Bible Questions Answered:
What can a person do to stop the drinking habit?
Gerald/ Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada
Bible Answers:
Perhaps no day, has ever been so enslaving as the day in which we, live. Addictions of every sort, like a luncheon buffet spread out before us, enticing us, by their aromas, and culinary delights.
The picture not seen, and well hidden, though is that of the bondage, fear, and misery, that addictions bring, to the one who so consumes.
Alcohol, nicotine, immorality, gambling, gluttony, narcotics, gossip, slander, occult, lying, and countless other things.
Addiction: A compulsive habit. Whereas once the individual was in control, later, the habit.
Addictions are bondage:
John 8:34 KJV
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Romans 6:16 KJV
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
II Peter 2:19 NLT
19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
How many millions of dear souls, in this late hour find themselves ensnared by one of Satan's schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles* of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
* Wiles: The Greek word Meth-od-i-ah: Traveling over, travesty, Trickery, to lie in wait. (Abingdon Strong)
Satan, has some wiley schemes, some evil methods, for the destruction of mankind, and we need to be aware of them.
II Timothy 2:25,26 KJV
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Spiritual Armor:
Ephesians 6:13-18 KJV
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Deliverance from the bondage of the enemy, comes only through the power of God.
Psalm 32:7 KJV
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Luke 4:18 KJV (Prophecy concerning Christ)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
II Samuel 22:2 KJV
And he (David) said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
Psalm 18:1-3 KJV
[1] I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
[2] The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation,
and my high tower.
[3] I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psalm 34:4 KJV
I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Isaiah 46:4 KJV
And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar (grey) hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Jeremiah 1:8 KJV
“...for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.”
Hebrews 2:18 NLT
Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested.
Isaiah 58:6 KJV
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
John 8:32,36 KJV
[32] And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.
[36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 14:6 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
Galatians 5:1 KJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Job 5:19 KJV
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
Psalm 91:1-3 NLT
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.
3 For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
I Corinthians 10:13 NLT
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
II Timothy 4:18 KJV
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
II Peter 2:9 KJV
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
God knew how to deliver:
David, kept from the lion and the bear.
I Samuel 17:37 KJV
David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. (Goliath) And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, thrown into the fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:27 KJV
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellers, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Daniel in the lion's den.
Daniel 6:21,22,27 KJV
[21] Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
[22] My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
[27] He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
Apostles, freed from prison.
Acts 5:18,19 KJV
[18] And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
[19] But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth,...
Peter freed from prison.
Acts 12:7 KJV
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Paul and Silas from prison.
Acts 16:26 KJV
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Isaiah 9:2,4 KJV
[2] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
[4] For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor...
Isaiah 10:27 KJV
And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
Jeremiah 34:8 KJV
This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD...to proclaim liberty unto them;
Isaiah 61:1 KJV
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
II Corinthians 3:17 KJV
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
II Timothy 1:7 KJV
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Luke 10:19 KJV
Behold, 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.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bible Questions Answered: Melchizedek-Who Was He?
Bible Questions Answered:
Who is Melchizedek?
Arnold/ Raleigh, Mississippi
Bible Answers:
Abraham, rescued his nephew Lot, from four raiding kings who sacked Sodom, where he lived, and Gomorrah.
Abraham, routed the enemy, taking back Lot and his family and goods.
King and Priest, Melchizedek, met Abraham, to give him bread and wine, and God's blessing.
Genesis 14:18-20 KJV
[18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and He was the Priest of the Most High God.
[19] And He blessed him (Abraham), and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth:
[20] And blessed be the Most High God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave Him tithes of all.
Matthew 26:26-29 KJV
[26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body.
[27] And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
[28] For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
[29] 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.
Melchizedek, described:
Hebrews 7:1-3 KJV (Read Hebrews chapters five- eight.)
[1] For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
[2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of Peace;
[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Melchizedek, was a theophany of the Lord Jesus Christ. (An Eternal King-High Priest who would one day come from Judah.)
Melchizedek: Hebrew: Mal-kee-tseh-dek: A royal king of right/ righteousness.
King of Salem: Hebrew: Shaw-lame: (Shawlem) Peace/ Peaceful
Melchizedek:
There is absolutely “no,” biblical history of his parents.
Descendant of no priestly family.
His genealogy, is not ever given.
There is no record of his birth or death.
There is no Biblical record of his being dedicated to office, or leaving the office of the Priesthood, or of having a successor.
Melchizedek was an Eternal Priest (Psalm 110:4).
Does this describe any earthly man(born under Adam), of course not!
This is our King-High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the same pre-incarnate, eternal Son of God, who visited with Abraham sometime after, in the company of two angels.
Genesis 18:1,2 KJV
1] And the LORD appeared unto him (Abraham) in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
[2] And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
King of Salem:
Isaiah 9:6,7 KJV
[6] For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
[7] Of the increase of His Government and Peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
John 14:27 KJV
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Hebrews 7:2 KJV
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation
King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of Peace;
King of Righteousness:
Psalm 85:8-13 KJV
[8] I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
[9] Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land.
[10] Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
[11] Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
[12] Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
[13] Righteousness shall go before Him; and shall set us in the way of His steps.
Psalm 119:142 KJV
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.
Isaiah 45:24 KJV
Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to Him shall men come; and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.
At the right hand of God the Father, is an Eternal High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 110:1-7 AMP
1 THE LORD (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool.
2 The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes.
3 Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You [will spring forth] Your young men, who are as the dew.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not revoke or change it: You are a Priest forever, after the manner and order of Melchizedek.
5 The Lord at Your right hand will shatter kings in the day of His indignation.
6 He will execute judgment [in overwhelming punishment] upon the nations; He will fill the valleys with the dead bodies, He will crush the [chief] heads over lands many and far extended.
7 He will drink of the brook by the way; therefore will He lift up His head [triumphantly].
Romans 8:34 KJV
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV
[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
[3] Who being the Brightness of His Glory, and the Express Image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins,
sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Hebrews 10:12 KJV
But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God;
Hebrews 5:8-10 KJV (Hebrews 6:20, 7:21)
[8] Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;
[10] Called of God an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec.
John 1:1,2,18 KJV
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only Begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
Who is Melchizedek?
Arnold/ Raleigh, Mississippi
Bible Answers:
Abraham, rescued his nephew Lot, from four raiding kings who sacked Sodom, where he lived, and Gomorrah.
Abraham, routed the enemy, taking back Lot and his family and goods.
King and Priest, Melchizedek, met Abraham, to give him bread and wine, and God's blessing.
Genesis 14:18-20 KJV
[18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and He was the Priest of the Most High God.
[19] And He blessed him (Abraham), and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth:
[20] And blessed be the Most High God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave Him tithes of all.
Matthew 26:26-29 KJV
[26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body.
[27] And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
[28] For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
[29] 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.
Melchizedek, described:
Hebrews 7:1-3 KJV (Read Hebrews chapters five- eight.)
[1] For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
[2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of Peace;
[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Melchizedek, was a theophany of the Lord Jesus Christ. (An Eternal King-High Priest who would one day come from Judah.)
Melchizedek: Hebrew: Mal-kee-tseh-dek: A royal king of right/ righteousness.
King of Salem: Hebrew: Shaw-lame: (Shawlem) Peace/ Peaceful
Melchizedek:
There is absolutely “no,” biblical history of his parents.
Descendant of no priestly family.
His genealogy, is not ever given.
There is no record of his birth or death.
There is no Biblical record of his being dedicated to office, or leaving the office of the Priesthood, or of having a successor.
Melchizedek was an Eternal Priest (Psalm 110:4).
Does this describe any earthly man(born under Adam), of course not!
This is our King-High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the same pre-incarnate, eternal Son of God, who visited with Abraham sometime after, in the company of two angels.
Genesis 18:1,2 KJV
1] And the LORD appeared unto him (Abraham) in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
[2] And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
King of Salem:
Isaiah 9:6,7 KJV
[6] For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
[7] Of the increase of His Government and Peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
John 14:27 KJV
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Hebrews 7:2 KJV
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation
King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of Peace;
King of Righteousness:
Psalm 85:8-13 KJV
[8] I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
[9] Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land.
[10] Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
[11] Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
[12] Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
[13] Righteousness shall go before Him; and shall set us in the way of His steps.
Psalm 119:142 KJV
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.
Isaiah 45:24 KJV
Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to Him shall men come; and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.
At the right hand of God the Father, is an Eternal High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 110:1-7 AMP
1 THE LORD (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool.
2 The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes.
3 Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You [will spring forth] Your young men, who are as the dew.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not revoke or change it: You are a Priest forever, after the manner and order of Melchizedek.
5 The Lord at Your right hand will shatter kings in the day of His indignation.
6 He will execute judgment [in overwhelming punishment] upon the nations; He will fill the valleys with the dead bodies, He will crush the [chief] heads over lands many and far extended.
7 He will drink of the brook by the way; therefore will He lift up His head [triumphantly].
Romans 8:34 KJV
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV
[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
[3] Who being the Brightness of His Glory, and the Express Image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins,
sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Hebrews 10:12 KJV
But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God;
Hebrews 5:8-10 KJV (Hebrews 6:20, 7:21)
[8] Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;
[10] Called of God an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec.
John 1:1,2,18 KJV
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only Begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bible Questions Answered: Elders-The Twenty Four
Bible Questions Answered:
Who are the elders of Revelation?
Marian/ Naples, Italy
Bible Answers:
The scripture to which you refer is.....
Revelation 4:1-11 KJV
[1] After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
[2] And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
[3] And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
[4] And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
[5] And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
[6] And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
[7] And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
[8] And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
[9] And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
[10] The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 5:1-14 KJV (A continued view of the elders.)
[1] And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
[7] And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne.
[8] And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive Power, and Riches, and Wisdom, and Strength, and Honour, and Glory, and Blessing.
[13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and Honour, and Glory, and Power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
[14] And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 4:1-11 NLT
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.”
2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.
3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow.
4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God.
6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back.
7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight.
8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever),
10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Revelation 5:1-14 NLT (A continued view of the elders.)
1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”
3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.
5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.
7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne.
8 And when He took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
9 And they sang a new song with these words:
You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.
12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive Power and Riches and Wisdom and Strength and Honor and Glory and Blessing.”
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
Elders: Greek: Presbuteros: (Presbyter), Older, A senior, member of the celestial council. (Abingdon Strong)
The elders in Revelation 5:8, have harps and golden censers, filled with incense, symbolic of the prayers of the saints.
These elders have thrones and crowns.
These elders are both Kings and Priests.
Why are there twenty four of them?
This was of the Old Testament Levitical order of the Priesthood, found in I Chronicles 24, also I Chronicles 25:.
Who are these elders?
Exodus 19:5,6 KJV
[5] Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine:
[6] And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
They represent the people of God, today, all born again believers, the Church of God.
Revelation 1:4-6 KJV
[4] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the First Begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 1:4-6 NLT
4 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia.
Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before His throne;
5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.
All Glory to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us.
6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.
I Peter 2:9 KJV
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:
Revelation 19:8 KJV
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
[8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Crowns: See The Bible Prayer Line -Index – Bible Questions Answered: Crowns Different
Saints, Christian, Kings and Priests of God, called today.....
Psalm 29:1,2 KJV
[1] Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
[2] Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Philippians 2:10,11 KJV
[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Psalm 103:22 KJV
Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 145;10 KJV
All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
Psalm 33:8 KJV
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
Who are the elders of Revelation?
Marian/ Naples, Italy
Bible Answers:
The scripture to which you refer is.....
Revelation 4:1-11 KJV
[1] After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
[2] And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
[3] And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
[4] And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
[5] And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
[6] And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
[7] And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
[8] And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
[9] And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
[10] The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 5:1-14 KJV (A continued view of the elders.)
[1] And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
[7] And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne.
[8] And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive Power, and Riches, and Wisdom, and Strength, and Honour, and Glory, and Blessing.
[13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and Honour, and Glory, and Power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
[14] And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 4:1-11 NLT
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.”
2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.
3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow.
4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God.
6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back.
7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight.
8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever),
10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Revelation 5:1-14 NLT (A continued view of the elders.)
1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”
3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.
5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.
7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne.
8 And when He took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
9 And they sang a new song with these words:
You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.
12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive Power and Riches and Wisdom and Strength and Honor and Glory and Blessing.”
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
Elders: Greek: Presbuteros: (Presbyter), Older, A senior, member of the celestial council. (Abingdon Strong)
The elders in Revelation 5:8, have harps and golden censers, filled with incense, symbolic of the prayers of the saints.
These elders have thrones and crowns.
These elders are both Kings and Priests.
Why are there twenty four of them?
This was of the Old Testament Levitical order of the Priesthood, found in I Chronicles 24, also I Chronicles 25:.
Who are these elders?
Exodus 19:5,6 KJV
[5] Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine:
[6] And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
They represent the people of God, today, all born again believers, the Church of God.
Revelation 1:4-6 KJV
[4] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the First Begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 1:4-6 NLT
4 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia.
Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before His throne;
5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.
All Glory to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us.
6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.
I Peter 2:9 KJV
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:
Revelation 19:8 KJV
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
[8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Crowns: See The Bible Prayer Line -Index – Bible Questions Answered: Crowns Different
Saints, Christian, Kings and Priests of God, called today.....
Psalm 29:1,2 KJV
[1] Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
[2] Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Philippians 2:10,11 KJV
[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Psalm 103:22 KJV
Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 145;10 KJV
All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
Psalm 33:8 KJV
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Bible Lesson: Falling Away-The Great
Bible Lesson: The Great Falling Away- Just One More End-Of-Days Sign.
Recently Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. Released a a survey, “The American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS),” which revealed some interesting facts.
Christianity is declining, while atheism is on an increase.
Christians: (As a group.)
1990 86% of Americans were Christian.
2001 77% of Americans were Christian.
2008 76% of Americans were Christian.
Protestants: (90% of church decline comes from this group-mainline denominations).
2001 17% Christian believers.
2008 12.9% Christian believers.
Catholics:
The Largest religious group with some 57 million people.
Since 1990, they have gained 11 million members.
Since 2008, the church has lost members, which has now become about 25% of Americans.
Atheism: (No religious beliefs.)
1990 8.2% Say they have no religious beliefs.
2001 14% Say they have no religious beliefs.
2008 15% Say they have no religious beliefs.
People in “Nondenominational,” churches grew.
1990 1% Say their church is nondenominational.
2008 8.2% Say their church is nondenominational.
Jews:
1990 1.8% Religious.
2008 1.2% Religious.
Muslims:
2008 0.6% percent say that they are Muslim.
Observations:
Baptists, America's largest Protestant Church, though having gained some, still has declined as a proportion of population.
Muslims, have grown by some .6%, and Jews have declined some 3.1 million in 1990 to 2.7 million 2008.
Atheists on the other hand, have doubled since 2001 to 1.6 million.
Wiccans, and pagans are growing faster today, then in the 90's.
Of the 54,461 people polled, 12% say that they personally believe in a power, but not God.
Of the people polled, 1.2% say they are presently involved with beliefs like, Scientology, Wicca, and Santeria.
Of the thousands polled, 30% said that they did not or would not have a “Christian,” wedding ceremony.
Of the thousands of people polled, 27% said they wanted nothing to do with a so called “Christian,” funeral.
Dear Friend, all these things, our Lord warned us of.
Matthew 24:12 KJV
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 KJV
[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him,
[2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin (the coming Anti-Christ) be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what (Who) withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He (God the Holy Spirit) who now letteth* will let, until He be taken out of the way (Change of office, in the world, but no longer a restraining power in the world).
[8] And then shall that Wicked (A.C.) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
* Letteth: Greek: Katecho: To hold down, hold (fast), retain, seize on, stay, withhold.
We see the stage being set, for the arrival of the Anti-Christ, light and darkness cannot exist in the same place.
Christian beliefs, and church attendance, falling, sacraments, being cast aside.
Morals, set aside for “Situation Ethics.”
A hedonistic and immoral people have forgotten the warnings of the Word of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 NLT
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before,
that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 7l:21 KJV
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
I Corinthians 6:9,10 NLT
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,
10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:23,24 KJV
[23] Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[24] And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 6:24 NLT
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 5:20 KJV
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Daniel 8:23 KJV
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
I John 2:18 KJV
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
I Peter 4:7 KJV
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
I Peter 5:8,9 KJV
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith,...”
I John 5:4,5 KJV
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
John 14:6 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
See The Bible Prayer Line – Index- Bible Lesson: Salvation Prayer.
Recently Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. Released a a survey, “The American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS),” which revealed some interesting facts.
Christianity is declining, while atheism is on an increase.
Christians: (As a group.)
1990 86% of Americans were Christian.
2001 77% of Americans were Christian.
2008 76% of Americans were Christian.
Protestants: (90% of church decline comes from this group-mainline denominations).
2001 17% Christian believers.
2008 12.9% Christian believers.
Catholics:
The Largest religious group with some 57 million people.
Since 1990, they have gained 11 million members.
Since 2008, the church has lost members, which has now become about 25% of Americans.
Atheism: (No religious beliefs.)
1990 8.2% Say they have no religious beliefs.
2001 14% Say they have no religious beliefs.
2008 15% Say they have no religious beliefs.
People in “Nondenominational,” churches grew.
1990 1% Say their church is nondenominational.
2008 8.2% Say their church is nondenominational.
Jews:
1990 1.8% Religious.
2008 1.2% Religious.
Muslims:
2008 0.6% percent say that they are Muslim.
Observations:
Baptists, America's largest Protestant Church, though having gained some, still has declined as a proportion of population.
Muslims, have grown by some .6%, and Jews have declined some 3.1 million in 1990 to 2.7 million 2008.
Atheists on the other hand, have doubled since 2001 to 1.6 million.
Wiccans, and pagans are growing faster today, then in the 90's.
Of the 54,461 people polled, 12% say that they personally believe in a power, but not God.
Of the people polled, 1.2% say they are presently involved with beliefs like, Scientology, Wicca, and Santeria.
Of the thousands polled, 30% said that they did not or would not have a “Christian,” wedding ceremony.
Of the thousands of people polled, 27% said they wanted nothing to do with a so called “Christian,” funeral.
Dear Friend, all these things, our Lord warned us of.
Matthew 24:12 KJV
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 KJV
[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him,
[2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin (the coming Anti-Christ) be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what (Who) withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He (God the Holy Spirit) who now letteth* will let, until He be taken out of the way (Change of office, in the world, but no longer a restraining power in the world).
[8] And then shall that Wicked (A.C.) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
* Letteth: Greek: Katecho: To hold down, hold (fast), retain, seize on, stay, withhold.
We see the stage being set, for the arrival of the Anti-Christ, light and darkness cannot exist in the same place.
Christian beliefs, and church attendance, falling, sacraments, being cast aside.
Morals, set aside for “Situation Ethics.”
A hedonistic and immoral people have forgotten the warnings of the Word of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 NLT
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before,
that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 7l:21 KJV
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
I Corinthians 6:9,10 NLT
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,
10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:23,24 KJV
[23] Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[24] And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 6:24 NLT
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 5:20 KJV
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Daniel 8:23 KJV
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
I John 2:18 KJV
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
I Peter 4:7 KJV
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
I Peter 5:8,9 KJV
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith,...”
I John 5:4,5 KJV
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
John 14:6 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
See The Bible Prayer Line – Index- Bible Lesson: Salvation Prayer.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Symbols Of Biblical Characters: Philip
Symbols Of Biblical Characters:
Church Symbol: A cross, atop a staff. Two loaves of bread.
Symbol of, Philip (lover of horses, thought to have been a disciple of John the Baptist.)
Philip was of Bethsaida, the city Peter and Andrew came from.
John 1:43,44 KJV
[43] The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me.
[44] Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Philip the soul winner:
John 1:44 KJV
[45] Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
(The Loaves)
John 6:5-9 KJV
[5] When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
[6] And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what he would do.
[7] Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
[8] One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto Him,
[9] There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
John 12:20-22 KJV
[20] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
[21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
[22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
John 14:6-11 KJV
[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
[7] If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.
[8] Philip saith unto Him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
[9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
[10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.
[11] Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake.
Philip was in Jerusalem after Christ's ascension, and at Pentecost.
Acts 1:12-14 KJV
[12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
[13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
[14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.
(The Cross)
Tradition states that Philip, had three daughters, preached the good news in central Asia Minor, and was crucified, and buried, at Hierapolis, under emperor Domitian.
Church Symbol: A cross, atop a staff. Two loaves of bread.
Symbol of, Philip (lover of horses, thought to have been a disciple of John the Baptist.)
Philip was of Bethsaida, the city Peter and Andrew came from.
John 1:43,44 KJV
[43] The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me.
[44] Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Philip the soul winner:
John 1:44 KJV
[45] Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
(The Loaves)
John 6:5-9 KJV
[5] When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
[6] And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what he would do.
[7] Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
[8] One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto Him,
[9] There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
John 12:20-22 KJV
[20] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
[21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
[22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
John 14:6-11 KJV
[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
[7] If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.
[8] Philip saith unto Him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
[9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
[10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.
[11] Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake.
Philip was in Jerusalem after Christ's ascension, and at Pentecost.
Acts 1:12-14 KJV
[12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
[13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
[14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.
(The Cross)
Tradition states that Philip, had three daughters, preached the good news in central Asia Minor, and was crucified, and buried, at Hierapolis, under emperor Domitian.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Bible Questions Answered: King-The Greatest (Israel's)
Bible Questions Answered:
Why was David considered the best king?
Norm/ Holyoke, Massachusetts
Bible Answers:
King David is considered the most outstanding King of Israel, because ….
In his youth, he was a victorious warrior (Goliath).
David's brilliance and daring recorded in 1st and 2ndSamuel.
Israel's boundaries, expanded the most under King David.
David was known for his songs, or Psalms, which became the songbook of Israel. Psalms 113-118 (Sung on Passover, called “The Egyptian),120-136 , known as “The Great,” Hallel's.
David was called “a man after God's own heart,” because after terrible sins, he confessed his sins and asked God for forgiveness.
I Samuel 13:14 KJV
“...the LORD hath sought Him a man after His own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over His people, ...”
Psalm 51: 1-18 KJV (David's prayer of repentance.)
[1] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
[2] Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
[3] For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
[4] Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest.
[5] Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
[6] Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
[7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
[8] Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
[9] Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
[11] Cast me not away from Thy Presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
[12] Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit.
[13] Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
[14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
[15] O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
[16] For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering.
[17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
[18] Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.
What a great example for us as the people of God!
Isaiah 64:6 KJV
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
I John 1:8-10 KJV
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
[9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Micah 7:19 KJV
He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Psalm 103:11-13 KJV
[11] For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.
[12] As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.
[13] Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.
Why was David considered the best king?
Norm/ Holyoke, Massachusetts
Bible Answers:
King David is considered the most outstanding King of Israel, because ….
In his youth, he was a victorious warrior (Goliath).
David's brilliance and daring recorded in 1st and 2ndSamuel.
Israel's boundaries, expanded the most under King David.
David was known for his songs, or Psalms, which became the songbook of Israel. Psalms 113-118 (Sung on Passover, called “The Egyptian),120-136 , known as “The Great,” Hallel's.
David was called “a man after God's own heart,” because after terrible sins, he confessed his sins and asked God for forgiveness.
I Samuel 13:14 KJV
“...the LORD hath sought Him a man after His own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over His people, ...”
Psalm 51: 1-18 KJV (David's prayer of repentance.)
[1] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
[2] Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
[3] For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
[4] Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest.
[5] Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
[6] Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
[7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
[8] Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
[9] Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
[11] Cast me not away from Thy Presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
[12] Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit.
[13] Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
[14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
[15] O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
[16] For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering.
[17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
[18] Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.
What a great example for us as the people of God!
Isaiah 64:6 KJV
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
I John 1:8-10 KJV
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
[9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Micah 7:19 KJV
He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Psalm 103:11-13 KJV
[11] For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.
[12] As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.
[13] Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Symbols Of Biblical Characters: Jude
Symbols Of Biblical Characters:
Church Symbol: A sailing boat, with a cross shaped mast (speaks of missionary travels).
Symbols for Jude: (Also known as Lebbaeus: A Man of Heart.) Matthew 10:3./ Also known as, Thaddeus: Matthew 10:3.) (Compare Luke 6:16/ Acts 1:13)
The Apostle Paul states in Galatians 1:19 that James was the Lord's brother (step/half brother).
If that be so, we know from Mark 6:3, that James was a brother (step/half brother), to the Lord, thus making Jude a brother of the Lord, as well.
Mark 6:1-3 NLT (Matthew 13:55)
1.Jesus left that part of the country and returned with His disciples to Nazareth, His hometown.
2 The next Sabbath He began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. They asked, “Where did He get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?”
3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.
Many theologians have said that because Jude, along with his other brothers, did not totally believe in the Lord at first, Jude felt ashamed, and so did not sign his name to the book of Jude, called himself a slave of Jesus Christ, yet it was his. After the resurrection, they did believe.
John 7:5 KJV
For neither did His brethren believe in Him.
Acts 1:12-14 KJV
[12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
[13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
[14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Jude wrote, warned of false teachers
Jude NLT
(Jude's greeting to the church.)
1 This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
2 May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
The Danger of False Teachers
(Reason for Jude's letter .)
3 Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people.
4 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
(Warning of false teachers in the church.)
5 So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later He destroyed those who did not remain faithful.
6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.
7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.
8 In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.
9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels,did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)
10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.
11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.
12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots.
13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.
14 Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of His holy ones
15 to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
16 These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.
(Warnings to Christians in the church.)
17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said.
18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.
19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,
21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
(Jude's Doxology)
[24] Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
[25] To the only Wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Tradition says that Jude evangelized Mesopotamia, where he and Simon the apostle, were martyred.
Church Symbol: A sailing boat, with a cross shaped mast (speaks of missionary travels).
Symbols for Jude: (Also known as Lebbaeus: A Man of Heart.) Matthew 10:3./ Also known as, Thaddeus: Matthew 10:3.) (Compare Luke 6:16/ Acts 1:13)
The Apostle Paul states in Galatians 1:19 that James was the Lord's brother (step/half brother).
If that be so, we know from Mark 6:3, that James was a brother (step/half brother), to the Lord, thus making Jude a brother of the Lord, as well.
Mark 6:1-3 NLT (Matthew 13:55)
1.Jesus left that part of the country and returned with His disciples to Nazareth, His hometown.
2 The next Sabbath He began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. They asked, “Where did He get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?”
3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.
Many theologians have said that because Jude, along with his other brothers, did not totally believe in the Lord at first, Jude felt ashamed, and so did not sign his name to the book of Jude, called himself a slave of Jesus Christ, yet it was his. After the resurrection, they did believe.
John 7:5 KJV
For neither did His brethren believe in Him.
Acts 1:12-14 KJV
[12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
[13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
[14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Jude wrote, warned of false teachers
Jude NLT
(Jude's greeting to the church.)
1 This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
2 May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
The Danger of False Teachers
(Reason for Jude's letter .)
3 Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people.
4 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
(Warning of false teachers in the church.)
5 So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later He destroyed those who did not remain faithful.
6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.
7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.
8 In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.
9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels,did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)
10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.
11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.
12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots.
13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.
14 Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of His holy ones
15 to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
16 These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.
(Warnings to Christians in the church.)
17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said.
18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.
19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,
21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
(Jude's Doxology)
[24] Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
[25] To the only Wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Tradition says that Jude evangelized Mesopotamia, where he and Simon the apostle, were martyred.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bible Questions Answered: Government
Bible Questions Answered:
Rev., recently I have heard much disparaging remarks about our president (American President), along with much criticisms of some politicians in Washington, what does the Bible say about such banter?
Rodney/ Paterson, New York
Bible Answers:
Certainly these cannot be “Christian,” people, and so we should not associate with them!
II Corinthians 6:17,18 KJV
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
II Peter 2:9-17 KJV
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Romans 13:1-14 KJV
[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
[5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
[6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
[7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
[8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
[9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
[11] And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
[12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
[13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
[14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:1-14 NLT
1.Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.
4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you.
They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.
5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid.
They are serving God in what they do.
7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and
give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Love Fulfills God’s Requirements
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Is our government without it's flaws? Is your government without it's flaws?
Of course not, and that is why we should pray for those in authority! Do you do that?
By respecting, and adhering to the government, it's leaders and it's laws, a person shows that in his or her life, they are a people obediently doing what is right.
Certainly people like that will not find it hard to, “obey,” the commands of the Lord!
Thee only time a Christian person, may refuse his government, wherever he may live, is when that government, transgresses the laws of God.
In America, we have by law, the separation of church and state, meaning government shall not enact laws concerning the church, nor the church try to act as a legislative body.
The Church, a spiritual institution, the Government, a judicial, legislative, and executive institution.
This separation, however, does not mean that God is not over all!
He is the God not only of the Church, but of the Government (all governments, everywhere) as well.
Psalms 24:1 KJV
The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Matthew 28:18 KJV
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.
Psalms 2:1-4 KJV
[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying,
[3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
[5] Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.
Psalms 2:1-4 NLT
1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
4 But the One who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then in anger He rebukes them, terrifying them with His fierce fury.
Rev., recently I have heard much disparaging remarks about our president (American President), along with much criticisms of some politicians in Washington, what does the Bible say about such banter?
Rodney/ Paterson, New York
Bible Answers:
Certainly these cannot be “Christian,” people, and so we should not associate with them!
II Corinthians 6:17,18 KJV
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
II Peter 2:9-17 KJV
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Romans 13:1-14 KJV
[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
[5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
[6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
[7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
[8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
[9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
[11] And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
[12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
[13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
[14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:1-14 NLT
1.Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.
4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you.
They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.
5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid.
They are serving God in what they do.
7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and
give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Love Fulfills God’s Requirements
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Is our government without it's flaws? Is your government without it's flaws?
Of course not, and that is why we should pray for those in authority! Do you do that?
By respecting, and adhering to the government, it's leaders and it's laws, a person shows that in his or her life, they are a people obediently doing what is right.
Certainly people like that will not find it hard to, “obey,” the commands of the Lord!
Thee only time a Christian person, may refuse his government, wherever he may live, is when that government, transgresses the laws of God.
In America, we have by law, the separation of church and state, meaning government shall not enact laws concerning the church, nor the church try to act as a legislative body.
The Church, a spiritual institution, the Government, a judicial, legislative, and executive institution.
This separation, however, does not mean that God is not over all!
He is the God not only of the Church, but of the Government (all governments, everywhere) as well.
Psalms 24:1 KJV
The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Matthew 28:18 KJV
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.
Psalms 2:1-4 KJV
[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying,
[3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
[5] Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.
Psalms 2:1-4 NLT
1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
4 But the One who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then in anger He rebukes them, terrifying them with His fierce fury.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Symbols Of Biblical Characters: Simon-Peter
Symbols Of Biblical Characters:
Church Symbol: The saw, or a fish with or on a book. Simon was a fisher of men, through the Gospel.
Simon:
Simon was the son of Jonas (John/Jonah of Bethsaida), brother to Andrew.
Simon by trade (he and his brother), were fishermen.
He and his brother were called by Christ, to be His followers.
Matthew 4:18-20 KJV
[18] And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
[19] And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
[20] And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.
Christ called Peter, by virtue of his name, a piece of rock.
Petros: Greek: A piece of rock.
Matthew 16:13-19 KJV
[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said,
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (you shall no longer be called Simon, but Peter), and upon this rock (Greek: Petra: A massive rock.(This rock of the church of Jesus Christ, is the confession of verse 17) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
[19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Greek: Abingdon's Strong's Concordance.
For more on this subject, see
The Bible Prayer Line – Index
Bible Lessons: Church Or Ecclesiastical Authority.
Bible Questions Answered: Rock Of The Church
Bible Lessons: Symbols Of The Church: Keys
Christ was and is the Rock (Petra) of Gibraltar of the church …
Ephesians 2:19,20 KJV
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;
Simon, then called Peter, was a chip off of that block, as are all of God's children.
John 1:40-42 KJV
[40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
[41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
[42] And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, He said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona (John): thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (Not A foundation -Not a Gibraltar, but a stone.
Christ alone is the Rock (Petra: Rock foundation of the Church.)
Peter was a Married, and the Lord, called a Married man, to be one of His disciples.
Mark 1:29-31 KJV
[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
[30] But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her.
[31] And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
I Corinthians 9:3-5 NLT
3 This is my answer to those who question my authority.
4 Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?
5 Don’t we have the right to bring a Christian wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does?
Tradition, says that Peter was crucified in Rome, A.D. 67,68, under Nero.
Origenes Adamantius Christian Theologian (c. A.D. 185-254) and Scholar, has stated that Peter was crucified upside down, not thinking himself worthy to die as Christ had so died.
John 21:17-19 NLT
17 ...Jesus said,...
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
Church Symbol: The saw, or a fish with or on a book. Simon was a fisher of men, through the Gospel.
Simon:
Simon was the son of Jonas (John/Jonah of Bethsaida), brother to Andrew.
Simon by trade (he and his brother), were fishermen.
He and his brother were called by Christ, to be His followers.
Matthew 4:18-20 KJV
[18] And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
[19] And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
[20] And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.
Christ called Peter, by virtue of his name, a piece of rock.
Petros: Greek: A piece of rock.
Matthew 16:13-19 KJV
[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said,
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (you shall no longer be called Simon, but Peter), and upon this rock (Greek: Petra: A massive rock.(This rock of the church of Jesus Christ, is the confession of verse 17) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
[19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Greek: Abingdon's Strong's Concordance.
For more on this subject, see
The Bible Prayer Line – Index
Bible Lessons: Church Or Ecclesiastical Authority.
Bible Questions Answered: Rock Of The Church
Bible Lessons: Symbols Of The Church: Keys
Christ was and is the Rock (Petra) of Gibraltar of the church …
Ephesians 2:19,20 KJV
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;
Simon, then called Peter, was a chip off of that block, as are all of God's children.
John 1:40-42 KJV
[40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
[41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
[42] And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, He said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona (John): thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (Not A foundation -Not a Gibraltar, but a stone.
Christ alone is the Rock (Petra: Rock foundation of the Church.)
Peter was a Married, and the Lord, called a Married man, to be one of His disciples.
Mark 1:29-31 KJV
[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
[30] But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her.
[31] And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
I Corinthians 9:3-5 NLT
3 This is my answer to those who question my authority.
4 Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?
5 Don’t we have the right to bring a Christian wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does?
Tradition, says that Peter was crucified in Rome, A.D. 67,68, under Nero.
Origenes Adamantius Christian Theologian (c. A.D. 185-254) and Scholar, has stated that Peter was crucified upside down, not thinking himself worthy to die as Christ had so died.
John 21:17-19 NLT
17 ...Jesus said,...
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
Bible Lesson: Church Or Ecclesiastical Authority
Bible Lesson:
Church, or Ecclesiastical Authority
Dear reader, please see the post “Bible Questions Answered: Rock Of The Church,” regarding the explaination of who is the rock of the church (Matthew 16:18). Please read this section first.
Matthew 16:13-19 KJV
[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (upon this confession) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
[19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
In this lesson we will consider who has the “Keys Of The Kingdom.”
Our Saviour addressed Peter, because he was the one who spoke up, in regards to the Lord's question..see verses 15,16...
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
That Matthew 16:18 is not directed just to Peter, all one has to do is to turn to Matthew 18:18-20 KJV and read.....
[18] Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
[19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
[20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Here again our Lord is talking about the “Keys of the Kingdom.” (The laws of Binding and Loosing.)
But the question is, who is He talking to?
Matthew 18:1 tells us.....”...At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus,...”
Jesus, was not just speaking to one individual, He was speaking to all His Disciples, and what He had said in Matthew 16:18, He now again repeats to them all.
Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
We all know what a Key is for, it was made for a lock. A lock, locks something up, a key opens the lock, and makes something accessible.
That which was once unobtainable, now has been made open, and accessible.
What then are “The Keys of the Kingdom?”
And we could say further....
What can bind something here on earth and heaven/ and again, what can be loosed on earth that can be loosed in heaven?
The Lord Jesus Christ has the keys...
Revelation 3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David,
He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; “
Isaiah 22:22 “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His (The promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.) shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open.”
The Lord Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, has the key of David, the power to lock, and to unlock the Kingdom of God (the House of God).
John 6:63 “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
John 6:68 “Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”
Christ's word is the Gospel.
The “Words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
To obey the gospel, and to turn to the Saviour, brings life. (To obey Christ's words-The Gospel-, opens the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.)
To refuse the gospel, and to turn away from the Saviour brings spiritual death. (To disobey Christ's words-The Gospel-, Closes the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.)
What then are “The Keys of the Kingdom?”
They are the Words, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, showing the way to the Saviour and life, and the blessings of God.
All the disciples of the Lord Jesus are to present the Gospel (The Keys, opening the way to the Kingdom of heaven) to the lost, so that they may see and find the Saviour, and receive Him.
Are these Keys of the Kingdon delegated to just some few?
As we have already seen, Jesus told “All His Disciples to use the Key's of the Kingdom (preaching and teaching the “Good News,” of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ). (Matthew 18:1, 18)
Are some select few able to forgive mens sins?
John 20:23 “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
Acts 10:43 “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name (The Lord Jesus Christ) whosoever believeth in Him (Through the preaching of the Gospel) shall receive remission of sins.”
John 3:16,18,36
[16] For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him (Through the preaching, the witnessing of the Gospel) should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[18] He that believeth on Him (Through the preaching, witnessing of the Gospel) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
[36] He that believeth on the Son (Through the preaching and witnessing of the Gospel) hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Are you a Disciple of the Lord Jesus?
Then you are to use “The Keys of the Kingdom,” to open the Gospel to the lost!
Mark 16:15,16 KJV
[15] And He said unto them, Go ye (All Christian Disciples of the Lord Jesus) into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
This is the high calling of every Christian Disciple of the Lord Jesus.
Romans 8:10-15 KJV
[8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Dear friend, may that one day be said of you!
Church, or Ecclesiastical Authority
Dear reader, please see the post “Bible Questions Answered: Rock Of The Church,” regarding the explaination of who is the rock of the church (Matthew 16:18). Please read this section first.
Matthew 16:13-19 KJV
[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (upon this confession) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
[19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
In this lesson we will consider who has the “Keys Of The Kingdom.”
Our Saviour addressed Peter, because he was the one who spoke up, in regards to the Lord's question..see verses 15,16...
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
That Matthew 16:18 is not directed just to Peter, all one has to do is to turn to Matthew 18:18-20 KJV and read.....
[18] Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
[19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
[20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Here again our Lord is talking about the “Keys of the Kingdom.” (The laws of Binding and Loosing.)
But the question is, who is He talking to?
Matthew 18:1 tells us.....”...At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus,...”
Jesus, was not just speaking to one individual, He was speaking to all His Disciples, and what He had said in Matthew 16:18, He now again repeats to them all.
Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
We all know what a Key is for, it was made for a lock. A lock, locks something up, a key opens the lock, and makes something accessible.
That which was once unobtainable, now has been made open, and accessible.
What then are “The Keys of the Kingdom?”
And we could say further....
What can bind something here on earth and heaven/ and again, what can be loosed on earth that can be loosed in heaven?
The Lord Jesus Christ has the keys...
Revelation 3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David,
He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; “
Isaiah 22:22 “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His (The promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.) shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open.”
The Lord Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, has the key of David, the power to lock, and to unlock the Kingdom of God (the House of God).
John 6:63 “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
John 6:68 “Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”
Christ's word is the Gospel.
The “Words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
To obey the gospel, and to turn to the Saviour, brings life. (To obey Christ's words-The Gospel-, opens the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.)
To refuse the gospel, and to turn away from the Saviour brings spiritual death. (To disobey Christ's words-The Gospel-, Closes the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.)
What then are “The Keys of the Kingdom?”
They are the Words, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, showing the way to the Saviour and life, and the blessings of God.
All the disciples of the Lord Jesus are to present the Gospel (The Keys, opening the way to the Kingdom of heaven) to the lost, so that they may see and find the Saviour, and receive Him.
Are these Keys of the Kingdon delegated to just some few?
As we have already seen, Jesus told “All His Disciples to use the Key's of the Kingdom (preaching and teaching the “Good News,” of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ). (Matthew 18:1, 18)
Are some select few able to forgive mens sins?
John 20:23 “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
Acts 10:43 “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name (The Lord Jesus Christ) whosoever believeth in Him (Through the preaching of the Gospel) shall receive remission of sins.”
John 3:16,18,36
[16] For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him (Through the preaching, the witnessing of the Gospel) should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[18] He that believeth on Him (Through the preaching, witnessing of the Gospel) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
[36] He that believeth on the Son (Through the preaching and witnessing of the Gospel) hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Are you a Disciple of the Lord Jesus?
Then you are to use “The Keys of the Kingdom,” to open the Gospel to the lost!
Mark 16:15,16 KJV
[15] And He said unto them, Go ye (All Christian Disciples of the Lord Jesus) into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
This is the high calling of every Christian Disciple of the Lord Jesus.
Romans 8:10-15 KJV
[8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Dear friend, may that one day be said of you!
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