Bible Question: 1John 3:6 - I believe I am saved by the blood of Jesus, but I still sin. (Romans 7) So how does the blood still cover me?

God is opposed to sin, and as much as we are following Him, in proportion we are to also hate iniquity but to love righteousness. But we are still of the human nature, we still "live in the flesh" as much as we want to and try to "live by the spirit." What the Apostle is referring to in this scripture is sin in it’s fullest state, that is willful transgression of the divine law. Not all sins are this willful nature, as there are sins in which wilfulness is not complete, since they are the results of temptation, and sins that are the results of our own weaknesses through the Adamic fall. Such weaknesses and such stumblings under temptation belong to the flesh which is already reckoned dead (in the true Christian) and is not reckoned of God as belonging to the Christian. As you mentioned Romans 7 also explains this. Our God judges us not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.
However, there are some partial sins--weaknesses of the flesh, and of where these weaknesses of the flesh that the mind failed to be as strong and courageous as it should have been, and to some extent yielded to the wrong-doing. With these God does deal with these with chastisements, in order to help them learn their lesson and be stronger in the future. We should be especially on our guard to not allow sin to deceive us and to partake in what we know God disapproves of. 

Bible Question: Bad habits. How do you overcome something that you keep going over and over again?

The great work of the Christian during this present time is the process of putting off the old defilements (bad habits) and putting on the new character. The Apostle Paul speaks of this work in Colossians 3:9,10
Having put off the old man with his practices...put on the new one………..
What is it to put off the old nature, and how do we put on the new? According to the Apostle instructs we must set our affections on the things above, the heavenly things & at the same time we are to put to death our fallen fleshly desires. (Col. 3:1-5)
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
As Christians (New Creatures in Christ Jesus) we are declared to be dead to the world, and alive toward God through Jesus Christ our Lord. But this metaphor applies wholly to our transformed hopes and aims and ambitions, while this “new mind” must still operate through the old human body until the resurrection change. In reality, we have an enemy very close to us all the time--our old self. That "old man" would like to have you off guard to keep you from carefully scrutinize your thoughts, words & acts. You must not mind what the old man says; instead, listen for the Lord’s voice, listen to his clear instructions through the Apostle, kill (“Mortify”) the old man.
A large part of your difficulty, and the difficulties of all who seek to walk in the narrow way, is that the old man cries out and wants to retain liberty and life, but this is contrary to the interests of the New Creature, so no attention should be paid to it. Every time a contrary thought comes to mind, the old man must be told that he was put to death long ago & he will not have his way! Then we must replace these thoughts with the higher thoughts, the spiritual. The Apostle Paul tells us in (Rom. 12:2) that if we do this we will be transformed & The Apostle John says in (John 8:31,32) that we will be set free (free from doctrinal errors, free from immoralities, etc.)
(Rom. 12:2) 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.
(John 8:31, 32) If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.
While instructing us to be dead toward earthly things and alive only toward the heavenly things, the Apostle doesn’t counsel us to retire from the world, instead he tells us how to deaden our appetites, desires, etc., that are rooted and grounded in our fallen flesh. He mentions these fallen tendencies, starting with the grosser and ending with the most subtle, in Colossians 3:1-5.
The Apostle Paul speaks of struggles with the bad habits of his flesh in Romans 7: 15-25 --
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
The Apostle represented not only himself but all sincere followers, groaning under the Law, when he cried out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this dead body?" (Rom. 7:24.) He was mourning, and the Lord appointed that all the mourners in Zion should be comforted-(Mat. 5:4)-comforted with the assurance that, while they were sinners and imperfect and could never justify themselves before God under the Law, nevertheless, God himself had found a ransom, had redeemed his people (1Tim 2:4-6). It is in view of this comforting assurance of the Gospel that the Apostle, after representing himself as the Jew, under the Law, groaning and travailing, and crying for deliverance, in the next breath represents himself as the Christian who has found the deliverance, and exclaims, "Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
We can’t keep the Law in our flesh because our flesh has inherited various weaknesses and fallen tendencies. But we are to continually strive against these inherited weaknesses. But by the Lord’s grace we have forgiveness of our sins through our Lord Jesus. And as true Christians our hearts desire is to do the will of God, his will becomes our will, our mind. So with this new mind (or will) we can do perfectly, that is we can be perfect in our heart intentions.

Bible Question: How can I know what God wants me to do How do I know if this is the right thing to do or if I’m doing it in the right way?

It is sometimes difficult to discern God’s will for us in our life. But God is developing us through faith, so we should not expect Him to directly tell us what we should do. In order to better understand what God’s will is, it is essential to study God’s Word and listen (figuratively) to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. Of course, those who have not made a commitment to God (consecration to do his will, Rom. 12:1) will not be lead of the Holy Spirit. It is only for those in this covenant relationship (through baptism) with God. We recommend the following book that is very helpful to study the Bible and God’s plan: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/indexa.htm

Prayer, of course, is a big factor in knowing what God wants us to do. James 4:8 tells us, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." As we draw closer to God, He will further reveal his will for us through His Word and through the experiences He allows us to have.

As James 4:8 says, in order to draw night to God, we also need to avoid sin in our life. Those who want to go further after cleaning up their life are encouraged to consecrate their life to God by giving up their own will and seeking to do God’s will in their life, through the merit of Christ’s ransom sacrifice. They are to daily lay down their lives in sacrifice, as Romans 12:1 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

There is a special privilege of prayer given to all who have made a full consecration of their lives to God, dedicating themselves to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Those who have become a "new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17) have an advocate -- Christ Jesus. As their advocate, Christ covers their imperfection with the robe of his own righteousness and presents them justified [made right] to the Father. Then these "new creatures" are given the special privilege of prayer, that they may "come boldly unto the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16) at any time, day or night. It is through prayer, study, and providential overrulings that God reveals His will to His consecrated children.

Bible Question: what is the breath of God in Genesis 2 ?

Thank you for your question. Genesis 2:7 says "And God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." The Hebrew word for breath is neshamah and it means the life power. When God breathed into Adam this "breath," Adam then became a living conscious being. This word in no way conveys the idea of giving Adam immortality after death. Adam did not receive a "soul" but became a "living soul" or living being. If you think of a movie and picture this verse of the Bible, man was dust, God breathed in life, man was living. Now play the movie in reverse: the breath of life is gone, man ceases to exist, is returned to the dust of the ground. Ecclesiastes 3:20 says "All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again."
This lead to the question, ’What happens to a person after he/she dies?’ To learn about that please go to:
http://www.biblestudents.com/soul.cfm

Bible Question: How old was Isaac when Abraham was asked to sacrifice him? What did this represent?

It is estimated that Abraham at this time was 125 years old, and Isaac would have been 25. Isaac displayed great faith in submitting to Abraham, as he could have easily resisted being offered as a sacrifice.

Abraham represents God, and Isaac represents Jesus and his Church (Christ head and body). As Abraham was willing to offer his only son, in whom centered the promises, so the Heavenly Father freely offered up His only begotten Son for the sins of the whole world. "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." "God gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish, but have everlasting life"--that in Him all the families of the earth might be blessed in due time.

Although Abraham was stopped from carrying out the sacrifice, nevertheless, the incident illustrates that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission..." (Heb. 9:22) of the world’s sins -- that unless Jesus should die for man’s redemption, the promises could never be fulfilled. And this was shown by the fact that God provided a representative of Isaac to be offered -- the ram.

But there is more to this picture. Jesus is the "Head" to the Church, which is His Body. The sufferings of Jesus were only a part of the sufferings of the picture of Isaac. Galatians 4:28 states, "We, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." And Galatians 3:29, "And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye "Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." The Church, the faithful followers of Jesus, whom God has been calling out of the world since the day of Pentecost, is required to prove her faithfulness by also laying down their lives in sacrifice. "If we suffer with Him"--as His members--"we shall also reign with Him"--as His members. (2 Tim. 2:12)

Bible Question: WHY DID BLOOD HAVE TO BE SHED TO APPEASE GOD?

We would prefer to say that blood is necessary to satisfy justice, not to "appease" God. It is not a matter in which God’s character has to be appeased in any way, it is simply a matter of "a life for a life" to balance the scales of justice.

Lev 17:11 tells us that life is in the blood, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."

The Scriptural principle regarding the need for blood to be shed is found in Hebrews 9:22 - "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."

Because Father Adam was a perfect man and then he sinned, his penalty was death: Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Since the penalty of sin is death, only by a sacrificial death of another perfect man could sinners (Adam and all his children) be released from the death penalty. A perfect man (Jesus) had to take the place of the perfect man (Adam) who sinned.

God is perfect, and His standard is righteousness and absolute justice. In order to deal with us, He provided his only-begotten Son, Jesus, to come to earth as a perfect man to pay the corresponding price to ransom Adam who fell -- a perfect life for a perfect life. Once Jesus’ ransom merit is paid to the Father on behalf of the world, they will have the opportunity to come back into harmony with God in his kingdom.

We are told in Acts 4:10-12, "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth...whom God raised from the dead...there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." All people are born sinners (passed on to them from their father Adam). The only possible way to come out from the condemnation of death is through Jesus Christ -- a perfect man who gave his life for the perfect man Adam. Romans 5:15: "For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many."

It is because Jesus paid the ransom [corresponding price] for Adam and his whole race that all mankind will, in Christ’s kingdom on earth, be brought to a full knowledge of God and given a full opportunity of recovery from sin and death. 1 Timothy 2:4-6, "Who will have all men to be saved [out of condemnation], and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

So all mankind have a wonderful hope, because of Jesus Christ, of being raised to life and have the opportunity to live forever in a perfect earth.

But many times it is overlooked that the Scriptures teach two different kinds of salvation. In the familiar "Lord’s prayer" in Matthew 6:10, Jesus prayed, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. "There will, therefore, be a kingdom on earth as well as one in heaven.

Christians who have fully consecrated their lives to God, willing to sacrifice their present lives to do the will of God, are promised a heavenly salvation if they are faithful, and they will be Christ’s church. The rest of the world will be raised to life in the kingdom on earth. The kingdom on earth will be restored to perfection, being ruled by Christ and his church.

1 John 2:2 says, "And he [Jesus] is the propitiation [satisfaction] for our sins [the church’s]: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world." Romans 8:19 is another scripture which tells us there will be two salvations. "For the earnest expectation of the creation [the whole world] waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God [the church to be completed]." Once all the church are completed and resurrected in heaven, then the kingdom on earth can begin when the whole world will be blessed.

Bible Question: In the “trasfiguration” were there three people physically taken into heaven by God? Did Enoch, and Elija really appear?

Dear Larry,
We are not sure who else the pastor was referring to, but the following information may give you a different perspective on what really happened to Enoch an Elijah.
"On account of faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death. He "walked with God, and... God took him." The story of Enoch’s translation is vouched for more than once; and by faith we may accept it. There is no record as to where he was taken, except that he was not taken to Heaven. (John 3:13.) For aught we know to the contrary, God may have protected his life through all these centuries as an illustration of how human life could have been prolonged by Divine Power, if God had not placed the curse of death upon the race. Indeed, Enoch could be no exception to that curse. He is under the death sentence and could come to full perfection and Divine justification to life only through the merit of the Redeemer, even as others."

"The testimony respecting Enoch was that his was a life of faith; that he walked with God and not with the world; that he sought to walk righteously, in harmony with the Divine will. The record respecting Enoch is very meager, but we do know that he was a prophet and that through him the message came that Messiah would come eventually with ten thousand of his holy ones to execute righteousness, judgment, in the earth--to overthrow sin and set up Divine standards amongst men. "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all."-- Jude 14,15. Enoch not only prophesied this but he believed it and it stamped his entire character and made him separate from the world and drew him nearer to the Lord."
Another interesting excerpt addresses the question if Enoch and Elijah were dead or living. Both Enoch and Elijah had miraculous endings to their earthly life. "Of Enoch very little is told us, except that he walked with God (Gen. 5:24), and that God revealed to him some things relative to the kingdom of God, will be seen by reference to Jude 14:15. Gen. 5:24 tells us that "he was not [found], for God took him;" and Heb. 11:5 . How, or where, God took him, or for what purpose, is not revealed, but it does not prove that he did not die. This seems to be one of the secret things which Moses says belong unto God. Deut. 29:29.

Elijah, we are told, went up by a whirlwind into heaven. The word here translated heaven is shamayim, meaning "heaved up," or "high things." It is sometimes applied to the firmament or region of the air (Gen. 1:8), and sometimes to the throne of God. When the latter is referred to, the term "heaven of heavens" is frequently used. (1 Kings 8:27.) We must judge of its meaning in this case by its harmony with other Scriptures. Jesus, after his resurrection, went to heaven, the throne of God; but John says (chap. 3:13), "No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man." Hence we must conclude that the atmospheric heavens were the heavens into which Elijah ascended.
It is nowhere stated that Elijah did not die; and that he ascended into the air until lost to sight does not prove that [R620 : page 8] he did die. Neither does the vision on the mount of transfiguration prove that he is, or was then alive, since that was only a vision--as Jesus said, "See thou tell the vision to no man." As Elijah was a type of the Church, his ascension was also typical of the ascending bride, soon to meet her Lord in the air--not the literal air: air is symbolic of the universal kingdom. Heretofore Satan has been the prince of the power of the air; now Christ has come to reign, and Satan will shortly be dethroned. Soon the overcoming Church, being changed from human to spiritual conditions, will meet her Lord in the kingdom.
What became of Elijah’s body we do not know, neither do we know what became of the body of Moses. Things not revealed belong to God."

Bible Question: What specifically are the names of the ten horns that the roman empire devolved into. It is essential to name them to prove your case. You name the three plucked up in the formation
of the papacy which I accept but not the ten in your response below. Can you help me out on this please.

Dear John, That’s a fair question. Below are what we would suggest:
7 HEADS AND 10 HORNS. A “horn” represents power. During each of the seven “head’s”—phases of the Roman empire—there were an average of 10 territorial divisions of power. The Roman empire at each stage of history had not “devolved into” “ten horns. But at each stage of history, the Roman empire actually possessed ten divisions of power. The “terrible beast” of Daniel’s dream showed from God’s standpoint the ”fourth” universal empire—which was to rule over Israel. Nebuchadnezzar’s perspective of the same four universal empires included in his dream a mighty image. The fourth phase, “feet and [ten] toes,” were of iron and then iron mixed with clay (Dan. 2:41-43). The “dragon” of Revelation, representing Rome, also had ten horns. Rev 12:3 “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” The “leopard beast” of Revelation 13 is actually the same as the “little horn” on the Terrible Beast which became a beast (a government) on its own.
Dan. 2:41-43 Feet of Image 2 legs 10 toes
Dan. 7 Terrible Beast 7 heads 10 horns
Rev. 12 Dragon 7 heads 10 horns
Rev. 13 Leopard Beast 7 heads 10 horns
SEQUENCE OF 7 H EADS. While the Image of Daniel 2 did not indicate any division of heads, the two legs/feet might indicate that at some point in time Rome divided into the Eastern and Western empire. One suggested possible sequence of the seven heads is as follows:
1 Roman Peoples’ Republic Before Caesars
2 Imperial Pagan Rome Under Caesars
3 Western Roman Empire Constantine, Theodocias, etc.
4 Byzantine/Eastern Justinian
5 Holy Roman Empire Charlemagne
6 Holy Alliance Concert of Europe
7 Nazi-Fascist Empire Mussolini & Hitler
10 TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS OF POWER DURING EACH PERIOD OF 7 HEADS. As the Scriptures give an “interpretation,” we know the image represented each “kingdom” which would rise after the previous one which had ruled over Israel during the “times of the Gentiles” (Dan. 2:36-45; Luke 21:24). But since the parallel visions of the beasts seem to indicate not only a great Roman empire—but divisions of its power during all its history—the following is suggested. Understandably, the territories of these divisions of Roman power shifted during the centuries to basically include Europe and outlying areas under control. The three indicated we would suggest are the “horns” which specifically gave way to the “little horn” of Daniel 7:
1 The Huns
2 The Ostrogoths
3 The Visigoths
4 The Franks
5 The Vandals
6 The Eastern Exarchart
7 The Burgundians
8 The Heruli
9 The Anglo-Saxons
10 The Lombards
John, perhaps you might like to pursue exactly what the “times of the Gentiles” means which Jesus talked about in Luke 21. May God bless your meditations on the Scriptures with a sanctifying benefit.

Bible Question: please give me the references for SHADOWS and PARABLES regarding Little Flock and Great Multitude, and give me strong reference for the ’great multitude belongs to heavenly salvation not earthly salvation’.

The best evidence that the Great Company is a spiritual class is found in Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands:
John saw a great company, out of all nations and kindreds and peoples and tongues--not an elect number, not a fixed number, but one which no man could compute, being a number which no man knoweth. In the treatment that they must undergo, it is shown that these must wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and they will stand before the Throne, instead of sitting in the Throne. They will have everlasting life, but not immortality. Only the Little Flock, the Bride class, will have immortality.
The Bride class will be counted worthy to escape the trouble coming on the world. They will keep their garments unspotted from the world. If there comes a spot or wrinkle, they go immediately to the Throne of Heavenly Grace, and find mercy and help and cleansing in time of need.
We see that there will be two classes--the Little Flock and the Great Company. All of these were typified in the first-borns of Israel, who were spared, or passed over, in the night when Israel left Egypt. So all these will be of the Church of the First-borns. But a part of these will attain the Divine nature as the Bride of Christ, and a part will attain everlasting life, similar to the everlasting life that the angels possess.
There are several pictures of the Great Company throughout the scriptures. The first is found in Gen. 24, when Isaac selects a bride. Isaac represents Jesus, Rebekkah reprensents the Little Flock, and the damsels her companions that accompany her are the Great Company. Gen. 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, ad they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. Rebekah journeys to meet her bridegroom accompanied by her damsels, or maids. This pictures the two classes of those during their earthly experie nce as theyjourney to their heavenly bridegroom.
Psalm 45, also shows this picture of the bride (Little Flock) and her virgin companions(The great company.) Psa. 45:14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
Matt. 25:1,2, Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meeet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. All ten are virgins indicating that they are justified by Jesus sacrifice. The ten wise represent the faithful little flock, the five foolish represent the great company the careless class.
Another type of the Great company are Lev. 16:8-10, And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat.The Lord’s goat pictures the little flock which is willingly sacrificed for a sin offering. The scapegoat pictures the great company which is forced to die in the wilderness.

Bible Question: What is the Bible reference where it says God cannot look upon sin? My question pertains to Christ’s remarks on the Cross when He asked his Father "why have you forsaken me?"

 
ANSWER
You are correct in linking the fact that God can not look upon sin with Jesus’ words. In Jesus’ question, “Why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) he could feel that Jehovah’s communication to him was not there. Jehovah deals only with perfect things, and at that moment, Jesus had become "sin." 2Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." The word "sin" in this verse is "sin offering" in the original Greek, as Jesus took the place of sinful man at that moment. Another scripture also states "Made a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13)--cut off from life, treated as the sinner, as our substitute. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so was it that the man Christ Jesus would be lifted up upon the cross as our sin-offering.
PLAN OF GOD
Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. As God created man, he was good-- "very good" --perfect. (Genesis 1:31 – “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good….”) God being perfect, could give only a perfect law for the government of his creatures. That perfect law, in brief, was obedience to his will. God made one penalty for violators of his just law: It was that such being should be deprived of existence-- "Dying thou shalt die"--"dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." (Genesis 2:17; and 3:19.) This was not unjust on God’s part. We may see, as God does, that anything short of perfect obedience to his perfect will and law, would create trouble and general discord not only to the sinner, but to all associated with him; therefore, it is a merciful provision for the good of all God’s creatures, that "the wages of sin is death…." (Romans 6:23)
Adam violated God’s law and thus came under the penalty. The scriptures tell us “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12). In Psalms 89:14 we read, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” (NIV) The penalty could not be remitted, because it was just, and to remit it would be for God to act unjustly. It was not too severe a penalty, for God is too wise to err. But what about love and faithfulness? The quality of love in God’s character is exemplified in His plan of redemption which centers upon Jesus. It is expressed in the familiar scripture John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Both Old and New Testament scriptures assure us that God is faithful - “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) and “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
This plan of redemption is also encapsulated in 1 Timothy 2:3-6, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” It is God’s plan to have ALL men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. It was His son, Jesus, who paid the ransom for ALL, which will be testified to in due time. That is evidence will be given, clearly proving (see Strong’s concordance and Webster’s dictionary) that Jesus was the means by which salvation will come to all. We read in 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” The word “ransom” can be defined as “…price paid for the redemption of a prisoner or slave,…or… the price paid for a forfeited life…” Jesus willingly laid down his life, he paid the price for Adam’s disobedience – a human life. The Apostle Paul elaborates upon this point in numerous places – the following are but two:
- 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 - “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
- Romans 5:17, 18 – “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”
Jesus shared his Father’s plan to “…ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death:…” (Hosea 13:14) Jesus was faithful in his covenant (or promise) unto death and was rewarded by his Father – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2), “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) That faithfulness included experiencing the feeling of alienation from God – as Adam was banished from the Garden of Eden, and no longer enjoyed the fellowship with the Father. God can not look upon sin as we read in Habakkuk 1:13 - “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:…”

Bible Question: can you please explain deuteronomy chater 18 verse 9-12 where it says causes his sons or daughters to dance through the fire?

Debbie, serious question! But we are not sure where you got the idea or translation of “dance through the fire” from Deut. 18:10.  “PASS THROUGH THE FIRE.” It appears that all the standard translations (KJV, NAS, NIV, RSV, ASV, ROTH, etc.) have “pass through the fire.” The Hebrew for “pass through” is verified by Strong’s Concordance, #5674, as `abar (aw-bar’); a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative. (Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
CHILDREN BURNT IN FIRE TO THE GODS. But what was being warned against as the children of Israel came into Canaan is that they should not worship the local gods, such as Molech, by passing their children (their “seed” through the fire). Some have postulated that it merely meant a simple rite of consecration to the idol, passing between two large fires as a kind of purification. This rite may have first occurred. But the scriptures are clear that it was an “abomination” what the people of the land were doing in burning their children in worship to their gods. Deut 12:31 “Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.”
GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE LAND OF CANAAN. Because of these abominations in the land of Canaan, God exercised His judgment on these people through His people Israel. Israel was commanded under the leadership of Joshua to conquer the Land by destroying and dispossessing the people. Deut 18:12 “For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” Under the leadership of Joshua they were to conquer the Land. Josh 3:10 “And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.”
CANAANITES AND SODOMITES DESTROYED FOR THEIR “GOOD.” Unfortunately, the Israelites compromised and were consequently influenced from time to time by the abominable idolatry of the inhabitants of the Land who were not destroyed. But God used the Israelites to conquer Canaan as He saw good—just as God Himself destroyed the Sodomites “as I saw good” (Ezek. 16:50). How was it for their “good”? Both the Sodomites and the Canaanites actually will come back as “daughters” to Israel under an “everlasting covenant” of life and blessing. Ezek 16:61 “. . .and I will give them [Sodom and her daughters,” vs. 46] unto thee [Samaria, Israel] for daughters, but not by thy [old Law] covenant. The Sodomites and Canaanites were mercifully interrupted in their downward spiral into abominable sins so that they will have better opportunity to be recovered in Christ Jesus’ Kingdom on earth.
MODERN DATE CANAANITES OFFERING THEIR CHILDREN. Unfortunately today we have modern-day “Canaanites” who offer their children to their god Allah. (They are not lineal descendants of the Canaanites, but only perhaps culturally related with a similar mentality.) Moslems prepare their children from a very young age to become “suicide bombers” and take great satisfaction (and also some monetary payment) when their children commit suicide—and kill some Jews with them. Hopefully, the children programmed from earliest childhood to hate the Jews will still be able to come up to Jerusalem in Christ’s Kingdom to learn about the “God of Jacob” and submit to the program of restoration and peace.
Isa 2:2-4 “The mountain of the house of the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it. 3 And many peoples will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. NAS
ABOMINABLE TEACHING ASCRIBED TO OUR GOD. What is even more abominable through the centuries is how most Christians have ascribed to our loving and just God an eternity of burning hell for unbelievers! (Most of earth’s billions are unbelievers.) Is Satan to be believed and not God? The “father of lies” Satan told Adam, “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4)—after God said, “In the day that thou eatest there thou shall surely die” (Gen. 2:17). Ezek 18:4 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die..” Is the penalty death—or life somewhere else? 1 Cor 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Whether of the “first fruits” (James 1:18) or the world of mankind—our eternity depends on the resurrection! Our God of love would never burn or torture anyone for eternity.

Bible Question: Well, from my understand god creating the world in six days? Dinosaurs lived for thousands of years. Where were they when god created the man on the 6th day?

We agree with you that it doesn’t make sense that dinosaurs could have lived for thousands of years before man if the creative days were 24-hour periods. Our understanding is that the Bible teaches each creative day was 7,000 years, and the whole creative week was 49,000 years. Therefore, dinosaurs could have been around for many years before man was created at the end of the 6th creative day.

The concept behind the creative day equaling 7000 years comes from calculating Bible chronology, which demonstrates that from the creation of Adam to Christ’s 1000 year reign is 6000 years. Then we are told Christ’s reign is 1000 years. Therefore, the last creative day (in which God rested, man was created, and the work of restoring mankind to his perfection lost is given to Christ to accomplish) is 7000 years.

This chronology can be found at:
http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0086.htm

Having established that the last creative day is 7000 years, it is reasonable that the previous 6 creative days were also 7000 years each. This concept is based on the Jewish sabbath system of 6 days labor and 1 day rest.

We also find this concept shown when Jesus said he was Lord of the sabbath (Matt. 12:8). Jesus healed on the sabbath in order to picture that on the great Sabbath (the last 1000 years of the seventh 7000-year Creative Day, the Millennium) he would heal the whole world. Rev. 20 clearly states the antitypical Sabbath would be 1000 years, so we can conclude that 6 "days" of labor under sin and death came before it.

The 1000 years of Christ’s reign is mentioned specifically in Rev. 20, Psa. 90, and 2 Peter 3. In Psalm 90:3 the whole 7000 years of man’s fall into sin and their restoration is summarized: "Thou turnest man to destruction;and sayest, Return, ye children of men." In Psa. 90:4 the whole 7000 years is stated to be, in God’s timing, days of 1000 years length: "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."

In 2 Peter 3 the context is the return of Jesus for the day of judgment (vs. 7). In the day of judgment, the old order will be replaced by Christ’s new order (vs. 10). Verse 8 is letting us know the judgment day is to be 1000 years.

It should be noted that there are different "days" in the Bible. Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness are called a day in Heb. 3:8. The last creative day of 7000 years is called a day in Heb. 4:4. So 2 Peter 3:8 is specifically telling us that the judgment day, the Millennium, the day of the Lord is 1000 years. All these scriptures are clarifying the concept of the 1000-year day in regard to the sabbath system.

Bible Question: Where is this in the Bible? For the creation itself will be a witness to everyone on earth so that they have no excuse so as not to believe.

You may be thinking of Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
This scripture indicates that nature itself testifies to the existence of God. In a way, there are two Bibles issued from the same Divine Author; the Bible of the unwritten word, and the Bible of the written word. Or we may look at it as one bible in two volumes, the volume of Nature and the volume of Scripture; and the first volume is the second volume illustrated.
Ignorance and superstition in the world are not the fault of God. Rom 1:21 Because that , when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Men began to disregard God’s laws soon after the fall of man. The heathen quickly replaced the true God with worship of wood and stone. Only the faithful like Noah and his lineage through Abraham retained God in their thoughts.
It is interesting to look at a concordance and see how many times God identifies himself as the creator of all that exists. This is his fingerprint, so to speak, which may be traced in everything in which has been created in heaven and earth. Isa. 42:5, Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it and spirit to them that walk therein:

Bible Question: what ia the meaning of the four beasts of Revelation?

First, take a look at a different translation -- the New American says: Rev 4:6 "and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind." The “living creatures” is symbolic, and is not a real creature. The Book of Revelation is written in symbols. It tells us so right at the introduction of the book “he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Revelation 1:1) According to Thayers( a Greek dictionary) the word “signified” means to give a sign. Some of the illustrations in Revelation would be absurd if taken literally.
“Living Creatures” is the correct thought in Revelation 4:7. When beast is used in other places in Revelation it is from a different Greek word and means a dangerous animal. So whatever “Living Creatures” means it would illustrate something positive and active.
From the context of the chapter we suggest that the scene is in heaven. Verse 1 mentions “a door (view or insight) was opened in heaven. Verse 2 says “A throne was set in heaven.” Verse 4,5 and 6 mention” round about the throne,” “out of the throne,” and “in the midst of the throne.” Who is the one sitting on this throne? Verse 8 helps us here and is a key to then unlock the rest of the chapter because the “Living creatures” are saying to the one on the throne “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come.” Also verse 11 mentions some bowing down before the throne saying “Thou art worth, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” The chapter itself shows that God is the one that is sitting on this throne and these living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to God.
Which brings us to the question what could these Living Creatures be? Since there are no nations in heaven we would like to suggest that these represent the attribute of God. See the following interpretive understanding of this passage that is consistent with the rest of the Bible and with the symbols of Revelation.
6. And before the throne [in the arrangement of the divine government] there was a sea of glass [an eternal fixity] of glass [purity] like unto crystal: and in the midst [central fundamental principles] of the throne [divine government], and round about the throne, were four beasts [living creatures, four attributes of God] full of eyes before and behind [far-seeing in wisdom extending before his creations and afterward maintaining his integrity].
7. And the first beast [living creature, attribute] was like a lion [justice], and the second beast [living creature, attribute] was like a calf [young ox, power], and the third beast [living creature, attribute] had a face as a man [love], and the fourth beast [living creature, attribute] was like a flying eagle [active far-seeing wisdom].
8. And the four beasts [living creatures, attributes] had each of them six wings [with two wings God maintains his sovereignty, with two other wings he protects his subjects, and with the last two he carries forth his plan] about him, and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9. And when those four beasts [living creatures, attributes] give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne [seat of divine government], who liveth for ever and ever
If you would like a further insight into the book of Revelation we have a booklet on our web site “Revelation: How to study it and have it make sense” Just click on Bible Topics and Revelation will be listed near the bottom. A link is provided for your convenience.
http://www.biblestudents.com/BibleTopics.cfm

Bible Question: explain balm in Gilead

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for
your question concerning the balm in Gilead. We read this statement from the
prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 20: 22)

20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For
the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment
hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician
there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

So what is the thought behind - No balm in Gilead – We might understand the
prophet to be saying that there is no consolation for the wounded spirits on
the battlefield of life. That is there are no human remedies that will cure
the malady of human depravity & the pain and sorrow that is part of the
death process (the curse upon mankind).

But for the Christian it is different, he must not be disappointed and allow
his faith to falter when his outward peace and quietness which he craves
tarries long. Our Father has not forgotten us when the answer to our prayers
seems to be delayed. Outward peace and calm are not always the conditions
best suited to our needs as New Creatures; and we would not desire
conditions in which the precious fruits of the Spirit would not grow and
develop in us.

Therefore, "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which shall try
you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice." (1 Peter
4:12,13.)

He who numbers the very hairs of our heads is never indifferent to the
sufferings and needs of His weakest and humblest child. Oh, how sweet is the
realization of such loving, abiding care! "When He giveth quietness, who
then can make trouble?"

In every sorrow and grief the saints have a blessed consolation of which the
world is wholly in ignorance. What is this consolation? It is the precious
balm of Gilead for wounded spirits on the battle-field of life; it is the
stimulating, refreshing drink for fainting souls, hard pressed by the
relentless foe. It is the gentle whisper of hope and love and courage when
heart and flesh are almost failing. This is Divine consolation, the only
consolation that has in it any virtue of healing or refreshment. It is
reserved alone for those noble souls who are faithfully bearing the burden
and heat of the day in the service of the King of kings; while those who
listlessly drift with the current of the world and the downward tendencies
of the carnal nature can never have an intimation of its sweetness. How
loving and tender is our God, and how wise and strong! His promises have
never failed those who have put their trust in Him.

Bible Question: Can religion and church membership help you go to heaven?

Accepting Jesus as your savior is the way to gain salvation. Gathering with those “of like precious Faith” will be a means to assist you to be faithful. No Scripture teaches us to have a church membership. 2 Pet 1:1-3 But the Scriptures do admonish Christians to have close fellowship around the Bible teachings. Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. Jesus told us to follow him (not a Church organization or a man). Luke 9:23 Paul, one of the twelve appointed apostles, admonished Christians to only follow him to the extent that he followed Jesus. 1 Cor 11:1 Paul also reminded the Christian to remember that Jesus was the authority for the Church. “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Cor 1:12-13
The “Christian Church” is not made up of memberships in specific denomination(s) but is a “little flock” (Luke 12:32) that has been gathered by the Lord from around the world over the last 2000 years since its founding at Pentecost as recorded in Acts. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling..” Eph 4:4 The True Church is made up of those called and consecrated to His Cause. Rom 8:17, Psa 50:5
The Bible encourages the “called” to seek fellowship with likeminded: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest (Jesus glorified) over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb 10:19-25
We encourage you to seek fellowship with those who point you to the Scriptures and follow the examples set up by our Lord at the First Advent and recorded in the Gospels and book of Acts. The Bible Study book entitled The New Creation is a place for you to begin a study of Christian fellowship and the teachings set forth in the early church. Study 5, "THE ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW CREATION", is a good place to start a personal study. http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0143.htm

Bible Question: how to deal with the pressures of life?

Michael,
“For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
What it means is that our spiritual strength and freedom from the pressures of life comes from understanding God’s plan of salvation and doing those things that show that we are in harmony with Him and His plan. When we do those things, we enter into a rest that revives us. 1 Pet 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Peace -- the opposite of worry:
Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Each Christian, in proportion to his or her knowledge and faith, will have rest and peace within themselves. “We which believe do enter into rest.” The perfect time of rest for Christians comes when we submit our all to the Lord, accepting joyfully his promised guidance through a “narrow way” to the Kingdom. There we rest from our own works, from all effort to justify ourselves. There, we confess ourselves to be imperfect and unworthy of Divine grace, and unable to make ourselves worthy. There we gratefully accept Divine mercy extended toward us in the redemption which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But this rest we have entered into is not our ultimate rest. A permanent rest awaits us: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.... Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Heb. 4:9-11) Christians will enter into that rest when they experience their resurrection change, when they will enter into the joys of their Lord.
The word Sabbath signifies rest or peace, and, therefore, its deeper significance was to lead the Jew to Christ and have the burden of the Law lifted. No Jew was able to gain life under the Law Covenant, but by becoming dead to the Law, he was privileged to come into membership in Christ—become a sharer in the covenant of sacrifice. (Rom. 7:4-6 and Psa. 50:5) So doing, he was promised rest from the Law and its condemnation, because “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1) Indeed, the merit of Christ covers the shortcomings of all those who are striving to walk in his steps, and the Scriptures give them the assurance of Divine favor, ushering them into peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Bible Question: Are there miracles at this Christian age period of Bible history, or not?

DEFINITIONS. The meaning of what a “miracle” is should probably first to be defined—so we are all talking about the same concept! There are two Greeks words used in the New Testament that are translated as “miracles.” They both signify supernatural power:
Strong’s #4592
semeion (say-mi’-on); neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of NT:4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:
#4591 semaino (say-mah’-ee-no); from sema (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate. (Eg. John 2:11, 23; 3:2; Rev. 13:14, etc.)
Strong’s #1411
dunamis (doo’-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):
#1410 dunamai (doo’-nam-ahee); of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible: (Eg. Acts 2:22; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 29; Heb. 2:4)
PROVIDENCE. Some would understand a “miracle” to be a violation of the laws of nature. But we would understand that all the forces of nature are under Divine control in ways we cannot understand or fully explain. In this sense of the word, we have miracles all around us every day. These “miracles” may be providences related to God’s people: For example, if God did not think a certain Christian was ready to finish his earthly walk and still had some lessons to learn and character to develop—He might providentially or “miraculously” prevent unexplainably the plane not crashing even though there were serious mechanical problems.
INTRODUCTION. But Jesus at his first advent performed miracles to illustrate his power and draw attention to his ministry. Our Lord’s remark, “Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe” (John 4:48) implies that the highest order of faith would be that which would not require such tangible demonstrations of divine power. While he healed many, Jesus did not miraculously heal and raise from the dead the many others. But miracles were necessary then and the early infant Church for the introduction of the Gospel message.
PICTURE. Most—if not all—Jesus’ miracles were performed on the Sabbath. These miracles were a picture how the “Lord of the Sabbath” would be raising the dead and healing all the sick in his Kingdom for which we pray. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That will be the time when “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. . .And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:5, 6, 10).
GREATER GIFTS. Apostle Paul explained the various “spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:1) and “working of miracles” (vs. 10) in the early Church would be supplanted by “greater gifts” of the holy spirit, that is, fruits of the spirit as encapsulated in “Love” (1 Corinthians 13)— :
1 Corinthians 12:28-31; 13:1-2
“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. . .” (NAS)
So the gifts and miracles in the Early Church were to be supplanted by the more important development of all the fruits of the spirit of Love.
END TIMES. One more consideration on miracles is during these End Times. We are living in a time when apparently in order to hold his dominion, the great Adversary Satan is going into the healing business. Through spirit mediums and some preachers, Satan is making a bid for power in the world. Apostle Paul warned that the coming of Jesus would be accompanied by the “work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9 NIV) So while much of what might be passed off as “miracles” today might be deception and fraud—it is also possible that some instances represent fallen angel or demon power.

Bible Question:
Who were the 7 heads and 10 horns of Rome of Daniel?

LITTLE HORN OF FOURTH TERRIBLE BEAST OF DANIEL. Actually, the outspoken “little horn” which plucks up three others appears in the Book of Daniel (7:8) on the fourth “terrible beast.” This had ten horns and represents Pagan Rome. Certainly we know that the “Holy Roman Empire” emerged from the fourth universal empire, the Pagan Roman Empire. As you know, horns represent different divisions of power. As this “little horn” rose in influence, three of the divisions, horns or powers of the Roman Empire (the Heruli, the Eastern Exarchate and the Ostrogoths)—were plucked out of the way to make room for Papacy’s establishment as a civil power or “horn.” (See more details on our link http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0098.htm.)
LEOPARD BEAST OF REVELATION. But there is a clear identity connection between this “little horn” with the Leopard Beast of Revelation 13—because they do the same things. What began as a division of power as a “little horn” out of Pagan Rome became a Beast, a government, on its own!
Daniel 7 - “Little Horn” Revelation 13 - Leopard Beast
Vs, 7 “a mouth speaking great things” Vs. 5 “mouth speaking great things and blasphemies”
Vs. 21 “made war with saints” Vs. 7 “made war with the saints”
The Leopard Beast’s deadly wound that was “healed (vs. 3) would refer to the Protestant Reformation. It helped a “little,” but was overcome with “ flatteries.” (Dan. 11:34)
CONSTANTINE THROUGH CHARLEMAGNE. Actually the plucking up of the three horns happened centuries before (“charlemane”?) Charlemagne. (Perhaps you were thinking of Constantine?) Constantine was the first to recognize the Christian Church in 313 A.D. with his Edict of Toleration. Under Valentinian’s era, the Church persecuted through civil power. But it was Justinian in 539 A.D. who not only recognized the Bishop of Rome, but defeated the Ostrogoths in Italy, thus ensconcing the Pope in Rome. Finally, it was Charlemagne who began the right to crown kings, thus commencing the 1,000-year counterfeit Kingdom of Christ, the “Holy Roman Empire.” (See more details on our link: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0093.htm.)
Number of Head Emperor Ch. 13
Leopard Beast
1 Constantine  Church recognized by civil powers (313)*
2 Valentinian Church persecutes through civil power (364)*
3 Justinian Church Bishop (Pope) rules from Rome (539) as "Pontifex Maximus"
4 Charlemagne Church leadership (Pope) crowns kings (800)

Bible Question: In the seventy weeks of Daniel the Chapter 9 verse 26 I need help to where the three score and two weeks start and finish I believe the Messiah being cut is the death of Jesus it’s the starting period of that verse that I need advise on.

God many times hides prophecy so it may be revealed only to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. This is the case in Daniel 9:24-27, the prophecy of Jesus first advent.
(Dan 9:24) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
(Dan 9:25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
(Dan 9:26) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
(Dan 9:27) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The prophecy of 70 weeks is a period of 490 years beginning in 454 B.C.from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem. The ending of the 70 weeks was 36 AD. The last week or 70th week is the significant part of the prophecy. Jesus presented himself to the nation of Israel at the beginning of the 70th week which was 29 AD.
Your question was, when was the 62 week, but this is not an important date it was simply one of the weeks which add up to bring us to the last week, the 70th week. In order to understand verse 26 you must look at verse 25 and 26 together. The calculation of 69 weeks is stated as seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks. With that in mind when the prophet says after threescore and two weeks, we must automatically include the 7 weeks from verse 25. Therefore the prophet is not pointing to the 62 week but the 69th week which will bring us to the 70th week.
To further illustrate the prophecy:
7 weeks + 62 weeks =69 weeks (which brings us to the last week the 70th week.)
after 62 weeks would mean after the 69th week because the 7 weeks is automatically included.
The last week of the prophecy (the 70th week) is the last week of favor to the Jewish nation. It begins with Jesus presenting himself to them as their messiah. The week consisted of 7 years (a day for a year). It began in 29 Ad. when Jesus presented himself to John the Baptist to begin his ministry. The midst of the week was 3 1/2 years afterward in 33 AD. It was in this year that Jesus was crucified. 3 1/2 years later the week ended in 36AD . At this time the 70 weeks of special favor to the Jew ended and the Gospel was opened to the Gentiles.

Bible Question: how long did it take noah to build the ark?

There is not a direct scripture , except indirectly found in Gen 6:3, stating that the fallen angels were given a 120 years, when you read Gen 6th chapter you will find that is the reason why Noah built the ark.
Noah’s family was singled out as exceptional, in the statement, "Now Noah was <perfect in his generation>"—implying that few or no others were perfectly generated--of pure Adamic
stock. (`Genesis 6:9`.) Noah’s family, therefore, included all the uncontaminated--only eight persons. They, by Divine command, built the Ark, and thus witnessed to the world the Divine intention respecting a Deluge
While the Ark was being Prepared The disloyal course of the angels apparently continued
for centuries without any outward manifestation of God’s ability to check them. Thus all the holy angels we retested, and all who chose "were disobedient in the days of
Noah."--`1 Peter 3:20`.
Noah’s message respecting a Divine judgment by a Deluge seemed ridiculous. Until the Deluge there was no rain. The last of the great "rings" which then flooded the Earth was of
pure water. For centuries it was spread out over the firmament. The whole Earth was a great hothouse. There were practically no changes of seasons, nor storms, because the great
water canopy preserved it in perpetual Summer. Of that period we read: "For as yet there was no rain on the Earth." (`Genesis 2:5.`) Noah, the preacher of righteousness, was mocked and considered a fool because of his faith in God’s Word, just as others of the Lord’s people at various times have been mocked by those who lacked faith, and are yet mocked.
Food for thought
Why did Jesus in Matt 24, talk about Noah ?
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noah [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Did you ever look the meaning of the work coming?
Why the comparison of the days of Noah to the days of Jesus coming?

Bible Question: Daniel’s dream, great image, 5th universal empire
What is the meaning of Daniel 7:7-28 mean?
 

In Daniel the 7th chapter, Daniel was given a dream; this dream was a
prophetic picture of the four universal empires that ruled over the world,
Babylon, Medeo Persia, Greece and Rome (four great beasts).

Throughout the bible we see that the bible interprets itself, so when we
come to Dan 7:16; we read,

“I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all
this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17
These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of
the earth.”

Then we read of the 5th universal empire, God’s kingdom on earth which will
never end -(Dan 7:18) But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the
kingdom forever, even forever and ever.

This is a very exciting prophecy that teaches us that although God allowed
evil governments to reign he will not allow it forever. After man has
learned his lesson under the dominion of oppressive governments he will be
prepared for the blessings under God’s kingdom of righteousness.

Bible Question: Does the greek word stauro mean cross, or stake.

 
stauro-, staur- (Greek: upright stake; hence, “rood, cross”; cross-shaped, crosslike, crossed).
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says, "STAUROS denotes, primarily, an upright pole or stake ... Both the noun and the verb stauroo, to fasten to a stake or pole, are originally to be distinguished from the ecclesiastical form of a two-beamed cross.
The literal word from Vine’s definition seems to indicate a stake was used, but it does not negate the possibility of a cross piece being used on that stake since it was the Roman practice.
Roman traditions. They used a stake with a cross piece. Thus the idea of a cross.
We also know that crucifixion was the Roman form of punishment for vile criminals and Jesus was sentenced under Pilate the Roman Governor (at the insistence of the Jewish religious leaders).
John 19:13-18
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. 16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away. 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

Bible Question: Will you please explain Revelations 20 Verse 5?
 "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."

Most Biblical scholars are agreed that the first sentence of this text is an interpolation, or spurious, meaning it was not originally in the book of Revelation. There are many passages found in the modern translations that were additions, which do not properly belong in the Bible. Since we are told not to add to the Word of God, it is our duty to recognize as spurious such additions.

Sometimes additions were made by copyists who were trying to improve on what they thought the text should say, and sometimes it was just a simple mistake.

If we left out the spurious part, the verses preceding would easily flow together, speaking about the faithful followers of Christ, the Church class, who will receive the heavenly reward in the first resurrection:
(Rev. 20:4) "...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Rev 20:5) This is the first resurrection."

Although the world of mankind will be raised to life during the 1000 years of Christ’s reign (that is the purpose of his reign), we can still explain this text if someone insists those words should be there because the world will not live again in the full sense of perfection, as Adam had, until the 1000 years are finished. It will take the full 1000 years to perfect and test mankind to see if they are worthy to inherit eternal life.

Raising people to life will be a momentary work. But resurrecting (full raising up) people to perfection will be a gradual work, lasting 1000 years. So although the words "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished" are most likely not part of the inspired Bible, it would be strictly true to say that the rest of the dead will not live again (will not regain the fulness of life lost) until the thousand years of restitution and blessing are complete.

Bible Question: WOULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT THE GREAT COMMISSION MEANS.
 

Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples numerous times over a period of forty days. This time period was used to fortify the disciples’ faith in Jesus and open their understanding of the scriptures. He instructed them in the law of Moses and the prophets - as expressed in the following scriptures:
Luke 24:44-48 - "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." As this time of special instruction drew to a close, he assembled the disciples to share parting thoughts often referred to as the great commission. Although noted in Luke and in Acts, it is most commonly summarized in Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The commission divides itself into three parts: (1) "teach all nations;" (2) "baptizing them;" (3) "teaching them." In the first portion of verse 19, direction is given to "teach" all nations. If we look closer at this word we find it to mean "to become a pupil" or "to disciple; enroll as a scholar". Was this to mean covert all nations? These words, if taken alone, could well be interpreted in that manner. However, this instruction was given at the close of the earthly ministry of Jesus and must harmonize with earlier teachings. Let us look at a few of those precepts. Matthew 24:14 tells us - "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;…" In Matthew 7:14 we read, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." and further we find "for many be called, but few chosen." (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). Jesus himself did not want to convert the world as we read in Mark 4:11-12, "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them." In fact the word "church" in the New Testament is the Greek word "ekklesia" which means "that which is called out" (see Young’s Concordance). Jesus was looking for disciples with "ears to hear" (Mark 4:9), a "little flock" (Luke 12:32) to become his "church", "his body" (Colossians 1:18,24). He defined this discipleship, saying, "If any man will come after Me [be My disciple], let him deny himself [set himself aside, ignore himself, his talent, his will, his wealth, his everything-discipleship first], and let him take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24). The Apostle Peter confirms this reasoning in Acts 15:14 - "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name." The Living Bible translation perhaps better expresses this first point - "Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19).

The second portion of the commission refers to "baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". What does that mean? It is important to note that it is not into a denomination or sect, nor is it referring to water baptism. "Into the name of" signifies into accord with, into fellowship with. All of Christ’s disciples are to recognize the Father’s name as standing for righteousness; and they are to become dead to every other principle than that which His name represents, and to be thoroughly immersed into that name of righteousness, justice, truth. Water baptism is a symbol of the true baptism which Paul describes in Romans 6:3-5, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"

In the third part of the commission (verse 20) we read "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you". The word "teaching" in this verse differs from the word "teach" in verse 19. In this reference the meaning is "to teach or learn" (see Strong’s concordance) through instruction. Let us look to the scriptures for this instruction. In Genesis we learn of God’s promise to bless ALL the nations of the earth through Abraham’s seed - "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:17-18) Paul writes in the third chapter of Galatians "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ….
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ… And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (3:16,27,29) This is part of the understanding to which Jesus opened the disciples’ eyes. If Christ and his followers are Abraham’s seed, then who are they to bless? Paul alludes to part of the answer in Hebrews 11:39,40 when after listing many of the faithful servants of old he concludes with "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Other scriptures tell us "all the nations of the earth" - all those who believe not, whose eyes and minds have been blinded by the "god of this world" - 2 Corinthians 4:4 - "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

As we seek to follow Jesus’ example, may we consider his words in Luke 4:18,19 as he quoted Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." May these words guide our efforts to fulfill the great commission.

Bible Question:
Were the devil and arch angel Michael warring over Moses’ bones when Michael threw the devil out of heaven?

We are assuming you are referring to Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7-9. To our understanding, these are two different occasions.
MICHAEL CONTENDED WITH THE DEVIL ABOUT BODY OF MOSES. In disputing “about the body of Moses,” Michael the archangel contended with the devil close to the time when Moses died. Jude 9 “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you” (NAS) As you may know, “Michael” signifies “who as God,” or one representing God. Who else but the Logos—Jesus in his pre-human existence—could be more “as God”? Satan desired to have the corpse of Moses to use it for the further misleading of the people, who might worship it as a mummy—which might become a temptation to idolatry. But God miraculously hid the body of Moses.
MICHAEL LEFT JUDGMENT OF DEVIL TO GOD. It’s an interesting lesson for us too that the Logos himself did not make a judgment even on Satan, but left that in God’s hands and in His times. According to the Bible, Satan will be bound during the Thousand Years and then destroyed at the conclusion of the “Little Season” (Rev. 20:1-3, 10) But at that time, the Logos contended for what was right, but left the final judgment to God. How often we contend with others—even Christians—and sentence them to judgments for which we have no right to do!
MICHAEL FOUGHT AGAINST DRAGON. Revelation 12 actually is a key to understanding the whole book of Revelation as it describes the progress of the whole Christian Age from beginning to its end—including the time Michael and his angels fought against the dragon in heaven” (vs. 7), Furthermore, as you may understand, the Book of Revelation is written in symbolic language as denoted in the first verse, Revelation 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him to point out unto his servants the things which must needs come to pass with speed,—and he showed them by signs sending through his messenger unto his servant John. . .” (Rotherham).
WOMAN WITH A CROWN OF TWELVE STARS IN TRAVAIL. So when Revelation 12 talks about a “dragon,” “twelve stars,” a “woman,” a “tail” and a “horn—and even “Michael”—they have to be decoded from their symbolic signs. The other times in Jude and Daniel (10:13, 21; 12:1) “Michael” was referred to, it was not in a symbolic context. Briefly, the “woman” we would suggest is the Early Church who had "a crown of twelve stars” as the twelve Apostles, her guiding lights. She was clothed with the Gospel light of the “sun” and stood on the “moon” which was a symbol of the reflective light of the Law which pointed forward to Jesus and his Church. But inside the Early Church also Paul says even in his day was festering “the mystery of iniquity.” See 2 Thessalonians 2:7 - “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work…”
MAN CHILD IS MICHAEL WHO DISPLAYS HIMSELF “AS BEING GOD.” So the “man child” that came out of the Early church was the “man of sin” which was born in the ecclesiastical “heaven,” where the Red Dragon was! The Red Dragon was Pagan Rome—which not only ruled the “earth,” but also the “heaven,” the religious, spiritual (pagan) ruling powers of the day. But this Dragon was thrown out of the “heaven” and replaced in the struggle with the growing apostate Christian man child which wanted to “rule all nations with a rod of iron” (vs. 5). Who was this “Michael” who fought with the “dragon”? Jesus never had to “fight” with anybody for a place in “heaven.” This “Michael” (“who has God”) would be a false “Michael” claiming to be “as God”—
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NAS
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
Much, much more could be said—including why the “woman” fled to the wilderness for 1260 “days” when this “Michael” was ruling and rejoicing (vs. 10). But the "Michael" in Jude refers to Jesus in his pre-human existence, and the "Michael" of Revelation 12 refers to a false Christ--the antichrist.

Bible Question:
I am trying to understand the meaning or underlying meaning behind each of the plagues. What is the significance of each as it relates to levels of pain, order of occurrence, and conditions surrounding judgment on the Egyptians.

Dear Friend, interesting question! First we’ll start with an overview purpose of the plagues, then focus on your specific questions—and then possible important prophetic implications that are relevant to us as Christians at the end of the Age.
PLAGUES HARDENED PHARAOH’S HEART. When Moses announced to Pharaoh that God intended to deliver his “firstborn” Israel (Ex. 4:22) from slavery and bring them to the Land He had promised to their forefathers (Ex. 6:8)—God also knew Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened against letting them go (Ex. 4:21). Even though God planned to gradually “strike Egypt with all My miracles” — also called “wonders” and “signs” (Ex. 7:3; Psalm 105:27) — the increasing severity of the plagues and the intervals of mercy in between would only have the effect of making Pharaoh more resistant. Human nature can be like that! Eccl. 8:11 “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.”
THE PLAGUES, A JUDGMENT AGAINST EGYPT. The first three plagues were on all of Egypt, but the last seven did not affect the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived. As the plagues progressed in severity, they were specific judgments against Egypt: A judgment against the sacred Nile River; the various false “gods of Egypt” (Ex. 12:12), such as frogs; the worship of the elements (which failed with the downpour of hail); the murrain on the cattle directed against their Apis-worship by sacrificing cattle; the reversing of the Egyptian omen of throwing ashes into the air; the plague of darkness against the sun-god—and finally the death of the firstborn showing that in the hand of Jehovah alone was the life of all His creatures.
Ten Plagues on Egypt 
ON ALL EGYPT (1 – 3) 
1. BLOOD
(Ex. 7:13-25) This plague was doubly humiliating to the religion of the country, as the Nile was held sacred, as well as some kinds of its fish, not to speak of the crocodiles, which probably were destroyed. It may have been a marked reproof for the cruel edict that the Israelitish children should be drowned, and could scarcely have failed to strike guilty consciences as such, though Pharaoh does not seem to have been alarmed by it.
2. FROGS
(7:25; 8:1-15) This must have been an especially trying judgment to the Egyptians, as frogs were included among the sacred animals, probably not among those which were reverenced throughout Egypt, like the cat, but in the second class of local objects of worship, like the crocodile. The frog was sacred to the goddess Hekt, who is represented with the head of this reptile
3. LICE
(GNATS)
(Ex 8:16-19) The superstitious practice Egyptians throwing dust in the air for prosperity and benefit—became a mockery as Moses was instructed to strike the dust in the land which became lice (gnats): "Say to Aaron, ’Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt.’" And they did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt. And the magicians tried with their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast.”
NOT ON GOSHEN (4 – 10) 
4. FLIES
(SCARABS)
(Ex. 8:23-24) In the hot season the flies not only cover the food and drink,
but they torment the people by settling on their faces, and especially
round their eyes, thus promoting ophthalmia. Those who suppose it to have been a beetle (scarab) might draw attention to the great reverence in which that insect was held among the sacred animals, and the consequent distress that the Egyptians would have felt at destroying it, even if they did so unintentionally.
5. MURRAIN
(Ex. 9:1-7) This plague would have been a heavy punishment to the Egyptians as falling upon their sacred animals of two of the kinds specified—the oxen and the sheep—but it would have also been most felt in the destruction of their most useful beasts.
6. BOILS
(Ex. 9:8-12) One species of boils which seized upon the legs and knees, and was regarded as incurable, was peculiar to Egypt, and was hence called “the botch of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 28:27, 35). This eruption had a tendency to break out into larger swellings and became probably the disease called elephantiasis, a disease said to be peculiar to Egypt, or the black leprosy, a disease which also affects cattle.
7. HAIL
(Ex. 9:13-35) The character of this and the following plagues must be carefully examined, as the warning seems to indicate an important turning-point. The ruin caused by the hail was evidently far greater than that effected by any of the earlier plagues. It destroyed men which those others seem not to have done, and not only men, but beasts and the produce of the earth. Pharaoh for the first time acknowledged his wickedness.
8. LOCUSTS
(Ex 10:1-20) This plague has not the unusual nature of the one that preceded it,
but it even exceeds it in severity, and so occupies its place in the
gradation of the more terrible judgments that form the later part of the
series. it is impossible to imagine any more complete destruction
than that always caused by a swarm of locusts. Where they
alight they devour every green thing, even stripping the trees of their
leaves.
9. DARKNESS
(Ex 10:21-29)  The impossibility of moving about with the natural fear of darkness which affects beasts and birds as well as men (as in a total eclipse), this plague would have caused great suffering and distress. As worshippers of the Sun, this god was proven effete. The darkness was a terrible foreshadowing of the next great calamity of the death of the firstborns.
10.
DEATH OF FIRSTBORN The first-born of the Egyptians were smitten at midnight, as Moses had forewarned Pharaoh. “And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.” The clearly miraculous nature of this plague, in its severity, its falling upon man and beast, and the selective singling out of the firstborn, puts it wholly beyond comparison with any natural pestilence. The preeminence of the God of Israel in control ultimately of all life was certainly validated while the gods of were Egypt condemned.
ISRAEL, GOD’S FIRSTBORN CALLED OUT OF EGYPT. What happened to Israel was a lesson for us as Christians. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NAS) “Now these things happened to them [Israel] as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” Exodus 4:22-23 “Thus says the LORD," Israel is My son, My first-born. So I said to you, ’Let My son go, that he may serve Me.’” As a babe Jesus providentially was taken to Egypt to fulfill the prophecy about being called out of Egypt. Matthew 2:15 “And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” While Jesus is “the firstborn of all creation” (Col. 1:12-15), faithful Christians are the “Church of the firstborn enrolled in heaven” (Heb. 12:23-25). They also are called out of “Egypt”—the world. John 15:19 “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Just as Pharaoh was judged and finally destroyed—so Satan, “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), is judged and will be finally destroyed. “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out” (John 12:31). This is the big picture!
FIRSTBORN PASSED OVER DURING TENTH PLAGUE. Within Israel was another picture—a picture within a picture! In all the households of Israel during the tenth plague, of course, the “firstborn” were in particular jeopardy of the death angel. But since there was “the [lamb’s] blood upon the lintel” (Ex. 12:22-23; 13:2), they were passed over and not destroyed. Just so, the “firstborns” of Christians are now saved under the blood of Jesus Christ and passed over. Rom 5:9 “. . .being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” But the deliverance of the firstborn during the night was also a harbinger of the entire nation of Israel passing through the Red Sea in the morning under the cloud. 1 Cor 10:1 “Our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea. . .” What a wonderful picture of salvation not only now during the night of sin, but the deliverance of the whole world during he morning of God’s Kingdom under the leadership of Someone so much greater than Moses—Jesus Christ!
AFTER THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES. The “Seven Last Plagues” in the prophetic Book of Revelation (15:1; 16:1-21; 21:9) are “last” because they were preceded by three previous ones (9:1-21). They are symbolically poured out not on a literal Egypt, but on symbolic “Babylon.” Ancient literal Babylon, of course, is long ago destroyed, but “Babylon” is symbolic of the worldly nominal Church. God’s judgments will be poured out soon, and the system of error and hypocrisy will be destroyed. But the people who supported the “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Rev 17:5) will have an opportunity to accept Christ in his Kingdom on earth for which we pray. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Bible Question: Who were the two witness in Rev 11 . The Bible seems to say the two witness are Moses & Elisha by comparing Zechariah 4:10-14 and Malachi 4:1-6 and Matthew 17:4 What do you think?

Thank you for your inquiring on the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11:3. Yes, we would heartily agree and understand that the Bible is its own interpreter comparing “scripture with scripture.” Still we have to use context and judgment in interpreting and comparing any text to another. For example, we would not equate the “lion of the tribe of Judah” who is Jesus (Rev. 5:5 KJV) with the Satan, “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We understand that you are suggesting “Moses & Elisha” (you probably mean Moses and Elijah) appeared with Jesus in a vision on the mount of transfiguration as also being the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11:3? We trust with this additional consideration, what is posted will make more sense! Please consider the following:
TWO WITNESSES ARE SAME AS TWO OLIVE TREES. As you suggested, the “two witnesses” of Rev. 11:3 would certainly be parallel to the “two olive trees. . . which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves” in Zech. 4:12 because in the context Rev. 11:4 also adds: “These [“the two witnesses”] are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.” How then do the “two witnesses”—also described as “two olive trees”—prophesy?
FOR 1260 DAYS TWO WITNESSES PROPHESIED IN SACKCLOTH. In our context of Rev. 11:3, the “holy city shall be trod under foot for forty and two months” and at the same tim, “my two witnesses. . shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth” (Rev. 11:2). As you probably know, 42 months would compute to the same as 1260 days (42 x 30 days = 1260 days). During this time then, the “two witnesses” are prophesying in “sackcloth.” What does “sackcloth” indicate? Yes, it is a time of mourning and grief (eg. Gen. 37:4; 2 Sam. 3:31, etc.) In the same Book of Revelation, the same 1260 days is described. We see the “woman” who was crowned with the 12 Apostles as her guiding lights and clothed with the gospel “sun” had to flee to a “wilderness” where she was nourished for the same period of time: “a thousand two hundred and three score [1260] days.”
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. . . And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” (Rev. 12:1, 6)
1260 DAYS TWO WITNESSES PROPHESIED; 1260 DAYS ELIJAH IN WILDERNESS. The Prophet Elijah also fled from Jezebel into the wilderness for 1260 days and was nourished—first by the Brook Cherith by ravens, then by the widow (1 Kings 17). So, yes, certainly there would be a connection between Elijah and the 1260 days of the prophesying of the “two witnesses.” But during this time, Elijah’s prophesying ministry—to the people of Israel and before Jezebel and the false prophets of Baa—was actually interrupted. (During that time he was alone and fed by the ravens and then only housed by the widow and her son.) However, he was sustained and nourished in a “wilderness” just like the “woman” of Revelation 12 and for the same amount of time. See 1 Kings 17 and James 5:17 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months” [3 x 360 + 180 = 1260].
ELIJAH AND MOSES DIED IN FAITH. Now, as you know, “Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). Does this mean Jesus was wrong when he said, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man. . .” (John 3:13) Of course, not. There are three senses of “heaven.” [1] The first “heaven” is the earth’s atmosphere where birds fly (Gen. 1:20; Jer. 4:25; 34:20; Zeph. 1:3). [2] Another “heaven” is where the planets and stars exist (Gen. 1:14-17; 15:5; 26:4; Psalm 8:3; Jer. 8:2, etc.). [3] Where God and his sanctuary exist is in the “heaven of heavens” (Deut. 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27, etc.). Elijah was dramatically taken into the sky (as his life was a picture of the Gospel church), but he is not alive in approximation of God’s throne. But Elijah—with Moses, Abraham and all the faithful ancient worthies of old—died. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises. . .” (Heb 11:1-13) Moses too, though faithful, did not receive what was promised—because Jesus had not yet come; and his followers, his Church, were not all yet called and prepared (Heb 11:24-40):
“By faith Moses. . .forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. . . And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
THREE WITNESSES IN THE VISION ON MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION. On the Mount of Transfiguration, was it a vision of Moses and Elijah with Jesus that the Apostles saw? Or did they actually see Moses and Elijah as alive? “Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man. . .” (Matt 17:9) Jesus, of course, was alive and literally there, but his appearance was transformed. But the other two in the vision were not around after the vision ended. So the three together in this special event demonstrated the glory of God’s plan. Moses represented the “house of servants” during the Jewish Age; and Elijah represented the Church, the “woman” who endured persecution during the Christian Age, but was finally and gloriously delivered.
“And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” (Heb 3:5-6)
Jesus—to whom the whole Jewish Age pointed and on whom the whole Gospel Age is based—will reign gloriously in the Millennium of his Kingdom Age, the third Age represented in the Vision. These three were figures of the glory of God’s plan of salvation.
MOSES AND ELIJAH PRINCES “IN ALL THE EARTH.” In the Kingdom of Christ, yes, Moses, Elijah (and Abraham, Noah, Jacob, Rahab, Barak, David, etc.) instead of being our “fathers” in faith will be resurrected to be the “children” of the glorified, heavenly Church, the Bride of Christ—and “princes in all the earth.” As “children,” they will receive life from Jesus and his Church. As “princes,” they will rule over the earth as the earthly representatives of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
“ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. . . The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace. Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.” Psalm 45:10-17
“TWO OLIVE TREES” IN THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. So exactly who/what are the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11:3 who prophesy 1260 days and are compared to “two olive trees”? As you may know, the Book of Revelation is a symbolic language book. Not surprising! Just as Jesus spoke in parables—word pictures—we would expect the visions he gave to John to record are symbolic of literal realities. Matt 13:34 “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them.” So Jesus was really not talking about literal seeds or literal sheep. (Even the Old Testament is full of “types” or “shadows” of things to come for our later understanding - Col. 2:17, etc.). The Passover sacrifice of the lamb, of course, pointed forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Chris, the Lamb of God, dying for all mankind. The “two olive trees” of Zech. 4:1-11 symbolically produced the oil which fed the lampstand of seven candles. The lamp stand represents the seven churches whom Jesus cares for through the Christian Age as described in the vision of Revelation 1:11-20.
REVELATION, A SYMBOLIC BOOK. Our specific premise in understanding the book of Revelation is symbolic is based on an opening statement in Ch. 1, verse 1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” The word “signified” means that the Revelation was given in signs or symbols, so that in understanding this revelation we should expect to find symbolic language. (See, for example John 12:33 on the word “signified,” Vine’s Expository Dictionary). Thankfully, in a few instances, parts of the visions are decoded from symbolic to literal. For example, “waters” are symbolic of peoples in Rev 17:15, “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”
TWO WITNESSES PROPHESY AND TEMPLE TROD UPON DURING THE SAME TIME. The setting in which the “two witnesses” are mentioned relate to the “temple” being trodden “under foot” while the “two witnesses” at the same time are prophesying for 1260 “days” in “sackcloth.” Rev 11:1-5 “And there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, ‘Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. ‘And leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. 3 ‘And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These [the two witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord of the earth” (NAS). (The “two witnesses” are identified with the “the two olive trees,” and the 1260 days are the same as the 42 months.)
TWO WITNESSES SAME AS TWO OLIVE TREES. Also, these “two witnesses” are—as mentioned above—similarly described parallel to the “two olive trees” in a prophecy in Zechariah (4:1-3). The “two olive trees” would symbolically support the true Church during the Christian Age—the “candlestick all of gold” with “seven lamps.” “And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.” What has supported the true Church during the Christian Age? The Bible! And the Bible has “two [agreeing] witnesses”—the Old and New Testaments—which have given strength and nourishment to the true Church during the Christian Age. Just so, the “two olive trees” through the Scriptures have taught and provided the symbolic oil of the holy Spirit for the Church during this Age.
TWO WITNESSES IN “SACKCLOTH,” MOURNING. But the Bible was for a time in a mourning state, “clothed in sackcloth.” The Scriptures were banned by the nominal Church in power and hardly accessible to the common Christian. Still Jesus watched over his true church, a “little flock,” throughout the seven periods of time throughout the Christian Gospel Age. So as Jesus is described as caring for the 7 candlesticks at the end of Chapter 1—so the 7 stages of the Church’s history are then described in Chapters 2 and 3: Ephesus, Smyrna, etc. Rev 1:12-20 “And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man [Jesus], clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle. . . ."As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” NAS These seven lampstands of Revelation 1 would confirm our understanding of the Zechariah prophecy. (The Bible is its own interpreter!)
CHURCH FIRST PERSECUTED BY PAGAN ROME “DRAGON.” In prophecy, a “day” equals a year. Ezek 4:6 “. . .I have appointed thee each day for a year.” During the Christian Age, true Christians were sustained and carried for those 1260 “days” or 42 “months” (42 x 30 = 1260) by the truths of the Bible—even though the Bible was banned and in “sackcloth.” When did this time start and when did it end? Chapter 12 of Revelation is an overview of the Christian age, during which is also mentioned the 1260 “days.” But first, the “dragon” persecuted Christians. The “dragon” of Pagan Rome persecuted Christians in the first centuries. The “woman” of Vs. 1 would describe the early church with the “twelve stars” of the apostles as her “crown.” But festering in the early church already was the “mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians 2:7)—which could not be, so to speak, born until Pagan Rome was thrown out of ruling the false spiritual “heavens.” The Pagan Roman “dragon” enjoyed both spiritual and civil rule—until thrown out of “heaven” (spiritual) to the “earth” (civil).
CHURCH FLEES TO WILDERNESS ON TWO WINGS OF EAGLE FOR 1260 YEARS. But then, Christian church leaders who were grasping for power at Constantine’s time united with the civil Rome—and lo, the “man of sin” was born! As a result, the “woman” had to flee to the “wilderness”—for how many “days”? “A thousand two hundred and threescore days,” that is, 1260 years. The true Church separated (in spirit if not actually) from the false church in power. The prophecy says she was carried in this “wilderness” condition on the “two wings of a great eagle.” The “two wings” here would represent the Old and New Testament carrying and nourishing the true church—often called heretics—during those 1260 years. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent” (Rev. 12:14). This would described the same period of time: 360 + (2 x 360) + 360/2 = 1260 “days” or 1260 literal years when the “two witnesses” prophesied in “sackcloth.”
 Revelation 11 Revelation 1 Revelation 12 Zechariah 2
Old & New Testaments 2 witnesses;
2 olive trees (Jesus in midst of 7 candlesticks) 2 Wings of eagle 2 Olive trees
True Church Temple 7 Candlesticks (7 churches) Woman 7 Lamps
(TIME)
1260 Years Prophesy 1260 days;
Holy city trod on 42 months (vs. 2) N/A Fled to wilderness 1260 days N/A
BIBLE NO LONGER PROPHESYING IN “SACKCLOTH.” When did this 1260 years begin and end? They began when the papacy was fully installed in power in A.D. 539 A.D. when the Bishop of Rome was grant ed actual authority in the Western Roman Empire. This period concluded exactly 1260 years later in the very year 1799 A.D.—when Napoleon broke the persecuting power of the papacy when the pope—whom he put in jail—died. Very shortly after the persecuting power of the Roman Church’s power was broken, the Bible began to be widely published and available to the common people. “After three days and a half” (Rev. 11:11) [31/2 years) in 1803, The British and Foreign Bible Society conceived of and then in 1804 founded which proliferated Bibles at reasonable costs for everyone who would want one. (http://www.revelation-today.com/Ch11-foo.htm) The “two witnesses” no longer taught the Church in “sackcloth.”
ELIJAH ALSO FLED INTO WILDERNESS FOR 1260 DAYS. This time would be appropriately be compared to Elijah also fleeing into the wilderness for 1260 symbolic days when he was sustained. This was, indeed, a time of famine for the word of the LORD when the "two witnesses" prophesied in "sackcloth." Still Elijah, the Church in the wilderness, was fed by the unclean ravens and then by the widow, who represented the Reformers who used the Bible--a little more food! What period of times did/does the 1260 symbolic “days” of “wilderness” cover? For more studied description of Elijah in prophetic type , see: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0092.htm
ELIJAH, A PROPHETIC TYPE IN MALACHI’S PROPHECY. But what does the prophet Malachi mean in Mal 4:5-6, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse”? This last Prophet predicted that Elijah would introduce their Messiah—so the Jews to this day are expecting him Elijah to tell them who the Messiah is! In Jesus’ day, the Apostles—believing Jesus was the Messiah—asked where is “Elias” [Elijah] according to prophecy? So Jesus acknowledged that Elias would first come and “restore all things”—but then he added that “Elias” has to suffer first:
“And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.” Mark 9:11-13
ELIJAH—THE WHOLE ANOINTED BODY OF CHRIST—INTRODUCES THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS. Then Jesus added, that in a sense—to those who could receive it—John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-17) had thus come and had introduced him as the Messiah. ”But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.” John the Baptist actually was an extension of the picture type of Elijah introducing the Messiah who would “restore all things.” (See also Acts 3:19-21) John introduced the Head of the Messiah anointed—Jesus. When the whole anointed body is completed at the end of the Christian Age (2 Cor. 1:21)—then the Christ, the whole anointed Christ, will “restore all things.” The Anointed has to suffer and die first before restoring. While from one standpoint the Christ will die gloriously going up in a “chariot” as Elijah did—from a human standpoint the career of the “anointed” will be ended with an imprisonment and beheading as John died. While on earth, the Church’s influence as “salt” in the world for good—turning “the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers”—will not have much success. So the earth will be smitten “with a curse.”
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5,6
AFTER THE TRIBULATION—THE BLESSING OF THE WORLD. But after the earth is smitten with trouble and tribulation, the Anointed will bless the world. So when did this 1260 years begin and end? They began when the papacy was fully installed in power in A.D. 539 A.D. when the Bishop of Rome was granted actual authority in the Western Roman Empire. This period concluded exactly 1260 years later in the very year 1799 A.D.—when Napoleon broke the persecuting power of the papacy when the pope—whom he put in jail—died. Very shortly after the persecuting power of the Roman Church’s power was broken, the Bible began to be widely published and available to the common people. “After three days and a half” (Rev. 11:11) [31/2 years) in 1803, The British and Foreign Bible Society conceived of and then in 1804 founded which proliferated Bibles at reasonable costs for everyone who would want one. (http://www.revelation-today.com/Ch11-foo.htm) The “two witnesses” no longer taught the Church in “sackcloth.”
THE TWO WITNESSES. Therefore, we would understand that the “two witnesses” are the Bible—the Old and New Testaments which supplied the Church during those difficult 1260 years of persecution—and now triumphantly are supplying the Church the “oil” of the holy Spirit (see Rev. 11:6-12). Moses and Elijah are ancient worthies (the “elders,” Heb. 11:1) who although they appeared with Jesus in “vision” are still waiting their “better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35) as “princes in all the earth” (Psalm 45:16).

Bible Question: Why was the offering of Cain rejected and Abel’s offering accepted?

It seems that one of the most important themes in the Bible is the ransom which Jesus gave and the blessings that will come to all because of it. In the Old Testament God often directed His people as to what kinds of sacrifices He was pleased with. God was pleased with sacrifices that would point to His Son, Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the fact that Jesus would die and give His flesh for the life of the world. Abel’s sacrifice of a lamb was a very apt picture of this.
We are told in 1 Peter 1:18-20 that, "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." In John 1:29, John the Baptist called Jesus "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." How would Jesus take away the sin of the world would be a logical question to Jesus’ early followers. Jesus partially answered this by telling them, "I w