Skip to main content

Home/ Following Jesus Better/ Group items tagged eternal

Rss Feed Group items tagged

Gary Patton

Interpreting Scripture: Our Greek-ness is Showing - 0 views

  • All of us who have been raised and/or educated in a western culture…regardless of our ethnicity or heritage…think like Greeks. And this can cause us some problems when we attempt to interpret the Bible.Because God is not a Greek.
  • Among other things, we Greeks believe that there is only one correct way to interpret any particular scripture and apply it to our lives
  • hen interpret biblical truth through our own personal religious, cultural, societal, and experiential lenses
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • When a verse or passage in the Bible lends itself to more than one interpretation, we Greeks seem unable to consider the possibility that both interpretations might be equally valid.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Actually, this tension is not really a "big deal" because the simple English word, 'antinomy' explains the Biblical concept of "equal and opposing truths"! Might it be that christains simply like to fight? In discussing contrary points-of-view on a 'proof-text', for example, do we allow Mr. Sin to rear up our flesh like a wild, untamed stallion ...rather than the Indian warrior pony in North American terms... to which Jesus was referring via the 'Greek' word He used when commanding us to be 'meek'. (Forgive me David, I don't speak Aramaic, either! :-)) gfp
  • That’s how we get more than 20,000 versions of the same truth.
  • I’m not convinced Jesus had any interpretation in mind when He spoke these words. He always did what He saw the Father doing, and He always spoke what He heard the Father speaking. I don’t know that Jesus needed much explanation or clarification before revealing the works and words of the Father.
    • Gary Patton
       
      And prior to going to His cross and being resurrected, Jesus, the incarnate "God Man", would have had to later think through what the Father gave him. Maybe He even talked through optional interpretations with "His boys"? Might He even have argued with Himself over them? (I hear that muttered "God forbid", Dr. Dave! :-)) gfp
  • I have been awestruck by the preciousness of Jesus and determined to obtain an intimate relationship with Him regardless of the cost because He is the only One who is worth what I will pay for Him. And I have been brought to tears to know that He loves, cherishes, and values me so much that He would pay the ultimate price to invite me into the relationship that He and the Father & the Spirit have enjoyed from eternity past.
  • Or we can put aside our Greek-ness and give up on the idea of objective truth defined as a body of information and correct interpretation. How about we simply adopt the Bible’s definition of objective truth?
    • Gary Patton
       
      I can suspect the horror this suggestion is generating in the flesh of "anti-grace-teaching" Pastors and the religious spawn they have misled! gfp
  • how about we let the Author of the scriptures quicken them to our hearts so that we see them in whatever light He wishes for us to see them at that particular moment?
    • Gary Patton
       
      WoW! What a novel idea!! Here again, this will be fleshly fear-inducing for religous people and their mistaken and misleading mentors. (And Dr. Dave knows that and does it intentionally, eh David! :-)) gfp
  • Only a Greek would ask such questions.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!
  •  
    Dr. David Ryser, my Friend and a Greek and Hebrew scholar and teacher points out some core challenge of Scripture interpretation. The challenge applies cross-culturally and to followers of different gods ...with some adaptation to your culture and faith for non-Jesus Following religious people. All of us who have been raised and/or educated in a western culture…regardless of our ethnicity or heritage…think like Greeks. And this can cause us some problems when we attempt to interpret the Bible ...because God is not a Greek. gfp (2011-11-18)
Gary Patton

Jesus Public Ministry And Gospel - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • “(G)THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, 19 (H)TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
    • Gary Patton
       
      The Gospel of Yeshua/Jesus is "Good News". But, it's not a book or a passage of Scripture. It's the person of God incarnate Himself! And salvation is a trusting relationship in & with Him by simply believing in Yeshua's payment on His cross of the full penalty God demands for our sin & sins and, then, deferring to Yeshua's lordship of every aspect of our lives by living in the power of His resurrection!" ~ gfp The word 'gospel' means 'good news' and Yeshua/Jesus, the Messiah, is the personification of "good news". Simply put, He is the gospel! For anyone who hears them, Yeshua/Jesus and His words are heart-piercing as you can discover in His 'Beatitudes' at . They are totally convicting because they demonstrate every hearers' total inability to behave as He commands. And, Jesus doesn't leave us hanging! Right now, He's making available to you His power. It's freely available to every man, woman and child ...despite what they may have done. He gives anyone who asks for it a "new life". Plus, He also gives us the power to live it, using His strength, when we believe His 'Gospel' ("Good News"/'Injeel'). This glorious News is that Yeshua/Jesus died to pay the full penalty that God's holiness and justice requires because of both our "sin nature" and our many 'sins'. As Deity incarnate, Yeshua/Jesus died so that His human creation could be forgiven by God and be reconciled to His heavenly Father and have peace with Him through Yeshua/Jesus's sacrifice and His subsequent resurrection from the grave. Yeshua/Jesus's death and resurrection guarantee real, eternal salvation instead by working for ones own salvation by trying to obey the law. Folks, Jesus is alive! He's living right now and praying for you at the right hand of our heavenly Father. When you respond to his pleading, He'll send his Holy Spirit to live inside you as a new, born-again Believer. "The Gospel" is the power in Jesus' words! "Stop trying ...and start tr
  •  
    Yeshua/Jesus clarified His Gospel first to the Jews and, then later, to all non-Jews through the ones who that became His Followers. He first did so using words of The Jewish Prophet, Isaiah, that Yeshua quoted from the Old Covenant (Muslim: Taurat) in this passage: 18 "(G)THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, 19 (H)TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."
Gary Patton

"The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church" - Book Summary - 0 views

  • The following summary is based on Chapter Ten of Marvin Rosenthal's book, The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church.
    • Gary Patton
       
      In his book, "The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church", Marvin Rosenthal, outlines a powerful, Biblical analysis of the Old and New Covenants regarding when the so-called "Rapture" of Jesus Followers takes place. Mr. Rosenthal concludes from his well-documented, clear, easy-to-understand and graphics-supported analysis that the commonly-believed "Pre-Tribulation Rapture" theological position of most North American Bible teachers is inaccurate and not supported by a careful Biblical analysis. This is an excellent summary of the key aspects of Mr. Rosenthal's thesis.
  • There is a debate going on among Christians
    • Gary Patton
       
      The debate is because Jesus said: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Luke 12:40). Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 at http://diigo.com/0mkzs . It clearly stated there that we cannot know for certain when Jesus will return for his Followers and the judge the earth. But we can be certain He will do so! Therefore, Jesus Followers are wise to live lives of faith, obeying Jesus in all things as we are commanded in 2 Peter 3:8-13 (Contemporary English Version (CEV)) 8 Dear friends, don't forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. 9 The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 10 The day of the Lord's return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. [a] Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are. [b] 11 Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honor God by the way you live. 12 You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. [c] On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat. 13 But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that! Footnotes: 2 Peter 3:10 the whole universe: Probably the sun, moon, and stars, or the elements that everything in the universe is made of. 2 Peter 3:10 will be seen for what they are: Some manuscripts have "will go up in flames." 2 Peter 3:12 and you should try to make it come soon: Or "and you should eagerly desire for that day to come."
  • The fact of the Rapture is not in question (at least not among Christians).
    • Gary Patton
       
      Most Jesus Followers would agree that 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes what Christians call 'The rapture. This verse is included below in the discussion of the Scriptures re the "Sixth Seal" mention in the "Book of Revelation" in the Bible.
  • ...13 more annotations...
  • Most Christians believe it will occur immediately before the tribulation period begins. A few Christians believe it will occur either during the tribulation period, or near the very end of the tribulation period.
    • Gary Patton
       
      As you'll discover, the latter belief, i.e., just before the end of the Tribulation, is Mr. Rosenthal's thesis.
  • Christians believe the entire Bible is the true and accurate Word of God, and it is without error.
  • The most logical way to address this issue is to see what the Holy Bible has to say about this event.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Many Christian teachers would say the last statement here is too strongly put. They would say that "the Bible is infalabie" only in its original source documents ...none of which ave been found when I write this in 2012. Teachers, generally, are less dogmatic on the infalibility of current translations. They offer various positions on this issue.
  • Do not rely on footnotes added to your Bible. A biblical footnote is not the inspired Word of God, even though it is printed in your Bible. It is simply one person's interpretation of scripture.
    • Gary Patton
       
      This is a valuable warning.
  • Robert Wayne Atkins, P.E.
    • Gary Patton
       
      You'll find out about the background and expereice of the author of this article at http://is.gd/sAdEWE. Regrettably, "Grandpappy" his nickname, does not describe his background as a Christian.
  • Who, of their own accord, without the witness of a fellow Christian, would be willing to accept the Christian faith if that meant they would be immediately slain?
    • Gary Patton
       
      I'm unsure that this argument proves anything! No one accepts Jesus as Saviour and Lord of their own accord before, during or, as noted here, after the so-called Rapture of "Believers in Jesus" that are still alive on the earth just before the opening of the "Sixth Seal". We are always and only saved by God's grace and even our faith, which is involved as it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, is a gift from Father God. Holy Spirit does the convicting and the saving of pre-believers. There is no Scripture that says Holy Spirit's presence EVER leaves the earth, that I've found.
  • In the book of Revelation, a great multitude of Christians, from all over the world, suddenly appear in heaven. For someone with an open mind, these two descriptions are almost identical to what we Christians call the Rapture of the saints. Notice also that this reference to the Rapture in the book of Revelation occurs right after the 144,000 Jews are ordained to spread the Gospel. God does not want anyone to perish, and he has provided a way for the Gospel to be carried forth after all the new testament Christians are Raptured.
  • Christians will be spared from that wrath.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Most Jesus Followers would agree with this statement on the basis of the numerous Scritures you can find described at http://is.gd/3y1nV8 . I lean especially on 1 Thessalonians 5: 9 at http://diigo.com/0mkzs . I believe all the Scriptures at the above link clearly refer to Jesus Followers' salvation, in Christ, from an eternity separated from God. The latter seems to be what happens after the "Seventh Seal" is opened on those still remaining on the earth.
  • That is why they will be Raptured sometime between the opening of the 6th seal and the 7th seal.
    • Gary Patton
       
      This is Mr. Rosenthal's thesis based on his anlysis of the Old and New Covenant Scriptures mention above by this author. Mr. Rosenthal includes more in his book which I recommend to you for prayerful consideration, study and meditation. gfp (2012-01-19)
  • The opening of the seventh seal begins God's Wrath on an unbelieving world (from which Christians are spared).
  • This is a poor choice of terms for Daniel's 70th week, because
  • My purpose was to provide you with more information upon which you can make an informed decision.
  • His book is not based on personal opinion. It is based on the Word of God
  •  
    This summary of Marvin Rosenthal's thesis in the book of the above title is by Robert Wayne Atkins, P.E.. He summarizes Rosenthal's Old and New Covenant Scripture analysis regarding the timing of the rapture of the Church.
Gary Patton

Why the Old Covenant Law if It Can't Save? - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, (I)grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as (J)sin reigned in death, even so (K)grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • Romans 5:18-21
Gary Patton

Who Loved Who First? - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • But God (A)demonstrates (B)His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, (C)Christ died for us.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Never forget that God picked us to spend eternity with Him now and in the life after this one as it says in Romans 8: 29-30 at http://diigo.com/0lc07. He loves us more than we can ever understand in this life. Incredibly, your heavenly Father did so while we were still sinners and hated Him as it says here and elsewhere in the Bible. Don't let anyone try to convince you of the lie that you have to seek God before He will save you. The only thing you need to do is outlined simply in Romans 10:9-10 at http://diigo.com/0lk6j . gfp (2012-01-24)
  • Romans 5:7-9
    • Gary Patton
       
      This is a companion promise to that in 1 John 4:19 at http://diigo.com/0mph0 that clearly states that the only reason we humans can love anyone, including God.
Gary Patton

"Why Jesus Came and Walked the Earth" - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  •  
    In John 3:16-17, God shares His "Good News" about Jesus gift in a nutshell and adds a warning!
Gary Patton

How much God loved the world He - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • his one and only Son
  • He gave his Son,
  • John 3:16-17
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
  •  
    John 3:16 (MESS) clarifies how VERY much God loves each human being and the danger of not acknowledging His love as He commands.
Gary Patton

Paul, the Worst of Sinners | YouVersion Search - 0 views

  • Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the wors
  • I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
  • worst of sinners
Gary Patton

The R-E-A-L Gospel ...God's Saving Power Source - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • the gospel
    • Gary Patton
       
      The Gospel of Yeshua/Jesus is "Good News". One clear description of Jesus' Gospel (NOT the Muslim Isa's Injeel) is in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-7 at http://diigo.com/0kb4u . The Greek word translated into English as 'gospel' means "good news" and Yeshua/Jesus, the Messiah, is the personification of "good news". Simply put, He is the gospel! For anyone who hears them, Yeshua/Jesus and His words are heart-piercing as you can discover in His 'Beatitudes' at http://diigo.com/0kmjn . They are totally convicting because they demonstrate every hearers' total inability to behave as He commands. And, Jesus doesn't leave us hanging! Right now, He's making available to you His power. It's freely available to every man, woman and child ...despite what they may have done. He gives anyone who asks for it a "new life". Plus, He also gives us the power to live it, using His strength, when we believe His 'Gospel' ("Good News"/'Injeel'). This glorious News is that Yeshua/Jesus died to pay the full penalty that God's holiness and justice requires because of both our "sin nature" and our many 'sins'. As Deity incarnate (God with us), Yeshua/Jesus died so that His human creation could be forgiven by God and be reconciled to His heavenly Father and have peace with Him through Yeshua/Jesus's sacrifice and His subsequent resurrection from the grave. Yeshua/Jesus's death and resurrection guarantee real, eternal salvation instead by working for ones own salvation by trying to obey the law. Folks, Jesus is alive! He's living right now and praying for you at the right hand of our heavenly Father. When you respond to his pleading, He'll send his Holy Spirit to live inside you as a new, born-again Believer. "The Gospel" is the power in Jesus' words! "Stop trying ...and start trusting God! It's not what you do. But what Jesus has already fully done for you and Who is empowering you by living inside you!" ~ gfp '42™
  • the Greek
    • Gary Patton
       
      This expression and its synonym "Gentile(s)" means non-Jews.
  • it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • Romans 1:16
    • Gary Patton
       
      "The R-E-A-L Gospel ...God's Saving Power Source" Romans 1:16 is only one of the many places where God confirms the power of the Gospel of Yeshua/Jesus. And in this passage, Holy Spirit clarifies the Gospel's R-E-A-L power. gfp (2011-10-11)
  •  
    Romans 1:16 in the New American Standard Bible is only one of the many places where God confirms the power of the Gospel of Yeshua/Jesus (not the Muslim gospel (book that's disappeared) of Isa). Here He clarifies it's power save all of humankind from our sin (Our otherwise unchangeable, foul and separating human nature.) & sins (What we've done contrary to God's will.) ...REGARDLESS of what we have done or how bad we have been because salvation is a gift of God's grace through our faith in His Son's sacrifice on our behalf. One clear description of what Yeshua/Jesus has already done on our behalf is in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 at (http://diigo.com/0kb4u). Good works can give us an enhanced outward demeanor. Only Yeshua/Jesul can set us free from our bondage to sin. gfp (2011-10-11)
Gary Patton

Jesus Is God And Not The Muslim Isa - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • John 10:27-30
  • My sheep (A)hear My voice, and (B)I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give (C)eternal life to them, and they will never perish
  • I and the Father are [b]one.
  •  
    "Jesus Is God And Not The Muslim Isa" John 10:27-30 makes clear that salvation from our sin nature and sins and reconciliation with a Holy God is available no other way than through Jesus (Yeshua). It also makes clear that He is NOT the Isa of the Islamic Qu'ran and One with the only God who is not Allah. gfp (2012-6-21)
Gary Patton

Humble Wins - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • 1 Peter 5:5-11
  • clothe yourselves with (C)humility toward one another, for (D)God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
  • humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your (F)anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • the devil, prowls around like a roaring (J)lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [a](K)But resist him
  • he (O)God of all grace, who (P)called you to His (Q)eternal glory in Christ, will Himself (R)perfect, (S)confirm, strengthen and establish you.
  • Be of sober spirit, (H)be on the alert. Your adversary, (I
  •  
    "Humble Wins" In 1 Peter 5:5-11, Holy Spirit explains why a humble wo(man) is able to win against their daily trials as well as against both their flesh & blood and spiritual adversaries! gfp (2012-06-08)
Gary Patton

- So if you want to know the will of the - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will live eternally; and on the last day, I am the One who will resurrect him.
  • “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
  • If the Father who sent Me does not draw you, then there’s no way you can come to Me. But I will resurrect everyone who does come on the last day.
  •  
    John 6:40-44 VOICE says clearly:
Gary Patton

"Jesus Predicts His Death & The Wisdom of His Followers Suicide Also" - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
    • Gary Patton
       
      In John 12:24, in context, Jesus again confirms that the ONLY we we committed can follow Him is as a " Walking Dead Wo(man)'" by committing suicide also through our own crucifixion with Him. He says the same thing in other ways in Matthew 16:20-25, at https://diigo.com/014z8s & John 15:5 at http://diigo.com/0jv2h . Jesus' Apostle (sent out one), Paul, makes clear his permanent status as a Walking Dead Man in Galatians 2:20. GaryFPatton (2013-09-25 © gfp '42™)
  • Jesus Predicts His Death
    • Gary Patton
       
      In John 12:24, in context, Jesus again confirms that the ONLY we we committed can follow Him is as a " Walking Dead Wo(man)'" by committing suicide also through our own crucifixion with Him. He says the same thing in other ways in Matthew 16:20-25, at https://diigo.com/014z8s & John 15:5 at http://diigo.com/0jv2h . Jesus' Apostle (sent out one), Paul, makes clear his permanent status as a Walking Dead Man in Galatians 2:20. GaryFPatton (2013-09-25 © gfp '42™)
  •  
    In John 12:24, in context, Jesus again confirms that the ONLY we we committed can follow Him is as a a " Walking Dead Wo(man)" through our own crucifixion with Him. He says the same thing in other ways in Matthew 16:20-25, at and John 15:5 at http://diigo.com/0jv2h . Jesus' Apostle (sent out one), Paul, makes clear his permanent status as a Walking Dead Man in Galatians 2:20. GaryFPatton (2013-09-25 © gfp '42™)
‹ Previous 21 - 35 of 35
Showing 20 items per page