CarolineS

Good post Dennis. Does this verse also apply: <Isaiah 58:12> "Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." We are to return to the faith of the early apostolic church. We are to repair the breach in God's Laws. The Law is like a wall around God's holy people that protect us. The law helps to keep us holy and keeps sin out. However, in our day, God's Law is considered a relic. Something that was nailed to the cross. We are called to restore God's Law, to repair the break in the wall. God is calling us back to true worship, away from traditions, and false worship. He is calling us out of Babylon. In Christ, CarolineS

But it does matter. This doctrine of the immortal soul originated with Satan in the Garden of Eden. He tempted Eve, told her it was OK to sin. He told her, you will not surely die. It was his first sermon to man. It is a lie. Satan is known as the father of lies. Man does not have an immortal soul. Only God is immortal. There is not one verse in scripture that states man has an immortal soul. We are not God. We are not immortal. This belief in an immortal soul is a pagen belief and can be traced back to early pagan religions. It came from that old serpent, Satan, and was a pagan doctrine. It can be found in Eygpt, the Pharisees accepted this doctrine. It was accepted into the Catholic Church, and then into the Protestent Church. It was a Babylonian belief. The early church did not hold this doctrine. Scripture teaches us that immortality is a gift given to us when Christ returns for the 2nd time. It is our blessed hope. The church should be greatly longing for the 2nd coming and the resurrection. If everyone dies and immediately enters heaven, why should we look forward to the 2nd coming? Why do we need a resurrection? This doctrine of the immortal soul is another example of the "babal", the confusion, that exists in the false church. It is just confusion. Think about it. Does the soul go to heaven? Why does the body stay here? If souls can exist in heaven without a body, why come back for it at all? Why is Jesus coming with our rewards if we die, go to heaven, and immediately receive them? It doesn't make sense. God is not a God of confusion. Scripture is clear. We die. The body returns to the earth. The soul rests in the arms of Jesus. The spirit (or breath of life) returns to the God who gave it. When Jesus returns the body, soul, and breath of life are reunited and we are alive again. Only this time with a new body. There is a great reunion of loved ones. We all march into heaven in a glorious parade. There is no sneaking in one at a time. We receive our rewards. It will be glorious, beautiful, we will be surrounded by thousands of angels to welcome us home. Belief in an immortal soul is belief in spiritualism. Satan will use this doctrine in the last days to deceive people. Spirits will appear, claiming to be lost loved ones. They will spread lies about God, the only way to salvation, and will cause many to lose their eternal reward. That's why it is so important to know the Word. In Christ, CarolineS

The prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation go together hand in hand. In Daniel, three Hebrews were thrown into a furnace because they would not bow down and worship as their king ordered. Daniel was thrown into a Lion's Den because he would not pray to the king, and the king only, for 30 days. In Revelation, chapter 14, an angel calls ou "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water." Another angel in Revelation tells us what will happen if anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand. Adam and Eve were tested by being told do not eat of a certain tree in the garden. We will be tested also. The final test of mankind will involve the way we worship, who we worship, or when we worship. It doesn't sound like it will just be an issue of buying or selling. That is not the definition of worship to me. It seems to me, if a person doesn't worship the way the law tells us, then he will not be able to buy or sell. In Christ, CarolineS

While I agree this is an invasion of privacy and it also gives alot of people access to personal information -- it is not related to the MOB. Because it does not involve worship. Even if the gov. issues everyone a card with a computer chip and we all have to have one -- that wouldn't be the MOB either. These cards or computer chips have to be connected to worship somehow, or it is not the MOB. So how could they be connected to worshipping God? In Christ, CarolineS

Greetings, My daughter is in the 4th grade. She is studying the branches of gov. and some of our national monuments. We came across a picture of the WWII Memorial. Here is what is inscribed on the monument: "Sleep, my sons, your duty done...For freedoms light has come. Sleep in the silent depths of the sea, or in your bed of hallowed sod. Until you hear at dawn the low, clear reveille of God." I just thought it was interesting. It goes to show that at one time our theology on this issue was correct. In Christ, CarolineS

Scripture does not support the doctrine of the immortal soul. This is spiritualism. All other religions, except Christianity, teach this doctrine. If you believe this doctrine, please show scripture that states man has an "immortal soul." Surely, if God wants us to believe this, there is scripture to support it. You need to do some research into early church history. And you need to study God's Word. In Christ, CarolineS

I think the beast is a nation, power, or system that will be present in the last days. It may have a man at the top who speaks for it. But it receives it's power from Satan, the dragon. I don't think we are to be looking for one person to arise, like some dictator, who is going to enforce some mark. Scripture does't teach that. CarolineS

But it does matter. This doctrine of the immortal soul originated with Satan in the Garden of Eden. He tempted Eve, told her it was OK to sin. He told her, you will not surely die. It was his first sermon to man. It is a lie. Satan is known as the father of lies. Man does not have an immortal soul. Only God is immortal. There is not one verse in scripture that states man has an immortal soul. We are not God. We are not immortal. This belief in an immortal soul is a pagen belief and can be traced back to early pagan religions. It came from that old serpent, Satan, and was a pagan doctrine. It can be found in Eygpt, the Pharisees accepted this doctrine. It was accepted into the Catholic Church, and then into the Protestent Church. It was a Babylonian belief. The early church did not hold this doctrine. Scripture teaches us that immortality is a gift given to us when Christ returns for the 2nd time. It is our blessed hope. The church should be greatly longing for the 2nd coming and the resurrection. If everyone dies and immediately enters heaven, why should we look forward to the 2nd coming? Why do we need a resurrection? This doctrine of the immortal soul is another example of the "babal", the confusion, that exists in the false church. It is just confusion. Think about it. Does the soul go to heaven? Why does the body stay here? If souls can exist in heaven without a body, why come back for it at all? Why is Jesus coming with our rewards if we die, go to heaven, and immediately receive them? It doesn't make sense. God is not a God of confusion. Scripture is clear. We die. The body returns to the earth. The soul rests in the arms of Jesus. The spirit (or breath of life) returns to the God who gave it. When Jesus returns the body, soul, and breath of life are reunited and we are alive again. Only this time with a new body. There is a great reunion of loved ones. We all march into heaven in a glorious parade. There is no sneaking in one at a time. We receive our rewards. It will be glorious, beautiful, we will be surrounded by thousands of angels to welcome us home. Belief in an immortal soul is belief in spiritualism. Satan will use this doctrine in the last days to deceive people. Spirits will appear, claiming to be lost loved ones. They will spread lies about God, the only way to salvation, and will cause many to lose their eternal reward. That's why it is so important to know the Word. In Christ, CarolineS

Born again? Only the Lord knows. I'm going to wait and see what kind of fruit she produces, then I'll know too. CarolineS

The beast is an organization or system that receives its power from Satan. It is Satan that is thrown into the lake of fire. The harlot in chapter 17 represents an apostate church that utters blasphemy and leads people away from Jesus. A woman in scripture represents a church. The harlot is riding the beast in chapter 17 which represents a church state union. That is why the harlot is riding the beast. Babylon represents everything that is against God. It is a worldly system that believers are to stay out of. Do you really think Satan is going to line people up and say take this mark or die? He is alot more subtle than that. He isn't going to be so blatant. In Christ, CarolineS

Mad at us? I don't know. Broken hearted over sin? Yes. I think He is trying to tell us something. I can hear Him now: <Ezekiel 33:11> "Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?' In Christ, CarolineS

Good post. Jesus appeared to Paul on the way to Damascas. Paul's vision was affected. I don't think it was ever the same again. I think he had very poor vision for the rest of his life. As posted above, Paul states he had a physical infirmity, a trial in his flesh, and then states to those around him, "you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me." I think his poor vision was a reminder of his conversion and of course also how God's grace would be sufficient. In Christ, CarolineS

Dennis, Thanks for the reply. I have received a copy of the book, The Steps to Christ, and have already started reading it. It is very good so far. The scripture that you posted and the book really speak to my heart, I feel that I am on the right path. Just one more question. Why is it that people are more concerned with the MOB and what it is, how to avoid it, etc.? Why not be concerned about how to have the Seal of God? Then a person can be sure to avoid the MOB. In Christ, CarolineS

I don't take the EU very seriously because scripture tells us "they will not adhere to one another." <Daniel 2:41> "Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay." <Daniel 2:43> "As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay." Louis 14 of France tried to unite Europe. Napoleon tried. Hitler tried. All attempts to unite Europe have failed. In Christ, CarolineS

Dennis, The church that I attend does teach us how important the Law of God is. They also teach that keeping the law will not save you. It is Christ that saves us through grace. Then, we, having been saved through grace want to live for Christ and obey and please Him. They also teach that following the Ten Commandments, all of them, is just the beginning. We are to live holy lives, we are to be holy as Christ was holy. So I understand what you are saying. It is a continuous process. But I must say it is difficult living in the world, but not being of the world. I have to live from day to day. Sometimes moment to moment relying on Christ in me. So would you say that if a person has a relationship with Christ, has been baptized, keeps the Ten Commandments (all of them) to the best of their ability, has the law written in his heart, mourns over sin in this world, and tries to warn others to return to God and His laws, would you say that person has the seal of God? In Christ, CarolineS

Pilgrim7, Thank you for your most excellent replies. It appears this seal of God is all about worship. Who we worship, who we follow, when we worship. Just like Daniel, we will have to choose to obey God or man. This final conflict will be a test of worship. Could it really be so simple? This past summer I was baptized by full immersion (which I feel is the only true way to be baptized by water) and I began keeping the Sabbath. I believe the Ten Commandments were never done away with, but are relevant today now more than ever. But since this time, I feel so out of sync with the world. Now we rest on the Sabbath, attend church, study God's word. There is no shopping, no banking, no sports events, etc. It can be difficult at times. I feel so different sometimes, like the whole world is living one way and we are living another. But I want to make sure I am following God and not man. I sure do not want to be deceived. In Christ, CarolineS

I agree. We are all born with the propensity to commit evil because of the fall of man. I would have to say that without the saving grace of Christ we would all remain evil. But, thanks to Jesus we can have some good in us. In Christ, CarolineS

OK. I agree with you. Especially the above paragraph. By having Jesus live within us, and also the Holy Spirit, and having the Law of God written in our heart and the faith of Jesus -- we are sealed and protected from the coming tribulation. The fruit produced in our life should be evidence that we are sealed. Is this correct? Will believers and non-believers be able to look at us and see that we have the seal of God? I do not believe it is a visible mark either. So, can I assume the MOB is not a visible mark either? Those that have the MOB will have the spirit of antichrist. Will we be able to look at their life and know what mark they have? In Christ, CarolineS

Both Daniel and Revelation refer to the little horn, the beast, and John refers to the antichrist. John states that there are many antichrists within the church; he also refers to the antichrist that is coming. I believe they are referring to a system or a power, not an individual person. Although this system can have a man that represents this power and speaks for it. I don't think we should be looking for one individual that we can label as the antichrist. This beast or little horn is a power that has the spirit of antichrist. I believe this system or power will demand some sort of worship from everyone in the last days. If we don't comply, there will be a death sentence. In Christ, CarolineS

I believe we are made of body, soul, and spirit. Our body goes in the grave. The soul rests or sleeps. And the spirit, which is the breath of life, given by God, goes back to the Lord. When Jesus returns at His second coming, our body, soul, and spirit will be reunited and transformed in the twinkling of an eye. We shall then receive the gift of immortality. It is our reward. We are not immortal right now, only God is. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin are death. If you believe that the soul lives forever and goes to heaven immediately upon death, you have fallen for Satan's lie in his first sermon in the Garden. He told Eve, "You shall not surely die." Isn't better to believe God's word? So many people so easily accept Satan's word over God's. In Christ, CarolineS

Pilgrim7, I agree with your post. We need to turn our life over to Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to abide in us. We also need to continually confess our sin and repent. Thus, Christ will give us the ability to overcome sin. We also need to obey the Ten Commandments. So, are you saying by being a believer and obeying the laws of God we are sealed and will be protected during the tribulation? Also, is this seal invisible to man? If it is only seen by God and Angels, can we assume the MOB is also invisible? Why would one mark be visible and the other not? In Christ, CarolineS

Greetings Phil121, Jewish Church? I didn't know there was one. God created the Jews through Abraham. They were chosen to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. They were to tell the world about Jesus and His plan for salvation. However, they rejected Jesus and His message. So the great commission went out to the Gentiles. Now it is up to all believers to spread the good news of Jesus and His plan for salvation. <Galatians 3:26-29> "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." So I thought there is only one Bride that Christ is returning for. In Christ, CarolineS

Maybe we should have a thread just for goodbyes. People could tell us why they are leaving, if they are unhappy or just busy with life. I have wondered too why some people have left; doesn't everyone life to hang out on WB? In Christ, CarolineS

Thanks Dennis. But now I am really not sure. I know I have not kept the Ten Commandments, I try; and I am trying harder every day. Also I have the faith of Jesus. But I know I am not without spot or wrinkle. I know I have the Holy Spirit living within me. So, how can I know for sure that I am sealed by God? Will I be protected during the tribulation? What about my family, or my children? I have been praying about this, but I guess I want to be sure. In Christ, CarolineS