820 responses to “The Mark Of The Beast, The Coming Of The Anti-Christ,The Dead Sea Scrolls”

1. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 11:45 am

   
   

   THE DAY OF THE LORD (part 2)

   The following are some important features about “the day of the Lord” that must be appreciated. These are that:

   1. It includes a time of great judgment and wrath on all the nations and on Israel (Isaiah. 2:12-21; 13:9-16; 34:1-8; Joel. 1:15-2:11, 28-32; 3:9-12; Amos 5:18-20; Obadiah 15-17; Zephaniah. 1:7-18).

   2. It is associated with the overthrow of God’s enemies (Isaiah. 2:12).

   3. It is God’s instrument of wrath to purge out the rebels from Israel and results in Israel’s return to the Lord (Ezekiel 20:33-39).

   4. While it begins with judgment to defeat the enemies of God, it ushers in a time of great blessing called the millennium in which Christ will reign with the church, the body of Christ (Zephanah1:7-18; 3:14-17). “The significant truth revealed here is that the day of the Lord which first inflicts terrible judgments ends with an extended period of blessing on Israel, which will be fulfilled in the millennial kingdom. Based on Old Testament revelation, the day of the Lord is a time of judgment, culminating in the second coming of Christ, and followed by a time of special divine blessing to be fulfilled in the millennial kingdom.

   5. The day of the Lord is also known by the terms “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7) and “Daniel’s seventieth week” (Daniel. 9:24-29). Many other students of prophecy refer to this time as the Tribulation (see Matthew 24:9, 21, 29; Mark 13:19, 24; Revelation 7:14). The chief passage on the many characteristics and events of this time is Revelation 6-19.

   What is clear, is that in the many passages that refer to the day of the Lord that they all agree that in the time when men are proclaiming peace, but preparing for war; in a time when they are holding to a form of godliness but denying the powers thereof; in a time when they are declaring that the problems of life are being solved, then when actually they are in greater danger than they have ever been before, then the day of the Lord will come.
   There are people who wrongly associate the expression “the Lord’s day” with Sunday or even with the Sabbath. Nowhere in the Bible is Sunday described as “the day of the Lord,” but always as “the first day of the week.” (cf. Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). “We must recognize there is a great deal of difference between the day of the Lord and the Lord’s day. Sunday is the Lord’s day, for it was the day when our Lord arose from the dead. But the day of the Lord is the day of the manifestation of God’s hand directly in human affairs. At the present hour even though God is working through the events of history bringing about overthrows, uprisings, and calamities as well as periods of prosperity and blessing, nevertheless His hand is hidden in the glove of history. But all the writers of Scripture agree that a day is coming when God will intervene directly in the affairs of men again.”

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2. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 11:48 am

   
   

   THE DAY OF THE LORD (part 3)

   Let us here recall why there is a need for a future day of the Lord occur? After God created man, He gave him dominion over everything on the earth (Gen. 1:26,28; Psalm 8:3-9), intending that man should serve as his representative to administer God’s rule over the earthly province of His universal domain.

   In other words, God designed the government of the earth to be a theocracy, a form of government in which God is the sovereign ruler of the earth, but His rule is administered through Adam, a human representative.

   However, when God’s enemy, Satan, convinced the first Adam to rebel against God and His rule, God’s theocratic kingdom rule over the world system was lost (Genesis 3).

   Through Adam’s rebellion, Satan usurped the rule of the world system away from God (Luke. 4:5-6; John. 14:30; 1 John. 5:19).

   Since that time, Satan and rebellious man have been dominating the world system according to their own thoughts and ways (Isaiah. 55:7-9). In other words, Satan and man have been having their day in the world.

   During their day, they try to establish and assert their own sovereignty and deity. But God’s purpose for world history is to glorify Himself by demonstrating that He alone is the sovereign God.

   In order to accomplish this purpose, God has determined to have His day in the world in the end times of world history (Isaiah. 2:10-22). Several times in the past, God broke into the day of Satan and rebellious man with the interventions, or Days of the Lord, that were noted earlier. He did this for several reasons: to accomplish an immediate divine purpose (namely, the disruption, frustration, or destruction of some plan, purpose, or accomplishment of Satan and man), to graphically remind Satan and man that God is still the ultimate sovereign over the earth and universe, and to give Satan and man a foretaste or forewarning of the ultimate Day of the Lord that will come at the end of world history.

   Proper perusal of the Scriptures indicate that there were several past Days of the Lord in which God exercised and demonstrated His sovereign judgment on the nations.

   For example, He raised up Assyria to judge the northern kingdom of Israel during the 7th century B.C. (Amos 5:18,20), Babylon to judge the southern kingdom of Judah during the 6th and 5th century B.C. (Lamentations 1:12; 2:1,21-22; Ezekiel. 7:19; 13:5; Zechariah 1:7-13; 2:2-3), Babylon to judge Egypt and its allies during the 5th century B.C. (Jeremiah. 46:10; Ezekiel. 30:3), and Medo-Persia to judge Babylon during the 5th century B.C. (Isaiah. 13:6,9).

   It can thus be seen that in the past Days of the Lord, God used His direct, miraculous works as well as human instruments and human activity through war to execute His purpose against His enemies.

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3. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 11:51 am

   
   

   THE DAY OF THE LORD (part 4)

   The Scriptures indicate that the concept of the Day of the Lord is also applicable to the future and that the future Day of the Lord will be far more significant than those of the past. God will in that time intervene to restore and exercise His theocratic kingdom rule over the world through the last Adam, Jesus Christ as taught in Zechariah. 14:1-9; 1Corinthians 15:45,47; Revelation 20:1-6. For example, Isaiah 2:10-22 describes a Day of the Lord that will involve the sixth seal which occurs during the future 70th week of Daniel 9, as described by the Apostle John in Revelation 6:12-17.
   Both Isaiah 34:1-8 and Obadiah 15 describe a future Day of the Lord when God will judge all the nations, or Gentiles, of the world. Since none of the past Days of the Lord referred to earlier have so far involved divine judgment of all the nations, it is clear that Isaiah 34 and Obadiah refer to the future. Joel 3:1-16 and Zechariah 14:1-3, 12-15 also refer to a future Day of the Lord that will involve God’s judgment of the armies of all the nations of the world, when those armies are gathered in Israel to wage war against that nation and the city of Jerusalem and when the Messiah will come to war against them. According to Revelation 16.12-16, those armies will gather when the sixth vial or bowl is poured out during the 70th week of Daniel 9. In addition, Revelation 19:11-21 teaches that at this time Christ will wage war against them when he comes from Heaven in His glorious Second Coming.
   In I Thessalonians 5:2 the Apostle Paul taught that there would be in the future a Day of the Lord that bring sudden, inescapable destruction on the unsaved of the world. This has clearly not yet come to pass.
   Just as in the days of the Lord that are past, God intervened into the course of world events to judge His enemies, accomplish His purpose for world history, and thereby demonstrate that He is – the sovereign Cod of the universe, in the future Day of the Lord, He will do the same- but with one exception. This will be the final day of the Lord.
   In the present day, Satan and rebellious man exert a rule over the world system that is characterized by darkness only, (Ephesians. 6:12; Col. 1:13). In the future Day of the Lord, God will establish control over His rule over the entire world system during the Millennium in visible form. He will thereby fully demonstrate who He is – the sovereign God of the universe (Exodus 15:11). It is noteworthy that the day of the Lord will have a period of darkness in which sin will be judged and a period of light only, in keeping with God’s characteristic of light and in whom there is no darkness at all (1 John. 1:5).
   The day of the Lord is a day of salvation and judgment, or a day of salvation through judgment. It involves two distinct aspects: judgment followed by blessing. Zephaniah 3 **clearly records these two distinct aspects of this awesome day, by revealing that after Israel repents and returns to the Lord, they will be restored under the righteous rule of Messiah. It is imperative to understand this concept of the dual nature of the future Day of the Lord, for a perfect interpretation of the related Scriptures about this doctrine.
   To illustrate, just as from the time of creation a day consisted of two phases – a time of darkness (“evening”) followed by a time of light (“day,” Gen. 1:4-5) – so the future Day of the Lord will consist of two phases – a period of darkness with judgment followed by a period of light with the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises of his sovereign rule and blessing.
   The first phase will be a period of unprecedented, concentrated judgment involving the 70th week of Daniel 9 and the Second Coming of Christ. In this phase, God, who throughout most of history has permitted Satan and rebellious man to have their day, will suddenly intervene to destroy the rule of Satan and man over the world system, to evict them from the earth, and thereby to end their day in the world (Isaiah. 42:13-14; Rev. 6-19). This phase will be characterized by darkness and an intense outpouring of God’s wrath.
   The second phase will be a period of divine dominion over the world system. In this phase, God will intervene to restore and exercise His theocratic kingdom rule over the world through the last Adam, Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14:1-9; 1Corinthians 15:45,47; Revelation 20:1-6). This phase will be characterized by light and an outpouring of God’s blessing.

   The phase of judgment will be highlighted by darkness and a tremendous outpouring of divine wrath on the world during the 70th week of Daniel 9. (Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-2a; Zechariah. 1:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Rev 19). Amos 5:18-20 emphasizes that this will be the total nature of the Day of the Lord for God’s enemies. That day will bring no divine light or blessing to them.
   In contrast, the phase of blessing will also be characterized by light, an outpouring of divine blessing, and the administration of God’s rule. Joel, after talking about the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars and God’s future Day of the Lord judgment of the armies of the nations that have gathered in Israel (3:9-16), then foretold great divine blessing “in that day” (vv.17-21). Zechariah concurs by teaching that the future Day of the Lord would be one when all nations will wage war against Jerusalem and the Messiah will come to earth to fight against the nations (14:1-5). Zechariah also indicated that, although the earlier part of “that day” will be characterized by darkness, the latter part will be characterized by light (vv.6-7), great blessing (v.8), and God’s rule over all the earth (v.9). This time of light, divine blessing, and God’s rule will be the norm in the Day.
   The several warnings about the judgments of the Lord on that day have been recorded so that people should not lightly brush them aside and disregard them. The global extent of the destruction and the reason for these judgments, namely, an excessively wicked generation of people like that in the days of Noah and Lot, is certainly repeated time and again for emphasis. A word to the wise is enough! Knowledge about God’s end-time program, as well as the future expectation of the coming of the heavenly Bridegroom, is given as a strong incentive towards holy living and an unwavering commitment to Christ. Peter says: “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Pet. 3:11-12).

   To complete this discussion on the day of the Lord, the devoted student of the Word should in my view, summarize the major Scriptures on this topic, book by book

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4. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 11:53 am

   
   

   @Not Saved

   Re Georgie have you studied the Qur’an?

   No, I have not!

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5. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 1:13 pm

   
   

   Exegesis of Daniel 11 continued- part 3

   The great persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes 11:21-35

   God gave more information about the following individual than He did about all the preceding ones combined. The reason is his devastating influence on the Jews.

   During his tenure as king, Syria was in decline and Rome gained power.

   Antiochus IV corresponds to the little horn of chapter 8 (8:9-12, 23-25), and he foreshadows the little horn of
   chapter 7 (7:8).

   The earlier kings are described to provide a background for Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.), and he is given ample attention because he foreshadows Antichrist of the end times. The movement of the chapter is toward these two significant personages who dramatically affect the fate of the Jews.

   11:21 The Seleucid king who succeeded Seleucus IV was the younger son of Antiochus III, namely, Antiochus IV Epiphanes (“Illustrious One,” 175-164 B.C.). The throne rightly belonged to one of the sons of Seleucus IV, the former king and brother of Antiochus IV, but Antiochus IV seized it for himself and had himself proclaimed king.

   He persuaded the leaders of Syria to allow him to rule since Demetrius, the eldest son of Seleucus IV, was being held hostage in Rome. In this way, through intrigue, he secured the throne for himself.

   11:22 Antiochus IV was successful in battle against the Egyptians initially, which this verse describes as flooding away overwhelming forces opposed to him. The Egyptian king was now Ptolemy VI, whom Antiochus deceived and then defeated.

   It was Epiphanes’ policy to throw his intended victims off guard by offering them his friendship and alliance. Then he would maneuver for an advantageous position till he could catch them by surprise.

   Antiochus also swept away the Jewish high priest, Onias III, here called “the prince of the covenant,” about 172 B.C. Another view is that Ptolemy VI was “the prince of the covenant” since Antiochus later made a treaty with him. However the term “covenant” in this chapter seems to refer to the Jewish state (cf. vv. 28, 32).

   11:23 This verse probably refers to the alliance that Antiochus made with Ptolemy VI in 170 B.C. This treaty was part of a plot to advance his own power in Egypt by siding with Ptolemy VI and against his rival for the Egyptian throne.

   11:24 Antiochus craftily pillaged the treasures of his provinces, but not to grow rich himself as his predecessors had done. He used this wealth to bribe and influence other leaders to cooperate with his plans. In this way he enlarged his power base (cf. 1 Macc. 3:30).

   11:25 After Antiochus had grown strong enough, he marched his army against Ptolemy VI in 170 B.C. This was his first campaign against Egypt. He was able to get all the way to the Nile Delta before the Egyptians discovered that he was approaching. He exercised much influence over Egypt usually pretending to be an ally and then using this enemy for his own advantage.

   Notice how the text highlights Antiochus’ deceptiveness. We can see again how he was a forerunner of the future Antichrist.

   11:26 Those who ate Ptolemy’s choice food, those who should have supported him, plotted to destroy him. Eventually his army suffered defeat and many soldiers died.

   11:27 This battle was successful in part because Antiochus claimed to be fighting for Ptolemy against a usurper within Egypt. When the battle was over, Antiochus and Ptolemy sat down together at a banquet pretending to want peace. Really each king was trying to make the most of the situation for his own advantage.

   11:28 As a result of this “peace conference,” Antiochus returned home with much plunder. Then his interests turned from Egypt to Israel.

   A Jew named Jason wanted to be high priest. Knowing Antiochus’ reputation, Jason offered the king a bribe to depose the high priest, Onias III. Antiochus cooperated. This state of affairs encouraged another pretender to the high priesthood, Menelaus, to try the same tactic against Jason.

   Antiochus cooperated again. Onias, whom the Jews respected, objected and lost his life for doing so.

   Antiochus executed certain individuals for their alleged roles in these maneuverings. However, he did not punish Jason or Menelaus but the people of Jerusalem, again in
   response to bribes.

   After Jason attempted a coup de etat thinking that Antiochus was dead, Antiochus entered Jerusalem, slew 80,000 men, and, accompanied by Menelaus, desecrated the temple. This happened in 168 B.C.

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6. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 1:18 pm

   
   

   Exegesis of Daniel 11 continued- part 4

   11:29 In the same year, Antiochus decided to attack Egypt. When he arrived with his army, the Roman consul, Popillius Laenas, met him at Alexandria and forbade him to invade Egypt. Consequently he was not able to do what he wanted with Egypt as he had previously.

   11:30 The ships from Kittim (Cyprus) that came against him belonged to Popillius Laenas and Rome. Antiochus had to return home since to do otherwise would have meant declaring war on Rome, a foe he could not hope to defeat. He returned to Syria disappointed.

   Again he took out his frustration on the Jews in Jerusalem who observed the holy covenant (i.e., the Mosaic Law; cf. v. 28). He favored the renegade Jews who had abandoned the Mosaic Law (cf. 1 Macc. 2:18; 2 Macc. 6:1). Menelaus and his henchmen, for example, willingly abandoned their religious scruples rather than oppose Antiochus who had put them in power.

   11:31 Antiochus ordered his general, Apollonius, and a contingent of 22,000 soldiers into Jerusalem on what he claimed was a peaceful mission.

   However when they were inside the city, they attacked the Jews on a Sabbath, when the Jews were reluctant to exert themselves.

   Apollonius killed many Jews, took many Jewish women and children captive as slaves, plundered the temple, and burned the city. Antiochus’ objective was to exterminate Judaism and to Hellenize Palestine.

   Consequently he forbade the Jews to follow the Mosaic Law and did away with the Jewish sacrifices, festivals, and circumcision (1 Macc. 1:44-54).

   He even burned copies of their law. As a culminating measure, he installed an image of Zeus, his Greek god, in the temple and erected an altar to Zeus on the altar of burnt offerings (cf. 2 Macc. 6:2).452 Then he sacrificed a pig, an unclean animal to the Jews, on it. This happened on December 16, 168 B.C.

   The Jews referred to this act as “the abomination that caused desolation” (cf. 12:11) since it polluted their altar and made sacrifices to Yahweh on it impossible (cf. 8:23-25). Antiochus further ordered his Jewish subjects to celebrate his subsequent birthdays by offering a pig to Zeus on this altar.

   Jesus Christ indicated that another similar atrocity would befall the Jews in the future (Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14). He referred to it literally as “the abomination that causes desolation,” the exact words used in the Septuagint version of this verse. Thus Antiochus’ actions were a preview of similar atrocities that are yet to befall the Jews.

   The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 by the Roman general Titus has seemed to some interpreters to fulfill Jesus’ prediction.

   However, Titus did not treat the Jews as Antiochus did. Furthermore the Book of Revelation, which dates after the destruction of Jerusalem, predicts the coming of a “beast” who will behave as Antiochus did, only on a larger scale (Rev. 13).

   “Antiochus thus becomes a type of the future man of sin and his activities foreshadow the ultimate blasphemous persecution of Israel and the desecration of their temple.”

   “Just as the Saviour had Solomon and the other saints as types of His advent, so also we should believe that the Antichrist very properly had as a type of himself the utterly wicked king, Antiochus, who persecuted the saints and defiled the Temple.

   11:32 Antiochus deceived many Jews with his flattery and promises (cf. 1 Macc.1:11-15). They participated in the worship of Zeus.

   This most repulsive of all insults to the Jews precipitated the Maccabean revolt in which thousands of Jews rebelled against Antiochus.

   Initiated by a priest named Mattathias from the town of Modein in Ephraim and led by three of his sons, Judas, Jonathan, and Simon (cf. 1 Macc. 2:23-28), this nationalistic movement eventually overthrew the Seleucids in Palestine. Judas Maccabeus slew Antiochus’ general, Apollonius, in battle, and later he and his brothers achieved many important victories that freed the Jews.

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7. 

   Georgie Porgie

   July 3, 2009 at 1:23 pm

   
   

   Exegesis of Daniel 11 continued- part 5

   11:33 Antiochus’ persecutions gave impetus to the Chassidim (“the godly, pious,
   loyal ones”) movement that was already underway in Israel. The
   Chassidim advocated strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions
   of Judaism.

   The Maccabean revolt likewise fueled this movement since it was a political and military manifestation of the Chassidim conservative philosophy. The Chassidim movement really resulted in the spiritual survival of Israel until Jesus’ time. Some of the Chassidim became the sect of the Pharisees (“separated ones”), which appears in the Gospels.

   Later a smaller group of Chassidim became the isolationist Essene community that lived at Qumran beside the Dead Sea. The Essenes repudiated the rationalism of the Sadducees and the materialism of the Pharisees. All these groups had their roots in “the people who know their God” (v. 32).

   Antiochus retaliated with brutal force and killed tens of thousands of Israelites during the few years that followed his desecration of the temple. He died insane in Persia in 163 B.C.
   11:34 The godly in Israel received little encouragement from their apostate pro-
   Hellenistic brethren at first. Even the Maccabean revolt started out small. As time went by and the Maccabees’ effectiveness became apparent, more Jews joined their numbers, but many of them did so without abandoning their pro-Hellenistic convictions. They hypocritically joined the nationalists. Eventually the Maccabees had to purge their own ranks. They executed many of their fellow Jews.

   11:35 Even though many godly Jews died, the struggle against the Syrians (Greeks) purified the Jews. John Hyrcanus, the son of Simon Maccabeus, eventually founded a strong Jewish kingdom. His son, Alexander Jannaeus, enlarged it to its fullest extent in the last part of the first century B.C.

   Daniel received assurance that the predicted persecution would run its course and end. The purification of his people came eventually, though not completely, through the turmoil just described. There would be a final end later.

   Mention of “the end time” (v. 35) prepares for the revelation to follow, which concerns
   events not yet fulfilled in history. “The appointed time” (vv. 27, 29, 35; 12:7) reminds the
   reader that all these predicted events would be the outworking of divine control and
   purpose even though they would involve suffering for the Israelites.’’

   The amazingly detailed prophecies of the first thirty-five verses of this chapter, containing as they do approximately one hundred and thirty-five prophetic statements, all now fulfilled, constitute an impressive introduction to the events that are yet future, beginning in verse 36. . . .

   The fact is that there is no supported evidence which can contradict any statement made in these thirty-five verses. . . . From the divine viewpoint, the accuracy of this prophetic word is supporting evidence that prophecy yet unfulfilled will have the same precise fulfillment in the future.

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8. 

   Overseas Reader

   July 4, 2009 at 4:27 pm

   
   

   I have been following the various blogs on Biblical topics on this forum, and would like to take this opportunity to highly commend the writers Zoe & GP for their very high level of instruction, both for the content and the clarity.

   My wife and I have learned a great deal from the writings of these two persons, and we hope that they will not give up their good work in the face of all the unwarranted attacks they recieve.

   GP is wise not to respond and avoid strife. I just want you to know that people abroad are reading what you two are writing and are learning a lot from your writings. So please keep it up. Pleaase dont give up.

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9. 

   ROK

   July 4, 2009 at 6:44 pm

   
   

   @Overseas Reader

   Like you is another GP Creation.

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10. 

    Themis

    July 4, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    
    

    How can one be abroad in cyberspace? I ask again, has anyone ever seen GP, Thanatos, Zoe and now Overseas Reader together?

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11. 

    ROK

    July 4, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    
    

    @Themis

    Do you know any of them?

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12. 

    Themis

    July 4, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    
    

    @ROK,

    I suspect that I entered secondary school the year GP was leaving, but I know not the “others”. Anyway, apart from a few, including yourself, anonymity is the style of local blogs…myself included.

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13. 

    ROK

    July 4, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    
    

    @Themis

    Funny that you know GP and not the rest. You sure that they exist? Sorry, forgot. You have to believe blindly.

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14. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 4, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    
    

    JOHN 17:14 ET SECQUENDI

    14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

    15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

    16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

    17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

    18. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

    19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

    20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

    21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

    22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

    23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

    24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

    25. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

    26. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

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15. 

    Right On

    July 5, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    
    

    I know for sure, that they are at least two ‘Occultists’ on this blog, who vehemently hate the postings of GP and Zoe, active antagonist of God’s Word, the Bible.

    They can’t offer any senseable refutation at all, to the absolute truth of God’s Word. Only vague, abstract, tyical, Occultic nonsense!

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16. 

    Straight talk

    July 5, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    
    

    Definition : Occult

    # Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.
    # Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable.
    # Available only to the initiate; secret: occult lore. See synonyms at mysterious.
    # Hidden from view; concealed.

    Ring any bells to all on here?

    People in glass houses ……..

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17. 

    ROK

    July 5, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    
    

    @ Right On

    “I know for sure, that they are at least two ‘Occultists’ on this blog, who vehemently hate the postings of GP and Zoe, active antagonist of God’s Word, the Bible.”

    That is the problem with you christians. As soon as somebody has an alternative view, you get into a hate mode. “Antagonist of God’s Word?”

    I think you christians are spiritual terrorists… but in case you don’t understand what you just said, christianity is occult. You always trying to invoke your supernatural God and Jesus Christ; unless you think that your god is not supernatural but rather ordinary like us mortals????

    Be careful what you say.

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18. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 5, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    
    

    Exegesis of Daniel 11 continued- part 6

    In the revelation given to Daniel about the 70 sevens of years in Daniel 9:24-27), we observed that what Gabriel told the prophet in verses 24-26 has already happened. Those verses described what would happen in the first 69 sevens.

    Verse 27 predicts things that have not happened yet. It reveals what will happen in the seventieth seven. There is a similar break between verses 35 and 36 of chapter 11. What was predicted in verses 2-35 has happened. What follows in the rest of this chapter has not yet happened.

    No commentator claims to find precise fulfillment in the remainder of this chapter. Even liberal scholars, who believe that a second-century writer wrote the book as history rather than as prophecy, admit that all of what follows has had no literal fulfillment in the past.

    Although a few scholars, liberal and conservative, believe that Antiochus Epiphanes fulfilled some of these predictions, especially those in verses 36-39, I am not aware of anyone who believes that he fulfilled them all literally.

    In view of later revelation, in the Olivet Discourse and in the Book of Revelation
    particularly, what the angel told Daniel in these verses must refer to the last one of Daniel’s seventy weeks. This is the last seven-year period before Jesus Christ returns to the earth to establish His kingdom. Jesus called the end of it a time of great tribulation (Matt. 24:21), and Daniel’s angel called it the worst period of distress that the Jews have ever seen (12:1; cf. Jer. 30:7).

    Therefore it seems reasonable to conclude that what follows will occur in that seven-year period, the Tribulation.

    In other words there are some awful times up ahead for the Jews or Israel up ahead. That we are on the brink of such events ought to be apparent to all, by now!

    The paragraph Daniel 11:36-39 speaks of a coming unpleasant ruler

    11:36 “Then” signals a leap in time to the distant future, as the context indicates.

    The predicted king will have the power to do as he pleases; apparently he will not be subject to a higher human authority (cf. 7:23; Rev. 13:1-10; 17:12).

    He will exalt himself higher than any other god implying that he will demand worship (cf. 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:11-18; 17:12-13).

    He will also repudiate the true God (cf. 7:25; Rev. 17:14). He will prosper for a
    time, until God’s indignation against His people the Jews has run its course
    (cf. 8:19; Isa. 10:25; 26:20; Rev. 17:15-17). All of this will happen under
    the sovereign authority of God, however.

    11:37 This verse gives more information about the ruler’s religious convictions. The phrase “the God of his fathers” is similar to one that occurs elsewhere in Scripture describing the God of the Jews (cf. 2:23; Exod. 3:15-16; 4:5; et al.).

    This has led some interpreters to conclude that this king will be a Jew. However the phrase does not require this interpretation because the word “God” is “Elohim,” the general word for God rather than the covenant name “Yahweh” that God often used when stressing His relationship to
    His chosen people.

    This word can have a plural translation (gods) or a singular one (God). Moreover in the light of other revelation about this man, he seems to be a Roman (7:8, 24; Rev. 13:1-10). Of course, he could be a Jewish Roman, but the description of him in this verse does not identify him clearly as a Jew.

    Probably the angel meant that this king will abandon the religion in his past whatever that religion may have been. He will do this because he will set himself up as the object of worship in place of all gods.

    The identity of “the desire of women” is also problematic. It may be a reference to the Messiah, since supposedly the supreme desire of every godly Jewish woman in Daniel’s day was that she bear the Messiah.

    Another view is that the reference is to Tammuz (Adonis), a pagan goddess in Daniel’s day that women found very attractive. Others believe that the meaning is that this king will have no desire for women. Some even
    speculate that he will be abusive toward women. In other words, he will be devoid of natural affection. I tend to favor this third view.

    11:38 What this king will really trust in is a “god” who he believes can give him military success. Evidently this is not a god in the religious sense. He will probably idolize power. His forefathers typically acknowledged some supreme being or some pagan god or gods. He will honor his “god” by spending money to build his military arsenal. In other words, he will be a materialist.

    11:39 The foreign god referred to in this verse may be the god of military might mentioned in verse 38.

    Alternatively it may be some other foreign god that he uses for his own ends, or it may even be himself. As Antiochus before him, this ruler will reward those who are loyal to him and support him by bestowing honors and positions of authority on them.

    Perhaps he will also take bribes, as Antiochus did, and give land to those who pay him off. Another possibility is that he will reward with lands those who are faithful to him.

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19. 

    ROK

    July 5, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    
    

    @ Straight Talk

    Right on.

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20. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 5, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    
    

    Exegesis of Daniel 11 continued- part 7

    The attack against the ruler 11:40-45

    11:40 Finally the very end time of the seventieth week will arrive (cf. vv. 27, 35; 12:4, 9). Then this king will be the focus of attack by the king of the South (cf. vv. 42-43), a power south of Palestine, and the king of the North, a force to its north. Evidently they will attack him simultaneously.

    Apparently this king is neither the king of the South nor the king of the North himself. In view of 9:26, he will probably be a western ruler, the little horn arising out of the Roman Empire (i.e., Antichrist; 7:8, 24). The conflict will be great, but he, apparently the ruler described in verses 36-39 (Antichrist), will invade many countries, overwhelm them, and pass on to conquer others. The Nazis were able to do this early in World War II, and Antichrist will do it again very soon!
    .
    Although presumably the warfare will be carried on by armored vehicles and missiles such as are used in modern warfare—in order to communicate with Daniel’s generation, ancient equivalents of these are used here. Likewise, the ancient names of the countries or states occupying the region where the final conflict will be carried on are used in the prediction, though most of those political units will no longer bear these names in the last days.

    Ezekiel described a great military force descending on Israel from the far north in the future (Ezek. 38—39; 38:15). Ezekiel did not mention a power from the South. Part of the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy is probably the same invasion Daniel recorded here. This aspect of the fulfillment will probably occur in the second half of the Tribulation, when Israel is suffering intense persecution. (In the first half they will be enjoying a false peace1)

    11:41 The Antichrist will also enter Palestine (cf. 8:9), and many there will fall before his forces. He will also defeat other countries in addition to Israel. He will probably enter Palestine after he breaks his covenant with Israel, which would confirm that these events will happen in the last half of the Tribulation.

    There will be a few areas that he does not overpower, however, namely, those in the former territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. These nations were to the east and south of Israel. Today Jordan occupies this region. The “foremost” of the sons of Ammon probably refers to the best part.

    11:42-43 This ruler will then press his attack against other countries, particularly Egypt. It will fall to his control. He will plunder the treasures of Egypt and will bring those living in the ancient territories of Libya and Ethiopia under his control. Libya lay to the west of Egypt and Ethiopia to its south.

    11:44-45 Rumors of enemy armies from the East (cf. Rev. 9:13-21; 16:12) and from the North (cf. v. 40) will cause him to kill more people (cf. Zech. 13:8). He will also return to Palestine. His headquarters there will evidently be in Jerusalem. This city stands between the Mediterranean and Dead Seas.

    The NIV translation “at the beautiful holy mountain” confirms this location since Jerusalem stands on Mt. Moriah. It is evidently there that he will meet his match and suffer defeat.

    Later revelation says that Jesus Christ will return from heaven and destroy him (Rev. 19:19-20; cf. Zech. 14:1-4).

    One writer summarized the revelation about Antichrist in verses 36-45 as follows. He will act in self-will (v. 36), will exalt himself (v. 36), and will magnify himself above every god (v. 36). He will blaspheme the true God (v. 36), will prosper for a limited
    period of time (v. 36), and will be an irreligious person (v. 37). He will also place confidence in military might (vv. 38-39), his military might will be challenged (v. 40), and he will be initially victorious in battle (vv. 40-43).

    However, he will face renewed conflict (v. 44), will establish his headquarters in Jerusalem (v. 45), and will finally come to an end (v. 45).

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21. 

    ROK

    July 5, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    
    

    Really David,

    Free speech is one thing but what GP is doing goes beyond the scope of the blog. Are people reading him?

    It is really frustrating and a nuisance to be scrolling past such long posts. If he wants to teach scripture, he should open a school. He is just plain ridiculous… and it is all about posturing and showing off. All these people he say requesting him to do this and do that, he could send his garble directly to them.

    I have not seen anybody on this blog requesting the dissertations that he writing. He making up these requests as an excuse to jam the blog

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22. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 5, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    
    

    Exegesis of Daniel 12 part 1

    The deliverance of Israel 12:1-3

    In Daniel chapter 12, we learn that the “end time” will definitely be a time of intense persecution of Jews. This section constitutes the climax of this revelation (chs. 10—12) as well as the climax of the whole series of prophecies that this book records.

    It highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises to His chosen people Israel.

    12:1 At the time of the end (11:40), Michael, the angel responsible to protect Israel (cf. 10:13, 21), will arise in defense of this nation. This revelation focuses the reader’s attention again on the invisible and supernatural dimension to the events that will take place. “Now at that time” introduces additional information about this end time; it does not introduce am chronologically subsequent event.

    This period generally will be a time of extreme distress for the Jews, worse than any other time in their national history (cf. Deut. 4:30; Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:21; Rev. 6—19).

    The repetition of “your people” in this verse clearly identifies the Jews, not all believers. The Jews will be the focus of intense persecution, though many non-Jews will also suffer, and their land will become an international battlefield (cf. Matt. 24:22).

    Nevertheless all those Jews whose names are in “the book” will experience rescue (cf. 7:18, 27). This is not a promise of spiritual regeneration; that comes only by faith in Jesus Christ for Jews living then. Rather it is a promise of national deliverance from human enemies (cf.Zech. 12:10; 13:8-9; Rom. 11:26). Therefore “the book” probably contains the names of all the Jews living in that region then who will experience physical deliverance (cf. Rev. 12:13-17).

    The figure of a book connotes a divine record written beforehand that is the basis for this rescue.

    12:2 Why did the angel say “many” will awake and not “all?” Apparently he did so to stress the fact that those Jews who die because of Antichrist’s,persecutions will experience resurrection at the end of this period (i.e., the Tribulation; cf. Rev. 20:4-6). He referred to the hope of those Jews in particular. Furthermore this wording clarifies that not all will arise then. Some will experience resurrection at other times in history (e.g., 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6).

    The angel meant a physical resurrection rather than just a renewal of the soul (cf. Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14). This seems clear since he specified that they will arise from “the dust of the ground.

    The OT’s standard way of envisaging dying and coming back to life is by speaking of lying down and sleeping, then of waking and getting up. The former is an extreme form of the latter, which thus provides the metaphor for it (2 Kgs 4:31; 13:21; Isa 26:19; Jer 51:39, 57; Job 14:12).

    Further, dying means lying down with one’s ancestors in the family tomb, with its nonmaterial equivalent, Sheol; so coming back to life would mean leaving such a ‘land of earth’ (cf. also Pss 49; 73). The image presupposes a restoring to life of the whole person with its spiritual and material aspects.

    Note that the Bible never speaks of sleep in reference to the soul, for sleep is not an activity of the soul. Rather, the Bible always speaks of sleep as an activity of the body (see Matt. 9:18-25; Mark 5:35-42).

    Some of these Jews will enter into everlasting life, namely, those of them that will be believers. Others will experience disgrace and everlasting contempt, because they do not believe on Christ (cf. Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29). Evidently those martyred during the Tribulation and resurrected at this time will reign with Christ during His kingdom, which will begin with His return to earth at the end of the Tribulation (Rev. 20:4).

    While this verse teaches that there will be a resurrection of the wicked, it does not say that this will occur at the end of the Tribulation. It only says that others will awake to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Revelation 20:12-14 make clear that the resurrection of the wicked will occur at the end of the Millennium, not at the end of the Tribulation.

    In the context of Daniel 12:2, the emphasis is on the hope of the Jews who will die in the Tribulation. The destiny of the wicked is brought in simply to clarify that they too will be raised, not to specify when.

    This is the first mention in the Old Testament of a twofold resurrection. For this reason, and because this verse identifies the time of the physical resurrection of saved Jews (who lived outside the church age, cf. 1 Thess. 4:13-16), this is an extremely important verse.

    Those who argue simply on the basis of the concept of ‘lifetime’ or ‘age’ for only an age-long punishment in hell rather than one of endless duration must reckon with the many passages in the OT that apply ‘olam to the endless life and sovereignty of God himself.

    In other words, if hell is not eternal, neither is God; for the same Hebrew and Greek words are used for both in the Bible (cf. Rev 4:10; 20:10; 21:8). The corresponding Greek word aion exactly parallels the Hebrew ‘olam in connotation and semantic development.
    This is the first occurrence of the expression “eternal life” in the Old Testament.

    12:3 The emphasis on hope for the Jews living during this time continues in this verse. Rewards will follow resurrection. Those Jews who have insight into the importance of remaining faithful to God and who do so will receive glory (cf. 11:33, 35). Those who lead others to do right will too.

    Their glory will be similar to the glory of the firmament above and to the stars (cf. Matt. 13:43). The angel expressed this blessing in a beautiful parallelism. Their glory will involve the privilege of reigning with Jesus Christ during His millennial kingdom and from then on (cf. Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27; Rev. 20:4).

    Verses 2-3, clearly affirm the doctrines of resurrection and of eternity beyond the grave. Even the most skeptical OT scholars concede the presence of these
    doctrines here

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23. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 5, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    
    

    Exegesis of Daniel 12 part 2

    The end of the vision 12:4

    In conclusion, the angel instructed Daniel to close the record of this revelation. In the ancient Near East, people wrote official documents and then, after making a copy for
    reference, deposited the original in a safe place.

    The phrase “conceal these words” does not mean that Daniel should keep them to himself but that he should preserve this revelation because it was important (cf. 8:26). Also it was customary for the scribe who recorded important documents such as contractual promises to run his cylinder-seal across the bottom to guarantee authenticity.

    That is what the angel instructed Daniel to do with this contractual promise. By sealing it, Daniel would certify that what stood written was exactly what God had revealed to him and had promised would happen (cf. Rev. 22:18-19).

    Daniel was to preserve this revelation until the end of time (or the “time of the end,” the last half of the Tribulation ) because much of what God had revealed to him concerned the far distant future.

    He confessed that he did not understand much of it (v. 8), as we can
    appreciate since most of it predicted things still future from his standpoint in history.

    The last part of this verse probably refers to the attempts of people in the future to understand this revelation, in view of the context (cf. Amos 8:12).

    Attempting to understand these prophecies, people would search around and try to discover what they
    meant. As time passed and knowledge increased, they would understand these things better than Daniel could.

    Whether or not physical wandering and travel is involved, the implication is that attempts to understand the truth will require considerable effort. Even though Daniel and his people did not understand this book’s prophecies as well as we do, simply because we have seen many of them fulfilled, these predictions did comfort them. They assured them that Yahweh would ultimately deliver Israel from the hostile Gentiles and fulfill His covenant promises.

    The end of Israel’s trials 12:5-13
    Daniel continued to view things in the vision that he began describing in 10:5. The next few verses are a sort of question and answer time.

    The first question 12:5-6

    Daniel now saw two other individuals, undoubtedly angels, beside the one who had been addressing him since 10:11, standing on either side of the Tigris River (cf. 10:4). One of these angels asked a question of the man (angel) dressed in linen (cf. 10:5-6) who was
    above the river. He wanted to know how long it would be until the end of the events just related (cf. 1 Pet. 1:10-12), namely, the things having to do with Israel’s final persecution
    and deliverance (11:36—12:3).

    The first answer 12:7

    The angel above the river swore by the eternal God that what he was about to say was true. Normally people who swore by God lifted one hand to heaven (cf. Deut. 32:40).

    This angel lifted both hands thus stressing the truthfulness of what he was about to reveal.

    There must be a reason for the choice of the word translated stream. As already indicated, it is the common designation for the Nile river.

    Possibly, it is deliberately employed here to remind Daniel that just as the Lord had once stood over Egypt, the world-nation which was hostile to God’s people, so now does He stand over the world kingdom, represented
    symbolically by the Nile stream, actually the Tigris, ready again to deliver His people.

    The meaning of “time, times, and half a time” is quite clearly three and one-half years (cf. 7:25).

    Scattering the power of the holy people refers to the terrible persecution of the
    Jews in the end times previously revealed (11:36-45). This was good news for Daniel and his people.

    Even though the future enemy of the Jews would be in control for one week
    (seven years, 9:27), intense persecution would only be the Jews’ lot for the last half of that period (cf. Zech. 14:2-3).

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24. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 5, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    
    

    Exegesis of Daniel 12 part 3

    The second question 12:8
    Daniel continued having trouble comprehending this revelation, so he respectfully asked the angel how everything would end.

    He may have been particularly interested in receiving more information about the resurrection and rewards that the angel had mentioned briefly before (vv. 1-3).

    The second answer 12:9-13
    12:9 The angel reminded Daniel that much of what he had received would remain obscure until the end time (cf. v. 4). Then people will be able to look back, marvel at the total fulfillment of prophecy, and glorify the sovereign Most High God.

    God in His infinite wisdom has revealed to us only that which it is needful for us to have in order that we may know what He requires of us. He does not reveal that which does not directly contribute toward this end. Scripture is not a body of esoteric mystery given to satisfy idle curiosity. It is given that we ‘might not sin against Thee’ (Ps. 119:11b). It is a thoroughly practical Book

    12:10 The troubles coming on the earth, and especially on the Jews, would cause
    many to turn to the Lord and experience spiritual purification through faith. The wicked, however, would continue to act wickedly and would not understand what was happening (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14; Rev. 13:10). The wise, who have insight because they pay attention to divine revelation, will understand what is happening.

    This verse provides motivation to pay attention to what God has revealed and to study it carefully. It should also help us avoid thinking naively that the passing of time and the fulfillment of prophecy will cause bad people to change their ways. Humankind will
    not get better and better in spite of what postmillennialists and social evolutionists believe (2 Tim. 3:13).

    12:11 Now the angel conceded to Daniel’s request and provided a little more information. However as these things were unclear to Daniel, so they still are for most interpreters today, including myself.

    The angel measured the time between the end, presumably the end of the Tribulation, and the time that the Antichrist will terminate Jewish sacrifices and desecrate the temple (cf. Matt. 24:15). It will be 1,290 days. This is 30 days longer than the three and one-half years previously mentioned (v. 7; cf. 7:25; Rev. 11:2; 12:6, 14; 13:5).

    Consequently the extra month must involve time before the three and one-half years, after it, or both.

    Perhaps Antichrist will terminate the sacrifices and desecrate the temple 30 days before the middle of the seventieth “week.” This interpretation, which I prefer, views the explanation in this verse as more specific and the one in 9:27 as a general description.

    A similar view is that the Antichrist may announce the termination of sacrifices and the setting up of the abomination 30 days before he carries out those acts. Another option is
    that there will be a 30-day period between the time when Antichrist abolishes the regular sacrifice and the time when he sets up the abomination of desolation.

    A fourth possibility is that the 30 days will extend beyond the last three and one-half years. It will include the cleansing of the temple and possibly the judgments of Israel and the nations that Christ will execute when He returns (Ezek. 20:34-38; Matt. 25:31-46).

    12:12 The angel said that those would be blessed who keep waiting, presumably for God to rescue them (v. 1), and attain to the 1,335 days. Why did he mention this particular number of days, and when will this period end? The 1,335-day period is 45 days (one and a half months) longer than the 1,290-day period just mentioned (v. 11).

    Evidently this period will end after the Tribulation has ended, namely, after the millennial reign of Christ has begun or at least after He has returned to earth. We can only speculate about what these 45 days following the Tribulation will hold for people
    living on the earth then.

    One view is that Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds at the end of the Tribulation (Matt. 24:30), and 45 days later He will descend to the earth. A better option, I think, is that it may take 45 days for Jesus Christ to accomplish the necessary judgments and set up His kingdom after returning to the earth.

    Whatever the explanation, clearly this verse will encourage believers living during the Tribulation to remain faithful to the Lord. It encourages us likewise.

    12:13 The angel then dismissed the aged prophet. He was to go his way to the end. The angel may have had the end of Daniel’s life in mind, or he may have meant that he should continue with his affairs, including dying, until the end of the age would come. The first option seems preferable since the angel appears to have been viewing Daniel’s life in sequence.

    First he would rest, in death, then he would rise again (cf. v. 2), and then he would receive his reward from God (cf. v. 3). His resurrection and recognition would occur at the end of the age, namely, at the end of the times of the Gentiles.

    Thus this great book closes with a reminder that the present age of Gentile domination is not all that God has in store for humankind.

    There is another age coming beyond the
    present one in which Jesus Christ will reign in righteousness and holiness on the earth (cf.Isa. 11:9; Zech. 9:10). We should all look forward to the beginning of this Messianic age and pray for its coming (Matt. 6:10; Luke 11:2).

    Whereas this book would have encouraged the Jews of Daniel’s day, it has become increasingly encouraging to God’s people as history has unfolded.

    Today we can see as never before how God has fulfilled His predictions exactly in the past. This gives us great confidence as we anticipate His faithfulness to those promises that still remain unfulfilled.

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25. 

    Annonymous

    July 5, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    
    

    Really ROK
    Free speech is really allowed on this blog.

    GP not jamming the blog or going beyond the scope of the blog. GP is teaching on the subject of the blog isn’t he? Is it not true that the subjects of this blog are
    1 THE MARK OF THE BEAST
    2 THE RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST
    3 THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS

    Remember?
    Can you possibly add anything of substance to the discussion, sharing relevant references and scriptures?

    Are people reading him you ask? You do, but some times it is beyond the comprehension of your pea nut sized brain. N’est ce pas?. LOL

    How can GP be ridiculous or posturing or showing off, when he is on topic? Did you not say that he was senile? LOL

    I have not seen anybody on this blog requesting the dissertations that GP writes either. Rather I have requested you to answer questions on the nephilim and you responded with bare garbage and “garble” to quote you ! LOL I set you up that day, and you delivered your drivel, as expected.

    ROK It seems that you don’t like to see the Word rightly divided. Looking forward to your rant in response.

    PS I live in a glass house and I am another GP Creation. LOL

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26. 

    Annonymous

    July 5, 2009 at 9:59 pm

    
    

    Zoe & GP

    I found this excerpt online. Do any of you think that is has any particual relevance to the ignorance concerning spiritual things as exhibited by some on this blog?

    Hebrews 3:12-13 reveals a worrisome characteristic of sin: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

    Sin is seductive, enticing, deceitful, and hardening. Sin’s deceitfulness is that it cannot deliver what it promises. It deludes a person into thinking he can “have it all” or “take it or leave it.”

    It promises pleasure, contentment, fulfillment, and life, but what it delivers in those areas is fleeting, which leads to its addictive quality. The pleasure is never quite enough to produce the desired contentment and fulfillment. Sinners are forced into greater perversions until it kills them.

    Sin offers rationalizations and justifications. It puts on a plausible appearance and can even seem to be virtuous, as in situation ethics.

    However, sin’s drug-like quality always demands more because what formerly satisfied no longer will. The person in its grip gradually becomes its slave, and all along the way, his heart becomes hardened as well.

    In Hebrews 3:13, hardened is translated from the Greek word for a callus. A callus forms around the break in a bone, on the palms of hands and on fingers from constant hard use, or in a person’s joints, paralyzing its actions.

    In a moral context, it suggests “impenetrable,” “insensitive,” “blind,” or “unteachable.” A hardened attitude is not a sudden aberration but a habitual state of mind that shows itself in inflexibility of thinking and insensitivity of conscience. It can eventually make repentance impossible.

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27. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 6, 2009 at 9:38 am

    
    

    The title of this blog, The Mark of the Beast Rise of Antichrist indicates very clearly that this blog deals with prophecy.

    One fourth of the books in the Bible are of prophetic nature; the subject and statement of the books are eschatological, that is, they deal with prophecy.

    One fifth of the content of Scripture was predictive at the time of its writing; a large segment of that has been fulfilled. Therefore, the prophecy in Scripture can be divided into fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy.

    There are certain great subjects of prophecy. They are like planes flying into an airport from all sections of the world, and you can go to the Book of Revelation and see all these great subjects brought to a final fruition. Consequently, one cannot start their study of prophesy in Revelation, or one will be hoplessly at sea.

    The main subject of prophecy is the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Other topics include Israel, the gentile nations, evil, Satan, the Man of Sin, the subjects of the kingdom, the Millennium, and eternity future ,the Great Tribulation Period, and how this age will end. These are the great subjects of prophecy.The church is also a subject of prophecy; however, the church is never mentioned in the Old Testament.

    One can have a full-orbed view of the Bible or be a well-rounded student of Scripture without a knowledge of eschatology, or prophecy. The neglect of the study of prophecy has produced certain harmful results which are quite evident today.

    Many of the cults have gone off the track in prophetic areas. This is largely because the teaching of prophecy has been neglected by the great denominations……probably because the subject of prophecy cannot be adequately discussed without taking a survey of all the prophetic teachings of Scripture both of the Old Testament and of the New. This task cannot be satisfactorily accomplished by anyone who has not made a study of the prophecies a specialty.

    As a result, we find men in a great many of our denominations today who are ill-equipped to speak on prophecy. They dismiss it with a wave of the hand as being unimportant. And those who do go into the study of prophecy often come up with that which is sensational and fanatical.

    The Book of Daniel, particularly, is the subject of many such sensational writers on prophecy.

    The Book of Daniel is a very important one, and it has therefore been the object of special attack by Satan in the same way that the Book, of Isaiah has been. Isaiah has been called the prince of the prophets, and I would like to say that Daniel, then, is the king of the prophets. Both of these prophecies are very important in Scripture and have been especially attacked by unbelievers.

    The Book of Daniel has been a battlefield between conservative and liberal scholars for years, and much of the controversy has had to do with the dating of the writing of the book.

    Porphyry, a heretic in the third century a.d., declared that the Book of Daniel was a forgery written during the time of Antiochus Epiphanes and the Maccabees. That would place its writing around 170 b.c., almost four hundred years after Daniel lived. However, the very interesting thing is that the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament, was translated before the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, and it contains the Book of Daniel!

    The liberal scholars have ignored similar very clear testimony from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Those scrolls confirm the fact that there was only one author of the Book of Isaiah. The liberal has wanted to argue that there was a duet or even a trio of “Isaiahs” who wrote that book. The Dead Sea Scrolls are very much alive, and they refute the liberal critic on that point.

    Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Vol. 1, p. 388) also records an incident during the time of Alexander the Great which supports the early authorship of Daniel. When Alexander’s invasion reached the Near East, Jaddua, the high priest, went out to meet him and showed him a copy of the Book of Daniel in which Alexander was clearly mentioned. Alexander was so impressed by this that, instead of destroying Jerusalem, he entered the city peaceably and worshiped at the temple.

    Sir Isaac Newton declared,“To reject Daniel is to reject the Christian religion.”

    Furthermore, our Lord Jesus called the Pharisees“hypocrites,” but He called Daniel “the prophet” (see Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14). Very frankly, I go along with the Lord Jesus who, by the way, never reversed His statement. The endorsement of the Lord Jesus Christ is valid and sufficient for every believer, whether or not he has examined the arguments of the critics, and it satisfies the sincere saint without his having to study the answers of conservative scholarship.

    Daniel gives us the skeleton of prophecy on which all prophecy is placed. The image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Dan. 2) and the beasts (Dan. 7) are the backbone of prophecy; the Seventy Weeks (Dan. 9) are the ribs which fit into their proper place.

    The key verse to the Book of Daniel is Daniel 2:44: “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.”

    Dr. G. Campbell Morgan gave this theme for the Book of Daniel: “Persistent Government of God in the Government of the World.” This is the book of the universal sovereignty of God.

    Prophecy is here interwoven with history to show that God is overruling the idolatry, blasphemy, self-will, and intolerance of the Gentiles.

    More specially, Daniel 12:4 brings together “… the times of the Gentiles …” (Luke 21:24) and “the time of the end” (see also Dan. 8:17; 11:35, 40) for the nation Israel in the Great Tribulation Period. This coming crisis eventuates in Christ’s setting up the millennial kingdom. “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased”(Dan. 12:4).

    The Book of Daniel deals with political issues apart from ecclesiastical matters, giving the final outcome of events and issues which are at work in the world today. He answers the question—Who will rule the world?—not, How will the world be converted?

    The Book of Daniel is the key to understanding other Scriptures. Our Lord, in the Olivet Discourse, quoted only from the Book of Daniel. The Book of Revelation is largely an enigma without the Book of Daniel. Paul’s revelation concerning the “… man of sin …” (2 Thess. 2:3) needs Daniel’s account for amplification and clarification.

    It is for this reason, that so much has been said on this blog on certain key chapters in Daniel, and more will again be said, for the benefit of those who are interested.

    You see, the proper study of prophecy will not lead us to sensationalism and fanaticism, but it will lead us to a life of holiness and fear of God. John said in 1 John 3:3, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” The study of prophecy will purify our lives, my friends.

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28. 

    Right On

    July 6, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    
    

    The word “Occult” comes from a Latin word ‘Occultus’ and it carries the idea of things hidden, secret and mysterious.

    The ‘father’ of Occultism is Satan himself, offering an utter deception in the realm of ‘spiritual’ inquiry, under such practices as; ‘Witchcraft, magic (black and white) palm reading, fortune telling, ouija boards, tarot cards, Satanism, spiritism, demons and the use of crystal balls.

    As C.S. Lewis so rightly once commented:

    “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race fall about the Devil. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and feel an unhealthy interest in them. They (Satan and his demons) are equally pleased by bother errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”

    If mankind is not willing to hear from Almighty God and His Word, the Bible, which IS His absolute revelation to us, then Satan, who is the arch-deceiver, has a wide rage of ‘Occultic’ practices with which to fill the curious inquiry of those who don’t believe the Truth.

    The Bible and the Occult.

    Almighty God, in His Word, catagorically denounces and and all Occultic practices.

    “When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you SHALL NOT learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations.”

    “There SHALL NOT be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a socerer, or one who cast a spell, or a medium, or a spiritualist, or one who calls up the dead.”

    “For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.”

    “For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so.” (Deut. 18: 9-14, NASB).

    When Forbes Burnum of Guyana legalized ‘Witchcraft’ he brought a ‘Curse’ upon that country, from which it has never recovered.

    Barbados has many ‘Occult’ practicioners, from all strata of our society, this is one of the reasons there is so much confusion in our land, as it brings many different curses upon people, family, Government, etc, it IS AN ABOMINATION to Almight God!

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29. 

    Ready-Done

    July 6, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    
    

    Here is a site that produces a bible verse for each birthday.
    http://www.birthverse.com/mybirthverse.cfm

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30. 

    Right On

    July 7, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    
    

    Occultism, and its originator, the Devil, is a many-sided and versatile demagogue.

    To the psychologist he says, “I will give you new knowledge and understanding.” To the occultist he will say, “I will give you the keys to the last secrets of creation.” He confronts religionist and the moralist with a mask of integrity and promises them the very help of heaven. and finally, to the rationalist and liberalist he says, “I am not there. I do not exist.”

    The Devil is a skilful strategist. He is the master of every tactic of the battlefield. He befogs the front. He hides behind a camouflage of empty religious talk, (sounds familar! as seen on BU). He operates through the use of the latest scientific method. He successfuly fires and launches his arguments on the social and humane plane. And his SOLE AIM is to DECEIVE, to ENTICE, and to ENSNARE his victims.

    God’s Word, the Scriptures tell us to be aware of the devices of the Devil, for his desire is to destroy the believer.

    “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert, for your adversary the Devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” ( I Peter 5:8, NASB).

    One of his methods is deception. From the time he deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden until the present day, Satan has been a liar. The Word of God say:

    “The one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan ( The Anti-Christ), with all power and signs and false wonders. And with all the deceptions of wickedness for those who perish, be cause they DID NOT receive the love of the TRUTH so as to be saved.” ( 2 Thess. 1: 9,10, NASB).

    “And the dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…( Revelation 12: 9, NASB).

    “You are of your father the Devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a muderer from the beginning, and DOES NOT stand in the truth, because there IS NO truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he IS A LIAR, and the father of lies.” (John 8:44, NASB).

    Satan’s deceptions come in a variety of forms. One of his favorite schemes is to try to make a person feel content without Jesus Christ. If someone does not feel a need for God, he will not turn to God. Therefore, Satan attempts to keep people satisfied just enough that they will not turn to Christ.

    His deception has people worshipping and serving him, without even being aware of what they are doing. He wants to prepare the world for his own rule through the Anti-Christ immediately before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

    One of the most historic events of Satan in deceiving people into false worship, without them realising it, happened since the death of Michael Jackson, and culminated today, in the utter idolatry witnessed throughout the world live, in supposed respect for a man, whose life, especially over the last ten years, was a living HELL, here on earth, exactly as he has done with so many other celebrities, over and over again, and then takes them to eternal misery and torment forever!

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31. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 7, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    
    

    What must also be considered Mr Right On Sir, is that according to Daniel 4:17 that God says that He puts on the thrones of this world the basest of men.

    In other words, God gives us the kind of rulers we deserve and the kind we want. There have been many rulers who had bats in their belfries and who were off their rockers. God says He sets over the kingdoms the basest of men.

    Guess what? Twenty-five hundred years of history since Nebuchadnezzar have demonstrated the truth of this statement. It can not be denied!

    Daniel 4:17 reads “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”

    Historians tell us that a number of other world rulers have suffered from some form of mental instability: Antiochus Epiphanes, Charles VI of France, Christian VII of Denmark, George Ill of England, Otho of Bavaria, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Napoleon. It has also been in the Spanish royal line, the Russian line (among the czars), and also in the English line. Henry VI of England was a real madhatter, and suffered from something similar to hysteria. Hitler also had that problem. And here, the head of gold, Nebuchadnezzar, was a lunatic. He had bats in his belfry. He was not ruling with a full deck in his hands. He was just a little off, if you please. All of this was revealed in his extreme emotionalism—he would move in any direction and to an extreme, and at any time. He was in everyway like many contemporary leaders! Nothing has really changed!.

    There are three things that we are to learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream recorded in Daniel 4:17:

    1. “The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.” If you think that God has abdicated today and has withdrawn from this universe, you are wrong. The universe has not gotten loose from Him. God is still in the saddle, and He is in control on this earth.

    “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Ps. 2:4–6).

    God says He is going on with His purpose in the world. He is permitting Satan to carry out a nefarious plot for a very definite reason: God is demonstrating something to His created intelligences today. There are a lot of silly things being said about Satan which are entirely unscriptural.

    Nations rise and fall to teach men that God rules and overrules the kingdoms of this world. If you think our nation happens to be His special little pet, you are entirely wrong. I believe we have already been put on the auction block: we are already judged. The downward course which this nation is traveling is going to take us right to the judgment of God. He rules in the kingdom of men.

    2. He “giveth it to whomsoever he will.” You probably thought that the DLP and the BLP put men in positions of power. They THINK they do, but God disposes of these kingdoms according to His will.

    That thought may cause someone’s chest to puff up, and he will say, “Well, I am occupying this office by the will of God.” A lot of kings in the past had the foolish notion that they were ruling in God’s place. Don’t believe a word of it—God puts them in power. Notice that Paul says in Romans 13:1, “… the powers that be are ordained of God.” Why in the world does God permit certain powers to rule on this earth?

    3. He “setteth up over it the basest of men.” This third statement should be humbling to both the DLP and the BLP—and to all of mankind. If you think we pick the best men, we don’t—all you need to do is to read human history to see this.

    My study of English history shows that our ancestors in the British Isles were some pretty bloody ancestors. They were terrible, and they had some rulers who were unspeakable!

    May I say to you, God “setteth up over it the basest of men,” and we get the kind of ruler that we deserve. People complain about our government, and all that sort of thing. My friend, we put them in their offices; we voted for them. God lets the basest of men come to power.

    That ought to be humbling to all of us—from the PM,and the members of Parliament on down. You will never hear of someone who is trying to curry the favor of our leaders speaking on this verse at a Political gathering or upon any official occasion anywhere in Bim! This verse is quite upsetting, is it not?

    But history will substantiate the truth of this statement. The head of gold of the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream recorded in Daniel 2, which represented Nebuchadnezzar, himself was insane; yet he was a brilliant ruler who formed the first world kingdom. He had times when he was as mad as a mad-hatter and didn’t even know who he was. As we have mentioned before, many of the great world rulers have suffered problems similar to his.

    The reason the men who were the first political leaders of America did not establish the United States of America as a kingdom is because they believed that no man could be trusted to rule. God has been demonstrating this now over quite a length of time: He “setteth up over it the basest of men.”

    And if the truth be told WE CURRENTLY HAVE LEADING OUR NATION SOME OF THE BASEST OF THE BASE! ITS RAPIDLY GOING DOWN HILL FRIENDS! NOW YOU KNOW WHY!

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32. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 7, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    
    

    We live in a world where everything in the world is being taught in our schools and colleges except the Word of God. In our country where education is lauded, it is great to be educated in all subjects EXCEPT THE BIBLE. Folk who have studied the Wor of God are scoffed at, even though it is ONLY the Word of God which can bring peace to the human heart.

    God has already made peace with you—He is waiting for you to make peace with Him. There are several Scriptures that teach that God has done all that is necessary to reconcile us to himself, so that we can have peace with God.

    Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

    Ephesians 2:16-17 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

    Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

    Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

    Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

    Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

    Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

    Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

    Now that Christ has died, the position of the world has been changed. Today God has His arms outstretched to a lost world. He says to a lost world, “You can come to Me.” The worst sinner in the world can come to Him.

    Today it doesn’t make any difference who you are, you can come to Him. Because Christ died, a holy God no longer deals with us in judgment, but now He reaches down to save all those who will come to Him.

    Jesus Christ bore all that judgment on Himself so that now the world is reconciled to God. You don’t have to do anything to win God over. God is not waiting around the corner to hit you over the head with a billy club. God is not angry with you. God does not hate you. God loves you. Christ did not come to charge man’s sins against him but to pay man’s debt.

    When you have settled that, you won’t need to spend much time on the psychiatrist’s couch. Instead, you will be a radiant Christian.

    “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1)—that is the peace which He made by the blood of the cross. It is the peace which can come to a sinner’s heart that all is right now because of the penalty which Christ paid—God is for him now and God is on his side.

    Back of all the trouble and travail that is in the world today, back of all the troubled hearts, is the question of sin. Things are not right.

    Fundamentally, man must make peace with God. When there is peace in the human heart, then there can be peace made with those round about us; but, until then, man does not know peace.

    YOU CAN MAKE PEACE WITH GOD TODAY!

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33. 

    Zoe

    July 7, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    
    

    If I did not KNOW the truth of God’s Word, I would have been terribly deceived this afternoon by the incredible memorial service for MJ.

    It was so very touching, I even cried a few times, as it registered with our human emotions, so beautifully planned and executed in every detail, with just enough ‘spirituality’ thrown in, to make you think, as one of MJ’s brother’s would have us believe, that Michael is now in heaven, ‘…leading the Angelic singers up there…’

    If I was not a Christian, familar with God’s Word, re Salvation through Jesus Christ Alone, NOT by good charitable works, and giving millions of dollars to the poor and needy, all of which are good humanistic ‘works’ BUT, hold absolutely NO weight with God re the Salvation of anyone’s soul, as you cannot ‘earn’ a place in heaven, no matter how kind and loving you are, only sincere repentence, and a commited heart and life to Jesus Christ, as one’s personal Saviour and Lord can save a soul from eternal perdition.

    This service for MJ, was the most masterful, spiritual deception, I have ever witnessed in my life; coming at just the appropriate time in history, when vast multitudes will fall for the End-Time Anti-Christ personality, who lies awake right now, just waiting for the correct conditions to mature a bit more, for him to make his grand appearance, exactly as God’s Word says he will.

    Jackson’s service was a grand type of rehersal for such a time as this!

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34. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 7, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    
    

    zoe

    I didnt waste my time to watch.
    I turned the tv off and delved into my study of Daniel 1-4.

    I was unravelling the account of the beginning of the times of the gentiles.

    But I can imagine the emotional goo that was spewed out.

    BUT THE TRUTH IS STILL

    NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WE HAVE DONE

    IT IS STILL

    BY GRACE YE ARE SAVED THROUGH FAITH AND NOT OF WORKS OR MAN’s OPINION or EMOTIONS

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35. 

    Ready-Done

    July 8, 2009 at 8:59 am

    
    

    Georgie Porgie why do you insist that the bible is God’s only word?

    Man wrote the bible God made life, you mean to tell me you could be so blind as to see that.

    The bible has no authority over God’s works.

    NONE

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36. 

    Technician

    July 8, 2009 at 10:00 am

    
    

    @ zoe….

    How do YOU know that MJ was not saved?
    How do you know he is not in Heaven?
    What do You know about his personal relationship with God?

    If you cant answer these …then shut to hell up!!

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37. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 8, 2009 at 10:21 am

    
    

    Technician

    You condemn Zoe for being harsh…….but now you are even harsher. Dont you think?

    Do you think that Billy Graham is saved Techie? Why?/Why not?

    Do you think that he has a personal relationship with God? Why?/Why not?

    Did MJ give any evidence that he was saved or had a personal relationship with God? If yes, can you explain?

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38. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 8, 2009 at 10:24 am

    
    

    Ready Done,

    Have you ever read the account of Daniel in the den of lions in Daniel Chapter 6?

    Have you ever stopped to think that Daniel spent only one night in the den of lions, but he spent a lifetime—from a boy of seventeen until he was about ninety—in the palace of pagan kings?

    It was more dangerous to live in that palace than it was to spend a night in the den of lions. The lions could not touch him, but yonder in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar, Nabonidus, Belshazzar, Darius the Median, and Cyrus who were pagan men, Daniel was in constant danger. However, he had the privilege of leading some of these men to a knowledge of the living and true God.

    Daniel spent only one night in the den of lions, but this particular episode in Daniel’s life has a message for us today, because it is another illustration of the keeping power of God, and it is another picture of the way in which God will protect the remnant during the Great Tribulation Period. This chapter is a counterpart of chapter 3 where God preserved Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace.

    Chapters 3 and 6, therefore, give two aspects of the preservation of the remnant—both of Israel and of the Gentiles—during the Great Tribulation Period. In chapter 3 the emphasis is upon the pressures which are brought to bear by human hatred and persecution. In chapter 6 the emphasis is rather upon satanic hatred and persecution.

    The message for us today is, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Christians live in a lions’ cage. That cage is the world, and there is a big roaring lion prowling up and down the cage. Peter calls him our adversary, the Devil.

    Have you met him on BU?
    Has he sent you on BU?
    Will you ever say anything on this thread that accords with anything that the Bible teaches.

    I WILL ASK ZOE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT HIS WORD THE BIBLE FROM PSALM 119 & OTHER SCRIPTURES.

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39. 

    Zoe

    July 9, 2009 at 11:14 am

    
    

    Ready-Done, “The Bible has no authority over God’s works.”

    Works of God:

    The ‘works of God” or “…of Jesus” is a common phrase in the Bible denoting both the things ‘made’ by Him, and also the ‘acts’ done by Him. Words particularly used in this connection are “work” “mighty acts” “great things” “workmanship”; and “working.”

    1. The Old Testament.

    A. The Divine Works.

    Creation. With its strong doctrine of creation the Bible naturally uses ‘ergon’ to describe the totality of God’s creative work. It does this in an active sense for the actual work of God, e.g. Genesis 2:2f. It also uses the term in a passive sense for the things made (cf. Ps. 8:6). The active and passive merge into one another; God’s work of creating has resulted in the work of Creation.

    The passive is more common and much clearer in the plural, with reference to individual phenomena of nature. The heavens are the ‘works’ of God’s fingers (Ps. 8:3). All creatures are ‘works’ of His hands. This is especially true of men; with this plea they seek the divine protection and mercy ( Ps. 138: 8, et al.). Believers, or the descendants of Jacob, are specifically described as the ‘works’ of God’s hands ( Ps. 90:16 LXX; Isa 29: 23). God’s historical ‘works’ are also in their own way creative..

    2. History. The OT speaks also of God’s ‘acts’ in history. These are in the first instance ‘acts’ of deliverance. The events of the Exodus are the basic ‘works’ of God for Israel. These ‘works’ are often miracles; i.e, mighty acts transcending the normal course of history.

    If God’s ‘works’ are predominantly works of deliverance, they have a reverse side. The deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea meant the overthrow of the Egyptians. The people delivered by the Judges were also delivered up to their enemies when they sinned. The prophets in particular proclaim ‘works’ of judgment on a rebellious and obdurate people (Isa. 28: 21). The individual knows the ‘works’ of God (cf. the Pss). God’s ‘works’ have also an eschatological dimension (cf. Isa. 60:21).

    B. The Human Response. Secondly, man is to be thankful to God for His ‘works’ (Ps. 107: 15, 21, 31). He is to praise and bless Almighty God who does them (Ps 145). they are mighty ‘acts’ great and terrible (Ps. 66: 3). they are done in faithfulness ( Ps. 33:4). They manifest the rule of God (Ps. 90:16). Even though seen, they are unfathomable (Eccl 8:17). They are studied by all who have pleasure in them (Ps 111: 2). The very ‘works’ themselves join in the praise of Him who does them (Ps 145:10).

    3. Proclamation. Finally, man is to declare God’s mighty ‘works’. He teaches them to his children (Ps 78: 4). He also sets them forth to others. Making known to the sons of men the Mighty ‘acts’ of God is the basic task which gives unity to the whole life of ministry and worship (Psa 145:12).

    What the New Testament has to say about Almighty God’s ‘works’ is essentially the same as that which is found in the OT. However, the new thing is, that the ‘works’ now bear a common reference to Jesus Christ; for, it IS by Him that they are done, the ‘works’ of God are the ‘works’ of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Omnipotent Son of God.

    This is clearly evident in Creation. All things were Created by Christ (Col. 1:16). For it was through Him, Jesus, that Almighty God made the worlds (Heb. 1:2). Hence the ‘works’ of Creation are His (Jesus’) ‘works.’

    The very ‘works’ of Salvation is the main emphasis in the New Testament, for it IS the saving ‘works’ of Almighty God, performed in, by, and through Jesus Christ.

    In John’s Gospel, the ‘works’ of Jesus are highly significant. They bear witness to Him (Jh. 5:36). They are good works ( 10:32). They are the ‘works’ of God (9:3). They are given to Jesus by the Father (5:37). They are unique (15:24). For the one great ‘work’ of Jesus, the singular is also used. Men share in the ‘works’ by believing in Jesus. The works are the Salvation of believers, and the ‘judgment’ of those who reject their testimony.

    Paul, too, emphasizes the ‘work’ of Almighty God. Unlike John, however, Paul is primarily concerned with this ‘work’ as the present ministry of the Word. The Corinthians are his work in the Lord ( I Cor 9:1). The ‘work’ of God is edification ( Rom. 15:2). All Christians take part in this ( I Cor 15:58). Yet there is no real synergism, for God begins and performs the ‘work’ in them (Phil 1:6). In the last resort, the Christians who work are themselves God’s ‘workmanship’ created in Christ Jesus for good ‘works’ (Eph. 2:10). The ‘work’ of Christians is still the ‘works’ of Almughty God, and redounds to His Glory and Praise.

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40. 

    Technician

    July 9, 2009 at 11:30 am

    
    

    Georgie Porgie // July 8, 2009 at 10:21 am

    Technician

    You condemn Zoe for being harsh…….but now you are even harsher. Dont you think?

    Do you think that Billy Graham is saved Techie? Why?/Why not?

    Do you think that he has a personal relationship with God? Why?/Why not?

    Did MJ give any evidence that he was saved or had a personal relationship with God? If yes, can you explain?
    —————————————————————–

    Give me a break GP !!

    It doesnt matter to me who is saved or not,I think that is why it is called a ‘personal’ relationship with God.

    Do you or Zoe know all saved people?

    What evidence what!!
    What evidence do I have to prove YOU or Zoe is saved other than the fact that you both post a lot of christian doctrine on the blog.
    For all we know you both could be woman beaters, cheating partners, pedophiles etc.

    That is between MJ and the Father…the fact is that we will never know until “judgement’ day.

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41. 

    Zoe

    July 9, 2009 at 11:35 am

    
    

    In light of the above brief exposition on the ‘works’ of Almighty God, in, by, and through, the Lord Jesus Christ, anyone who is truly ‘Saved’ justified, Born Again in Christ Jesus, must also demonstrate in their life, by a ‘living’ witness, to the way they glorify Almighty God, and Jesus Christ, by how they behave, act, speak, and openly, without fear of being laughed at, that Jesus IS their personal Saviour and Lord.

    This must not be confused with one’s ability to perform good deeds, dance or sing to the amazement of the world; as some of the most talented people who entertained the masses of the world, lived an otherwise Christless existence, who we deem hero’s and icons, in our humanistic philosophy, add up to nothing before Almighty God.

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42. 

    Ready-Done

    July 9, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    
    

    How could you be like a tree besides still waters and refuse to acknowledge and notice a tree besides still waters?

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43. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 9, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    
    

    Give me a break GP !! I WILL TECHIE MA BOY. LOL I WILL

    It doesnt matter to me who is saved or not,I think that is why it is called a ‘personal’ relationship with God.

    TECHIE FOLK WHO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (WHO ARE SAVED) DO NOT ABUSE DRUGS ETC ETC ETC because they consider their bodies to be a Temple of God

    Do you or Zoe know all saved people? NO

    What evidence do I have to prove YOU or Zoe is saved other than the fact that you both post a lot of christian doctrine on the blog. NONE AT ALL BUT THE LORD KNOWS WHO ARE HIS, AND THOSE WHO KNOW ME HAVE EVIDENCE.

    2 Timothy 2:19 says “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

    RE For all we know you both could be woman beaters, cheating partners, pedophiles etc. YOU ARE QUITE CORRECT WE COULD BE, BUT I AINT!

    That is between MJ and the Father…the fact is that we will never know until “judgement’ day.

    THIS VIEW SPAWNED IN THE PITS OF HELL IS CONTRARY TO THE CLEAR TEACHINGS OF SCRIPTURE

    eg 1 John 3:2.

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44. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 9, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    
    

    Technician

    Here is a further answer to your questions from I John alone.

    In First John, the apostle clearly teaches that having a relationship or fellowship with God and the Son is the same as “doing the truth”. This concept is taught throughout the book As we read through this lovely epistle of First John, we can see that having a relationship or fellowship with God and the Son or “doing the truth”. holiness and entails :-
    -Walking in the Light 1:6

    -Maintaining fellowship with God by recognizing and confessing sin, and accepting
    Christ’s advocacy 1:9- 2:1-2

    -Keeping his word or commandments 2:3,5

    -Walking as Christ walked 2:6

    -Loving the brethren 2:9-11; 3:14,23; 4:11, 21

    -Overcoming the wicked one and the world by faith 2:13,14; 5:4-5

    -Hating the world system 2:15-17

    -Doing God’s will 2:17

    -Recognizing and confessing and acknowledging the truth that Jesus is the Christ 2:21-23 and the Son of God 5:4-5

    -Continuing in the Father and the Son and the truths that the Holy Spirit presented which led to our salvation 2:19,20,24

    -Doing righteousness 3:7

    -Refraining from sin 2:1; 3:6,9; 5:18

    -Laying down our lives for the brethren if necessary 3:16

    -Loving in deed and in truth –genuine practical living 3:18

    -Doing those things that are pleasing in His sight 3:22

    -Believing on the name of the Son 3:23

    -Discerning truth from error 4:1-3

    -Believing the record that God has given of his Son 5:10

    -Praying in his will 5:14

    -Keeping one’s self from idols 5:21.

    All of these terms are synonymous with walking in the light which is discussed in great detail in this epistle.

    All of these things promote fellowship with both the Godhead and fellow believers, and gives evidence of salvation.
    ,

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45. 

    Ready-Done

    July 9, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    
    

    Georgie Porgie. What is a god head?

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46. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 9, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    
    

    THE Godhead refers to TRIUNE GOD i.e The Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son, & The Holy Spirit.

    And yes, it is one of the hardest concepts to fully comprehend.

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47. 

    Adelphos

    July 9, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    
    

    As a Christian who has been a Private Investigator for 30 years, I add an observation.
    Much good stuff has been put on this site but everybody seems to be just reading what they personally wrote … like little kids.
    Why don’t you all thoroughly check the other’s point of view – unless you all think you are all infallible.
    This is one of the most childish blogs I have seen and my work requires I do a lot of this

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48. 

    Georgie Porgie

    July 9, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    
    

    Ready Done

    Your question reminds me of a day in 1971 in Use of English Class at Cave Hill. The late Dr Richard Alsopp was teaching about suffixes.

    He declared that the suffix “-ling” meant “little” and proceeded to give examples such as duck-ling, gos-ling etc, whereupon a very smart alec chap from the back of the class asked very politely ….

    ” Sir, what is a dar?”

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49. 

    ROK

    July 9, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    
    

    “THE Godhead refers to TRIUNE GOD i.e The Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son, & The Holy Spirit. And yes, it is one of the hardest concepts to fully comprehend.”

    This is the largest amount of BS I have seen. What is so hard to understand about the seat of Royalty? The throne is the seat of the power of Royalty.

    The Godhead is the seat of the power of God. What is so hard to understand about that? What else you now trying to invent and fool people with? The history of the Godhead or the power of the godhead? The man ask you what it is and the simple answer is that it is the seat of power of your god.

    This demonstrates that you yourself, as simple as it is, do not understand it. You about to concoct some lies to impress somebody.

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50. 

    Zoe

    July 9, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    
    

    I personally know people who claim to have a ‘personal’ relationship with God, but do not know Jesus as ‘personal’ Saviour and Lord!

    It is most certainly unbiblical, as no one can know the Almighty Father, except through the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Hear Him:

    “Father, the hour has come, Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over ALL FLESH, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.”

    “And this IS eternal life, that they may KNOW (Who?) You, the only true God, and (Who?) Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17: 1b-5) emphasis added.

    “God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these LAST DAYS spoken to us by HIS SON…who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding ALL THINGS by the word of His power, when He had by Himself, purged our sins, sat down at the right Hand of majesty on high.” (Heb. 1: 1-3).

    Listen carefully to the following verses, which emphatically show and reveal that Jesus Christ, IS the Only One through whom we have access to the Father.

    “But He (Jesus) because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, He is also able to (do what?) SAVE (to what extent?) To the UTTERMOST those who come to God THROUGH HIM, (Why?) since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb. 7:24).

    Again;

    “Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.”
    (John 14:6).

    Hear God’s Word again:

    “For there is ONE GOD, and ONE MEDIATOR between (Who and where?) God (In heaven) and men (on earth) the Man Christ Jesus.” (I Tim. 2:5).

    “For through Him ( Jesus Christ), we both have access (By how many spirits?) ONE SPIRIT (The Holy Spirit) unto The Father.” (Eph. 2:18).

    So, this nonsense that some people say and believe, that it is their ‘personal’ relationship with God, outside of a ‘personal’ living relationship with Jesus Christ, is simply not possible, as no one can have any kind of relationship with the Almighty Father God, without FIRST coming to Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

    These people might think, or feel, that they have a relationship with some god, but it most certainly is not with the One, True, living God of historic divine revelation, as contained in His Word, which IS ‘forever’ settled in heaven, but, rather one of Satan’s demon principalities masquerading as God!

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