In Genesis, there was "In the beginning" and followed by seven days of creation.
In John, there was "In the beginning" and followed by seven days of John and Jesus.
The following division was given by Dr Tim Berrey:
1st day John 1:19-28
2nd day John 1:29-34
3rd day John 1:35-39
4th day John 1:40-42
5th day John 1:43-51
6th day (not mentioned)
7th day John 2:1-11
First day
This was John's testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, "Who are you?" He didn't deny it but confessed: "I am not the Messiah." "What then?" they asked him. "Are you Elijah?" "I am not," he said. "Are you the Prophet?" "No," he answered. "Who are you, then?" they asked. "We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?"
He said, "I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord - just as Isaiah the prophet said." Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. So they asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?" "I baptize with water," John answered them. "Someone stands among you, but you don't know him. He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to untie." All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:19-1:28 CSB)
Second day
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.' I didn't know him, but I came baptizing with water so he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him. I didn't know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on - he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God." (John 1:29-34 CSB)
Third day
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" "Come and you'll see," he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. (John 1:35-39 CSB)
Fourth day
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated "the Christ"), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, "You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated "Peter"). (John 1:40-42 CSB)
Fifth day
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth." "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Nathanael asked him. "Come and see," Philip answered. Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you," Jesus answered. "Rabbi," Nathanael replied, "You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!" Jesus responded to him, "Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." Then he said, "Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (John 1:43-51 CSB)
Seventh day
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus's mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus's mother told him, "They don't have any wine." "What does that have to do with you and me, woman?" Jesus asked. "My hour has not yet come." "Do whatever he tells you," his mother told the servants. Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons. "Fill the jars with water," Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter." And they did. When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from - though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, "Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-11 CSB)
Showing posts with label Tim Berrey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Berrey. Show all posts
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Monday, June 1, 2015
In Christ There Is Forgiveness Of Sin
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. (Psalm 130:3-4 KJV)
When Dr Tim Berrey was in Cambodia preaching, people would ask him, "What would you give us if we join your church?" Apparently there are churches that would offer new converts a pig, or a bag of rice. But Dr Berrey did not have anything to offer except Christ. Now, there were some who believed and joined his church, despite not having such incentives. At prayer meetings, these new converts would always shared how they were persecuted after they believed Christ. Then Dr Berrey asked them, "If your life is so challenging after becoming a Christian, why don't you go back to your old religion?" And he would never forget the reply they gave, "But in Christ we find the forgiveness of sin."
When Dr Tim Berrey was in Cambodia preaching, people would ask him, "What would you give us if we join your church?" Apparently there are churches that would offer new converts a pig, or a bag of rice. But Dr Berrey did not have anything to offer except Christ. Now, there were some who believed and joined his church, despite not having such incentives. At prayer meetings, these new converts would always shared how they were persecuted after they believed Christ. Then Dr Berrey asked them, "If your life is so challenging after becoming a Christian, why don't you go back to your old religion?" And he would never forget the reply they gave, "But in Christ we find the forgiveness of sin."
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Jesus's Authority Verified By Miracles
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the paralytic - "I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" (Mark 2:1-12 ESV)
It is quite amazing that I have read this passage countless of times, always puzzled as to what exactly was my Lord Jesus comparing when He said, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'?" I always thought it was the number of words, or complexity of the syntax of the sentences. But somehow, I never bothered to check further.
Today at the Sunday services, Dr Tim Berrey explained that it is easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven" because there is no way to verify it. But when you say to a paralyzed man, "Rise, take up your bed and walk", you will be proven false if the man cannot do what you say. This website also gave the same explanation.
Dr Berrey also pointed out that the crowd's reaction was somewhat unsatisfactory. They were amazed at the miracle but did not notice the point which Jesus was trying to prove, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up and walk'? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" (Matthew 9:4-6 NLT)
It is quite amazing that I have read this passage countless of times, always puzzled as to what exactly was my Lord Jesus comparing when He said, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'?" I always thought it was the number of words, or complexity of the syntax of the sentences. But somehow, I never bothered to check further.
Today at the Sunday services, Dr Tim Berrey explained that it is easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven" because there is no way to verify it. But when you say to a paralyzed man, "Rise, take up your bed and walk", you will be proven false if the man cannot do what you say. This website also gave the same explanation.
Dr Berrey also pointed out that the crowd's reaction was somewhat unsatisfactory. They were amazed at the miracle but did not notice the point which Jesus was trying to prove, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up and walk'? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" (Matthew 9:4-6 NLT)
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
God' Revealed Will
God's will is revealed in His Word, the Bible.
It is God's will that God's revealed will be done on earth.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 KJV)
It is God who willed your creation and your ongoing existence.
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11 ESV)
God willed our eternal salvation. God wishes the conversion of every man. He willed Christ's sacrifice on the cross to rescue us from this evil age (Galatians 1:4; Acts 2:23; 4:28). In an even more specific sense, He willed our regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18). He willed our adoption as sons (Ephesians 1:5). Christ willed to reveal the Father to you (Matthew 11:27). And it is the Father’s will that Christ keep us and not lose any who have come to Him (John 6:39-40).
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39-40 KJV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 NASB)
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18 KJV)
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14 KJV)
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV)
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23 NIV)
But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. (Acts 4:28 NLT)
God willed to give you a spiritual gift according to that which He wanted for you and according to how He wanted you to serve in the body of Christ.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11 NASB)
God wills that we conduct ourselves honorably and submissively even in a pagan world.
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:12-15 ESV)
God wills a certain kind of behaviour for men in His church: that they model His concern for mankind by praying always, everywhere, for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1-8).
God wills a certain kind of behavior for women in His church: that they be modest, appropriate, and reserved (submissive), and that younger widows remarry and have children (1 Timothy 2:9-12; 5:14).
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:9-12 NASB)
So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Timothy 5:14 ESV)
God wills that sometimes we suffer for doing right (1 Peter 3:17; 4:2, 19).
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:17 KJV)
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2 NASB)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:19 ESV)
God wills that you live a sexually pure life.
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 KJV)
God wills that you live a thankful life.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
It is God's will that God's revealed will be done on earth.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 KJV)
It is God who willed your creation and your ongoing existence.
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11 ESV)
God willed our eternal salvation. God wishes the conversion of every man. He willed Christ's sacrifice on the cross to rescue us from this evil age (Galatians 1:4; Acts 2:23; 4:28). In an even more specific sense, He willed our regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18). He willed our adoption as sons (Ephesians 1:5). Christ willed to reveal the Father to you (Matthew 11:27). And it is the Father’s will that Christ keep us and not lose any who have come to Him (John 6:39-40).
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39-40 KJV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 NASB)
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18 KJV)
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14 KJV)
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV)
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23 NIV)
But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. (Acts 4:28 NLT)
God willed to give you a spiritual gift according to that which He wanted for you and according to how He wanted you to serve in the body of Christ.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11 NASB)
God wills that we conduct ourselves honorably and submissively even in a pagan world.
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:12-15 ESV)
God wills a certain kind of behaviour for men in His church: that they model His concern for mankind by praying always, everywhere, for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1-8).
God wills a certain kind of behavior for women in His church: that they be modest, appropriate, and reserved (submissive), and that younger widows remarry and have children (1 Timothy 2:9-12; 5:14).
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:9-12 NASB)
So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Timothy 5:14 ESV)
God wills that sometimes we suffer for doing right (1 Peter 3:17; 4:2, 19).
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:17 KJV)
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2 NASB)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:19 ESV)
God wills that you live a sexually pure life.
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 KJV)
God wills that you live a thankful life.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Knowing God's Will (Another Post)
I had posted on Knowing God's Will on 29th April 2009. Now I am posting on the same subject again after five years. The conclusion is still the same even if the words to present the idea is different.
But actually, knowing God's will means that you study His Word and keep close to Him. Then when the time comes, He will tell you what to do.
The first principle is to live by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Being familiar with the word of God is very important in our decision making. (Three principles of effective decision making in "Man in the Mirror" by Patrick Morley)
I think the best guarantee that God will lead you tomorrow is that you obey Him today. (Dr Jason Lim)
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
- The key to knowing God's individual will is to know God.
- The key to knowing God is to do His revealed will.
- To do His revealed will, one must know His Word.
But actually, knowing God's will means that you study His Word and keep close to Him. Then when the time comes, He will tell you what to do.
The first principle is to live by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Being familiar with the word of God is very important in our decision making. (Three principles of effective decision making in "Man in the Mirror" by Patrick Morley)
I think the best guarantee that God will lead you tomorrow is that you obey Him today. (Dr Jason Lim)
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Key Characteristics of God's Will
So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is - what is good and pleasing and mature. (Romans 12:1-2 CEB)
Intrinsically Good (agathon ἀγαθὸν)
There is things which we think is good for us, but is not good. But God's will is intrinsically good. It is good because it is His will and it is good for us.
Well-pleasing (euareston εὐάρεστον)
God's will is acceptable and well-pleasing to God.
Perfect (teleion τέλειον)
This word is also found in James 1:25. God's will is perfect, or perfectly suited to accomplish or attain the goal or purpose of God.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Intrinsically Good (agathon ἀγαθὸν)
There is things which we think is good for us, but is not good. But God's will is intrinsically good. It is good because it is His will and it is good for us.
Well-pleasing (euareston εὐάρεστον)
God's will is acceptable and well-pleasing to God.
Perfect (teleion τέλειον)
This word is also found in James 1:25. God's will is perfect, or perfectly suited to accomplish or attain the goal or purpose of God.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Being The Right Person
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 NASB)
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
The right person has:
1. A bodily sacrifice;
2. A non-conformist stance;
3. A transformed mind.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
The right person has:
1. A bodily sacrifice;
2. A non-conformist stance;
3. A transformed mind.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
How To Know God's Will
There are two steps to knowing God's will.
First be the Right Person
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, (Romans 12:1-2a KJV)
Then can know God's Will
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2b KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
First be the Right Person
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, (Romans 12:1-2a KJV)
Then can know God's Will
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2b KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Glimpse of Heaven According to Revelations 6:9-11
When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. (Revelation 6:9-11 NASB)
Dr Tim Berrey used these verses to derive 20 points on what heaven is like. Amazing!
1. Souls are visible;
2. These souls are the same entities as on earth;
3. These souls, though having no bodies yet, but are conscious and alive;
4. They are remembered in heaven for their testimonies on earth;
5. They are under the alter, that is, in the place of prayer;
6. They are able to speak and communicate;
7. They are able to express emotions;
8. They are aware of each other;
9. They asked questions, that is, they do not know everything;
10. They have time consciousness;
11. They are concerned about events on earth;
12. They can communicate with the Lord and receive answers;
13. They are even more aware of God's sovereignty and holiness than us and they do not question God's wrath, but insist on it;
14. They remembered their lives on earth;
15. Though having no bodies, they can receive white robes;
16. They are individuals, each receiving their own robes;
17. They enjoyed their rest, but are aware that their fellow servants and brethren are still suffering;
18. They are aware of the coming change - the new heavens and new earth;
19. They are joined by others until their numbers are fulfilled;
20. There is solidarity with heir fellow servants and brethren on earth.
Dr Tim Berrey used these verses to derive 20 points on what heaven is like. Amazing!
1. Souls are visible;
2. These souls are the same entities as on earth;
3. These souls, though having no bodies yet, but are conscious and alive;
4. They are remembered in heaven for their testimonies on earth;
5. They are under the alter, that is, in the place of prayer;
6. They are able to speak and communicate;
7. They are able to express emotions;
8. They are aware of each other;
9. They asked questions, that is, they do not know everything;
10. They have time consciousness;
11. They are concerned about events on earth;
12. They can communicate with the Lord and receive answers;
13. They are even more aware of God's sovereignty and holiness than us and they do not question God's wrath, but insist on it;
14. They remembered their lives on earth;
15. Though having no bodies, they can receive white robes;
16. They are individuals, each receiving their own robes;
17. They enjoyed their rest, but are aware that their fellow servants and brethren are still suffering;
18. They are aware of the coming change - the new heavens and new earth;
19. They are joined by others until their numbers are fulfilled;
20. There is solidarity with heir fellow servants and brethren on earth.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Christian Attitude Toward Death
Death
Death occurs when the soul separates from the body.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV)
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:19 KJV)
Psalm 103:14 Psalm 104:29
The soul of a believer goes immediately to the presence of God.
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)
Philippians 1:23 Luke 23:43
The soul of an unbeliever goes immediately into conscious torment.
... the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off ... (Luke 16:22-23 KJV)
Hebrews 9:27 Matthew 25:41
Christian Attitude Toward Death
The last enemy to face; an enemy that must be faced (revelation 2:10, 1 Corinthians 15:26)
An enemy that shall be and has been destroyed (2 Timothy 1:10)
Not to be feared (Hebrews 2:15, Revelation 14:13, Romans 8:38-39)
An opportunity to honor the Lord (Philippians 1:20)
An opportunity to identify with Christ (Philippians 3:10)
No soul sleep, purgatory or annihilation.
Death occurs when the soul separates from the body.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV)
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:19 KJV)
Psalm 103:14 Psalm 104:29
The soul of a believer goes immediately to the presence of God.
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)
Philippians 1:23 Luke 23:43
The soul of an unbeliever goes immediately into conscious torment.
... the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off ... (Luke 16:22-23 KJV)
Hebrews 9:27 Matthew 25:41
Christian Attitude Toward Death
The last enemy to face; an enemy that must be faced (revelation 2:10, 1 Corinthians 15:26)
An enemy that shall be and has been destroyed (2 Timothy 1:10)
Not to be feared (Hebrews 2:15, Revelation 14:13, Romans 8:38-39)
An opportunity to honor the Lord (Philippians 1:20)
An opportunity to identify with Christ (Philippians 3:10)
No soul sleep, purgatory or annihilation.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Christ - The Heart Beat of Prophecy
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10 NIV ESV NASB KJV)
The first prophecy:
I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your seed and her seed.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 3:15 HCSB
This first prophecy is spoken to the serpent.
The word "seed" in the original language is a singular plural, something like the word "people".
All prophecies in the Bible glorifies Christ.
The first prophecy:
I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your seed and her seed.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 3:15 HCSB
This first prophecy is spoken to the serpent.
The word "seed" in the original language is a singular plural, something like the word "people".
All prophecies in the Bible glorifies Christ.
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