words. The two primarily refers to the number of fishes while there were five loaves of bread. What you eat has it way of passage, and as Jesus took pains to explain it is eaten "Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?(7:19). What the heart can do leads to everlasting life while traditions of man, with his table manners in the Roman times often lasted into late hours in suppers where the guests would end under the table in their own vomit. What the Spirit is demonstrating are heaven and earth as two worlds so Jesus " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them."(v.41)
Before appointing the twelve he goes up to a mountain, and called them who would. His Sermon on the Mount set the Rock of Ages for a testimony and Mark similarly narrates that Jesus bound the twelve to service so their authority came from heaven as his came. As the master so were the disciples.
As indicative of their singleness of purpose Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." In short the disciples were partakers of the heavenly calling.(He.3:1). The number of fishes is two and signifies a number of objects each is set in terms of God. God fashions all hearts alike and tries their works. In the Parable of the Talents each servant was bound to give account over them. Number of men in this chapter "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men".(v.44) In the other,"And they that had eaten were about four thousand: "(8:9). These are set for a purpose.
"And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."
Jesus ordained them for a purpose. " And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him./And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach"(3:13-14).Having introduced the disciples the Spirit gives us two symbols which gives an altogether different emphasis to the discipleship.
We shall first examine it before we take up the topic. St Matthew presents the doctrine of his Father before a mountain while St Mark informs us that Jesus first went up into a mountain and calls whom he would. It does not mean the twelve disciples were among them but the emblem of Zion (Is.28:16; Matt.5:1) is the witness for the discipleship. Jesus Christ the rock of ages embodies the doctrine of his Father; so are the twelve disciples. By choosing Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve he was accountable to the Word as he as the word become flesh his testimony also was on the line. Testimony of Jesus: the spirit of prophesy.(Re.19:10) . Mark gives us the list and ends with," And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house." (3:19) The house is not specified but the house serves as a proper context for Jesus and all his twelve disciples. St Mark sets the entire gospel about Jesus as that of the Son so the house referred here is the Father's house." In my Father's house are many mansions:.:( John 14:2) Of whose house are we? Is simplicity in Christ or honor of Herod what do we hunger for?
When it was time he sent them as the key verse says, two by two and gave them authority just as his Father had given him.
Jesus had no place to lay his head. He sent his disciples similarly to depend solely on His Father in heaven. Faith made them feel at home and the peace of which was not as the world gives. This was Christ's testimon.y
Hi Symone63. You must be referring to some other teaching (e.g. Roman Catholicism) which maintains Mary's perpetual virginity. If you are, then the Scriptures are replete with verses to show that after Jesus was born to Mary, then Mary gave birth to other children (sons & daughters), but Mary was indeed a virgin when the Holy Spirit placed this Godly Seed into her, so that God could appear unto men in the flesh in the Person of Jesus, as only God could make the full, acceptable, & permanent payment for mankind sins ( 1 Timothy 2:16; 1 John 3:16; John 15:13).
You can look at the following Scriptures to show that Jesus did have siblings, albeit half-siblings now by both Joseph & Mary. Matthew 12:46,47; Matthew 13:55,56; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; John 7:3,5,10; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5; Galatians 1:19.
" and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him."
Herod was not farther from truth to set John in relation to Jesus. Nevertheless he had blood on his hand. Satan is a murderer. (John8:44) Mark set the Gadarenes episode to bring out the similarities with the unclean spirits, be it one or legion having the same cast of mind, they know the truth when they see or hear it. Is is under the department of conscience. Herod's conscience pricked that he put to death an innocent man. But Satan had given him safe cover as with the man with the legion at his throat. He would not cast them out by faith. Instead he did some monkeying. his untamed spirit was such the Marvel comics could have found their superhero, 'dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:"(5:3)
Satan had given his seat and authority as he did with the beast. (" and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority-"Re.13:2)"For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." In what was his fear different from the Jews? "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me./Howbeit in vain do they worship me."(7:6-7) Herod read the script given to him and he had a part to play. Hearing with his heart and understanding the will of God and being converted was not allowed. Instead Satan gave him pomp and circumstance, as sop to the dignity of a ruler. Do we not see such honor unravelling before our very eyes? Power is potent as a drink. Even after drawn over hot coals of impeachment what do we hear? "They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again."(Pr.23:35)
Such honor is like the golden ring on the snout of a swine.
Jesus Christ as the Lord is the Lord of heaven so he is heavenly. All the prophets until John served the Son as the double for Jesus Christ. "The law and the prophets were until John."( Luke 16:16)
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (He.1:1-3). It is of him Moses had warned,"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."(De.18:15). Moses stood as a stand-in for him. So did every prophet. He is the heir so seven days in the covenant in which seven is a kangaroo word.
The Spirit gives us multiplying of loaves 8:7-9 "And he (Jesus) blessed, and commanded to set them also before them./So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets./And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away." Here we seven baskets of the broken meat which stands as the testimony of the Son to his Father. Generally speaking the command numbers are incorporated in the God document to distinguish which is which. Considering the manner imposter church has let them proliferate shows the enemy is within the house. Jesus would soon clear his house of the Canaanites. "and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of theLordof hosts."(Ze.14:21)
"But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."
St John sums it up this way, "He (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not."(v.11). He refers his Jewishness. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,/To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."(Gal.4:4-5) The nation of Israel understood what the law meant but not what it referred to. Herein lay their dilemma. Law for them became traditions of their fathers so when the Law (its fulness) walked among them full of grace all they could say "they( the Pharisees) said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils." (Matt.12:24). Jesus was a sign as Moses was one. He served as his double before his Advent. They could not keep the Law of Moses but would want to go back to Egypt under another captain it showed they were incapable of holding truth.(Nu.14:4)
Symptomatic of their perverseness was their curiosity. How often they demanded of Jesus to show them a sign. It merely satisfied their shallow religiosity. Jesus rightly condemned their place among the wicked adulterous generation than as the sons. "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."(Matt.12:39). Without entering into spiritual significance of the sign, and without dying in him they were not worthy to be called sons. In their rebellious spirit all chastisement was wasted so Jesus dismissed them by saying,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt.23:36-38). For this reason Jesus instructed his disciples to shake off the dust of their feet for a testimony.(6:11)
"And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him."
Matthew places less emphasis on his country than with Mark. After delineating the visit to Gadarenes Matthew goes on with the the healing so much so the multitudes "marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men".(Matt.9:8). The unclean spirits all had a country to call their own whereas Jesus refers Capernaum in Galilee as his own country. Jesus had declared,"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."(Matt.8:20). So what significance the place names hold? These names associated with him sets the humanity of Jesus in focus. But twists and turns of it owe to the scriptures than by the will of man. He was born in Nazareth thereby fulfilling what was spoken of him by the prophets.(Matt.2:23) His Galilean ministry revolved about Capernaum so much so in terms of his deity Nazareth was interchangeable for Capernaum since he dwelt among them as the word become flesh.
The earth and the fulness belongs to God which is the point from which St Mark's Gospel surveys. So the country that the unclean spirit referred to was the observation of a servant. "And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."( John 8:35). The Preacher declared the truth beforehand. "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever."(Ec.1:4). Thus Luz shall be known as Bethel. Jerusalem was earlier known as the city of Jebus. Since God has left all judgment to his Son these place names has the same characteristic: now you see now you don't. Sodom, Egypt Jerusalem are interchangeable.(Re.11:8)
The Spirit organized the life of the Son so what Mark informs us gives the narrative of Matthew an heightened reality.
Well my opinion is that healing IS actually a matter of faith. I don't know you and the circumstances you are living under so I am talking in general. When Jesus was ministering in this world nobody who came to Him and requested their heailing was left uncured, unless there was unbelief. Mark 6:5-6, "And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief...". So it seems it was not possible even for Jesus to heal some people. Not because He did not have the power to do so but because the power of God has to meet our faith to be energized. Faith is the most essential thing in the christian belief. Through faith Abraham was considered righteous by God, through his faith he almost sacrificed Isaac and through his faith he received him back. Through our faith in Jesus' sacrifice we receive eternal life. God has chosen faith to be the condition of receiving things by Him, material things or spiritual. Without faith nobody receives anything from God. James 1:6-7, " But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. "
Jesus gave his life for us not only for our righteousness but for our illnesses as well. Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." But as we need faith to be saved, similarly we need faith for the healing of our body and soul. Without faith non of those comes to us. We are not any different from other people, we get ill like everybody else. But we were given the right from God to ask Him to cure us and receive it. So lets energize our faith. Being close to God uplifts our faith. So lets move closer to Him. GBU
Ah! The perpetual discussion on eternal security. Almost as exciting as discussing who the Sons of God were in Gen. 6:2, but I'll save that one for another time. Unfortunately, we live in a time when 'rightly' dividing the Word has become somehow more complicated. I believe the Bible has every answer to all the questions we need to have answered in order to walk circumspectly with the Lord. I'll make it brief, then, that the ability to lose one's salvation rests completely with that individual. God made the way, Christ made the sacrifice and the Holy Spirit provides the ability or power for us to follow Christ daily, unless we choose otherwise. Salvation from God does not negate one's ability to choose between God or something less. The Bible contains those who started well and finished poorly. So poorly they ended up in Hades. Saul, Israel's first king, was one whom God withdrew His spirit from ( 1 Sam. 16:14), Judas Iscariot whom Christ called to follow Him, willingly rejected and betrayed Christ after he witnessed and performed miracles/wonders in His name when sent out by Jesus in pairs ( Mark 6:7-13) and then, Demas, who forsook Paul for the love of the world ( 2 Tim. 4:10). But, finally, God has a word that many overlook in the Bible. It's a short 4-letter word called "blot". It's used in Exodus 32:32-33 where God tells Moses He will blot out the names of those who reject Him from His book and then in Revelation 3:5, Jesus himself declares that He will not blot out the names of those who overcome the trials and sufferings that believers face, but warns those who are not watching and keeping His commands. I know that my flesh nature would love the idea that once I get saved, I have no more worries about anything. Lack of rewards in Heaven will be no big deal because we won't feel shame or regret. You better read Luke 14:27 and Matt. 10:38, no one will wear Heaven's crown until they carry their earthly cross in His service. Thanks for your time.
Let us significance of the house of bread from which he came on a divine Mandate. He came to fulfill the will of his Father. In multiplying loaves of bread as given in the gospel let us examine the leftovers. "And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full."(14:20) In John's Gospel, "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost./ Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten." ( John 6:12-13) Number 12 signifies the Gospel of God. In fulfilling his Father's will the same Gospel is Gospel of Christ.
All four gospel records this 'miracle' and more significance in in the gathering of fragments that remained.
In the Gospel of Mark we read,"And they did all eat, and were filled./ And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes."( Mark 6:42-43) In Luke "And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets." ( Luke 9:17)
There are other instances in which 4x1000 has significance as the number Seven to mark the baskets. (Mark.8:8) (15:37-38)
According to principle of Similitude the symbol of bread in the House of God must match. The number 12 refers to the Gospel and 7 denotes fulfillment of the Will. In all these instances all those who partook were full.
Contrary to this we have an indictment against Israel. "Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword./.. that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people."( Micah 6:13-16) Bethlehem as a result has fallen into insignificance.
I ended my last post briefly discussing the Persian; Greek and Roman empires which would all have a part of history when they affected Israel. In the Persian empire Cyrus the Great (see Ezra) would allow the Temple to be rebuilt even though he didn't know the Lord he showed favor to Israel. ( Isaiah 45:4-6). Later Antiochus Epiphanes as a type of Antichrist would during the intertestamental period take over the Temple (actually part of the Syrian empire but also spread Greek cultural ideas). God through the Macabees fought back and eventually they were defeated. Finally; of course the Roman empire would have a tenuous existance with the Jewish nation; and be a part of Christ's crucifixion. They also; (until today's modern version still forming) would be defeated.
We see examples of God working with Nebuchadnezzar to bring about true conversion. We also see examples such as Naaman the Syrian in 2 Kings 5 who God healed; as well as the story of Jonah with the Ninevites who repented and God spared for a time of judgment; but in the book of Nahum God's patience ran out and they were destroyed. We also see examples such as Ruth who was a Gentile that came to believe and became part of the royal lineage and even Rahab in the same light. In general though God winked at certain things in the past but ( Acts 17:30-31) but now in New Testament times there were stricter standards.
Christ would also begin with only ministering to the "lost sheep of Israel". ( Matthew 15:24 but mentioned earlier when the 70 were sent out). In this case a Gentile woman showed great faith and Christ healed her daughter. The plan now was to fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 42:1-9 about being a light to the Gentiles. This began with Christ spending much time with the Samaritan woman and others possessed by demons which added to crowds from surrounding nations; and showed the lack of faith in his own hometown as a contrast ( Mark 6:4).
And He earnestly warned them not to tell who He was. ( Mark 3:12).
This and 22 other verses apparently exist in the Gospels where Jesus warned either people or the demons cast out of individuals not to tell anyone who He was. This seems to be particularly focused on the area where the Jews were; for we see exceptions with these examples:
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. ( Mark 5:1). Here after Jesus cast the legion of demons out of a man he told him to NOT follow Him right away "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." ( Mark 5:19).
We see the same principal with the woman at the well. John 4 doesn't give any explicit command for the woman to stop; but she goes to her town and brings others; who come to faith and He remains 2 days with an unnamed town of Samaritans who also come to faith after hearing from Christ after the woman told them to come.
These incidences above show how the contrast exists with the Pharisees and religious order who were hell bent literally to oppose and try to destroy Christ from the onset. Christ had to ensure that His time wouldn't come until 3 1/2 years after he started the public ministry; as it was there were about 10 attempts on His life before the Crucifixion at the set time. This also showed a lack of faith in general among His own people; a Prophet is not honored in his hometown ( Mark 6:4). Contrast that with the pasage above and others where He stayed multiple days and no doubt they didn't want Him to leave.
This situation lead; no doubt to Jesus speaking in Parables which at one point at least He ONLY did when speaking to the crowds. ( Matthew 13:34; Mark 4:34). This is quite astonishing and shows how facts alone don't convince hardened hearts. Perhaps it allowed less people to blasphemy the Spirit the unforgiveable sin or cause other to be persuaded such ( Matthew 12:31).
I would also add that we can look to Christ Himself who apparently "broke" the Sabbath law by healing on the Sabbath; having Disciples eating grain and thus "doing work"; etc. ( Matt. 12:1). Jesus replied a few verses later that the Son of Man was Lord of the Sabbath. Therefore Christ in His obedience did what He always did as a member of the Godhead; did all the works of the Father and of course as a man lived sinlessly. The one who created the Universe and was Divine Himself no doubt with the Father created the very laws themselves as well as all laws of physics in the universe. He could also do things such as desire and demand worship and be a jealous God as well as being able to hate perfectly and love that way as well. God's nature therfore is reflected in the law; and the lawless one (Satan) comes to remove all restraint.
So therefore to be free from the law we can choose to follow the Spirit or God forbid use it as a license to sin. ( Romans 6:1). That is what determines if we are truly free as a slave to Christ; or living what seems right to us but leads to death ( Prov. 14:12). Freedom is in following Christ and part of the New Covenant; but doesn't remove the universal laws affecting things such as murder and divorce and adultery (such as seen in Mark 6:18). This shows how even pagans are under covenant vow obligations. There are ceremonial laws and special O.T. laws specifically for Israel (which would cover the Sabbath Day requirement). That differentiation can help us understand things better; Jesus goes one step beyond with murder and adultery with the state of the heart. We also need to look at sins of omission as well as commission and how things affect others with a sort of ripple effect. Outer actions reflect the fruit of our inner most being; and whether we have a new heart or heart of stone
( Ezekiel 36:26).
Christ needs to Lord of all or He is not our Master; we must fall on the rock or be crushed ( Matt. 21:44).
Chris, tell me, the experience you spoke of in your car, did you pull out your Strong's concordance for understanding, to correct your thoughts or for that matter to make you aware them? Or, was it the Light of God Spirit within you, that admonish you? Ephesians 5:13;
New life equated; being free from sin, not just in & of itself, but the best part, being partakers of the Divine Nature, union with John 17:21,22,23; Jesus came to show us the image & likeness that God created man in, Matt 11:29; Gal 5:22-24; this is the true dignity & glory of our creation, & how he took dominion over the earth. Mark 6:48,49; Mark 4:39-41; Matt 17:27; etc; fulfilling Gen 1:26 & will ultimately fulfill it through His body, the church, here on earth as it is in heaven.
I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under the penalty of sin consequences. Yet can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession.
We are of one flesh and all nations are of one blood and we are part of one body of Christ. You do well to pray for them, do it out of forgiveness, and show them the love of God that He may touch their hearts. Sorry you are having this problem it is sad there is only one race regardless of the nationality and Satan has twisted it to divide.
I pray that God gives you the strength and the words to go through this persecution, keep your eyes on Christ and the life to come, you are not alone. Forgive them, it will ease the hurt because forgiveness takes away what causes the pain. If they will not change it is a testimony against them, Mark 6:11, if possible, do not associate with them.
Isaiah 41:7 So the CARPENTER (Christ), encouraged the goldsmith (YOU; the body of Christ, Christ does HIS WORKS by YOU, his body), and he (Christ) that smootheth with the hammer HIM (YOU; the POT, his body, he is the potter) that smote the anvil (YOU are the arm of Christ: as Christ is the arm of his Father), saying, It (YOU: sinful flesh) is ready for the sodering: and He (Christ) fastened IT (sinful flesh) with NAILS (to HIS CROSS), that IT (sinful flesh) should not be (re) moved.
Mark 6:1 Is not this the CARPENTER .....that made all things NEW: by his death and resurrection ....
You DIED with the CARPENTER on the CROSS, YOU and Christ were made ONE by HIS (and your) RESURRECTION.
Isaiah 44:13 The CARPENTER (Christ) stretcheth out his rule (YOU), he (Christ) maketh it (YOU) with a line, he (Christ) fitteth it (YOU) with planes, and he (Christ) maketh it (YOU) with the compass, and maketh it (YOU) after the figure of a MAN (CHRIST HIMSELF), according to the beauty of a MAN (CHRIST HIMSELF), that it (YOU; the new creation, the image of God) may remain in the HOUSE .... Hebrews 3:6 --- whose HOUSE YE ARE --- Psalms 23:6 ... and I (Christ) will dwell in the HOUSE (YOU) of the Lord forever .... Colossians 1:27 ... this mystery ... Christ IN YOU ...
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that worketh IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
1 Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal SHALL PUT ON immorality ....
1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath immortality .... dwelling in the light ....
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL to GOD.
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are GIVEN TO US exceedingly great and precious PROMISES: that by these (promises) ye may be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption (by the death of YOUR flesh on the cross) that is in the world through lust.
"Do I need to get baptized along with trusting in Jesus to be saved?
Yes, by the Holy Spirit, not by water:"
Let's look upon another quote of yours concerning those who which the law was given. "Israel."
In Matthew 15:24 Jesus said "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel".
This was not an outright rejection of the Gentiles.
"Moments later, He heals the woman's daughter" but this was a fulfillment of prophecy, a setting of priorities, and a test of the woman's faith.
In Jeremiah 50:6, God calls Israel His people and "lost sheep."
The Messiah, spoken of throughout the Old Testament, was seen as the one who would gather these "lost sheep"
Ezekiel 34:23-24Micah 5:4-5.
When Jesus presented Himself as a shepherd to Israel, He was claiming to be the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy
Mark 6:34, 14:27. John 10:11-16.
He is simply connecting His presence with God's purpose in Old Testament history. Christ was "born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law"
Galatians 4:4-5.
John the baptist was his forerunner who came in the office of Elisha to prepare the way. Malachi 4:4-6.
This was the baptism of John.
Acts 19:4. "This baptism was only for Israel." John was preparing the way!
Christ has not yet given charge to his disciples to go out to the ends of the earth to "IDENTIFY/BAPTIZE" the Gentiles with the gathered sheep of Israel.
In-fact he didn't send them until AFTER he died on the cross and rose from the dead to atone for the sins of the whole world.
All the offerings and ordinances was a foreshadow of things to come.
Matthew 6, Luke 4:40, Matthew 12:15, Luke 6:19, Psalms 139, Psalms 107:20, Matthew 15:30, Luke 9:11, Matthew 4:24, Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:13, Acts 5:6, Acts 14:9, Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17,18, John 16:23, Luke 11:9-11, context Luke 11:2-13, James 5:13-20,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
We see a lack of wisdom of any ssort these days as we continue to increase in knowledge exponentially (shades of Daniel 12:4). In one sense; we cannot rely on our own understanding ( Proverbs 3:5-6) but on God alone. There are certain principles whether of law; crops; finances or other things which all those under the sun are embarked in to one degree or another with whatever freedoms God allows. We certainly cannot operate against human wisdom or our conscience when we don't do something we know we are supposed to do ( James 4:17). As with anything else there are extremes we should try to avoid. Christ; for instance when He was on earth told those He sent forth two by two not to bring much along with them ( Mark 6:8); but later once He was preparing for His departure the instruction changed ( Luke 22:36). This included money; clothes and a weapon for protection from thieves. We have two major things that we need to avoid; the first being seeking things for ourselves outside the will of God or trying to "help God" by speeding up the process. Having the understanding that everything belongs to God and that we take nothing into this world and cannot take anything out helps a great deal ( 1 Timothy 6:7). The second thing is not laying down our life for the Lord. At the extreme this would be martyrdom; but everyday tests where we choose to serve others above our own desires we "die a little" bit at a time as we carry our cross daily. Things like marriages of course can be a major factor and in some cases individuals who can remain chaste can be in unique advantages for unfettered service toward the Lord. Again; as with anything else I have seen more than enough Godly Christian marriages where more than sufficient attention is paid to the wife and children along with a generous amount of time dedicated to corporate worship; prayer; evangelism and small group studies. Being equally yoked of course works this out best.
Nehemiah 13:19, There's many more scriptures, hopefully you'll find them all helpful
Jesus observed the Sabbath & fulfilling the Sacrifice: Luke 23:17,54,55,56, John 19:31, Acts 13:27, Matthew 28:1, Mark 6:2, Mark 16:1, Matthew 8:17, Luke 4:21, Acts 13,
Mark 8:22-26, this seems to be the same account witnessed by John: John 9, whole chapter, note: Exodus 4:11, & John 9:1,3,32,33,39,
Matthew 9:27-31, notice: Mark 10:47-52, this guys "faith, immediately" Luke 18:35-43, notice, the situation you referred to: John 9:35-39,
Psalms 146:8, Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 35:5,6, Isaiah 42:1-21, here in: Matthew 11:5, Luke 7:22, Jesus pointed out the fulfilled prophecy in those ancient scriptures. Matthew 15:31,
Mark 6:1-6,
The mind is a powerful thing, Mark 9:23, Mark 11:23,24, Mark 16:17,
Luke 8:49-50, even death Jesus said "fear not: believe only" ._.
Was it the man's doubt?
Was it an example to not give up, keep trying, keep seeking the miraculous, healings? To encourage us to press on, keep believing, keep trying. (?) or all the above._.
John 21:16,17, Jesus said this directly to one person, Simon, Son of Jonas, called Peter. To understand more deeply, you would have to follow the scriptures that happened prior.
Please read: John 10:1-18, Psalms 100:3,
Luke 12:22-32,
Matthew 26:31-75, Mark 14:27-72, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, prophecy from Old Testament: Isaiah 53, Zechariah 13:7,
Example of people lovingly referred to as sheep : 2Samuel 24:17, 1Chronicles 21:17, 2Chronicles 18:16, Psalms 74:1, Psalms 78:52, Psalms 79:13, Ezekiel 34:6,
Matthew 9:26, Matthew 18:12,13, Mark 6:24, 1Peter 2:25, compassion,
Deuteronomy 8:3,
John 6:47-69, notice in that moment "Simon Peter"'s reply: John 6:68,
In looking at and comprehending Christ's unlimited attributes; we might think that with no surprises as to the assessment of men; that He wouldn't experience some of the reactions that He did. One notable example of this was with the Centurion who prayed for His child. ( Matthew 8:5-10). In His human emotions there was nothing wrong with this; in essence He was greatly rejoicing and "basking in the moment" as it were. Mark 6:1:6 shows the opposite example; that of the unbelief of those from His own hometown. This was righteous annoyance if not downright indignation; again not any surprise to the Son of God. Other times there are instances where He wept; careful study of those scriptures gives us insight as to WHY He did so; often associated with the unbelief and blindness of others. It should be noted that as the "Man of Sorrows" there is no verse showing Him laughing while on earth ( Isaiah 53:3). There is no die hard rule here; but we should carefully assess our reasoning for humor and ensure it isn't for inappropriate thoughts.
Again; it is clear that there were varied levels of depth to Christ's speech; particularly in regard to the parables which He expounded to the Disciples privately after declaring them openly. They were designed so that those who thought they could see were revealted to be blind. ( John 9:39; etc.) He therefore upbraided His disciples frequently for not understanding. To draw all men unto Himself; therefore meant all those the Father had given to Him ( John 12:32; John 6:37 for comparison). We see His temporary solitude with the Disciples after the death of John the Baptist be abruptly halted after the crowds followed Him. Since only some of the crowd was sincere; it shows the nature of Christ in continuing to meet their needs despite the grief of Himself and the Disciples. His priorities made such decisions to care for others above His own needs (coming to serve and not be served
Jesus gave instruction, I'm not aware of scripture in the Psalms specified for that. But David who is accredited as author of many of the Psalms written in the Bible, was able to have an evil spirit leave Saul, by playing music. 1Samuel 16, however this seems different, because note: 1Samuel 16:14, 1Samuel 15, note 1Samuel 15:23,
Please read & study these:
Mark 1:34,39, Mark 3:14-15, Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20, Mark 16:9, Matthew 8:16, Luke 4:14, Luke 8:2, Matthew 28:18-20,
Jude 1:2-10, note: Jude 1:9, Acts 19:13-17, Matthew 12:39-45, Luke 11:14-26,
The point of this scripture seems to be the " impossibility " that Jesus shows all things are possible. John 6:5-13,
Note: John 6:7 note the last part of that scripture says clearly "._._. is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. "
Regardless of amount of money, even clear understanding of money amounts for time, inflation, price gouging, sales, shortage etc. Historical understanding doesn't say what GOD's scripture does about the message He is saying to us.
1st John 6:6 "And this he said to prove him, for he himself knew what he would do."
It was Philip Jesus was talking to: John 6:5, & Phillip who answered: John 6:7, his answer was about financial calculation, earnings, lack, almost as if money was the only answer he had. Remember it was to prove him. When we see " impossibilities" where's our faith & solutions?
Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:29-39, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:12-17,
The Bible as a whole gives a systematic and cohesive narrative clearly describing certain truths; at least all necessary for instruction and teaching in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The idea of the law of God is intermingled in the Genesis story; with the first covenant of God being established with the marriage of Adam and Eve which was instituted by God Himself. There was apparently the concept of a sacrifice long before the laws that were in Exodus; Leviticus and Deuteronomy as indicated by the offerings brought forth by Abel and Cain. And we also have the mysterious Melchizedek who was a true priest of God but not under known lineage in the line of the Jews.
The law; of course comes in Exodus and Deuteronomy with the basic 10 Commandments; as well as the 600 odd other laws releting to various national laws; moral laws and ceremonial laws specific to Israel as well as to mankind in whole. Those who would question that need to carefully read the Old Testament where we see passages such as God describing the Amorites ( Gen. 15:16); as well as the destruction of other nations; even Nineveh after God spared it due to repentance for a time in the time of Jonah. Verses about marriage in regard to Abraham and Isaac as well as John the Baptist clearly indicate the law was recognized by the Egyptians as well as with Herod having his brother's wife ( Mark 6:18) which led to his beheading indirectly after imprisonment. We see in Amos 1:13-14 scripture where Ammon was to be destroyed for what is described as mutilating pregnant women (a nice way to say it). There are other verses as well where people are given back punishment based on what they've done similar to this; it fits in basically to an "eye for an eye". We even see special healing given to a Gentile (Naaman the Syrian) in the Old Testament.
This concept of the law shows exceptions to basic principles of God's actions in the O.T and N.T.
Jesus appointed the twelve and sent them two by two so they represented both heaven and earth. The Son and the Son of man are like the two edged sword, is all about the sound and sign of the Gospel.(He.4:12). The word of truth sanctifies so we consider both the master and disciples are as one. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." (He.2:11)
The disciples were to preach the gospel and cast out demons by the authority of the word so they are heard. They are also signs. "And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me," is a reference to the Isaiah quote. The number Two is embedded in the Word where two worlds of heaven and the earth are simultaneously at work. So Isaiah opens with this verse,"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken,"(Is.1:2).
In this context the two witnesses are not merely two individuals but a label for the ministry of the Son in heaven and on earth through his prophets. Time is not according to earth time but time as tagged by the Spirit. Three and half years on earth and heaven gives us the Perfect Number 7. "And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."(Re.11:11)
Three and half years roughly works out to be the duration of Christ's earthly ministry. After his resurrection his ministry in heaven is half an hour that rounds off the Command number for the Word as Four. Gospel is the same through out the four cardinal directions because of one faith.(One Lord, one faith-Ep.4:5) Feeding Four thousand where 4x1000 refer to the people who became figuratively the partakers of the holy calling. (8:9) Command Number Three is the tag for the Son. Jesus was tempted for Forty days(4x10) (1:13 )or was seen after resurrection refers to the man (Ac.1:3;He.2:14)
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."
"And the two fishes divided he among them all./And they did all eat, and were filled." Here we have an example of kangaroo words. The two primarily refers to the number of fishes while there were five loaves of bread. What you eat has it way of passage, and as Jesus took pains to explain it is eaten "Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?(7:19). What the heart can do leads to everlasting life while traditions of man, with his table manners in the Roman times often lasted into late hours in suppers where the guests would end under the table in their own vomit. What the Spirit is demonstrating are heaven and earth as two worlds so Jesus " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them."(v.41)
Before appointing the twelve he goes up to a mountain, and called them who would. His Sermon on the Mount set the Rock of Ages for a testimony and Mark similarly narrates that Jesus bound the twelve to service so their authority came from heaven as his came. As the master so were the disciples.
As indicative of their singleness of purpose Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." In short the disciples were partakers of the heavenly calling.(He.3:1). The number of fishes is two and signifies a number of objects each is set in terms of God. God fashions all hearts alike and tries their works. In the Parable of the Talents each servant was bound to give account over them. Number of men in this chapter "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men".(v.44) In the other,"And they that had eaten were about four thousand: "(8:9). These are set for a purpose.
"And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."
Jesus ordained them for a purpose. " And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him./And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach"(3:13-14).Having introduced the disciples the Spirit gives us two symbols which gives an altogether different emphasis to the discipleship.
We shall first examine it before we take up the topic. St Matthew presents the doctrine of his Father before a mountain while St Mark informs us that Jesus first went up into a mountain and calls whom he would. It does not mean the twelve disciples were among them but the emblem of Zion (Is.28:16; Matt.5:1) is the witness for the discipleship. Jesus Christ the rock of ages embodies the doctrine of his Father; so are the twelve disciples. By choosing Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve he was accountable to the Word as he as the word become flesh his testimony also was on the line. Testimony of Jesus: the spirit of prophesy.(Re.19:10) . Mark gives us the list and ends with," And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house." (3:19) The house is not specified but the house serves as a proper context for Jesus and all his twelve disciples. St Mark sets the entire gospel about Jesus as that of the Son so the house referred here is the Father's house." In my Father's house are many mansions:.:( John 14:2) Of whose house are we? Is simplicity in Christ or honor of Herod what do we hunger for?
When it was time he sent them as the key verse says, two by two and gave them authority just as his Father had given him.
Jesus had no place to lay his head. He sent his disciples similarly to depend solely on His Father in heaven. Faith made them feel at home and the peace of which was not as the world gives. This was Christ's testimon.y
You can look at the following Scriptures to show that Jesus did have siblings, albeit half-siblings now by both Joseph & Mary. Matthew 12:46,47; Matthew 13:55,56; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; John 7:3,5,10; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5; Galatians 1:19.
" and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him."
Herod was not farther from truth to set John in relation to Jesus. Nevertheless he had blood on his hand. Satan is a murderer. (John8:44) Mark set the Gadarenes episode to bring out the similarities with the unclean spirits, be it one or legion having the same cast of mind, they know the truth when they see or hear it. Is is under the department of conscience. Herod's conscience pricked that he put to death an innocent man. But Satan had given him safe cover as with the man with the legion at his throat. He would not cast them out by faith. Instead he did some monkeying. his untamed spirit was such the Marvel comics could have found their superhero, 'dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:"(5:3)
Satan had given his seat and authority as he did with the beast. (" and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority-"Re.13:2)"For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." In what was his fear different from the Jews? "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me./Howbeit in vain do they worship me."(7:6-7) Herod read the script given to him and he had a part to play. Hearing with his heart and understanding the will of God and being converted was not allowed. Instead Satan gave him pomp and circumstance, as sop to the dignity of a ruler. Do we not see such honor unravelling before our very eyes? Power is potent as a drink. Even after drawn over hot coals of impeachment what do we hear? "They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again."(Pr.23:35)
Such honor is like the golden ring on the snout of a swine.
Jesus Christ as the Lord is the Lord of heaven so he is heavenly. All the prophets until John served the Son as the double for Jesus Christ. "The law and the prophets were until John."( Luke 16:16)
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (He.1:1-3). It is of him Moses had warned,"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."(De.18:15). Moses stood as a stand-in for him. So did every prophet. He is the heir so seven days in the covenant in which seven is a kangaroo word.
The Spirit gives us multiplying of loaves 8:7-9 "And he (Jesus) blessed, and commanded to set them also before them./So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets./And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away." Here we seven baskets of the broken meat which stands as the testimony of the Son to his Father. Generally speaking the command numbers are incorporated in the God document to distinguish which is which. Considering the manner imposter church has let them proliferate shows the enemy is within the house. Jesus would soon clear his house of the Canaanites. "and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of theLordof hosts."(Ze.14:21)
"But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."
St John sums it up this way, "He (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not."(v.11). He refers his Jewishness. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,/To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."(Gal.4:4-5) The nation of Israel understood what the law meant but not what it referred to. Herein lay their dilemma. Law for them became traditions of their fathers so when the Law (its fulness) walked among them full of grace all they could say "they( the Pharisees) said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils." (Matt.12:24). Jesus was a sign as Moses was one. He served as his double before his Advent. They could not keep the Law of Moses but would want to go back to Egypt under another captain it showed they were incapable of holding truth.(Nu.14:4)
Symptomatic of their perverseness was their curiosity. How often they demanded of Jesus to show them a sign. It merely satisfied their shallow religiosity. Jesus rightly condemned their place among the wicked adulterous generation than as the sons. "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."(Matt.12:39). Without entering into spiritual significance of the sign, and without dying in him they were not worthy to be called sons. In their rebellious spirit all chastisement was wasted so Jesus dismissed them by saying,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt.23:36-38). For this reason Jesus instructed his disciples to shake off the dust of their feet for a testimony.(6:11)
"And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him."
Matthew places less emphasis on his country than with Mark. After delineating the visit to Gadarenes Matthew goes on with the the healing so much so the multitudes "marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men".(Matt.9:8). The unclean spirits all had a country to call their own whereas Jesus refers Capernaum in Galilee as his own country. Jesus had declared,"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."(Matt.8:20). So what significance the place names hold? These names associated with him sets the humanity of Jesus in focus. But twists and turns of it owe to the scriptures than by the will of man. He was born in Nazareth thereby fulfilling what was spoken of him by the prophets.(Matt.2:23) His Galilean ministry revolved about Capernaum so much so in terms of his deity Nazareth was interchangeable for Capernaum since he dwelt among them as the word become flesh.
The earth and the fulness belongs to God which is the point from which St Mark's Gospel surveys. So the country that the unclean spirit referred to was the observation of a servant. "And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."( John 8:35). The Preacher declared the truth beforehand. "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever."(Ec.1:4). Thus Luz shall be known as Bethel. Jerusalem was earlier known as the city of Jebus. Since God has left all judgment to his Son these place names has the same characteristic: now you see now you don't. Sodom, Egypt Jerusalem are interchangeable.(Re.11:8)
The Spirit organized the life of the Son so what Mark informs us gives the narrative of Matthew an heightened reality.
Well my opinion is that healing IS actually a matter of faith. I don't know you and the circumstances you are living under so I am talking in general. When Jesus was ministering in this world nobody who came to Him and requested their heailing was left uncured, unless there was unbelief. Mark 6:5-6, "And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief...". So it seems it was not possible even for Jesus to heal some people. Not because He did not have the power to do so but because the power of God has to meet our faith to be energized. Faith is the most essential thing in the christian belief. Through faith Abraham was considered righteous by God, through his faith he almost sacrificed Isaac and through his faith he received him back. Through our faith in Jesus' sacrifice we receive eternal life. God has chosen faith to be the condition of receiving things by Him, material things or spiritual. Without faith nobody receives anything from God. James 1:6-7, " But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. "
Jesus gave his life for us not only for our righteousness but for our illnesses as well. Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." But as we need faith to be saved, similarly we need faith for the healing of our body and soul. Without faith non of those comes to us. We are not any different from other people, we get ill like everybody else. But we were given the right from God to ask Him to cure us and receive it. So lets energize our faith. Being close to God uplifts our faith. So lets move closer to Him. GBU
Let us significance of the house of bread from which he came on a divine Mandate. He came to fulfill the will of his Father. In multiplying loaves of bread as given in the gospel let us examine the leftovers. "And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full."(14:20) In John's Gospel, "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost./ Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten." ( John 6:12-13) Number 12 signifies the Gospel of God. In fulfilling his Father's will the same Gospel is Gospel of Christ.
All four gospel records this 'miracle' and more significance in in the gathering of fragments that remained.
In the Gospel of Mark we read,"And they did all eat, and were filled./ And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes."( Mark 6:42-43) In Luke "And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets." ( Luke 9:17)
There are other instances in which 4x1000 has significance as the number Seven to mark the baskets. (Mark.8:8) (15:37-38)
According to principle of Similitude the symbol of bread in the House of God must match. The number 12 refers to the Gospel and 7 denotes fulfillment of the Will. In all these instances all those who partook were full.
Contrary to this we have an indictment against Israel. "Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword./.. that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people."( Micah 6:13-16) Bethlehem as a result has fallen into insignificance.
I ended my last post briefly discussing the Persian; Greek and Roman empires which would all have a part of history when they affected Israel. In the Persian empire Cyrus the Great (see Ezra) would allow the Temple to be rebuilt even though he didn't know the Lord he showed favor to Israel. ( Isaiah 45:4-6). Later Antiochus Epiphanes as a type of Antichrist would during the intertestamental period take over the Temple (actually part of the Syrian empire but also spread Greek cultural ideas). God through the Macabees fought back and eventually they were defeated. Finally; of course the Roman empire would have a tenuous existance with the Jewish nation; and be a part of Christ's crucifixion. They also; (until today's modern version still forming) would be defeated.
We see examples of God working with Nebuchadnezzar to bring about true conversion. We also see examples such as Naaman the Syrian in 2 Kings 5 who God healed; as well as the story of Jonah with the Ninevites who repented and God spared for a time of judgment; but in the book of Nahum God's patience ran out and they were destroyed. We also see examples such as Ruth who was a Gentile that came to believe and became part of the royal lineage and even Rahab in the same light. In general though God winked at certain things in the past but ( Acts 17:30-31) but now in New Testament times there were stricter standards.
Christ would also begin with only ministering to the "lost sheep of Israel". ( Matthew 15:24 but mentioned earlier when the 70 were sent out). In this case a Gentile woman showed great faith and Christ healed her daughter. The plan now was to fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 42:1-9 about being a light to the Gentiles. This began with Christ spending much time with the Samaritan woman and others possessed by demons which added to crowds from surrounding nations; and showed the lack of faith in his own hometown as a contrast ( Mark 6:4).
This and 22 other verses apparently exist in the Gospels where Jesus warned either people or the demons cast out of individuals not to tell anyone who He was. This seems to be particularly focused on the area where the Jews were; for we see exceptions with these examples:
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. ( Mark 5:1). Here after Jesus cast the legion of demons out of a man he told him to NOT follow Him right away "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." ( Mark 5:19).
We see the same principal with the woman at the well. John 4 doesn't give any explicit command for the woman to stop; but she goes to her town and brings others; who come to faith and He remains 2 days with an unnamed town of Samaritans who also come to faith after hearing from Christ after the woman told them to come.
These incidences above show how the contrast exists with the Pharisees and religious order who were hell bent literally to oppose and try to destroy Christ from the onset. Christ had to ensure that His time wouldn't come until 3 1/2 years after he started the public ministry; as it was there were about 10 attempts on His life before the Crucifixion at the set time. This also showed a lack of faith in general among His own people; a Prophet is not honored in his hometown ( Mark 6:4). Contrast that with the pasage above and others where He stayed multiple days and no doubt they didn't want Him to leave.
This situation lead; no doubt to Jesus speaking in Parables which at one point at least He ONLY did when speaking to the crowds. ( Matthew 13:34; Mark 4:34). This is quite astonishing and shows how facts alone don't convince hardened hearts. Perhaps it allowed less people to blasphemy the Spirit the unforgiveable sin or cause other to be persuaded such ( Matthew 12:31).
The TRUE presence of God causes division
So therefore to be free from the law we can choose to follow the Spirit or God forbid use it as a license to sin. ( Romans 6:1). That is what determines if we are truly free as a slave to Christ; or living what seems right to us but leads to death ( Prov. 14:12). Freedom is in following Christ and part of the New Covenant; but doesn't remove the universal laws affecting things such as murder and divorce and adultery (such as seen in Mark 6:18). This shows how even pagans are under covenant vow obligations. There are ceremonial laws and special O.T. laws specifically for Israel (which would cover the Sabbath Day requirement). That differentiation can help us understand things better; Jesus goes one step beyond with murder and adultery with the state of the heart. We also need to look at sins of omission as well as commission and how things affect others with a sort of ripple effect. Outer actions reflect the fruit of our inner most being; and whether we have a new heart or heart of stone
( Ezekiel 36:26).
Christ needs to Lord of all or He is not our Master; we must fall on the rock or be crushed ( Matt. 21:44).
Agape.
Your strengthening the fig leaf covering here!
Chris, tell me, the experience you spoke of in your car, did you pull out your Strong's concordance for understanding, to correct your thoughts or for that matter to make you aware them? Or, was it the Light of God Spirit within you, that admonish you? Ephesians 5:13;
New life equated; being free from sin, not just in & of itself, but the best part, being partakers of the Divine Nature, union with John 17:21,22,23; Jesus came to show us the image & likeness that God created man in, Matt 11:29; Gal 5:22-24; this is the true dignity & glory of our creation, & how he took dominion over the earth. Mark 6:48,49; Mark 4:39-41; Matt 17:27; etc; fulfilling Gen 1:26 & will ultimately fulfill it through His body, the church, here on earth as it is in heaven.
I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under the penalty of sin consequences. Yet can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession.
Advocate 1 John 2:1
Shephard & Bishop of souls I Peter 2:25
Man of sorrows Isa 53.3
Judge Acts 10:42
Faithful and True Witness Rev 3:14
Head of the Church Eph 5:23
Rock 1 Corth 10:4
High Priest Heb 6:20
Master Matt 8:19
Living Water John 4:10
Rose of Sharon Song of Solomon 2:1
Alpha and Omega Rev 22:13
Lamb of God John 1:29 Messiah Daniel 9:25
Mediator I Tim 2:5
Teacher John 3:2
Author and Finisher of our Faith Heb 12:2
Image of the invisible God Col 1:15
Everlasting Father Isa 9:6
The Word John 1:1
Holy One Mark 1:24
Light of the world John 8:12
Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev 5: 5
LORD OF LORDS I Tim 6:15
The Beloved Eph 1:6
Carpenter Mark 6:3 The Almighty Rev 21:
Shiloh Gen 49:10
The Way, the Truth and The Life John 14:16
Bright and Morning Star Rev 22:16
Good Shepherd John 10:11
Son of Man Matt 20:28
Only Begotten Son John 3:16
King Of Kings 1 Tim 6:15
Prince of Peace Isa 9:6
Bridegroom Matt 9:15
Dayspring Luke 1:78
Saviour of the world Eph 5:23
Immanuel Luke 1:78 & Matt 1:23
Wonderful Counselor Isa 9:6
I AM John 8:58
The Door John 10:9
The True Vine John 15:1
King of the Jews Mark 15:26
Prophet Matt 21:11
Redeemer Job 19:25
Saviour Isa 45:15 , John 42:2, 1 Tim 4:10
The Amen Rev 3:14
The Living God
Anchor Heb 6:19
The BRANCH Zech 6:12
Bread of Life John 6:15
The Resurrection & Life John 11.25
The Living God, who is the Saviour of all men,
We are of one flesh and all nations are of one blood and we are part of one body of Christ. You do well to pray for them, do it out of forgiveness, and show them the love of God that He may touch their hearts. Sorry you are having this problem it is sad there is only one race regardless of the nationality and Satan has twisted it to divide.
I pray that God gives you the strength and the words to go through this persecution, keep your eyes on Christ and the life to come, you are not alone. Forgive them, it will ease the hurt because forgiveness takes away what causes the pain. If they will not change it is a testimony against them, Mark 6:11, if possible, do not associate with them.
God bless,
RLW
Your comment about the CARPENTER is scriptural.
Isaiah 41:7 So the CARPENTER (Christ), encouraged the goldsmith (YOU; the body of Christ, Christ does HIS WORKS by YOU, his body), and he (Christ) that smootheth with the hammer HIM (YOU; the POT, his body, he is the potter) that smote the anvil (YOU are the arm of Christ: as Christ is the arm of his Father), saying, It (YOU: sinful flesh) is ready for the sodering: and He (Christ) fastened IT (sinful flesh) with NAILS (to HIS CROSS), that IT (sinful flesh) should not be (re) moved.
Mark 6:1 Is not this the CARPENTER .....that made all things NEW: by his death and resurrection ....
You DIED with the CARPENTER on the CROSS, YOU and Christ were made ONE by HIS (and your) RESURRECTION.
Isaiah 44:13 The CARPENTER (Christ) stretcheth out his rule (YOU), he (Christ) maketh it (YOU) with a line, he (Christ) fitteth it (YOU) with planes, and he (Christ) maketh it (YOU) with the compass, and maketh it (YOU) after the figure of a MAN (CHRIST HIMSELF), according to the beauty of a MAN (CHRIST HIMSELF), that it (YOU; the new creation, the image of God) may remain in the HOUSE .... Hebrews 3:6 --- whose HOUSE YE ARE --- Psalms 23:6 ... and I (Christ) will dwell in the HOUSE (YOU) of the Lord forever .... Colossians 1:27 ... this mystery ... Christ IN YOU ...
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that worketh IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
1 Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal SHALL PUT ON immorality ....
1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath immortality .... dwelling in the light ....
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL to GOD.
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are GIVEN TO US exceedingly great and precious PROMISES: that by these (promises) ye may be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption (by the death of YOUR flesh on the cross) that is in the world through lust.
God BLESS YOU!
I agree with what you stated.
"Do I need to get baptized along with trusting in Jesus to be saved?
Yes, by the Holy Spirit, not by water:"
Let's look upon another quote of yours concerning those who which the law was given. "Israel."
In Matthew 15:24 Jesus said "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel".
This was not an outright rejection of the Gentiles.
"Moments later, He heals the woman's daughter" but this was a fulfillment of prophecy, a setting of priorities, and a test of the woman's faith.
In Jeremiah 50:6, God calls Israel His people and "lost sheep."
The Messiah, spoken of throughout the Old Testament, was seen as the one who would gather these "lost sheep"
Ezekiel 34:23-24 Micah 5:4-5.
When Jesus presented Himself as a shepherd to Israel, He was claiming to be the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy
Mark 6:34, 14:27. John 10:11-16.
He is simply connecting His presence with God's purpose in Old Testament history. Christ was "born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law"
Galatians 4:4-5.
John the baptist was his forerunner who came in the office of Elisha to prepare the way. Malachi 4:4-6.
This was the baptism of John.
Acts 19:4. "This baptism was only for Israel." John was preparing the way!
Christ has not yet given charge to his disciples to go out to the ends of the earth to "IDENTIFY/BAPTIZE" the Gentiles with the gathered sheep of Israel.
In-fact he didn't send them until AFTER he died on the cross and rose from the dead to atone for the sins of the whole world.
All the offerings and ordinances was a foreshadow of things to come.
Colossians 2:13-17.
Hebrews 10:1-10.
God bless and
Goodnight.
Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:1-29,
Proverbs 14:5,25, John 8,
Revelation 12:19,
Hopefully these are helpful
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
We see a lack of wisdom of any ssort these days as we continue to increase in knowledge exponentially (shades of Daniel 12:4). In one sense; we cannot rely on our own understanding ( Proverbs 3:5-6) but on God alone. There are certain principles whether of law; crops; finances or other things which all those under the sun are embarked in to one degree or another with whatever freedoms God allows. We certainly cannot operate against human wisdom or our conscience when we don't do something we know we are supposed to do ( James 4:17). As with anything else there are extremes we should try to avoid. Christ; for instance when He was on earth told those He sent forth two by two not to bring much along with them ( Mark 6:8); but later once He was preparing for His departure the instruction changed ( Luke 22:36). This included money; clothes and a weapon for protection from thieves. We have two major things that we need to avoid; the first being seeking things for ourselves outside the will of God or trying to "help God" by speeding up the process. Having the understanding that everything belongs to God and that we take nothing into this world and cannot take anything out helps a great deal ( 1 Timothy 6:7). The second thing is not laying down our life for the Lord. At the extreme this would be martyrdom; but everyday tests where we choose to serve others above our own desires we "die a little" bit at a time as we carry our cross daily. Things like marriages of course can be a major factor and in some cases individuals who can remain chaste can be in unique advantages for unfettered service toward the Lord. Again; as with anything else I have seen more than enough Godly Christian marriages where more than sufficient attention is paid to the wife and children along with a generous amount of time dedicated to corporate worship; prayer; evangelism and small group studies. Being equally yoked of course works this out best.
Nehemiah 13:19, There's many more scriptures, hopefully you'll find them all helpful
Jesus observed the Sabbath & fulfilling the Sacrifice: Luke 23:17,54,55,56, John 19:31, Acts 13:27, Matthew 28:1, Mark 6:2, Mark 16:1, Matthew 8:17, Luke 4:21, Acts 13,
Matthew 12:8,
Matthew 9:27-31, notice: Mark 10:47-52, this guys "faith, immediately" Luke 18:35-43, notice, the situation you referred to: John 9:35-39,
Psalms 146:8, Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 35:5,6, Isaiah 42:1-21, here in: Matthew 11:5, Luke 7:22, Jesus pointed out the fulfilled prophecy in those ancient scriptures. Matthew 15:31,
Mark 6:1-6,
The mind is a powerful thing, Mark 9:23, Mark 11:23,24, Mark 16:17,
Luke 8:49-50, even death Jesus said "fear not: believe only" ._.
Was it the man's doubt?
Was it an example to not give up, keep trying, keep seeking the miraculous, healings? To encourage us to press on, keep believing, keep trying. (?) or all the above._.
Please read: John 10:1-18, Psalms 100:3,
Luke 12:22-32,
Matthew 26:31-75, Mark 14:27-72, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, prophecy from Old Testament: Isaiah 53, Zechariah 13:7,
Example of people lovingly referred to as sheep : 2Samuel 24:17, 1Chronicles 21:17, 2Chronicles 18:16, Psalms 74:1, Psalms 78:52, Psalms 79:13, Ezekiel 34:6,
Matthew 9:26, Matthew 18:12,13, Mark 6:24, 1Peter 2:25, compassion,
Deuteronomy 8:3,
John 6:47-69, notice in that moment "Simon Peter"'s reply: John 6:68,
Hopefully these are helpful
In looking at and comprehending Christ's unlimited attributes; we might think that with no surprises as to the assessment of men; that He wouldn't experience some of the reactions that He did. One notable example of this was with the Centurion who prayed for His child. ( Matthew 8:5-10). In His human emotions there was nothing wrong with this; in essence He was greatly rejoicing and "basking in the moment" as it were. Mark 6:1:6 shows the opposite example; that of the unbelief of those from His own hometown. This was righteous annoyance if not downright indignation; again not any surprise to the Son of God. Other times there are instances where He wept; careful study of those scriptures gives us insight as to WHY He did so; often associated with the unbelief and blindness of others. It should be noted that as the "Man of Sorrows" there is no verse showing Him laughing while on earth ( Isaiah 53:3). There is no die hard rule here; but we should carefully assess our reasoning for humor and ensure it isn't for inappropriate thoughts.
Again; it is clear that there were varied levels of depth to Christ's speech; particularly in regard to the parables which He expounded to the Disciples privately after declaring them openly. They were designed so that those who thought they could see were revealted to be blind. ( John 9:39; etc.) He therefore upbraided His disciples frequently for not understanding. To draw all men unto Himself; therefore meant all those the Father had given to Him ( John 12:32; John 6:37 for comparison). We see His temporary solitude with the Disciples after the death of John the Baptist be abruptly halted after the crowds followed Him. Since only some of the crowd was sincere; it shows the nature of Christ in continuing to meet their needs despite the grief of Himself and the Disciples. His priorities made such decisions to care for others above His own needs (coming to serve and not be served
Jesus gave instruction, I'm not aware of scripture in the Psalms specified for that. But David who is accredited as author of many of the Psalms written in the Bible, was able to have an evil spirit leave Saul, by playing music. 1Samuel 16, however this seems different, because note: 1Samuel 16:14, 1Samuel 15, note 1Samuel 15:23,
Please read & study these:
Mark 1:34,39, Mark 3:14-15, Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20, Mark 16:9, Matthew 8:16, Luke 4:14, Luke 8:2, Matthew 28:18-20,
Jude 1:2-10, note: Jude 1:9, Acts 19:13-17, Matthew 12:39-45, Luke 11:14-26,
Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:49-50,
Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17,
Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29,
James 1:2-7, Luke 11:1-13,
Hopefully these are all helpful
Note: John 6:7 note the last part of that scripture says clearly "._._. is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. "
Regardless of amount of money, even clear understanding of money amounts for time, inflation, price gouging, sales, shortage etc. Historical understanding doesn't say what GOD's scripture does about the message He is saying to us.
1st John 6:6 "And this he said to prove him, for he himself knew what he would do."
It was Philip Jesus was talking to: John 6:5, & Phillip who answered: John 6:7, his answer was about financial calculation, earnings, lack, almost as if money was the only answer he had. Remember it was to prove him. When we see " impossibilities" where's our faith & solutions?
Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:29-39, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:12-17,
Note Matthew 15:32-33,
In each account Jesus had healed all the sick.
Hopefully this is helpful