What Is Next For 2017?

People love to make predictions. 2017 is coming tomorrow and there are lots of articles on what is next. I really do not know what is next, but the Bible says we are nearer and nearer to the second coming of the Messiah (Revelation 19:1-21, Matthew 24:4-51, Luke 21:7-36, Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11) and His rule in the Millennium (Revelation 20:4-6). So what can we expect on the way there?

Israel
Besides Jesus the Messiah, the other focus for Biblical prophecy is Israel (Deuteronomy 30:1-10, Isaiah 60:9, Jeremiah 16:14-15, Ezekiel 36:24, Zechariah 10:8-10). The world witnessed the partial fulfilment of a Biblical prophecy (Isaiah 11:11-12) for the first time in almost 2000 years when Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948. This is actually a very significant date. It meant that all the rest of the Bible prophecies concerning Israel and its surrounding nations can be kicked into action.

Ephraim
Now that the tribe of Judah is in, we now expect the northern kingdom of Ephraim to be restored (Hosea 2:19-23) so that all the twelve tribes will be united as one country (Isaiah 11:13, Jeremiah 3:18,  Ezekiel 37:15-28, Hosea 1:11). Ephraim will become a multitude of nations (Genesis 17:4, Genesis 48:19) or fullness of gentiles (Romans 11:25-28), but at this moment, Israel thought that Joseph was dead (Genesis 45:26-28).

Jerusalem
Problem with the status of Jerusalem will continue (Zechariah 12:2-3, Luke 21:24), but the third temple will be built because the Anti-Christ (Revelation 13:1-4) need to perform the abomination of desolation in the Temple (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15-16, Mark 13:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Israel's inner circle of neighbors
The immediate neighbors of Israel will wage war against Israel and will be defeated (Psalm 83:4-8, Isaiah 11:14-15). I noticed the absence of Egypt in this conflict.

Israel's outer circle of neighbors
Gog and Magog will invade Israel with Iran, Sudan and Libya (Ezekiel 38:1-6). Again I noticed the absence of Egypt. Also absent are the immediate neighbors of Israel. This could be a hint of the chronology of events.

Kings of the north and kings of the south
We also have the unfinished saga of the kings of the north and the south (Daniel 11:36-45). Who is the wilful king? Is he one of the kings of the north and the south, or is he another king? Is he a local middle east tyrant, like Antiochus IV Epiphanes, or is he the Anti-Christ, leader of a world power? He will honor a god of fortresses, a god unknown to his ancestors (Daniel 11:38). Who is his ancestors and who is their god? Egypt is mentioned in Daniel 11:42.

Egypt

I think Isaiah 19:16-22 contains some unfulfilled prophecies about Egypt. Judah will become a terror to Egypt and five cities in Egypt will speak Hebrew.

The World Powers
The current top world power is America. We also have Europe, Russia and China. But there is a coming world power made up of ten kings or nations (Daniel 2:42-43, Daniel 7:7-8). The purpose of the ten kings is to give their power and authority to Anti-Christ (Revelation 17:12-13). Currently this ten-nation power and the kings have yet to be identified. There was a time EU was thought to be the ten-nation power, but then it expanded to include so many countries. This ten-nation power will be Roman in spirit, since it came from the fourth beast. Thanks to the Islamist, we see many European countries now stressing on their Judeo-Christian-Roman-Greek roots. Let us watch out for some ten-nation coalition in the coming years.

I am not saying that all these will happen in 2017, but it will happen eventually. Don't miss the fun and be on the right side.

Is Ephraim Fullness of the Gentiles

I have heard Ephraim grieving, 'You have disciplined me, and I was disciplined, like an untrained calf; bring me back that I may be restored, for you are the Lord my God. For after I had turned away, I relented, and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh; I was ashamed, and I was confounded, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.' Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he my darling child? For as often as I speak against him, I do remember him still. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:18-20 ESV)

But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations. (Genesis 48:19 ESV)

Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which delay not for a man nor wait for the children of man. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver. (Micah 5:7-8 ESV)

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25 ESV)

Can multitude of nations be translated as fullness of the Gentiles? In this article "The Two Houses Of Israel - Here a little, there a little - Prophecy" is an interesting discussion on the northern kingdom which I quote with changes to Bible version below:

QUOTE
When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, "Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord." So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.

And the Lord said to him, "Call his name Jezreel, for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel."

She conceived again and bore a daughter. And the Lord said to him, "Call her name No Mercy, for I will no more have mercy on the house of Israel, to forgive them at all. But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen."

When she had weaned No Mercy, she conceived and bore a son. And the Lord said, "Call his name Not My People, for you are not my people, and I am not your God." (Hosea 1:2-9 ESV)

Earlier, we read in the Tanakh from the prophetic book of Hosea about how God would punish the House of Israel (Samaria) for their sins.  We saw that Hosea's three children born to him by Gomer were symbolically named to describe the fate of Ephraim:  Jezreel ("God sows") described God's future sowing of the House of Israel throughout all the nations; Lo-Ruhamah ("no mercy") showed that God was not going to have mercy on Israel for a period of time; and Lo-Ammi ("not my people") revealed that those from the House of Israel would not be known as God's people for a time.

But the prophecies from Hosea also show that a time would come when God would regather His children and have mercy on them once again.  Just to set the stage, let's recap a few of the pertinent passages from Hosea that speak of this time of forgiveness:

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God." (Hosea 1:10 ESV)

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord. "And in that day I will answer, declares the Lord, I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth, and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil, and they shall answer Jezreel, and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, 'You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God.'" (Hosea 2:19-23 ESV)
UNQUOTE

Two Things

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. (Proverbs 30:7-9 KJV)

Two things:
First, preserve me from falsehood and lies (1 John 2:16);
Second, give me just enough to satisfy my needs (1 Timothy 6:8).

Ravi Zacharias On Christianity As The True Worldview

In the YouTube video "How do you know that Christianity is the one true worldview?", Ravi Zacharias made the following comments:

4 questions about world views to be answered:
Origin
Meaning
Morality
Destiny

Answer must meet two criteria: Correspondence and coherence
Correspond to Truth - empirical or logical
When put together, the answers must be coherent.

Only the Christian worldview can answer the four questions coherently and corresponding to reality.

Stewardship of the Gospel

Scope and Responsibility
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. (1 Corinthians 9:16-17 ESV)
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV)

Motivation
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21 KJV)
As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. (Ecclesiastes 5:15 ESV)
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

Requirement
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV)
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11 ESV)
For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. (Titus 1:7-8 ESV)

Trusting God For Daily Living

Two things we trust God for - provision for our sustenance and strength to overcome our addictions.

Daily sustenance
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30 ESV)
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 ESV)

Overcoming addictions
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV)
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NASB)

Liberty Must Rest On Truth

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28 ESV)
All are equal.

If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? (1 Corinthians 12:17 ESV)
But there are functional diversities.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
And there is such a thing as right and wrong.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20 ESV)
It cannot be ignored.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 HCSB)

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32 HCSB)
True liberty will follow, when the truth is believed.

The Holy Spirit is God

Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God." (Acts 5:3-4 ESV)

Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matthew 12:31-32 ESV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26 ESV)

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. (John 15:26 ESV)

Some false teachers taught that the Holy Spirit is actually some form of energy. But the Bible clearly tells us that He is God. He is sent by the Father to bear witness of the Son. He can be lied to and blasphemed against. You cannot blasphemed against anyone except God.

Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14 NLT)

Scope of Atonement

Did Jesus died for all sinners for all sins, or did He died for some sinners for all sins, or some sinners for some sins, or all sinners for some sins?

From the verses that follow, we can come to two non-controversial conclusion for those who believed in the Bible:

1. The call is universal;
2. Not all will be saved.

The call is universal.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1 ESV)
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Let the one who hears say, "Come!" And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. (Revelation 22:17 BSB)

The motivation is God's desire that all may be saved.
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23 ESV)
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live. (Ezekiel 18:32 ESV)
Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11 ESV)
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)

For this purpose, Christ came as the Savior of the World.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. (Titus 2:11 BSB)
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29 KJV)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 ESV)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. (1 Timothy 1:15 NIV)
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10 ESV)
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14 ESV)

But he who wants to be saved must first believe.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Therefore not all will be saved.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18 ESV)
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (Matthew 7:13 ESV)
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21 ESV)
For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14 KJV)

It is obvious that many are not even given the opportunity to hear the Good News.
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you." (Matthew 11:21-24 ESV)

Salvation is by the grace of God.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)
What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory - even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? (Romans 9:14-24 ESV)

Now we come back to the technical question. What is the scope of Christ's atonement?

All sinners for all sins
If Christ died for all sinners for all sins, then all will be saved. God cannot punish any sinner, since Christ died for all. You may argue that while the atonement is for all, it is only effective when one believes. But since Christ died for all sins, including the sin of unbelief, the atonement is effective even if one does not believe. If you have been fined $100 for a traffic offence and I paid the $100 for you, you will go free, even if you do not believe that I have paid the fine, unless you can make the judge pay back the $100 to me, which means that you believe I have paid the fine for you. Can anyone make Christ not die for him if atonement is for all sinners and all sin? You may reject Christ at the great white throne judgement, but if He had died for you, can God still punish you again for the sins which Christ had already atoned for you? And what about those who have never heard of the Gospel? At the judgement, they can say, "Oh, you mean that pardon is available for me? I will take it now." Then Jesus was telling us lies in Matthew 11:21-24. And what about Ephesians 2:8? Now salvation is through sight and not through faith.

Some sinners for all sins
This is the Calvinist position of limited atonement, that Jesus died only for His sheep.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11 ESV)
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (John 6:37 ESV)
And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10 ESV)

Some sinners for some sins
I cannot find any scriptural support for this. Can you?

All sinners for some sins
Christ died for all sinner, but not all sins, example, the sin of unbelief. If you refuse to believe that Christ died for you, then you are not saved. then what about those who never have a chance to hear the Gospel? Anyway, where is the scriptural support for this?

Why go through all this exercise? Does it affect a person's salvation? No. But there are always people who like to ask questions and there are also those who want to confuse and there are those who are confused.

The quote below is taken from the website "For Whom Did Christ Die? | doctrine.org", which argued for unlimited atonement.
QUOTE
He receives it by faith. Faith is not a work. Faith is trust in a person. Consider these examples.

1. Person A tells Person B, "I will meet you at church at 10:00 a.m." Person B trusts Person A and is there to meet him at 10. Is Person B's trust a work? No, it is faith in a person's character and integrity.
2. Person A tells Person B, "I have a check of $1,000 for you at the bank." Person B does not believe him and does not go to the bank. But the check was there. The check did Person B no good because he refused to trust Person A.

In 1. above, the exercise of the will, belief, is not a work. It is trust. Man's will in trusting Christ - that he died and rose again for his sins - is not a work: it is an acceptance and a dependence upon what God has done for him. In 2. above, while payment has been made, the one who refuses to claim the money made on his behalf receives no benefit. In the same way, Christ's death provides no benefit to the one who refuses to accept God's gift. It remains unclaimed. Let us be clear about the work of Christ. It satisfied the righteous demands of God's justice and solved the problem of sin and death. A person who refuses Christ's work on his behalf does not affect God's justice. It only affects his relationship with God and his benefit.
Consider the following: Did Christ die for Saul of Tarsus? We know He did. Was Saul saved while he was seeking to destroy those who were believing in Jesus? We know he wasn't. When was Paul saved? He was saved when he believed in Christ on the road to Damascus–not before. People are lost not because Christ did not die for them. People are lost because they refuse to trust in Christ's work for them.
Like the mechanics of the atonement, the mechanics of belief are unknown. Several theories exist. Theories can be useful, but in this case, they are not. We simply do not have enough information to understand fully all that was involved and how Christ's sacrifice solved the problem of sin and death. Once the gospel is understood, a person must make a decision. Either he will believe God or he won't. Faith is a choice. We cannot understand fully how the divine will and human wills cooperate. But both are involved.
...
The Scriptures reveal a progressive revelation of the atonement. The Old Testament and gospels revealed the Messiah would die for Jews. The prophets and the gospel writers provided no information about Christ dying for Gentiles. After God saved Paul, God revealed a new message of salvation that included the salvation of Gentiles based upon faith alone. This included the revelation that Christ died for all humankind. Thus, the revelation that Christ would die for all Jews was expanded to the teaching that Christ had died for all mankind. The ascended Christ revealed to Paul the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20.24) that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). As we have seen above, no Scriptural evidence exists to support a case for limited atonement. We have also seen logic cannot support a case for limited atonement. Therefore, the doctrine of limited or definite atonement must be viewed as a theological curiosity based upon incompetent exegesis of the Scriptures and flawed reasoning by inept theologians. It is Biblically unsound and cannot be considered orthodoxy Christianity.
The Lord Jesus Christ solved the problem of sin and death and satisfied the justice of God. While Christ died for all, His death is of benefit only to the one who believes Paul’s gospel. Divine will and human will cooperate in salvation. Exactly how, we cannot know. That is not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to declare God’s glorious gospel (our Great Commission) that Jesus Christ died for all, that God has reconciled the world to Himself, and that He has given believers a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5.14-21).
UNQUOTE

Added on 01-Sep-2018 for consideration:
But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Matthew 16:8-11 ESV)

Three Degree of Worldliness

Tonight at prayer meeting while we were going round sharing our prayer requests, our brother Silas Heng shared with us what he shared at JSM KL last Sunday (30th October 2016). The subject is worldliness.

Three degree of worldliness
Plain Worldliness
People who claimed to be Christians, but behaving exactly like the rest of the world.

Pet Sins
Christians who talk and walk like Christians, having surrendered most of their life to Christ, but keep one or more pet sins in secret.

Legitimate activities replacing God
Christians who allow legitimate activities (careers, hobbies) to keep them from serving God whole heartedly.

And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:20-21 ESV)

Gentleness

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. (Isaiah 42:3 KJV)
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. (Matthew 12:20 KJV)

During the Wednesday night prayer meeting, elder Cheong shared on "Kindness & Gentleness". An act of kindness has a three-way effect, on the helped, the helper and the observers.

Definition
Gentleness - power under perfect control;

Example
God has great power, but He exercise it with great gentleness. And Jesus is our great example in gentleness.

Application
Especially to our loved ones and family, where we normally show our true colour.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 KJV)

Life And Death - 1

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17 ESV)

When we read the Bible from the beginning, we will notice that the key concept of the Bible is not heaven and hell, but life and death. This concept was introduced straightaway by Moses in Genesis. God told Adam that if he eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he will certainly die. But Adam did not die immediately. He went on to live for 930 years. From this we know that life and death has a deeper meaning.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)

What If I Run The Universe

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Get ready to answer Me like a man; When I question you, you will inform Me. Would you really challenge My justice? Would you declare Me guilty to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? Adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. Unleash your raging anger; look on every proud person and humiliate him. Look on every proud person and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. Hide them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can deliver you. (Job 40:6-14 HCSB)

God challenged Job to run the universe his way, to punish all evil and injustice and humiliate every proud person. Does Job have the power to control not only the humans, but the forces of nature? Many people think that they can do a better job than God. But their narrow view of justice bring more misery to those they rule. And the world is more than just humans.

I, I am Yahweh, and there is no other Savior but Me. (Isaiah 43:11 HCSB)

Jesus The Universal Saviour

And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him - for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength - he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:5-6 ESV)

Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44-47 ESV)

He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24 ESV)

"Indeed, We sent forth among every nation a Messenger,; saying: 'Serve you God, and eschew idols.' Then some of them God guided, and some were justly disposed to error. So journey in the land, and behold how was the end of them that cried lies. (Quran 16:36 Arberry)"

Muslims claimed that Allah send prophets to every nation and Jesus is one of them, being sent to the Jews. But the people kept corrupting the message of the prophets and so Allah sent Muhammad to be the last and universal prophet for all people for all time.

Firstly, we have to take note that Jesus is not sent to Israel alone. But He had to be sent to Israel first, to fulfil the scripture.

Secondly, God's Word stand forever but Allah's word through his many named and unnamed prophets always got lost without a trace. For the Taurat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms) and Injil (Gospel), the Muslims claimed that they were corrupted by Jews and Christians. Given Allah's bad track record, how can I be sure that the Koran is not corrupted by the Muslims?

Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. (Psalm 119:89 ESV)
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8 ESV)

Mohammed's Sex Entitlement

Mohammed can have sex with

1. his lawful wives (bride price paid);
2. slave girls (what his right hand possessed);
3. daughters of Mohammed's uncles and aunts, both paternal and maternal who had migrated with him;
4. any woman believer who she give herself to Mohammed and if Mohammed desire to take her in marriage (Mohammed-only privilege).

Prophet, we have made lawful for you your wives whom you have given their dowry, slave girls whom God has given to you as gifts, the daughters of your uncles and aunts, both paternal and maternal, who have migrated with you. The believing woman, who has offered herself to the Prophet and whom the Prophet may want to marry, will be specially for him, not for other believers. We knew what to make obligatory for them concerning their wives and slave girls so that you would face no hardship (because we have given distinction to you over the believers). God is All-forgiving and All-merciful.
You may refuse whichever (of the woman who offer themselves to you) as you want and accept whichever of them you wish. There is no blame on you if you marry (one whom you had refused previously). This would be more delightful for them. They should not be grieved but should be happy with whatever you have given to every one of them. God knows what is in your hearts. God is All-knowing and All-forbearing.
Besides these, other women are not lawful for you to marry nor is it lawful for you to exchange your wives for the wives of others (except for the slave girls), even though they may seem attractive to you. God is watchful over all things. (33:50-52 Muhammad Sarwar version)

Marriage - Bible vs Koran

You are not to come near any close relative for sexual intercourse; I am Yahweh. You are not to shame your father by having sex with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual intercourse with her. You are not to have sex with your father's wife; it will shame your father. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your sister, either your father's daughter or your mother's, whether born at home or born elsewhere. You are not to have sex with her. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your son's daughter or your daughter's daughter, because it will shame your family. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your father's wife's daughter, who is adopted by your father; she is your sister. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your father's sister; she is your father's close relative. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your mother's sister, for she is your mother's close relative. You are not to shame your father's brother by coming near his wife to have sexual intercourse; she is your aunt. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your daughter-in-law. She is your son's wife; you are not to have sex with her. You are not to have sexual intercourse with your brother's wife; it will shame your brother. You are not to have sexual intercourse with a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter and have sex with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved. You are not to marry a woman as a rival to her sister and have sexual intercourse with her during her sister's lifetime. (Leviticus 18:6-18 HCSB)

If a man commits adultery with a married woman - if he commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife - both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death. If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has shamed his father. Both of them must be put to death; their blood is on their own hands. If a man sleeps with his daughter-in-law, both of them must be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is on their own hands. If a man sleeps with a man as with a woman, they have both committed a detestable thing. They must be put to death; their blood is on their own hands. If a man marries a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned with fire, so that there will be no depravity among you. If a man has sexual intercourse with an animal, he must be put to death; you are also to kill the animal. If a woman comes near any animal and mates with it, you are to kill the woman and the animal. They must be put to death; their own blood is on them. If a man marries his sister, whether his father's daughter or his mother's daughter, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off publicly from their people. He has had sexual intercourse with his sister; he will bear his punishment. If a man sleeps with a menstruating woman and has sexual intercourse with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered the source of her blood. Both of them must be cut off from their people. You must not have sexual intercourse with your mother's sister or your father's sister, for it is exposing one's own blood relative; both people will bear their punishment. If a man sleeps with his aunt, he has shamed his uncle; they will bear their guilt and die childless. If a man marries his brother's wife, it is impurity. He has shamed his brother; they will be childless. (Leviticus 20:10-21 HCSB)

When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. If she does not please her master, who has designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has broken faith with her. If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money. (Exodus 21:7-11 ESV)

When you go out to war against your enemies, and the Lord your God gives them into your hand and you take them captive, and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you desire to take her to be your wife, and you bring her home to your house, she shall shave her head and pare her nails. And she shall take off the clothes in which she was captured and shall remain in your house and lament her father and her mother a full month. After that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. But if you no longer delight in her, you shall let her go where she wants. But you shall not sell her for money, nor shall you treat her as a slave, since you have humiliated her. (Deuteronomy 21:10-14 ESV)

Both the Bible and the Koran have laws about whom one cannot marry and laws regulating marrying female slaves and captives. The Bible forbids a man from marrying his brother's widow (except in Levitical marriage) but he can marry his wife's sister (if she is available) when his wife died. The Koran also forbids marrying two sisters at the same time but is silent about marrying a brother's widow. The Bible has no explicit law forbidding a father from marry his daughter, natural or adopted. The Koran allows a father to marry his step-daughter if he did not have sex with her mother. The Bible forbids marriage to married women as that is adultery, but the Koran allows marriage to married women if they are captives. The Bible forbids bestiality but Koran is silent. In the Bible, these laws apply to all. In the Koran, Mohammed was allowed exceptions (Quran 33:50-52).

Do not marry, from now on, the ex-wives of your fathers for that custom was sinful, loathsome, and abominable.
You are forbidden to marry your mothers, daughters, sisters, paternal aunts, maternal aunts, nieces, your foster-mothers, your foster-sisters, your mothers-in-law, your step-daughters whom you have brought up and with whose mothers you have had carnal relations. It would not be a sin to marry her if you did not have carnal relations with her mother. You are forbidden to marry the wives of your own sons and to marry two sisters at the same time without any adverse affect to the such relations of the past. God is All-forgiving and All-merciful.
You are forbidden to marry married women except your slave-girls. This is the decree of God. Besides these, it is lawful for you to marry other women if you pay their dower, maintain chastity and do not commit indecency. If you marry them for the appointed time you must pay their dowries. There is no harm if you reach an understanding among yourselves about the dowry, God is All-knowing and All-wise.
If any of you do not have the means to marry a chaste believing woman, marry your believing slave-girls. God knows best about your faith. You have the same faith. Marry them with the permission of their masters and if they are chaste and have avoided fornication and amorous activities, give them their just dowries. If after marriage they commit adultery, they should receive half of the punishment of a free woman who has committed the same crime. This is for those who fear falling into evil. It is better for you to have self-control. God is All-forgiving and All-merciful.
4:22-25 Muhammad Sarwar version

In the World But Not of the World

And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:23-24 NASB)

Naturally separated
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19 ESV)

But not taken out of the world
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:14-19 ESV)

So as to be a witness
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 KJV)

Therefore interaction is still needed
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. (1 Corinthians 5:9-10 ESV)

But we do not conform to this world
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)

Remaining separated
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV)

Lest we become the enemy of God
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4 KJV)

For we worked against spiritual wickedness in high places
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

And our adversary is like a lion seeking to devour us
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8 HCSB)

But we are not fearful, for we have the right Man on our side
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (John 10:28-29 ESV)

Grace of God

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)

Grace is a donor-beggar relationship (Titus 2:11);
Grace brings salvation (Titus 2:11), teaches godliness (Titus 2:12) and gives hope (Titus 2:13);
Grace is found in Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people for His own possession (Titus 2:14).

Now the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame, for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:11-13 HCSB)

Biblical Separation

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3 KJV)

Separation is natural, and sometimes, necessary.

Examples of natural separation

1. Truth from lies;
2. Light from darkness;
3. Sick from healthy (especially in hospitals).

Christians also need to separate, based on scriptures, to God and holiness.

Separation from sin
Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)

Separation from the world
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV)
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4 KJV)

Separation from immoral brethren
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 ESV)
I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer who is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 HCSB)

Separation from brethren who believe in false doctrines

Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11 HCSB)
Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it, does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and don't say, "Welcome," to him; for the one who says, "Welcome," to him shares in his evil works. (2 John 1:9-11 HCSB)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17 ESV)

Effects of non-separation

1. Separation from God
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)
2. Infection
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
Leaven - false doctrine
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9 ESV)
Leaven - immorality
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6 ESV)

3. Destruction
Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. (Numbers 16:21 KJV)
But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:14-16 ESV)
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. (Revelation 18:4-5 ESV)

Believe In Him Who Is From Above

And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:23-24 NASB)

Believe the One who is from above, born of a virgin, who died for our sins and was resurrected again. Do not believe in those who were born of a father and a mother, who claimed (without proof) to be somebody, preached things for us to follow without doing anything for us, and then died like anyone of us.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NASB)

Trinity, Help or Heresy

Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One (אֶחָֽד). (Deuteronomy 6:4 HCSB)

This is what the Bible affirmed about God:

1. God is One;
2. The Father is God;
3. The Son is God;
4. The Spirit is God;
5. The Father, the Son and the Spirit is distinct (The Father is not the Son, The Father is not the Spirit, the Son is not the Father, the Son is not the Spirit, the Spirit is not the Father, the Spirit is not the Son.).

Now, it is very difficult for the human mind to wrap around this concept. So theologians came up with the doctrine of Trinity, one God three Persons.

There are implications when cardinal numbers are assigned to the persons in the Godhead. The immediately obvious implication is that the cardinal number 3 is now an attribute associated with God, and therefore co-existed with God. Since God is self-existent and eternal, so is the cardinal number 3. If the cardinal number 3 is eternal, then the whole number system is eternal. My question will be, is God self-existent and eternal, or are the rules of mathematics self-existent and eternal?

There are three persons in the room. We have no problem with this statement because people are discrete and countable. We cannot say "There are three waters", or "There are three airs". It does not make sense. God is spirit (John 4:24). The Father, the Son and the Spirit is distinct. But is the Father, the Son and the Spirit discrete and countable? Why does the Bible scrupulously avoid the cardinal number of 3 when the Father, the Son and the Spirit seems to be crying out to be counted as 3? Rather, the Bible tells us that God is one, despite the Father, the Son and the Spirit. When Jesus was on earth, He was a discrete countable human. Thus He and the Father can be counted as two witnesses (John 8:17-18).

אֶחָד
What about the number "one"? Is it not also a cardinal number? Yes. But one can mean unique, alone or first, which is definitely an attribute of God. Before creation, time and space and the number system did not exist. But God is.

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. (Psalm 119:160 ESV)

Why Did King James Support A New Translation of the Bible

Why did King James I of England decide to embark on a new translation of the Bible? Below are two articles about the motives for the king.

The following was paraphrased from "The Reformed Reader introduction to the Geneva Bible for the historic Baptist faith".
BEGIN
The sole intent of King James support for a new translation of the Bible was to deny the people the marginal notes of the Geneva Bible. The Puritans, the Calvinists, and the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock, would never use a King James Bible even if it had been given to them free. The King James Bible was, and is for all practical purposes, a government publication. The Geneva Bible annoyed King James I because it does not support the "divine right of kings". Since a king's power came from God, the king then had to answer to no one but God. The Geneva Bible had marginal notes that simply didn't conform to that point of view. Those marginal notes had been, to a great extent placed in the Geneva Bible by the leaders of the Reformation including John Knox and John Calvin. Knox and Calvin could not and cannot be dismissed lightly or their opinions passed off to the public as the mere dithering of dissidents. First, notes such as, "When tyrants cannot prevail by craft, they burst forth into open rage," (Note i, Exodus 1:22) really bothered King James. King James disapproved of the Geneva Bible because of its Calvinistic leanings. He also frowned on what he considered to be seditious marginal notes on key political texts. A marginal note for Exodus 1:9 indicated that the Hebrew midwives were correct in disobeying the Egyptian king's orders, and a note for 2 Chronicles 15:16 said that King Asa should have had his mother executed and not merely deposed for the crime of worshipping an idol. The King James Version of the Bible grew out of the king's distaste for these brief but potent doctrinal commentaries. He considered the marginal notes to be a political threat to his kingdom. In 1604, shortly after his own accession to the throne, King James I commissioned his own version of the Bible, that would later come to be known as "The Bishop's Bible" or, more commonly, the Authorized Version. James' motive for promulgating his own version was simple: he did not want the people to have in hand a Bible with all the marginal notes that the Geneva Bible had. This version was first published in 1611. A later king (Charles I) would take the first steps toward suppression of the Geneva Bible toward the end of his reign. In 1644, the Geneva Bible went out of print and would remain out of print for more than four hundred fifty years.
END

The following was quoted from "A Puritan's Mind » The Proposal of John Reynolds - by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon".
QUOTE
Three reasons prompted King James I to make a new translation.  One reason was the "back to the Bible" movement trying to recapture the true meaning of scripture as a result of the Reformation, and the King desired to ride that soap box as a way to "identify with the people" as best he could.  The second reason was the scholarship which was beginning to become prominent during the Renaissance. Being a King during the reign of scholarship was always something that has been noted in history. It was another way King James would be "remembered." Thirdly, the King detested the current bible.  The most beloved bible was the Geneva Bible.  It was the favorite of Puritans and almost every home had one. But the Geneva Bible had something the other bibles had not previously had - extensive notes reflecting reformation thought. This was dangerous to the King because of his immoral lifestyle. (He was a very corrupt king, and a sodomite as well.) The Geneva Bible extensively spoke against corrupt kings. King James did not favor this at all. So he desired a new translation without notes.
What ancient texts did they work with? They had the Complutensian Polygot of 1517, published at Complutum, now in Alcala de Hanares, Spain, and they had the Antwerp Polygot, 1569-1572. These gave the Hebrew and Greek texts with versions in other tongues added. Of course they had the Latin Vulgate, though that was suspect because it was popish and uninspired. With some fragments of early church scrolls, they had countless comments by the early church fathers and ancient scholars. Often they referred to Saint Chrysostom, (347-407 A.D.), whose works Sir Henry Saville had begun to edit, with the help from Andrew Downes and John Bois. Another reference authority was the Geneva scholar, Theodore Beza, (1519-1605 A.D.).
The outcome was not a bible literally translated from the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic, but a redaction of the Geneva bible (20%) and the Bishop's Bible (80%) but all without notes.  Some of the more difficult passages were translated from the original, but most of the Bible was cutting and pasting from the other sources. 
After the final draft was completed by the fifty-four scholars, a concluding committee of twelve reviewed what the lower committees had prepared, and then Bishop Thomas Bilson and Dr. Miles Smith added the finishing touches. By 1609 the whole revision was ready for the public. Though the King contributed no money to its production, and though no record of an official authorization of the finished product survives, if such were ever given, the Bible became to be known as the King James Version.     Miles Smith, Canon of Hereford, later to be known as the Bishop of Gloucestor, and Thomas Bilson, Bishop of Winchester, saw it through the press, and Miles Smith composed the informative preface, "The Translators to the Readers."     The title of this new translation was: "The Holy Bible, Conteyning the Old Testament and the New: Newly Translated out of the Original tongues, with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties speciall commandment. Appointed to be read in the Churches. Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. Anno Dom. 1611."   The New Testament Bore a different title: "The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Newly translated out of the Originall Greeke; and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His majesties speciall Commandment. Imprinted at London by Robert Baker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. Anno Dom. 1611. cum Privilegio."    
Though the King James Bible was never "authorized" by King James, it was called the authorized King James Version nevertheless.     "Many stood up against the King James Version. Dr. Hugh Boughton, a distinguished scholar recognized by John Lightfoot, said "The late Bible...was sent to me to censure: which bred in me a sadness that will grieve me while I breathe, it is ill done. Tell His Majesty that I had rather be rent in pieces with wild horses, than any such translation by my consent should be urged upon poor churches...The new edition crosseth me. I require it to be burnt."  Even John Lightfoot, in 1629, objected to the Apocrypha being placed in the canon.     The King James Version went through fifteen printings in the first three years. It seems many disagreed with its translation and the committees were forced to revise it over and over again.     The first major revision being some months after the 1609 version and the authorized version (1611) came two years after.
The King James Version underwent a flutter of minor revisions until a final revision was brought about by Dr. Benjamin Blaney in 1769.  This revision was not authorized. Not until 1881 was an official revision done.
UNQUOTE

My Mummy Passed On

For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord - for we walk by faith, not by sight we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NASB)

My mother passed away peacefully today at about 5:30 to 5:45 pm. The doctors from Tan Tock Seng Hospital certified her death as at 7:49 pm.

This is how my wife described her last moments in her WhatsApp to the family, "Grandma was still snoring at 5pm. Siti tried to wake her up fro 5:45 - 6:10 pm. Called me to feel the pulse and Hannah, Sarah and I all cannot feel. Called 995 for ambulance."

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them"; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, and the doors on the street are shut - when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low - they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets - before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 ESV)

Become A Saint

Bad news
All have sinned (1 Kings 8:46, Job 25:4, Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1, Psalm 14:3, Psalm 53:3, Psalm 143:2, Proverbs 20:9, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Roman 3:10, Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Good news
But while we are still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Romans 4:25, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:4, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2).

No rejection
All who come to Him, no matter how depraved or sinful, will not be rejected (John 6:37).

Eternal security
And no one can snatch those who believe away from Jesus (John 10:28).

Become saints automatically
You will become saints (members of the household of God) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20) and receive every gift that God gives which is good and perfect (James 1:17, Romans 8:32).

Promise authenticated
These promises are not made by someone who pop up suddenly in history and then died after preaching something. These promises are made by the only person in the world who was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), came back from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:4, Revelation 1:8), whose place (Micah 5:2) and time (Genesis 49:10) of birth and time of death (Daniel 9:26) was predicted, His ministry was ordained from old (Isaiah 9:1-2) and what He did was prophesied in advanced (Psalm 40:7).

Calculating Gabriel's Formula of 483 Years - Time of Messiah's Arrival

Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince will be seven weeks and 62 weeks. It will be rebuilt with a plaza and a moat, but in difficult times. After those 62 weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. (Daniel 9:25-26a HCSB)

The decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem
There are four decrees to consider:

1. The decree of Cyrus to rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-4);
2. The decree of Darius I to rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:1-12);
3. The decree of Artaxerxes I to rebuild the temple (Ezra 7:12-26);
4. The decree of Artaxerxes II to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Coming of Messiah the Prince
How to define the arrival of the Messiah?

1. Date of birth (Matthew 1:25, Luke 2:6-7);
2. Date of baptism, filling by the Holy Spirit and commencement of His ministry;
3. Date of the Messiah's entry into Jerusalem
4. Date of His crucifixion (cut off).

Calculating Gabriel's Formula
According to this blog "Reasons To Believe : Was Jesus’s Arrival Accurately Predicted in the Bible?" from the day Artaxerxes issued his decree mentioned in Nehemiah 2:1-8 to the day of Jesus's humble entry as Messiah on a donkey at Jerusalem would be 483 years.

QUOTE
Now we're ready to do some math to determine if Gabriel did in fact predict Jesus's arrival. We'll start by determining how many days are in 483 lunar years: 360 x 483 = 173,880 days. Next, we'll convert those days back into solar years: 173,880 ÷ 365.2422 = 476.068 years. After converting the decimal part (0.068) to days (0.068 x 365.2422 = 24.8 days), the time prophesized for the Messiah to arrive comes out to be 476 years and 25 days.

Adding this number to March 5, 444 BC - the date on which the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was issued - brings us to March 30, AD 33, the very day of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Is this match not remarkable? The remarkable accuracy of the predictions in the prophecy in Daniel [assuming the estimates are correctly interpreted and accurate] supports the truth of the prophecy, which in turn builds confidence in the authority and reliability of the Bible.
UNQUOTE

Precise Date and Time of Jesus's Death

While the precise date of Jesus's crucifixion and death is not an essential salvation truth, it is good to know that it can be computed from the information given in the Bible and collaborated with historical events which are dated.

From these two articles "April 3, AD 33 | Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor | First Things", "When Was Jesus Born, and When Did He Die  Biblical Foundations" and "7 clues tell us *precisely* when Jesus died (the year, month, day, and hour revealed) |Blogs | NCRegister.com", I gathered the following:

1. Beginning of John the Baptist's ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius's reign (Luke 3:1-2) - AD 28 or AD 29;
2. Three Passovers mentioned (John 2:13, John 6:4, John 11:55) - at least 3 years;
3. Crucified on a Friday (Matthew 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:31, John 19:42);
4. Crucified at Passover (Matthew 26:2, Mark 14:1, Luke 22:1, John 18:39);
5. Jesus died at the ninth hour (Matthew 27:45-50, Mark 15:34-37, Luke 23:44-46).

Since John the Baptist began his ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius's reign (1), we can safely assume that Jesus began His ministry around AD 29. It lasted for at least 3 years because of the three Passovers mentioned (2) and the ministry ended either on AD 32 or AD 33. He was crucified at Passover (4) on a Friday (3). The only Passover on Friday after three years from AD 29 happened on 3rd April AD 33. He died at the ninth hour (5), by modern reckoning is at 3:00 pm.

Based on the above, we can conclude that Jesus died precisely on 3rd April AD 33 at 3:00 pm.

The Iron Rod, Gog and Magog

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Psalm 2:9 KJV)

She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. (Revelation 12:5-6 ESV)

From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. (Revelation 19:15 ESV)

The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. (Revelation 2:26-27 ESV)

First prophesied in Psalm 2:9 and again in Revelation 12:5 and Revelation 19:15, Christ will rule the nations with an iron rod for 1000 years. Those who overcome shall also rule with Him (Revelation 2:26-27, Revelation 20:4). The rule of Christ will not be a democracy. At the end of the 1000 years, God's main political opponent, Satan, will be released for a while (Revelation 20:7). He will give voice to all those who opposed God in their hearts during the 1000 years of righteous rule of Christ, and he shall gather them from all places to stage his final rebellion against God.

When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10 NASB)

I always wonder why this final rebellion was likened unto Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39. The only reason I can think of is that the main opposition to God since the flood, the mystery religion of Babylon is finally dead during the 7 years of tribulation. Thus the only type of opposition left is that of Gog and Magog.

Son of Man

The prophecy of the Messiah by the prophet Daniel:
As I kept watching, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white like snow, and the hair of His head like whitest wool. His throne was flaming fire; its wheels were blazing fire. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands served Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

I watched, then, because of the sound of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued watching, the beast was killed and its body destroyed and given over to the burning fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their authority to rule was removed, but an extension of life was granted to them for a certain period of time.

I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:9-14 HCSB)

The confirmation by Jesus before the high priest that He is indeed the One prophesied by Daniel:
But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, "By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!"

"You have said it," Jesus told him. "But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you’ve heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered, "He deserves death!" (Matthew 26:63-66 HCSB)

Apostle John's vision of the risen Jesus Christ, the Son of Man and Ancient of Days:
I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands, and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe and with a gold sash wrapped around His chest. His head and hair were white like wool - white as snow - and His eyes like a fiery flame. His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and His voice like the sound of cascading waters. He had seven stars in His right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth, and His face was shining like the sun at midday.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me and said, "Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look - I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. (Revelation 1:12-19 HCSB)

God Is One, Alone, Unique - 2

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deuteronomy 4:39 KJV)

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36 HCSB,NASB)

For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth - as there are many "gods" and many "lords" - yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6 HCSB)

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17 HCSB)

Christ Is Preeminent

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:15-20 ESV)

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10 ESV)

God Made Everything For Himself

The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Proverbs 16:4 NLT)

God made everything for His own glory. He has no choice. He is One.
God made all things for His own purpose. He has no choice. He is One.

For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. (1 Samuel 12:22 ESV)

Our fathers in Egypt did not grasp the significance of Your wonderful works or remember Your many acts of faithful love; instead, they rebelled by the sea - the Red Sea. Yet He saved them because of His name, to make His power known. (Psalm 106:7-8 HCSB)

Israel Cannot Be Destroyed

When you father children and children's children, and have grown old in the land, if you act corruptly by making a carved image in the form of anything, and by doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, so as to provoke him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. You will not live long in it, but will be utterly destroyed. And the Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the Lord will drive you. And there you will serve gods of wood and stone, the work of human hands, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice. For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:25-31 ESV)

Moses is a true prophet. He wrote the outline of the history of Israel even before the Israelites crossed the river Jordan.

Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the LORD their God. (Leviticus 26:44 ESV)

Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. (Deuteronomy 30:4-5 NIV)

For I am with you and will save you," says the LORD. "I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished." (Jeremiah 30:11 NLT)

Israel will be punished, but never destroyed.

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: "Have you not noticed what these people have said? They say, 'The LORD has rejected the two families He had chosen.' My people are treated with contempt and no longer regarded as a nation among them. This is what the LORD says: If I do not keep My covenant with the day and with the night and fail to establish the fixed order of heaven and earth, then I might also reject the seed of Jacob and of My servant David - not taking from his descendants rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, I will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them." (Jeremiah 33:23-26 HCSB)

Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar - the LORD of hosts is his name: "If this fixed order departs from before me, declares the LORD, then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before me forever." (Jeremiah 31:35-36 ESV)

God declared that the probability of Him rejecting Israel is the same probability of Him abolishing the laws of nature, which is zero.

Thus says the LORD: "If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 31:37 ESV)

Apparently, not only those who seek to destroy Israel are doing futile work, scientist that seek the grand unifying theory will not be successful. 不知天高地厚.

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6 KJV)

Basic Theology of Christianity on God and Christ

This is what the Bible affirmed about
1. The nature of God:

1. God is one.
2. God the Father is God.
3. God the Son is God.
4. God the Holy Spirit is God.
5. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is distinct.

2. The nature of Christ:

1. Jesus is wholly God.
2. Jesus is wholly Man.
3. Jesus is one.

Here is a list of heresies on God, collected from the internet:

Denial of the oneness and uniqueness of God
These result from a denial of the statement, "There is only one God."

• Polytheism

Denial of the eternal deity of each Person
These result from a denial of the statement, "Each Person is fully God".

• Adoptionism
• Arianism - Jehovah Witness
• Apollinarianism

Denial of the distinction of Personalities or Persons
These result from a denial of the statement, "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, eternal Persons".

• Modalism - Patripassianism, Branhamism, The Local Church (or "Living Stream Ministry")
• Monarchism

Denial of the two, distinct, unmingled natures of Christ

• Nestorianism
• Eutychianism