Results 21 - 40 of 532
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 50987 | ||
Goodmorning New Creature: The seven churches of Asia which are found in Rev. 2-3 represent local churches of God which existed in Asia at about 96 A.D.. Interestingly, the Spirit of God through John points out the condition of each. However, when we look closely at each church we find that each represents a time in history which at the time of the writing of Rev. was future except for the first church at Ephesus. Ephesus represents the apostolic age. The Lord says: a) "I know thy works, and thy labour and thy patience" V.2 Labor in this verse is given in the sense that they labored to the point of exhaustion. b) "thou canst bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not and hast found them liars. This church was doctrinally correct and stood guard against false teachers and exposed such as false. In v. 3 the Lord summerizes the intensity of their labor, their doctrine and faithfulness to that doctrine. Nevertheless, even though the appeared to be correct, the Lord points out this major problem in V.4 "Thou has left thy first love" An example of this can be found in the experience of Mary and Martha in Luke 10V38. Martha was a hard worker and was busy trying to make things right for the Lord. She was frustrated with her sister's seeming lack of exercise. Yet we find that the Lord points out "that Mary has choosen the better part". What was Mary doing? Sitting at the feet of the Lord Jesus and hearing his word. Martha was distracted by all of the work she thought necessary and forgot that it was important to be close to Christ and to hear his word. In Ephesus, we have those who labored intensely supposedly for God. However, it would seem that their motivation was out of duty rather than out of love. When we first come to know Christ as our Saviour, we are in our first love. Our desire is to be pleasing to him because of his love to us and ours to him. However, as time goes by there is a distinct danger of doing things out of a sense of duty rather than love. We may pride ourselves in doctinal correctness, in our ability to see error in others and in our stand for the truth, but if we are motivated by anything other than love for Christ, we labor in vain. God wants our hearts more than anything else. In V. 5 they are told to repent. Or the Lord would removed the lampstand from their presence. I believe the lampstand is the Lord's presence in their midst. At a certain point he will withdraw and leave them alone to their own organized religion. You mention "People doing what they do without the fire" This is a good way of putting it. I believe the fire speaks of our desire to please the Lord Jesus because we love him and if we are willing he will by his Spirit raise us to higher heights in himself. "You have left your first love" is a challenging searching question which we can apply to ourselves. Why do we do what we do for the Lord? In Christ Robert |
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22 | "need" for baptiam | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51014 | ||
To All: We should not take a few scripture verses in isolation and build a doctrine. In fact Peter tells us "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (1 Peter 1:20) In other words we must consider the interpretation of a verse in the context of the chapter, in the context of the book, in the context of the testament and in the context of the whole word of God. What does God teach us about the remission or forgiveness of sins? a)"without shedding of blood is no remission." (Heb.9:22) From the beginning of Genesis throughout the Old Testament God has shown this principle through types and shadows that there is no forgiveness apart from the shedding of blood. All of these pictures pointed forward to the coming redeemer who would give the ultimate sacrifice for sin. These types and shadows were fulfilled in Christ. b) There is no other way to have sins forgiven. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God" (Heb. 10:12) Peter also reminds us "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1 Peter 1:18-19) Paul reminds us in (Eph 2:8-8) "For by grace are you saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God; not of works lest any one should boast" What about Peter's words in Acts 2:38? Is he teaching us that baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins? If so is he not contradicting 1 Peter 1: 18-19? First who is he speaking to: He is preaching the first message of the gospel to Israel, many whom were eyewitness to Jesus on earth and to his death upon the cross. They were also those who were looking for the Christ or the Messiah. What is he telling them? He reminds them of the life of Christ on earth, his miracles and wonders. He tells them that it was God's plan that Christ would be crucified and slain. He shows them how Christ is the fulfilment of old testament prophecy and that he died, but more wonderful, God raised him from the dead and that "God hath made that same Jesus , whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."V36 In other words the one you have hated, rejected and crucified is none other than the messiah whom God had promised. How did they react? Their conscience was pricked and they asked "What shall we do?" Peter continues and teaches them that guilt is not enough! Feeling sorry for your mistakes will not give you forgiveness! What was his message? a) "Repent ye"(metanohsate) is in the active imperative tense. It demands action at once! You must change your mind and your life immediately. You must see yourself as God sees you and see Christ as God sees him. The one whom you rejected you must crown as Lord and Christ of your life. If indeed they followed this teaching the moment they turned to Christ by faith and acknowledge him as Lord and Christ they were given eternal life. What next? "And be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ" Why did Peter insist that they be baptised. Were they not saved when they believed which was part of repentance? Absolutely! However, it was the command of the Jesus Christ and it was by his authority that they were baptised. Their baptism at this time was an outward expression of the inward change. They identified with Jesus Christ whom they once hated and yet now loved. The Lord Jesus made it very clear that there is a divine order to getting saved. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" Mark 16:16 What is he saying? "He that believeth" At this point the person is forgiven the moment they rest by faith on Jesus. "And is baptised" He wants those who believe in him to be baptised. "He that believeth not" "shall be damned" nothing is said about being baptised not. Baptism would have no merit if a person who had not believed were baptised. We know that there are hundreds of verses support the theme of God's word which is redemption through Christ alone. To try and add something to the work of Christ is an insult to that precious one who paid the price in full and in doing so open the life gates to all who will enter by faith. I plead nothing more than the precious blood of Christ shed for me for eternity. I was baptised as a step of obedience to Christ with the intention of honoring him and proclaiming outwardly the change which he by his spirit had made within. May we walk worthy of him. Robert |
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23 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51022 | ||
Grace and Truth: I agree that the Lord will withdraw if people contiually reject him. You will notice that in the last church Laodica Rev. 3:14- that the Lord is outside the professing church altogether. In v. 20 he appeals to individuals "Behold I stand at the door and knock; and any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with me" This is certainly a sad time for the church who has choosen rest on their own riches and ignore Christ altogether. I enjoyed you quote. There is a great difference between profession and possession. God wants our individual hearts and love, afterall it is a personal relationship we have in him. God bless you Robert |
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24 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51024 | ||
New Creature: Sorry for the mix up in my last post on your name Robert |
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25 | Mark 16:16 what does it say? | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51048 | ||
Prayon I would go further to say that baptisum or the ritual thereof will not cover one sin. If a person is immersed in the waters of baptism without faith in Christ, they simply go into the water dry and come up wet. As far as God is concerned there is no forgiveness apart from the precious blood of Christ. Robert |
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26 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51056 | ||
New Creature: I agree that there are many counterfiet Christians. In the last days there will be a professing Christian church without Christ who will be willing to accept the Anti-Christ. The subtilites of this coming monster will be such that they will think he is who he claims to be. They will believe his lie and be damned with him forever. That is why we must keep to the simplicity which is in Christ. To proclaim his saving love and power. And to stand against those who would try to make him less than what he his. He is altogether lovely, he is the fairest of ten thousand to my soul! The important thing to remember that God is very real and that Satan has tried to counterfeit him at every stage. God will win in the end. We praise his precious and Holy name forever! Robert |
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27 | Pastors leading Sheep/Children astray | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 55898 | ||
Amaul: I believe Romans 1:18 speaks of those who know the truth, but suppress it. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men, who hold (down) the truth in unrighteousness" Robert |
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28 | Pastors leading Sheep/Children astray | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 55900 | ||
Amaul: I was also thinking of Acts 20:28-30 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Robert |
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29 | When a person dies today ! | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 62879 | ||
Neal: "present with the Lord" I believe is conscious joy for the soul and spirit of those who have died in Christ. Where is the Lord during this time of grace before he comes? We know that by his spirit he dwells within those who are his and that by his spirit he strives with those who know him not. The risen Christ is also seated at the right hand of his father. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Col 3:1 Where is the abode of God? We know he is omnipresent and is not limited by time and space. However, Paul speaks about his near death experience and talks about being caught up into the 3rd heaven , into paradise. 1 Cor. 12:1-4 It would appear that Paul experienced what is in store for each believer as they go to be with Christ. It is interesting that Enoch and Elijah did not see death on this earth,but were translated (changed) and were taken up into heaven and are in the presence of the Lord. Paul could say "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" Phil. 1:23 We may not know much about the details of heaven, but we know that "to be with Christ" is far better. Not only to be with him, but to come with him and be united with resurrection bodies from which we will with unhindered praise praise and adore him forever. God Bless Robert |
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30 | Can we loose our salvation | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 67014 | ||
You ask a very important question. My response is not intended to start an argument, but rather to highlight what the scriptures say. Jesus asked this question "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) Is it possible to know that we have eternal life? John writes "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; tha you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 4:13) God wants us to know that we have eternal life and this assurance grows as we walk by faith in him day by day. What is Salvation? We are born sinners Rom. 3:23 and we can never merit favor with God by our own works Rom: 3:20 Our salvation or deliverance from sin is only brought about by faith in what Christ has already done on the cross. We who are found guilty and deserved to be banished from God forever and are cleared of all guilt by faith in Christ "Being Justified (cleared of all guilt) freely by his grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24, Rom. 5:1) What happens when we are saved? The moment a lost sinner feels their awful need and rests by faith in the work of Christ alone they are "born from above" (John 3:6)or born of the Spirit of God and are made new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:7) and is a child of God. (John 1:12) Paul shows us the contrast: "But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin" Rom. 6:17 That is what we were before we were saved slaves to sin. But in Christ we are "then made free from sin, you became servants of righteousness" Rom. 6:18 There are three aspects to salvation: a) when we first trusted Christ we are saved from the penalty of sin.(John 5:24, John 3:16) b) As those indwelt by the Spirit of God, as we walk by faith we are saved from the power of sin (Rom. 6:18) and we are being changed to become more like Christ (2 Cor. 3:18) We are not perfect, but our desire will be to honor the Lord and when we fail we have an advocate who pleads his own precious blood on our behalf. (1 John 2:1) c) By faith we look forward to the future when we will be saved from the presence of sin altogether when Christ comes. (1 Thess. 4:13-18) We see these three stages in the lives of the Thessalonians. Paul writes "you turned to God from idols"(their repentance and faith) "to serve the living and true God"( their daily walk of faith for Christ) " And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come" (the believer's hope and anticipation) You ask "Can we lose our salvation" Our faith is founded on the promises of God a God who cannot lie. (Heb. 6:18) Our salvation is secured by the work of Christ alone on the cross, a work in which God is totally satisfied. Jesus himself told us many times that when we believe in him we have (present possession) eternal and everlasting life. (John 3:16, John5:24) The words eternal and everlasting do no imply temporary. Jesus said "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand" John 10:28 I do not believe that we can lose the new life which God has given us as a free gift, we cannot lose the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and we cannot cease being a child of God. We may falter and fail, but he remains faithful "for he cannot deny himself" If I were die today I would go out into eternity pleading only the work of Christ and I rest on his word that though unworthy in myself, we can say with Paul "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 Peace in his precious name. Robert |
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31 | Can we loose our salvation | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 67026 | ||
Brother Hank: Thank you for the encouragement. It brings such joy to have assurance that we are redeemed by his precious blood and will spend eternity with him forever. This is a peace that this world does not give. God bless you brother Robert |
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32 | Can we loose our salvation | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 67086 | ||
New creature: I would like to look at one of your references from Mark 4 "The Parable of the Sower" Jesus interprets the parable. He tell us that the seed is the word or in today's terms the gospel message. The Lord points out that there are four types of ground which represent four groups of people who hear the gospel and he gives us the response of each. Mark 4:4, 15 #1 The way side or the path. The seed falls on the hardened path and is quickly taken away by Satan. The seed does not have a chance to take root because the ground is not prepared. Mark 4:5-6, 16-17 #2 The stoney ground: Stoney ground has some loose soil among the rocks. The seed falls on the stoney ground and begins to grow quickly. This growth is shallow and is not rooted deep in the ground. Jesus these "hear the word and receive it with gladness" The problem here is with the root, the ground has not been prepared for growth Such a shallow reception can not stand the sun or persecution and the plant withers because it is not deeply rooted. I believe that there are people who reach out quickly and profess to be Christians and yet it has not been a work of the Spirit of God. Mark 4: 7, 18-19 #3 The ground among the thorns. The seed falls on the ground, but is choked out before growth can take place. Jesus tells us that the thorns represent a) deceitfulness of riches b) lusts or desires of other things take priority over the word. This type of person who would agree that the gospel is a wonderful message and some day they intend to accept it, but at the moment they have other things which are more important. Again the seed does not take root. The ground is unprepared, the thorns must be removed before the seed could ever take root. Mark 20: 8, 20 #4 The good ground. This is ground which has been prepared. In other words the Holy Spirit has worked within the heart, the heart is not hard, or shallow, or preoccuppied with other things, but is ready for the good seed of the word of God. "They hear, and receive it and bring forth fruit"v.20 I believe that the first three types of ground represents people who have heard the gospel and are not saved. This is evident in that there is absolutely no fruit which would prove that the word is deeply rooted in their heart. Paul writes "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor. 3:6 It is God who prepares our hearts and it is God who reveals to us the truth of the gospel. In John 5:24 Jesus "Truly Truly, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth him that sent, shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life". Peace to you in his precious name Robert |
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33 | What does Bible teach on election? | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 67845 | ||
Regardless of our view on election, the Lord Jesus has commanded that we preach the gospel. (Mark 15:15) The message of the gospel of Christ is God's way of speaking by his Spirit to lost sinners. Paul could "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;..." Romans 1:16 In Romans 10:15 and Isaiah 52:7 we read "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of God things" Most people when talking about the time they rested in Christ will discuss the events and the scripture which spoke to their soul and how that they realized their sin and need of a Savior. However, after we are "in Christ" in retrospect we realize that it was God by his Spirit who brought the circumstances into our lives, who convicted our souls by his word and revealed to us our terrible need. In my own case it was God who revealled to me that Christ died for my sins and "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16. The point I am trying to make is that in our natural condition we cannot choose God Romans 3 Without the strivings of the Spirit of God we would never have repented or rested in the finished work of Christ. We cannot question the Divine foreknowledge of God, he is our Creator and he is absolutely Sovereign. We do know that by his grace and wonderous love provided a way whereby lost sinners could be forgiven through faith in the work of his Son. It is after we are "in Christ" that we can come into the enjoyment that "we were chosen in him before the foundation of the world" Eph.1:4 I do not think that the scripture supports a fatalistic approach to the spreading of the gospel. When we look at example of such people as the early apostles, who held back nothing to spread the gospel of Christ even to the point of martyrdom we realize that the gospel must be preached and that God will use it in bringing lost sinners to himself. Robert |
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34 | Did Christ Descend into hell/ | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 68192 | ||
Dear brother Emaaus: I can see from your postings that you love the Lord Jesus very much. My question is why do you have to quote from RC articles? We know that he church as you know it went out from the early church and developed many theories which are not of God. If you are a true believer in the finished work of Christ on the cross, why are you unwilling to take your place with him outside the religions of men? I have read many of your posts and your spirit connects with my spirit and I know that you love the same Savior as I. There is no malicious intend here. In Christ Rober |
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35 | Did Christ Descend into hell/ | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 68246 | ||
Dear brother Emmaus: I wasn't for a moment suggesting that because a person is an RC they are not a Christian. I believe the Bible makes it clear that a Christian who has trusted in the finished work upon the cross. The relationship which we have with God through his Son is very personal and is not regulated by organized religion. I have an aunt who is RC and is in her last days on this earth, although a devot RC all her married life, whe is trusting on the finished work of Christ for her salvation. Brother, there are parts of the writings which I would agree with and realize they are supported by the holy scriptures. However, I do not believe that we should take the writings of men and place them equal to the word of God. Please forgive me if I appeared to be critical. The amazing thing is that one day when Christ comes, those which are his at his coming will share eternity with him. Church affiliation does not enter into this at all. Peace in the Saviour's name Robert |
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36 | Do you own a TNIV? | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 69017 | ||
Dear brother justme: I couldn't resist responding. It sounds to me that you know that you are a redneck when your messages print out in red. Ha Ha Robert |
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37 | Questions on Genesis | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 76669 | ||
Allyva: Welcome to the forum. May you continue to have a desire to study God's word that you may get to know him better every day. The "first man Adam" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:45 is a signifant term. When we accept God's word as true we then can say with confidence the human on this earth was a man called Adam. Secondly, Eve who we read about in Gen. 3:20 "Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the "mother of all living". Thus, we find from God's word: the first man Adam and Eve the mother of all living are the parents of us all. Adam lived to be 930 years of age (Gen.5:3) I do not think the death of Eve is recorded. I would advise you to get a timeline chart, it is helpful to see the generations in chronological order. I believe the assumption that we sometimes make that the family of Adam consisted only of: Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel (who died) Seth. The Bible highlights mostly the birth and life of men and men of note. In Gen.5:4 we read " And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters. In other words Adam and Eve had many children who are not recorded by name. This would result in their children having children etc. resulting in a rapid population growth. After Cain killed Abel he "went out from the presence of the Lord" and dwelt in the land of Nod east of Eden" Gen. 4:16. It is important that we note at this point that Cain already had a wife. Who was she? She would be a sister, or niece since his mother Eve is the mother of all living. The point I am trying to make is that all humankind originated with Adam and Eve which effects our thinking when we question the original of people in the scriptures. You will find that in the Bible God always had certain people who were true to him. Starting with Adam to Abel to Seth. However, at the same time there were others who in the early years of the world who like Cain went out from his presence and their sinful nature was soon displayed. You mentioned the flood. In Gen.6 The people of the earth had become exceedingly sinful: "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" Gen. 6:5) However, we read that "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord" Again we see one man who was of the godly line of Seth was choosen to perserve humankind on the earth along with the other creatures. The flood would teach us that God is longsuffering, that he does not wish to see humans perish, but eventually he will judge sin. The people of Noah's day were given 120 years during the building of the ark at which time Noah was telling them that judgment was coming. As we know they paid no attention and were lost as a result. Just a short thought on angels. Angels were created by God and are of a different sphere than humans. I do not think that the scripture supports the idea of crossbreeding angels with humans. Humans are of their own kind and angels are of their sphere. I do have some thoughts of the sons of God and the daughters of men as found in Gen.6 but do not have time to cover them now. May God bless you Robert |
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38 | THE BIBLICAL MEANINGS OF #1-10 | OT general | Robert Nicholson | 66823 | ||
Rosalie: I will try to give you the basic meanings. This is a topic which can be expanded beyond this forum. One: speaks of unity, it is indivisible and different from all others. One is the source of all others Two: affirms difference or division Three: divine perfection Four: the number of creation. It was on the fourth day that the material earth was finished. Five: speaks of grace. The idea here is that redemption follows creation. Six: the number of man. Man was created on the sixth day. Seven: is the number of spiritual perfection and completeness. Eight: a new beginning or resurrection Nine: the number of judgement. Ten: is a perfect number which denotes the perfection of divine order. Eleven: disorder and imperfection. Twelve: a perfect number which denotes perfection of govenment. The book which I have listed below expands on each number significantly beginning with the Hebrew word for each number along with many examples of how the number is used. Robert. Source: "Number in Scripture" by E.W. Bullinger, (Kregal Publications 1983) |
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39 | what is Isaiah's wife's name? | OT general | Robert Nicholson | 69526 | ||
Isaiah, was a prophet sent of God Isaiah 6:8, 9 God used him mightly to prophesy the coming of the Messiah, his servant character and his sufferings. The verse which you have referred to is referring to the seed of the woman which you have mentioned form Gen. 3:15 which is the earliest prophecy of the coming one our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah provides the house of David a sign in Isaiah 7:14 "Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuael (lit God with us) This name is reserved for Christ alone since he is God manifest in the flesh. We find that this prophecy is fulfilled in Matt. 3:20to25. Critics can say what they will, however, when we read the book of Isaiah we know that he is speaking of the coming Messiah, the annoited One, the Savior of the world. Robert |
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40 | thou hast left thy first love | NT general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 34601 | ||
Brother Zach: I think that in order to understand a verse such as Rev. 4:12 we have look at it the following way. To whom was the book written? To the seven churches of Asia which existed as Churches of God in A.D.96 (Rev. 1:4) The Lord is speaking to the church and its corporate testimony. It is the church, the professing people in the church as a group who are warned and exhorted to repent. We see that through each stage of professing Christendom that there is a remanent faith to Christ. In looking at the seven churches, we notice at the beginning the Lord Jesus Christ is in the midst of the Church by church #7 Christ is outside the door knocking and inviting individuals to come into him. What is it about? Rev. 1:1 "The revalation or (unveiling) of Jesus Christ". The book is about "things which thou hast seen" (past) Rev. 1:19; "things which are"( present) (Rev. 2-3); and "things which shall be hereafter" (future) Rev. 4-22. The things which are now A.D. 96 is the condition of the churches of God relative to Jesus Christ. However, like so many things in prophecy, each of the seven churches are also representative of a church age. 1. The Chruch of Ephesus. The condition of the churh at the end of the apostolic age. circa A.D.96 2. The church of Smyrna: The condition of the church from the time of the great persecutions until A.D. 316 Smyrna means Myrrh which is symbolic of suffering. 3. The church of Pergamos: The condition of the church from A. D. 316 to the end. This condition merges with the condition of the next church of Thyratira. 4. The church of Thyatira: A.D. 500 - 1500 The condition of the church under the sytem of Rome. 5. The church of Sardis: The church at the time of the Reformation 6. The Church of Philadelphia:(brotherly love) The restoration of the church in a measure to first love. These were times of great blessing. 7. The Church of Laodica (Rule of the People) The condition of the church in the last days and is representative of the church now. Just a few words on the 1st Church in Ephesus: The Lord first of lists their good qualities: - Thy labor, thy patience, they have stood against evil, judged false teachers, they have labored for his names"s sake and have not fainted. This church was doctrinally correct. They labor, in other words they work very hard to serve the Lord for his names's sake. So what is wrong? "Thou hast left thy first love" When they were first saved they joyfully labored for the Lord motivated by love. However, as time passes they labor out of duty rather than out of love. The people in this particular church would be regarded as hardworking, faithful, and dutiful Christians. I will stop for now Your brother by his grace Robert |
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