666 pebbles

[BirdSong]

• Revelation 13:11 "And I saw another beast ascending up from the earth, and it had two horns, like a lamb; and it spake as a dragon."

This beast is characterized as a beast that has two horns like a LAMB ['looks like' the Lamb of God - i.e. - looks Christian], BUT it spake as a DRAGON [but it 'spake' as that old serpent, the DRAGON, called the devil, and Satan (Revelation 13:11, 12:9)].

This "beast" professes to be the true representative of the Lamb of God in the world. It pretends to be meek like a lamb, and professes to holy and godly, but it spake AS A DRAGON.

What does this "religious beast" who masquerades as Christ's kingdom use to perpetuate its fear doctrines and dogma? It uses the bible - a book compiled by fallible men to control mankind!

They even swear on the bible with their "right hand" and memorize it "in their foreheads."

• "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads." (Revelation 13:16)

The bible is used and misused to control the flocks of 38,000 denominations - who ALL think they know the truth. The bible, because of so many different interpretations and countless different 'WINDS (spirits) of doctrine,' has been used (and misused) to rule and kill more people than anything or anyone in human history, and it is still being used by the nations who worship it to go to war and kill.

• "For the letter kills, the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6)

Millions of people claim: 'the bible says this' - 'the bible says that.' 'The bible speaks of this,' 'the bible speaks of that.'

• "He was then permitted to give life to this image so that it could SPEAK." (Revelation 13:15)

According to mainstream Christianity, anyone who doesn't believe in the bible will be killed (annihilated) or eternally tormented!

• "Then the image of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must be killed." (Revelation 13:15)

Man's number is 6 (created on Day 6, appointed to labor 6 days, etc).

The bible is composed of 66 books - composed and assembled to control mankind (6).

• "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is 666." (Revelation 13:18)

The ONLY Word of God is the LIVING Word, Jesus Christ within, who has written His laws in our minds and on our hearts. For Christians the Bible is USEFUL for knowing of Christ and how to validate Him and instruction in righteousness. However, it is only the infallible word of God for BIBLEians - NOT CHRISTians.

By elevating the words written "in ink" to the status of Christ Himself (the Spirit of Truth WITHIN), one is worshiping "an image" of God, but it is NOT GOD, nor is it the Word of God! Only Christ has that status! This is the "mark of the beast." 

[Lazarus Short]

Your emphasis on the inner spirit over the Bible sounds like Quakerism to me.  As to your core thesis, I can't help but wonder at the long war against the Bible, if it represents what you say.  At one time, the saints of God were under the Law, an institution Paul described as a sort of guardian for immature children.  They had little Spirit.  In the present Age, we saints have more Spirit, and (hopefully) live by Grace rather than under the Law.  In the Age to come, God will finally write His Law and His ways into our hearts and minds, and then and only then, will we be past the guardians of Law and Grace, for then we will have moved on into Glory.

BTW, the lamb-like beast with two horns probably represents the Bison, and therefore, Amerika.  It has certainly been looking Godly for a long time, while speaking and doing otherwise, especially if you equate hubris with being dragon-like.

Be aware that there are MANY theories on the Beast, its Image, the Mark 666, and all the rest. 

[jabcat]

 :thumbsup:  Laz

Millions of people claim:

'the bible says this' - 'the bible says that.' 'The bible speaks of this,' 'the bible speaks of that.'

• "He was then permitted to give life to this image so that it could SPEAK." (Revelation 13:15)

According to mainstream Christianity, anyone who doesn't believe in the bible will be killed (annihilated) or eternally tormented!

• "Then the image of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must be killed." (Revelation 13:15)

The bible is composed of 66 books - composed and assembled to control mankind (6).

The ONLY Word of God is the LIVING Word, Jesus Christ within, who has written His laws in our minds and on our hearts. For Christians the Bible is USEFUL for knowing of Christ and how to validate Him and instruction in righteousness. However, it is only the infallible word of God for BIBLEians - NOT CHRISTians.

By elevating the words written "in ink" to the status of Christ Himself (the Spirit of Truth WITHIN), one is worshiping "an image" of God, but it is NOT GOD, nor is it the Word of God! Only Christ has that status! This is the "mark of the beast." 

Birdsong, aka Illuin -

IMO, your post does not accurately reflect a balanced view that takes in the whole counsel;  not "elevating the Bible" to some idol status, but also not disrespecting the Spirit-breathed Words of God.  I don't believe the Holy Spirit breathes questionable, unreliable things.  Man can make a mess of almost anything, but that doesn't necessarily mean the object is bad or faulty.  IMO, it has to do with our not being led of the Spirit, walking after the flesh, letting our carnal minds rule, etc.   

I hear numerous people quote "the letter kills but the Spirit brings life".  While that's certainly true, I don't think they bother to take into consideration the context of the scripture.  I believe the context of the scripture is, that the letter OF THE LAW kills, but the Spirit makes alive.  I.e., trying to justify ourselves by keeping of The Law rather than having the spiritual new birth through grace, faith, the free gift through Jesus.  When Jesus said they thought they had life by reading the scriptures, IMO, what He was saying was NOT, again, the way many want to use it.  I believe He was saying they were missing HIM - not that there was something wrong with the scriptures.  They were rejecting of Him, Who was testified about WITHIN those scriptures.  Nothing wrong with the scriptures, but they needed HIM.   I believe Paul confirmed all this in multiples of his writings - how good the Law is, but that it killed him, because it made him aware of his sin and he couldn't do anything about that without - JESUS! 

Anyway, on another but related note, at TM, outright textual criticism (disrespecting, "trashing"/attempting to diminish) the scriptures" is not an allowed topic.  It's stated clearly here; 

"...our focus is WITHIN THE SCRIPTURES.  Gary Amirault has noted that there needs to be a respect for scripture in the discussion forum.  Not any other members' point of view crammed down others' throats, but that the default setting is a respect for scripture.  Accurately translated (as much as is currently possible), and the Spirit within the letters having been revealed to us, they are reliable.

Outright texual criticism is not an allowed topic or matter of discussion on the TM discussion forum.  It is seen as a divisive tool within the body, and not helpful to others' growth in the faith of Jesus Christ.  Also, repeated veiled references within posts that the scriptures are untrue, or to be discounted in matters of belief and practice, are not only discouraged, but will be moderated based upon moderators' discretion.  Continually ignoring these policies, or public criticism of moderators' decisions, will be subject to a ban from the forum.  We will strive to be fair, respectful, and to have anything we do done with the love of Christ, but please see sentence #1 above.

There are plenty of other places in the world today that are accepting to the deceit that the scriptures are either not reliable, not necessary, or that don't understand (or care) that the Father and Son, the Spirit, and the written scriptures work in tandem - that they don't cancel each other out, nor one make the other unnecessary.  TM is not one of those places.  If anyone has any honest, searching questions about the validity of the scriptures (not just a repeated effort to cast doubt or trash them) any moderator will discuss that by PM and try to help you...an honest, loving effort will be made to try to help you grow in the faith."    http://tentmaker.org/forum/rules-and-faq/moderatortm-expectations-regarding-the-scriptures/

It might serve well to review the posting guidelines;  as was discussed prior, this isn't a teaching forum, as we ask things be stated as IMO/as I understand, etc.   For instance, your statement that Jesus Christ is the ONLY Word, IMO, is an opinion - and one that I believe an open heart and mind will see otherwise.  There's been some relevant information posted on this in the past, i.e., believed evidence that there's the written Word, God's spoken Word, His thoughts are even His Word, and Jesus did become the Word made flesh.  There are multiple scriptures, that when sorted out and put together, show a range of "definition" of what God's Word(s) are.  Regardless if you agree with that or not, it's an example of why we post "as I understand/in my opinion".  However, again, please review the guidelines in general.  I suspect you may consider this as "smacking of self-righteousness" per your last post as Illuin, however, the guidelines state one's first post indicates agreement to abide by forum guidelines, "or please don't post".  There are good reasons those things are in place, so we don't have to keep re-inventing the wheel (or keep hashing around things that are already in black and white).  Thanks for your consideration.  James.[/list]

[jabcat]

Here's the information to which I alluded, if it might be helpful.  If this is discussed further, we'll need to refrain from taking it to the level addressed in the TM Expectations Regarding the Scriptures as above.  Thanks.

The belief presented here is that Jesus became the revealed Word in flesh, but His doing so did not negate the logos, which scripture states is forever settled in the heavens.  In my understanding (and I've had some very intense dealings from God regarding His Word) there's the Word (thought/intent of God), the spoken Word, the written Word, and Jesus the Word revealed and come in the flesh - not one or the other.   

IMO, there can be a misunderstanding between the written Word, the spoken Word, and the fact that Jesus revealed the Word in flesh. 

John 6:63 Jesus said ".....the Words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life".

John 1:1 Christ is the living Word of God.

Here's evidence that written and/or spoken,  is the Word of God - John 14:23 JESUS (THE WORD) SAID, "if a man love me he will keep my Words"   [The Word, speaking of His Words]

Matthew 4:4 "It is written man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God".  [spoken/written]   God said the Holy Spirit breathed His words to the holy men of old, which were then recorded for us.

John 15:3 Again, JESUS (THE WORD) SAID, "Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you".  [Word, speaking the Word.]


Shortly after God revealed UR to me, I was tempted to adopt what seemed to be a popular opinion on TM at the time, that Jesus ALONE was the Word, and that the written Word was suspect, unreliable, and not inspired.  God dealt with me swiftly, deeply, and painfully that I was to not go in that direction, and was to maintain a belief [and stance] that His written Word is just that - His Word.  Yes, Jesus is the Word -become flesh.  But God also has written Word and spoken/revealed Word.  They operate in tandem.  They don't exclude or diminish each other, and I don't believe I should either.

I later inquired (again) of God about this topic.  He immediately let me know He had already let me know.  I went to the written Word.  These scriptures are from perhaps the most literal English translation available, The Christian Bible (1991).

I John 2:7 The Law is called the Word that was heard
         2:8 Then again, I am writing a new Word to you that is true in Him.
           :14 I have written to you...and God's Word is staying in you

Mathew 13:18-22  Jesus talks about the Word about the Kingdom, in the parable of the sower - Vs. 22;  "Now the one among the thorns into which the seed was planted, this is the person who hears the Word, but the concerns of this age and enticement or riches stifle the Word, and it beomes unfruitful.


Mt. 15:3  "Why do you step beyond the boundaries of God's Direction because of your tradition?  ...now you have invalidated God's Word because or your tradition."   (IMO, this isn't talking about Jesus per se, or "only".  It's talking about God's directions [words bearing His expectations and intent] to us.

Jesus/Yesu said Rev. 3:8  You have kept my Word and you haven't disowned my name ("Yesu")

John 1:14 The Word became flesh

John 8:31  Then Yesu was saying..."if you stay in My Word, you are truly my students"
          37  "you are seeking to kill 1) Me, for My 2) Word has no room in you"

[separate mentions of what the Word is]    John 17:6,8  "I made your Name apparent...they have kept Your Word.  Now they have come to know that everything that You have given to Me, is from You, because they have kept the Declarations that you gave me, I have given to them, and they accepted them, and truly knew that came out from You..."

"Well seen! I too watch over My Word to see it fulfilled" (Jer. 1:11-12).

[lomarah]

Jab I remember you sharing that before and it hit me back then (in a good way lol) as I was on the road to almost starting to ignore the scriptures as well. Thanks for sharing what God has given you, and I will emphatically witness to the life in those scriptures! I also see where Birdsong is coming from as I have read the scriptures apart from the illumination of the HS in the past (as do many today and many have in ages past). I do agree that this i where all the false doctrine is coming from. I am not sure about 666 but I do believe the church structure today certainly fits the description of the beast.

[jabcat]

Jab I remember you sharing that before and it hit me back then (in a good way lol) as I was on the road to almost starting to ignore the scriptures as well. Thanks for sharing what God has given you, and I will emphatically witness to the life in those scriptures! I also see where Birdsong is coming from as I have read the scriptures apart from the illumination of the HS in the past (as do many today and many have in ages past). I do agree that this i where all the false doctrine is coming from. I am not sure about 666 but I do believe the church structure today certainly fits the description of the beast.

Thanks Lo, I'm glad you've been blessed.

Yes, of course the Holy Spirit is needed - in EVERYTHING.  And we [humankind] can sure mess a lot of things up.  However, I don't believe that's all that's being said by Birdsong/Illuin, or that's the only place "he's coming from" with this - if looked at closely.  That's what I believe, but if that's not completely correct, then he can clarify.   :thumbsup:

[jabcat]

As far as all those scrips about the Word Lo, I believe God really did give that to me - and it's all written right there.  As a friend says, hidden right there in plain sight.   :laughing7:   So much in those few verses.   :thumbsup:  Praise God!

[Molly]

Jab I remember you sharing that before and it hit me back then (in a good way lol) as I was on the road to almost starting to ignore the scriptures as well. Thanks for sharing what God has given you, and I will emphatically witness to the life in those scriptures! I also see where Birdsong is coming from as I have read the scriptures apart from the illumination of the HS in the past (as do many today and many have in ages past). I do agree that this i where all the false doctrine is coming from. I am not sure about 666 but I do believe the church structure today certainly fits the description of the beast.

I've been wanting to come here and write something on Cardinal's thread.  I can't really do it tonight, either.   But, something I've learned recently--When Jesus was tempted by Satan, what did he do?  He quoted the Word of God.   And, Satan was vanquished.

Remember,  Adam just stood there silent as Eve interacted with Satan.  Adam was not deceived [because he had the Holy Spirit, the breath of God], but the one weapon he did not have, yet, was the Word of God.   So, Satan overcame them.

So, now we have Jesus in the same position and overcoming Satan with the Word of God, as an example for us.

So recently, I've been trying to heal my little dog [don't laugh, there's nothing the docs can do for him], and it has come to me to speak the Word of God over him, God's promises directly out of the Bible.   There is a book called, '65 Promises from God for your Child' by Mike Shreve, and these are the words I will say over him--the promises of God.  We are to be the 'imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises' [Heb 6:12].  I wanted Card to know about this book.   Don't give up on the scripture.  It is our most powerful weapon.

Great posts, Jab. :thumbsup:

[jabcat]

 Thank you, good word.  :thumbsup:    Blessings to your pup.   :HeartThrob:

[Molly]

Thank you, good word.  :thumbsup:    Blessings to your pup.   :HeartThrob:

Thanks!  :HeartThrob:


13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

--Heb 6

[jbertonbounds]

something I've learned recently--When Jesus was tempted by Satan, what did he do?  He quoted the Word of God.   And, Satan was vanquished.

Remember,  Adam just stood there silent as Eve interacted with Satan.  Adam was not deceived [because he had the Holy Spirit, the breath of God], but the one weapon he did not have, yet, was the Word of God.   So, Satan overcame them.

So, now we have Jesus in the same position and overcoming Satan with the Word of God, as an example for us.

Molly, this is beautiful.  I never thought of it that way.  Thanks for sharing it.

[Lazarus Short]

...When Jesus was tempted by Satan, what did he do?  He quoted the Word of God.   And, Satan was vanquished...Remember,  Adam just stood there silent as Eve interacted with Satan.  Adam was not deceived [because he had the Holy Spirit, the breath of God], but the one weapon he did not have, yet, was the Word of God.   So, Satan overcame them.[/quote]

That's an amazing insight, Molly!  :thumbsup:

BTW, for your pup, also try a Bach Flower Remedy called Rescue Remedy.

[Lazarus Short]

...When Jesus was tempted by Satan, what did he do?  He quoted the Word of God.   And, Satan was vanquished...Remember,  Adam just stood there silent as Eve interacted with Satan.  Adam was not deceived [because he had the Holy Spirit, the breath of God], but the one weapon he did not have, yet, was the Word of God.   So, Satan overcame them.

That's an amazing insight, Molly!  :thumbsup:

BTW, for your pup, also try a Bach Flower Remedy called Rescue Remedy.

[jabcat]

Yes it is.    :2thumbs:

To Molly and Lo who directly discussed it, and anyone else interested, it really seemed God directed me to this today, just in my morning reading.  I didn't know what was there, but was nudged to begin at this place;

Now Master, take notice of their threats, and grant it to Your slaves to be continually speaking Your Word with all boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing and signs and miracles to occur through the name of Your pure Servant Boy Yesu".  Acts 4:29,30, The Christian Bible (1991)

[dajomaco]

There have been times when I have read the Bible
and I knew that God was speaking directly to me.

I have heard sermons and Spiritual explanation
where I knew Jesus was speaking directly to me.

I have prayed silently and heard what I
believed to be the Holy Spirit speaking directly to me.

I must admit though that when a series of coincidences
happen while I try to listen to God.

The more I am convinced that I have heard from God.

[jbertonbounds]

No doubt, Daj, God speaks to us through all of those ways.
Thanks for sharing this truth. :dsunny:

[jbertonbounds]

Sometimes I ponder :Chinscratch: if number sometime have meaning simply as character, rather that their numerical value.  For example, 666 may not mean six hundred sixty-six, but rather three sixes that are in some way related, sort of like a combination to a lock or a lottery number.  :JCThink:

[jabcat]

some claim it's 616 anyway... :dunno2:

[Molly]

I still like Walid Shoebat's explanation the best.

Go check out his video on the mark of the beast.

[BirdSong]

I must admit, when I first considered the idea, I wrote it off pretty quickly. However, the more I thought about it, it really does fit like a glove with Revelation 13, and deserves some more in-depth thought and prayer in my opinion.

It's not so much the bible IS the IMAGE itself that is worshipped (i.e. - - the IMAGE of the beast - the beast is the carnal, natural flesh man - the image of man = the image of the beast - as in 'man creating God in his own IMAGE.') But the bible is the "mark" - of a 'true believer' - and is also used to promote the fear doctrines of eternal torment, annihilation, etc. In times past, it was used to conquer and kill perhaps millions 'supposedly' in the name of God

How many times have you heard people say: "If you don't believe in the bible, you'll go to hell" ..... or something of that nature. And how many times have you heard people say: "The bible has the FINAL say on any matter".... or, "what the bible says trumps ALL", etc. This is especially troubling when you recall that the New Covenant was never supposed to be "another letter." The Old Covenant was "the letter" and was a letter that FAILED because we are told there is a veil of ignorance (blind minds) over the reading of Moses that can only be lifted by Christ and His Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:15)


Jesus fulfilled all the expectations of His day, and for every day since, for 2000 years. That is what fulfilling the Old Testament (the letter) means and that is what validates Christianity. The veil of ignorance -  that blinded the religious leaders at the time of Christ to God's TRUE NATURE from the misinterpretations of the Old Testament - was lifted by Jesus:

• 2 Corinthains 3:14-17 "But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

The same is true today. The minds of people remain blinded by the veil of ignorance over reading the Old Testament. Those of us who listen to Christ and His Holy Spirit (Comforter) WITHIN lift the veil and see the truth God has "written in our hearts" . . . NOT the words "written in ink" by men. The New Covenant was never supposed to be "another letter." The New Covenant IS the Spirit - Christ, who lives in us as the Comforter - the Spirit of Truth.

Yet few realize that He LIVES within and has written His laws in our minds and on our hearts:

• Hebrews 8:10-11 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them."

Rather than following the Spirit - as was intended - the bible - the words 'written in ink' ALWAYS gets the FINAL say. This shows a lack of faith in Christ; the LIVING WORD who is SPIRIT and lives within. And is this not idolizing the bible - a collection of 'inspired' (not dictated) writings by fallible men?

It is not so much they worship the book itself - but they do elevate the bible to the status of Christ Himself. And it is indeed the "mark" of a "bible thumper" to use that book to compel, even threaten and blackmail, people to worship their false IMAGE of God.



Another thing to consider is the bible's history. Jesus removed the need for the shadows that represented the Spiritual realities He Himself became. He removed the need for 'temples made with hands, rituals, forms creeds, written words, etc.' - all of the shadows that were practiced by the Levitical priesthood.

• Hebrews 8:4-5 "For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things."

However, Constantine The Great (the first "Christian" Roman emperor - - - A.D. 306 - A.D. 337) was the first to reinstate the Levitical priesthood all over again (especially with the Council of Nicaea). All of the "external, outward, physical" types that were only supposed to be shadows representing the Spiritual realities were once again established with Constantine - 'temples made with hands (churches), creeds, rituals, forms, rules, regulations, ceremonies, etc.' - everything that Christ fulfilled and did away with by His fulfillment of these shadows. Constantine very much fits the "FIRST BEAST" from the SEA in Revelation 13:1-10.

After a horrible dark age of church rule (using the bible), this reign received what can be viewed as a deadly wound with the Protestant Reformation. And what happened?


King James (the '6th' King of Scotland) translated the bible into '66' books, and it spread around the world. This was the first time the masses had access to the bible for themselves. Other than a few ritualistic differences, Mary worship, etc. the false gospel - with its fear doctrines of eternal torment and/or annihilation - remained basically the same.


This was a 're-FORMATION' of the FIRST BEAST nonetheless. The deadly wound was healed with the rising of this SECOND BEAST from the EARTH in Revelation 13:11-18. This SECOND BEAST is the very beast that had the IMAGE OF THE FIRST BEAST set up. 

What is "the image of the first beast?" Well, this Protestant Reformation that was significantly increased by the massive distribution of the 66 books, was basically the same religious beast as the previous religious beast - i.e. - the same core teachings, fear doctrines, etc. etc. It was an IMAGE of the first religious beast. It was a RE-FORMATION of the FIRST BEAST.



It was this SECOND BEAST who set up the IMAGE and commanded the people to receive "the mark" that identified him as a "true believer."

This MAN - King James - was the '6th' king of Scotland - who compiled the bible into '66' books.

This is just some food for thought. I'm not declaring anything - just sharing. I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying about this. As I said before, I wrote this idea off as being silly at first and cast it aside quickly. I'm sure many of you will probably do the same. But I feel it deserves some more thought, some very in-depth thought actually. Peace and God bless.

[lomarah]

Good post! I agree with much of it.  :thumbsup:

[jbertonbounds]

BIRDSONG,

Thanks for this clarification.  It is certainly interesting "food for thought."  It does seem to call for some serious thought and prayer.  We must all keep searching - it is the only way that God will continue to teach us and reveal things to us.  This thread has already sparked my interest in studying more about what role God takes in protecting/preserving the written word (inspired scriptures) through the millennia (yesterday I started a thread entitled "Does God Protect the Written Word From Human Error?").

Thanks.

[redhotmagma]

Birdsong I've actually put something forth about this a while back on here.  Basically it was about the arrangement of 66 books compared to the 49 as shown by Dr. Ernist Martin (which is timely since Ken has been posting stuff based off his work right now here). 

In the book of Revelation, you see 3 classes of people. 

Those who dwell in the heavens, which I see as the barley company, the overcomers.
Those who dwell in the sea, which is the grapes company, the dead (now) as the sea represents the dead (as in let the dead bury the dead)
Those who dwell on the earth, which is the wheat company, the "church".

Now it says all those who dwell on the earth take the mark.  It says nothing of the overcomers/those who dwell in the heavens taking the mark. 
Those who dwell in the sea are dead, they know nothing, they have no desire for the bible, or the things of God, and so can't be deceived, as they are dead.

That leaves "the church".  IMO the whore of babylon is none other than Circe, "the church".  And we see her riding on the back of the beast --the carnal mind.  And the confusion they bring is shown in the 66 books.

I do believe that the bible is idolized by many christians.  Thats not to remove it from its position of what its meant to do, but is not meant to replace Christ in you. 

[jabcat]

Yes, thanks for the clarification Pete.  That's helpful.  I've been thinking about you and praying for you last night, and I was a little puzzled - because I saw elsewhere where you had posted something like "we need to pay attention to the Word of God", which in context, it seems like you were saying "the sayings, instructions, [including written] Words from God.  So aha!, there's more to the story, and again, thanks for clarifying.  I just don't know about the 66 vs. 49 books, haven't looked into it that much, and IMO, I think one would need to be VERY careful about deciding which ones to weed out  :mshock: - maybe Dr. Martin is able to do that - but right now, I'm going to hold my reservations about that - I'm doubtful.  I believe what Lazarus Short shared about the mathematical equation of the earliest manuscripts - on which BASICALLY MOST translations are based, is powerful stuff.  I'm not ready to go tampering with it myself.  Still, I believe some of the things you've clarified are helpful, thanks.
--------

Something I read the other night that really got my attention;  When satan tempted Eve in the garden, and with Jesus in the desert - he didn't do a full frontal assault.  He whispered things like "can it be true", "can you..", "it says...(while leaving out part of "what it says" - check it out - he only quoted part of a verse to make it what he wanted).  In other words, he planted DOUBT.

    I don't believe "the Bible" [more accurately, scripture] is meant to replace "Christ in you" either.  However, I don't think it's even necessarily separated from "Christ in you", because of what I just posted in another thread -  i.e., the logos of God at work in us, separating, dividing, cutting, etc., in the Greek means SAYINGS of God.  So connectedly, God said the Holy Spirit spoke through holy men of old, and also that all scripture is inspired [GOD-BREATHED].  So my believe is, ANY thought, saying (spoken or written), and Jesus the Word made flesh in us, are all the Word of God and are to be handled with extreme care.  Personally, I think it's very important to be sure we're identifying that it's how the carnal mind may HANDLE the Words of God, vs. the Message itself being "bad".   :2c:    "In the beginning was the logos.."   God has many ways of passing that down to us.

Much to consider, I'm just not sure the scriptures have any real role in the Mark of the Beast.  If so, I think it would be just in how certain people use them - or maybe more correctly, how satan in people twist and MIS-use them. 

May we just simply trust Him more.  Amen, blessings. 

[lomarah]

Great thoughts everyone, very well rounded, you guys are giving me much to think on. Thanks.  :HeartThrob: