fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 23, 2020 12:57:02 GMT -5
Oh I meant to ask you, when you mentioned 2nd hand pot smoke is worse than cigarette....I wanted to know why that was so.
I had always thought one could actually get a 'contact' high....but decided to look up the 'science' of that. And it was 95% ( my number) a no.....not possible.....
except...... if in a closed room ( no widows, ventilation, and a LOT LOT of smoke) then when tested there was indeed pot high stuff ( whatever they are measuring) in the test subjects blood..... but otherwise no.
Soooo since they were outside, just a few feet away 2 or 3 feet......? most likely a contact high was not possible.....
But, are there other chemicals ( like in cigarette smoke, that can be inhaled?) Is that what you were referring to?
did a quick research and so far have discovered this:
"The scientists found that ammonia levels were 20 times higher in the marijuana smoke than in the tobacco smoke, while hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide and certain aromatic amines occurred at levels 3-5 times higher in the marijuana smoke,..."
And this:
Date: July 27, 2016 Source: American Heart Association Summary: Rats' blood vessels took at least three times longer to recover function after only a minute of breathing secondhand marijuana smoke, compared to recovery after a minute of breathing secondhand tobacco smoke."
Plus, there is the 'moral' aspect, of it seeming like a perfectly normal thing to be doing ( like drinking a cup of water).
Oh, and.....I neglected to mention that the music being played ( when one is high, music is a 'must' of course) the song playing kept using the F bomb....another super unpleasant aspect.
I know, that sometimes even Christians might slip into that swearing sin and use the f word.... and I am not trying to excuse it by any means
still, when a Christian does it, it is done in anger ( not a excuse!!!)
but a song..... is done with fore thought, on purpose for a purpose etc.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 23, 2020 13:04:47 GMT -5
The original or first Heaven and earth, are now replaced by, the new Heaven and New earth. ,
[smear:#e619d7]Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Revelation 21:1[/smear:#04506f:0]
Many Christians are greatly concerned with temporal finances and treasures on this earth way more than Heaven ( never mind thinking about the New Heaven and New earth.). Even the Millennial Kingdom ( as great and wonderful as it will be) is not where we want to put our hopes, because there will still be sin and death.... that is not until the perfect New Heaven and New Earth ( which will be perfect forever).
And in Revelation 21 the whole old universe has been destroyed, and has been replaced by a perfect new one. I think many Christians have lost, or greatly lessened Their Heavenly perspective ( so so many things are tying us to earth, money, politics, technology, entertainment, etc. etc.) There is just soooo much more of everything to get us off the narrow path today. it is really hard to follow this verse any more:
[smear:#a1150a]2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2[/smear:#6c19e6:0]
Or this:
[smear:#9ee619]15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever 1 John 2:15-17[/smear:#e619dc:0]
We are often hard pressed to joyfully agree:
[smear:#9a0818]21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21[/smear:#6e0a8f:0]
We find it hard to think of the place that we as Christians are headed, when so tied to this world, this universe even.
But who among us believers ( when we really give time to think about it, does not yearn for this verse):
[smear:#71e619] He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8[/smear:#e6194d:0]
And so we also long for this ( in order to gain the above verse)
[smear:#7f1c88]10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:10[/smear:#e65419:0]
And this:
[smear:#a92312]“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. Isaiah 65:17[/smear:#03057e:0]
Concerning this verse, I need to mention, I was either reading or listening to John MacArthur recently, and he was saying that people often ask him, if when Christians are in the New Heaven and New Earth will they remember, anything about the Old universe/earth/experiences/memories etc.?
And his reply, was so simple, and yet so true....but I never thought of it ( showing how I too do not give much thought to our destination like I ought!!)
He said; ( I am paraphrasing...as I don't have his exact verbatim words)
No...we will not he then said, some may ask but why not? And....this is so simply but makes sooooo much sense to me!!
Because, ALL our memories of the Old universe, would be tainted with sin.
Correct me if I am wrong, I know the Bible says creation itself groans and I think...because satan in the prince of the air
[smear:#e6af19]2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— Ephesians 2:2[/smear:#19e6c3:0]
I think this refers to our atmosphere above earth but might or could it extend to the universe ( I am thinking its called the 2nd Heaven but is what includes stars, planets etc.? or is it just our sin that tainted even the universe?
In any case, while the millennium restored the earth....it was not entirely created ( and thus sin was still possible as was death).
One blessing we get immediately from our longing for Heaven ( and actually the New Heaven and Earth) is the things that would tend to upset us, panic us etc. ( like this virus for a small example) we find it much easier to endure.
Furthermore, we are less inclined to stoop to the degrading levels of the things on earth ( be they greed, gossip, sexual sins, anger, vengeance, etc etc etc. ) Instead, we start thinking about what are the eternal consequences of everything.
Let's not forget that the law of entropy says that matter is continually breaking down and tending toward disorder which basically says the very universe is temporary, and ultimately disposable.
It is essentially pointless to try and 'save' the earth, this not a saying that we should wantonly pollute the world, but even science says the universe ( and earth) is unraveling, declining, winding down, dissolving, etc.
Because of sin God will create a totally new creation:
[smear:#e61985]Behold, God puts no trust in his holy ones, and the heavens are not pure in his sight; Job 15:15[/smear:#5c19e6:0]
Nor the earth [smear:#91e619] The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 24:5[/smear:#8c2f42:0]
I can leave the issue of no more life being based on needing water ( sea/oceans to you) or maybe take it up tomorrow anyway Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 24, 2020 10:57:17 GMT -5
Just a bit about the last part of revelation 21:1:
[smear:#7647f3] "...........................and the sea was no more" Revelation 21:1[/smear:#e619ab:0]
I think if I were completely honest, I have always been somewhat 'sad' about the oceans, sea, etc. being gone. I grew up right on the ocean, and have lived 3/4 of my life either right on the ocean or no more than a block or two away ( as I am right now).
And the only times I lived inland, I have been miserable, missing the weather, the beauty of the ocean, etc.
However, yesterday, while studying this aspect, and reading various commentaries, I have come to a better understanding and am more at peace with this. Strange I would have even cared, knowing that if I were with Jesus, and there was not another thing, but God...... I would be blissfully content for all eternity!!!
However, I was most changed by reading what pastor John MacArthur said.....I won't quote ( it would take too long anyway) but in my own words, what comforted me, was his explanation about how we know life is completely dependent on 2 hydrogen molecules and one oxygen..... otherwise know as water.
We must have water to live, and in fact, earth is 3/4th covered in water. Actually, all the scientists, looking for life on other planets, look for water on whatever planet they are hopeful to find 'life'.
Humans are 65% made up of water, and our blood is 90% water, and we will die (within days) with out water to drink ... and even plants and animals are mostly comprised of water.
Sooooo? Why no water in the New Heaven and the New Earth? Well, part of the answer is in the first word..... NEW
NEW..... will we have our glorified bodies, that will not need water to live.
However there is one mention:
[smear:#32a408]Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life Revelation 22:1[/smear:#ef0be8:0]
So my first thought was well aha! Seeeee.....
at least there is a river of water!!! ( me with folded arms .....humph!)
Oh....but wait, MacArthur went on to point out something else
I just assumed that verse had the word 'water', as in necessary for 'life'
however..... the river of water was... OF LIFE
not water necessary (H2O) to sustain life
The point of it all is The new Creation will be so completely different..
that this is.. what is being said:
[smear:#0df36c]9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1 Corinthians 2:9 [/smear:#e6198e:0]
In a nutshell...we cannot even imagine..
no matter how great our imagination
what the NEW heaven and NEW earth will be like!!
And just even looking at the earth we believers live in right now, remember, it was not until Noah's time/day/ark that the earth even had rain ( a watery mist yes....but not 'rain') also the Bible has several negative connotations dealing with oceans, seas etc. in fact all the sinful humans drown in the flood of Noah's day, for just one example.
So I am now, looking forward to that which I cannot even imagine!!!
It is going to be sooooooo sooooo soooo much better than even the ocean I so love! Not only is it going to beyond imagination...better
it will be eternally, increasingly, infinitely , forever and forever getting better!
But the absolute priority is being with Jesus!!!
Anyway onto the next verse:
[smear:#f73b02]2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2[/smear:#4cf80b:0]
Now we come to the capital city of heaven which is the New Jerusalem ( this is not all there is of course there is also a New Heaven and earth a new universe....but this is the capital city).
New Jerusalem is fifteen hundred miles cubed. I often wonder if Star Trek, got its borg domicile from reading Revelation Which is a creepy thought, but then, so many movies, TV shows etc. do in fact often draw from the Bible only they put their ungodly twist on it.
And just as an aside, concerning the whole star trek borg.... and yet, people want to become one with AI ( think Elon Musk for example)???
Have they never seen the borg on stat trek, if they had, they might want to rethink that whole premise!!!
But, this city cube, was written about thousands of years ago!! And this is the New Jerusalem....not a metal borg place for dehumanize people.
It is a Holy city and it comes down from Heaven... indicating it already existed which makes it eternal ( or even older LOL)
Even the old history city of Jerusalem it is called the holy city.
[smear:#8d3c77]Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; Isaiah 52:1[/smear:#88f401:0]
Not that all the people in it were holy, but that it was set apart unto God. But in addition to the old historic Jerusalem will be the millennial Jerusalem, but these are replaced by the
Substantially new, better, superior,completely different, Jerusalem it has not been nor will ever be subject to destruction.
It is hard for any of us to wrap our minds around a 'city' being holy in fact, most if not all ( I personally think all cities) are mostly the opposite of 'holy'!!
Instead they are full of wickedness, decadence, sin, immorality, etc. So like everything about the New Heaven and earth, we really cannot imagine this but that does not make it any less true
There is more to say about this but
I am done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 25, 2020 11:49:52 GMT -5
Yesterday, I looked at the New Jerusalem, but forgot to mention it reminds us of what our Lord Jesus said:
[smear:#590617]2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2,3[/smear:#7d19e6:0]
And this reminds us of the way the Jews would marry etc. After getting engaged the groom would leave and go to his father's house and prepare ( build) living accommodations for his bride.
And so Jesus left earth and went back to Heaven to do just that for the church of believer's ( His bride).
I did not get to the 2nd half of verse two, which is:
[smear:#19e628]"..................prepared as a bride adorned for her husband". Revelation 21:2 (b)[/smear:#08e9f4:0]
The Heavenly Jerusalem has come down, and it is the bridal city. It will it contains the bride ( believers, the Church) and thus takes on her character, and is adorned as a beautiful woman.
On to verse 3:
[smear:#4c3aa4] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. Revelation 21:3[/smear:#468b37:0]
this verse reminds us of this:
[smear:#e6194c]11 I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. 12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. Leviticus 26:11,12[/smear:#1701f4:1]
And so this will come to total fruition:
[smear:#588fce]8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8[/smear:#d350d3:0]
This is indeed a great blessing!
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 26, 2020 10:24:29 GMT -5
So I did not get very far into Revelation 21 verse 3 so a bit more about it:
[smear:#e4832c] 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. Revelation 21:3[/smear:#b619e6:0]
This is the greatest blessing in scripture and has been believer's greatest desire:
[smear:#e61950]Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you Psalm 73:25[/smear:#08b01a:0]
This is what actually makes heaven....Heaven. It is why true Christianity is not a 'religion' but a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
For sure, there are many many endless other things ( just think angels for example) of beauty and wonder in Heaven, wonders that will never cease, but without God, they would be a empty shell.
We are going to fellowship with God in Heaven, it will be our supreme joy!
[smear:#ab19e6] God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9[/smear:#f6be03:0]
or as the 2nd half of this verse say:
[smear:#e619ae]"....................and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ" 1 John 1:3.[/smear:#fa480d:0]
This was also Jesus desire ( and plan)
[smear:#19e63c]24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am,.............." John 17:24[/smear:#e61986:0]
Heaven IS being where Jesus is!!
So that even here on earth, without being able to see or touch Jesus, when we are in prayer, reading His word ( the Bible), thinking about His Word, or Him, we are the most at peace ( no matter what our situation), but..... we are still sinners
In Heaven, in our glorified bodies, our fellowship will be so much deeper, never fearful ( because of our sin in this world), more intimate, more loving.
We cannot see Him now, in our sinful bodies, but then we will have our new sin free bodies and so we can see God. As for now we cry:
[smear:#254e1c]1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalms 42:1,2[/smear:#f9cf06:0]
And this is what we strive for in our lives
[smear:#068ea3] 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 [/smear:#912860:0]
However, in Heaven, this will be true, because then, we will be pure in heart:
[smear:#308f33]8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8[/smear:#69215c:0]
I sort of doubt we will ever see the complete and totally fullness of God ( we would have to be God ourselves ) Still, in our glorified bodies we will see what we can or are allowed to see ( and who knows perhaps it will be forever a growing 'seeing'?
In any case, it will be magnificent, glorious, joyful etc.
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on May 26, 2020 10:34:27 GMT -5
thank you again so much for your added info. Today also will most likely be 'short-ish' We are taking Hossanah to work and I am not sure if this will be a late day for Brian, which means ( if so) that he and Hossanah will not get back until 5:30 or later.
Things will only be getting worse, as Seaside council voted to open up all the hotels ( so Brains work supplying fish to all the restaurants, and hotels etc. is going to increase dramatically and the company he works for only has a skeleton crew ( not sure how many they will hire back etc.....at the moment Brain is actually doing the work of about 5-6 employees.....including driving a delivery truck to all the places up and down the coast.
But a sad but funny story of how fuzzy my brain is lately. Just 2 small examples..... last night at dinner Leonard needed some napkins..... I was going to get my kindle that was charging and my new headphones so I said I would also get him some napkins
( was it a 'fuzzy' brain or just my usually self-centered self :( So I came back with 'my' stuff LOL I did go get his napkins. Then.... for dessert he asked for 3 tiny brownies and I was going for a small piece of dark chocolate
I came back with 'my' chocolate sigh! Yup I did go back and get his dessert
But that is just two little examples of a whole day....... lol I forget things too especially when I'm over tired or have low oxygen levels.
Now we come to the last verses in chapter 20.
[smear:#f3f20b]14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14,15[/smear:#e6192f:0]
The 2nd death is only experienced by the unsaved. To date only 2 humans (Enoch and Elijah) have escaped death and so will those who will go in the rapture... We are reminded of this verse:
[smear:#dc19e6]2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2[/smear:#31e619:0]
But the 2nd death is not a physical death but a spiritual one.
So death is the bodies of those unsaved who died and Hades ( as explained by Cindy in her last great post) is the place where they were held until judgment day.
Once this final judgment occurs, there will be no more Hades, because both the unsaved humans and fallen angels will be in the lake of fire. Likewise there will be no more 'death' as all will have died.
For the believer this will be these joyful verses:
[smear:#ae14a0]54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54,55[/smear:#e66319:0]
God has a book with the names of all those that are His ( saved believers).
And so.... [smear:#339e4a] 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20[/smear:#e6196e:0]
And another one of my favorite verses: [smear:#19e655] 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4[/smear:#9119e6:0]
Well, this is very short indeed I could work on it more tomorrow but I 'think' when you reply you will add a goodly amount so tomorrow I may just start on Chapter 21.
Done for today
Good! You said: "To date only 2 humans (Enoch and Elijah) have escaped death and so will those who will go in the rapture..." which is quite true. But we can also add others who will never die: and that's the antichrist and the false prophet. They won't die but will be immediately thrown into the lake of fire.
You mentioned Rev 21:4 and I wanted to say something about that. Many people seem to think that happens when we die, but in reality that actually happens after the Great White Throne Judgement when all the unsaved are sent into the Lake of Fire, and God creates a new heaven and earth for all of us who are saved. From that time on there will be no more tears or pain, or sorrow, etc. However, before that, there will be some sorrow because some believers are going to get to heaven and be very ashamed of themselves because they did nothing to serve the Lord and don't know His Word.
Oh I meant to ask you, when you mentioned 2nd hand pot smoke is worse than cigarette....I wanted to know why that was so.
I had always thought one could actually get a 'contact' high....but decided to look up the 'science' of that. And it was 95% ( my number) a no.....not possible.....
except...... if in a closed room ( no widows, ventilation, and a LOT LOT of smoke) then when tested there was indeed pot high stuff ( whatever they are measuring) in the test subjects blood..... but otherwise no.
Soooo since they were outside, just a few feet away 2 or 3 feet......? most likely a contact high was not possible.....
But, are there other chemicals ( like in cigarette smoke, that can be inhaled?) Is that what you were referring to?
did a quick research and so far have discovered this:
"The scientists found that ammonia levels were 20 times higher in the marijuana smoke than in the tobacco smoke, while hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide and certain aromatic amines occurred at levels 3-5 times higher in the marijuana smoke,..."
And this:
Date: July 27, 2016 Source: American Heart Association Summary: Rats' blood vessels took at least three times longer to recover function after only a minute of breathing secondhand marijuana smoke, compared to recovery after a minute of breathing secondhand tobacco smoke."
Plus, there is the 'moral' aspect, of it seeming like a perfectly normal thing to be doing ( like drinking a cup of water).
Oh, and.....I neglected to mention that the music being played ( when one is high, music is a 'must' of course) the song playing kept using the F bomb....another super unpleasant aspect.
I know, that sometimes even Christians might slip into that swearing sin and use the f word.... and I am not trying to excuse it by any means
still, when a Christian does it, it is done in anger ( not a excuse!!!)
but a song..... is done with fore thought, on purpose for a purpose etc.
Good for you for looking it up! Here's another site with some good information for you:
no-smoke.org/secondhand-marijuana-smoke-fact-sheet/
The original or first Heaven and earth, are now replaced by, the new Heaven and New earth. ,
[smear:#e619d7]Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Revelation 21:1[/smear:#04506f:0]
Many Christians are greatly concerned with temporal finances and treasures on this earth way more than Heaven ( never mind thinking about the New Heaven and New earth.). Even the Millennial Kingdom ( as great and wonderful as it will be) is not where we want to put our hopes, because there will still be sin and death.... that is not until the perfect New Heaven and New Earth ( which will be perfect forever).
And in Revelation 21 the whole old universe has been destroyed, and has been replaced by a perfect new one. I think many Christians have lost, or greatly lessened Their Heavenly perspective ( so so many things are tying us to earth, money, politics, technology, entertainment, etc. etc.) There is just soooo much more of everything to get us off the narrow path today. it is really hard to follow this verse any more:
[smear:#a1150a]2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2[/smear:#6c19e6:0]
Or this:
[smear:#9ee619]15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever 1 John 2:15-17[/smear:#e619dc:0]
We are often hard pressed to joyfully agree:
[smear:#9a0818]21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21[/smear:#6e0a8f:0]
We find it hard to think of the place that we as Christians are headed, when so tied to this world, this universe even.
But who among us believers ( when we really give time to think about it, does not yearn for this verse):
[smear:#71e619] He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8[/smear:#e6194d:0]
And so we also long for this ( in order to gain the above verse)
[smear:#7f1c88]10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:10[/smear:#e65419:0]
And this:
[smear:#a92312]“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. Isaiah 65:17[/smear:#03057e:0]
Concerning this verse, I need to mention, I was either reading or listening to John MacArthur recently, and he was saying that people often ask him, if when Christians are in the New Heaven and New Earth will they remember, anything about the Old universe/earth/experiences/memories etc.?
And his reply, was so simple, and yet so true....but I never thought of it ( showing how I too do not give much thought to our destination like I ought!!)
He said; ( I am paraphrasing...as I don't have his exact verbatim words)
No...we will not he then said, some may ask but why not? And....this is so simply but makes sooooo much sense to me!!
Because, ALL our memories of the Old universe, would be tainted with sin.
Correct me if I am wrong, I know the Bible says creation itself groans and I think...because satan in the prince of the air
[smear:#e6af19]2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— Ephesians 2:2[/smear:#19e6c3:0]
I think this refers to our atmosphere above earth but might or could it extend to the universe ( I am thinking its called the 2nd Heaven but is what includes stars, planets etc.? or is it just our sin that tainted even the universe?
In any case, while the millennium restored the earth....it was not entirely created ( and thus sin was still possible as was death).
One blessing we get immediately from our longing for Heaven ( and actually the New Heaven and Earth) is the things that would tend to upset us, panic us etc. ( like this virus for a small example) we find it much easier to endure.
Furthermore, we are less inclined to stoop to the degrading levels of the things on earth ( be they greed, gossip, sexual sins, anger, vengeance, etc etc etc. ) Instead, we start thinking about what are the eternal consequences of everything.
Let's not forget that the law of entropy says that matter is continually breaking down and tending toward disorder which basically says the very universe is temporary, and ultimately disposable.
It is essentially pointless to try and 'save' the earth, this not a saying that we should wantonly pollute the world, but even science says the universe ( and earth) is unraveling, declining, winding down, dissolving, etc.
Because of sin God will create a totally new creation:
[smear:#e61985]Behold, God puts no trust in his holy ones, and the heavens are not pure in his sight; Job 15:15[/smear:#5c19e6:0]
Nor the earth [smear:#91e619] The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 24:5[/smear:#8c2f42:0]
I can leave the issue of no more life being based on needing water ( sea/oceans to you) or maybe take it up tomorrow anyway Done for today
Well done!
Just a bit about the last part of revelation 21:1:
[smear:#7647f3] "...........................and the sea was no more" Revelation 21:1[/smear:#e619ab:0]
I think if I were completely honest, I have always been somewhat 'sad' about the oceans, sea, etc. being gone. I grew up right on the ocean, and have lived 3/4 of my life either right on the ocean or no more than a block or two away ( as I am right now).
And the only times I lived inland, I have been miserable, missing the weather, the beauty of the ocean, etc.
However, yesterday, while studying this aspect, and reading various commentaries, I have come to a better understanding and am more at peace with this. Strange I would have even cared, knowing that if I were with Jesus, and there was not another thing, but God...... I would be blissfully content for all eternity!!!
However, I was most changed by reading what pastor John MacArthur said.....I won't quote ( it would take too long anyway) but in my own words, what comforted me, was his explanation about how we know life is completely dependent on 2 hydrogen molecules and one oxygen..... otherwise know as water.
We must have water to live, and in fact, earth is 3/4th covered in water. Actually, all the scientists, looking for life on other planets, look for water on whatever planet they are hopeful to find 'life'.
Humans are 65% made up of water, and our blood is 90% water, and we will die (within days) with out water to drink ... and even plants and animals are mostly comprised of water.
Sooooo? Why no water in the New Heaven and the New Earth? Well, part of the answer is in the first word..... NEW
NEW..... will we have our glorified bodies, that will not need water to live.
However there is one mention:
[smear:#32a408]Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life Revelation 22:1[/smear:#ef0be8:0]
So my first thought was well aha! Seeeee.....
at least there is a river of water!!! ( me with folded arms .....humph!)
Oh....but wait, MacArthur went on to point out something else
I just assumed that verse had the word 'water', as in necessary for 'life'
however..... the river of water was... OF LIFE
not water necessary (H2O) to sustain life
The point of it all is The new Creation will be so completely different..
that this is.. what is being said:
[smear:#0df36c]9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1 Corinthians 2:9 [/smear:#e6198e:0]
In a nutshell...we cannot even imagine..
no matter how great our imagination
what the NEW heaven and NEW earth will be like!!
And just even looking at the earth we believers live in right now, remember, it was not until Noah's time/day/ark that the earth even had rain ( a watery mist yes....but not 'rain') also the Bible has several negative connotations dealing with oceans, seas etc. in fact all the sinful humans drown in the flood of Noah's day, for just one example.
So I am now, looking forward to that which I cannot even imagine!!!
It is going to be sooooooo sooooo soooo much better than even the ocean I so love! Not only is it going to beyond imagination...better
it will be eternally, increasingly, infinitely , forever and forever getting better!
But the absolute priority is being with Jesus!!!
Anyway onto the next verse:
[smear:#f73b02]2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2[/smear:#4cf80b:0]
Now we come to the capital city of heaven which is the New Jerusalem ( this is not all there is of course there is also a New Heaven and earth a new universe....but this is the capital city).
New Jerusalem is fifteen hundred miles cubed. I often wonder if Star Trek, got its borg domicile from reading Revelation Which is a creepy thought, but then, so many movies, TV shows etc. do in fact often draw from the Bible only they put their ungodly twist on it.
And just as an aside, concerning the whole star trek borg.... and yet, people want to become one with AI ( think Elon Musk for example)???
Have they never seen the borg on stat trek, if they had, they might want to rethink that whole premise!!!
But, this city cube, was written about thousands of years ago!! And this is the New Jerusalem....not a metal borg place for dehumanize people.
It is a Holy city and it comes down from Heaven... indicating it already existed which makes it eternal ( or even older LOL)
Even the old history city of Jerusalem it is called the holy city.
[smear:#8d3c77]Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; Isaiah 52:1[/smear:#88f401:0]
Not that all the people in it were holy, but that it was set apart unto God. But in addition to the old historic Jerusalem will be the millennial Jerusalem, but these are replaced by the
Substantially new, better, superior,completely different, Jerusalem it has not been nor will ever be subject to destruction.
It is hard for any of us to wrap our minds around a 'city' being holy in fact, most if not all ( I personally think all cities) are mostly the opposite of 'holy'!!
Instead they are full of wickedness, decadence, sin, immorality, etc. So like everything about the New Heaven and earth, we really cannot imagine this but that does not make it any less true
There is more to say about this but
I am done for today
Well said!
Yesterday, I looked at the New Jerusalem, but forgot to mention it reminds us of what our Lord Jesus said:
[smear:#590617]2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2,3[/smear:#7d19e6:0]
And this reminds us of the way the Jews would marry etc. After getting engaged the groom would leave and go to his father's house and prepare ( build) living accommodations for his bride.
And so Jesus left earth and went back to Heaven to do just that for the church of believer's ( His bride).
I did not get to the 2nd half of verse two, which is:
[smear:#19e628]"..................prepared as a bride adorned for her husband". Revelation 21:2 (b)[/smear:#08e9f4:0]
The Heavenly Jerusalem has come down, and it is the bridal city. It will it contains the bride ( believers, the Church) and thus takes on her character, and is adorned as a beautiful woman.
On to verse 3:
[smear:#4c3aa4] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. Revelation 21:3[/smear:#468b37:0]
this verse reminds us of this:
[smear:#e6194c]11 I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. 12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. Leviticus 26:11,12[/smear:#1701f4:1]
And so this will come to total fruition:
[smear:#588fce]8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8[/smear:#d350d3:0]
This is indeed a great blessing!
Done for today
Amen!!! Good job!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 26, 2020 12:09:32 GMT -5
But.....did you notice... I did NOT 'forget' MY stuff LOL
oh by the way, today's post is as it often is....above your posts for today I am pretty sure by now, you know to look for it there :)
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Post by Cindy on May 27, 2020 9:28:29 GMT -5
Before I get into your next post, I wanted to address a couple of things you said in your ones from yesterday that I didn't have time to do. You suggested that MacArthur said we wouldn't remember anything from this life when we're in Heaven and I have a lot of trouble believing that because of several things the Bible says. First, the story about Lazarus the beggar who dies and goes to heaven and Dives the rich man who dies and goes to hell. This is most likely a true story and not a parable, but even if it is a parable, still Jesus is teaching us about heaven and hell. In this story in Luke 16:19–31, Dives who is in hell, remembers everything quite well. Secondly, the bible says that we will all view the people who are in the Lake of fire (hell) once a year every year. If we didn't remember what we'd done on earth and remember who the people in hell are and what they had done to put them there, seeing them wouldn't be nearly as meaningful. Thirdly, We are also warned in a number of ways about what this verse says: “What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (Luke 12:3) and in 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 among other scriptures shows that we will be rewarded or will lose rewards based on what we have said and done or left undone. Again the rewards or lack of them would be meaningless if we didn't know why we were getting them or losing them. I think I mentioned this scripture, “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” (1 John 2:28) and again how could we feel ashamed if we didn't know what we had done or not done? Fourth, we know that we will be able to recognize each other when we get to heaven, but if we don't remember anything concerning this life, then how could we know who anyone was? There's another reason from the Bible, but now I can't remember what it was.... sorry.
MacArthur is a good, godly man and I trust his judgement most of the time. However, he is just a man and therefore capable of being wrong just as we are. I tend to give him the benefit of the doubt if it's something I'm unsure of, but I also keep in mind that he might be wrong. In something like this however, I'm sure he's wrong if he did say that, simply because the bible says otherwise. I actually doubt that he said what you think he did. Instead I would suggest that he may have meant that perhaps after the great white throne judgement and after we've been enjoying the new heaven and earth that He makes for us, that as "time" goes by that we will forget much of our old life on earth, because as time goes by it will have less and less meaning for us. However I think we will always remember that we were desperate sinners in need of saving, even if we don't remember the particulars.
The other thing I wanted to mention is about New Jerusalem. You said it would look like a cube and that's certainly a possibility, but it's not the only one. “Foursquare” means “equal on all sides”; which may mean the city is a perfect cube, a “holy of holies” radiant with the presence of God. Or, it could be a pyramid. Either way, the city measures about 1,500 miles each way, or 2/3 the size of the US! Wiersbe’s expository outlines “12,000 furlongs” (about 1500 miles) squared is 2.25 million square miles. An area that size would cover almost half the continental United States. To give a point of reference, London is 140 square miles. If the ground floor of heaven were populated at the same ratio as London, it could hold a hundred billion people—far greater than the current population of our world—in their unglorified bodies, & still have plenty of room to spare. (and that's just the ground floor because this city is just as tall as it is wide or long!) 12,000 furlongs cubed is 3.375 billion cubic miles, a volume larger than any of us can conceive. MacArthur According to the measurements, New Jerusalem covers an area of 2.25 million square miles. Not counting the height of the city, New Jerusalem could house over a hundred billion people! Regardless of whether or not it's a pyramid or a cube, it's going to be absolutely amazing! I also seriously doubt if the people who made star trek got the idea for the Borg from the Bible. Why would they have been reading it in the first place when they hate God?
Oh yes, I also wanted to say something about the Bible saying there would be no more sea. There's a lot of confusion about that, but it's really not that hard to understand. Rev 21:1 doesn't refer to a specific body of water but to the sea in general. Yes, there are bodies of water, that are fresh water and have the word "sea" in their name. But that's not what this verse says. It doesn't say that the sea of Galilee, or any other specific body of water will be no more. It says that the sea in general will be no more. Therefore it's speaking about large bodies of salt water, which is the main, usual, normally understood meaning of that word, which is how we're to understand the Bible. All the commentaries I have agree that this is what God has said, and what He means. Most include that they believe the reason is because it will give us a much greater area of living/playing space, since the New Earth will accommodate all who've ever been saved since Adam & Eve. Again, this doesn't mean that there won't be water, or even that there won't be any salt water anywhere. It simply means what it says, that the majority of the earths surface will no longer be covered by water/seas. Who knows, maybe He will make some salt water lakes. He doesn't say that He will, but I wouldn't put it past Him, lol. As far as whether or not it will be permanent goes, we have no reason to believe that it won't be permanent. If it wasn't going to be, the Lord would have phrased it differently. In this verse and continuing, He's giving us a glimpse of Heaven, so obviously wouldn't tell us one thing and change it later.
So I did not get very far into Revelation 21 verse 3 so a bit more about it:
[smear:#e4832c] 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. Revelation 21:3[/smear:#b619e6:0]
This is the greatest blessing in scripture and has been believer's greatest desire:
[smear:#e61950]Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you Psalm 73:25[/smear:#08b01a:0]
This is what actually makes heaven....Heaven. It is why true Christianity is not a 'religion' but a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
For sure, there are many many endless other things ( just think angels for example) of beauty and wonder in Heaven, wonders that will never cease, but without God, they would be a empty shell.
We are going to fellowship with God in Heaven, it will be our supreme joy!
[smear:#ab19e6] God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9[/smear:#f6be03:0]
or as the 2nd half of this verse say:
[smear:#e619ae]"....................and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ" 1 John 1:3.[/smear:#fa480d:0]
This was also Jesus desire ( and plan)
[smear:#19e63c]24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am,.............." John 17:24[/smear:#e61986:0]
Heaven IS being where Jesus is!!
So that even here on earth, without being able to see or touch Jesus, when we are in prayer, reading His word ( the Bible), thinking about His Word, or Him, we are the most at peace ( no matter what our situation), but..... we are still sinners
In Heaven, in our glorified bodies, our fellowship will be so much deeper, never fearful ( because of our sin in this world), more intimate, more loving.
We cannot see Him now, in our sinful bodies, but then we will have our new sin free bodies and so we can see God. As for now we cry:
[smear:#254e1c]1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalms 42:1,2[/smear:#f9cf06:0]
And this is what we strive for in our lives
[smear:#068ea3] 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 [/smear:#912860:0]
However, in Heaven, this will be true, because then, we will be pure in heart:
[smear:#308f33]8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8[/smear:#69215c:0]
I sort of doubt we will ever see the complete and totally fullness of God ( we would have to be God ourselves ) Still, in our glorified bodies we will see what we can or are allowed to see ( and who knows perhaps it will be forever a growing 'seeing'?
In any case, it will be magnificent, glorious, joyful etc.
Done for today.
We are told a number of times that eternal life is knowing Jesus, so heaven wouldn't be heaven without us being with and knowing Jesus! “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20) Our eternal life starts as soon as we are saved, because from that time on we are getting to know Jesus better and better - or at least we should be! Then, when we get to heaven, our love and knowledge of Him will continue to increase! He is our eternal life - in fact, He is life itself! Amazing and hard to understand, but true.
We will get to know the Father through Jesus and will know Jesus very well. But as far as knowing the Father goes, while I'm sure we will know Him in some way, I'm not sure how well we will be able to get to know Him as He is not a physical being like we are. However, that doesn't mean He can't put on a body if and when He wants to. This is something we aren't told so it's best not to get dogmatic about it. I'm sure that no matter how the Father shows Himself to us, that we will love Him and enjoy being His children. But.....did you notice... I did NOT 'forget' MY stuff LOL
oh by the way, today's post is as it often is....above your posts for today I am pretty sure by now, you know to look for it there :) Yep lol. Have you given any thought to what subject you want to work on next? For now, I want to stay far away from "books" and get you accustomed to dealing with subjects instead. Because that's what we have to deal with when someone asks us a question anyway. So let's pick a subject about something current, some aspect of something that's affecting us now. OK? How about something about how a believer should deal with the whole covid 19 situation we're in... should they wear a mask, should we fight to go to church like normal, etc? Or we could talk about some other concern about the situation with covid 19. Or we could do one about why a believer should study their bible daily, or why God wants us to go to church regularly and what He expects from us concerning the church.... or something else you think of.... just throwing those things out to get you started thinking lol
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 27, 2020 12:54:07 GMT -5
I uderstand what you said about not remembering things in Heaven I just wanted to make sure, you were referring to the New heaven.... Because MacArthur did say in the present Heaven we would have memories but In speaking of the New Heaven ( I am trying to find exactly what he said and its kind of hard to track it down But here is a bit of it:
"There’s coming a different heaven and earth. Yes, it is new in terms of chronology; but the point that the writer is making here is that it is new in terms of kind, it’s different. The quality of it is completely different from the one we now know. And we won’t even have any remembrance of the one that now exists.
God originally made the universe and the earth, I believe, to be the permanent home for mankind. And Eden would have been his permanent home and he would have lived forever, except that men and women sinned in the garden. Sin and death entered in, corrupted the world and the universe. The fall of angels, of course, added to the corruption. The earth became a place that had to be destroyed. Decay entered in, it started unraveling and decaying; and ultimately, God has to wipe it out..... This has to happen. There has to be a new heaven and a new earth. Why? Back to verse 1: “For the first heaven and the first earth passed away.” That was described back in chapter 20 verse, 11: “I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.” At that point, we discussed the fact that the universe goes out of existence when God gathers the ungodly at the great white throne and then sends them in to the lake of fire."
Well, I can't find the exact words that gave me that idea.... I am also think it 'might' ( but that is super foggy notion) that it may have had somewhat to do with verse 4)
but I do understand that no one has every single thing right...not even my beloved MacArthur :) Also, I am glad you added about the size, dimensions, etc. of the New Jerusalem etc. Good thing you come in and post with me....
Yes, lets talk about any of those things you mentioned and since the virus is still a main topic... and all the things you mentioned about it are 'hot' issues, among believers, and none believers alike
and then, we can always move onto other things as they come up....
but this is still on may peoples's minds and IF, it should rebound..... well it might be around even longer ( even tho at the moment with summer etc. things are opening up and it might go away......nor come back in the Fall with a vengeance... and all the things you mentioned will be baaaacccckkkk with bells on!!!
Plus, if the administration ( presidency should change also then....and Biden as president and how will he handle it if it comes back...
will be an added political aspect that could cause even more division, chaos, violence, fear, etc.).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 27, 2020 13:12:38 GMT -5
Now to one of my favorite verses!!
[smear:#e6a319]4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4[/smear:#970a74:0]
In the New Heaven and New Earth, all the unbelieving sinners are gone as well as the devil and his fallen angels ( demons).
The ungodly have been blotted out....from the book of Life...which reminds us of:
[smear:#0b984b]33 But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. [smear:#2f7632]Exodus 32:33[/smear:#980b18:0]
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous. Psalms 69:28[/smear:#e61945:0]
So in a way, we cannot really comprehend Heaven as it is now, much less as it will be.....not even those with the best imaginations I am speaking of Christians, Biblically minded, trusting in Jesus....not the imaginations of the unsaved).
So we look at things we know, and will no longer be.
Our old experiences, feelings ( like sadness, sorrow, pain, death etc.) are wiped out forever....
So no more sadness, wrong doing, pain, death, evil, disappointments, depression, etc. etc. so tears, no longer exist, because there will be nothing to cry about ( it makes me think about how it was for Adam and Eve before they sinned.....but even better!!)
[smear:#198d24]He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8[/smear:#831170:0]
It will be the exact opposite of what was wrought by the curse of sin ( death, evil, pain, etc etc.)
And death was throw in the lake of fire and the one who had the power of death...the devil: [smear:#6b2308] 4 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, Hebrews 2:14[/smear:#e4fa05:0]
and thus:
[smear:#f4082b]".......for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4[/smear:#19e61f:0]
It will be perfect peace and joy for all eternity
And tho Jesus gives up peace now,
[smear:#7f0793]27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27[/smear:#e61997:0]
Even this kind of peace:
[smear:#55ab09]7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7[/smear:#9b338c:0]
it can still be broken by our fallen nature and fallen broken world
but in Heaven ( this one or the New) this will be a joy:
I[smear:#09afa3] shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes. Hosea 13:14[/smear:#e6197e:0]
[smear:#327f36]17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17[/smear:#a9247b:0]
I for one, cannot wait for this :)
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on May 28, 2020 9:56:11 GMT -5
I uderstand what you said about not remembering things in Heaven I just wanted to make sure, you were referring to the New heaven.... Because MacArthur did say in the present Heaven we would have memories but In speaking of the New Heaven ( I am trying to find exactly what he said and its kind of hard to track it down But here is a bit of it:
"There’s coming a different heaven and earth. Yes, it is new in terms of chronology; but the point that the writer is making here is that it is new in terms of kind, it’s different. The quality of it is completely different from the one we now know. And we won’t even have any remembrance of the one that now exists.
God originally made the universe and the earth, I believe, to be the permanent home for mankind. And Eden would have been his permanent home and he would have lived forever, except that men and women sinned in the garden. Sin and death entered in, corrupted the world and the universe. The fall of angels, of course, added to the corruption. The earth became a place that had to be destroyed. Decay entered in, it started unraveling and decaying; and ultimately, God has to wipe it out..... This has to happen. There has to be a new heaven and a new earth. Why? Back to verse 1: “For the first heaven and the first earth passed away.” That was described back in chapter 20 verse, 11: “I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.” At that point, we discussed the fact that the universe goes out of existence when God gathers the ungodly at the great white throne and then sends them in to the lake of fire."
Well, I can't find the exact words that gave me that idea.... I am also think it 'might' ( but that is super foggy notion) that it may have had somewhat to do with verse 4)
but I do understand that no one has every single thing right...not even my beloved MacArthur :) Also, I am glad you added about the size, dimensions, etc. of the New Jerusalem etc. Good thing you come in and post with me....
Yes, lets talk about any of those things you mentioned and since the virus is still a main topic... and all the things you mentioned about it are 'hot' issues, among believers, and none believers alike
and then, we can always move onto other things as they come up....
but this is still on may peoples's minds and IF, it should rebound..... well it might be around even longer ( even tho at the moment with summer etc. things are opening up and it might go away......nor come back in the Fall with a vengeance... and all the things you mentioned will be baaaacccckkkk with bells on!!!
Plus, if the administration ( presidency should change also then....and Biden as president and how will he handle it if it comes back...
will be an added political aspect that could cause even more division, chaos, violence, fear, etc.).
I understand what MacArthur is saying, but he's giving his opinion, not what the Bible says. I'm not saying He's wrong about the new heaven and earth, but I can't say he's right either. I can't say because the Bible doesn't say we won't remember this life. It doesn't say that anywhere for any time. So it's ok to give that as an opinion or as something to consider, but I would say it's wrong to say that the Bible says that. Even MacArthur can fall into the trap of getting so excited about God's Word and what we think it means that even he might forget to say "I think" instead of "the Bible says" at times, lol. I know I have before, no matter how careful I try to be.
Ok, then feel free to start a new thread here in the end times forum when we've finished this one.
Now to one of my favorite verses!!
[smear:#e6a319]4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4[/smear:#970a74:0]
In the New Heaven and New Earth, all the unbelieving sinners are gone as well as the devil and his fallen angels ( demons).
The ungodly have been blotted out....from the book of Life...which reminds us of:
[smear:#0b984b]33 But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. [smear:#2f7632]Exodus 32:33[/smear:#980b18:0]
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous. Psalms 69:28[/smear:#e61945:0]
So in a way, we cannot really comprehend Heaven as it is now, much less as it will be.....not even those with the best imaginations I am speaking of Christians, Biblically minded, trusting in Jesus....not the imaginations of the unsaved).
So we look at things we know, and will no longer be.
Our old experiences, feelings ( like sadness, sorrow, pain, death etc.) are wiped out forever....
So no more sadness, wrong doing, pain, death, evil, disappointments, depression, etc. etc. so tears, no longer exist, because there will be nothing to cry about ( it makes me think about how it was for Adam and Eve before they sinned.....but even better!!)
[smear:#198d24]He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8[/smear:#831170:0]
It will be the exact opposite of what was wrought by the curse of sin ( death, evil, pain, etc etc.)
And death was throw in the lake of fire and the one who had the power of death...the devil: [smear:#6b2308] 4 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, Hebrews 2:14[/smear:#e4fa05:0]
and thus:
[smear:#f4082b]".......for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4[/smear:#19e61f:0]
It will be perfect peace and joy for all eternity
And tho Jesus gives up peace now,
[smear:#7f0793]27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27[/smear:#e61997:0]
Even this kind of peace:
[smear:#55ab09]7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7[/smear:#9b338c:0]
it can still be broken by our fallen nature and fallen broken world
but in Heaven ( this one or the New) this will be a joy:
I[smear:#09afa3] shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes. Hosea 13:14[/smear:#e6197e:0]
[smear:#327f36]17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17[/smear:#a9247b:0]
I for one, cannot wait for this :)
Done for today
Amen! Neither can I!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 28, 2020 10:34:17 GMT -5
Now to verse 5
[smear:#f04e63] 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5[/smear:#19e63b:0]
Here God says everything will be made new.
Which brings to memory this verse:
[smear:#bc2109]11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation). Hebrews 9:11[/smear:#0c710a:0]
And then God confirms that these words are faithful and true. It can be hard for us, who live in a world and universe where sin, evil and death still exist, but There will be an end to our present universe
but not .... God's words:
[smear:#963db7] 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Luke 21:33[/smear:#67b526:0]
Also
[smear:#a3d504]17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17[/smear:#cc503e:0]
Then in verse 6 we read:
[smear:#eaad06]6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Revelation 21:6[/smear:#a219e6:0]
When God says it is done, we are reminded of when Jesus said this:
3[smear:#541479]0 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” ....." John 19:30[/smear:#c0c10b:0]
God can say its the end, because He alone is in charge of the beginning and end, as He is the Alpha and Omega.
I am reminded of this verse when thinking of those who 'thirst'
[smear:#a157ed]6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6[/smear:#35f277:0]
and
[smear:#9c3475]6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” Exodus 17:6 [/smear:#19e63f:0]
Plus [smear:#7b42cd]3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3[/smear:#e619d0:0]
Also
“[smear:#893198]Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;........................" Isaiah 55:1[/smear:#319333:0]
Not to forget
[smear:#e61960]13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13,14[/smear:#7919e6:0]
And so I am 'thirsty' for this spring of the water of life without payment.
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on May 29, 2020 10:13:39 GMT -5
Now to verse 5
[smear:#f04e63] 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5[/smear:#19e63b:0]
Here God says everything will be made new.
Which brings to memory this verse:
[smear:#bc2109]11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation). Hebrews 9:11[/smear:#0c710a:0]
And then God confirms that these words are faithful and true. It can be hard for us, who live in a world and universe where sin, evil and death still exist, but There will be an end to our present universe
but not .... God's words:
[smear:#963db7] 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Luke 21:33[/smear:#67b526:0]
Also
[smear:#a3d504]17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17[/smear:#cc503e:0]
Then in verse 6 we read:
[smear:#eaad06]6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Revelation 21:6[/smear:#a219e6:0]
When God says it is done, we are reminded of when Jesus said this:
3[smear:#541479]0 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” ....." John 19:30[/smear:#c0c10b:0]
God can say its the end, because He alone is in charge of the beginning and end, as He is the Alpha and Omega.
I am reminded of this verse when thinking of those who 'thirst'
[smear:#a157ed]6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6[/smear:#35f277:0]
and
[smear:#9c3475]6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” Exodus 17:6 [/smear:#19e63f:0]
Plus [smear:#7b42cd]3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3[/smear:#e619d0:0]
Also
“[smear:#893198]Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;........................" Isaiah 55:1[/smear:#319333:0]
Not to forget
[smear:#e61960]13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13,14[/smear:#7919e6:0]
And so I am 'thirsty' for this spring of the water of life without payment.
Done for today
Well done!
What you said about those who hunger and thirst made me think about this... let me share the first part of the beatitudes so you can follow along with me...
““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:3–6)
Who are the poor in spirit? They are the ones who have realized just how wicked and hopeless they are; that their only hope is if God sends them a Savior. But how do they know this? Most of us don't realize this completely when we are saved. We realize it only slightly at that point. It's only as we read and study God's Word that we come to realize just how wicked we are and how hopeless we were until God sent Jesus for us. Because we realize that, our salvation is assured and real and we will be part of the kingdom of heaven.
Then those who mourn are blessed...why do we mourn? We mourn over our sin, because we know we sin daily, and we mourn especially over the sins we recognize. But how do we come to know what our sins are, or even what sin in general is? Again, it's through reading and studying His Word. And of course, having learned that, Jesus comforts us, and does so through His Word. (so we realize it through His Word and are comforted through His Word.)
Then we find the meek are blessed. Who are the meek? Well, it should be us, as it's the person who is humble, unassuming, modest, gentle, and mild. (all descriptions of Jesus too). This doesn't sound like anyone normally, so how do we become meek? Again, it's through God's Word because God changes us as we read and study His Word and talk to Him about it. And because we spend that time in His Word getting to know and love Him more and more, He says we will inherit the earth!
Then we get to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Most people never do that. Some of the unsaved can do that for a short time, but it never lasts for them. It can only last for us because we're saved and have been changed by Jesus and His word. The more and longer we read and study God's Word, the more we will long for righteousness. We will long for it in ourselves, and in others; and we will long for our Lord who alone is completely righteous as well. It will cause us to be in His Word even more, to talk about it with others who are saved, and with the unsaved too, and we will long for the day when our Lord will complete our salvation and we will finally have no sin nature and will be completely righteous like our Lord. On that day we will be filled! But even before that day, as we read His Word daily, we will be filled with His righteousness which will help us to choose the right over sin each day. So once again, it's all about His Word; it's about Jesus who is the Word of God. And we can actually continue to say this about each of the beatitudes that are left as well. Isn't that neat?
I just wanted to let you know that my new computer is supposed to arrive sometime today. I'm very excited! But, it could take up to 4 days to upload my bible library onto it. It depends on the internet speed of course, and that's been low lately due to everyone being on it constantly because of covid. But, God willing, it could also get done in just one day. But if I'm not here on Monday, you can let folks know that it's just because I'm still setting up my new computer and will be back as soon as possible, ok?
Breathe well!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 29, 2020 11:54:06 GMT -5
Well thank you Lord for Cindy's new computer coming!!! :)
One thing I want to quote what you said with that verse on facebook I am not sure if A) it's okay B) would you prefer I use your name or not
I just loved the way you made it so clear and as you know, its mostly for my loved ones to see but if others saw it too I know it could be a blessing ( seeds)
I just feel, I need for them to hear what you wrote If you would rather I do do that I will not ever again
And I won't use your name this time ( in case you say its okay and yes use your name)
But since I don't know about that this time I can always go back and say OH! by the way, Cindy wrote that!!
But because you emphasized the Word so much ( and that is a lack with many of my loved one) and like me they may need to hear a thing more than once
In fact, this might be the First time for some.
Please forgive me, if posting your words on facebook is not okay but I am hoping since it is here on another public forum it will be.... but if not I won't do it again and if so let me know about giving you the credit!! :)
Plus I got rid of the arguer so hopefully that will not be an issue either.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 29, 2020 12:35:13 GMT -5
Now to verse 7 of Revelation 21
[smear:#66b328]7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. Revelation 21:7[/smear:#a619e6:0]
Who is it that conquers?
[smear:#42bc61]For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 [/smear:#5019e6:0]
also
4[smear:#e619c7] Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4[/smear:#27afb6:0]
And this
[smear:#79e619]34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34[/smear:#213198:0]
Everything Jesus has is given to the Saints. We who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and IS God. Those who believe the incarnation, and the deity of Jesus Christ, and the atonement, plus His resurrection etc.
and those who have a : [smear:#30f28b] Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.[/smear:#19d4e6:0]
But it is silly for us to scrap, strive, ruthlessly compete, over the earthly so called treasures, when we have unlimited Heavenly bank accounts that will never diminish but ever increase.
[smear:#711d89]14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ..... Romans 8:14-17[/smear:#50ed8d:0]
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 30, 2020 10:41:13 GMT -5
Yesterday, we looked at the conquerors but today's verse, is sadly the other side of the coin so to speak
[smear:#130f77] 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8[/smear:#05450b:0]
This is a sad but serious, list of some of those who will not go to Heaven. If we remember, even in the tribulation people ( in part) took Satan's mark, out of fear They saved their earthly life ( for a time), but lost their soul
Remember, this verse:
[smear:#19e641]26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:26[/smear:#92118c:0]
This reminds me a little of the fear of this virus....I am not saying, there is nothing to fear I am only thinking of how some are so so afraid of dying, they are afraid to live at all. This is not to say, people should disobey the law...it is more about fear...
But this fear in this verse, is connected with unbelief and also fear of men ( being hated for confessing Jesus) but then the list of the 'normal' sinful man, and evil men), the abominable
There are other such things that are added in these verses:
[smear:#e65d45]19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21[/smear:#19d6e6:0]
Another list:
[smear:#0aa2ce]3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; Ephesians 5:2-7[/smear:#9249ae:0]
And another: [smear:#e61991] 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:8-10[/smear:#285aae:0]
Some might think, but I am in that list, and indeed, we all are to one extent or another the issue is, not that we sin, or are sinners its what do we do about it who can save us from all our evils sins and begin to change us
If you prefer your sins as your 'rights', mock Christians as ignorant, believers in fairy tales and myths, etc. etc. etc. Then you don't even want to go to Heaven,,,, but I am sure you really don't want to go to Hell... it is not going to be an endless party!! Instead it will be 'the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death'.
The people in these lists are different from saved Christians in that they are ones who continued in these activities without asking Jesus to save them, ask for forgiveness, help in dealing with their sins, repentance and so on. Does that mean they will never fall back into any of them....no they may But they are not happy when they do
First of all they actually admit these are sins, and not 'rights'... they understand why they are sins, they know they are helpless against them without the Lord's nelp and the help of the Holy Spirit
( and even then, they may fail again and again...)
.But they have come to hate their sins.... they want to be forever free of being a slave to them!!
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on May 31, 2020 10:45:17 GMT -5
Starting at verses 9 and 10
[smear:#0588d0]9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, ” Revelation 21:9[/smear:#8419e6:0]
One of This is one of the judgment angels we saw before the the millennial kingdom even is now going to show John the New Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is the capital city of eternity and the New Jerusalem is likened to a bride, because the redeemed are forever united to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
This very angel who God used for judgement, is now showing John incredible blessings. This angel takes John on a spiritual journey when he carries John away, and John's vantage point was atop a great and high mountain.
Also remember the marriage has already taken place and thus the believers are now the wife.
This is the city that Abraham was looking for:
[smear:#6d2087]8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-11[/smear:#19e6ae:0]
Now some more detail.
[smear:#16982a]11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. Revelation 21:11[/smear:#831074:0]
So we notice the very first thing is having the glory of God!! The city will have no need of the sun, because the glory of God will illuminate it. God has revealed His glory as 'light' to some degree in the past: ( in the pillar of light, in the temple, to Moses, the transfiguration of Jesus etc.)
I will continue this tomorrow Done for today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 1, 2020 10:04:01 GMT -5
I did not quite finish with verse 11 and will add verses 12, 13, 14
[smear:#60bf13]11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Revelation 21:11,12[/smear:#7d2089:0]
God's glory as the light, is reminiscent of this verse
[smear:#368b3a]The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19[/smear:#8c0ca7:0]
The idea of a very precious jewel, and clear crystal is the light and glory of God coming thru something like very costly precious gems.
Jasper, is transliteration, not a translation, of the Greek word Rather than the modern opaque jasper it is more ... like flawless diamonds.
But now we come to a great high wall and 12 gates....the names of the 12 tribes, and 12 angels (to welcome us as we go in and out maybe?)
They have always been helpful to believers
[smear:#ee6105]Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14[/smear:#e61993:0]
The symmetry, order and balance is part of the many aspects of God, and you see a bit of this is the way the city, walls, gates etc. it is laid out.
[smear:#e6193b]13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. Revelation 21:13[/smear:#83cc07:0]
This reminds us of the layout of the encampment in the wilderness around the Tabernacle So IF it were to follow that order it might be the gates ( and maybe corresponding with the names?)
east would be Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun north would be Dan, Asher, and Naphtali south would be Reuben, Simeon, and Gad west would be Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin
Then verse 14 states:
[smear:#f634d5]14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Revelation 21:14[/smear:#5de619:0]
The foundation of Christianity was built by Jesus through the twelve apostles
This reminds us of these verses:
[smear:#f62606]20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20[/smear:#602fd0:0]
and in the Old Testament it says that Abraham:
[smear:#339038]10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10[/smear:#bd5406:0]
However, there is a question.... 11 of the apostles we know but clearly Judas who betrayed my Lord and Savior is NOT one of them is Paul the 12th ( or even Matthias?)?
I just can't help but think it's Paul, but of course, I really do not know.
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 2, 2020 7:32:41 GMT -5
The angel appears again in verse 15
[smear:#af19e6]15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. Revelation 21:15[/smear:#e6e319:0]
This reminds of Ezekiel where the angel is measuring the millennial temple:
[smear:#19e649]3 He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. Ezekiel 40:3 [/smear:#19dce6:0]
Also the tribulation temple was measured in Revelation chapter 11 .
I am thinking this shows that God does not create or do things through chance, randomness, happenstance, and so on... everything is planned, in detailed and measured order.
In this case the measuring reed ( about 10 feet long is made of Gold). And this angel is going to measure the city, gates and its wall.
[smear:#5631ee]16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. Revelation 21:16 [/smear:#19e62b:0]
So it is It is fifteen hundred miles square. Not being a mathematician or scientist etc. I read several commentaries that made it clear, billions ( 40-60 whatever) people can fit ( with 75 acres per person, I believe one said) and then tons of room for buildings etc.
Or as one said: "about two million square miles of ground space"
and another said this:
"The eternal city is over 1,060 times larger in each dimension than the millennial city proper and has a total square area over 1.1 million times larger. "
In others words it a LOT bigger than one might think on first read thru!!
I will leave more of that for Cindy LOL [smear:#0fa3a9] 17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick Revelation 21:17[/smear:#9e19e6:0]
The wall is the wall was 216 feet across ( talk about precision) not 215 or 217.
[smear:#4b8114]18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. Revelation 21:18[/smear:#e65019:0]
and it was a diamond, clear as glass. Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 3, 2020 10:14:39 GMT -5
Today we look at the foundation of the walls:
[smear:#f88308]19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst Revelation 21:19,2o[/smear:#a619e6:0]
At least 8 of these were in the breastplate of the high priest
They are brilliant colors that God's glory shines thru. What an amazing, incredible, beautiful visually stunning sight this will be!!
Since there is some confusion to what some of the stones are as the names of them may have changed over the centuries, still this might be a possible ordering of the colors that one commentator proposed ( as an artist that interests me):
1. Jasper—green; 2. Sapphire—blue; 3. Chalcedony—greenish; 4. Emerald—green; 5. Sardonyx—red and white; 6. Sardius—fiery red; 7. Chrysolite—golden yellow; 8. Beryl—aqua green; 9. Topaz—greenish yellow; 10. Chrysoprase—golden green; 11. Jacinth—violet; 12. Amethyst—purple.
And MacArthur lists the colors this way
1. yashepheh, iaspis, radiant, white, crystal-clear diamond with its flashing colors. 2. sapphire, a brilliant blue. 3. The third was chalcedony. Chalcedon is an old name for Turkey, and this was some kind of an agate stone, the best we can tell, sky blue with translucent stripes of color. 4. the fourth was emerald, which is, of course, a blazing bright green. 5. The fifth was sardonyx, which is a red and white stone. 6.The sixth was sardius, a rather common red stone that was from the quartz family. 7. the seventh was chrysolite; Pliny calls that a transparent, sort of lucid gold tone or yellow tone stone. 8. eighth, beryl; that’s a sea green. 9. The ninth, topaz; transparent yellow green. 10, The tenth, chrysoprase; that’s another shade of green. 11. The eleventh, jacinth, which was a brilliant shining violet color. 12. the twelfth, amethyst, which is purple.
In any case beautiful!!!!
And then in verse 21 we come to the 12 gates and the great street:
[smear:#8d1aa0]The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. Revelation 21:21[/smear:#34e619:0]
The gates were made of pearl 1,400 mile high pears ( more or less)
Pearl reminds us of Jesus as the pearl of great price, great preciousness. pearls came from what the Jews considered 'unclean' but remember the sheet of unclean animals that God told Peter:
“[smear:#e6193b]......Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 10:15[/smear:#2319e6:0]
So, in a sense, so was Jesus ( he bore all the millions of believers unclean sins)
Also every other thing making the city is from gems and stones but the pearl is made out of the flesh of a living creature's wound. Out of the wound, the makes something of great beauty.
These gates by which the believers enter are so very huge ( as was the suffering of Jesus...the symbolism tho, I think, cannot ever give the true extent of his suffering for us).
And we will walk on clear gold streets....gold is a precious commodity here, but believers will walk on it. We do not have 'transparent' gold here, but there is will be abundant.
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 4, 2020 11:47:45 GMT -5
Now we are going to look inside the New Jerusalem city
[smear:#7219e6]22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:22,23[/smear:#59e619:0]
It seems like in the Heaven of now, there is a temple but in the completely NEW Heaven and earth, there is no longer a temple.
Perhaps because, there is no longer any sin whatsoever!! And there is no longer any need for a temple, God and Jesus ARE the temple, and the glory and light is the 'temple'.
People do not have to go somewhere to worship God.....God is omnipresent He is also now, but right now, Satan is is the prince of the power of the air, and the demons abound. But in the new universe in infinity, the devil and his demons, and sin will all be gone forever and ever.
We won't have to go to church to worship....everything we do or say, will be worship. We will be true worshipers
[smear:#4cd25e]24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24[/smear:#872bb5:0]
This is because of Jesus sacrificial death on the cross!!!
And there will no longer be day and night, but just eternal day.
That might also mean, the end of this present ordering of this universe structure in the New...
for example, the New Earth will be based on a different design or some kind, because, earth today, needs the sun.....nor it seems will there be even moon light.
Which reminds us of these verses:
[smear:#43c6ee]19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19,20[/smear:#d4e619:0]
However, I certainly cannot be dogmatic....we will see when we get there but surely there will be major differences of some sort...things I cannot even imagine: [smear:#e65119] 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, ... Ephesians 3:20[/smear:#1c19e6:0]
As a result, this will be true:
[smear:#b01431]24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. Revelation 21:24[/smear:#0e6f0d:0]
One might wonder about 'nations'? Which can mean just peoples....denoting the diversity of the redeemed, the saved. However, they will be untied, as God's people. there will be no more divisions....right now, where ever we go on earth, there are great, serious, and sad divisions among people.....this will be all gone forever!!! We are watching right now, a great division in our country and it is so sad.....but the day will come, when that will never be again.
The kings, rich, 'upper classes' etc etc. will no longer wish for that and will give it all up everyone will 'matter'.
And gates will never be closed:
[smear:#57b254]25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. Revelation 21:25[/smear:#19e6d3:0]
It will forever be a place of safety and security, the gates will never need to be closed from an enemy invasion....there will never be any enemies.
[smear:#f62303] 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Revelation 21:26[/smear:#0b5560:0]
All people will surrender their earthly prestige and glory. Frankly all that will be so much foolishness, who would ever want it.
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jun 5, 2020 12:02:58 GMT -5
Well thank you Lord for Cindy's new computer coming!!! :)
One thing I want to quote what you said with that verse on facebook I am not sure if A) it's okay B) would you prefer I use your name or not
I just loved the way you made it so clear and as you know, its mostly for my loved ones to see but if others saw it too I know it could be a blessing ( seeds)
I just feel, I need for them to hear what you wrote If you would rather I do do that I will not ever again
And I won't use your name this time ( in case you say its okay and yes use your name)
But since I don't know about that this time I can always go back and say OH! by the way, Cindy wrote that!!
But because you emphasized the Word so much ( and that is a lack with many of my loved one) and like me they may need to hear a thing more than once
In fact, this might be the First time for some.
Please forgive me, if posting your words on facebook is not okay but I am hoping since it is here on another public forum it will be.... but if not I won't do it again and if so let me know about giving you the credit!! :)
Plus I got rid of the arguer so hopefully that will not be an issue either. You can always share or repost anything I written, no matter where I've posted it. You don't have to give me credit or use my name, but if you do, that's ok too.
At the moment I have all your posts quoted so I can reply to them as I read them. But because there's so many, I'll probably delete them and just leave my replies here so this won't be so long.
Revelation 21:7 Well said! Yes, the word that the version you're using translates as "conquers" is translated as "overcomes" by other versions. I like that better because that same word is translated as "overcomers" in 1 John 5:4 even in the version you're using. So they interpret each other: “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” (Revelation 21:7) and “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
Revelation 21:8 Well done! I'd just like to add this: You said: This reminds me a little of the fear of this virus....I am not saying, there is nothing to fear I am only thinking of how some are so so afraid of dying, they are afraid to live at all. .... But I will say that there is nothing to fear about this virus, unless of course for the person who isn't saved. All fear comes from unbelief... or you could say it comes from belief, belief that God won't save you or can't save you or that there is no God to save you, etc. Even the fear of man is because the person doesn't have enough fear of God or enough belief that God cares enough to take care of them in that circumstance. Revelation 21:9-11 Again well done!
Revelation 21:12-14 Good job! About the 12th apostle, Paul is certainly a good possibility, but another good possibility is the man who was chosen to take the place of Judas: “Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:24–26) It's certainly going to be interesting to see who the Lord gives that position to! And if He gives it to Matthias, then what will He give to Paul? I'm sure that Paul will be greatly rewarded for all that he did for the gospel!
Revelation 21:15-18 You did a great job describing how large the city is! It's certainly hard to wrap our minds around isn't it? I already covered this earlier though so won't do so again.
Revelation 21:19-21 Good job! The gates being made of giant pearls makes me remember that pearls are formed because of suffering; or as MacArthur says, that the pearls are formed in response to the oysters flesh being wounded. So a huge pearl would equal a huge amount of suffering. Like you said, that first reminds me of the suffering that Jesus went through for us. What an amazing God! But it also reminds me of the suffering that each and every believer goes through in this life in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. As we're told: “...“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.” (Acts 14:22)
Revelation 21:22-25 Amen! Yes, there is no temple in Eternity because God is the temple and so are our sin free bodies! (1 Corinthians 6:19) There's actually any number of different ways that "nations' is interpreted. It could mean that people will be divided into countries and nations even in Heaven, although if so, all would be equal, as there would be none that were poor or something like that. As far as equal goes though, some will have more glory then others, and more rewards then others, but all will have equal access to God and all will be (and are now) equally loved. Others say that "nations" just means that Gentiles will be in Heaven with the Jews; and others that there will just be national distinctions from our earthly life. and so on.... We can't know for sure as Barbara said, until we get there. You've done awesome as usual Barbara!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 5, 2020 12:25:13 GMT -5
This was a wonderful point you made!!!
( well also so sad but yet so beautiful considering the love of Jesus)
You said:
" So a huge pearl would equal a huge amount of suffering. Like you said, that first reminds me of the suffering that Jesus went through for us. What an amazing God!"
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 5, 2020 13:05:22 GMT -5
Now to the last chapter in Revelation contains God's last message to humans starting with Verses 1 and 2
[smear:#e63019]1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1,2[/smear:#1928e6:0]
We are now getting a bit of a tour of some of what is in the eternal city. A river pure and clear in part a symbol of sinlessness throughout. From the throne because God is the source of all life. It possess life giving powers ...."water" springs up into everlasting life: [smear:#5d19e6] 4 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14[/smear:#19e648:0]
In baptism we go under the water symbolizing dying to sin and self but the water also symbolizes eternal salvation and eternal life with God when we come up.
We notice everything is crystal clear in the city ( no darkness, nothing hid etc. only the glory and light of God shines) No murkiness, or stagnation or pollution ( or sin) is this water of life.
In verse two we come to the tree of life It gives continual blessings
Such a tree was in the Garden of Eden ( and that other tree, which caused so much sorrow) but we are reminded of it in Genesis 2
[smear:#7c15b2]9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life Genesis 2:9[/smear:#0eae9a:0]
and there is this verse also
[smear:#6bb015]7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 [/smear:#7919e6:0]
Just super tired today Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jun 6, 2020 7:47:09 GMT -5
This was a wonderful point you made!!!
( well also so sad but yet so beautiful considering the love of Jesus)
You said:
" So a huge pearl would equal a huge amount of suffering. Like you said, that first reminds me of the suffering that Jesus went through for us. What an amazing God!"
Thank you!
Now to the last chapter in Revelation contains God's last message to humans starting with Verses 1 and 2
[smear:#e63019]1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1,2[/smear:#1928e6:0]
We are now getting a bit of a tour of some of what is in the eternal city. A river pure and clear in part a symbol of sinlessness throughout. From the throne because God is the source of all life. It possess life giving powers ...."water" springs up into everlasting life: [smear:#5d19e6] 4 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14[/smear:#19e648:0]
In baptism we go under the water symbolizing dying to sin and self but the water also symbolizes eternal salvation and eternal life with God when we come up.
We notice everything is crystal clear in the city ( no darkness, nothing hid etc. only the glory and light of God shines) No murkiness, or stagnation or pollution ( or sin) is this water of life.
In verse two we come to the tree of life It gives continual blessings
Such a tree was in the Garden of Eden ( and that other tree, which caused so much sorrow) but we are reminded of it in Genesis 2
[smear:#7c15b2]9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life Genesis 2:9[/smear:#0eae9a:0]
and there is this verse also
[smear:#6bb015]7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 [/smear:#7919e6:0]
Just super tired today Done for today
Well done! I'd like to add that there are a number of interpretations about the Tree of life. Some say that the verse means there are many trees on both sides of the river like we're shown here: “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”” (Ezekiel 47:12) Another interpretation is that there is one tree and it's branches reach out over both sides of the river. There are others but those are the two main ones I think.
There are also a number of ways that the word "nations" is interpreted here too. Some say that the nations are those spoken of here: “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”” (Revelation 11:15) Perhaps, since God is the one who ordained the nations, it's possible they will continue even into eternity. Others say the word just means "people" in general and still others say it's talking about the gentiles. I'm not sure why they would say either of those things though when the statement is quite clear. “down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2) I just keep reminding myself that the Lord doesn't think like we do and that His ways are so much greater then ours and much more amazing too! So I'm content to wonder now and look forward to finding out when I get there!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 6, 2020 12:12:08 GMT -5
I have to totally agree with your thought and feelings when you wrote:
"I just keep reminding myself that the Lord doesn't think like we do and that His ways are so much greater then ours and much more amazing too! So I'm content to wonder now and look forward to finding out when I get there!"
I know, the joy, the wonder, the amazement, the thrill, the comfort, the excitement, the surprises, forever and ever.....yes!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 6, 2020 12:27:17 GMT -5
Now to the next verses in Revelation 22
[smear:#6cae57]3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3,4[/smear:#a619e6:0]
As wonderful as the millennial kingdom will be, there will still be the curse. There will still be sin, and death. But in the New Heaven, New Earth and the New Jerusalem...there will no longer be any curse whatsoever!!!
[smear:#19e65d]"13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,.... Galatians 3:13 [/smear:#e619b8:0]
We will never be bored and there will be infinite things for us to do, as we serve Him there forever.
There is no way, we can even begin to imagine the infinite creative mind of God, and the endless, new, exciting things we can do for or with Him... boring will never ever be something we will ever ever ever know!
And we will be thrilled to serve our God, it will be joy unbounded. Not to mention the new universe we will explore, will be infinitely varied and limitless ( never ending, always something new beyond our comprehension....but no sin, evil, death, sorrow etc.)
Then in verse 4 we learn we shall see His face!
It seems what God said to Moses in Exodus will no longer hold:
[smear:#862677]18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Exodus 33:18,19[/smear:#2d2f81:0]
or
[smear:#8b19e6]18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God ..... John 1:18[/smear:#e6cf19:0]
But instead it will be as Jesus said: [smear:#90bc0e] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8[/smear:#b819e6:0]
And like Job: [smear:#128965] 25 know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet[e] in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27[/smear:#c219e6:0]
And one more I am reminded of:
[smear:#6957b8]12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12[/smear:#5bc066:0]
We will have His name on our foreheads ( we are His forever). This reminds us of at least two things:
These verses seems to be kind of pointing to the infinite future: [smear:#b4427e] 36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead Exodus 28:36-38 [/smear:#458690:0]
The other thing this reminds us of Satan's counterfeit 'mark of the beast'
There is no question in my mind which 'mark' I want and to whom I want to belong for all eternity ( My Lord and Savior, my God)!!!
Done for today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 7, 2020 9:46:59 GMT -5
We have heard this before, so it must be something we really need to 'reflect' on :) God's glory makes any other source of light, unnecessary.
[smear:#b4225d]5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5[/smear:#5cc526:0]
As it says in I John
[smear:#953bc0]5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5[/smear:#e6d719:0]
or Isaiah
[smear:#e6d019]19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19,20[/smear:#722089:0]
Plus [smear:#e66e19] 7 It will be a unique day—a day known only to the Lord—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light. Zechariah 14:7[/smear:#19e6ad:0]
Before we read how will ever serve God, but also we will be.... reigning
We reigned during the 1,000 year millennium period, but now, for ever. All to say, we are way are more than servants....what an honor.
The next verse in Revelation 22:
[smear:#519740]6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” Revelation 22:6[/smear:#ba19e6:0]
So reminds me of something I read once. It was refuting the notion that some people like to say about Jesus They say, well he was a 'good' man, maybe even a prophet, but not God.
it went on to say, that is the one thing you cannot say about Jesus He could have been lying when He said he and the Father were one ( meaning He was God) but a liar is NOT a 'good' man
or, Jesus could have been crazy and in his delusion honestly 'thought; he was God but a crazy man is not a man to follow, nor are they necessarily 'good' because who knows what other delusions they had
on the other hand, Jesus spoke ( His mind was clear and lucid like no other man) like no other person, He did things ( true miracles) no other person did, loved like no other person
He was either crazy, a liar or really God and so in a way.... either John is telling us the absolute truth or he is a consummate liar or crazy.
This angel back John up...what John is writing is not 'mystical', not some kind of bizarre dream, not an overactive imagination, not an allegory but rather the absolute truth!
For me the incredible way the world is going today....really points to the end times the whole world is in an upheaval.... yes, there has always been wars, and changes, and earthquakes, a pestilences , and advancements etc etc etc. But never technology like now never such world wide all at the exact same time trials and tribulation that is ever speeding up..... etc. etc. etc.
So much so, I for one, heartily look forward to this next verse
[smear:#0ca592]7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7[/smear:#9e0ea3:0]
I will start with this verse tomorrow have to get ready for drive thru communion ( Lord's supper) :)
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2020 10:36:14 GMT -5
I have to totally agree with your thought and feelings when you wrote:
"I just keep reminding myself that the Lord doesn't think like we do and that His ways are so much greater then ours and much more amazing too! So I'm content to wonder now and look forward to finding out when I get there!"
I know, the joy, the wonder, the amazement, the thrill, the comfort, the excitement, the surprises, forever and ever.....yes!!!!
Amen!
Now to the next verses in Revelation 22
[smear:#6cae57]3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3,4[/smear:#a619e6:0]
As wonderful as the millennial kingdom will be, there will still be the curse. There will still be sin, and death. But in the New Heaven, New Earth and the New Jerusalem...there will no longer be any curse whatsoever!!!
[smear:#19e65d]"13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,.... Galatians 3:13 [/smear:#e619b8:0]
We will never be bored and there will be infinite things for us to do, as we serve Him there forever.
There is no way, we can even begin to imagine the infinite creative mind of God, and the endless, new, exciting things we can do for or with Him... boring will never ever be something we will ever ever ever know!
And we will be thrilled to serve our God, it will be joy unbounded. Not to mention the new universe we will explore, will be infinitely varied and limitless ( never ending, always something new beyond our comprehension....but no sin, evil, death, sorrow etc.)
Then in verse 4 we learn we shall see His face!
It seems what God said to Moses in Exodus will no longer hold:
[smear:#862677]18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Exodus 33:18,19[/smear:#2d2f81:0]
or
[smear:#8b19e6]18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God ..... John 1:18[/smear:#e6cf19:0]
But instead it will be as Jesus said: [smear:#90bc0e] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8[/smear:#b819e6:0]
And like Job: [smear:#128965] 25 know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet[e] in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27[/smear:#c219e6:0]
And one more I am reminded of:
[smear:#6957b8]12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12[/smear:#5bc066:0]
We will have His name on our foreheads ( we are His forever). This reminds us of at least two things:
These verses seems to be kind of pointing to the infinite future: [smear:#b4427e] 36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead Exodus 28:36-38 [/smear:#458690:0]
The other thing this reminds us of Satan's counterfeit 'mark of the beast'
There is no question in my mind which 'mark' I want and to whom I want to belong for all eternity ( My Lord and Savior, my God)!!!
Done for today.
Well done!!! We have heard this before, so it must be something we really need to 'reflect' on :) God's glory makes any other source of light, unnecessary.
[smear:#b4225d]5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5[/smear:#5cc526:0]
As it says in I John
[smear:#953bc0]5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5[/smear:#e6d719:0]
or Isaiah
[smear:#e6d019]19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19,20[/smear:#722089:0]
Plus [smear:#e66e19] 7 It will be a unique day—a day known only to the Lord—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light. Zechariah 14:7[/smear:#19e6ad:0]
Before we read how will ever serve God, but also we will be.... reigning
We reigned during the 1,000 year millennium period, but now, for ever. All to say, we are way are more than servants....what an honor.
The next verse in Revelation 22:
[smear:#519740]6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” Revelation 22:6[/smear:#ba19e6:0]
So reminds me of something I read once. It was refuting the notion that some people like to say about Jesus They say, well he was a 'good' man, maybe even a prophet, but not God.
it went on to say, that is the one thing you cannot say about Jesus He could have been lying when He said he and the Father were one ( meaning He was God) but a liar is NOT a 'good' man
or, Jesus could have been crazy and in his delusion honestly 'thought; he was God but a crazy man is not a man to follow, nor are they necessarily 'good' because who knows what other delusions they had
on the other hand, Jesus spoke ( His mind was clear and lucid like no other man) like no other person, He did things ( true miracles) no other person did, loved like no other person
He was either crazy, a liar or really God and so in a way.... either John is telling us the absolute truth or he is a consummate liar or crazy.
This angel back John up...what John is writing is not 'mystical', not some kind of bizarre dream, not an overactive imagination, not an allegory but rather the absolute truth!
For me the incredible way the world is going today....really points to the end times the whole world is in an upheaval.... yes, there has always been wars, and changes, and earthquakes, a pestilences , and advancements etc etc etc. But never technology like now never such world wide all at the exact same time trials and tribulation that is ever speeding up..... etc. etc. etc.
So much so, I for one, heartily look forward to this next verse
[smear:#0ca592]7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7[/smear:#9e0ea3:0]
I will start with this verse tomorrow have to get ready for drive thru communion ( Lord's supper) :)
Done for today
Great!!! One thought I had about this part of the verse: They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. is that it's going to be interesting to see how God lights our indoor rooms. Will His light just kind of go through walls to light up indoor rooms? Another thing I can't begin to imagine how it will work!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,585
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Post by fearnot on Jun 8, 2020 12:23:45 GMT -5
I did not say much about these verses yesterday so a wee bit today
[smear:#19e69b]6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place. 7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”” Revelation 22:6,7[/smear:#f37905:0]
I am think Jesus saying He is coming soon can be looked at in a couple of different ways. One way, that might have confused people and given the skeptics joy is thinking that Jesus meant he was coming in a few days....in John's time.
People often forget, time is not the same for God as for us humans
( and actually God created time....because He always has been and always will be... in essence time does not actually exist for God, except for the fact He set it in motion and we have it right now...at least that is my understanding) , But this verse must never be forgotten when thinking about time from God's perspective:
[smear:#f20e2b]8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3:8[/smear:#a40df6:0]
So 'soon' from God's perspective makes even 2,000 like about 2 days that is still very soon!!!
However, another way of looking at 'soon' can mean suddenly... like ....unexpectedly fast.... when no one is'expecting Him 'boom' in a twinkling of an eye...
And by the way, this ought to be a great motivation for godly living.
And we are also to keep the prophecy of this book Which is going to be hard since first of all most people avoid Revelation the the plague ( even more than the Corina virus) or often the whole Bible
Revelation is a part of the Bible and we need to always compare scripture with scripture
in order to have the whole council of God.
We need to read everything in the Bible that God says on any topic
( that was one of the main purposes of a concordance )
otherwise, a person could take one verse out of the Bible, and make it say something completely false.... not having all of God's word on the subject.
[smear:#75b110] 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
Acts 20:27[/smear:#e619bd:0]
As believers, we are called to read, study, memorize, apply God's Word to our lives, guard, and defend scripture.
We study and defend it against critics who deny its Truth and authority, and against confused interpreters who obscure its meaning ( or from those who do it on purpose)
[smear:#40b963] 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35[/smear:#9919e6:0]
and Jesus said:
[smear:#b8e619]15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15[/smear:#db19e6:0]
We desire to please our Lord and Savior, to become more Holy ( we can't know any of this without knowing His Word, the Bible).
We don't read Revelation 'merely 'to satisfy our curiosity about the future.... or for entertainment but rather we have revealed to us God's glory, so we can live a godly life in view of His soon return.
I do like something MacArthur said
What if someone were to ask....well what IF this was a forgery? And Pastor John MacArthur made the point that: ".......forgers don’t write books that exalt Christ and condemn humanity." LOL I have to agree with that!!
Some people are going to still say, this is a fairy tail and because it has not yet happened therefore it will not happen that is like saying I am not going to die because I have not died.
And so people keep God word, at best, in low esteem, or worse. They are willingly ignorant of God's Word first and foremost, is they love their sins.
But for those who point out the long length of time from our human perspective, we need to keep this verse in mind: [smear:#027076] 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9[/smear:#f0a348:0]
Done for today
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