[Basilissa]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings again Alan,
The following passage does not teach that Jesus is going to burn up the earth when he returns. It speaks of refreshing and restoration.
Acts 3:19-21 (KJV): 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

The "refreshing and restoration" that you mention includes the destruction of the currently existing earth (as already explained by Brother Alan) and creation of a new one:

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

I understand that this is a different meaning of restoration from what we humans are used to, but as the story of the Flood shows, God doesn't have the patience to actually restore something, He prefers to destroy it completely and make a new one. Destruction of a planet and creation of a new one (one that is habitable yet does not have any seas) might seem impossible from our point of view, but (as the Book of Genesis teaches us) God can certainly do it within a few days.

I hope that was helpful, dear.

[Alan Swallows Waiting for Email Confirmation]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings again Alan,
The following passage does not teach that Jesus is going to burn up the earth when he returns. It speaks of refreshing and restoration. ...It appears that you do not believe in the Millenium.

Trevor, Trevor, Trevor. You're doing it again. You're elevating some parts of Scripture over others, and when you do this, you make the Bible look like it's contradicting itself.

Now of course I believe in the Millennium. It's in the Bible. But the Bible also teaches Jesus is reigning now on David's throne. I already quoted the relevant passages, so I won't quote them again.

No reference book I know of can explain how Jesus will reign on the earth after He has destroyed it by fire. So you're stuck. You need the Holy Spirit to understand it, but He seems to be busy hiding the truth from you at the moment.

Second Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

[Grandma]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings “Grandma” and Mary, and Greetings again Alan (two Posts)

Not sure if you were a bit tipsy when you wrote this Post. You seem to get Austria and Australia mixed, and then you gave a picture of the New Zealand flag. BTW NZ is in the process of changing their flag, but they will still remain in the British Commonwealth of nations.

No! I do not fall for liebral Ozzy lies! I am far older than you! As I am older, you shall respect me! As a mean ancient grandma, I know my facts.

I've never heard of this Jew Zealand. Is this some fantasy land you were lied to about in public Godless school?

And it seems you're a mongoloid. You don't even know about your own country! You're going to go to hell, retard.
Romans 1:19-21 “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

I will teach you about your country which you don't know anything about.

Austria is a country located near Chinka.
Austria is located here:


This is Austria's flag:

[TrevorL]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings again Alan,

Wrong again! Jesus has been sitting on David's throne ever since He rose from the dead.
Jesus won't begin to rule when He returns. When He returns He will hand over the kingdom He has already been ruling to the Father.
How can David's throne last forever if it's in Jerusalem, which will be destroyed by fire with the rest of the world when Jesus comes back?

The following passage does not teach that Jesus is going to burn up the earth when he returns. It speaks of refreshing and restoration.
Acts 3:19-21 (KJV): 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
It appears that you do not believe in the Millenium.

I'm encouraged to see you crying out to God so earnestly. If there is anyone who can open your eyes and soften your heart to the truth, it's the God who hardened your heart and blinded you to the truth in the first place. God can deceive you, but He is also the only one who can reveal to you the truth. Trust in Him!

I added this quotation to counteract the imputation by the addition of Psalm 38:5 by someone with Administrative Ability. I discussed these additions in one Post and discussed Psalm 38 and its context. Yes, I can align some of my thoughts with the experience of David, but he and especially Jesus are the greater examples in this.

Kind regards
Trevor

Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

[Alan Swallows Waiting for Email Confirmation]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

This prompted the thought, that if you dislike using reference books, how would you understand some of the Biblical names that have a specific meaning in Hebrew, but are not translated for us?

When it's important, the Bible translates it for us.

Number 11:34 And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.

But I am condemned by this forum, while you and others are elevated, but I am reminded of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Yeah, you remind of the rich man in the parable too. You'd better hear Moses and the prophets before it's too late (Luke 16:31).

I disagree strongly that Jesus is now sitting on the Throne of David. God’s throne is in heaven, David’s throne was in Jerusalem and is to be restored again at Christ’s coming.

Wrong again! Jesus has been sitting on David's throne ever since He rose from the dead.

Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Jesus won't begin to rule when He returns. When He returns He will hand over the kingdom He has already been ruling to the Father.

First Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
First Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
First Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
First Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
First Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

David's throne will endure forever. As Nathan promised David:

Second Samuel 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

How can David's throne last forever if it's in Jerusalem, which will be destroyed by fire with the rest of the world when Jesus comes back?

Second Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

I'm encouraged to see you crying out to God so earnestly. If there is anyone who can open your eyes and soften your heart to the truth, it's the God who hardened your heart and blinded you to the truth in the first place. God can deceive you, but He is also the only one who can reveal to you the truth. Trust in Him!

[TrevorL]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Psalm 72 - The Coming New World Order Soon to be Established on Earth

Psalm 72 (KJV - with headings added)
A Psalm for Solomon

The King's Son
1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

The Blessings of His Reign
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

A World-Wide Kingdom
8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

The Nations Pay Homage
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.

The Earth Bountiful
16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

The Whole World Filled with His Glory
18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

This final public prayer of David, although addressed to Solomon, looks beyond his time to the greater son of David, Jesus Christ, who will return to establish his kingdom on earth, replacing the present kingdoms of men Daniel 2:44.

Luke records the words that Gabriel spoke to Mary concerning Jesus' future rule
Luke 1:32-33 (KJV): 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Jesus will reign over the "house of Jacob" when he returns and "turns away ungodliness from Jacob" Romans 11:26.

The promises made to David concerning his son and David's throne are recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. They state also that God would be his Father, and this is shown in its fulfillment in Luke 1:35, Jesus is the Son of God. This is the qualification for Jesus to be heir over God's dominion, God's kingdom, not only because he is God's Son by birth, but also he revealed all the qualities of God's wisdom and love during his ministry, suffering and crucifixion. These qualities now coupled with all that he has received in his resurrection and exaltation are what is needed to fulfil Psalm 72 in the Coming New World Order Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:6, Isaiah 2:1-4, 6:1-7, Matthew 11:25-30, 21:37-38, 42-44, Acts 3:19-21.

Kind regards
Trevor

Acts 3:19-21 (KJV): 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

[TrevorL]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings again Alan,

It's Swallows, not Sparrows, if you don't mind

I apologise. I was placing my mouse over the rectangles, but did not copy your name correctly. This prompted the thought, that if you dislike using reference books, how would you understand some of the Biblical names that have a specific meaning in Hebrew, but are not translated for us? Also Psalm 110:1(KJV) distinguishes two different Hebrew words, printing the Name of God as LORD, and David’s Lord as Lord. Do you accept this distinction or consider these as only the English word “Lord”? You are now accredited with four years of Bible College, but surely part of the studies involved using reference books.

I don't understand your obsession over where we'll all sit in the heavenly kingdom.

But I am condemned by this forum, while you and others are elevated, but I am reminded of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne...
Jesus' throne is His Father's throne.
Revelation 3:21 cont'd: ...even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Jesus' throne is also at the right hand of the Father.
Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Jesus' throne is David's throne.
Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Okay, we get it! Will you drop it now? Do you always take everything so seriously? Talk about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel! You should be more worried about where you'll be when we're all physically sitting on the great throne we're already spiritually sitting on.

At first you are saying Jesus is sitting already on David’s throne and then after Matthew 19:28 you seem to be half agreeing with me. I disagree strongly that Jesus is now sitting on the Throne of David. God’s throne is in heaven, David’s throne was in Jerusalem and is to be restored again at Christ’s coming.

The apostles preached the gospel concerning the things of the kingdom and the name Acts 8:5,12, and as such the subject is important, part of the heart of the apostolic gospel. This is one area that was corrupted after the time of the Apostles and some of the false traditions of the Apostate Church are maintained today.

You quoted to me in an earlier Post 2 Timothy 4:3
2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV): For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

But what you seem to be teaching, and also what most of the modern Churches teach, ignores the clear teaching and hope of Paul that is taught on either side of this passage.
2 Timothy 4:1,7-8 (KJV): 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
This was the focus of Paul’s expectations, the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth and his participation in this at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is a sample of Peter’s preaching:
Acts 3:19-21 (KJV): 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Peter directs our attention to the return of Jesus and what will then be accomplished upon the earth, and he states that this is the subject matter spoken by all God’s holy prophets.

Perhaps the clearest outline of the sequence is given in Daniel 2 which depicts four successive world empires, and the fourth then breaking up into weak and strong nations. It is at this time the kingdoms of men are replaced by the kingdom of God, and fills the whole earth.
Daniel 2:35 (KJV): Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Daniel 2:44 (KJV): And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

There are many other prophecies that could be quoted. I have already mentioned Isaiah 2:1-4 which is the major opening vision of the book of Isaiah, and many other parts of Isaiah and other prophets in effect fill out the detail of the fulfillment of this vision. Acts 3:19-21 mentions “times of refreshing” and Psalm 72 and Isaiah 35 could be considered.

Kind regards
Trevor

Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

[Alan Swallows Waiting for Email Confirmation]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

My understanding is that Revelation 3:21 is talking concerning when Jesus returns to sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem during the 1000 years....

I notice now the forum agrees with your view, because your status has now changed in the last few days from “Alan Sparrows is a True Christian™” to “Alan Sparrows is veritably a saint destined for a place in heaven near Jesus’ right hand”. This must give you a warm feeling, but despite your rapid progress in elevation and recognition you do not match the status of the other three forum members that you quoted.

It's Swallows, not Sparrows, if you don't mind, and I don't understand your obsession over where we'll all sit in the heavenly kingdom.

As I understand it, "X is a True Christian™/ veritably a saint/ will sit at the right hand of Jesus" reflects someone's reputation level. If you hover over someone's rep bar on a secular forum you might find a comment like "X has a reputation beyond repute."

But why would I or Pastor Ezekiel or Brother Elmer or Bathfire be satisfied with a place at Jesus' right hand when we can all sit with Him on His throne?

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne...

Jesus' throne is His Father's throne.

Revelation 3:21 cont'd: ...even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Jesus' throne is also at the right hand of the Father.

Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Jesus' throne is David's throne.

Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

We're already sitting with Jesus.

Ephesians 2:5-6: 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; ) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heaven places in Christ Jesus.

To sum up, Jesus promised every Christian is sitting/ will sit with Him, King David and God the Father on their throne at the right hand of the Father -- every Christian, that is, except for the apostles, who will have their own thrones.

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Okay, we get it! Will you drop it now? Do you always take everything so seriously? Talk about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel! You should be more worried about where you'll be when we're all physically sitting on the great throne we're already spiritually sitting on.

I will be happy to await Jesus’ verdict on this, not the estimation of a few members of this forum.

The judgement of a few Christians matters a great deal.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

First Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
First Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
First Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

[TrevorL]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings “Grandma” and Mary, and Greetings again Alan (two Posts)

You same you've come from AUSTRIA? Oh dear. Perhaps if you read our many tips here you can be rehabilitated! Why do you need to be rehabilitated you say?

God hates Austria!

Why, they even have the flag of the Brits in it!

Not sure if you were a bit tipsy when you wrote this Post. You seem to get Austria and Australia mixed, and then you gave a picture of the New Zealand flag. BTW NZ is in the process of changing their flag, but they will still remain in the British Commonwealth of nations.

Trevor, I like you, but I would encourage you to stop the whining. It's not very masculine behavior.

I appreciate the advice and will attempt to be more positive, but I still feel the need to state what I find inappropriate or wrong.

Jesus may not have had the authority to promise a place at His right hand, which it seems can only be occupied by one person. However, He does have the authority to promise a place on His own/ His Father's throne, which has enough sitting room for Jesus, His Father, and every True Christian™ who has ever lived. I'm sure it will be quite cozy.

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

My understanding is that Revelation 3:21 is talking concerning when Jesus returns to sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem during the 1000 years.

Matthew 19:28 (KJV): And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 1:30-32 (KJV): 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Psalm 110:1 (KJV): The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Isaiah 2:1-4 (KJV): 1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

I notice now the forum agrees with your view, because your status has now changed in the last few days from “Alan Sparrows is a True Christian™” to “Alan Sparrows is veritably a saint destined for a place in heaven near Jesus’ right hand”. This must give you a warm feeling, but despite your rapid progress in elevation and recognition you do not match the status of the other three forum members that you quoted. Also please explain True Christian™, which you have now used. Can you trade mark and market the expression "True Christian"? Are you blokes "fair dinkum" – you may need an Austrian, rather Australian Dictionary to find this expression.

How do you know you're really saved, Trevor? How do you know you're not deceived?

I will be happy to await Jesus’ verdict on this, not the estimation of a few members of this forum.

Kind regards
Trevor

Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV): Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.


Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

[Alan Swallows Waiting for Email Confirmation]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

We may give every appearance of going in the way of God, but God knows our heart, he knows what choice we have made:
Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV): The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

How do you know you're really saved, Trevor? How do you know you're not deceived?

Matthew 7:21-23: 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Second Thessalonians 2:11-12: 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

[TrevorL]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

A Few Thoughts on Psalm 1

After reading through the OT once and the NT twice over three years I have started again reading the OT again from Psalm 1. This is an impressive Psalm and is an introduction to the Book of Psalms. Two sets of people and two ways are revealed, summed up in the last verse the way of the ungodly and the way of the righteous. The righteous are introduced in the first phrase, in the singular: “Blessed is the man”. Ultimately this one man is the Lord Jesus Christ.

At first his qualities are described by what he is not. The Psalmist gives us three poetic parallels, and each appears to be a decline on the next. If these are lined up, each of three phrases seem to be progressively worse:
Psalm 1:1 (KJV): Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Thus the Psalmist by this method also introduces to us the ungodly, sinners and the scornful.

And this is contrasted with what the blessed man is:
Psalm 1:2 (KJV): But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Two key words are introduced, “delight” and “meditate”. Both of these qualities are not natural to man, but need to be firstly chosen, then cultivated and allowed to grow. The whole purpose of the Book of Psalms could be summarised in these two words and this Book of Psalms and the whole counsel of God is designed to develop this “delight” and a mind that “meditates” upon the word.

The end results of these two classes of people are clearly depicted. The wicked or ungodly will become like chaff that the wind drives away, while the righteous will become like trees planted by rivers or streams of water bringing forth fruit.

The parallelism of verse 6 is condensed, and the following is required to complete the parallelism:
For the LORD knoweth (or regards) the way of the righteous and they shall live:
but God does not give regard to the way of the ungodly and they shall perish

It appears that Jeremiah meditated upon this Psalm, and applied it to his own circumstances. He expands this Psalm and gives more detail to the difficult times and trials in a figure of drought:
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (KJV): 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah also gives the contrast as revealed in Psalm 1:
Jeremiah 17:5-6 (KJV): 5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

We may give every appearance of going in the way of God, but God knows our heart, he knows what choice we have made:
Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV): The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Kind regards
Trevor


Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

[Alan Swallows Waiting for Email Confirmation]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

On the other hand three respondents to this thread have almost been rewarded already:
“Pastor Ezekiel will sit at the right hand of Jesus Himself come the glory!”
“Ezekiel Bathfire will sit at the right hand of Jesus Himself come the glory!”
“Elmer G. White will sit at the right hand of Jesus Himself come the glory!”

James and John also sought the seats of honour:
Matthew 20:20-23 (KJV): 20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Perhaps this is why Jesus was not able to divulge what Apostle was to sit at his right hand at the time, because there would arise in the Latter Days at least three more claimants to the right-hand position, Pastor Ezekiel, Ezekiel Bathfire and Elmer G. White. At least James and John agreed to defer to each other, and reluctantly accept the left-hand side, but each of you are demanding the right-hand side.

But Jesus has rebuked each of you already in his parable...

Jesus may not have had the authority to promise a place at His right hand, which it seems can only be occupied by one person. However, He does have the authority to promise a place on His own/ His Father's throne, which has enough sitting room for Jesus, His Father, and every True Christian™ who has ever lived. I'm sure it will be quite cozy.

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

My Bible reading this morning was Psalm 11 and it speaks of the opposition that David and Jesus faced, but I was comforted by that reading.

My goodness! You're comparing yourself to the likes of King David and King Jesus now. Arrogant, much?

You know, it doesn't count as persecution if you bring hardship on yourself through your own foolishness.

First Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Trevor, I like you, but I would encourage you to stop the whining. It's not very masculine behavior.

Just saying.

[Grandma]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

You same you've come from AUSTRIA? Oh dear. Perhaps if you read our many tips here you can be rehabilitated! Why do you need to be rehabilitated you say?

God hates Austria!

Why, they even have the flag of the Brits in it!

Since the 1970s, many laws have been passed in Ausralia to make it okay to be a homer! Also since the 1970s, the Austrian government has stopped stealing the children of aboriginal Hamites! They have encouraged the abos to go to the big cities and leech the welfare off of hard-working whites, His chosen people!

40% of marriages in Australia end in divorce!
De 22:22 If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

[TrevorL]

Re: Greetings from Ausralia

Greetings again “BrotherLarry”,

One simply does NOT doubt the superlative faith and devotion of Ezekiel Flint, good sir. Not only does he represent Landover Baptist Church, he represents CHRIST HIMSELF. There is no truer Christian. There will never be a truer Christian. I pictured the angels in Glory gasping as they read what you spewed onto these venerable pages. No doubt the Archangel Michael was held back by Jesus Himself from trampling on you. (You don't want Michael to trample you!)

If this is what you learn in Ausria, then may I never step foot there. I have put a purple highlight over your name in my prayer list as being one of those least likely to find Salvation®, but perhaps through the loving and tender ministry of Landover you might still find Christ's forgiveness.

If you are serious then I am really concerned. BTW we went through the “Austria” episode, but you still persist and used it in you two Posts. Does Landover Baptist Church have the exclusive marketing rights to such expressions as True Christ™ and Salvation®.

I find that my avatar has now been changed by someone with Administrative Ability, and the picture is at least human, though perhaps chosen to discredit me. This latest avatar is different to the one that I submitted originally, and also different to the one I attempted to add yesterday.

Kind regards
Trevor

Psalm 15 (KJV – arranged in poetic parallelism):
A Psalm of David.
1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly,
and worketh righteousness,
and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue,
nor doeth evil to his neighbour,
nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned;
but he honoureth them that fear the LORD.
He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury,
nor taketh reward against the innocent.
He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 38:15, 21-22 (KJV): 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.