watchman

In John 3:16 what God gave was "His only begotten (or unique) Son." The title "Son of God" was first given to the prophesied Messianic King in 2 Samuel 7:14 and is repeated in Psalm 2:7 and many other passages thereafter. Jesus stands in a unique relationship to God compared with other human beings who become God's children by new birth and adoption. He was always with God the Father throughout eternity past, and is one in essence with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Since it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, it goes on to describe Jesus as the first begotten of the dead. It doesn't mean that He was the first one that ever rose from the dead, there were others that He Himself raised from the dead. It means that of all those ever to be raised from the dead including the saints, He is the first and foremost and chief and greatest one of all who will ever rise. All men who have ever lived will rise from the dead, some to the resurrection of life and some to the resurrection of damnation, but of all who have ever risen, He is the chief one. He is the prince, it says, of the kings of the earth. hope this is helpful

DeighAnn, I think you are making this far too complicated. A lot of times in Scripture, human descriptive words are used to help us mere mortals to have understanding of God and His plan for the redemption of mankind. Jesus used the phrase "Son of Man" Himself. Jesus knew who He was and the mission the Father had given Him. I will try to make this short with just a few verses: Mat 9:4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? Mat 9:5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? Mat 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he then said to the paralytic—"Rise, pick up your bed and go home." Jesus' question in verse 5 was rhetorical. His critics believed it was easier to say, "Get up and walk," because only God can forgive sins. Jesus had claimed to do the more difficult thing from their viewpoint, namely, to forgive sins. Jesus responded ironically in verse 6. He would do the easier thing. From the scribes' perspective, since Jesus had blasphemed God, He could not heal the paralytic, since God does not respond to sinners (Joh 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him). By healing the paralytic, Jesus showed that He had not blasphemed God. He could indeed forgive sins. Jesus again used the term "Son of Man" for Himself (v. 6). His critics should have sensed the messianic claim that Jesus' use of this title implied, since they knew the Old Testament well. The Judge had come to earth with authority to forgive sins (cf. 1:21, 23). This goes all the way back to the Garden when Eve, and then Adam, did the only thing God had forbidden. Eve was deceived or beguiled by Satan to follow 'his' instructions rather than God's. Adam, knowing fully well what God had instructed, ate of the forbidden fruit. Because of this act, the sin nature that every human is born with, is transmitted to all future generations by means of man and not the woman. Satan, in his desire to thwart the will of God, figured he had accomplished his goal since Adam and Eve gave the authority that God had given them, over to Satan. It is an act of futility for any being to think they can "get over on God!" The virgin birth was necessary in order to prevent the sin 'nature' from being passed to the person of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The response of the observing crowd was appropriate in view of Jesus' action. People should respect and admire the One who can forgive sins. Here was a manifestation of God before them. They "glorified God" because they saw a man exercising divine authority. Unfortunately they failed to perceive that Jesus was their divine Messiah.

The 1988 reference caught my attention! I remember it very well for in my area, people were paying more attention to this cheap paperback book than the Word of God. I can't remember the author's name but the title was: "88 Reasons Jesus is Coming Back in 1988." We had a family in our church who were rather sporadic in their attendance but when this book hit the shelves, they had a spot on the front pew. For several weeks they were very faithful. But then as it became clear, this was just another marketing ploy, they went back to their hit/miss attendance and within six months, they never came back! I think the Christian community has done a great dis-service to those they are trying to present the Gospel message, for not confronting and exposing false teaching. From my vantage point I am seeing things starting to fall in place that I could not have imagined just a few short years ago! And if you start presenting a case to show the sequence of events that is paving the way for all the eschatological events that are in our future, you will get raised eyebrows and a tilted head response! "Yeah, yeah. I have seen and heard this show before. I am not interested in fairy tales and fiction, thanks but no thanks." I do not believe that all the things swirling around us right now is the Mark of the beast or the Tribulation or any of many other claims being presented. But I do believe that people all over the world are being "groomed" to be willing to accept anything that is presented as another crisis! Are we not seeing perception being presented as reality? This would include the cancel culture, woke ism, transgenderism, Critical race theory, etc. The list could go on, but that might be a better discussion for some other time. maranatha

1Jn_2:18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 1Jn_2:22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 1Jn_4:3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 2Jn_1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Pick one

Eze 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand. .............and you are welcome

"That day" is the day of His return, not the destruction of Jerusalem, since it would "come on all" earth-dwellers (v. 35). Jesus did not want His disciples to be unprepared for His return. He did not want them to be so self-indulgent and selfish that they disregarded His return. In that case, it might catch them "like a trap." Even though believers should be able to anticipate the Lord's return by the signs that precede it (vv. 10-11, 25-26), they may become so entangled in the affairs ("worries") "of life" that they lose sight of it. (Constables expository notes) Matthew 24 is a great chapter that goes into much more detail on this subject. I think you would find it very interesting.

rachel, thank you for this question that many other Christians deal with as well. First of all, there is no Christian that is really "good enough" to deserve salvation; this is where God's grace in applied to make that possible. (Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Eph 2:9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.) Indeed He did, He does and continues to love you. It is quite the cliche' in Christian circles but still the truth that God loved you to the point of sacrificing His life so that you would have the opportunity to experience eternal life! If you are familiar with the story of the Prodigal Son, starting in Luke chapter 15, you see that a man had two sons and one wanted all the inheritance he had coming and went to a far country where he squandered it all. His father could have disowned him for what he did but instead, he looked and waited for him each day. There was something broken between them but it was not relationship but fellowship. See, he was still his father's son, a disobedient son, but still a son with his father's DNA. Our God is the God of second and third chances based on repentance. The Lukewarm church in Laodicea has an interesting history. "That you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot." This had a background and a local meaning for the people in that day. Being down in the valley, they had difficulty getting water in Laodicea. The Laodiceans built aqueducts to transport water down from the snow covered mountains to the city below. Of course it was ice cold as it started down, but by the time it reached it's destination, it was lukewarm. Down in the valley where the Lycus River joins the Maeander River, there are hot springs. They are so hot that steam is produced. The Turkish government has capped it and is using it today, and there are plans to develop it even more since it is in such abundance. It is the hottest water you can imagine, but by the time it was transported to Laodicea it was just luke warm water. This is a picture of many churches today in the great denominations that have departed from the faith. Many churches- both in and out of these denominations - attempt to maintain a middle of the road position. They don't want to come out directly for the Word of God and for the doctrines of the Christian faith. And at the same time, they don't want to be known as a liberal church. So they walk the fence with both groups. Do you love Christ? Do you love His Word and enjoy gaining insight from reading and studying it? If this is true, that is a very good indicator that you are on the Narrow Road and getting Godly wisdom to guide you along the path He has chosen for you. have a blessed week, watchman

Diaz, there is actually no conflict at all! When you read the text, you see they are doing exactly as they were supposed to do by asking God about when "He" would be taking vengeance on those who had shed the blood of the saints. Even in the Old Testament you find where vengeance was meted out to those deserving it but it was under the authority of God and not a personal "getting even" with an enemy. (Est_8:13 A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. Rev 6:10 They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Rom_12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Regarding your reference to "death"..............death has always meant 'separation.' The first death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. It is the Second Death that is to be feared because it is the separation of the soul, body and spirit from God! And just as a side note when you are discussing Scripture, it is THE Revelation of God and not Revelation(S) and it gives honor and respect to God when you refer to Him as God, with a capital G, unless, of course, you are referring to pagan gods or to anyone other than Jehovah God. Thanks for your question

Melinda, there are a lot of people voicing those same complaints but let me respond to your last question. Heb 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Heb 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. You list so many complaints about your worship experience that it appears you list those to justify your reasons (excuses) for not going. If there are that many things going on that prevent a meaningful worship time, then you need to find a Biblically based church where you can be spiritually fed. Talk with your Christian friends and see what they say about the church they attend. God bless you in these efforts.

helena, thank you for these questions because they indicate you are responsive to the answers. I read your first one asking advice about a possibility of marriage to a Muslim and was also in total agreement with those who are recommending, as painful as it will be, to not pursue this any further. There is a saying here in the USA that "Love is blind but marriage is a good optometrist!" As far as actually converting this person? I would think the chances range from slim to none because the Muslim's allegiance is to Islam and not to Jesus Christ. He is not going to be receptive to your Christian faith because his allegiance is to allah, the moon god of Arabia. No other religion is accepted by his allah except Islam (Surah 2:256) his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews. These are just a few references of a long list. Here are a few quotes on the Islamic view of women you might find interesting: "If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice," (4:3). ". . . . . As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all)," (4:34). Trying to persuade a Muslim to accept the truth of Scripture over the contradictions of the Quran is a noble desire, but for you and many who have been a Christian for years, it is an exercise in frustration at best. The Quran itself claims that it is a continuation of the Bible and it will not contradict it (Sura 2:136). What this means in logic is that whenever the Bible and the Quran have a conflict or contradiction, the Quran is to give way, not the Bible. This is particularly true when the text of the Quran contradicts the text of the Bible. The Muslim position is that the same God (Allah) revealed the Bible and the Quran. Thus the Quran will never contradict the Bible, otherwise Allah would be contradicting himself. It is only obvious that if Allah contradicted himself, he is not perfect. And if he is not perfect, then he cannot be God. Since the Bible was before the Quran and the Quran itself appeals to the Bible for verification, then whenever there is a conflict between the two, the newer and the lesser (the Quran) must give way to the older and the greater (the Bible). All of this seems to be a valid argument, right? But if you present these facts to a Muslim, you will see that their (his) defense will simply be: "I hear what you are saying but the Bible has become corrupt at this point otherwise it would agree with the Quran!" This will be the response of the Muslim even when there is no proof or evidence whatsoever that the Bible is, was, or ever, has been corrupted at any point! There are many more pages of facts and evidence that can be presented but these few should give you cause for concern if you choose to continue this relationship. If you have the opportunity to visit with us in live chat, I would love to discuss this with you further one on one in real time. And by the way...........your English is very good! No need for you to apologize for it. thanks again for a very good question.

Joh 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. And the mother of Jesus was there. The first miracle that Jesus performed, in His public ministry and in John's Gospel, was semi-public. Apparently only Jesus' disciples, the servants present, and Jesus' mother understood what had happened. John's specific reference to days in chapter 1 and here is unusual for him. On the first day, John the Baptist gave his veiled witness to Jesus (1:19-28). The second day he gave his open witness to Jesus (1:29-34). The third day John's two disciples followed Jesus (1:35-42). The fourth day Philip and Nathanael met Jesus (1:43-51). On the third day after that, the seventh day, Jesus did His miracle at Cana. Customarily, the wedding of a maiden took place on a Wednesday, and that of a widow on Thursday. The Jews regarded periods of seven days as reflecting God's creative activity. Possibly John wanted his readers to associate this beginning of Jesus' ministry with the beginning of the cosmos (Gen. 1), which also happened in seven days. If so, this would be another witness to Jesus' deity. Joh 2:3 And when they lacked wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, They have no wine. Mary undoubtedly told Jesus about the situation, because she knew that He would do whatever He could to solve the problem. Being a compassionate person, He would try to help the groom, who was responsible for the food and drink (v. 9), in order to avoid unnecessary embarrassment. Clearly Mary expected Jesus to do something (v. 5). Evidently Jesus had done no miracles before this incident (v. 11). Consequently it seems far-fetched to think that she expected Him to perform a miracle. Mary knew that Jesus was the Messiah, and she apparently wanted Him to do something that would show who He was to everyone present. The wine normally drunk in Palestine at this time was fermented grape juice diluted with water. (Notes on John 2019 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable)

Wow Dan! Good job! I think I want to borrow it. There is one thing you might add which is an over used proverb that I "borrowed" from someone else. "Worry is the interest you pay on trouble before it comes." I don't see anything I would change. Thanks for posting it

Silent, I was one of the chatters talking with you in chat a few days ago when you were talking about discovering what God wanted to do in your life. My goal at that time was to encourage you on your journey as my goal is now. But I am troubled as to why you would post a long and sincere post about what is going on in your life, what you are experiencing and how you feel, and not want anyone responding to your post to not do the same! quote: "Because I will be honest with you, if I get a response that i feel is meant in a way to tell me how I feel and what I am experiencing is wrong--then I am going to never come back here." I would hope that you were not merely seeking validation for your position! Instead of asking questions of other members of this site, I think you would benefit from searching what God's Word has to say on the subject. I for one would not and cannot tell you what you have experienced or felt because you were there when it happened, right? In the early days of the church, signs, wonders and mighty deeds were done to validate the message that chosen speakers were preaching. Once the Bible was completed, there was no longer a need to "perform" any kind of a sign because the completed Word was more than sufficient to guide and instruct the readers. 2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work. God will not disagree with His written Word. Based on that fact, I would invite you to find any Biblical support or evidence for what you believe is of God. thanks and God bless watchman

Jesus is referring to His death as a baptism. This is made more clear in Matthew: Mat 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. Mat 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. Mark relates this same incident in almost the same words. It is plain to see that Jesus spoke of His own death as a baptism. And he said to James and John, two of His disciples, that they would also have to suffer in like manner. Baptism means

One, you would not be standing in judgment of those who go through their doors, but warning them of what they are getting involved with! Here are just a few of the "differences" courtesy of Timothy Oliver: SDA teachings most clearly contrary to the gospel and unorthodox in nature are its insistence on water baptism as an essential prerequisite to salvation, its teaching about the end time significance of Sabbath observance to identification of true believers, and its doctrine of the Investigative Judgement.

I think everyone is still missing the question. Thysia and I were discussing this before she placed it on the boards for some added input. We know from Scripture that Eve was deceived first and then persuaded Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit as she did. Eve was deceived or "beguiled" by Satan; formerly Lucifer. Satan was the deceiver, so who or what was the deceiver in heaven that enticed or beguiled him? Or.........is it necessary to have a physical deceiver? Is it also possible that there was at least an even chance that Eve or Adam would have eaten of the forbidden fruit apart from Satan's influence? We are told in the Book of Revelation that during the Millennial reign, that Satan is "bound" for the thousand years and because of that, there is peace and harmony on the earth for that period of time. But when he is "loosed" then his evil influence once again tempts mankind to repeat the same mistakes of their parents. It was also mentioned in other posts that pride was Satan's downfall, and Scripture tells us that is exactly what did him in. So, is pride a part of the makeup of all created beings and if so, is there "good" pride and "evil" pride? One other thing.........Paul says that gods are really nothing. We know that darkness is really nothing but the absence of light. So is evil the result of when there is no good? When all this is taken into consideration, when or where did any or all of this have it's influence on Lucifer to plant the idea of even considering usurping God's authority? Well, it seems I have added nothing but questions instead of answers! I will be looking forward to anyone's input. in His grip, watchman

Beforetheworldwas

Wow, everyone seems to be all over the map on this one! Different ones have looked at whether it has any effect on salvation (which it doesn

I am really amazed! This ongoing topic of demons, demonic possession, demons behind every bush and under every rock seems to have taken on a life of it

Wow, what happened to the thread about JW doctrine? I want to address the original question about what the JW's believe and yet keep it brief. 1. Jehovah God is not a Trinity 2. The doctrine of the Trinity is inspired by Satan 3. Jesus Christ is a created being, who at one time did not exist (a.k.a.Michael the archangel) 4. The Holy Spirit is not a person but is "God's active force" i.e. gravity, electricity etc. 5. Heaven is only for select Jehovah's Witnesses 6. Heaven is limited only to 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses 7. Jehovah's Witnesses are the only true Christians 8. There is no eternal torment (Hell is just the grave) 9. There is no life after death (except for the 144,000) 10. Salvation is by good works not by Grace 11. You cannot be sure of salvation 12. Jesus is not to be worshiped or prayed to 13. Jesus did not rise from the dead bodily but as a spirit being 14. The second coming occurred in 1914 (only known to Jehovah's Witnesses) 15. The "first resurrection" occurred in 1918 16. All pastors are the "Antichrist" 17. All churches are of Satan 18. All governments are controlled by Satan 19. You cannot take a blood transfusion 20. You cannot support your country 21. You cannot salute the flag, stand for the national anthem, or own a flag 22. You cannot serve in the military 23. You cannot buy Girl Scout cookies 24. You must attend five meetings per week 25. You must go from door to door weekly to gain converts 25. You are discouraged from attending college 26. You cannot marry a non-Jehovah's Witness 27. If one does not follow the rules of the Watchtower they will be shunned 28. You cannot join any clubs or sports teams 29. You cannot be a cheerleader 30. You cannot celebrate any holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.) 31. You cannot celebrate your birthday 32. You cannot vote in any political campaign 33. You cannot hold public office 34. You cannot serve on a jury 35. You are discouraged from giving to charity (except Watchtower causes) 36. You cannot speak to former members who are shunned (disfellowshipped) 37. You cannot accept Christmas gifts 38. You must read and study Watchtower literature regularly 39. Only Jehovah's Witnesses can understand the Bible 40. Angels direct the Watchtower organization 41. Jesus did not die on a cross but an upright pole 42. You cannot own or wear a cross 43. You must report your witnessing activity to the elders 45. You cannot have friends who are not Jehovah's Witnesses 46. You must refer to all Jehovah's Witnesses as "brother" or "sister" 47. Only approved sexual practices are allowed in marriage 48. You cannot understand the Bible without Watchtower literature to explain it 49. A child abuser is reported to Watchtower elders and not the police 50. You must forgo vacations to attend annual conventions 51. You are discouraged from buying a two door car 52. Men must wear short hair 53. Men cannot wear beards 54. Women cannot pray in the presence of men without a hat 55. You cannot have a tattoo 56. You cannot use tobacco products 57. If you see another Jehovah's Witness breaking the rules you must turn them in to the elders 58. You must appear before a Judicial committee if you are caught breaking Watchtower rules (Secret files are kept on all members which record these meetings (they are never destroyed) 59. You must not own wind-chimes (they are for chasing away spirits)* 60. You cannot read any anti-Jehovah's Witness material 61. You cannot use pet foods made with blood 62. You cannot read Christian literature from a Christian book store 63. You cannot wear jade jewelry* 64. You cannot purchase Christian products (plaques, pictures etc.) 65. You cannot wear any Christian jewelry 66. Jehovah's Witness meeting places have no windows 67. You cannot play chess* 68. Jesus could have sinned and failed in his mission 69. Jesus was not born the savior but became the savior at his baptism 70. The Watchtower organization is God's prophet on earth today 71. Women must submit to Watchtower elders 79. God is not omniscient "all knowing" 80. God is not omnipresent 81. God only speaks through the "Governing Body" in Brooklyn, New York 82. The Holy Spirit is only for select Jehovah's Witnesses 83. The Lord's supper is only to be eaten by select Jehovah's Witnesses (144,000 group) 84. The Lord's supper can only be offered once per year 85. 99.99% of Jehovah's Witnesses are forbidden from taking the Lord's supper 86. Only faithful Jehovah's Witnesses will survive Armageddon 87. If you have a non-Witness spouse your first loyalty is to the elders over your spouse 88. Jesus was equal to Adam (just a man) 89. Judgment day is 1000 years long 90. If you leave Jehovah's Witnesses or are expelled from the organization you will not be resurrected 91. Only Jehovah's Witness prayers are heard by God 92. Man's salvation is secondary in God's plan; Jesus was sent to "vindicate Jehovah's name" 93. God will destroy all non-Jehovah's Witnesses at Armageddon 94. Your hope is to live on a paradise earth forever 95. You must never enter a church building 96. You must never attend a church service 97. You cannot be involved in martial arts, boxing or wrestling 98. You cannot participate in a school play 99. You cannot donate blood or your organs when you die 100. You can never question what is printed in Watchtower literature 10l. You are forbidden to attend a funeral of an ex-Jehovah's Witness There is more, but this should suffice for now. ........... uh, did I say "brief?"