Every once in while, I can almost grasp what the Kingdom of God is. I can almost "see" reality for what it is. The Kingdom shall be on earth, as it is now in heaven - it is a new reality - brought about by God thru his servants - a freedom, that in itself releases us from the kings and kingdoms and systems that are current in place. All shall see and wonder and be amazed as our needs are taken care of supernaturally, God supplying all for us, while world falls into utter despair and hopelessness, and all shall be drawn, seeing God, through us and in us, and shall learn his ways and turn and serve the world no more, but they shall receive God, and rest.
Isaiah 14:7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is (currently being done) in heaven.
What I mean by (currently being done), is that most have interpreted this verse to mean this:
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth and heaven.
And I believe this common interpretation to be incorrect for this prayer.
If only we could "grasp" the joy that awaits us. Praise God.
Arctic, I do believe in the supernatural, of course, and miracles.
But, we could take care of the whole planet today all by ourselves if we threw off the parasitical minority.
I mean, why does somebody need 100 billion dollars anyways? What is wrong with this picture?
These are the people running the world now. The fact that they need to accumulate all this useless money shows there's something wrong with them.
But, like Jesus says, they shut the kingdom in the faces of all those who are trying to enter in, and they won't enter in themselves.
Right now, we could feed the whole world, stop war, cure most diseases, give free electrical and other power to the world, give everyone adequate and comfortable shelter, and hope for their lives.
We have been able to technologically do this for 100 years.
Why won't our fearless leaders do this?
That's the question worth pondering.
Quote from: arcticmonster2003 on December 05, 2007, 09:09:39 AM
Every once in while, I can almost grasp what the Kingdom of God is. I can almost "see" reality for what it is.
Doncha just love those glimpses of glory?! :boogie:
Jesus had a special sense of mission to poor and oppressed people. At the outset of his ministry, sometimes referred to as Jesus' mission statement, Jesus stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth and read from the prophet Isaiah:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19)
The biographies of Jesus depict him repeatedly reaching out to those at the bottom of the social pyramid--poor people, women, Samaritans, lepers, children, prostitutes and tax collectors. Jesus was also eager to accept people who were well-placed, but he made clear that all, regardless of social position, needed to repent. For this reason, he invited the rich young man to sell all of his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. (Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30, Mark 10:17-31)
Jesus commanded, "Love your neighbor." When asked to define "neighbor," Jesus expanded the traditional meaning of the word--defining our neighbor as anyone who is in need, including social outcasts: "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." (Luke 14:13)
In his portrayal of the day of judgment, Jesus pictured people from all nations gathered before him, separated into "sheep" and "goats." (Matthew 25:31-46) To the "sheep" he says, "Come you blessed of my Father, for I was hungry and you fed me..." In their astonishment they ask, "When did we do that?" And he answers, "When you did it to the lowliest of my brothers (and sisters)." Conversely, to the "goats" he says, "Out of my sight, you who are condemned, for I was hungry and you did not feed me..."
Jesus himself cared for those in need by feeding the hungry. Crowds of four thousand (Mark 8:1-13) and five thousand (Mark 6:30-44) had assembled to listen to Jesus. They soon became hungry. When his disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away to buy food, he responded by saying "I have compassion on these people..." and "you give them something to eat." He proceeded to perform miracles to feed these large crowds of hungry people.
Adapted from J. Bennett Guess, "Biblical Foundations for Justice Advocacy," UCC Justice and Witness Ministries.
http://www.jesuscentral.com/ji/life-of-jesus-modern/jesus-poor.php
The way I feel about it Molly, is that would be building upon "This World".
The Kingdom I see coming removes our dependance on everything but God.
Not being dependant on the free electrical power, nor having to work at the power plant.
Not being dependant upon man for our food.
Not being dependant upon man for our "medical care"
Not being dependant upon man for our shelter.
Where you have an electrical plant, you have people who must work at that electrical plant.
Where you have huge farms and plantations you have people who must run them.
Where you have hospitals, you have people who rely on hospitals instead of God.
Just examples, but God has something huge and joyful in store for us, I have only been barely able to try and "grasp" this, and even this was a gift from God.
The closest thing I can describe it to is "Just living" and in the presence of God, with the Holy Spirit fully upon us.
Imagine this scene if you will: The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
Again, I don't see it clearly, but these words could be meditated upon for a long time, and one might understand.
Isaiah 14:7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
The Kingdom could begin today, if everyone on earth would drop what they are doing and call upon the name of the Lord. Then he would break the bread, he does not need us to break our backs for our food, this is the curse of Adam.
But he shall bring it about, with or without our wills and the wills of the people of the world.
well, yes, that could be right, arctic.
But I see it as God giving man the mind of Christ.
God has given us everything we need to make this earth, heaven on earth.
It is only our own evil that prevents us from doing it.
Our own evil blinds us to the needs of others and blinds us to the way satan runs the world today.
So--I'm not saying you're wrong.
I just see a different manifestation of it.
God releasing the mind of man to see what is right in front of him.
Starving and dying people are not exactly in the mood to sing.
For example, over 100 years ago, Nikola Tesla demonstrated wireless electricity to the world at the 1898 World's Fair.
His dream was to give free electricity to the entire world, pulling it right out of the air.
I look around today and see wires everywhere where I live and I notice that a majority of the world's population sits in the dark at night. Why is this?
Because satan said to Tesla, if its wireless, where will I put the meter?
Thus, Tesla could not get any funding for his dream. His science was suppressed and hidden away.
But, the science is still there today. It's being used for other, more nefarious goals, in the hands of a few evil people.
And, you will never be taught about Tesla in school.
I understand where you are coming from, but what will we need electricity for? A key theme here is this:
Remember Adam before the fall, did he labor laboriously? When he was hungry, there the fruit was, when he was thirsty, there the water was, when he was tired, he layed down and went to sleep. I believe our Kingdom shall be more glorious that before Adam fell. I do not think the curse of Adam shall befall those whom have entered The Kingdom. The Kingdom is alive now, we just cannot see it.
I cannot embrace this Kingdom
Zephaniah 1:13 Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.
Zephaniah decribes modern employment by the way.
Ok, now this I can accept, to make my own house, and live in it for hundreds of years, to have my own little vineyard, and drink the fruits from it (maybe I'll plant a couple of apple trees). I can embraced a Kingdom, where in a fruitful land, filled with the Holy Spirit these things are:
Isaiah 65:20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
yes, that passage from Isaiah is interesting.
In a spiritual sense, it is saying --there will be no more predators.
Who is the biggest predator on the face of the earth? Man.
There is no dispute about this.
And, no other species of animal kills its own in the numbers that man does.
Get rid of the predators (satan) and we will have heaven on earth.
Guaranteed.
See, the problem is this.
What was Jesus showing us by his miracles, such as the loaves and the fishes?
He was showing us that what we perceived as physical reality could be used in surprising ways in the hands of a holy people to benefit everyone.
So, is the idea that I should be able to wave my hands and have my living room fill with loaves and fishes?
Or is the fact that I can flip a switch and have light any less a miracle? We take it for granted, but it is a miracle and remains so to most of the world today who can only see it from afar.
You have Nikola Tesla to thank for that, by the way, not Thomas Edison, but you weren't taught that in school because they stole and hid Tesla's inventions to use them for their own purposes and benefit.
Once the scales drop from your eyes, you can see how cruelly this world has been manipulated by a few.
These people pay farmers not to grow anything while half the world starves!
I always saw this, that when we put it in his hands (Gods), he will break the bread and feed everyone. Remember the manna?
Matthew 15:33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
So, then, when they put it in Jesus's hands, there was enough for all. Until then, there will never be enough. Remember, they did not put it in just any old holy peoples hands, but Jesus Christ's hands, who is God, in the flesh at that moment.
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
As for the light switch and electricity and light bulbs and candles (are you worried your going to be in the dark :icon_king:)
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
You are living a miracle and you don't even know it.
"See also James Wolfenson, The Other Crisis, World Bank, October 1998 who said: "Today, across the world, 1.3 billion people live on less than one dollar a day; 3 billion live on under two dollars a day; 1.3 billion have no access to clean water; 3 billion have no access to sanitation; 2 billion have no access to electricity."
QuoteAs for the light switch and electricity and light bulbs and candles (are you worried your going to be in the dark )
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Yes I am worried that I'm going to be in the dark, actually. :grin:
Right now I'm looking into portable solar generators.
I can see what's coming.
This idea of no night there, I think, refers to the mind/heart of man.
Was there any darkness in Jesus? No. He could see everything and understand everything.
QuoteSo, then, when they put it in Jesus's hands, there was enough for all. Until then, there will never be enough. Remember, they did not put it in just any old holy peoples hands, but Jesus Christ's hands, who is God, in the flesh at that moment.
Yes, and what happens when it's put in the hands of satan?
We have scarcity, poverty, death, and destruction.
Have you forgotten who you are?
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
I guess the whole point is that there will be no worrying about anything for anyone when the Kingdom is fully seen by all, but I do believe this will start with his servants. Perhaps light will eminate from our bodies, from God in us. No worries, thats the key.
Exodus 34:30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
quote Molly
QuoteYes, and what happens when it's put in the hands of satan?
We have scarcity, poverty, death, and destruction.
Have you forgotten who you are?
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
The mysteries of God are great, if he lift me up then I'll be lifted, until then I shall serve humbly.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Quote from: arcticmonster2003 on December 05, 2007, 05:28:18 PM
I guess the whole point is that there will be no worrying about anything for anyone when the Kingdom is fully seen by all, but I do believe this will start with his servants. Perhaps light will eminate from our bodies, from God in us. No worries, thats the key.
Exodus 34:30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Yes, no worries, because Jesus and his kings will be ruling this earth, not satan.
Quote from: arcticmonster2003 on December 05, 2007, 05:33:53 PM
The mysteries of God are great, if he lift me up then I'll be lifted, until then I shall serve humbly.
2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
4And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. --Exodus 4
John 8:28
Then said Jesus unto them,
When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
Molly that is interesting that you brought up Moses, made me think of these verses.
John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Numbers 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
2 Kings 18:3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.
4 He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
What mystery lies here in the comparison I wonder?
I looked this up at wikipedia
QuoteIn the Bible Jesus compared His own person and the crucifixion to Nehushtan, probably to show how He would sacrifice Himself for the world. Referring to His forthcoming crucifixion, Jesus said "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15). Amongst conservative Christians and Jews, the healing is not attributed to the snake itself. The snake is thought to have been a representation of the punishment and the repentance of the Children of Israel.
Hezekiah destroyed the brazen serpent, calling it Nehushtan, or a lump of brass. From this it was argued that the rulers in Church and State have authority to prohibit, in the public worship of God, the use of things that have been abused to Idolatry.[6]
Quote2 Kings 18:3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.
4 He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
4He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. Wow, leave man to his own devices for ten minutes and he is doing the wrong thing,-- it's deja vu all over again. :grin:
Here they are worshipping Moses' serpent on the stick rofl.
Kind of like Christians worshipping the dead man on the cross?
We know he's dead, Hagee told us so.
"Nehushtan"nechûshtân
nekh-oosh-tawn'
From H5178; something made of copper, that is,
the copper serpent of the Desert: - Nehushtan.
Satan is very good at what he does.
But the one in us is more powerful than the one in the world. He has overcome the world!
:cloud9: I agree with you AC. I have been getting glimpses of same. We will be totally dependent on God for EVERYTHING. And for that reason, they will seek to kill us, because the root of ALL evil is self gain.
I got a small taste of walking as the disciples for exactly a month one time, and it was the most liberating sense of being I have ever had. I had NO commitments to anything but to ask Him what He wanted to do for that day, one day at a time, obey Him, and watch the miraculous happen. It sounds simple to do, and it is if He has you doing it, but if we tried to do it on our own, it doesn't work. The memory of it keeps me pressing in to FULLY experience the glorious LIBERTY of the sons of God. Blessings to you........
That is what I was trying to add Cardinal and couldn't find the words for, thanks.
No commitments to anything! :thumbsup:
quote Molly
QuoteRight now I'm looking into portable solar generators.
:laughing7: I thought this was adorable Molly, but in my opinion, the faster we quit using the things of this world as "crutches" instead of relying solely on God the faster we shall see the Kingdom. Now if God told you to buy solar generators, that is one thing and you should get some right now, but since you have said you are just looking into them, I am assuming you have not been commanded by God to get some. We must cease from our works, IMO, especially in areas where we set up "idols" in which we place real faith in, in our hearts. Here is the test for us when deciding upon things such as emergency supplies - when the disaster strikes - are we going to place faith in those emergency supplies to save us? (and if not, then why did we buy them?)
Yeah, I know God helps those who help themselves, but actually this way of thinking is not in accordance with the Bible, actually God helps those who serve him in Truth and humility and trust in him.
I am getting to the point these days, that unless God commands me to buy emergency supplies, I won't, its kind of like this right now for me: Gods will be done for me, if it be death, then great, if it be life, then great. I actually believe I shall suffer greater if I do not completely submit my fate to his hands. (of course, if given a mental examination, they might declare me clinically insane :laughing7: :laugh2:)
:cloud9: AC, I hear you and I'm SO with you on that last part, especially...... :laughing7:
Quote
I had NO commitments to anything but to ask Him what He wanted to do for that day, one day at a time, obey Him, and watch the miraculous happen.
well yes but why can't we live like that all the time, every day of the week?
QuoteI am getting to the point these days, that unless God commands me to buy emergency supplies, I won't, ....
if he tells you, I hope you'll tell me... :grin:
Quote..., but actually this way of thinking is not in accordance with the Bible,..
what about the story of Joseph who laid up stores for all those years of famine?
I guess the real question about Joseph is whether or not the 7 good years and the 7 bad years left part of the interpretation of the dream a command from God to store during the good years. Joseph was the one whom interpreted the dream, perhaps the storing of the grain was part of the interpretation, but even if it were not, like I said, right now, if it is Gods will for me to die, I'll die, if not then I won't, I have peace with both. But this I do know, whether in "death" or life - - there is life, and God is a rewarder of those who serve him.
quote Molly
Quotewell yes but why can't we live like that all the time, every day of the week?
Are you kidding? I am being pulled apart with commitments from my family, job, appointments everyday. And it would be evil of me in Gods eyes to quit my job, family, ect... as this is what he has given me to do for right now, so for now I labor with the task at hand, I can only do what God tells me to do, I can't just go and sacrifice my son on the alter to "prove my faith" as God hasn't asked me to do this, and you know what he would say if I did? He say, why did you kill your son, I never asked you to do that, now your going to prison, don't blame me! I can't remove these commitments anymore than I could turn one hair on my head grey, only God can lift this, and when he sets me free, then I shall be free indeed. I just serve humble, doing the things he has set for me to do, awaiting good things, knowing God is a rewarder of those who serve him.
No I don't mean leave your current commitments. I mean walk through every day with God, all day long.
Obviously, you are in the place he wants you to be right now, raising a family, etc.
But, since I started staying with him all day long, my life has changed dramatically.
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
--1 Thessolonians 5
Yeah, Molly, I do understand what you are saying about being with him all the time. Actually is wasn't even a year ago when, God gave me the "gift of hunger" (I don't remember reading about this one in the bible but shall assure all it is a real gift) for him day and night. I can say honestly that this hunger is not of me, but was a gift, and happened instantly. And in the same instant I saw myself as an eternal being. Though I have always sought God here and there, since that moment my life has been consumed with God. So, yes, we can live like this everyday, but I shall venture to say, only if God has given this hunger to us, its not like someone can just decide one day that God is from now on going to consume their entire life.
But I still have a hunger for better things, and every once in a while I can almost grasp the reality, that is the Kingdom of God. (and its different than my life right now).
:cloud9: That's awesome. I wonder if that was what He was leading up to when He showed me the strength of desire when I was on what turned out to be a 32 day fast. Hmmm....
Yep that is us, the fanatics that cant stand not talking about God and the Kingdom!
We really have a wonderful fellowship online and this affords us really fast growth.
I will go listen to a meeting everyonce in a while or a ur preacher and there is nothing out there that I hear that we havent been discussing for some time. Honestly it spoils you cause when you go to meetings they are all excited about something new but its the stuff you live talking about all the time day in and day out.
We really are spoiled haha
love you all
kept
I love this earth. Put me in a pasture with horses and I'm in heaven. A walk or ride through the woods is my idea of paradise. God made this earth for me.
Do I think he could improve on it, on his original creation? Possibly. But, do I need a change to be in bliss? No. One of his sunsets over the ocean, and I'm a goner. He puts on a big show for me every day, birds, chipmunks, my dog, green fields going to the horizon, snow outlining the tree branches at night, what could be better?
So--what is this 'new' earth? I'm skeptical it could be an improvement... :msealed:
:grin:
Molly I loved your post and its wonderful to hear you living your life so passionately and not be so wrapped up in waiting for something that you miss life and let it pass you by.
kept
Hi ATM
Nice thread. You have a POV of a future kingdom which is OK but I see the kingdom as already established, just not revealed to all yet, so in essence, the POV is the same.
If we look at the B-A texts, it talks about seeing and entering the Kingdom.
I believe, once we go through the process in this life, we can already see and enter into the Kingdom. We still hope for the full kingdom to be established either literally or spiritually.
The one is merely a continuation of What Jesus has already established 2000 years ago.
Blessings
Yes SeekerSA, in essence the POV is the same. For it it entails a "new reality" to be realized, I think there is a very good reason these 2 things go hand in hand - to see the Kingdom, to enter the Kingdom. There are just so many layers of "false reality" that are being peeled away right now. I also see the Kingdom as being established, in fact, and I agree, even since the crucifixion of Christ, and I see us, for now, being in the outer darkness, or the "outskirts" of it, not yet seeing what is before our eyes.(though for some of us, we are no longer way out there in the outer darkness, but approaching the Holy City, it is on the horizon)
Yes, we do hope for the time, when all see/have entered the Kingdom.
I thought I would add some scripture to show what I was saying in some of my writing earlier
quote (myself) arcticmonster2003
QuoteI guess the real question about Joseph is whether or not the 7 good years and the 7 bad years left part of the interpretation of the dream a command from God to store during the good years. Joseph was the one whom interpreted the dream, perhaps the storing of the grain was part of the interpretation, but even if it were not, like I said, right now, if it is Gods will for me to die, I'll die, if not then I won't, I have peace with both. But this I do know, whether in "death" or life - - there is life, and God is a rewarder of those who serve him.
liken that statement to this one, and it is easily understood
Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
:cloud9: Yep, that sums it up in a nutshell. That's good AC. Blessings to you......
THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR
14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18The 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,
19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 and that the time of the Lord's favor has come."
20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"
"acceptable"
H7522
râtsôn râtsôn
raw-tsone', raw-tsone'
From H7521; delight: - (be) acceptable (-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as . . . (what) would.
What is the LORD's delight, desire, good pleasure, favor, will?
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,--Isaiah 62
If this is what the LORD wants, why doesn't he just do it?
Why?
Could it be ...he's waiting on you?
...for he has anointed me ...
Matthew 3:2
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
"is at hand"
G1448
eggizō
eng-id'-zo
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.
...thy kingdom come, [thy good pleasure be done], on earth as it is in heaven.
:cloud9: Actually, it reads, "IN earth".........I have always loved the Lord's prayer, but never more so until He showed me He's had us praying for the fullness to come in us for 2 thousand years, when we didn't even know it, LOL......He is so funny........Blessings to you....... :HeartThrob:
Yes, Amen! It's both! (because if it is in our earth it will be on the earth,)
Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
"in"
G1909
epi
ep-ee'
A primary preposition properly meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.: - about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, [where-]) fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-) on (behalf of) over, (by, for) the space of, through (-out), (un-) to (-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
It's just beautiful!
sou basileia erchomai sou thelēma ginomai epi gē hōs en ouranos
sou thy, of thee
basileia royalty, rule, a realm, a kingdom
erchomai come, appear, enter
sou thy, of thee
thelēma determination, purpose, desire, pleasure, will
ginomai to cause to be, to come into being, be brought to pass, be done
epi over, upon, on, in, towards, through
gē soil, globe, country, earth, land, world
hōs in the manner, as soon as, as it had been, as it were, in that manner
en denoting fixed position, in, at, on, by
ouranos (through the idea of elevation) the sky, heaven (as the abode of God), by implication happiness, power, eternity, specifically The Gospel
Oh, Lord, spread your good pleasure from heaven everywhere upon the earth, in the same manner as you did with your son, Lord Jesus.
:cloud9: Amen!
Let thy royalty appear!
Let thy good pleasure be done!
Throughout the world!
In the same manner as it was done by Jesus!
That Good News is brought to the poor!
That captives are released!
That the blind can see!
That the oppressed are set free!
That the brokenhearted are healed!
O, Lord, bring your desire to us!
Cause it to come into being!
GOOD THREAD guys..yehaaaaaaaa!
Psa 51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Phl 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
2Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Bring it through us, Lord, in the same manner as your son, Lord Jesus brought it--heaven on earth!
Forgive me, Lord, for I thought your desire was only for me. But, your desire is to be expressed through me for the whole world!
John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Molly, YOU are setting this forum on fire. ha
While I was reading about that word "favor" where Jesus spoke it, I was also thinking
of something I read last week, or quoted, about the "set time to favor her."
8And there were in the same country shepherds[pastors] abiding in the field[camping out in a yard open to the wind, by implication a mansion], keeping watch[guarding] over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel[messenger] of the Lord came upon them, and the glory[doxa] of the Lord shone round about[illuminate, halo of light] them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold[see!], I bring you good tidings [euaggelizō, good news]
of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you[to, with, or by you] is born[brought forth] this day[now!] in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign[miracle, token, wonder] unto you; Ye shall find [perceive] the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying[to lie outstretched, be appointed] in a manger [a crib for fodder].
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
--Luke 2
17That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
--Genesis 22
Molly Dolly, do you have anything on the "swaddling clothes?"
Thank you for those last two posts there............
"wrapped in swaddling clothes"
G4683
sparganoō
spar-gan-o'-o
From σπάργανον sparganon (a strip; from a derivative of the base of G4682 meaning to strap or wrap with strips); to swathe (an infant after the Oriental custom): - wrap in swaddling clothes.
G4682
sparassō
spar-as'-so
Prolongation from σπαίρω spairō̄ (to gasp; apparently strengthened from G4685 through the idea of spasmodic contraction); to mangle, that is, convulse with epilepsy: - rend, tear.
sparasso is a stronger version of this:
G4685
spaō
spah'-o
A primary verb; to draw: - draw (out).
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
[if]"I be lifted up"
G5312
hupsoō
hoop-so'-o
From G5311; to elevate (literally or figuratively): - exalt, lift up.
"the earth"
G1093
gē
ghay
Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): - country, earth (-ly), ground, land, world.
1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. --12
"the land"
H776
'erets
eh'-rets
From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land): - X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X nations, way, + wilderness, world.
Matthew 13:44
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Hey Molly your ON FIRE girll way to go KIDDO
The JOY in our heart IS HIM sis....
HE is OUR JOY.....
Matthew 13:44
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
he he
recal, the MORNING STAR THAT RISESin OUR Hearts...AWESOME SIS
Psa 30:5 For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning
Psa 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart. ..YEHAA makes our WAYS straight
Psa 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
GEE..the HIDDEN MAN of the HEART
Psa 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Christ WHO is THE JOY of our SALVATION
Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit
Psa 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
JOY is far MORE than an EMOTION
Luk 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
THERES "JOY"in the messengers OF HIM..talks of the HIDDEN man NOW revealed
Luk 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
gee.seems SOME who BELIEVED not OF JOY WHO IS CHRIST IN US
Luk 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
YEHAAA....
is not that WE RETURN ( new) UNLESS we HAVE GREAT JOY
Luk 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
MAN it just flows on..these scrips are JUST FEW
m 5:11 And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement
AWESOME how he hides HIMSELF me thinks
Blessings
taffy
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
15 Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. 16 He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD.
--Exodus 17
"the LORD is my banner"
H3071
yehôvâh nissîy
yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see'
From H3068 and H5251 with pronominal suffix.; Jehovah (is) my banner; Jehovah-Nissi, a symbolical name of an altar in the Desert: - Jehovah-nissi.
2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
4And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. --Exodus 4
John 8:28
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
"in thine hand" :bgdance:
H3027
yâd
yawd
A primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from H3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote: - (+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, [broken-] handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship, force, X from, hand [-staves, -y work], X he, himself, X in, labour, + large, ledge, [left-] handed, means, X mine, ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain, power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by them, X them-selves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing, + thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, [way-] side, where, + wide, X with (him, me, you), work, + yield, X your-selves.
You see? In the same hand, the power can be used for good or for evil, depending on whether you cast it to the ground or lift it up....
27Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
--Matthew 27
Luke 22:53
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
"hands"
G5495
cheir
khire
Perhaps from the base of G5494 in the sense of its congener the base of G5490 (through the idea of hollowness for grasping); the hand (literally or figuratively [power]; especially [by Hebraism] a means or instrument): - hand.
Which maybe brings us back to swaddling clothes? (binding)
28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
29Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
--Matthew 12
"with" [me]
G3326
μετάmeta
met-ah'
A primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive case association, or accusative case succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between G575 or G1537 and G1519 or G4314; less intimate than G1722, and less close than G4862): - after (-ward),X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-) on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-) to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.
"against" [me]
κατά
kata
kat-ah'
A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined): - about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to, touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, [charita-] bly, concerning, + covered, [dai-] ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from . . . to, godly, in (-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), . . . by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-) on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through (-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-) to (-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where (-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution or intensity.
OK, I am going to just talk here. Let him who hath an "ear" hear. I loved the post by
Taffy on the JOY. The MORNING STARS sang for JOY in the beginning and there is JOY
when He is born! Ye shall go out with JOY, and be led forth with PEACE. And there was
one Simon waiting on the consolation of Israel, and it was "revealed" to him, that he
should not go til he had seen the Lord's Christ! So he went out with PEACE and JOY!
For he "saw" the "birth" of the Christ! Well, I didn't know what I would write, just felt
to write. JOY in the beginning and JOY in the End! The "swaddling clothes" of JOY!
No, I never heard that! But there is a change of "garments" .........for the exchange of
natures. He takes ours, and gives us HIS! And we turn flips in the heavens. ha
Joshua stood before Him clothed not in swaddling clothes, but needing a change! And
satan stood there to oppose the exchange, nevertheless, the Lord said, Put on this
man a "fair mitre" a NEW crown, and put on this man a CHANGE of garments, and he
was given that, that he might "walk among" them as part of the great company that
publisheth salvation! So you see, MOLLY DOLLY, YOU "did" tell me something about
swaddling clothes. I tell you, the Lord is in our midst here. HOLY HOLY HOLY!
Oh, and MOLLY, that was good and new to me about the ground and looking up with the
word sword.........that Moses was told to do. Good word.
MOLLY Dolly!
I noticed something else. I was trying to take a morning bath and I could hear YOU saying
"Moses STOOD on a stone!" They PUT a STONE "under" him! What a foundation! Poor Moses
was weary, but a NEW foundation, which is NOT a new, but an old commandment revived,
only this time, I bet Moses knew what it was! The Rock that will not move: LOVE! reminds me of JOHN! The Rock that "wars" in every generation against everything that is NOT love!
Here are the scriptures:
11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: F51 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F49: Massah: that is, Temptation
F50: Joshua: called Jesus
F51: Jehovahnissi: that is, The LORD my banner
The King James Version (Authorized)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noticed that part about the "stone" and thought of what Jesus said: "That thou art
Peter, and UPON THIS ROCK, I shall build my church, and the gates of hell, shall NOT
prevail against it!
Now we know that Jesus is the ROCK.......and the Stone.........so when it says, MOSES
was to "stand" on a STONE, I wondered if this was connected.
The progression of revelation.........Jesus told Peter, He would "give" him the KEYS
of the "kingdom of heaven" and whatever he "bound" and "loosed" on earth, would
also be "bound and loosed" in that realm of heaven.
I noticed from those scriptures up there that it describes a "banner." I remember]
studying back some time ago about the "banner" being the "ensign" or the "flag"
or "standard" all the same thing, and how that it was this "banner" that was over
the heads of the Israelites as they formed the "cross" symbolically on the mount at
which "flag" or "ensign" God promised to cause the Assyrian to fall. Because he, the
Assyrian, would
"see" the flag and know that God was with them!
I tell you this word is running ............thank you!
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
--Exodus 17
Moses is like Peter. He always thinks he can do more than he can do. "I will stand on top of the hill..." Isn't that like Peter walking on water? No, Moses, it's not you lol. Finally, a tired Moses has to sit on the rock. Sit down, Moses, stand aside, let someone else do it. lol Look who's fighting the battle--Joshua!
Swaddling clothes are what you wrap a new baby in so he can't move. The new babe in Luke 2 is completely passive. He's wrapped in swaddling clothes preventing his movement, he's lying outstretched, appointed (not of his own works but of God?), he's lying in a crib which holds food, implying a passive feeding. The new babe is rendered passive.
"lying" in a manger
G2749
keimai
ki'-mahee
Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively): - be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie. Compare G5087.
Let's look at another place 'keimai' is used.
Mat 5:14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set [keimai] on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
[keimai]
So the idea is that the babe was put there by someone else. We see this word, keimai, used at the beginning and the end of Jesus' life. Someone else has the power over us (our bodies) at these times.
This word is also related to tithemi which is a huge word, so I'm not going into that one now. That would take a lot of time. But that word, tithemi, creates an explosion of information.
Now I'm seeing a progression: Moses first placed in the cleft of the rock by God (a swaddled babe), and now here he is on top of the hill sitting on the rock with his priests holding up his hands, and he will stand next to the rock and strike the rock for water. He is never able to speak to the rock to have it bring forth water, that will be reserved to us. Because we will be, not hidden in, not sitting on, but standing on the rock.
As I was reading your reply there, Molly, I remembered that "I" had said "STOOD" on the Rock, but
as you wrote or quoted, it actually reads "sat" on the 'Rock' so I re-thunk that. ha Then at the end
of your post, YOU used the word "stand" ...........how together our minds are running. I would love
to read what you'd share when you "do" feel to on that word you mentioned. Isn't this word exciting?
It's like a giant puzzel that never gets dull, never gets finished, always new every morning, the
depths never get to an end.........I am forever "addicted!" ha
:cloud9: Amen, RLV, me too......I'm in "swaddling mode" right now......enjoying being fed......carry on, LOL.......Blessings to all.....
As an aside, he's showing me so much all at once that I am forgetting it faster than I can seize it. You folks are really blessing me.
That babe in a manger has a double meaning. The idea of the babe being fed passively, lying in a feeding trough, yes. But, look, the Lord Jesus is in this place because there was no room in the inn.
The manger is a feeding place for animals. Throw the slop in the crib and they blindly come and feed.
What is Jesus doing there?.
John 1:11
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
1Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2"The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
4"Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'
5"But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. --Matthew 22
11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. --John 1
"received"
G3880
paralambanō
par-al-am-ban'-o
From G3844 and G2983; to receive near, that is, associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy to assume an office; figuratively to learn: - receive, take (unto, with).
Paralambano is made up of two words:
G3844
para
par-ah'
A primary preposition; properly near, that is, (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local [especially beyond or opposed to] or causal [on account of]). In compounds it retains the same variety of application: - above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend, from, + give [such things as they], + that [she] had, X his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side . . . by, in the sight of, than, [there-] fore, with. In compounds it retains the same variety of application.
G2983
lambanō
lam-ban'-o
A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [probably objective or active, to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove]): - accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).
So--Paralambano--to receive something that is very near to you---like a baby takes the milk offered or grabs hold of the rattle shaken in front of him.
It's just a little more active than completely passive, because the thing you are taking hold of is being offered and it's right there--you don't have to work too hard to get it. Mostly all you have to do is accept it, as babies will accept milk.
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. --John 1
Matthew 4:17
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
And what are we babes receiving? "HIM" !!! :bgdance:
There is no sign given to the evil generation, except one:
Deuteronomy 1:35
"Not a man of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your forefathers,
Matthew 12:39
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
But to the shepherds abiding in the field, the angel of the Lord gives a sign:
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. --Luke 2
Jack Hennessey had introduced me to the writings of George Warnock, this one spoke to me, and is beautiful. Thought I would post it here, as it does address things to come.
for more of George Warnock's writings, here is a good place:
http://www.georgewarnock.com/
quote George Warnock
The Weakness and Foolishness of God - From The Hyssop that Springeth Out of the Wall
"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:23, 24).
So He is to them that believe. But to those who believe not, God seems to do some very foolish things, and to manifest a lot of weakness for One who is supposed to have made a whole Universe. However, it is in these very things that God is pleased to reveal His glory and His wisdom: to baffle the wisdom of the wise, and to bring to nought the counsels of men. Therefore, in the midst of the apostasy of modern day Christianity, and the hypocrisy and artificiality of modern day religion, we who know somewhat of God's ways can rejoice in the fact that it is just like God, in times like these, to rend the heavens and come down in power and great glory... and yet in ways that will seem strange and foolish in the eyes of the world. We are confident that the darkness and the gloom about us will once again become the fitting background for the display of the gems of His glory. Some good Christian people are trying to set the stage for God to work, but God always has to bypass these efforts, for He has prepared the stage upon which He will reveal His sons who are moving in Harmony with His will. For it is consistent with God's character and way, and with the Jealousy of His Glory, that the greater the work He will perform in the earth--the greater will be the measure of weakness and foolishness that He will cause an unbelieving world to behold.
Here is another beautiful writing by George Warnock
quote George Warnock
The Uncomplicated Life of Jesus - From Feed My Sheep
What then did He do about it? Did He start acting upon the Scriptures that related to His Messiah-ship, and seek to fulfill what He had read and studied? His pathway is clearly set forth in the Word. He simplified His life by walking in union with the Heavenly Father... and as a result ALL SCRIPTURE WAS FULFILLED THAT GOD INTENDED TO BE FULFILLED in the short ministry that He had in the earth... and what remained unfulfilled He was prepared to commit into the hands of the Father who sent Him. Doing the will of God was MORE IMPORTANT to Jesus than seeking to fulfill His Messianic office. With what result? His ministry was cut short, for He was "cut off out of the land of the living..." But He did exactly what God intended Him to do... and the Scriptures which He did not fulfill while here on earth will yet be fulfilled in His Body, as He sits enthroned at God's right hand in the heavenlies.
This may not seem important to some... but it is vitally important. For if we understand this WAY, then we can spare ourselves all the frustrations and needless anxieties that a minister of God has to endure when He sets his course to fulfill a New Testament ministry, or to bring into being a New Testament Church.
Let us not read the Scriptures with the thought in mind that it is up to you and I to strive to fulfill all that we read. Rather let us read the Word for our daily bread, that we might have the strength and the wisdom to do just what God wants us to do TODAY, and rejoice in the hope of the promise that seems as yet unattainable. And let us be assured that every glorious promise of the Word that God has given us... high and unattainable as it may seem to be, is nevertheless yours and mine to embrace as God quickens the Truth of it to our hearts. And as we faithfully walk in obedience in the realm that God has enabled us to walk in TODAY, the time will surely come when we shall also walk in obedience in a realm which is at present beyond our grasp.
I am not being "scriptural" when I try to fulfill Scripture; I am only being scriptural when I walk in fellowship with the Spirit, and in union with the Son... and in so doing I make way for the Word to take hold of my spirit and to nourish and renew the inner man.
"Dear Lord, as I meditate upon your Word, help me to know that I hold in my hands the plan and the blueprint of the greatest and most wonderful masterpiece of your creative power that you have ever undertaken to bring forth. For when you formed the heavens and the earth... the heavens and their wonderful galaxies and universes, and the earth adorned with beauty and majesty... you simply spoke a Word, and it came into being. But when you saw fit to bring forth your Masterpiece, even the Church of the Living God, composed of redeemed sons of Adam's fallen race. you must needs descend to the lowest depths with them in the Person of your Son, that in His death, resurrection, and exaltation to highest heaven we also might be lifted from depths unreachable to heights unattainable, in virtue of your own grace and wisdom and power. And now in this Book that you have given us to read you have set forth in minute and intricate detail your plan and purpose concerning your people. Who am I that I could begin to formulate and arrange my life and calling, or the lives of your people, according to your Divine blueprint? I have it in my hands... I read it... I memorize it... I meditate upon it... But Lord! There is nothing that you say that is within my desire to perform or within my power to accomplish except as your indwelling Spirit breathes afresh upon the Word that you have spoken, and causes it to become Life within me. Let me therefore read your Word with the consciousness that you are causing the very dew of Heaven to fall upon it, that it may quicken thy servant, and take on form and reality in my life as I receive it. Give me only that which I need for today, for thus you taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." May we not be greedy for wisdom and knowledge, while as yet we are not able to digest it. For again you have said, "Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it" (Proverbs 25:16). Let us be happy as we walk one step at a time, as long as there is union with Thee, with a Word here and a Word there that we can lay hold upon. But let us not grasp hold of Scriptures, as an undisciplined and inefficient workman would grasp his tools... to erect the pillars and walls, and install the furnishings... when as yet the foundation has scarcely been laid. For so you have declared Thy Word would be fulfilled to a people who would enter in to your rest":
"For precept must be upon precept,
Precept upon precept;
Line upon line, line upon line;
Here a little, there a little:
For with stammering lips, and another tongue
Will he speak to this people. To whom he said,
This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;
And this is the refreshing:
Yet they would not hear"
(Isaiah 28:10-12).
And because Israel would not hear, God's Word that was intended to bring them into rest, caused them "to go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken" (verse 13). "For if the light that is in you become darkness," Jesus said, "How great is that darkness!"
Jesus, then, did not formulate any plan for the fulfilling of the Scriptures, nor for His own ministry... nor should we. He simply walked with the Father in perfect harmony and as He did everything came to pass as God intended, and the Scripture was fulfilled. How often we read the phrase, "That it might be fulfilled, according as it is written..."
This is how He began His ministry; for as He entered into the synagogue of Nazareth after His anointing and baptism, and stood up to read, He opened the scroll to the place where it was written concerning His great Messianic ministry. Then having read the portion that pertained to Him FOR THAT HOUR He closed the book, and handed it back to the minister of the synagogue, saying, "THIS DAY is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears..." (Luke 4:21). There would be other days, when other Scriptures would be fulfilled, But for this day this was sufficient, and this was relevant, and God was truly glorified. God's ministers often feel free to boast: "This is Bible, and I'm going to preach it..." But Jesus was confined to that portion of the Word that God was speaking TODAY.
Zechariah 3:1
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
2And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
25David said about him: --Acts 2
" 'I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope,
27because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
28You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.'--Psalm 16
Matthew 16:23
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
So we see first, Joshua with satan on his right hand, and satan is being rebuked by the Lord for standing there. Then we see that David tells us Christ has God on his right hand. And we see Christ saying, "get thee behind me, satan." And Christ says (through David) "I saw the Lord always before me."
So Christ has the Lord before him and at his right hand and satan behind him. Now look at this:
"behind"
G3694
ὄπίσω
opisō
op-is'-o
From the same as G3693 with enclitic of direction; to the back, that is, aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun): - after, back (-ward), (+ get) behind, + follow.
G3693
ὄπισθεν
opisthen
op'-is-then
From ὄπις opis (regard; from G3700) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), that is, at the back (adverb and preposition of place or time): - after, backside, behind.
G3700
ὀπτάνομαι, ὄπτομαι
optanomai optomai
op-tan'-om-ahee, op'-tom-ahee
The first a (middle voice) prolonged form of the second (primary) which is used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternates of G3708; to gaze (that is, with wide open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from G991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from G1492, which expresses merely mechanical, passive or casual vision; while G2300, and still more emphatically its intensive G2334, signifies an earnest but more continued inspection; and G4648 a watching from a distance): - appear, look, see, shew self.
7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; --Genesis 3
"naked"
H5903
ערם עירם
‛êyrôm ‛êrôm
ay-rome', ay-rome'
From H6191; nudity: - naked (-ness).
H6191
ערם
‛âram
aw-ram'
A primitive root; properly to be (or make) bare; but used only in the derived sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense): - X very, beware, take crafty [counsel], be prudent, deal subtilly.
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.--Genesis 3
"crafty"
H6175
ערוּם
‛ârûm
aw-room'
Passive participle of H6191; cunning (usually in a bad sense): - crafty, prudent, subtil.
2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand?--Exodus 4
Adam and Eve, after eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, are now gazing at God from behind.
Do they also have satan now at their right hand?
:bgdance:
Quote from: arcticmonster2003 on December 12, 2007, 01:48:14 PM
Here is another beautiful writing by George Warnock
.Then having read the portion that pertained to Him FOR THAT HOUR He closed the book, and handed it back to the minister of the synagogue, saying, "THIS DAY is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears..." (Luke 4:21). There would be other days, when other Scriptures would be fulfilled, But for this day this was sufficient, and this was relevant, and God was truly glorified. God's ministers often feel free to boast: "This is Bible, and I'm going to preach it..." But Jesus was confined to that portion of the Word that God was speaking TODAY.
Here stood the LIVING WORD.........not a Bible Study! But the LIVING WORD, that is part of
what He meant when He said "I do nothing but what I see the Father do!" Oh, how PERFECT
He was!
Good article. I used to read George Hawtin, enjoyed every bit of his writings. How "he" too
must have written by the Spirit, His Works live on.
Quote from: Redlettervoice on December 14, 2007, 01:00:19 PM
Quote from: arcticmonster2003 on December 12, 2007, 01:48:14 PM
Here is another beautiful writing by George Warnock
.Then having read the portion that pertained to Him FOR THAT HOUR He closed the book, and handed it back to the minister of the synagogue, saying, "THIS DAY is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears..." (Luke 4:21). There would be other days, when other Scriptures would be fulfilled, But for this day this was sufficient, and this was relevant, and God was truly glorified. God's ministers often feel free to boast: "This is Bible, and I'm going to preach it..." But Jesus was confined to that portion of the Word that God was speaking TODAY.
Here stood the LIVING WORD.........not a Bible Study! But the LIVING WORD, that is part of
what He meant when He said "I do nothing but what I see the Father do!" Oh, how PERFECT
He was!
Good article. I used to read George Hawtin, enjoyed every bit of his writings. How "he" too
must have written by the Spirit, His Works live on.
Yes, but Jesus is not 'confined' to Today. The self existent one always exists in the present, (as well as the past and future). Today I am. Yet, this particular scripture from Isaiah speaks of a demarcation, a line drawn, and going forward into the future--the time of the Lord's favor.
Quote from: Molly on December 14, 2007, 12:52:03 PM
Adam and Eve, after eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, are now gazing at God from behind.
Do they also have satan now at their right hand?
:bgdance:
WOW
Molly that is an awesome revelation
you are a fire girl
kept