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I always enjoy Todd Friel. His quirky sense of humor is entertaining, but he also just has so much common sense and a real heart for evangelism. The news today was just talking about what an idealized picture our media has painted of Muslim faith. (In fact, in my town they were having that “Draw Muhammad” contest.) Remember that cheesy Robin Hood movie with Kevin Costner? (No great loss if you didn’t see it.) Morgan Freeman is a very likable character and even as a teenager I could see that Hollywood was trying to paint the Muslim side of the Crusades in a sympathetic light. I look back on my school days and see now that from dinosaurs to the near worship of environmentalism it was just a slow and subversive indoctrination.

This corresponds with Matt. 24:29-31 (rapture). 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The rapture, when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Then the blindness of the tribes of Israel will be removed, and they will look up and know that their redemption draws near. Cheers Hi rollinTHUNDER, So good to see your smiling face. Thank you for popping in & contributing. I hear your view on when the rapture occurs, but I wont get into that as there are many other threads on that topic. (Not that I thought you wanted to discuss that.) However I do see Matt. 24: 29 – 31 as the same events as Rev. 1: 7. That is something we can agree on. Hi Marilyn, You won't get into when the rapture occurs, because you have been led to believe it happens sometime before Daniel's 70th week begins, is that correct? I used to believe that too, but you should know that Christ laid it all out, without concealing anything. He did not call it the rapture, though. He called it the appearing of the sign of the Son of man, when He will come in the clouds, and then send His angels to gather His elect, which is where much confusion begins for many believers. Many are told that this is His physical second coming to the earth, even though scripture does not indicate He ever touches down after gathering the elect in the clouds. Most people simply assume this is referring to His second coming, and they ignore the rest of His answer in Matthew chapter 25, which is where He mentions the second coming. It seems that many don't want to get into this, because they want to keep holding on to their false hope of a pre-trib rapture, which is not found anywhere in God's Word. And it's not like Jesus failed to mention it, because He laid it all out, which includes both, the rapture as we call it today and His second coming. Verse 31 is key in both chapters. Matt. 24:31 = Rapture Matt. 25:31 = Second coming These are both judgments. His judgment begins with the righteous (1 Pet. 4:17-18), and ends with the nations or sheep and goats (Matt. 25:31-46). The following passage includes both of these judgments. Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. (them which destroy the earth = goats) Many that believe in a so-called pre-trib rapture, also believe He will come in secret, even though there's no scripture that supports that either. False hope is much like wishful thinking, but many don't seem to realize that they are only setting themselves up for a rude awakening. Either we want to know the truth or we don't. It's not going to happen according to our beliefs, but according to the fulfilling of His Word, whether we believe it or not, and whether we are ready or not. Every eye will see Him, so it won't be done in secret. Every believer who is ready when He appears will meet Him in the clouds, and those left on the earth will see the greatest event in the history of the world. It will be no secret. Israel's blindness will be ended at that time, as the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Rom. 11:25). Every eye will see this event, as He said His coming would be like lightning coming from east to and shining even to the west (Matt. 24:27). So every eye will see, even the Jews or them who pierced Him. Then the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. This includes the Jews in the Promised Land, and the tribes of Israel which are still scattered in the nations of the world. Notice He did not say every kindred, tongue and nation, but only the tribes of the earth, which are the Jews who pierced Him that will mourn. Their eyes will be wide open at that time, and their blindness will be no more. They will look up and know their redemption is near, right at the door, and they will repent. Zechariah 10:6-12 “I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, Because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; For I am the Lord their God, And I will hear them. 7 Those of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, And their heart shall rejoice as if with wine. Yes, their children shall see it and be glad; Their heart shall rejoice in the Lord. 8 I will whistle for them and gather them, For I will redeem them; And they shall increase as they once increased. 9 “I will sow them among the peoples, And they shall remember Me in far countries; They shall live, together with their children, And they shall return. 10 I will also bring them back from the land of Egypt, And gather them from Assyria. I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon, Until no more room is found for them. 11 He shall pass through the sea with affliction, And strike the waves of the sea: All the depths of the River shall dry up. Then the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, And the scepter of Egypt shall depart. 12 “So I will strengthen them in the Lord, And they shall walk up and down in His name,” Says the Lord. Zechariah 12:10-11 And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. 11 In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The rapture can not occur before Daniel's 70th week, because that event will be the end of Israel's blindness. And if their blindness is removed before Daniel's 70th week, then they will not receive the one who is prophesied to come in his own name. Therefore, this is another reason the rapture occurs after the tribulation of those days (Matt. 24:29). Unfortunately, many have placed their faith in this false hope and they will not be prepared to endure until the end. If people are going to put all of their eggs into the pre-trib basket, I would hope that they are hoping for the best, but at least preparing for the worst. If not, I see a very rude awakening coming for them. The very first thing Christ told His disciple's who questioned Him about the sign of His coming was to not let anyone deceive them. But many have been taught that they will be out of harms way before anything bad happens. I hope many will start waking up, because we are about to enter perilous times and it will test our faith. Christ said that the love of many will grow cold, and Paul said there will come a falling away and the abomination of desolation before our gathering (2 Thes. 2:1-4). Christ also warned that He will vomit the lukewarm out of His mouth as well, so only His faithful servants will be ready, and again, this is not a pre-trib gathering. There will be no such thing. Cheers

I disagree. It is a living testimony to Joe's post #104.

Jesus fed the multitude for He didn't want them to faint before they got home. The Author and Finisher of our Faith. the Source of our salvation and our journey (our walk with Him) as Jude quoted we are presented to the One that can keep us from falling, what powers can separate us from the Love of God, God Chastises those He loves not Cast Out, I will in no wise cast out, Father I have Not lost one that you have given me except the son of perdition. He will leave the 99 and seek for the wandering lamb. While I was yet a sinner (meaning there is a time that we are not seen as sinners) it is the Blood of Christ that washes away sin, not sin that washes away the Blood of Christ . Heb 9:22-26 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. KJV Heb 9:11-12 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. KJV My salvation is eternal redemption, Meaning I couldn't do it myself. I had to have a redeemer( a kinsman redeemer ) who paid my price for me, If I do anything after that I don't take the credit. I don't work for my salvation but work out my salvation I pray a lot of folks get a hold of that, to work out is not to work for! My salvation is a covenant(promised By and From God, believe and Have everlasting life. My salvation is base strictly on His grace and His promise, not on anything I do, All debts are released and all things are restored in the year of JUbilee. BY The One who knew I had no way Unless He stepped up for me, Thank you Lord My redeemer. my all my Lord and my God!

People of truth, as Jesus saw them as, do not need to be tested, for they are already true in Christ's judgement.

My children were not discriminaled against. My oldest daughter is a pharmicist. My son is dasabled and served on our State board of Education as a bord member for Exceptional Children and worked with legislators to develop our state's bullying laws. The only place my children were mistreated or discriminated against was in the public school system. Which is why they were removed from that environment. .

Meaning? The point I am trying to make Peep - is why do we keep having thread after thread about worrying over the outside of people? Well I think the answer to that Hippie is because the scripture actually exists in the bible. Therefore it is a biblical discussion which some don't like to discuss. Another reason is because the bible does address both the outward man as well as the inward man. Though some don't want to acknowledge that both are being addressed from a scriptural stand point. I would say mainly because they don't want to change inwardly nor outwardly to the image of God we were created in.

They could have gotten these tattoos before they were saved. It is not my place to judge or make the call on their lives. I thank God for anyone who is willing to answer God's call.

Sure. I don't think long hair and tattoos are appropriate on ANY man but I don't believe they're sinful. Would I want my pastor to look that way? No. But having those attributes would not make him any less Godly. Just unfashionable and tacky. There's a difference between judgment and opinion. And I believe OPINIONS are what the OP was asking for.

by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions Col 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. What is it about salt? And how do I season speech with it? Gracious speech is sweet, yet Paul says to season it with salt. A friend of mine makes this interesting breakfast of quinoa grain mixed with some oatmeal, coconut oil, dried fruit and nuts with some date honey to sweeten it. Then..might seem strange, he adds salt. Salt brings his healthy breakfast to a new level of flavor. Salt carries all the other flavors to a new level of palatability. It brings a wonderful balance to the sweet porridge. Take out the salt in any recipe and there's something vital missing. What is it about salt? By itself, salt doesn't taste so great. It's too strong. Yet add it to the recipe and its power becomes the very thing which brings life to the food. I think salt is that element of God's truth that enhances, preserves and strengthens us. Speech seasoned with salt will encourage or warn, it will impart life and prevent decay from setting in, or stop it in its tracks. Stopping decay is reversing a fundamental element of the Fall. Salt is vital to life and salted speech is too. Believers need to be "salty" in a world that is falling apart from the suffusion of sin and decay. Our message is sweet. God forgives, He loves, He brings eternal life. Yet these wonderful truths exist in an awful context of death and decay which we must not ignore by only speaking graciously. We must add salt. View the full article Note: While this is 'locked' for comments, commments can be made on the article page by clicking the full article link.

Are you ever worried that your child will be discriminated against in the workforce after they graduate because the were homeschooled? This question is also to those who send their children to private Christian school.

Omega your wife was able to stay home and homeschool your children?

I was homeschooled, got my college at a non accredited institute, and didnt even graduate that, and I saw no discrimination in my line of work.

Pick There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 And Choose By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 And Walk With Jesus Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24 ~ And Beloved, Did Jesus Really Wear Pants? And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 And Get Styled By Haircuts? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 Really? ~ For HIS Name's Sake Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. Psalms 106:8 Be Blessed Beloved Of The LORD He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalms 23:3 Love, Your Brother Joe ~ Talking Jesus For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:23-25 Jesus All The Day Long To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Romans 3:26-27

Hi shiloh357, And these scriptures? `And he said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne & the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever......This is the law of the temple: The whole area surrounding the mountaintop shall be most holy...` (Ez. 43: 7 & 12) `"In that day" says the Lord, .......So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, & even for ever. And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.` (Micah 4: 6 - 8) Marilyn.

I don't read anywhere in the interaction between God and Satan where God agree's to any deal, told him to make Job sick. In fact God said why are you trying to get me to harm Job without cause? In other words, God saw no point in even hurting Job. However, we have more issues from your post than just what happened to Job. First issues is your ignoring Scriptures I gave you, not a good sign at all. Next, your saying that no matter what man does, no matter what man believes, has faith, no faith, it don't matter. Then everything is left up to God. God's will someone gets in a car drunk and kills that child crossing the street, His perfect plan. God's will that someone raped and murdered someone else. The rapist being in the perfect will of God since nothing happens God has total authority over everything on earth. There are issues your having here that go way beyond just looking at Job.

Good question ..would we go ? I remember the song: Lord please don't send me to Africa..would we argue with the Lord if He told us to leave everything behind and just go? Would go and preach to ISIS ? If He truly told me to go there, I would squirm and rebel a bit but ultimately do what He wanted. Because if He sent me there, then He would watch over me until it was time to be out of there one way or another. But I would have to be certain He wanted me there.

Good question ..would we go ? I remember the song: Lord please don't send me to Africa..would we argue with the Lord if He told us to leave everything behind and just go? Would go and preach to ISIS ? If we got a loud and clear message from the Lord how could you refuse?But.....you would have to be sure the message was from God.

http://thirdmill.org/answers/answer.asp/file/40285 Premillennialism Premillennialism takes its name from its assertion that Christ will return prior to this thousand-year period. There are two major forms of premillennialism: historic and Dispensational. Both versions believe that Christ's return will be preceded by a seven-year tribulation that will mark the beginning of his one thousand year earthly reign, though not all historic premillennialists believe this is a literal seven years. They also believe that at Christ's return believers will be resurrected and Satan will be bound. The millennium will then consist of a golden age of Christ's reign. At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released to lead a last rebellion against Christ, and this rebellion will be crushed. Then will ensue the general resurrection of the rest of mankind, and the final judgment, followed by the New Heavens and the New Earth. The clearest difference between historic and Dispensational premillennialism concerns their different views of Israel and its relationship to the church. Historic premillennialism sees the church as spiritual Israel, so that God's people in the Old Testament were Israel, while in the New Testament his people are the church. Historic premillennialists see the millennium as the great age of the church's triumph, in union with believing Israel (i.e. Old Testament saints). Dispensational premillennialism, however, sees Israel and the church as distinct entities, such that God has one plan for Israel and another plan for the church. In the Old Testament, God was dealing with Israel, but when they rejected Christ God began to deal with the church instead. However, they believe that in the millennium God will again deal with national Israel and fulfill his promises to them. Most Dispensational premillennialists also believe that the tribulation is designed primarily for God's dealings with Israel. Postmillennialism Postmillennialism takes its name from the fact that it holds that Christ will return after the thousand-year period mentioned in Revelation 20. There are also two major kinds of postmillennialism. One kind teaches that the millennium is a literal one thousand years, more specifically, the last one thousand years before Christ returns. According to this system, we can never really know whether or not we are in the millennium. Only when Christ returns can we look back and see when the millennium was. The other kind of postmillennialism teaches that the millennium is not a literal one thousand years, and that it spans the entire period between the first and second advents of Christ (this is also the position held by amillennialism). All versions of postmillennialism share the belief that there will be only one bodily resurrection, and that this will occur when Christ returns. At Christ's return, all Christ's enemies will be finally defeated, the final judgment will take place, and the New Heavens and New Earth will be created. The distinctive mark of postmillennialism is that prior to Christ's return the gospel will progress and triumph more and more, so that the world will be largely Christianized prior to Christ's return. Things will get better and better for the gospel and the church until Christ returns. Amillennialism "Amillennialism" is a somewhat misleading name in the term means "no millennium." In actuality, amillennialism is "postmillennial" in that it teaches that Christ will return after the millennium. The "a-" in "amillennialism" designates the idea that there is no literal millennium, that is, the idea that the reign of Christ may be shorter or longer than a literal one thousand years. The millennium, in amillennialism, is the entire period between the first and second advents of Christ. As mentioned above, one type of postmillennialism is identical to amillennialism in this respect. What distinguishes amillennialism from this type of postmillennialism is the nature of the development of the kingdom of God during the millennium. There are varieties of views regarding the shape and progress of the church and of the gospel during this period. Some amillennialists believe that things will get markedly worse before Christ returns, some believe things will go on about the same as they always have, and some believe that Scripture doesn't tell us enough to know what will happen before Christ returns. At Third Millennium, we are in this last camp, but with the added twist that we believe the shape of the kingdom of God (i.e. the millennium) will be influenced by the obedience or disobedience of the church. When we are obedient, things will go better; when we are disobedient, things will go worse.

Good question ..would we go ? I remember the song: Lord please don't send me to Africa..would we argue with the Lord if He told us to leave everything behind and just go? Would go and preach to ISIS ?

Calvinists can be Christians too Bobeep...they are still your brother and sister Did I say they were not?I just do not support Calvinism.

Hi shiloh357, I was hoping you`d ask that question. Thank you. The temple built by Solomon, the temple frequented by Jesus & His disciples were both built on Mount Moriah. Ezekiel predicts (as we know) that another will be constructed on the same place after Jesus returns in Glory. Now every reference to all three Temples on this site was the translation of the Greek word `Hieron.` Any `Temple` erected elsewhere was invariably from the Greek word `Naos.` This word is frequently rendered `Meeting Place,` `Dwelling,` or `Synogogue.` It is the later word `Naos,` that is used by Paul (2 Thess. 2: 4) in reference to the Temple used by contemporary Israel. It has absolutely no connection exegetically with the site on Mt Moriah. In fact there is no prerequisite for it to be built there. To the contrary, in line with the Greek usage, it must be constructed elsewhere. The Embassy of Israel advises that on August 1982, in the presence of the prime Minister, Menachem begin, Members of Cabinet & many other notables, the Jerusalem great Synogogue was dedicated. Marilyn.

Hi shiloh357, Thanks for that interesting article. I still, however believe that the temple the anti-Christ desecrates is in King George Street, Jerusalem. It was constructed with the same local stone as was Solomon`s Temple & has a central feature of a high tower with five magnificent stained-glass windows, topped by two tablets of stone, bearing the ten commandments. In the interior, marble has been used extensively, especially for the Ark situated beneath the stained-glass windows. This I believe is the Holy Place which will be desecrated by the `Abomination of Desolation` referred to by Jesus (Matt. 24: 15). Marilyn.

D.C. Carson is also a Calvinist.That is two marks against Carson for me.

If that be the case Shiloh, then we have to Ignore What Elihu said, who was the only one that spoke correctly on God's behalf, being the youngest of the men. You say it is clear that God gave permission to Satan to murder the mans children, and you right there, only the intellect of man would think something like like about the God that sent His Son to save us. The problem is not intelligence, but lack of revelation. Because we see Moses hitting the Rock exclude himself from the promise land. That is simple enough for even a 1st grader to comprehend. We see David number his troops to make sure there was enough to win the battle, not trusting in God. That might be a bit more difficult for a 1st grader, but we see it. We see Saul who only half obeyed God most the time then claim he did fully what the Lord said. What are those Sheep Saul? how they get here? We understand why He did not make it as King. None of those situations God caused, or gave permission for judgement. Those guys brought it on themselves. 1st grade intellect could see clearly, and understand cause and effect here. In Job's case it takes a little more care in comparing scriptures and not taking one passage, "Behold, all that he has is in your power." and giving it an interpretation standing by itself. Zero intellect would do that as we are warned from Peter not to do that. Surely you can do better in understanding why God would say, "Pay attention stupid, Job is in your power." instead of just saying God was in a crummy mood that day, had no clue what Job would do, and had to prove something to a disobedient spirit who was lying through his teeth the whole time talking to God, because there is ZERO truth in him (John 8:44) Surely God must have just been having such a bad day, that for the first and only time ever recorded one man who served him for no fault of his own, God decides to just take away all his money in livestock, Murder the mans children and makes him so sick he wish he were dead. Do I over estimate you Shiloh? Am I wasting my time? I answer you because you seem to have a lot of revelation, I don't really want to wast time on anyone else. Job did something Shiloh, He broke a very serious spiritual law that was with God before the foundation of the World as the Word was with God, and is God, the same as the Word. I'll help you out though. I believe you will see it. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (Mat 14:30) The Lord commanded Peter to come out. Peter walked out. We know the Lord was not very happy with Peter though. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Mat 14:31) What cost Peter his Miracle? The wind was to much? The Lord just changed his mind? What was it?

Yeeep

While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He gave His only begotton Son for us, a part of Himself. Does He love sinners more than His Son and Himself? Probably. Does that mean that He loves the lost more than He loves us, His adopted kids in whom Christ lives? Possibly. He came for the lost sheep and those who are sick rather than those who are well. So I have to ask myself, do I love the lost as much as God does? There remains somethng in me that is reluctant to go to Ninavah and preach repentance to those who are cruel and evil. Would I go and preach repentance to ISIL? Probably not. Jonah, move over!

Hmm, I guess I can see that, However, each field of study, has it's own language, it's own terminology. For example, I read a cook book and I have no idea what some of those terms mean. If I read a medical book, I would really be at a loss. Some people might hear the word Lamborghini, and have no idea what that is. This is why we have dictionaries, and these days, we can open up a tab in a browser and find out all sorts of things effortlessly. As a new believer, I learned words like Johannine and Pauline probably within my first year as a Christian. After all, if I was going to commit my life to my Lord and Savior, and be of any service to Him in helping others live their lives for Him, I figured I might want to learn some things from a lot of people who have learned more than I know, from the pass 2000 years of looking into these things. Being spoon fed pablum from the pulpit, isn't always enough. The writer of Hebrews had this to say: Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Apparently, they had become lazy. In those days, they did not have a Bible in every home, they were a rare thing, and they did not have a New Testament. The had no commentaries on their "scroll shelf" no internet access, etc. To whom much has been given, much shall be required. Sometimes it might be worth a little extra effort in the service of others. Instead of criticizing those, like Dr. Carson, who have devoted their lives to that idea. But, I do see your point. Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse used to say: "Get the hay down out of the loft where the cows can get at it." Thanks for commenting in this thread.

Not so far. So far, I would classify myself as a (or some would say "an", not "a") Historic Premillinialist. I have only been studying eschatology for just over 3 decades, so I am still learning. I think amillenialism is a respectable viewpoint though. Might be my second choice if I had to choose. As a millenialist though, I am not convinced that 1000 years means 1000 years, as opposed to 999 years or 1001 years. It is hard to be dogmatic about a specific number being taken literally, in a book (Revelation) where so much is symbolic in a collection of books (the Bible) where numbers do have meanings. Especially when the 1000 years is only referred to as such, in this one passage (Rev 20). It is, after all, a vision) I do not want to be close minded and paint myself into a corner of error. It does however, strike be as a real event that is of SOME length of time, and the choice of 1000 years, makes be suspect it is not a blink of the eye. My philosophy on that part, is that I do not see how it can affect how I conduct my life etc, so I do not worry about it too much. I figure once the Lord returns, it is out of my hand, there is nothing to do but go along for the ride, whatever that is. Most of my eschatology, comes from passages which I find easier to understand, For example, Matt 24 - it has a lot of detail, and a lot said about the sequence of events. Once getting a basis in passages like the, the Paulin epistles etc, I then use that as the lens through which I view the trickier sections like Revelation. I think it is wise to interpret the vague, in the light of the clear, instead of the other way around. Revelation might be the last place I would look, for clarity on the end times. However . . . It does have one very clear message, that it repeats over and over . . . Things will be tough, hold on, stand fast, we win in the end! Regardless of whether or not I agree with everything Dr. Carson says, he is an excellent Greek scholar with very few equals, and his writing are clear enough for us lay people to understand. I know, as is usual for me, people ask a simple question, and I answer with paragraphs - sorry!

I think it is speculating too much.

Sure. I don't think long hair and tattoos are appropriate on ANY man but I don't believe they're sinful. Would I want my pastor to look that way? No. But having those attributes would not make him any less Godly. Just unfashionable and tacky. There's a difference between judgment and opinion. And I believe OPINIONS are what the OP was asking for. I don't think this would turn me off just from the outward appearance.It would all depend on what he says about the Bible and God.He could have a wonderful heart and be the best sermon I have ever heard.I tend to observe people.Get a feel of their true Character,integrity,morals and values by what they say and do and where their heart really is.Sometimes this does not take very long.

Yes, he is.I will not be reading the free book.I have nothing in common with Carson. Bobeep what do you not have in common? If the person is amillennial I do not support that interpretation. I read through some of the book, and most definitely do not agree with any Amillennialism position. To think Satan is already bound is to live in a bubble and not be paying attention to what Satan is doing in this World now. However, a wrong view in my thinking is just that. I certainly don't know everything, and some points are very good. I would not want to be so closed minded and miss revelation God has to give through someone. I certainly do not eat hay, or would agree with it, yet a Donkey was used to speak to a prophet and might find my position on eating hay nonsensical. My beef with the book though is not really in Carson's belief system, but his lack of anointing and ability to reach everyone. When things get complicated, we know God is not in that, but mans own wisdom. Just a small example. (3) God’s salvific stance toward his fallen world. God so loved the world that he gave his Son (John 3:16). I know that some try to take ko´smoy (“world”) here to refer to the elect. But that really will not do. All the evidence of the usage of the word in John’s Gospel is against the suggestion. True, world in John does not so much refer to bigness as to badness. In John’s vocabulary, world is primarily the moral order in willful and culpable rebellion against God. In John 3:16 God’s love in sending the Lord Jesus is to be admired not because it is extended to so big a thing as the world, but to so bad a thing; not to so many people, as to such wicked people. Nevertheless elsewhere John can speak of “the whole world” (1 John 2:2), thus bringing bigness and badness together. More importantly, in Johannine theology the disciples themselves once belonged to the world but were drawn out of it (e.g., John 15:19). On this axis, God’s love for the world cannot be collapsed into his love for the elect. Carson just assumes that all of us understand the position of Calvinism, and just assumes we understand why that is important. Many believers don't even know what that is, or even consider or have hears about taking Ko'smoy as to referring to the elect. He goes into long thing about it instead of just Saying, some believe God picks who gets saved, and that saving faith is imparted to them only as the elect in the World. Carson would leave most trying to guess what the heck He was talking about. Then Carson refers to the Johannine Theology, Of course we all know what that is, right? First thing everyone is taught in church, common knowledge. Carson even says it's important, but what the heck is Johannine theology? Desiderius Erasmus, Issac Newton and many others thought the Johannine comma was a fake, yet Carson dismisses this and calls it important leaving the reader to have no clue what Johannine is and what importance it has in making his point against election. For me, the book was far to complex for your Average believer.

A person who is amillennial believes there will be no literal 1000 year reign of Christ.They do not believe that there is no millennium at all they just do not believe in a literal 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth.Amillennism used inconsistent hermeneutics namely interpreting unfulfilled prophecy differently from fulfilled prophecy.I take the book of Revelation literally which would allow me to reject amillennialism.I do not Spiritualize the book of Revelation.

Thanks Omega for your very detailed answer.

Earth is the closest to hell that a believer will get.Earth is the closest to heaven that an unbeliever will get.

Yes, he is.I will not be reading the free book.I have nothing in common with Carson. Bobeep what do you not have in common? If the person is amillennial I do not support that interpretation.

did not Jesus say he who is faithful in little, more is given, or who is faithful in unrighteous material goods (Mammon) then would qualify for true riches, or He that is faithful with another mans, more shall be given? Does faith justify us before God after He tells us to step out and move 4 states away to a place we have not been, and tells us He has great things there? So we by faith tell everyone that we have to move and we know God has a great plan. However, because the kids should finish in their school having friends, and because we can't find a buyer for our house at the price we want and we looked in that other state, and there did not seem to be any good jobs, we never step out and move as the right time did not ever seem to come upon us. We keep telling people saying we have faith, just waiting on the right time. years go by and we never do move. Does that still qualify us for what God had planed for us 4 states away? Faith alone is dead, and does not qualify us for anything. Even the man hearing Paul had faith to be Healed by what Paul was speaking, but he was not healed until Paul helped him saying stand up and walk. Think about it. Be blessed.

Your not seeing what really happened in Job. I did post some scripture from Elihu. God will not prevent or step aside and ever violate his Word. It could be I just assume everyone knows why Job went through what He did and Elihu makes it really clear. Elihu answers that question. When things go wrong, do we ever ask God why? Lot's of things go wrong in our life, just the afflictions of the World as Promised. For the Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecutions and Jesus said we will have trouble in this World. There is a difference between waiting out the flood, and the house being destroyed by the flood that came. When things go wrong, Elihu gave us the answer. Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. (Job 34:31-32) When trouble comes, it's not time to ask why, it's time to seek help. Can we see the plans of the enemy? Do we walk perfect knowing every thing in us that is not perfect? Do we understand all things unless it's revealed to us? Php_3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. The correct response is to call out for Help, Lord you will see me through all things, if I have caused this, show me and I will do it no more. If my thinking is wrong, then I receive correction, but You are my God, and will help and see me through. Job on the other hand.............. That Job speaks without knowledge, and his words are without wisdom and insight. [Would that Job's afflictions be continued and] he be tried to the end because of his answering like wicked men! For he adds rebellion [in his unsubmissive, defiant attitude toward God] to his unacknowledged sin; he claps his hands [in open mockery and contempt of God] among us, and he multiplies his words of accusation against God. (Job 34:35-37) Job was just running his mouth, thou he slay me, I will still trust him, but I am not changing my ways, but maintain them. That is a accusation against God,(God is slaying me, His fault) it's rebellion and unsubmissive. It assumes God had something to so with what happened to me. If God did give permission to a disobedient angel in some Satanic deal to murder my family, then God can't be trusted anyway. That is like saying I trust the guy that comes to my house and always steals something before they leave. It's perfectly fine to ask God questions, it's never OK to accuse God of wrong doing. It's never OK to assume God did not want to help, or God through some strange permissive will allowed the devil to get us. For God to do that, He would have to go against his own Son who came to destroy the Works of the devil. People say things without thinking and don't really understand the implications they imply. Let's get something straight though. Satan don't need God's permission to attack if we give the devil a place. Even the devils named Legion thought Jesus was way out of line and violating the Word when Jesus came to cast them out. They said we rebuke you in the name of God. Even devils know God keeps his own Word, and would not stop them if it meant violating His own Word, saying have you come to torment us before it's time? If the devils are that smart, we ought to at least be that smart. God did not give the devil permission to get Job, and God could not have Stopped the devil even though God wanted to , and had the power to do so. That is not how it works. As Elihu said, Job did this to himself. Job is not about God testing Job to prove something to a disobedient angel. God has nothing to prove to his created beings. God already Knows Job's heart, what does God care what the devil thinks? That is like saying we should care what someone thinks who always thinks wrong, and always causes trouble. Then one day we get stupid and listen to this great plan they have, knowing there is not truth in them, and knowing when they speak a lie, they speak their very nature. Of course we would not listen to them, we are smarter than that, and God is by far smarter than us. It was not about God proving something, or testing Job. As if God needs a test to know a mans heart, and has to listen to a liar to test. it was something else which should be evidently clear to all of us, because our Lord said it many times, the Head of the Church. Blessings.

Great! Now Ezra, can you show how we can know for certain how to determine which case is which throughout scripture? I believe if "shame" is associated with it, or sexual relations, then it would be total nudity. See Genesis 3:7-13 and Leviticus 18.

Having 5 home schooled 'children' in their twenties now, I am going to have to reply with a really complicated answer: NO One thing we did (not that this is that relevant to your question) is notice that as residents in our local school district, our kids were eligible to go to the local community college. So, during their High School years, they attended college. This has the advantage of satisfying educational requirements of our state and it's compulsory attendance and subject laws. For example, you can teach your kids mathematics at home to a pre-algebra level, and then have them take algebra classes at the local college if you want. I lot of people do not feel competent to teach some subjects, this is a way to get past that. In this situation, you get your kids getting college level course work, which not only suits the home schooling requirement in high school, but they are earning college credit at the same time. This also gave them the advantage of getting to go to school without all of the high school shenaniganism. Community college is a better environment and your kids get to socialize with a more mature element, with less distractions and for the most part, being with fellow students who are in school by choice, not by force, that itself I think is helpful While we did not 'graduate' our kids from "Rhema Academy" (the name of our home school - in California at the time, a home school is a private school - since California had no formal legal definition of what a private school was), the did take the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHESPE) to certify their educational equivalency. On documents where there is a blank to fill in - where did you attend high school), they filled in 'Rhema Academy'. With this background, they were able to start college and work toward degrees. Some might think that high school was a fun time, and our kids missed the prom, and school sports teams etc. This is true, but parents need to evaluate if they think those things are important or helpful. My wife and I both went to public school, and we did not regard those aspects of school as really being helpful A lot of parents wonder about adequate socialization in home schooling. For us, it was my wife that suggested maybe we should home school. I thought she was a bit nuts, it sounded to me like a wacky idea. What worried me the most was this question of social skills. So, I asked my wife: "What about socialization?" My wife was really clever when it came to things like knowing her husband. She simply said: "Why don't you research that?" Research is my natural inclination, so I did look into it. What I concluded is best summarized by the question I asked myself: "Do I really want my kids to get their social skills from people who think too much about sex, music, video games and perhaps drugs, or would you rather have them learn such skills from more mature people, who have gotten past that sort of thing?" Between the ideas of not wanting my kids educated in a school, that I perceived as politically too correct (leftist), focusing too much on subjects that would not be that helpful in actual life, ridiculing ideas about morality, origins of life, and rife with selectively revised history, etc, it was not that hard for me to eventually choose to home educate. We did of course, also make sure that our kids were able to hang with people of their own age, but we were not lumping them together with kids we had no visibility of or knowledge about, locked in rooms for 7 hours a day under the supervision of adults who do not love them Our kids hung out with kids from the neighborhood, who we knew and whose parents we knew. They hung out with kids from church. We sought out other home school families, and we and our kids, made friends there. One thing that gave me growing confidence in socialization aspect, was meeting other kids who had been home educated, or were being home educated. Of course, this is anecdotal, but they always stuck me as more polite, better behaved, and even brighter than the kids we know who were in public school (yes, we let our kids have some 'normal' friends). Also anecdotal is this: While our kids were growing up, we never heard one bad report about them, from anyone. No vandalism, no getting into trouble or anything about doing something they should not be doing, or being somewhere they should not be, or hanging around people who might be bad influences on them. No bullying (either by them or to them) - things like this seemed absent in their lives. I will confess the worst thing I ever knew about my kids while they were growing up. My kids did not have Nintendos or PlayStations etc. They had some video games, but they were educational in nature, and they had some on a machine this way, for which only educational games were made, and some on the computer. They we allowed some just plain fun games, but they were wholesome and non violent etc. I mention this because it ties in with their worst behavior that I was aware of ( apart maybe from occasionally being mean to each other. Okay, so what was this hideous behavior? Our kids got no allowances. This was to teach them that they had no entitlement to free money, that money, and the things it can buy, are earned. The had their own bank accounts, and they had their own money they saved at home, This money came from gifts (birthdays, Christmas, etc) of it came from money they earned, working for neighbors or for gramma and grandpa, or it came from doing extra chores, etc. The boys were aware of gaming machines, and were envious of their friends who had them. So, the boys took some of their money (mind you this is their own money that they earned) and walked to the local Target store, where they bought a gaming machine, and a small TV. The sneaked it into the house, and hid it inside their closet. This way, all they had to do, was open the closet doors, and they could play the game from their bed. Well, their plan had a small flaw - their sisters. Their sisters found out about it. So, what happened was that the boys and the girls, entered into an unholy alliance, and conspired to keep this secret. The boys got to keep their secret from mom and dad, and the girls got to use the game too. Eventually though, Mom discovered this conspiracy. I do not remember how we punished them, but one thing they did, was have to carry the system back to Target, and get a refund. Anyway, that is the most evil thing I was aware of in their childhood. I guess I am saying, that all of these efforts, may have had some impact on their characters. One might think that all of these things might not prepare them for real life, where these sorts of things will be encountered. That might be true, and in theory, it is. However, they did not in the least, have difficulty integrating into secular, adult society. If anything, they are confident young men and women who other people seem to like. There is also the question of physical education. The way we handled that, was to join the local YMCA. That got them access to all sorts of ways to exercise. There, they met other kids to, and we met their families. There has always been some sense of supervision of our kid's friendships. At the YMCA, our kids also volunteered. These sorts of things, taught them to acquire skills, and to learn how to work - show up on time, follow directions from a 'boss', and those sort of things. It also became something to add to their resumes before they had 'real' jobs. I could go one, I have already gone way past your simple question Ricky. I just though that maybe, others out there had some questions that might come up in their minds, if they were considering home education. There are some good resources out there, and many ways to do home educating, One can to it totally solo, or get involved in a charter school, or join a home school cooperative. In our community, we were able to get together with other home school families, and have a book sale, so that the costs of books was reduced, by sharing those expenses through reuse and trading and the like. Amazon without shipping costs, and specializing in home school educational materials. HSLDA can help people stay up to date with the legal state of home schooling in their local area, and there are sites that rate and review various curriculum and techniques. Before deciding to home school, I was also curious to know what the educational outcome of the effort might be. At that time (the 90s), the statistics indicated that on average, a child in a private school, was likely to be two years more educationally advanced that his.her public school counterpart (at age 18). A home schooled student was typically four years ahead - achieving 2nd year college equivalency after sophmore year of high school in placement exams. Home schooling is probably not for everyone. Situations vary. For us, one of the decisions we made, was that my wife would quit her job, in order that she could stay home form work to be with the kids. I admit, that The economics of providing for a family of seven, on the income of one worker's (non-union at that) hourly wage in one of the more expensive areas in the country, was a challenge. It meant things like never buying a car that did not have at least 125,000 miles on the odometer. No cable TV, few out of town trips, buying only used furniture, things like that. If one cannot accept such a life style, then homeschooling might be inappropriate. However, some people do not feel that they are themselves educated enough to teach. Don't let that intimidate you. Testing of home schooled kids, shows almost zero correlation in the performance of the student, with the educational level of their parents. Almost makes you wonder why their is even such a thing as a teaching credential. The use of the curriculum, is what provides the information needed to educate, not how much the teacher knows. Part of the reason I decided to go with home schooling, was looking back on my own learning, I realized that most of what I learned, I did not learn if school, I learned because my mom spent time motivating me, and helping me with homework, etc. I realized that in a real sense, I was home educated. Dr. Ben Carson (current presidential candidate) had a few things to say about how much is illiterate mother, did to make him the well educated person he became (do a google search for "Ben Carson National Prayer Breakfast" and watch that video). I think part of the reason why home education works, is that it is natural, perhaps God's design, that kids desire to learn things from their parents, and the home can be a place of better focus, more order, than a sometimes chaotic classroom some schools have. Also, it sometimes surprises people, that with a little planning, you can cover all subjects, sometimes in as little as 2 hours a day. People learn better I think, when learning is not boring, and the shorter it is, the less boring it will seem. If school seems like a chore, then enthusiasm for it wants. I can remember a time, when I covered math, history, geography, biology, and economics, in one, 1 hour class (plus a little drive time). there were actually a few more subject integrated, but you get the idea. The kids had fun, and I had fun, and they barely knew they were in school! Sometime, things that you already do at home, are educational. Bake a cake with your kids - home economics. Make a Pinewood Derby Car - Physics and Woodshop. Grow vegetables in the backyard - Agricultural Technology and Nutritional Studies. Be creative, things like photography are real subjects, if you are learning. Have kids right a review of a TV program they like. Have them watch something on the History Channel, and sicussit with them - maybe you could discuss Slavery in America this way - opportunities are everywhere, if you look for them. Anyway, I will end it here, clearly I am a home school advocate, and that should be enough to pique the interest of those curious about some aspects of home schooling.

I don't think you can Home School college. If they have a degree, or able to pass their G.E.D then it should not be an issue getting a Job before college. There is always discrimination in the World though. Every person I met has an aversion to something, and if that person is in charge of hiring then it will subconsciously effect their Hiring decisions. I always tell the job interviewer that Jesus is My Lord. If the person wants their business filled with believers then the guy that is more qualified than me gets discriminated. If the person hates religion then I get discriminated against. The correct answer to all this though is the young person should seek and find what direction the Lord wants them to go. Those doors can't be closed, and no amount of discrimination can stop someone following the plan of God.

Amen...

If our faith is not working and active, ie fruit in our lives then we can have "faith alone" but will not inherit the kingdom of God.

If things in your life go wrong, do you never in prayer ask God, "Why?"..., Job did, he had been righteous in his dealings and in all he did...which is more than can be said for the majority of us I would hazard to say. But to blame God? No. Job trusted God in all things....that is why he said, 'though He slay me yet will I trust Him'. Satan did approach God and ask to tempt Job...Satan thought Job would turn against God but God knew Job's heart and knew he trusted God no matter what would happen...yes he lost his crops, his animals, his family etc. which is why he was sitting in the ashes covered in sackcloth..but though he questioned why, when he was faithful, and righteous, God permitted this to happen.....and yes, for the Christian, Satan needs God's permission to test/try him, he cannot attack without that express permission....God does not have to explain why He permits things to happen....we need, as Job, to trust that God has all things for our good though as Job, at the time we can only see the present and our own seeming righteousness. But when God finally does speak Ge asks Job if he was there when the foundation of the earth was laid, when the stars were set in place when the mazaroth was set in place etc...in other words...who are we the created to question the Creator.....yet we still do...we look at our own righteousness yet to God they are filthy rags and He being the Creator God can do and permit what He chooses......but all He asks of us is to TRUST HIM.

There is no struggling in heaven...

Yesss.....but different from earth...because we woun't have to work b4 we eat in heaven.....

Yess....people may try to beautify d earth and make it look like Heaven.but no matter how beautiful the earth may look;it can never be compared to Heaven...

by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." As we continue to probe the lessons from the salt covenant, we now inquire into our part in the covenant. Yesterday, we spoke of Yeshua (Jesus) as the unique Bread of Life– and His sacrifice our only provision for justification and righteousness. Now remember that the salt was "added" to the bread as it was broken. This added salt provides a picture of our communion with the Living Bread being joined to Him for a life of holiness and good works. Our saltiness represents the influence we carry into the world through our union with Him. This influence is expressed through the savor of our works. That savor is something He exhorts us not to lose. The apostle Paul expresses this compound reality clearly; "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [Ephesians 2:8-10] Our part in the covenant relationship is to be salt to the world –to be a savor which brings the flavor of our Lord to every encounter; to be a preserving influence in a world of sin and decay; and to be sprinkled around for the gospel's sake. May we remain good salty salt as we walk in all the good works He's prepared for us. View the full article Note: While this is 'locked' for comments, commments can be made on the article page by clicking the full article link.

by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions. 2 Cor 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Yesterday's devotional revealed the salt covenant as a covenant of loyalty; today I want to share an understanding of the Lord's part in this covenant. Yeshua (Jesus) said He is the "bread of life". It was His body that was broken on our behalf as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. Notice that He never once called us to be the "bread of life"! He is the ONLY "Bread of Life" – the true bread who came down from Heaven which anyone may eat and not die. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is His flesh, given for the life of the world. We must realize that we can ADD NOTHING to His sacrifice. If we begin to believe that any good works can add to His sacrifice then we have nullified the perfection of the Messiah's work which provides our justification by faith alone, not of works lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9] Understanding that you cannot save yourself by any good deeds, and falling wholeheartedly upon the sacrifice of Yeshua to save you, will remove spiritual pride, as you understand that He has provided you with the righteousness and goodness which you possess as a generous gift of His Spirit. In gratitude you will walk in His freedom, serving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength! Just as Adam and Eve put on fig leaves to cover their nakedness, we can try to cover our deeply corrupted sinful nature with good deeds or religious activity. None of this is of any use or value if we have not truly eaten the "Bread of Life", Yeshua the Messiah. His free gift of righteousness is the only way we can become good. Once He has provided that, we can begin to do works that are truly pleasing and of great value to our Lord. View the full article Note: While this is 'locked' for comments, commments can be made on the article page by clicking the full article link.