Dad Ernie

Greetngs David From New Nern, We know that before the beast is allowed to wage war against the saints and overcome them, they MUST be sealed with the Holy Spirit. It is these whom will be "resurrected or raptured". At that moment all of God's saints and "changed to be like Christ." So that all who REIGN with Christ during the millineal period are in their new bodies, but the rest of the world that escaped God's wrath upon the earth remain in the flesh. It will be them and their progeny who repopulate the earth. We will not be because we shall be like the angels neither marring nor given in marriage. Why was the serpent allowed to tempt Adam? I believe the same can be said of those "worldly-fleshly" fellows in the millenia. God wants our total, complete unreserved love and obedience. This is what we work toward even now, and the last obstacle that will be overcome is death. We await that day rejoicing that we have such a hope in Christ, but the world does not. I don't credit Satan with anything. God uses Him, even as He does all things to bring about His plan. I know that when gold is refined, it MUST go through a terribly hot furnace and the dross is purged off. So it is with our faith. So, in a round about way, I am probably agreeing with you. Blessings, Dad Ernie P.S. The use of the term logic has some bad connotations to it. The Lord tells us "come let us REASON together". Paul often REASONED with various people and I do not see him using "logic". Most all my posts are replete with scripture or scriptural references, so that the Word of God goes out and NOT just my "logic".

Greetngs APO, Here is why Adam sinned and Jesus (even in the flesh) did not: John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. Again, Adam was a "living soul" Jesus was a "quickening spirit". The flesh profiteth nothing, but the spirit gives life. It has always been God's plan that Jesus provide the way, the truth and the life. Adam was tempted as we are and sinned. Jesus was tempted as we are yet without sin. Jesus overcame the temptations of the Devil by quoting the scriptures to Him in the power of the Holy Spirit. Why didn't Adam? One of our greatest obstacles in this world is self-pride. I know that when I was finally confronted with all my pride, and saw who I really was - in the flesh - I was absolutely broken. I wept and wept over my sin and that I was undeserving of God's grace and forgiveness. Adam passed the buck and so did Eve. It was the Holy Spirit at work in me whereby I was able to confess and repent and bow down to God. Adam had no such power - for the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. Adam, even as we are "in the flesh", are weak, frail and subject to all sorts of temptations that sheer will-power cannot overcome. Adam needed Jesus just as much as we do. Sorry, that some just cannot see this. We are born into a world of death, separated from God because of Adam's sin. And until we are born again IN THE SPIRIT, we are not able to overcome the world. This is the crux, this is why Adam fell. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings, I am NOT speaking from a gnostic position: John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. A "living soul" - flesh. EricH: I have quoted Romans regarding the fact that ALL CREATION was created IN VANITY - weak - frail, and those are the terms I use to identify the "flesh". I have explained this in other posts. APO: What was it in Adam, if not the weakness of the flesh and self-pride that caused him to disobey God? Use the scriptures Man, tell me what God says about it. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetngs David from New Bern, I too have pondered this question. So let's review. Jesus returns and begins His reign and Satan is no longer the Prince & the Power of the Air. He is no longer a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Peace reigns among the nations, Satan is not fomenting trouble. He is not out tempting man to sin. Man has no further excuse (Satan made me do it) not to bow down and accept complete Lordship of our Christ. It would seem to me that when temptation is removed, man would indeed act in perfect concordance with God's commands. But we see this: Zech 14:16-19 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. So even without Satan, men will continue to deny the Rule of God. By the end of the 1,000 years, I can see that the "world" will get worse and worse and finally Satan is loosed, only to find His doom along with ALL THE NATIONS that did not submit to the true worship and fellowship of God. When these men stand before the throne and say that "Satan made me do it", the justification of God has been made. For God gave them 1,000 years to repent of their evil ways without Satan in the world and did not. These are only my thoughts, but they appear to line up with the scriptures. I can't say "Thus sayeth God". So keep studying and asking questions. God will one day leave not one question unanswered. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings, Considering that it was God who inspired the writes of the scriptures, it would seem to me that had He intended to refer to ALL His creation as PERFECT, that he would have used the following word: Ezekiel 28:14-15 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 08549 tamiym {taw-meem'} from 08552; TWOT - 2522d; adj AV - without blemish 44, perfect 18, upright 8, without spot 6, uprightly 4, whole 4, sincerely 2, complete 1, full 1, misc 3; 91 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst) There are other words God could have used to ensure we understood a "perfect" creation, but He did not. What purpose does it serve to pursue the idea that Adam was "perfect". We are told in James 1:15 when lust is conceived it bringeth forth sin. Did Jesus experience this "lust"? Of course not. Are you attributing the same "goodness" to Adam that you attribute to Christ? I think you had better change your doctrinal understanding. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings APO, I was wondering when you were going to show up. Please see my response to EricH Are you saying it is not? If so, I'm afraid that is VERY HERETICAL. To answer you and Tess on this. God never looked upon man as being "very good", but at the end of the 6th day, He looked upon all His hands had created and saw that it was very good (where I added - for His purposes - and for which you accuse me of adding to His Word, yet it is consistent with the rest of the scriptures). In connection with this, I asked you if "East of Eden" was ANY LESS PERFECT than Eden was, and if so, then you are overlooking a very important part of God's creation. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings EricH, To answer you and Tess on this particulary subject regarding Adam. I have never once said that the "flesh" is inherently EVIL. I have said on many occasions that it is WEAK. It has no inherent life within itself, such as God, Jesus or the angels. LIFE IS IN THE SPIRIT. The flesh is weak and easily tempted, and as can be seen with Adam and with all of us, WITHOUT THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST TO OVERCOME SIN, we FAIL! Please do not attribute to what I have said, false attributes. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Smalcald, Please read Romans 11. We are told that ALL Israel shall be saved, but not until the "fulness of the gentiles be come in" (and let me add - "to the Kingdom of God". The Lord has hardened their heart until that "fulness" occurs. But yes, we are given a commission to pull ALL from the fire, as much as God has enabled us. Our duty is to be ready in season and out of season to give reason for the hope that is within us. We are to give aid to the poor, the widow and the fatherless. There is no restriction on this. This applies to everyone. There is no way we can hurry or push along prophetic events. They will occur in the timetable God has set. We can do nothing in this regards. Many, perhaps most Christians have a special love for Israel, not because they are inherently good, but even as God, because of their fathers through whom we received the Word of God, and even Christ Himself. We owe them a debt for all that God used them for and we should repay them by showing them "mercy", even as Romans 11 says. One day, God will soften their hearts and we need be prepared for that day by the good works of Christ. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Tess, No response to the verses and comments I gave? Yes. Along with all creation, Adam was created "in the flesh", which inherently is NOT perfect, for TRUE LIFE is of the Spirit. I am not saying that Adam was flawed, but the flesh is weak and subject to temptation, as proven out by Adam's sin. We are no different. Place temptation in front of us and we have a battle on our hands. Had Adam been "perfect" as you and APO seem to think, he would have been filled with the Spirit of God as Jesus was, for Jesus IS OUR PERFECTION, which applies even to Adam. God did not have a temporary plan for Adam, but a permanent one for him and us. That "perfection" is ONLY found in Christ and it results in eternal life far and above what Adam OR US know. Adam pre-fall could not have judged angels, but we shall. Even as Christ is so far above the angels, so we shall be IN HIM, and the angels long to look into these things. I hope you take the time to read and respond to the verses I provided. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Deadman, Thank you for responding. Apparently you have not read any of the posts regarding Adam. When you do, you will see the importance of understanding more about our earliest father. There is actually quite a bit that the scriptures say about Adam, of which you are apparently unaware. You make my point for me. We are even as Adam was Pre-fall. We have a fleshly nature that is in common with the created Adam before he sinned, only now we are born into a world that is without God and without any desire to seek Him. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Brandli5', I believe in a post-trib, pre-wrath rapture of the saints. There has already been much written on this topic if you want to peruse the archives. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings OT, I am satisfied that the 12 tribes are accounted for. Because we do not have a finite hold on each of the 12 tribes, doesn't trouble me. I hope your search proves fruitful. When it does, let us know. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings, I hope to see several responses, but I want to see Apo's & Tess's response to this in particular. As I have considered my position on Adam Pre-fall, many verses have come to mind which either might apply to his situation or parrallel it. So I would like whomever, to consider the following verses with Adam in mind - Pre-fall. Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. ADAM WOULD NOT ADMIT HIS SIN. Proverbs 8:12-13 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. DOES THIS APPLY TO ADAM? Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. SATAN SAID YOU SHALL BE LIKE GOD - WHAT DO YOU THINK ADAM THOUGHT? Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. DOES THIS APPLY TO ADAM? Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. SURE SOUNDS LIKE ADAM Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. IN ADAM'S CASE, NOT ONLY LOW, BUT OUT ON HIS FANNY! Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE, ADAM SURE DIDN'T HEARKEN UNTO HIS COMMAND Daniel 5:20-21 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: 21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will. MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CHANGES AS WOULD APPLY TO ADAM, AND AGAIN GOD DOES NOT CHANGE. Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. EMPHASIS ON GOOD - WAS ADAM GOOD? Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. ADAM'S LUST FOR THE APPLE CERTAINLY DID NOT COME FROM WITHOUT. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. ADAM ONLY WANTED TO BE GOD! 1 Cor 8:1-2 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. SO ADAM THOUGHT HE HAD JUST RECEIVED REVELATORY KNOWLEDGE. YEP HE SURE DID. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. IF EVE WAS "BEGUILED BY THE SERPENT", THEN ADAM WAS BEGUILED BY EVE. James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. CERTAINLY SOUNDS LIKE WHAT HAPPENED IN ADAM'S CASE. 1 John 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. EVE SAID "THE SERPENT MADE ME DO IT", ADAM SAID "THE WOMAN YOU GAVE ME MADE ME DO IT." Where does the buck stop? 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. WOULD YOU SAY THAT THIS APPLIED TO ADAM? In addition just a few more that I am particularly interested in: 1 Cor 15:45-49 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Romans 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Thank you for taking the time. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Smalcald, I am not Shiloh, but here is my response: Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. God Bless, Dad Ernie

Greetings Old Timer, I haven't talked to George, our board owner, for a long time, but I assume he is still in Israel ministering. He once wrote that of the population of Jews in Israel, less than 2% have accepted Christ. This is pretty much consistent with the rest of the world as best I can determine in searching for statistics, although my estimate is closer to 1%. This remains a "remnant" of all Jews. So the current Jews in Israel, I do not believe fit into the category of those verses I previously quoted. I see the Jews return to the land will be hand in hand with us when Christ returns to rule for the 1,000 years. This will fulfill the promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so that those there now are NOT of this final group, although, it is interesting that of the 13,000,000 I quoted from ICEJ, 1% is 130,000. Just a little more than that percentage wise, would give us the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation. Could this be one of the signs of the last days? Thanks for your history lesson. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Old Timer, Some "statistics" for you: ICEJ - Tuesday, 2 May 2006 More Jews in Israel than in any other country For the first time since the first century, there are more Jews living in Israel than in any other country and, according to demographic studies, within 30 years the majority of Jews in the world will be living here. Ahead of Israel's 58th Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Statistics announced that the country's population stands at 7.03 million, of which 5.64 million are Jews. This is more than the estimated 5.3 million Jews living in the US, until now home to the highest number of Jews. "If current trends continue, there could be an absolute majority of world Jewry living in Israel within 25 to 30 years," Prof. Sergio DellaPergola of the Harman Institute of Contemporary Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem told The Jerusalem Post on Monday. He attributed the increase in Israel's Jewish population to higher birth rates rather than a population increase due to immigration. "Israel is the only country in the world with a natural increase in its Jewish population," said DellaPergola. The Jewish population of the United States, in the meantime, has been notoriously difficult to measure. "The last surveys were taken in 2001, and even then the figures are not as accurate as the numbers provided by Israeli statisticians," the professor said. The Jewish Population of the World - 10/19/04 (these are a little older states I have acquired) The estimated strength of world Jewry today is little more than 13 million. We say

Greetings, I am in agreement with most of what St. Worm has said, albeit that I believe we are the same as Adam in his original condition, pre-fall. The flesh profiteth nothing. I post the following for consideration: 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 2227 zoopoieo {dzo-op-oy-eh'-o} from the same as 2226 and 4160; TDNT - 2:874,290; v AV - quicken 9, give life 2, make alive 1; 12 1) to produce alive, begat or bear living young 2) to cause to live, make alive, give life 2a) by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate 2b) to restore to life 2c) to give increase of life: thus of physical life 2d) of the spirit, quickening as respects the spirit, endued with new and greater powers of life 3) metaph., of seeds quickened into life, i.e. germinating, springing up, growing We are of the "last" Adam and life has been imparted to us that is supernatural, it is "spiritual", if we are in Christ Jesus. The first Adam was only a "living soul", dust brought to life by the breath of God. I find the following verse to help in my understanding of this "breath": John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Jesus' disciples needed at least a "measure" of the Holy Spirit in order to perform the miracles they later performed, yet as we know "the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. What is the difference here and with Pentecost? So it is with the "life" that the dust of Adam received, compared to the receiving of the Holy Spirit when we are born again. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Old Timer, Did you read these verses: Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. Dare I say you are wrong? Whenever you read the OT, you must take into account the revelation of the NT. We find so many times in the OT verses that on the surface seem to conflict with that of the NT, such as the Covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, yet we find in the NT, that a "New Covenant" will be made with the houses of Israel and Judah (which encompasses all of Israel). We also find verses in the NT that are explanations of verses in the OT, but when you read the OT verses, they appear "out of context" with the surrounding text. The NT, always takes precedent over the OT. So if you can "fit" the OT prophecies INTO the NT, then your the results may be more accurate. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings Old Timer, My thoughts: Hebrews 8:8-11 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Also: Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. It would appear to me that all 12 tribes were known and considered "of Israel". Many were scattered among other nations, and I believe we can see that in the Epistles, starting with Rome. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings, I agree with much of what Shiloh357 says, except I emphasize that it is the Kingdom of God that is ALL important, NOT Israel. We are NOT adopted into Israel, but into the Kingdom of God. If the Kingdom of God can be truly understood, then the dispute over who is who and what is what becomes less confusing. Consider: Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. God instituted the Kingdom "covenant" (testament) with Abraham (Father of our 'mutual' faith). It passed through Isaac then Jacob. But Jacob (Israel) rejected God's only Son, so the "fig tree" was chopped down and the Gospel of the Kingdom went to the Gentiles, who would "produce fruit". God never goes back on a promise though and when the times of the gentiles are fulfilled, at the end of the age, God will again soften the hearts of Israel and will draw them to Him through the preaching of the Gospel by the gentiles: Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 11:31-32 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings, Abram was born to Terah of the idolatrous nation of Ur of Chaldees. The name Hebrew is believed by some to come from the Name of Eber: (First mention of the word Hebrew) Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. Easton's Dictionary: beyond. (1.). The third post-duluvian patriach after Shem (Gen. 10:24; 11:14). He is regarded as the founder of the Hebrew race (10:21; Num. 24:24). In Luke 3:35 he is called Heber. Abram's name means "exalted father", but God changed his name to "Abraham" when He called him out of Ur. Abrham means "Father of the nations": Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. It is written that it would be through Isaac that this promise to Abraham would be fulfilled: Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. Now Isaac had two children - Esau and Jacob. Jacob became Israel who was of ONE nation. But the promise to Abraham was "father of many nations", so Esau too is included as part of that promise through Isaac. He married into the Ishmaelite tribe - which remained Hebrew. It was going to be through Jacob that God would continue His covenant promise to Abraham of being a "separate nation" from all the nations of the world. The point here is that the Abrahamic covenant was fulfilled through both Esau and Jacob, but a "separate people" that is - taken out of the world of nations would only continue through one man and that was Jacob. Now all this is only for us as a "type" and "shadow" of what was to come, for Isaac is a "type of Christ" through both whom Jew and Gentile look to as one head, one savior, one father of all. So it not out patriarchy that has any significance, but it is Christ who has brought both Jew and Gentile into His Kingdom. There are Jewish believers and there are gentile believers. This is what is important. I hope all that wasn't too confusing. Blessings, Dad Ernie

Greetings David from New Bern, I always have to keep in mind: Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. This verse applies to ALL Christians, both gentile and Messianic Jews. When this verse is understood in conjunction with all the rest of Holy Scripture, then I must say that many Christians are going to be dying during the Great Tribulation. Examine the Apostles record. I believe that only one - John - did not die at the hands of the "Beast". Consider: Daniel 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Let me conjecture just a bit. There are approximately 16 million Jews in the world at the present time. Most are scattered among the nations. Only recently has Israel become the home to more Jews than are in the United States. It is my opinion that the 144,000 will be those Messianic Jews that are in Israel at the time of the end. Jews outside Israel, I believe, that become saved are among those "multitudes beyond count" found in Rev 7. I do believe the "remnant" will be saved, when speaking of Israel, but I will not be surprised at all when a very great number of Jews will be with us when we reign with Christ for the 1,000 years. Does that answer your question? Blessings, Dad Ernie