Lost.Sheep

Because Revelation is a book that largely records events based upon visions in the Spirit (ie Rev 4:2) and makes extensive use of symbols, there are many varying levels of literalism applied in its interpretation. Some spiritualize it to the extent that events need not have a physical manifestation but are instead representative of spiritual battles (along the lines of Eph 6:12) and that references to the new Jerusalem and Bride etc represent the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Church. These are more likely to accept that the events of Revelation have been fulfilled in entirety. Others who hold a more literal perspective believe that there are actual physical events that correspond to the record of Revelation (in line with Matt 6:10), and therefore place a greater emphasis on a final battle and the Lord's return. These are more likely to hold that the events of Revelation are either yet to be completed, or are only partially fulfilled. Sometimes I have encountered paradoxes, such as those who hold to literalist and futurist interpretation of Revelation, yet claim prophecy has ceased (Rev 11:3).

I have come to the conclusion that I am not cut out to be a Christian, but am instead a failure in this as I have been in most things during my life (relationships, work, decision-making etc etc). My life (and expected walk) could be compared to a marathon, and as someone crippled*, having struggled to drag myself along alone, have made it but a few hundred metres before realising that the scope and length of the race is beyond my capabilities and there is just no way for me to complete it. I am weak and fragile with deep scars. I am the sort of person who needs support, stability, and companionship, yet I find that these are the things that are kept far from me or taken away from me. Some people may cope well on their own - I do not. Disillusioned with an empty life that's been going nowhere, experiencing no joy and seemingly bearing no real fruit, I have had to discontinue attending services as I felt I could no longer worship in spirit and in truth. It is simple - I believe, and am completely convinced of the reality of God, but anyone familiar with James knows that even the demons believe, and shudder. I believe the Scriptures - in fact I know that they are applicable to me - unfortunately the Scriptures that speak loudest are those that indicate that I am on the wrong side of his favour - that I am under His curse and outside His grace (which does correlate with what I perceive has been a consistent theme during my life). Let us look at some Scriptures that I currently see as speaking to my circumstances; Hebrews 6:4-6 NIV It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Luke 11:24-26 NKJV

It's a tough call really. I usually let it slide, unless it reaches a point where it becomes consistent and potentially damaging to a relationship. Perhaps find out what's going on in their lives, and whether they are needing some help? It's never nice to have others [not show up | not be there for you | not do what they say | keep you waiting unnecessarily | turn against you | walk away | fall], etc etc.

One thing you can be grateful for, is that you have a husband who is there to support you through this difficult time. For many of us (myself included), we aren't just alone when our husband goes to work... Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

What do you term a form of governance where the Lord Himself appoints those who are to reign over cities with a throne in Jerusalem? Certainly doesn't involve any form of popularity contest with cleverly conceived marketing campaigns designed to appeal to the desires of the people in an attempt to sway public opinion and garnish favour.

At the time of Christ's ministry on earth, the nation of Israel was under Roman occupation - a non-believing secular power that did not recognise the sovereignty of God. What we find today is not much different in what are labelled "democratic" nations - "governments" that do not govern with regard to God and His Word. What is apparent from Scripture, is that a time is coming where Satan will be vanquished and He will reign over all the earth. Thankfully the days of occupation by secular "democratic" "governments" are numbered.

Please save me, so I can be with you forever.

What do we know about this body? It is perishable, in that we all die - yet there is another body spoken of, one which is imperishable, and that is the resurrection body. We find that God's plan of salvation is provided for fallen man, but not for fallen angels. Why is this? Firstly we know that God is holy and in Him is no darkness. Only that which is holy, pure and blameless can co-exist with Him in His kingdom - there is no place for darkness, impurity and sin. We know that God, His faithful angels and the resurrected righteous dwell forever in Heaven. We know that Satan/the Devil, his fallen angels and the resurrected wicked will be punished with eternal fire in Hell. We know that man was created from the dust of the earth (that is - part of this creation) and God breathed life into him. However, the angels were not a part of this creation - their bodies are not a part of this earth. The bodies of angels are imperishable, as will be our resurrection bodies, so while our bodies of flesh and blood (which cannot inherit the kingdom) will pass away, the bodies of angels do not. When considering judgment, we can look to the example in Genesis, where we find that Adam and Eve could not remain in the Garden - their form had become marred by sin, so they were banished, and prevented from accessing the Tree of Life in the event they might live forever. Sin cannot dwell or co-exist in His kingdom or presence. While fallen man can be redeemed through faith in Him and the sacrifice of His Son, it is clear that there is no redemption for fallen angels. The flesh and blood body of man will pass away, to be replaced by an imperishable resurrection body, while the fallen angels already possessing eternal bodies, being marred by rebellion and sin, cannot be redeemed and they will suffer eternal punishment (along with the resurrected wicked). Suggested scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:35-53 Luke 20:35-36 Acts 24:15 Matthew 25:34,41,46 Ezekiel 28:12-16 Genesis 3:22-24

I have found the following scripture to be of value in accepting my circumstances, even if I find the situation distressing and am concerned about a perceived lack of fruitfulness; Luke 22:42 NIV "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Marriage is a coming together of two humans, that God made. Scripture is our personal guide to being christian. You might very well marry an atheist, and God will still allow you into heaven as a Good Christian. All you need to do is find a gal that is Christian, and who trys to be a better person and that's all you need. Just my humble opinion. That may well be my problem, but my Lord and my God has revealed in His Word the following, which I believe to be true and for my ultimate benefit; 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? Matthew 5:37 NIV Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 19:3-8 NIV They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." 1 Corinthians 7:2-3,10-11 NIV But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

I suppose my concern in this regard is having the ability to properly provide and care for any children until such time as they are fully grown and capable of supporting themselves. As we age, we often have less energy and an increasing health burden which could impair our ability to provide parenting to the level we would like. By the way, it's great to hear things have worked out for you. I hope that they are a treasure to you, and that you see them as a blessing from the Lord.

..because its not about what you want... ...BUT about what you need in the eyes of God. Why would God allow an athlete to be involved in an accident losing his legs but yet the "couch potato" keeps his? God is sovereign and knows BEST in all situations. He looks at our needs through eternal eyes. You have captured the gist of the question, and yes it comes down to His sovereignty. Perhaps my problem is that I don't understand perceived inequity and how it relates to His sovereign will and purpose. Now it is interesting that you should bring up the Israelites seeking a king. I have been considering this and a number of other verses as to whether or not it is wrong to desire a wife - whether a desire for a wife and family is in effect a snub at God, and saying that he is not good enough or is incapable of fully meeting our needs. I have considered Adam being unable to find a suitable helper, and God seeing his sense of aloneness. Didn't Adam have plenty and a fulness of communion with God in the garden? Why would he desire something else? Was God's meeting that desire in Eve analogous to Israel and their king? Why does Paul need to re-assure Christian believers that marrying is not sin, and seems to equate it with a concession for those who may fall into sin?

I am a 35 year old male who is (I'll put it this way for the forum) "physically intact". While I would like to have a family, I have never really had someone who could be called a "girlfriend", and because of the seriousness with which I regard marriage in accordance with Scripture, I would not enter into it lightly, nor marry outside the faith. And this is where the problems start. Because I am not inclined to lower my standards below those set in Scripture, and due to my late interest and the fact that there is a lack of "eligible" women, it would appear that the likelihood of myself being a party to pro-creation in an effort to raise a family appears to be zero. This is the reason why I have a question. There are many already married Christian couples who would dearly love to have children and raise a family, but due to one or the other parties not being "physically intact", they are unable to conceive. What I can't understand is why I have been allowed to be (and remain) "physically intact" when it appears that there is no reason for me to be so, while there are many who do have a suitable relationship with a real need who would be in a position to benefit enormously from what in my case appears to be redundant. In simpler terms, why do I have something I can't use, when others who want it, don't?