My answers to some Muslim questions Part 2A

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Luke 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

My Opening Comment:

This turned out to be the strangest and most frustrating conversation I have ever participated in on the Internet. The questions asked and answered were erased and a new question about Satan’s fall was substituted.

I suspect that my prior discussion (now lost forever) may have been disconcerting to the Muslim questioner so it was erased before I saved what I had posted. Now I will know better and save what I write in a draft here so it won’t happen again. The questioner denies erasing anything I posted before.

This did turn out to be a thorough study about Satan’s fall, origin, and destiny as revealed in the Bible. It is a long discussion, so I intend to present it here in shorter parts.

The Discussion:

Muslim Questions:

Let me post my responses as separate post, so you can append your response on each of them for me to clearly read and get your responses.

Foremost, Christ wasnt a name but just a title given to Jesus by people and not divinely declared if I am not mistaken. The word itself means ANOINTED and not even Saviour

Jerome Smith i have asked my first question sir, when you are less busy, please respond as precise and brief as possible, thanks

 

My Answer to Question 1

[I am not able to reproduce what I originally  posted because the Muslim poster keeps erasing what I have written in answer to his questions–a tactic which I sternly rebuked him for using, as being most unfair and dishonest on his part, a rebuke which he also has erased. Below is my answer to yet another question the Muslim posed, a question which has also been erased and another given in its place. I am posting it and my answer here on October 8 with my further rebuke before my extensive labor and research on the subject is forever lost again:]

My answer to a question about Satan being cast out of heaven:

AbdAzeez Taofik I am not able to answer your questions when you or someone else on this thread keeps erasing or otherwise removing what I have already posted here (as well as what you wrote). Doing such a thing is absolute dishonesty and nonsense.

You state:

“QUESTION 3:
.As a review of my last two questions
In the first question, I asked you to tell me Why WAS, the verb is WAS not will be, I expected some response to the past but you gave me citations that will take place in the future”

I respond:

I cannot now address what you originally asked because your original question and my careful answer have been removed. Your restatement of what you claim to have asked cannot be reviewed or verified because the original can no longer be seen here.

You in the prior but now erased discussion here requested that I limit the length and complexity of my answers. I finally agreed to do so. I now revoke that agreement because you yourself have engaged in unfair tactics here by erasing what has already been said.

You now claim you asked the question using the word “WAS” but by you setting a limit on how I am to respond to your questions I have not been able to discuss with you here the subject by providing you a more complete answer. Your restatement of the question does not state anything about the fact you were asking about Satan. I know this only because I still happen to remember that.

[Now for my answer to the question:]

There are many verses in the Bible, both Old and New Testament, which refer to what is called “the fall of Satan,” some of which refer to Satan being cast out of heaven.

In answer to your original question I posted the best known statement about the subject from the Bible found in Revelation 12:7-11,

Revelation 12:7-11
7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
King James Version

As for your quibble about the word “was,” notice the verb “was” is used in Revelation 12:9, “was cast out.”

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Daily Bible Nugget #880, Psalm 132:14

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Psalm 132:14  This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

My Comment:

I am continuing my discussion from yesterday, October 7, 2024, in remembrance of the devastation wrought by the Muslim terrorist group, Hamas, upon the nation of Israel one year ago.

Psalm 132:14 needs to be read with the verse that comes before it:

Psa 132:13  For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
Psa 132:14  This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

This passage appears to me to be an expansion of the Davidic Covenant. This is confirmed by what is stated at the end of Psalm 132,

Psa 132:17  There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
Psa 132:18  His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

Notice again (Psalm 132:13) that it is the LORD, that is, Jehovah, who has chosen Zion. The LORD has desired it for his habitation or dwelling place. The LORD states “This is my rest for ever” (Psalm 132:14). Therefore, this is no temporary arrangement valid only for the past: it continues for ever and as a Bible prophecy still awaits its complete fulfillment. The LORD states “here will I dwell,” which is part of the unconditional provisions of both the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants. The LORD asserts His reason when He states “for I have desired it.”

It is obvious in this passage of Scripture that God has determined to punish His enemies, those who are against the apple of His eye (Zec 2:8), the nation of Israel, and He tells us by Whom and by what means He intends to carry this out (Psalm 132:17, 18).

Psalm 132:17  There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

I have placed an explanatory note regarding the meaning of the phrase “the horn of David” in my digital expansion of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury: 

the horn of David. Note: A horn is an emblem of power and sovereignty; and as one horn dropped off, another sprung up, till the budding forth of the Messiah; “the horn of salvation,” (Luke 1:69); and the lamp, or family of David was not extinguished, till “the Sun of righteousness arose with healing in his wings.” Psa 89:17; Psa 89:24, 2Sa 3:18, Luk 1:69.

I provide an explanation for the expression “to bud” as follows:

to bud. To bring forth a son and heir. 2Ki 20:18, Isa 39:7.or, branch forth. Hitsmiach; Compare Isa 4:2; Jer 23:5; Eze 29:21; Zec 3:8. Psa 18:2, Num 17:8, Lam 2:3, Heb 7:14.

Since Scripture explains Scripture, I share the rest of the cross references given for Psalm 132:17,

I have ordained. *1Ki 11:36; 1Ki 15:4, *2Ch 21:7, Isa 10:27, Jer 33:21, Luk 2:30, 31, 32.
lamp. or, candle. +Psa 18:28 mg. Psa 119:105 mg. +*Gen 15:17 note. 2Sa 21:17 mg. 1Ki 11:36; 1Ki 15:4, Job 29:3 mg. Isa 62:1, Luk 2:32.
for mine anointed. Isa 10:27.

Now notice the concluding verse of Psalm 132,

Psalm 132:18  His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

The enemies of David, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, the LORD will clothe with shame:

Psalms 132:18
His enemies. Psa 6:10; Psa 21:8, 9; Psa 35:4; Psa 35:26; Psa 44:7; Psa 71:13; Psa 89:23; Psa 109:29, 2Ch 32:21, Job 8:22, Pro 3:35; Pro 12:8, Eze 26:16, *Dan 12:2, Ob 1:10, Luk 13:17; *Luk 19:27, Heb 1:13.

but upon himself. Psa 21:3; Psa 25:3; Psa 72:8, 9, 11. Gen 49:26, Isa 4:2; *Isa 9:6; *Isa 9:7; Isa 10:27; Isa 58:10, 11, 12, Eze 21:26, 27, Mat 28:18, +**Luk 1:32; +**Luk 1:33, +*Rev 11:15; *Rev 17:14.

crown flourish. Yatsits nizro;—His crown (or miter-plate) shall be ever inflorescent,—as a flower, whose corolla instead of fading away was perpetually rejuvenescent. In Eze 21:26, 27; “Remove the miter (Lev 8:9) and take off the crown, …; I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it; and it shall be no more; till He come, whose Right it is.” In Exo 39:30; Lev 8:9, the golden flower, or leaf, which decorated the high-priest’s miter, is called both tsits and nezer (compare Exo 28:36; Exo 29:30). In Zec 6:11, 12, crowns are set on the head of Joshua, the High-Priest, and then it is said to him: “Behold the man, whose name is the Branch; (Tsemach).” He who is to occupy the throne of David (Psa 132:11) is to be High-Priest (Kay). Num 17:8, 2Sa 3:18, 2Ki 11:12, 2Ch 23:11.

I need to remind all readers here of another very important verse found in Isaiah 55:3,

Isaiah 55:3  Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

What if you do not hear? What if you do not believe in God’s promised “sure mercies of David”? Unfortunately, it seems most Christians are unfamiliar with what the “sure mercies of David” actually are. The “sure mercies of David” are the unconditional promises included in the Davidic Covenant that guarantee that God has promised to fulfill them to the letter.

I would cautiously suggest that those who do not hear and believe these promises are on perilous ground and that the result of this unbelief may be that your soul will not live. From what God says in this striking and important text of Scripture (which is also quoted in the New Testament), He must consider this to be a very, very important matter.

Application for today in the light of current and upcoming events:

Every Christian must wake up and be sure to vote in this election.

I continue to hear and read that if every so-called Evangelical Christian would vote in accordance with what the Bible teaches, this action would change the outcome of this election, as it would have changed the outcome of the previous election of 2020. Unfortunately, in past elections, many supposedly Bible believing Christians sat at home and did not vote. This is pure evil on the part of these Christians who are in some measure responsible for allowing “the greater of two evils” to be elected because they did not care to vote for what they considered “the lesser of two evils.”

This time, make a difference. Vote for the person who most supports our ally, the nation of Israel.

Posted in Bible Prophecy, Bible Study Tools, Christian Living, Daily Bible Nuggets, Doctrinal Discussions, How to Interpret the Bible Correctly, How to Study the Bible, Politics and the Bible, Practical Application Bible Studies | Tagged | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #879, Psalm 132:13

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Psalm 132:13  For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

My Comment:

One year ago today, October 7, 2023, a great tragedy took place in the land of Israel.

Israel was attacked by Hamas. The perhaps most guarded and surveilled border wall in the world was breached, and many innocent Israeli’s were attacked in their homes, some murdered, some raped, some taken hostage. As far as I know, no one knows for sure how this lapse in border security took place. Other atrocities took place where many were gathered to enjoy an outdoor music festival were mercilessly slaughtered.

It is not possible to successfully arrange a peace agreement with Hamas, for Hamas has sworn to seek the total destruction of Israel “from the river to the sea.” This expression, I believe, is used in direct defiance to what God promised Abraham in the Abrahamic Covenant as recorded in Genesis 15:18,

Genesis 15:18
18  In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
King James Version

The promise is repeated in Deuteronomy 11:24,

Deuteronomy 11:24
24  Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.
King James Version

The promise is expanded upon in Psalm 72:8,

Psalms 72:8
8  He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
King James Version

This expanded promise is found again in Zechariah 9:10,

Zechariah 9:10
10  And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
King James Version

Carefully notice the preceding verse, Zechariah 9:9,

Zec 9:9  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

As discussed often on this Real Bible Study site, there is obviously a time gap within this prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9 and Zechariah 9:10. The prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 has already been fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 21:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. That fact lets you know Who is speaking in Zechariah 9:10, “And I will cut off the chariot,” for this is spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ, who in Zechariah 9:1 is therefore identified as the LORD, that is, as Jehovah. Until this moment as I am writing this post, this prophecy remains unfulfilled, but you may be sure it will be fulfilled.

Gaza is mentioned in Bible prophecy. It is mentioned in Zechariah 9:5,

Zec 9:5  Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Gaza is also mentioned in Amos 1:6-8,

Amos 1:6-8
6  Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom:
7  But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:
8  And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.
King James Version

Notice the Philistines are mentioned too.

As for the so-called “Two State Solution,” this plan will never work for it is always Israel that is required to give up territory and the other side has sworn to destroy Israel. Furthermore, God is on record in the Bible as being against any “two state solution” for the Land is not to be sold or divided.

Application to the current political situation in America:

It is my understanding that the Democrats support a “two state solution.” There are some Democrats and their supporters who state they are against Israel. Some of them support the protests on college and university campuses that have occurred here, protests in support of Hamas but against Israel. On this basis alone, a vote for any candidate in the Democratic Party is very misguided in terms of what the Bible teaches. No Bible believing Christian has any business supporting the Democrats. They are the ones who have brought on this mess and are not capable of solving it. The current Democrat administration has virtually undone as much as they can of what former President Trump accomplished. Instead of our country being feared and respected throughout the world, we are now the laughingstock of the world, and for good reason we are no longer trusted to keep our agreements. Instead of low inflation we have high inflation. The last time my wife and I visited the grocery store eggs were way up in price. Energy costs have also increased. The phone bill keeps going up. The cost of electricity keeps going up and now costs more during certain hours of the day, thanks to the absurd and utterly unscientific green energy policies supported by the Democrats among others. Crime has increased. Illegal immigration has greatly increased. Those things are the result of the policies of the current Democrat administration. If you want more of those very negative things, go ahead and vote for a Democrat. But you may want to think carefully first! Notice particularly the constant lies of the mass media and the unwise policies on moral as well as security issues repeated by the current political advertising paid for by the Democrats.

The solution is for all Christians and all patriots who support the wiser policies of former President Trump to wake up and get out and vote! Be sure to vote early when possible. There is no excuse for the foolish notion that you do not want to vote for “the lesser of two evils.” We are not voting for the idiosyncrasies of an individual person but for the person we know from past experience will support superior policies.

Posted in Bible Prophecy, Daily Bible Nuggets, Politics and the Bible, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

My Answers to some Muslim Questions about the Bible Part 1

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

The Muslim Opening Post:

THE FACT ABOUT MY CONVERSION TO ISLAM…….
During my Christian days there were many verses in the Bible that made me question the religion I was following (Christianity). There was one particular verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 which says; “pray without ceasing,” that lingered heavily in my mind. I often wondered how a person (Christian) was supposed to pray (be in a state of worship) without ceasing? Without any biblical or divine guidance, the only way I thought this to be possible was to always do good deeds and keep the remembrance of God on my tongue and in my heart.
However, I found this to be impossible to do as a human being. But when I was introduced to Islam in 2016, and began to read and learn more about this way of life, I found that Islam provided divine guidance both from God (Allah) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by which a person could pray (be in a state of worship) without ceasing, if it was the Will of God.
Whether waking up, eating, sleeping, putting on clothes, being in the presence of a woman, looking at a woman, going shopping, going to the bathroom, looking in the mirror, traveling, visiting the sick, sitting in a non-religious meeting, taking a bath, having sexual intercourse with one’s wife, yawning, cutting you nails, sneezing, greeting people, talking, hosting guests at home, walking, exercising, entering one’s house, praying and many other acts, Islam and the guidance therein of the Quran, and the acts and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), provided ways in which I could observe 1 Thessalonians 5:17. In addition, it allowed me to be at peace with myself and in submission to the one True God – Allah (SWT).
This divine guidance of Islam taught me greatly about my duties, responsibilities and birthright to my Creator (Allah), and more about the religion of Christianity as a Muslim, I [By the Will of Allah (SWT)] felt it necessary to share with you how the Bible led me to Islam.
Christianity
Given the fact that there has never been in the history of the Torah (Old Testament) the religion of God to be named after a Prophet (i.e. Adaminity, Abrahamity, Mosanity, etc.), I hope to explain that Jesus did not preach the religion of Christianity, but a religion that gives all Praise and Worship to The One God.
One of the questions I asked myself as I took an objective (second) look at Christianity was; where did the word Christianity come from and was the word ever mentioned to Jesus? Well, I did not find the word Christianity in the Bible, not even in a Bible dictionary. Specifically, I did not find in the Bible where Jesus called himself a Christian.

The word Christian was first mentioned by a pagan to describe those who followed Jesus. It is mentioned one of three times in the New Testament by a pagan and Jew in Antioch about 43 AD, (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:38 and 1 Peter 4:16) long after Jesus left this earth. To accept the words of pagans as having any value or association with divinity, Jesus or God is contrary to the teachings of all Prophets.

My Response to the OP:

You identify Paul as a pagan. That may be how you happen to understand the Bible but your understanding on that point is mistaken.

You make reference to three Bible verses which refer to Christians or Christian:

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (KJV)

Acts 26:28

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
King James Version

1 Peter 4:16

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
King James Version

I see no necessary problem with the term “Christian.”

G5546

χριστιανους

Christianos

khris-tee-an-os’

From G5547; a Christian, that is, follower of Christ: – Christian.

Total KJV occurrences: 3

Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries

I am sorry that you had and may still have a misunderstanding of 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Paul is not commanding the impossible.

Colossians 4:2

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
King James Version

What Paul wrote in Colossians 4:2 may help you understand what is meant by what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Muslim response to my comment:

sir the salient points on his post are the following I believe

1) Praying without ceasing, what does this mean or entail?

2) The names Christian and Christianity, where did these emanate from?

If I can add this, no where Jesus was named CHRIST, even the angel that came to announce him didn’t call him Jesus CHRIST. From my research, I got to understand that CHRIST is just a title meaning ANOINTED, coined from the greek word CHRISTOS, so anyone annointed could be called CHRIST based on the meaning of the name.

So, I kinda wonder if the disciples ever called themselves Christians or even practiced Christianity as far as I know no such word for CHURCH in Hebrew, quote me wrong on this if you can.

My Answer to these very good questions:

Thank you for asking such good questions:

“1) Praying without ceasing, what does this mean or entail?”

The translation “without ceasing” does not mean uninterrupted prayer but constantly recurring prayer. The original Greek word, adialeptos, G89 in the Strong’s Lexicon, is defined in part in that lexicon as “without omission (on an appropriate occasion).”

“2) The names Christian and Christianity, where did these emanate from?

If I can add this, no where Jesus was named CHRIST, even the angel that came to announce him didn’t call him Jesus CHRIST. From my research, I got to understand that CHRIST is just a title meaning ANOINTED, coined from the greek word CHRISTOS, so anyone annointed could be called CHRIST based on the meaning of the name.”

I give the answer to this question in my note for Luke 4:18 in my digital Bible study resource, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, where I cite the scholarship of the Companion Bible (CB) and William De Burgh:

anointed me. Gr. chriō (S# G5548, Heb 1:9). Hence His name “Christ” (CB). Note.— εχρισεν με: This application of this Prophecy to Himself was a formal announcement that he was The Christ, or Messiah, i.e. The Anointed-One; where we have also the reason of the name, viz. his endowment with the Holy Spirit without measure (Joh 3:34) for the offices here stated. Compare Joh 1:41 mg and Act 10:38. In addition to this passage, the Redeemer is prophesied of expressly by this name in 1Sa 2:10; Psa 2:2 (with Act 4:26-27); Psa 45:7 (with Heb 1:8-9); Dan 9:24 : and typically in the anointing of—(1) Priests, Exo 28:41; Exo 29:7; Exo 29:29; Exo 30:23-33, Lev 8:6-12, (2) Prophets, 1Ki 19:16, (3) Kings, Jdg 9:8; Jdg 9:15, 1Sa 9:16 and 1Sa 10:1, 1Ki 1:33-34; 1Ki 19:15-16; and especially David, as the King chosen by God: 1Sa 16:1-13, 2Sa 22:51 with 2Sa 23:1, Psa 89:20 and Psa 92:10, and Psa 132:17 (William De Burgh, New Marginal Readings and References to the Gospels, p. 173). Psa 2:2; Psa 2:6 mg. +*Psa 45:7, Isa 10:27; >Isa 61:1, *Dan 9:24, Mat 12:18, +Joh 1:41 mg. Joh 6:27, Act 4:27; **Act 10:38, Heb 1:9.

Notice (to cite just one example from the above note) Psalm 2:2 with Acts 4:26-27,

Psalms 2:2

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
King James Version

Acts 4:26-27

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
King James Version

where “his Christ” and “his anointed” are equivalent expressions which refer to the same thing.

3) “as far as I know no such word for CHURCH in Hebrew, quote me wrong on this if you can.”

Stephen in his sermon recorded in Acts 7:38 speaks of “the church in the wilderness” so there is a word for “church” in the Hebrew. In the New Testament the word “church” has reference to the “called out ones.” So in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament in Exodus 12:6 we have “the whole assembly of the congregation” where, as I cite (in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury) Newberry on the word “assembly,” the Hebrew word kahahl means to call together; an assembly, local and partial (see Strong’s Hebrew lexicon number H6951).

Muslim Reply to my answers:

Jerome Smith, based on your long Epistles

I could realise how hard you have tried to muddle things up so I might not be able to decipher this.

Below are your Epistle

//

“1) Praying without ceasing, what does this mean or entail?”

The translation “without ceasing” does not mean uninterrupted prayer but constantly recurring prayer.//

My Commentary:

I wonder how this can be verified in Christianity when the only times Christians pray and even creases to pray is either on Sundays or Saturdays unlike in his own reference, he said in everything a Muslim does in his entire life, he is constantly praying citing many instances to back up himself.

//The original Greek word, adialeptos, G89 in the Strong’s Lexicon, is defined in part in that lexicon as “without omission (on an appropriate occasion).”//

My Commentary

The above doesn’t portray any meaningful thing so I wont say much on it

//”2) The names Christian and Christianity, where did these emanate from?

If I can add this, no where Jesus was named CHRIST, even the angel that came to announce him didn’t call him Jesus CHRIST. From my research, I got to understand that CHRIST is just a title meaning ANOINTED, coined from the greek word CHRISTOS, so anyone annointed could be called CHRIST based on the meaning of the name.”

I give the answer to this question in my note for Luke 4:18 in my digital Bible study resource, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, where I cite the scholarship of the Companion Bible (CB) and William De Burgh:

anointed me. Gr. chriō (S# G5548, Heb 1:9). Hence His name “Christ” (CB). Note.— εχρισεν με: This application of this Prophecy to Himself was a formal announcement that he was The Christ, or Messiah, i.e. The Anointed-One; where we have also the reason of the name, viz. his endowment with the Holy Spirit without measure (Joh 3:34) for the offices here stated. Compare Joh 1:41 mg and Act 10:38, In addition to this passage, the Redeemer is prophesied of expressly by this name in 1Sa 2:10; Psa 2:2 (with Act 4:26-27); Psa 45:7 (with Heb 1:8-9); Dan 9:24 : and typically in the anointing of—(1) Priests, Exo 28:41; Exo 29:7; Exo 29:29; Exo 30:23-33, Lev 8:6-12, (2) Prophets, 1Ki 19:16, (3) Kings, Jdg 9:8; Jdg 9:15, 1Sa 9:16 and 1Sa 10:1, 1Ki 1:33-34; 1Ki 19:15-16; and especially David, as the King chosen by God: 1Sa 16:1-13, 2Sa 22:51 with 2Sa 23:1, Psa 89:20 and Psa 92:10, and Psa 132:17 (William De Burgh, New Marginal Readings and References to the Gospels, p. 173). Psa 2:2; Psa 2:6 mg. +*Psa 45:7, Isa 10:27; >Isa 61:1, *Dan 9:24, Mat 12:18, +Joh 1:41 mg. Joh 6:27, Act 4:27; **Act 10:38, Heb 1:9.//

My Commentary

Perhaps the angel didnt even know this, hence would have added the Christ along with his name. If CHRIST means the ANNOINTED ONE according to your Epistles, ANNOINTED FOR WHAT?

Also the word Christ in Hebrew means Messiah, does it mean SAVIOUR OR ANNOINTED as both words are NOT THE SAME both in meaning and in literal sense?

//Notice (to cite just one example from the above note) Psalm 2:2 with Acts 4:26-27,

Psalms 2:2

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

King James Version//

My Commentary

Yet the Jews who read from where you took this from didnt acknowledge Jesus as some Christ or God’s Christ. Perhaps that verse didnt refer to Jesus according to them anyway as we know there were so many annointed of God in the OT, Samuel, David etc to mention but a few

//Acts 4:26-27

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

King James Version//

My Commentary

The above is a testimony of Luke who was neither a disciple of Jesus during his time nor somewhere close enough to know what Jesus did say or didnt say. So, this, like the 13 letters of Paul, was his opinion as he felt.

//where “his Christ” and “his anointed” are equivalent expressions which refer to the same thing.//

My Commentary

Does it follow that anywhere I come across the word Annointed, it means the same thing as CHRIST?

//3) “as far as I know no such word for CHURCH in Hebrew, quote me wrong on this if you can.”

Stephen in his sermon recorded in Acts 7:38 speaks of “the church in the wilderness” so there is a word for “church” in the Hebrew. In the New Testament the word “church” has reference to the “called out ones.” So in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament in Exodus 12:6 we have “the whole assembly of the congregation” where, as I cite (in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury) Newberry on the word “assembly,” the Hebrew word kahahl means to call together; an assembly, local and partial (see Strong’s Hebrew lexicon number H6951).//

My Commentary

If there is such a word for church in Hebrew as you have claimed, please can you quote the exact words of Stephen you referenced here in HEBREW showing the word CHURCH in it?

My Response with further answers:

You reply in part to my answers to your good questions:

“I wonder how this can be verified in Christianity when the only times Christians pray and even creases to pray is either on Sundays or Saturdays unlike in his own reference, he said in everything a Muslim does in his entire life, he is constantly praying citing many instances to back up himself.”

You may be innocently be harboring a great misunderstanding about prayer. Prayer is not restricted to official occasions of group meetings for worship on Saturdays and Sundays. Bible-believing Christians pray every day. This prayer does not require any specific postures or times or prescribed words but can take place at any time and under any circumstances and may be in regard to anything that may concern the person who is praying.

Your good question is directly answered in the Bible text I referenced, Luke 4:18,

“Perhaps the angel didnt even know this, hence would have added the Christ along with his name. If CHRIST means the ANNOINTED ONE according to your Epistles, ANNOINTED FOR WHAT?”

Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to

(1) preach the gospel to the poor;

(2) he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted,

(3) to preach deliverance to the captives,

(4) and recovering of sight to the blind,

(5) to set at liberty them that are bruised,

(6) Luk 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

You state:

“Also the word Christ in Hebrew means Messiah, does it mean SAVIOUR OR ANNOINTED as both words are NOT THE SAME both in meaning and in literal sense?”

Of course the word “Christ” itself is Greek, and therefore will not be found in Hebrew. All these titles you mention (Christ, Messiah, Saviour, Annointed) are properly used of our Lord Jesus Christ and apply to Him.

You ask:

“Does it follow that anywhere I come across the word Annointed, it means the same thing as CHRIST?”

The simple answer is “No.” I cited many other examples of how the word “anointed” is used in the Bible typically in reference to the anointing of

“(1) Priests, Exo 28:41; Exo 29:7; Exo 29:29; Exo 30:23-33, Lev 8:6-12,

(2) Prophets, 1Ki 19:16,

(3) Kings, Jdg 9:8; Jdg 9:15, 1Sa 9:16 and 1Sa 10:1, 1Ki 1:33-34; 1Ki 19:15-16; and especially David, as the King chosen by God: 1Sa 16:1-13, 2Sa 22:51 with 2Sa 23:1, Psa 89:20 and Psa 92:10, and Psa 132:17 (William De Burgh, New Marginal Readings and References to the Gospels, p. 173).”

In the New Testament record we see Jesus as our High Priest. We see Jesus as a Prophet. We see Jesus as the King of Israel. Jesus fulfilled all these types mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures.

You ask or request:

“If there is such a word for church in Hebrew as you have claimed, please can you quote the exact words of Stephen you referenced here in HEBREW showing the word CHURCH in it?”

Since Stephen was not speaking in Hebrew, and his sermon summary as recorded faithfully by Luke is in Greek, it of course is impossible to “quote the exact words of Stephen … in HEBREW showing the word CHURCH in it.”

I will do in my answer what is possible to do: I have shown that when Stephen spoke of the “church in the wilderness” in Acts 7:38 the word underlying our English translation “church” is the Greek word “ekklesia,” εκκλησια, which is equivalent to the English word “assembly” used in Exodus 12:6, the English translation of the Hebrew word “kahahl” (H6951 in Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon), as verified by my citation of Thomas Newberry on Exodus 12:6.

I must kindly disagree with your comment when you unfortunately and mistakenly state:

“The above is a testimony of Luke who was neither a disciple of Jesus during his time nor somewhere close enough to know what Jesus did say or didnt say. So, this, like the 13 letters of Paul, was his opinion as he felt.”

No reputable Bible scholars who have specialized in the study of these issues will agree with you.

My Comment:

This discussion continued beyond this point. At nearly 3000 words, this post is nearly “to long to read.” This discussion has been polite on both sides. It should be informative for all who carefully read here that while I did not purposely design The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury with a view to answering Muslim questions about the Bible, it turns out that I am often able to use it for that purpose. Every Bible reader who actually takes time to study the Bible can do likewise.

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Daily Bible Nugget #878, Colossians 4:12 newly expanded references

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

These are my newly completed improved expanded cross references for Colossians 4:12,

Epaphras. Col 1:7, *Phm 1:23.

one of you. Col 4:9; Col 4:14.

a servant. Col 4:4, 1Ch 7:22, *Joh 12:26, Rom 6:22,  Gal 1:10, *Php 1:1, +Jas 1:1, 2Pe 1:1.

of Christ. +Act 19:4.

always. See on Col 4:2, Exo 2:23, 24, 25, Luk 11:8; Luk 18:1; Rom 12:12, +**1 Th 5:18.

labouring. or, striving. *+Col 1:29; Col 2:1, Gen 32:24, Luk 10:2, Rom 16:12, +*2 Cor 11:28, Gal 4:19, 1Th 3:5.

fervently.  Luk 22:44, Rom 12:11, 1Th 2:8, Heb 5:7, Jas 5:16.

in prayers. Gr. proseuche (G4335), +Mt 17:21. Act 6:4, +Rom 15:30, 1Th 3:10, +*1 Tim 2:1.

that ye may stand. or, be established. Gr. histēmi (S# G2476, Luk 21:36). Rom 14:4, 1Co 16:13, Gal 5:1, +*Eph 4:1, *Eph 6:13, Php 4:1, 2Ti 4:5, *Jud 1:24.

perfect. Gr. telios (S# G5046, Mat 5:48). Col 1:22, Col 1:28, Job 36:4, +*Mat 5:48, 1 Cor 14:20 g,  2Co 13:9, 2 Cor 13:11, Eph 4:11, 12, 13, Php 3:12, 13, 14, 15, 1 Th 5:23, Heb 5:14 g, Heb 6:1, Heb 13:21, Jas 1:4; Jas 3:2, 5, 6, 8.

complete. or, filled. or, fully assured. [ Gr. plero-o (S# G4137, Ep 5:18 note). Col 1:9, Col 2:10, Col 4:17. ].  +Luk 1:1 g note. Rom 4:21; Rom 15:13, 14, 2Ti 4:5.

the will. Gr. thelēma (S# G2307, Gal 1:4). Mat 7:21, +*Rom 12:2, Eph 6:6, *+1Th 4:3, Heb 10:36, 1Pe 4:2, **1Jn 2:17.

of God. +**Psa 23:3, +*Col 1:9, +*1Th 4:3.

MY COMMENT:

It has taken me the whole month of September to arrive at the finished result given above. I studied each set of cross references for each key word given for Colossians 4:12 and wrote a separate Real Bible Study post as I did so. It is fortunate that this time I did it that way because I tried setting up the references in the “Study Notes” section on e-Sword and just as I had everything completed it all got accidentally erased. I recovered what I did by compiling the references once again from the material I presented here on this site.

It is interesting to me to look back and compare these results with the references first given in the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras: Col 1:7; Phm 1:23

a servant: Joh 12:26; Gal 1:10; Jas 1:1; 2Pe 1:1

always: Col 4:2; Luk 22:44; Gal 4:19; Heb 5:7; Jas 5:16

labouring: or, striving, Col 2:1-23

that: Col  4:1; Rom 15:30; see note on Col 1:9, Col 1:22, Col 1:28; Mat 5:48; 1Co 2:6, 1Co 14:20 *Gr: 2Co 13:11; Php 3:12-15; 1Th 5:23; Heb 5:14 *Gr: Heb 6:1; Jud 1:24

complete: or, filled, Rom 15:14

and as given in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Epaphras. Col 1:7. *Phm 23. one of you. Col 4:9, 14. a servant. *Jn 12:26. Ga 1:10. +Jas 1:1. 2 P 1:1. always. See on Col 4:2. Lk 22:44. Ga 4:19. *He 5:7. +*Jas 5:16. laboring. or, striving. +*Col 1:29. chapter 2. that. Col 4:1. See on +*Col 1:9, 22, 28. *Mt 5:48. +*Ro 15:30. 1 Cor 2:6. 14:20g. 2 Cor 13:11. +*Ep 4:11-13. Php 3:12-15. +*1 Th 5:23. He 5:14g. He 6:1. *Jude 24. perfect. Col 1:28. +*Mt 5:48. complete. or, filled. +Lk 1:1g. Ro 15:14. will of God. +*Col 1:9. +*1 Th 4:3.

Smith, J. H. (1992). The new treasury of scripture knowledge: The most complete listing of cross references available anywhere- every verse, every theme, every important word (p. 1406). Thomas Nelson.

and as given in Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible:

Epaphras. Col 1:7. Phm 23.

one of you. Col 4:9, 14.

a servant. Jn 12:26. Ga 1:10. +Jas 1:1. 2 P 1:1.

always. +Col 4:2. Lk 22:44. Ga 4:19. He 5:7. +Jas 5:16.

laboring. or, striving. +Col 1:29. chapter 2.

that. Col 4:1. +Col 1:9, 22, 28. +Ro 15:30. 1 Cor 14:20. +Ep 4:11-13. +1 Th 5:23. He 5:14. 6:1. Jude 24.

perfect. +Mt 5:48.

complete. or, filled. +Lk 1:1. Ro 15:14.

will of God. +1 Th 4:3.

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Daily Bible Nugget #877, Colossians 4:12 Part 10

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

There is more to be learned from the Bible about the will of God. The cross references given for the key words of God are linked to more passages in the Bible about this important subject.

The cross references now given for of God at Colossians 4:12 are:

of God. +**Psa 23:3, +*Col 1:9, +*1Th 4:3.

These texts read as follows:

Psalms 23:3
3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
King James Version

I have linked many Bible passages about Divine Guidance and how God leads us to Psalm 23:3. Notice the important statement that God leads us in the paths of righteousness. If what you think is God’s leading but by Bible standards is not righteous, that is not God leading!

Here are the extensive cross references for Psalm 23:3 from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury: 

he leadeth. T806. *Psa 5:8; *Psa 25:4; Psa 25:5; Psa 25:9; Psa 25:10; Psa 27:11; *Psa 31:3; **+Psa 32:8; Psa 33:18; Psa 43:3; Psa 48:14; Psa 61:2; Psa 73:24; +*Psa 119:10; Psa 119:133; Psa 139:9, 10; Psa 139:23, 24; *Psa 143:8, 9, 10, Gen 12:1, Exo 13:21; Exo 15:13; Exo 33:13, 14, 15, Deut 32:10; Deut 32:11; +Deut 32:12, Jdg 4:14, 2Sa 5:24; 2Sa 22:29, +*1Ki 13:9 note. 2Ch 32:22, **Pro 3:5; Pro 3:6; *Pro 8:20, Isa 30:21; Isa 40:10, 11; +*Isa 42:16; Isa 48:17; Isa 49:9, 10; Isa 55:4; Isa 57:18; Isa  8:11; Isa 61:8, Jer 3:4; Jer 6:16; Jer 31:8, 9, 10; Jer 42:2, 3, Mic 7:7, 8, Luk 1:79, *Joh 10:3; Joh 10:4; Joh 10:13; Joh 16:13, Php 1:10, *Col 1:9; Col 1:10, 1Th 3:10, 11, Rev 7:17.

I call your special attention to 1 Kings 13:9 note. I have placed on this site an extensive article about Divine Guidance. If you enter 1 Kings 13:9 in the search box (click on “Search Real Bible Study” to display the search box) you can easily find it.

Colossians 1:9
9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
King James Version

Paul’s prayer indicates that knowledge of God’s will can be known. The Greek word underlying knowledge is epiginosis (meaning full discernment according to Strong’s dictionary; meaning full or accurate knowledge).

1 Thessalonians 4:3
3  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
King James Version

Sanctification may not be a prominent word in Christian vocabulary today, but it is still very important as it relates to holiness. The importance of holiness is highlighted by what is said at Hebrews 12:14.

Hebrews 12:14
14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
King James Version

[Tags: Daily Bible Nugget #877 Colossians 4:12 Part 10. The prayer life of Paul Part 13. The prayers of Epaphras Part 11. Divine Guidance. Psalm 23:3 on Divine Guidance.]

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Daily Bible Nugget #876, Colossians 4:12 Part 9

Posted on September 21, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

The Bible has much to say about the will of God. We learn from Paul’s description of the content of the prayers of Epaphras for the Colossian Christians that Epaphras had great concern that they stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This may well be a concern that should be addressed for those we pray for today.

To study this subject further, read the cross references for Colossians 4:12 as I have given them below:

the will. Gr. thelēma (S# G2307, Gal 1:4). Mat 7:21, +*Rom 12:2, Eph 6:6, *+1Th 4:3, Heb 10:36, 1Pe 4:2, **1Jn 2:17.

These texts read as follows:

Galatians 1:4
4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
King James Version

Matthew 7:21
21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
King James Version

Notice that Jesus issues a very stern warning. Lip service is not enough. Religious devotion is not enough. Sincerity is not enough. Good works are not enough. Jesus issues yet stronger warning in answer to the pleas of many in that day who point to their wonderful works done in His name:

Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus had already spoken of the righteousness that He requires:

Matthew 5:20
20  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
King James Version

Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 12:3 clarifies just what is involved in meeting the high requirement Jesus has set:

1 Corinthians 12:3
3  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
King James Version

I have supplied the following explanatory note for 1 Corinthians 12:3 in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: 

the Lord. The word kurios, Lord, is that by which the word Jehovah is commonly rendered in the Greek version of the Old Testament. To say Jesus is the Lord, therefore, in the sense of the apostle, is to acknowledge him to be truly God. No one can truly believe and openly confess that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh unless he is enlightened by the Spirit of God (Hodge). Thus only those enlightened by the Holy Spirit can recognize Jesus as Jehovah. Belief in the full deity of the Lord Jesus is the positive test of orthodoxy given by the apostle. **1Co 2:8; **1Co 15:47, +*Neh 9:6, *Mat 7:21, 22, 23, *Luk 6:46, +*Joh 8:24; +**Joh 20:28, +**Act 10:37; Act 11:21 note. **Rom 10:9; **Rom 10:10, 2Co 4:5, Php 2:11, +**1Pe 2:3 note with >Psa 34:8.

Therefore, to go beyond the scrupulous righteousness of the Pharisees who sought to obey all the commandments perfectly and then some (of whom Paul wrote that they went about to establish their own righteousness, Romans 10:3), we must rather fully believe the truth of Who Jesus is by believing Jesus is Who He claimed to be.

Romans 12:2
2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
King James Version

be not. Christians are to avoid even the appearance of moral assimilation to the life of the world, and are to be really and inwardly changed to a new moral type by the renewing of the mind (Liddon)

conformed. The present infinitive points to continuous acts (Liddon).

be ye transformed. The present infinitive points to continuous acts (Liddon).

will of God. Rom 2:18, +**Psa 23:3, +*Mat 6:10; *Mat 7:21, +Act 22:14, *Col 1:9, +1Th 4:3, Heb 10:36; Heb 13:21, *1Pe 4:2; *1Pe 4:3, 1Jn 2:17.

Ephesians 6:6
6  Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
King James Version

Notice the emphasis on doing the will of God from the heart.

1 Thessalonians 4:3
3  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
King James Version

Notice that the will of God includes our sanctification. That sanctification includes the emphasis that we abstain from fornication. Of course, that includes abstaining from all sexual sins. These commands are not optional. Failure to heed them means the loss of salvation, as plainly declared in Hebrews 12:14,

Hebrews 12:14
14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
King James Version

Hebrews 10:36
36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
King James Version

1 Peter 4:2
2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
King James Version

1 John 2:17
17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
King James Version

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #875, Colossians 4:12 Part 8

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

There is still  more for us to learn about prayer as we study what Paul reveals about the prayers of Epaphras! The content of the prayers of Epaphras included a focus and emphasis upon the outcome of the spiritual life of the Colossians that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

The best way I know to study this aspect of the prayers of Epaphras is to read and study the cross references given for the key word complete as I share them below:

complete. or, filled. or, fully assured. [ Gr. plero-o (S# G4137, Ep 5:18 note). Col 1:9, Col 2:10, Col 4:17. ].  +Luk 1:1 g note. Rom 4:21; Rom 15:13, 14, 2Ti 4:5.

These texts read as follows:

Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

When careful attention is paid to the underlying Greek grammar of Ephesians 5:18 careful readers will come to see a whole sermon in this one Greek word. It does not mean what most English readers of English Bible translations suppose it means. Here is the Note from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, a note also to be found in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: 

be filled. There is a sermon in the mood, tense, voice and number of this verb: it is imperative mood, indicating a command; it is present tense, which in Greek represents aspect denoting continuous action—we are to be constantly or continuously filled; it is passive voice, indicating we are to allow this to be done to us; it is plural in number, meaning it applies to all believers. There is much needed corrective doctrinal instruction in the grammatical cases which this passive verb governs: the Dative case designates the filler, here, the Holy Spirit, necessitating an improvement in the English rendering to show we are filled not with but BY the Spirit; the Genitive case denotes what the vessel is filled with. When the verb “fill” is in the active voice, a third case, the Accusative, designates the vessel or whatever is filled. Note that the Holy Spirit is never said to fill us with Himself, but with gifts specified in the immediate context; here, gifts other than wine, gifts specified by the participles in the following verses, speaking (in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs), singing, giving thanks, and submitting. The filling of the Holy Spirit is always a reference to a filling with His gifts for service. He does not fill us with Himself, but with His gifts. Attention to these details will show how greatly mistaken are the popular conceptions of the Holy Spirit and His work. These mistaken conceptions, though taught with great sincerity, frequently supported by an appeal to misconstrued or misinterpreted experience, are in great error. Such mistaken notions lack Biblical authority because they are not based upon an accurate understanding of Scripture (+*Isa 8:20 note. **Mar 12:24, **2Ti 2:15). Eph 1:23; Eph 3:19, 2Ki 3:15, Psa 16:5, Luk 1:15; Luk 1:41; Luk 1:67, Joh 15:11, +Act 2:4; Act 4:31; Act 6:3; Act 9:17; Act 13:52, Rom 15:13.

Luke 1:1
1  Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
King James Version

Here is the referenced note for Luke 1:1,

most surely. Note: Peplarophoramenon, the passive participle of plarophoreo, from plarasphora, “full measure;” and is applied to a ship fully laden, to a tree in full bearing, etc. Hence it implies that fulness of evidence by which any fact is supported, and also that confidence, or feeling of assent, by which facts so supported are believed. Act 3:18, Rom 4:21; Rom 14:5, Col 2:2; Col 4:12, 1Th 1:5, 2Ti 4:5; 2Ti 4:17, Heb 6:11; Heb 10:22.

Romans 4:21
21  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
King James Version

Paul is speaking of the strong faith of Abraham in this passage.

Romans 15:13-14
13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
King James Version

2 Timothy 4:5
5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
King James Version

 

 

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My Favorite Note about the New Testament Canon

Posted on September 14, 2024 by Jerry

Here is the note from Volume 2, the New Testament, of Townsend’s Analysis, the Introduction, page 4:

The canon of the New Testament was closed by the Author of the Apocalypse. After his death the Christian Churches admitted no addition to the Inspired Volume.

Each book, as it had been successively given to the Churches, was carefully verified, and cautiously received. They were at first addressed to some one particular class of men, or were composed for one express purpose; and before their general utility was acknowledged, they were received by the persons to whom they were addressed, in the sense for which they were composed by their respective authors.

Thus the Gospel of St. Matthew, as Dr. Townsend and others have satisfactorily shown, was compiled at a very early period after the ascension of our Lord, for the use of the Jewish converts.

The gospel of St. Mark was probably composed for the use of the converted Proselytes of the Gate; and St. Luke’s Gospel was written for the more general use of the Gentile converts, who were united into the churches by St. Paul.

The Gospel of St. John was written at the request of the Church at Ephesus, as a supplement to the rest; with more especial reference to those heresies of his age, which impugned the doctrine of the Divinity of Christ.

Many years, we may justly conclude, would have elapsed before these Gospels were collected in one volume; and many more would elapse before the attention of the primitive Churches, which received them with so much veneration, would be directed to their apparent discrepancies. For this veneration was not slightly founded; it originated from the universal knowledge which prevailed among all the Churches, that the authors of these books, and of the other books which they esteemed sacred, were possessed of the power of working miracles, to demonstrate the truth of their narration.

The general evidence deducible from the testimony of the eyewitnesses of the wonderful actions of our Lord, and from the testimony of the hearers of his gracious teaching, was not sufficient. The relators of his actions could appeal to their own supernatural gifts, and afford undeniable proofs of their veracity, and of their more than human knowledge.

St. Matthew, as one of the twelve, partook of the miraculous powers which were given to each. St. Peter may be considered as the real author of St. Mark’s Gospel; and St. Paul, of the Gospel attributed to St. Luke. St. John was also of the twelve.

Invested with the apostolic office, and acting with the plenary powers with which their Divine Master had honored them, we may justly conclude that none of their early converts, either of the Jews, the Proselytes, or the Gentiles, would have considered the seeming difficulties of their narratives. The objects for which both the Gospels and the Epistles were written would have been well understood, and further explanation was unnecessary: and no Harmony of the Gospels would have been either desired or appreciated in the apostolic age.

[I have broken up the original long paragraph into shorter paragraph segments to make it easier to read this material on computer screens.]

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Daily Bible Nugget #874, Colossians 4:12 Part 7

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

Paul can teach us much about prayer in his one-sentence summary describing the manner or how (always, laboring, fervently) Epaphras prayed as well as the content or the what (that ye may stand, perfect, and complete, in all the will of God). Each of these elements of the prayers of Epaphras have many counterparts reflected in other parts of the Bible which mention them.

To learn more about prayer, compare Scripture with Scripture by studying the cross references for the next key word of Colossians 4:12, perfect, as I share them below.

The cross references now given for the keyword perfect at Colossians 4:12 are:

perfect. Gr. telios (S# G5046, Mat 5:48). Col 1:22, Col 1:28, Job 36:4, +*Mat 5:48, 1 Cor 14:20 g,  2Co 13:9, 2 Cor 13:11, Eph 4:11, 12, 13, Php 3:12, 13, 14, 15, 1 Th 5:23, Heb 5:14 g, Heb 6:1, Heb 13:21, Jas 1:4; Jas 3:2.

These texts read as follows:

Colossians 1:22
22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
King James Version

Colossians 1:28
28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
King James Version

Note that to be presented perfect in Christ Jesus requires prior warning and teaching every person in all wisdom. I wish we had access to Paul’s lesson plans! Remember that he took time, sometimes a year and a half, even as long as three years to instruct new believers in the faith. While we do not have Paul’s lesson plans, we do have the Bible where the content of Paul’s lesson plans came from.

Job 36:4
4  For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
King James Version

Matthew 5:48
48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
King James Version

1 Corinthians 14:20
20  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
King James Version

2 Corinthians 13:9
9  For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
King James Version

2 Corinthians 13:11
11  Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
King James Version

Ephesians 4:11-13
11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
King James Version

Philippians 3:12-15
12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 5:23
23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
King James Version

Hebrews 5:14
14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
King James Version

Hebrews 6:1
1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
King James Version

James 1:4
4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
King James Version

James 3:2
2  For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
King James Version

“Perfect” is often used in the sense of mature. That it does not have reference to “sinless perfection” may be seen directly by what James further states about just who is able to control the tongue:

James 3:5
5  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
King James Version

James 3:6
6  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
King James Version

James 3:8
8  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
King James Version

Therefore, if no man can tame the tongue, then no man is absolutely perfect.

James further tells us:

James 1:26
26  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
King James Version

Peter instructs us:

1 Peter 4:11
11  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
King James Version

Each of the above Scripture references is worth studying further. Study the cross references given for each verse above using The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury.

 

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