Study of the Bible Community Group
The Bible unfolds like literature, and we follow the instructions like marching orders. The last orders supersede the previous ones. So the New Covenant (Testament) gives the design of who we are, what we do, and how we meet. What do you see in it, that can help us live better?
Part 1
The Return of Christ. Many people dont realy believe that Christ will actually return to earth. We'll start with, what happens when he returns. Let's see what the bible has to say on this. This will also be in parts too. That way, it will be easier to read and study.
At Christ's return, "the kingdoms of this world (will) become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15). Then God's will and desires will be completely and openly performed in this earth. Hence Jesus' command for us to pray: "Thy kingdom come (that) Thy will be done in earth, as it is (now) in heaven" (Matt. 6:10). Because of this, the "kingdom of God" is a phrase interchangeable with "the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 13:11 cp. Mark 4:11). Note that we never read of "the kingdom IN heaven", it is the kingdom OF heaven which will be established by Christ on earth at his return. As God's will is completely obeyed by the angels in heaven (Ps. 103:19-21), so it will be in the future kingdom of God, when the earth will only be inhabited by the righteous, who will then be "equal unto the angels" (Luke 20:36).
The present balance of power in the world is split between many nations, some strong and some weak. Daniel then saw a little stone hit the image on the feet, destroying it, and itself growing into a great mountain which filled the whole earth (Dan. 2:34,35). This stone represented Jesus (Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-8). The "mountain" which He will create all over the earth represents the everlasting Kingdom of God, which will be established at his second coming. This prophecy is in itself proof that the kingdom will be on earth, not in heaven.
That the kingdom will only be fully established in reality upon Christ's return is a theme of other passages. Paul speaks of Jesus judging the living and dead "at his appearing and his kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:1). Micah 4:1 picks up Daniel's idea of God's kingdom being like a huge mountain: "In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established"; there then follows a description of what this kingdom will be like on the earth (Mic. 4:1-4). God will give Jesus the throne of David in Jerusalem: "He shall reign...for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32,33). This necessitates there being a certain point at which Jesus begins to reign on David's throne, and his kingdom begins. This will be at Christ's return. "Of his kingdom there shall be no end" connects with Dan. 2:44: "The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, it shall not be left to other people". Rev. 11:15 uses similar language in describing how that at the second coming, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever". Again, there must be a specific time when Christ's kingdom and reign begins on earth; this will be at His return.
We see that on these verses that Christ will be on earth reigning forever and ever.
The Return of Christ. Many people dont realy believe that Christ will actually return to earth. We'll start with, what happens when he returns. Let's see what the bible has to say on this. This will also be in parts too. That way, it will be easier to read and study.
At Christ's return, "the kingdoms of this world (will) become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15). Then God's will and desires will be completely and openly performed in this earth. Hence Jesus' command for us to pray: "Thy kingdom come (that) Thy will be done in earth, as it is (now) in heaven" (Matt. 6:10). Because of this, the "kingdom of God" is a phrase interchangeable with "the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 13:11 cp. Mark 4:11). Note that we never read of "the kingdom IN heaven", it is the kingdom OF heaven which will be established by Christ on earth at his return. As God's will is completely obeyed by the angels in heaven (Ps. 103:19-21), so it will be in the future kingdom of God, when the earth will only be inhabited by the righteous, who will then be "equal unto the angels" (Luke 20:36).
The present balance of power in the world is split between many nations, some strong and some weak. Daniel then saw a little stone hit the image on the feet, destroying it, and itself growing into a great mountain which filled the whole earth (Dan. 2:34,35). This stone represented Jesus (Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-8). The "mountain" which He will create all over the earth represents the everlasting Kingdom of God, which will be established at his second coming. This prophecy is in itself proof that the kingdom will be on earth, not in heaven.
That the kingdom will only be fully established in reality upon Christ's return is a theme of other passages. Paul speaks of Jesus judging the living and dead "at his appearing and his kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:1). Micah 4:1 picks up Daniel's idea of God's kingdom being like a huge mountain: "In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established"; there then follows a description of what this kingdom will be like on the earth (Mic. 4:1-4). God will give Jesus the throne of David in Jerusalem: "He shall reign...for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32,33). This necessitates there being a certain point at which Jesus begins to reign on David's throne, and his kingdom begins. This will be at Christ's return. "Of his kingdom there shall be no end" connects with Dan. 2:44: "The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, it shall not be left to other people". Rev. 11:15 uses similar language in describing how that at the second coming, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever". Again, there must be a specific time when Christ's kingdom and reign begins on earth; this will be at His return.
We see that on these verses that Christ will be on earth reigning forever and ever.
.....And as a major general rule of thumb......The extreme masses of God's chosen people on the earth were killed by the enemy and his workers.....
.....The odds of being slain by the enemy and his workers is a above 99% ratio......And almost all the 1% that were not slain were way Old Testament folk......
.....Our end, if we are REALLY doing the will of God should end our life just like the 99% that went before us did......Killed, by the hands of darkened men who work the will of the god of the earth....
.....If our end does not fit this criteria we are probably in big trouble!
James 5:7-9 "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door."
and this:
Hebrews 10:36,37 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay."
....Good scripture fitting Tom......
....I actually like Israel but can tell someone has fouled him up here.....
....Again I will reiterate; the point of a focus on what is going to be is unimportant unless you are deemed fit for the kingdom.....
.....Therefore, the need to endure and to keep standing up after knock-downs in the boxing ring is a must.....Does not matter how many solid punches to the face you take that knocks you down; it is a keep on of getting up and squaring off against your opposition that should get you to reach the time when the bell rings.
[ The Coming of Zion’s King ] Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 21:5
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
This is fulfilled prophecy. Your king comes to you. I dont know how this can be any clearer. YOu say the kingdom of God has not been established(will only be established on Jesus return) and that Jesus has not yet been presented as king. (perhaps I have misunderstood you)
The above verses clearly state Jesus presented as king to Jerusalem. KIng presented. The establishment of HIs Kingdom soon to follow.
YOu stated "It's not a mystery at all. God HAS revealed it to man. We read it in the scriptures. OT and NT."
Jesus said
Mark 4:11
He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables
Luke 8:10
He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’
4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[a] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.
26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You say there is no mystery, Meaning you believe you understand. You believe you belong to God. It is difficult for me to believe that you do.
Your words do not match God's word. However I do believe you are very close to the kingdom of God...I also have faith that you will enter into God's kingdom before you taste death. It says to those who are outside(outside what?) YOu state clearly, HIs kingdom is not here yet, so according to your own words you are still outside of God's kingdom. The mystery of Christ is only revealed by the holy spirit, which was the gift JEsus sent(jesus sent, and the father sent hmm interesting) This is the mystery that you deny, JEsus is God.
Here is another difficulty. your words,"Ok, now to your verses that you posted on the kingdom. I take it you believe that it is only a spiritual kingdom and not a real one. Ok, let's find out...... I'll just do some of your verses to save time and space."
I dont really believe you meant what you said. Only spiritual, not real??? Do you not believe spiritual is real? Of course you know God is real. It is written, God is spirit. God is real. Spiritual is real. I am certain you mispoke because your words convey the idea that spiritual is not reality. IF we are born again we can enter, not born again we can not enter. Some there did not taste death before they saw the kingdom coming(and entered into it) It is written no adulterer can enter, but then it is also written prostitutes are entering. How? By confessing sin, being baptized first by water then by the holy spirit. It says unless you are born again you can not enter...doesnt this also mean if you are born again you can enter? You do not have to die to enter...as it is written, some of you will not taste death before they enter.
Ok lets deal with why you claim the kingdom isnt here. YOu quoted from acts, then from the gospels. Surprise! I agree with you completely. The kingdom wasnt here yet...when those things were written. Why? Lets look closely at where you quoted from in Acts chp 1.
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What does it say? IN a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
WE know unless we are born again we can not enter the kingdom, The Holy spirit had not been sent yet...same with where Jesus taught them to pray, thy kingdom come, thy will be done. There wasnt yet baptism of the Holy Spirit, Jesus in fact Had been baptized by the spirit, It came upon Him after John baptized HIm. So you are right when you say, The kingdom wasnt there yet, however in a few days the Apostles recieved the Holy spirit. We know of this account also. Again, unless you are born again you can not enter. The kingdom hadnt come because the spirit hadnt been sent...but in a few days it was sent. The kingdom of God is real. But can not be entered into unless we are born again. (by baptism of the Holy Spirit)
You are right when you say, the kingdom will be on earth. It is. Here and now. and also forever and ever. Jesus was presented as king. Jesus sent the Holy spirit. We have been baptized in the spirit. We are born again and can enter. You describe a visable kingdom, one that could be seen. Scripture clearly declares the Kingdom can not be seen with our eyes.
What is God? God is spirit. God is Love. God is the truth. God is the way. God is my comfort. God is my redeemer. God is righteous. The list goes on and on we know(i have a post about this but...for some reason people stopped posting in it)
KIngdom of God. Kingdom of spirit. Kingdom of love. Kingdom of truth. Kingdom of my comfort. Kingdom of my defender. Kingdom of my rock. Kingdom of my redeemer. Kingdom of my righteousness.(God is my righteousness) Kingdom of the father. Kingdom of the son. Kingdom of my peace. Kingdom of my joy. Everything that God is, his kingdom is also...it IS the Kingdom OF GOD. Can we see any of these things? NO. WE can see evidence of these things but not the things of themselves. WE can not see gravity but we can see its affects. We can not see wind byt we can see its affects. We can not see joy but we can see its affects. WE can tell when a person has joy, when they have security and comfort ect...we can not see the things themselves, but we can see their affects. All of these things are real. Spirit is real. All of these things are spiritual.
What I believe, Gods kingdom is here now, I live in it. I do not live in it physically but spiritually. And spiritually I have all of the fruits of God's spirit and God's kingdom. Love JOy Peace Patience gentleness Kindness goodness self control. I believe everything I believe about the kingdom fits precisly into God's word. What you speak of, doesnt. Are you not speaking of a physical kingdom that can be seen?
.....My patience in relation to those who keep holding onto lies when I present forth truths has way ran out......
.....10+ years of being mocked, laughed at, deemed insane, and all the rest wears on one over a ten year span......Let alone being called a worker of satan and an attacker of God's church........
.....None of you point out the fact that we are still in satans kingdom.....
.....To have a kingdom with a King, the King must be in the Kingdom to run the affairs......
.....The King is not here and is seated at the right hand of the Father.....However the inheriting one is here; the Holy Spirit........
.....For this reason I must keep on keeping on that once the Holy Spirit is received, one is transferred from the kingdom of sin and darkness and of satan; and instantly transformed as an heir to the kingdom of Light and of God......Thus, since we ARE in the kingdom of darkness even up to this day; the darkened ones come after to remove the light amongst them; for this reason God's people have been slain upon the earth.
....This order of things is NOT going to cease until Christ's return and the beast and the false prophet and the pope is removed, along with all the clay granite diamond smashers......
....Lies, destruction, murder, chaos and all the in-betweens rule the day UNTIL Christ returns......1000 years of a decent peace ushers in......Satan is let loose and throngs AGAIN come up against God's people to kill them......Their demise is certain as it is already written......
God is with us
2 Chronicles 13:12
God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed.”
2 Chronicles 32:8
With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.”
Psalm 46:7
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Isaiah 8:10
Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
Just to be certain you understand, I will show you more of God's word.
From Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Its worth noting, the disiples worshipped him. This is not the only occasion Jesus accepted worship and praise...which would be sin if he were not God. Thekin Jesus is with us. I can show you many more scriptures that express this clearly.
YOu wrote "Thus, since we ARE in the kingdom of darkness even up to this day"
I agree you are. It seems you are not born again. you say we are still in satans kingdom, and God is not here. IT seems you are saying the holy spirit will not be recieved until death? This is not the case. But explain what you mean please? quoting you "For this reason I must keep on keeping on that once the Holy Spirit is received, one is transferred from the kingdom of sin and darkness and of satan; and instantly transformed as an heir to the kingdom of Light and of God" end quote. See I agree that when we recieve the holy spirit we are born again and then can enter God's kingdom.
I live today in God's kingdom. I am born again. I live with two spirits within me. My own spirit, and God's spirit. I can go into detail about what this is like, but not here or now. I do experience God three ways. God is around me, in heaven but also living in this house with me. God is within me, often teaching me things i did not know which is interesting and actually pretty profound. Also I feel God's spirit flowing throu me in power. Imagine a man standing in a river...the river is mindboggling large...stretching from horizon to horizon I stand in the midst of this flow, and it passes throu me. I can go into details of this another time.
You must be aware the apostles were instructed to wait until they had recieved the spirit before they went out. If not Go back and look at acts one again. I do hope this helps you.
If someone comes to your door, and they are selling goods that are too expensive, or must be pre-ordered, and then those goods do not arrive on time, it is frustrating.
But if they misrepresent the nature, or the quality of those goods, then you feel tricked.
AND if what they are misrepresenting is the most important thing in the world (God), it is most frustrating, since it would seem God should be watching over his name, and his stuff. So you are right, Joey. King should "get more acquainted with who God is, and his kingdom, in order to "see" it and walk in it (Him).
All things are subject to our Lord, and in him there is no darkness at all.
If someone comes to your door, and they are selling goods that are too expensive, or must be pre-ordered, and then those goods do not arrive on time, it is frustrating.
But if they misrepresent the nature, or the quality of those goods, then you feel tricked.
AND if what they are misrepresenting is the most important thing in the world (God), it is most frustrating, since it would seem God should be watching over his name, and his stuff. So you are right, Joey. King may just need to get more acquainted with who God is, and his kingdom, in order to "see" it and walk in it (Him).
All things are subject to our Lord, and in him there is no darkness at all. Even of old, the people who sat in gross darkness had seen a great light. We don't have to convince anybody before we ourselves are convinced
Tom, do you think the kingdom of God is a kingdom of frustration? I am sure you do not. Where then does frustration come from but from our enemy satan.
I agree many things can be frustrating, but do we have to become frustrated?
Nothing frustrates me. I do not need to defend God. God is my defender, my rock and my fortress. Anyone misrepresenting God, including each of you, I recieve with joy.
NOthing can anger me. Nothing can offend me. NOthing can take God's peace from me. Nothing can separate me from Christ. NOthing can frustrate me.
Doesnt it require pride to take up such things? I think it does. And none of these things are of God, they are only of satan. If we practice refusing them, we become better and better at it, and with God's strength we can do it. This is walking in humility. If i see people perpetrating evil what should my response be? Anger? frustration? bitterness? Jealousy? Of course not. My response has to be, to repay evil for good. To love even those who perpetrate evil against me or against anyone else. It is only by love that we are saved. Our job is to demonstrate Jesus love for us, to everyone else in this world. When we do this, we will see miracles before our very eyes.
Here is a prophecy. It is an unbelievable prophecy. I suspect even Israel will say this is impossible and will not happen. ONe day Israel will come on these pages and confess Jesus is God. REally incredible right? I see it allready. You will all be witness to this. How awesome that day will be!
MOre than this, Thekin Tom and Angela will follow after israel and come to know all the blessings I have from God just as I have them, and israel will have them and then each of you also.
[You are right when you say, the kingdom will be on earth. It is. Here and now. and also forever and ever.]
Is that what you want it to say? Remember Jesus told the apostles it is a coming kingdom.
[Scripture clearly declares the Kingdom can not be seen with our eyes.]
That is completely false. Again, that is what you want the bible to say. Your not reading all of scripture then. I've already given you lots of verses that say it will be a real world wide Kingdom. Look at all of the OT prophet books. "And in that day.." tells us what Christ will do on earth when he comes. "Sets up" a kingdom on earth to rule forever and ever. How clearer can the bible state that. But I know that's false doctrine to you.
[What you speak of, doesnt. Are you not speaking of a physical kingdom that can be seen?]
Yes, that's because scripture tells us that. You just dont want to believe in that because it goes against your beliefs. The future kingdom is Israel restored. Remember the kingdom of Israel in the OT when God was their king? Christ will restore that when he comes. So easy and simple to understand that. Apostles knew that too.
[I believe everything I believe about the kingdom fits precisly into God's word. What you speak of, doesnt.]
You couldnt be farther from the truth my friend. The bible says it will be a kingdom on earth at Christ's return. Christ will set it up with the Glorified Saints to rule. He will be our King. Even though he is our king now, he will be our king even in the kingdom age to come. You say that's wrong. Wow.
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed,
Luke 17:21
nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Colossians 1:13
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
......If this earth IS God's Kingdom NOW.......Then I would need to believe that since we ARE in God's Kingdom that disease, sickness, evil, sin, murder, mayhem,sexual immorality, drunkenness, divorce, perversion, homo-sexuality, and satan and his workers, along with churches, popes, crosses, pharisees, nuclear weapons, bombs, jet fighters, tanks, and all the rest; are all part of this grand kingdom called earth!
....To sincerely believe that ANY of the above is going to be contained in God's Kingdom....Well, sincerely you all need a head exam!
....WE ARE NOT IN GOD's KINGDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
....If I have God's Spirit, do not have have it, or have just not received it as of yet; Does not matter which of the 3.....I am still NOT in God's Kingdom!!!!!!
....Let's just say 2 minutes ago God granted me the Spirit......Now I am a Son of God, still residing in satan's kingdom......
....I have CLEARLY stated before , as I will now once again clearly state.......99%+ of ALL God's people to have resided on this earth were hacked off of it!!!!!!
....Did 1 Apostle ever say..." Hey y'all.....I am in God's Kingdom?"
....What happened to the prophets? The Lord? The Apostles? The Hardy Christians thereafter? And the heretics after them?
....Knock/knock to all your heads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....These people and the Lord....WERE....Hung, butchered, nailed, tortured, burned, had body parts ripped off, and anything that fits in-between!!!!!!!!!!!
.....And you goof-nuts are telling me I am in God's Kingdom.......
....FOR REAL???????????
There are only two real kingdoms. IF you accept Jesus as your king and you are born again, you have every opportunity to enter into God's kingdom. The other kingdom is satan's. Anyone not in God's kingdom is in Satan's kingdom.
Lets go back to God's word.
1 Corinthians 3:16
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?(within you)
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
By the way, the word translated "in your midst" actually means inside or within, luke 17:21
entos: within, among
Original Word: ντς
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: entos
Phonetic Spelling: (en-tos')
Short Definition: within, inside, the inside
Definition: within, inside, the inside.
Luke 17:21
nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”(within or inside of you)
kjv actually has it correct: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Jesus said this speaking to his disiples:Mark 4:11 And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,
....At; receipt of the Holy Spirit, I am now deemed by God a Son.....However......Now I am an inheritor of what will be; as it has yet to be set up......
....The earth CANNOT; as of the NOW be God's Kingdom......
....Satan still rules the earth.......And the things I listed above that are going on or are contained on or in this earth as of NOW; will not be when Christs returns.....
....If I am a Son of God; I am a Son of God in satan's kingdom and he and his workers WILL toss me out IF I continue to run my mouth!