Indentured Servant

I said "trying" to be entertained, hahaha. Truthfully, it's quite challenging for me when I see self-proclaimed experts denying Scripture and filling in the(ir) gaps with current world events or guessing.

I agree. Sometimes I think people try to use pieces from other puzzles to put the prophetic puzzle together, but at the loss of much of the original puzzle pieces. Many simply refuse to refer back to scripture to identify end times events and people. Just one example is the identity of "Babylon, Mother of Prostitutes:" This mother and her daughters are specifically identified in the Prophets, but I've found no one even remotely interested in knowing; most see her as the RCC, a collection of false religions, or something even more bizarre. The Prophets also provide enough information for us to know the chronology of end times events. Your observations are spot on- people base their ideas on things said or written by previous people who didn't have a clue. I'm trying to learn to be entertained by some of the things people believe.

"I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion" - Jeremiah 3:14(b) "...before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads." - Revelation 14:1 "...those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel." Revelation 7:4

You are awesome! (I kinda still like the 12 tribes and tribe of Judah links, but I will always prefer what is written over what is interpreted.) Thank you!

Ah, I fully understand this... I was visiting old friends at a church, and in the Sunday school class, led by the associate pastor, I answered a question that clearly upset him... My answer included a reference to the ancient form of Hebrew that could be read differently, revealing deeper truths. I applied a detailed example to a specific verse, and he freaked out, stating he has a master's degree in Hebrew and was never taught that. He didn't disregard my answer, he just felt like he knew it all, and seemed very defensive that a random person might know something he didn't. I kept my mouth shut for the rest of the time there........

An interesting progression from the use of supernatural gifts of the apostles to Paul instructing believers to seek the spiritual manifestations ("gifts") left for following generations. Awesome!

I am a highly sensitive empath, and having once been too active in dark side activities, I can usually recognize and "feel" certain types of dark energies in some people.

Great verses!

Wonderful! I have a somewhat similar experience. Love it!

Love that scripture!

Awesome! I'll reread the text... Ha, I did what I asked others not to do, and that's depend on a chart made by another. It is fascinating the details and stories that simple symbols contain!

No, Adam and Eve weren't Jews. Technically, the term Jew refers to someone who is a descendant of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. Some refer to all twelve tribes as Jews, which is usually understood or assumed if the context is clear. The only similarity to Israel is that scripture does reference making sacrifices (and/or offerings) to God as early as the sons of Adam and Eve. Although, prior to Israel, such offerings were personal or a family related requirement, and didn't require a priest.

It's fascinating technology, for sure. I read an article (20+ years ago) about a cell phone company that developed a tattoo that would vibrate(?) when your cell phone rang. It was a test project, but there was talk about using the tattoo for more than just cell phone alerts.

Wow! I've not known anyone who knew the gems symbolize the tribes of Israel. I'd be interested in knowing the source list you referred to regarding the relationship between the gems and the tribes, as my sources have them assigned differently. I have seen variations in these lists, but the ones I've used typically assign Ruby to Reuben and Jasper to Benjamin- (the first and last tribes, respectively.) I've seen emerald used consistently to refer to the tribe of Judah. With the assignment of gems that I've been using, this prophecy would seem to indicate that Jesus "color" symbolized all twelve tribes via the mention of the first and the last; and the emerald circle around the throne indicated He was from the tribe of Judah. I'll recheck the charts I've been using, as I have seen variations. Great answer. I thought this might be too much of a challenge, but you we're ready for it! Thank you so much for your knowledgeable response.

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy." -1 Corinthians 14:1 A. Why Prophecy? And why would Paul say, "especially" prophecy? Many theologians, preachers, teachers, and parrots say, "the gift of prophecy is no longer valid." B. Why the huge gap between Scripture and theology?

If asked, what would your answer be? "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." -1 Peter 3:15

In my first ten years as a follower of Christ, I recall frequent references to, and questions about, God's Will. Nowadays, there are discussions about "free will," and I just don't see that as an edifying topic. What I'd like to do, for anyone interested, is to ask, what you think, know, or know, about: "What is God's will?"

It seems there is a strong interest in prophetic imagery, so I thought it would be interesting to see how everyone understands the symbology used in the following verse: "And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne." -Revelation 4:3 1. What do you think the individual symbols mean? 2. What do the symbols convey in this vision?

One literally has to willfully ignore what appears in Scripture SIX TIMES, and only consider a personal interpretation of bits and pieces of strategically selected scripture that feed your narrative. You're not telling me that I'm wrong, you're essentially claiming that Scripture is wrong, and you're trying to prove it. To openly assert that scripture does not say what it obviously does say, and to consistently bait people to argue about it is foolishness. I am under no obligation to enter into a one-sided conversation. Learn better communication skills, and that's all I am going to say.

The day is calculated by the same calculation of the spring equinox, which corresponds with the celebration of Esther, goddess of fertility, who is equated with rebirth, symbolized by eggs. The resurrection of Jesus was originally celebrated on Passover, but the Catholic Church refused to celebrate Jesus' resurrection on Passover, because they were anti-Semitic so it was decided to celebrate it on an existing holiday to avoid coinciding with the Jewish Passover.

I love it when whack-a-doodles try to say Scripture doesn't mean what it says... Do you not trust Scripture?????????????????

Honest inquiry: Are you just trying to find error in my explanation? Your approach seems to be more concerned with my thoughts rather than scriptural truth. If you disagree, please let me know your perspective... I won't be led into an a debate of things I've said only merely because you don't agree. You obviously disagree with me, I sincerely do not understand why. I openly said that I would not personally choose "envy" as the best translation. What is triggering your desire to debate me on this? I do not debate Scripture! If you want to debate me, find another hobby, or be honest and reveal the intent of your challenge. I only deal with honest people... If you're baiting me, I have no interest in wasting my time with you. I thank you for your consideration........

"The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed." Saudi Arabia granted human citizenship to the AI robot, named Sophia. I do find it disturbing that scientists are predicting, and striving for, the merging of human life and AI technology. It is tempting for me, (a sci Fi writer), to try to present prophecy with this technological advancement for the sake of an interesting story. That's all it would be, though. There's too much "end times entertainment" out there already, haha. I'm sure there's no shortage of such things being taught or preached, but it does seem to have a few parallels that can be made to sound acceptable in light of Scripture. People already speak of "The Chip" as if the Bible told them, "Hey, don't take the chip," and they've been hiding from authorities since Y2K.

I'm not sure if this helps to (sort of) answer the question posed, but I welcome all to consider my comments as just opinion. One verse that I've found quite intriguing to spark my opinion... "In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the LORD, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made." -Jeremiah 3:16 This may not be an exact answer to the question posed, but I believe it helps us understand that when all is said and done, we won't even realize we're missing information of the past. Something as integral to Scripture as the Ark of the Covenant will even be unknown... I think this may, perhaps, be telling us that such information and things of Scripture and history will be obsolete knowledge and unnecessary to know once we reach out final destination. ...just my thoughts, thanks for the thoughtful topic.

Oops, you merged two of my comments as one complete thought... 1. Translators (of accepted versions of Scripture) picked 'envy' because that is the most common translation of the word; and, 2. others, like myself, find it difficult to discuss the fuller meaning of words for fear of being accused of making a personal translation. I mentioned my sister to illustrate how close to home sharing this knowledge can affect an individual who ventures into the fuller meanings and etymology of Greek and Hebrew words. It either causes one to be labeled "false teacher," or "deluded by Satan;" especially by the followers of teachers who have their flocks believing that the original texts are corrupt and English is the only true biblical language now. And yes, there are people who sincerely believe that... (If you are one of them, I mean no offense, I'm only making an observation.)