Results 41 - 56 of 56
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: tomsweetstir Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79939 | ||
Edb, thank you for responding. Sometimes I hesitate “writing” because a lot of what ones says is in their body language and you and I MUST second guess too often. But, I do appreciate your insight, and input. If you will allow me another attempt to “explain” how we differ in our “viewpoint”, perhaps you realize how much we agree over how much you think we don’t agree. Same words too often mean different things to different people. For example, if you asked me to describe myself in a few words, and I said, “I’m gay, and I was born that way. It’s a characteristic I have allowed to manifest itself throughout my life.” Would you understand me to be the joyous, merry, happy, jubilant type guy that most people know me as, since early childhood? Or would you wrongly conclude that I was telling you I am homosexual? What I mean by “deceptive”, is obviously different from what others have written about it. I agree with much of what people have stated, but, because I realize the differences in our definitions, I also agree with all I have written. They see deception as sin. As sin, I refuse to use it. I see it as a means to accomplish the mission set before us. The same as depicted often in Scripture, whether or not others see the same matters not. “WE” (the body of Christ) have the mind of Christ. I don’t have it all. You don’t have all. Radioman2 doesn’t have it all, etc. etc. But WE - you, them, me AND everyone else in the body has the mind of Christ. What God wouldn’t do with some, is different with what He does do with others. Does He heal? Yes. Does He heal everybody, every time? No. So when you state, “However had the question been asked were there any Christians the answer could not have been no. Matthew 10:33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” I have to say (and certainly not to begin an argument) I don’t very often “confess” to being a “Christian”. During the Lebanese civil war, when the Shiites, Sunnis and “Christians” were all fighting the other two, a Shiite girl asked a missionary friend if she was a Christian. My friend responded, Sweetie, you know I love Jesus. The youngster sighed in relief and said, “Phew. I heard someone say you were one of those Christians. You know, the ones that keep trying to kill us when we go to the market.” You wrote: “I know many people have done things believing the end justified the means however that is not what Jesus taught. Jesus said do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It reminded me of when Peter was imprisoned right after James was killed in Acts 12. Have you ever paid close attention to how this unfolded, and the consequences? James is dead. Peter knew he was next. People are praying for Peter’s release. God hears those prayers and sends an angel to help in the prison break. Peter was scheduled to die the following morning. He KNEW that by him walking out the gates, the guards would be killed in his place. But did Peter, who remembered what Jesus had said about Jesus giving His life for many say, “No. If I escape innocent men will have to die for what I am guilty of.” Jesus had died in Peter’s place on the cross. Wasn’t that sufficient? Must more people die in Peter’s place? Yes. At least two more would die in Peter’s place and God was the one who arranged the whole plan. God did know the guards would die, right? Do you think Peter calculated that someday, somewhere, someone is going to conclude that because God helped him escape, even at the expense of two other men’s lives, that the end result of Peter’s escape justified the end result of those poor soldiers lives and that is plain wrong? Even though that is exactly what happened … the guards, who had absolutely nothing to do with Peter’s escape, paid with their lives. And God was the one behind the escape plan. Now, we might differ on what the “terminology” is concerning the end result, but the facts remain the same – here and in many other places through out the Old and New Testaments, and into our history books, and into our very lives. So, I must state that often God sees to it that the means does justify the end. In answer to many prayers, Peter’s escape was justified and in the end two men, sons of their mother, father to their children, husbands to their wives died as the result. Thus, in answer to many prayers for God’s precious word, it is delivered. I don’t know any “smuggler” who WANTS to be questioned. Many walk nonchalantly past. One friend was afraid she couldn’t hold herself together. When the guard pointed at her to stop for a search, she kept her eyes straight ahead and kept walking. The stranger behind her stopped in her place. Seriously, Edb, I trust you to understand what I am saying. Either way, I will end with this on this topic. Deal? :) |
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42 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79872 | ||
Mr. Moran, and I THANK you for your thoughtful welcome to the forum. I’m almost afraid I got myself off to a “bad” start. It most certainly wasn’t my intention. :) Your comment about my comment on Mark 1:5 is accepted and received. Please accept my gratitude for your “insight”. You are, as I stated earlier, an asset to the forum. Also, I appreciate your ongoing courtesy displayed in your postings. If only I had that same “knack”, perhaps people wouldn’t “jump” me. Be fore-warned, we might not “always” agree. Sometimes you might even strongly disagree with a comment, or my “interpretation”. Sometimes, I even disagree with me. :) You wrote, “Now, if they were asked a direct question, I feel that the missionary would have had only two possible choices. They could refuse to respond, or they could respond truthfully.” I don’t know if you have ever visited any countries abroad (not that I only use this “tactic” on foreign soil). But frequently, I answer questions with a question, or perhaps a statement of fact. For instance, if someone asked me, point blank if I have lots of Bibles. A response such as, “I didn’t think it was allowed to bring lots of Bibles into the country,” will allow all the Bibles which eager hands long for, to be delievered safely. Sometimes, God opens ways, even when we fail to pre-plan. Year ago, when we bought supplies, which were unavailable to missionaries in “their” ultra-improvised country, our vehicle was crammed with needed tools, Bibles, even an electric amplifier. Rather than opening the cases of supplies for the various missionaries, they only opened our personal bags. They did a spot check of our vehicle. The border guard asked us "Do you intend to sell any of your stuff?" We told him the truth. No, we don’t have anything in the vehicle we intend to sell. We fulfilled our intention by giving all the things we had purchased away. Only later, much later, when we returned to this country, did we ever find out that all the merchandise would have been taxed at 100 percent of its value, had they asked if we intend to “leave” it in the country. Without the hundreds of dollars the “tax” would have been, they would have confiscated it all, and the missionaries would have still needed what we had purchased for them to receive. Like Paul in 1 Cor 16:17, our ministry, at that time, was supplying what missionaries lacked to complete their jobs. Tom |
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43 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79867 | ||
Mr. Edb, please hear my heart, as I respond to your concerns. Sir, if you know anything about Islam you will know for them to “lie” is not wrong. It is not only polite to lie, it is expected. The invitation, “Do you want a coke?” REQUIRES them to give a negative answer. Twice, maybe three times, they MUST be asked before they can respond with a “truthful” answer, “Yes, please.” If you don’t ask them twice, they KNOW you didn’t really mean to offer them one; you were being polite, like they expect you to be. Neither one sees, or feels, “deceived.” I've said this to say this. Muslims lie and they and we know it. I don't play that "game" with them. I ONLY would ask one to dinner, WHEN I would follow through the whole game-plan till they accept. Then I would re-enforce it with one more, for good measure. So, if you were referring with mixing a lie with "our tactics", I have to say they don't mix, as we don't encorporate "lies" in any shape or fashion. When I sell any car, I point out every problem I know it has. After I sold my latest car, an unknown problem arose, when I found out about it, I paid for the repairs, even though I put on the Bill of Sale, “sold as is, where is.” Every car I have purchased, when it quickly showed up a problem, I merely had it fixed. It is only to be expected. Like springs the following day. :) You mentioned, “Satan knows and understands he is a created being and if you look at the interaction between him and God in Job you see God is still very much in control.” How true. God knows everything. Satan only knows what God wants him to. That's how Satan works. Had he known all the facts about Peter's faith being increased after Peter's denial, Satan never would have asked permission to sift Peter like wheat. Hum, I wonder if Satan was "deceived" into thinking it would weaken Peter? It is also true, HAD Satan KNOWN God’s mystery plan, Jesus never would have been crucified. 1 Cor. 2:8 for one place, says as much. And do you remember WHY Jesus spoke in parables? Matthew 13:11f ties in with 1 Cor 2:8. So even Jesus gave answers "in a way" they (the enemy of truth) wouldn’t understand too. In Genesis, don’t you think Joseph’s speaking through an interpreter to his brothers, “deceived” his brothers in any way? Or when he accused them of spying? Did Joseph WANT them to believe something that wasn’t “entirely true” for any reason that brought glory to the Lord, or was it his “sinful nature” that had cruelly kicked in when he had his silver cup put in his brother’s “saddle-bag”? Why did Joseph “act” this way? Gen 45:8 tells us that IT WAS GOD that sent Joseph to Egypt, not his brothers. Why did his brothers sell Joseph? They thought it was to get rid of him. They were “deceived”, if you will. That “deception” came from who? Yet Joseph’s name is amongst those in Hebrews. Joseph (the deceiver?), amongst all the other “deceivers” acclaimed in Heb 11:39 as “And these ALL, having obtained a GOOD report, through faith …” Aren’t “these”, and others in Scripture, “examples” of HOW to express our faith? I wish I had some of “their" faith. :) For too long, the “church” wouldn’t allow “common-folk” access to Scriptures. Those who “grew in their faith, like the Chinese have, read it “in secret.” China would STILL be blind to the truth had the truth not been received and believed. Presently there are more believers in that “god-less” nation than there are in this “Nation Under God.” Thanks to all those who dared to “leap over the wall”. I heartily agree with your honest assessment, Edb. “If we expect something to end in righteousness giving glory to God we have to do it in righteousness that gives glory to God.” To Him be the Glory, for the great things He has done. |
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44 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79849 | ||
Mr. Radioman2, thank you for your comments on my post. Sir, can I detect that YOU are a “war” vet? Perhaps one in communications, thus your “name” … :) If so, I wish to double my thanks, on behalf of our country, and my family. THANK YOU, SIR !!! |
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45 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79848 | ||
Mr. Moran, I have a deep respect for your Biblical knowledge, and NOT ONLY concerning what the “Greek” means. Thank you. Please allow me to “explain” my position on my previous post. Not for one moment do I “present lying” as a ways and means. Many of my friends teach English in various closed-to-the-gospel countries. They use Christian books and the Bible as text books. Where is the "lie"? My missionary friends, who were ministering, in Haiti, where was their lie? Was it a lie because they didn’t point at the American and say, “She’s the only American”? Wouldn’t that be aiding and abetting the enemy in their commission of rape and murder? I don’t for one moment believe you would think THAT would have pleased God. Was it a lie because the American kept silent? No. Deceptive? Very much so, PTL. Both Canadians told the truth, “We are Canadians.” Two people make up enough to make “we”. The American kept silent. It wasn’t like they planned the whole ordeal, but they all gave honor to the Lord for His Holy Spirit giving the answer as promised in His word - Luke 12:11-12 :) When someone asks me about Bible Study, is it a lie every time I say, “Everyone came to Bible study last week?” Were you there, Mr. Moran? No. Doesn’t THAT make me statement a lie? No. Everybody only means everybody who comes came. We talk this way all the time. Scripture follows this same logic frequently. Mark 1:5 says, “ALL the people of Judean countryside AND EVERYONE in Jerusalem went out to John in the desert AND received his baptism in the river …” ALL would INCLUDE THOSE who sent priests and Levites to find out what was going on, as recorded in John 1:19. Did Mark lie? No. Wasn’t it deceptive? Only if to someone who BELIEVES Mark means every single person. Do you believe THEY (those who “sent” out the priests) ever searched out John in order to be baptized themselves? Neither do I believe that erroneous conclusion. But I do believe Mark’s accurate account. :) I trust you understand why, and how, we teach what I have shared. :) |
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46 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79847 | ||
Mr. Edb, in answer to your question, are we trusting God to make the way to spread the gospel or are we doing it our way, please allow me to first ask you some. My questions will "help explain my position." Thank you. Sir, do you believe in missionary works? What gospel-hungry countries do you know that “invites” missionaries to come as missisonaries? China "invites teachers" by advertisement to come and live in their land to teach her people English. Many Christians have accepted. And you don't HAVE to "be" a teacher to be accepted. Are they “underhanded” because "non-teachers" go as teachers TO share the Gospel, using, as a tool, English books and Bibles? My friends are trusting God to make the way for them to spread the gospel. The way He made is for them to get into those countries to teach English. They don’t “volunteer” that information to immigration with a, “Oh, by the way, we really are only accepting this position because we want to teach them about Jesus, the Son of God." Telling the truth ALWAYS means – Don’t lie. However, it doesn’t mean one HAS to tell the WHOLE truth. Jesus always told the truth. AND, often He HELD back from the WHOLE truth, because His time was not yet come. Has anybody I’ve used in my "examples" lied? I have “crossed” many different borders over many years. None by lying, BUT every single one by not “spilling my guts.” To enter Mexico AS a missionary IS illegal. To enter Mexico to help build a church – isn’t illegal. We “enter” Mexico to "help" build churches, (and we do) and WHILE THERE we share the gospel, pass out Bibles, pray for the sick, clothe and feed the poor, play with the kids, and love on the people. Like Samuel going to anoint a king, we do what we go for – be a missionary. Because of the “Sauls in Mexico” (leaders of the land) we tell “Saul” the truth - we are going to build a Church. We CAN BE “deceptive to the enemy of the Gospel” without lying, as we follow the many examples that were written for our INSTRUCTION – His word. Like, when the communist border guards ask about Bibles, they are shown one, then when asked if we have more, they are shown another one. Is it lying to insinuate that two is MORE than one? Where, pray tell is the "lie"? Was it wrong, during Mao’s horrific reign, to “smuggle” in TONS of little red Bibles, the size and shape of “Mao’s little red book”? Do you have ANY idea how fast the Gospel spread in that strict anti-god country – during Mao’s reign of terror? The astronomical figures are still breathtaking. Should we have kept the Bibles out – because the only way in was “deceptive”? Or should they have been big black Bibles, so as not to "deceive" the authorities into thinking "everyone is reading Mao"? His Word declares about doors that ONLY He can open. Why only Him? Because not ALL “doors” have hinges. Some places, concerning the Gospel, are WALLS. Well, PTL, 2 Sam 22:30 gives us permission, as a soldier in God’s army, fighting against the enemy of darkness, to “LEAP OVER THE WALL”. We don’t go empty handed. We bring the “light of His Word” to ward off the darkness. This portion of Scripture tells us to enter it “deceptively” – if I can use that phrase. :) If one wants the “world” to know – go through the front gate. If you don’t want the world to know – “leap over the wall”. Perhaps the "phrase" decepive concerns you. What would YOU call God's tactic for "underminding" the tacics of the Satan? I appreciate your "concern". It is very understandable. I trust you appreciate what so many are doing to bring His Word to the world. |
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47 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79690 | ||
I have every confidence that Jesus would do exactly what His followers have done for centuries, and continue to do today. Reading in Hebrews 11 today, it registered that many in that list involves men and women whose "deceptive" achievements got their names into "Hall of Faith" for "deceiving the enemy." Moses’ parents deceived Pharaoh. Gideon deceived the army with torches and horns. Barak’s story includes the woman who deceived the enemy into coming into her house, so she could kill him. The list goes on. One of my favorites in Hebrews 11 is Rahab. BY FAITH, Rahab the harlot escaped from being destroyed with the unbelievers, FOR she had received the spies in peace. When the king’s men asked her where they were. She deceived them into believing they had gone, thus saving their lives, her families', and her own. Talk about faith. The justified end means she became an ancestor to our Lord. PTL |
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48 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79670 | ||
Remind me never to take you on a covert missionary trip. “I will not lie, decieve ... nor tolerate those that do. You might ... but, for me and may house we will serve the Lord”. In the late 80’s, when the U.S. was becoming involved in Haiti’s politics, gangs roamed the streets, shooting, stabbing, burning people, maiming, raping, etc. Three missionary friends of mine were on their way to their house. Two were Canadian, the other one from the United States. Suddenly, they were surrounded by an angry, bloodthirsty mob. The mob held up huge rocks towards my friends. The leader said, “Death to Americans!” The two Canadians spoke at the same time, “We’re Canadians.” The one from the states kept her mouth shut. The mob left them to hunt down Americans. Had you been one of the three, according to your own confession, you would have said, “I am the only one from the United States.” Right? Did that girl deceive the mob? Yes. Did the other two people deceive the mob? Yes. Did their safety bring honor to God? Or, did their “deception” bring dishonor to His name? They are part of your family – if you belong to the family of God. Had you been there you would have what? Presently I have missionary friends working in Albania, Pakistan, Mainland China, and Korea. Although they work “deceptively”, because the government wouldn’t allow them in to teach AS Christians, people ARE coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please don’t visit them. |
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49 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79644 | ||
If you overheard me tell someone, “If I live long enough, I will celebrate my 99th birthday on Aug 15th”. That is entirely true. And everyone who knows me will also know it is the truth. Those who don’t know me will “think” I am now 98. Wrong. I am not close to 98. But because ALL my birthdays are celebrated on that day, why should I conclude my 99th would be on a different day. Did I lie? No. Could some be deceived into thinking something that isn't true, is true? Yes. Did I lie? No. Was it deceptive? You tell me. Exactly how do YOU define ‘deception”? How does making the enemy believe something that isn’t true, make it wrong? Why did the enemy flee from Gideon’s hidden few? Wasn’t it according to God’s plan? Did the enemy know there were but 300 men? NO. Did the enemy know the men had ONLY lanterns and horns? NO. Was the enemy “deceived” into thinking they were completely surrounded and outnumbered? Yes. Whose idea was it to pull this strategy off? GOD’S. Should the Bible smugglers have pointed out all the hidden Bibles to the border guards? Should the midwives have killed all the boys and stopped the Jewish race?. Why do you think Satan had Pharaoh desire to kill the boys? Satan was deceived into believing as long as they keep killing the boys, the Messiah will die. But Jesus came through the woman. Two thousand years ago, Satan was deceived into believing that killing Jesus would end everything, but Jesus arose from the grave. |
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50 | ever neccessary/permissable to deceit? | Luke 24:31 | tomsweetstir | 79552 | ||
Have'n been on a few such trips, as Taleb mentioned, I agree with Taleb's anology. I can think of many such places in Scripture where the Lord blessed those who “deceived the enemy”. You might have a whole different viewpoint on “deception” than Scripture does, because it "sounds bad". One reason the U.S. so easily “won” the Persian Gulf war was we deceived the enemy. One reason Israel so easily won the 6-day war was they used O.T. strategy that the Lord had spelled out, to “deceive” the enemy. Had the midwives followed Pharaoh’s order, as Scriptures say we are “suppose to”, who would have led the Israelites out of Egypt? Exodus 1:15f - The king of Egypt told the Hebrew midwives, if it’s a boy – kill him. If it’s a girl, let her live. The midwives, however FEARED GOD, to they let the boys live. What did Pharaoh say? “Why have you allowed the boys to live?” What did the midwives say? “The Hebrew women are robust and give birth before the midwife arrives.” In plain and simple to understand English – they deceived Pharaoh. What did God do about these midwives’ DECEPTION? Verse 20 : “THEREFORE God dealt well with the midwives.” Sounds to me like their deception was “inspired” by HIM. How many OT battle’s were won merely because the Lord had the Israelites DECEIVE the enemy? Even during the too many wars of my lifetime – God allowed us to deceive the enemy to gain us the victory. Those verses you gave Taleb, like Ps 34:15 – where was the guile in any example Taleb gave? Like the answers to the communist guards were true, so Samuel’s would be, had Saul asked him why he wanted to go to Bethlehem. Samuel could have honestly, and without guile, said, “To offer a sacrifice to the Lord.” Because that is what he did do - anoint David king. He wouldn't begin the sacrifice UNTIL David (the real reason Samuel went) was there. Don't neglect to notice that the Lord spoke about the sacrifice AFTER Samuel showed concern about Saul. |
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51 | What is the salvation to be revealed? | 1 Pet 1:5 | tomsweetstir | 79447 | ||
What is the salvation that is ready to be revealed “in the last time”? 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. |
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52 | Is the End Times here | Matt 24:3 | tomsweetstir | 79444 | ||
Checkout Crosswalk.com’s site for reading on the rapture. Especially check out everything that was written pre 1830’s. John Wesley Explanatory Notes. 1599 Geneva Study Bible. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the whole Bible. People’s New Testament. Especially check out what it says on Matthew 24, and where available, Daniel 9. |
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53 | Does most of the Gospel say women teach? | 1 Cor 11:5 | tomsweetstir | 79442 | ||
Sir, please note Acts 2:16 for the time period this happened in. Peter, under the influence of the Holy Spirit declared, “BUT THIS IS WHAT WAS SPOKEN THROUGH THE PROPHET JOEL: it will be in the last days.” In effect, Peter was saying what so many said in those last days. “What Joel talked about – is now here.” You don’t have to think we are “in the last days” yet. We aren’t. Peter WAS. And just as foretold, Acts 21:9 mentions the four daughters who prophesied. You mentioned that the Eph list is “all male”. So what? In every language, words are either male, female or neuter. Do you know which of God’s “names” are feminine? 1 Cor 14:24 says “Therefore if the WHOLE CHURCH assembles together and ALL speak in tongues.” “Church” IS feminine. “All” means everybody, male and female. Verse 24, “But if ‘ALL’ prophesy” also goes to both sexes. |
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54 | Does most of the Gospel say women teach? | 1 Cor 11:5 | tomsweetstir | 79401 | ||
Sir, do you make it a habit of twisting Scriptures until they fit “your doctrine”? Because, I have noticed that by the time they are twisted to fit “your doctrine” they don’t fit Scripture anymore. You neglected to mention ANY pertinent ones that HELP explain so many of the ones you twist. Acts 2:17-18 says what about the Holy Spirit will have women, daughters, GOD'S HANDMAIDS do? Where exactly will this take place? Won't that help "perfect the saints as Eph. 4 describes? How CAN a woman prophecy in church as Peter said she WOULD, – if she is to remain silent? Did you also fail to notice that Paul told MEN to be silent in that chapter? Do you know where in the “law” it is written for woman not to speak in church? Book, chapter and verse please? Doesn’t YOUR Bible have the same verses that mine has about woman? Are you going to pass on "other scriptures" in an attempt to twist away my questions, or will you act upon what your profile declares? |
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55 | Can one be saved by only reading Bible? | Rom 10:14 | tomsweetstir | 79358 | ||
Is it possible for someone, who has never heard anything about Jesus Christ, to believe merely by reading the Bible? If you believe they can, please explain how - when Romans 10:14 says they need a preacher. Do you know anybody personally this has happened to? | ||||||
56 | I would like to learn more about this! | Acts 1:11 | tomsweetstir | 79201 | ||
Taleb is so right. I love church history too. From what I remember about the origin of the teaching of the “rapture” it began after some lady had a dream in the 1800’s. Some have told me they believe Jesus made some kind of transition in Matthew 24 from the destruction of Jerusalem in 67-70 A.D. to the second coming 1000’s of years later. But Luke instantly cancels any such notion. Have you ever noticed how they don’t line up? It's important because it proves any "transitional period" can't be. By comparing Matthew 24:17-18 with Luke 17:31. and Matthew 24:26-27 with Luke 17:23-24, and Matthew 24:28 with Luke 17:37 and Matthew 24:37-39 with Luke 17:26-27 and Matthew 24:40-41 with Luke 17:35-36, it sort of puts a huge hole in the “transition” theory. You would have to ignore Luke’s to make a transition of time work. In my Bible Matthew 24:36 “that day” is the same “that day” as Luke 17:31. So it means one period of time rather than 2,000 years of in between. May I suggest you read what Albert Barnes wrote about these things in his excellant volumns of "Notes on the Old and New Testaments." Perhaps your public library, or church has them. Tom |
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