Mike Haynes Comments
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You must also remember that the original language in which the scripture you refer to had no punctuation. Simply by changing the location of a comma you can see how Jesus words take on an entirely different meaning, Example: I tell you today, you shall be with me in paradise. Adding or changing punctuation does not contradict Jesus words...it merely calls into question the choices of those who translated those words into our language. That is why the bible in it's entirety should be considered. One single scripture cannot be used to contradict the entirety of scripture. In the above example the comma placement is very critical to a clear understanding. The comma emphasizes the day in which Jesus spoke these words, not the timing of when the thief would join Him in paradise. Other scriptures reveal the timing in which others will join Jesus in paradise.
Hello Mark,
I will say that I am not completely sold on the scientific value of cloth mask in the combating the virus. Not sure I believe the numbers presented to be accurate. I also believe that there is an ongoing conspiracy by some to totally eliminate Christian worship services altogether ( something that will eventually come to fruition ). However, I have had no problem wearing a mask when circumstances warrant such. Being an essential worker I have been dealing with the public from the beginning of this situation and I carry a mask with me at all times. When in a situation where others are wearing mask I wear mine as well. In other situations I choose not to wear a mask. The bottom line in my reasoning is not to offend anyone if possible. I suggest reading Romans 14 for answers to how God would have us deal with this. I don't think wearing a mask during services is contrary to way God commands worship. We are to worship in spirit and truth. In this case the spirit is a spirit of love and concern for others and the truth is , wearing a mask does not conflict with this. Not wearing one could very well conflict with love in these circumstances. As to your comment about free will, it is true that God has granted each of us free will. However we are encouraged to let the mind of Christ dominate our thinking ( Thy will, not mine, be done ).
As for the Churches position in this matter...it seems to me that decisions are being made to bring congregations back together for worship services and they must consider what is best for the whole church, not individual members. I see no " kowtowing " to Government in these decisions. In the end, it is our faith and trust in God that will see us through this. Meanwhile we should follow Paul's admonition in Romans 14...19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
In the case of Samson, you describe it as a "self-sacrificing demonstration of his restored faith in God". I personally see it as a final act of revenge rooted in selfish motivations. ( 28 And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. ) Doesn't seem as though Samson ever lost faith in God, though he did seem to place his feelings for Delilah above God for a time. He is mentioned in Heb 11 as a man of faith along with many others. I don't think this final act is what merited that mention. Clearly Samson intended to die with the Philistines that day in an act of vengeance against them. This would be viewed as suicide imo. As a side side note...the story of Samson reveals that suicide can be forgiven in the resurrection as can all other sins.
The question is not whether the Holy Spirit is a third person of the godhead, rather how many Holy Spirits are there?
Scripture reveals that the Father is a spirit ( Jn 4:24 ). Also, Christ is a spirit ( 1 Cor 15:45 ).
Speaking of the Holy Spirit, Paul reveals that the Lord is that spirit ( 2 Cor 3:17 ). Jesus Himself stated that He would come to Christians in the form of the comforter
( Jn 14:18, 16:7 ). He also stated that both He and His father would come to Christians and abide in them ( Jn14:23 ).
Secondly, both Christ and His Father are Holy ( Mk 1:24, Heb 7:26, Acts 2:27, Jn 17:11, 1 Pet 1:15-16 ).
From scripture we c an conclude that there are 2 Holy Spirits at the present time. We have the Awesome potential to become Holy Spirits as well. ( 1 Jn 3:2 )
The follow up question would be: How can these 2 Holy Spirits dwell in each believer. That is where the power of God comes into play. There is no trinity where the Holy Spirit is a third person of the Godhead as demonstrated. The Holy Spirit that dwells in believers is a combination of the Spirit of Christ and our Father.
Now to address the aspect of immortality. Immortality is something we will inherit if we overcome and endure to the end. Simply put, immortality is having the power of life within yourself. No one can take life from you. Only God has immortality ( both Father and Son ) at this present time. No other living being has immortality. This includes mankind as well as angelic beings.
It was noted that Jesus, who always existed, has immortality. This is true. Jesus existed as the "word" which was God and did indeed have immortality. But does that indicate that Jesus had an immortal soul? Not at all! Though Jesus was indeed immortal before coming in the flesh, He gave up that immortality by His own choosing. No one could take His life from Him because He was immortal. However, He could freely give up that immortal existence as He clearly reveals in scripture. That He did. He chose to give up His life for our salvation, placing His trust in the God who became His Father to to restore to Him all that He chose to give up. After His resurrection the Father restored all things they shared together before His death...including immortality.
Interesting conversation but confusing to the original question IMO.
Soul =body+spirit...God formed man from the dust of the ground ( body ) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life ( spirit ) and man BECAME a living soul ( combination of body and spirit= LIVING soul ). Take away either part of the combination and the soul ceases to exist. Therefore there is no need to fear man who can destroy the body only. As God's word reveals, when the body dies the spirit returns to God for safekeeping until which time God chooses to resurrect that body and once again impart that spirit which made that individual a LIVING soul. Just as all men die ( their bodies die ) so all will be resurrected. As long as God chooses to impart that spirit into a body the soul will exist. There is a second death mentioned in scripture. This is the death of the "soul" Matthew spoke of. Simply put...the body will be put to death and will never again be reunited with the God given spirit. Man can only destroy the body...God can destroy the body and deny that spirit which makes man a living soul.
Hello Jeffrey,
Not sure if you are inquiring into the entire chapter of Daniel 7 or something specific mentioned therein. For a good understanding of the entire chapter I recommend an article published by UCG as a starting point. The link to that article is https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-magazine/bible-prophecy-and-you-the-beast-the-false-prophet-and-the-antichrist
Hoped you find this helpful in answering your question.
greetings...
Thank you for the response. In response I would suggest that 'Past Tense' is irrelevant if the passage is indeed prophetic and an insert as I suggest. Please note Rom 4:17..."God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." It is common for God to use the past tense in prophecy because His prophecy is sure. My point is that this resurrection is not supported by anyone other than Matthew. Such an occurrence would surely be collaborated by others I would think? The phrase "appeared to many" suggest it was no secret thing. Yet no mention is made of this resurrection in any other passage or historical record. We do know that the saints will be resurrected at Christ return and will go into the holy city and appear to many. Therefore it seems far more likely that Matthew was recording a future event under God's inspiration.
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There is something not presented in the explanation of this parable I think. The identity of the guest is not clear. We know the King represents God the father. The groom represents Christ. The bride represents Christ's church collectively. That leaves the question: who are the invited guest?