tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192338152024-03-09T00:06:43.773+02:00Gary's Bible notesBible notes from the last sermon or study taught by Gary.Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-5413233827835263942009-10-14T08:48:00.001+03:002009-10-14T08:48:40.768+03:00MyBibleBase.com Down and Up AgainMy other Bible site, <a href="http://MyBibleBase.com">MyBibleBase.com</a> was hacked... In fact it wasn't the website specifically but the hosting provider. The company that was hosting the site and several of my sites was a Christian hosting company. In the aftermath of the attack they released this:<br /><br />"We found out why we were attacked by this Sarbot511 team... Our company is a Christian based company... we proclaim our faith publicly... We don't think they are attacking your website(s), but 2ip or Ichthys Media LLC in particular."<br /><br />After the attack they tried to reset their servers but the new severs where compromised. In the end they announced that, "Due to this incident, 2ip cannot sustain the financial damaged caused by it. We have decided to close our services effective October 31, 2009. Our servers will remain online until October 31, 2009. Afterwards everything will be shutdown."<br /><br />So I have had to get new hosting for my web sites... The MyBibleBase.com website is back up which is great, however one other casualty seems to be <a href="http://earley-christian-fellowship.org.uk/">Earley Christian Fellowship</a> as it has dropped out of Google’s index which makes me fear it go dropped as Google saw it was hacked!!! I hope that in a few days it will be back in again!!!<br /><br />Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-63137280750459594232009-07-03T20:09:00.001+03:002009-07-03T20:09:45.990+03:00The 100 Most-read Bible Verses at BibleGateway.com<p>The guys over at BibleGateway.com thought it would be interesting to find out what are the most popular Bible verses on BibleGateway.com.<br /></p><br /><p>So they crunched some numbers from a (relatively) small sample of 25 million Bible passage searches from March and April 2009.<br /></p><br /><br /><p>Here are the top 100 most-read Bible verses on BibleGateway.com (all verses quoted from the NIV):</p><br /><ol><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.3.16">John 3:16</a>: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer.29.11">Jer 29:11</a>: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.8.28">Rom 8:28</a>: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil.4.13">Phil 4:13</a>: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.1.1">Gen 1:1</a>: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov.3.5">Prov 3:5</a>: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov.3.6">Prov 3:6</a>: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.12.2">Rom 12:2</a>: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil.4.6">Phil 4:6</a>: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.28.19">Matt 28:19</a>: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.2.8">Eph 2:8</a>: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal.5.22">Gal 5:22</a>: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.12.1">Rom 12:1</a>: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.10.10">John 10:10</a>: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.18.10">Acts 18:10</a>: For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.18.9">Acts 18:9</a>: One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.18.11">Acts 18:11</a>: So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal.2.20">Gal 2:20</a>: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John.1.9">1 John 1:9</a>: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.3.23">Rom 3:23</a>: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.14.6">John 14:6</a>: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.28.20">Matt 28:20</a>: and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.5.8">Rom 5:8</a>: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil.4.8">Phil 4:8</a>: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil.4.7">Phil 4:7</a>: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Josh.1.9">Josh 1:9</a>: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.40.31">Isa 40:31</a>: but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.2.9">Eph 2:9</a>: not by works, so that no one can boast.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.6.23">Rom 6:23</a>: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal.5.23">Gal 5:23</a>: gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.53.5">Isa 53:5</a>: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Pet.3.15">1 Pet 3:15</a>: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Tim.3.16">2 Tim 3:16</a>: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.6.33">Matt 6:33</a>: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.12.2">Heb 12:2</a>: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Pet.5.7">1 Pet 5:7</a>: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.2.10">Eph 2:10</a>: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Cor.10.13">1 Cor 10:13</a>: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.11.28">Matt 11:28</a>: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.11.1">Heb 11:1</a>: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Cor.5.17">2 Cor 5:17</a>: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.13.5">Heb 13:5</a>: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Cor.12.9">2 Cor 12:9</a>: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.10.9">Rom 10:9</a>: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.41.10">Isa 41:10</a>: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.1.26">Gen 1:26</a>: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.11.29">Matt 11:29</a>: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.16.33">John 16:33</a>: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.1.8">Acts 1:8</a>: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Tim.1.7">2 Tim 1:7</a>: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.53.4">Isa 53:4</a>: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Cor.5.21">2 Cor 5:21</a>: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.15.13">Rom 15:13</a>: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.11.25">John 11:25</a>: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.11.6">Heb 11:6</a>: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.5.24">John 5:24</a>: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jas.1.2">Jas 1:2</a>: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.53.6">Isa 53:6</a>: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.2.38">Acts 2:38</a>: Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.3.20">Eph 3:20</a>: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.11.30">Matt 11:30</a>: For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.1.27">Gen 1:27</a>: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col.3.12">Col 3:12</a>: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.12.1">Heb 12:1</a>: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jas.5.16">Jas 5:16</a>: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.17.11">Acts 17:11</a>: Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil.4.19">Phil 4:19</a>: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.1.1">John 1:1</a>: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Cor.6.19">1 Cor 6:19</a>: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John.3.16">1 John 3:16</a>: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.133.1">Ps 133:1</a>: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.14.27">John 14:27</a>: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.4.12">Heb 4:12</a>: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.15.13">John 15:13</a>: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mic.6.8">Mic 6:8</a>: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.10.17">Rom 10:17</a>: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.1.12">John 1:12</a>: Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jas.1.12">Jas 1:12</a>: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jas.1.3">Jas 1:3</a>: because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.8.38">Rom 8:38</a>: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.8.39">Rom 8:39</a>: neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.10.25">Heb 10:25</a>: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Pet.1.4">2 Pet 1:4</a>: Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil.1.6">Phil 1:6</a>: being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.133.3">Ps 133:3</a>: It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.4.16">Heb 4:16</a>: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.37.4">Ps 37:4</a>: Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.3.17">John 3:17</a>: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts.4.12">Acts 4:12</a>: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.26.3">Isa 26:3</a>: You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Pet.2.24">1 Pet 2:24</a>: He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Josh.1.8">Josh 1:8</a>: Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.28.18">Matt 28:18</a>: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col.3.23">Col 3:23</a>: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.22.37">Matt 22:37</a>: Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.133.2">Ps 133:2</a>: It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.5.16">Matt 5:16</a>: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa.55.8">Isa 55:8</a>: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.4.15">Heb 4:15</a>: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.13.35">John 13:35</a>: By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”</li><br /></ol><br /><br /><p>If you’re curious to know what the <em>least</em> popular Bible passage is, it’s <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2023-27&version=31">1 Chronicles 23-27</a>, which details the organization of the priests and officials under King David.</p><br /><br /><p>Related links:<BR /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/?p=125">The 100 most-read Bible verses at BibleGateway.com</a></p>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-3734819542348415212009-07-01T17:40:00.001+03:002009-07-01T17:46:14.265+03:00Strangers in a strange landIn my daily reading I notice this small connection:<br /><br /><em>And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. (Gen 37:1).</em><br /><br /><em>By faith he lived in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Heb 11:9,10).<br /></em><br /><br />We too are strangers in this world, living in tents until the day we see the city of God.<br /><br /><em>And all these, uthough commended through their faith, udid not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, vthat apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Heb 11: 39,40).</em>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-49784656386484674072009-07-01T17:32:00.001+03:002009-07-02T09:19:29.976+03:00Reinvigoration of this blogThis blog has been stagnating a bit and so I want to reinvigorate it a bit... My biggest obstacle to writing here is that I always want to write long and well formed posts... But taking a leaf from Twitter and Facebook, I will try the more micro-blogging approach and just jot down there and thoughts I have...Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-80536972975788618162008-11-20T14:25:00.001+02:002008-11-20T14:25:43.151+02:00That I may dwell among themEx 29:42-46 concludes with a wonderful statement of God's purpose in bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. Apparently it was so that He might be able to 'dwell among them'. This is an important focus. So often we focus on the phrase 'brought them out that he might bring them in'. There is truth in the statement although it needs another step in it; 'he brought them out to bring them to himself and then bring them in..' This concluding sentence of Exodus 29 is the key truth; <em>I am the LORD their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.</em><br /><br /><p>Read more here: <a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/11/residency.html">The Residency</a></p><br /><br /><p>(Via <a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/">Biblebase Second Thoughts</a>.)</p>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-314336353302188682008-11-20T14:23:00.001+02:002008-11-20T14:23:07.544+02:00The CovenantCovenant points towards relationship and of a relationship that has a specific beginning. There can be no 'covenant' without a beginning, but beginnings have no guarantee of permanency unless there is a 'covenant'. In that the whole story of the Bible is about relationships, the way that they are created, broken and restored, it is a wonderful topic for consideration.<br /><br /><p>Read more here: <a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/11/covenant.html">The Covenant</a></p><br /><br /><p>(Via <a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/">Biblebase Second Thoughts</a>.)</p>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1993269366787523212008-11-20T14:21:00.001+02:002008-11-20T14:21:08.900+02:00Codex SinaiticusThe Codex Sinaiticus is a Greek hand-written manuscript of the Old and New Testaments. It was written in the 4th century, in uncial letters. It came to the attention of scholars in the 19th century at the Greek Monastery of Mount Sinai, with further material discovered in the 20th century, and most of it is today in the British Library.<br /><br />For many the whole area of Bible Texts and original manuscripts is just an unintelligible minefield. To help you understand more about the CS I recommend the following links:<br /><br /><UL><br /><LI><a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/codex-sinaiticus-part-1.html">The Codex Sinaiticus Part 1</a><br /><LI><a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/codex-sinaiticus-part-2.html">The Codex Sinaiticus Part 2</a><br /><LI><a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/codex-sinaiticus-part-3-texts-and.html">The Codex Sinaiticus Part 3</a><br /></UL><br />Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-71400692893647719402008-10-15T17:39:00.001+03:002008-10-15T17:39:00.608+03:00Second Thoughts - New Blog Started<a href="http://www.biblebase.com">Ron Bailey</a>, a Bible Teacher, good friend of mine and brother in the Lord, has started a new blog called "<a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com">Second Thoughts</a>" which is really a place for him to dump his current thoughts and meditations... The blog is a place for thoughts that have stirred him and which might stir others. <br /><br />You might find it provoking and interesting...<br /><br /><p>Read more here: <a href="http://biblebasesecondthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/thinking-aloud-and-thinking-allowed.html">Thinking Aloud and Thinking Allowed</a></p><br />Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-61247887404303950052008-08-12T20:32:00.001+03:002008-08-12T20:33:58.065+03:00He is the Rock<b>Introduction</b><br /><br /><em>For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. </em><br />(Deu 32:3-4 ESV)<br /><br /><em>For their rock is not as our Rock; our enemies are by themselves. </em><br />(Deu 32:31 ESV)<br /><br />God is our Rock... As our Rock he is our shelter... Those who don't know God they "are by themselves."<br /><br />If God isn't your Rock then maybe you are trying to find shelter in something else. What are the "idols" of todays western culture? There are many for sure, but they include Alcohol, Drugs and Money. If you put your trust in these, if you try to shelter in these you will sink.<br /><br />In ancient Israel a large Rock in the wilderness provided shelter from different hazards. As well as being the picture of something stable, constant and immovable, the Rock is also a practical shelter.<br /><br /><b>A shelter from the burning sun</b><br /><br />When we shelter from the heat of the sun we can rest, we can rest before we move on, we can rest in the shade of the Rock. But the thing about shade is that it is only found near the object casting the shadow. In the same way we can only rest in the shade of the Rock if we come near to the Rock.<br /><br /><b>A shelter in the storm</b><br /><br /><em>There is none holy like the LORD; there is none besides you; there is no Rock like our God.</em><br />(1Sa 2:2 ESV)<br /><br />This is Hannah's testimony, having been through the storm of being childless she found shelter in the Rock.<br /><br />Other times in our lives can be stormy. A rock provides shelter from the storm. From the wind and from the beating rain. Like sheltering from the sun, you can only shelter from the storm when you stay near the Rock.<br /><br /><b>A shelter from the attacks of the enemy</b><br /><br /><em>We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; </em><br />(2Co 4:8-9 ESV)<br /><br />There are times in our lives when circumstances bring heat or storm but there are also times when the enemy attacks. In every attack we mustn't pretend the attack isn't happening, we must be blind to the reality, we may be "afflicted in every way" but we are "not crushed". The Rock provides refuge from the attack. He doesn't move and the enemy can't penetrate the shield of the Rock.<br /><br /><b>Conclusion</b><br /><br /><em>For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. </em><br />(Psa 27:5 ESV)<br /><br />Why do we search for other Rocks? God is our ever present Rock, constant, always available and always able to offer shelter.<br /><br />The wonder of it all is that if we call him "he will lift me high upon a rock." I don't need to climb up there myself, I call, he lifts.<br /><br />God bless,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-23855948577285903222008-08-12T17:36:00.001+03:002008-08-12T18:07:12.260+03:006 Verses to Show the Meaning of the Hebrew Word for MercyThe hebrew word kheh'-sed is often translated as mercy in the King James Version of the Bible. For example in Psalm 23:<br /><br />Surely goodness and <b>mercy</b> shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORDH for ever. (Psalm 23:6)<br /><br />But what does it mean?<br /><br />Here are 6 verse which will you give you a feel for the meaning of the word:<br /><br />Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me <b>great kindness</b> in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. (Gen 19:19 - ESV)<br /><br />And Jehovah is with Joseph, and <b>stretcheth out kindness</b> unto him, and putteth his grace in the eyes of the chief of the round-house; (Gen 39:21 - YLT)<br /><br />'The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in <b>steadfast love</b>, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.' (Num 14:18 - ESV)<br /><br />I want your <b>constant love</b>, not your animal sacrifices. I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me. (Hos 6:6 - GNB)<br /><br />And the spies saw a man coming out of the city, and they said to him, "Please show us the way into the city, and we will <b>deal kindly</b> with you." (Jdg 1:24 - ESV)<br /><br />Solomon answered, "You always showed <b>great love</b> for my father David,your servant, and he was good, loyal, and honest in his relation with you. And you have continued to show him your great and constant love by giving him a son who today rules in his place. (1Ki 3:6 - GNB)<br />Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-9405605117456292452008-08-12T15:05:00.001+03:002008-08-12T15:06:54.386+03:00Starting to blogging againI haven't posted to this blog for at least a year mainly because I wanted to finish my Eschatology series (I think there should be another two posts or so) but I never got around to writing them and that stopped me from writing any other posts.<br /><br />But I shall leave the Eschatology series now and start fresh with new content...<br /><br />So watch this space!<br /><br />God bless,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-41600560949162056232006-12-08T15:20:00.000+02:002006-12-15T10:49:23.324+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 14)Last time we looked at the gathering of the elect (some times called the rapture) at the return of Jesus Christ. We left with the question, how do I qualify for inclusion?<br /><br />"For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, <span style="font-weight: bold;">then at his coming those who belong to Christ.</span>" (I Corinthians 15:21-23)<br /><br />The key phrase here is "those who belong to Christ." But before we look at that we need to notice what was written previous. "For as by a man came death," that is Adam. But his disobedience mankind was plunged into the dark pool of sin and death. But "by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead," that is Jesus. By his obedience we have a route out of death, a resurrection of the dead. "For as <span style="font-weight: bold;">in</span> Adam all die, so also <span style="font-weight: bold;">in</span> Christ shall all be made alive." It is all a question of location. Where are you?<br /><br />So how does one get <span style="font-weight: bold;">into</span> Christ or belong to Christ?<br /><br />"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..." (1 Corinthians 12:13)<br /><br />This "one body" is Jesus. It is also referred to in the Scriptures as "the church" and "the bride". The only way into the church is by baptism. But what baptism? "For by one Spirit we were all baptized..." Not by water, as some have been led to think...<br /><br />Like wise, "In him you also... were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Which is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:14)<br /><br />When we are baptised in the Holy Spirit we are sealed. This belongs of Jesus Christ. Just like letters of old were sealed with wax to ensure their authenticity, so we are sealed by our owner.<br /><br />Are you sealed? Will you be part of the gathering?<br /><br />God bless,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-89928397682351958562006-12-08T14:25:00.000+02:002006-12-08T14:41:46.777+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 13)"and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, <span style="font-weight: bold;">and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.</span>" (Matthew 24:31)<br /><br />What is this gathering of his elect? Several times through scriptures the return of Christ is coupled with a gathering together of those who belong to Christ. For example in John 14 Jesus tells this disciples that he is leaving, but "... I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:3)<br /><br />This event is some times called "the rapture". The word "rapture" comes from the Latin verb "<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rapere</span>" which means "to carry off, abduct, seize or take <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">forcefully</span>". It was used in the Latin Vulgate (about 405 A.D.) translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which is a key verse about the gathering of the saints to Jesus Christ.<br /><br />"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be <span style="font-weight: bold;">caught up</span> together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17)<br /><br />Again we see the familiar pattern, Jesus returning with Angels (even Archangels), with the sound of a trumpet and then a gathering of the saints (both dead and alive).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) Clouds 2) Angels 3) Trumpets 4) The gathering.<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />We are told that the dead in Christ will rise first and then those who remain, those alive will be taken up (<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">raptured</span>) to be with those we where just resurrected and to be with Jesus.<br /><br />How does one qualify for this <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">resurrection</span>? Did you notice how 1 Thessalonians 4:16 puts it, "And the dead <span style="font-weight: bold;">in Christ</span> will rise first". This is the key, it is those <span style="font-weight: bold;">in</span> Christ.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br />Next time we shall look at what that means.<br /><br />God bless,<br /><br />Gary<br /></div></div>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1163238888792955762006-11-11T11:28:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:19.430+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 12)Last time we looked at the significance of 'clouds' during the return of Jesus Christ. Next in our list are Angels and Trumpets. We did mention some of these things earlier on, but here we need to establish the pattern of Christ's return. A reoccurring theme during the return of Christ is his return with Angels of which some are announcing his return with trumpets.<br /><br />"then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; <span style="font-weight: bold;">and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call</span>, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:30,31)<br /><br />The trumpet in Bible is often used as a way to herald an event, the start of a battle, the start of a great festival, the entrance of a king and so on. There are other verses which mention the trumpets at the return of Christ:<br /><br />"Then the seventh angel <span style="font-weight: bold;">blew his trumpet</span>, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.'" (Revelation of John 11:15)<br /><br />The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of God. This of course will only happen, in the fullest sense, at the return of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Also Paul by the Spirit writes, "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, <span style="font-weight: bold;">at the last trumpet</span>. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (I Corinthians 15:52)<br /><br />Here Paul describes and event, an unexpected event (for some), it happens in a flash, a trumpet sounds, the last trumpet. Christ has returned. On returning there is a gathering of the saints (which we will look at in the next post).<br /><br />The same if written in I Thessalonians 4:16, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, <span style="font-weight: bold;">and with the sound of the trumpet of God</span>. And the dead in Christ will rise first;"<br /><br />Again we see the same pattern, Jesus returning with Angels (even Archangels), with a trumpet call and then a gathering of the saints (both dead and alive).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Note: There are some who don't like to link all these trumpets together, they see them as seperate trumpets. We shall look at these things a little deeper soon when we discuss the different viewpoints about the return of Christ.<br /><br /></span>What we are seeing is a pattern for the return of Christ, if you like a sequence of events.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) Clouds 2) Angels 3) Trumpets 4) The gathering. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span>Why is this pattern important? It is important because it tells us when the gathering of the saints will be and that is our next topic.<br /><br />God bless,<br /><br />Gary<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></div></div>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1159005726073661552006-09-23T12:58:00.000+03:002006-11-14T17:44:19.000+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 11)We have now finished looking at the things which must happen before Jesus returns. Now it is time to turn our attention to what will happen when he returns.<br /><br /> Throughout scripture there is a consistent pattern about how Jesus will return. The pattern can be summarized as:<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) Clouds 2) Angels 3) Trumpets 4) The gathering. </span><br /></div><br /> In this first study we shall look at the clouds!!!<br /><br /> If you remember when Jesus ascended in to Heaven a cloud obscured him as he went: "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a <span style="font-weight: bold;">cloud hid</span> him from their sight" (Acts 1:9). However the KJV version puts it like this: "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and <span style="font-weight: bold;">a cloud received</span> him out of their sight." Literally it means "<span style="font-weight: bold;">took under him</span>." He seemed to be supported by the cloud. Jesus ascended on the clouds and he will return the same way.<br /><br /> Mark 13:26 says "And then they will see the Son of man coming in <span style="font-weight: bold;">clouds</span> with great power and glory."And in Revelation 1:7 we read, "Behold, he is coming with the <span style="font-weight: bold;">clouds</span>, and every eye will see him, every one who pierced him; and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." (Also read Matthew 26:64 and Mark 14:62).<br /><br /> Here we see another facet of his return, "every eye will see him." His return will not be in secret, it won't be like his first coming, a small child born in simple surroundings. On His return He will come in power and glory, riding on the clouds and every eye will see. How is that possible, I don't know. But all things are possible with God.<br /><br /> Remember, watch and pray. In the next study we shall look at the role of the angels and the trumpets.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br /> GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1151585138534955512006-06-29T15:11:00.000+03:002006-11-14T17:44:18.823+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 10)We read in Mark 13:24-27 "But in those days, after that tribulation, <span style="font-weight: bold;">the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.</span> And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven."<br /><br />The final things which will happen for Christ returns are that the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. The concept of the the sun and moon being darkenedd is quite popular in scripture and on many occasions it is related to the final coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (see Isaiah 13:10, Isaiah 24:23, Joel 2:10 and Revelation 6:12-15).<br /><br />The question which comes to mind is this: Is this is literal event or is it a symbol for something else.<br /><br />If it is symbolic then it can mean that certain fixed institutions will be shaken and ultimately no longer give their light. With the sun and moon used to represent the steadfastness of such institutions be they governments, empires or systems.<br /><br />If it is literal then it means that the return of Christ will have a cosmological effect. Some say it means there will be an eclipse (scheduled or otherwise) at his return or that the sun, moon and stars won't be visible due to His glorious brightness.<br /><br />I tend to edge towards an actual physical dimming or destruction of these heavenly bodies as it says in Revelation 6: 12-14 "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places." Which is a description of the end of the world.<br /><br /><br />Also the verses about the sun and moon being darkened are quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost. In those verses there was (and still is) a literal pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Man and women can be saved by calling on the name of the Lord, it is no symbolic. And so the darkening of the sun and moon isn't symbolic either.<br /><br />Remember, watch and pray. Next time we shall look at how God will gather his elect from from the ends of the earth.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1151582909378600052006-06-29T14:14:00.000+03:002006-11-14T17:44:18.517+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 9)In his second letter to the Thessalonians Paul, by the Spirit, writes: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Let no one deceive</span> you in any way; for <span style="font-weight: bold;">that day will not come, unless </span>the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." (II Thessalonians 2:3-4)<br /><br />The literal meaning of the English word <b>antichrist</b> is <b>"instead of Christ"</b>. The antichrist is not so much as a person opposed to Christ but rather someone who sets them self up as a replacement for Christ. Here in 2 Thessalonians we see that the return of Christ will not happen (that day will not come) until the man who proclaims himself to be God appears.<br /><br />Throughout history there have been many who have demanded worship, who have claimed to be a deity or who have claimed to be God. Amongst them we find Roman emperors, <span id="misp_compose_4" class="ms cr" title="Click for suggested spellings">fascists</span> and communist dictators, but have any of them been <span style="font-weight: bold;">the</span> antichrist, <span style="font-weight: bold;">the</span> man of lawlessness or have they just been <span style="font-weight: bold;">an</span> antichrist, <span style="font-weight: bold;">a</span> man of lawlessness. In 1 John 2:18 we read "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour."<br /><br />A quick search on the Internet for the "who is the antichrist" will give you lots of interesting links and ideas including a comical site which claims that David Hasselhoff is the Antichrist! For a general discussion of the subject I recommend <a class="l" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist"><b>Antichrist</b> - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.</a><br /><br />There is also the charge that the Pope or more specifically the office of the Pope is the antichrist and some expect the antichrist to be one of the future Popes.<br /><br />John Wesely wrote "<span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong>He [Papacy] is in an emphatical sense, the Man of Sin, as he increases all manner of sin above measure. And he is, too, properly styled the Son of Perdition, as he has caused the death of numberless multitudes, both of his opposers and followers... He it is... that exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped... claiming the highest power, and highest honor... claiming the prerogatives which belong to God alone." Taken from “Antichrist and His Ten Kingdoms” by John Wesley, page 110.<br /><br />Similarly </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal;">Martin Luther (1483 - 1546</strong>) wrote "We here are of the conviction that the papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist. ...personally I declare that I owe the Pope no other obedience than that to Antichrist." August 18, 1520 Taken from "The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers" Vol. 2 Page 121.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The Antichrist is also known as the beast in the book of Revelations. In fact the imagery of a false Christ grows in the book of Revelation with the appearance of an unholy trinity (a false father, son and holy spirit) made up of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet. These 3 conspire to bring about a great </span>rebellion against God.<br /><br />Has <span style="font-weight: bold;">the </span>antichrist come? Maybe. Is <span style="font-weight: bold;">the</span> antichrist yet to appear? Similarly, maybe. If <span style="font-weight: bold;">the</span> antichrist is the beast in Revelation, then he is yet to appear, he has yet to start his final assulat against God and his saints. The great tribulation is yet to come.<br /><br />Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first.<br /><br />As always, we need to watch and pray. Luke 21:7-8 "And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."<br /><br /><br />More soon,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1147532099993727522006-05-13T17:54:00.000+03:002006-11-14T17:44:18.204+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 8)"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be." (Matthew 24:21)<br /><br />Jesus here speaks of a time of great tribulation, one that is unparalleled in the history of the world. This great tribulation is one of the things which must happen before Jesus returns. The big question is this: Is this great tribulation past, present or future?<br /><br />When Jesus spoke these words he spoke them to a certain generation, a generation (including his disciples) who would form the Church a short time later. It is possible that he spoke about this great tribulation for their benefit. If so, it would be equated with the several waves of severe persecution which hit the early church under the rule of the Roman empire. If that is so then the great tribulation has passed and there will never be a time like it again.<br /><br />However... It could also speak of the whole church age. From the beginning the church has been persecuted including under the Roman empire. But it can be argued that there was worse to come. Since the fall of the Roman Empire until Napoleon the church has suffered a real and dangerous tribulation at the hands of the Roman Catholic church. Over the years many hundreds of thousands have been tortured and murdered for the sake of Christ.<br /><br />Reading a book like "Foxe's book of Martyrs" or "The Pilgrim Church" by Mr EH Broadbent will give clear insight into the consistent persecution over the years. I am reminded of one story from Foxe's book about a blind boy named Thomas Drowry who was burnt to death on 15th May 1556:<br /><br />"Dost thou not believe that after the words of consecration, spoken by the priest, there remaineth the very real body of Christ in the sacrament of that altar?"<br />"No," answered the blind boy, "that I do not."<br />"Then," said the Chancellor, "Thou art a heretic, and shalt be burned."<br /><br />Dr Williams, then Chancellor of Gloucester, asked him who taught him such a thing, the boy answered that he the Chancellor had taught it:<br /><br />"When you preached there" (naming a day) "a sermon to all men, as well as me, upon the sacrament. You said the sacrament was to be received spiritually, by faith, and not carnally and really, as the Papists have heretofore taught."<br /><br />He was burned for his faith. Today, under communism or other strong regimes, people are still martyred for their faith.<br /><br />Or the great tribulation could be in the future. All that has passed could be just a shadow of what is to come. John writes in his first letter, "Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that antichrist is coming..." (I John 2:18) and later in chapter 4, "...This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already."<br /><br />The antichrist is coming, he has not yet come, his spirit, his influence is already in the world, "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." But he himself has not yet come. When he comes, could it be that there will be a greater and worse tribulation than such as has not been from the beginning of the world?<br /><br />Paul, by the Spirit, put it like this:<br /><br />Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come [i.e. the return of Christ - Gary], unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)<br /><br />In Mark 13 Jesus says "But in those days, after that tribulation..." This seems to link the tribulation, the other events mentioned there and ultimately the return of Christ to the same time period... "in those days..." Of course, it is not certain, time periods in prophet scripture can be very long.<br /><br />But... we should watch and pray and be ready.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1143454196312258912006-03-27T12:45:00.000+03:002006-11-14T17:44:17.885+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 7)"False christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect." (Mark 13:22)<br /><br />Continuing our look at the things which must happen before Jesus returns we come to the appearance of false christs and false prophets. The first thing to note here is the plurality. There will be false christs (plural) and false prophets (plural). This is different from THE false christ or anti-christ which we will study later.<br /><br />The part of the word for christ used there in Mark 13 is exactly the same word as used elsewhere in the scriptures for the real Christ. In Greek it is "pseudochristos", a fake, pretend or false Messiah.<br /><br />Have there been false christs and false prophets... Certainly... Too many to list here. Here is an extract from the UK's Guardian newspaper in 2002:<br /><br />' Sergei Torop was a traffic cop in the small Russian town of Minusinsk until 1989, when he announced that he was the son of God. Now he commands a following of thousands and rules over a large swath of the Siberian mountains...<br /><br />"It's all very complicated," he starts quietly. "But to keep things simple, yes, I am Jesus Christ. That which was promised must come to pass. And it was promised in Israel 2,000 years ago that I would return, that I would come back to finish what was started." '<br /><br />Many have been led astray... Remember, watch, pray and be ready for his appearing.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1141324138778533982006-03-02T20:28:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:17.664+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 6)<p class="mobile-post">In our last study we mentioned several things which need to happen before Jesus returns. The first one we are going to look at is from Matthew 24:14 where Jesus says, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be<br />preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come."</p><p class="mobile-post">The questions for this study are: Has that happened already? Is it happening now? Is it in the future?</p><p class="mobile-post">Before asking ourselves if this has already happened we need to understand what was said. Jesus didn't say that every person in the world would hear the message of the gospel before the end comes. He also<br />didn't say that every nation,tribe or people group would hear the news of the kingdom, but rather than it would be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony.</p><p class="mobile-post">Of course the whole world is a big place and just because the gospel might have been preached in the USA or Europe that doesn't mean it has been preached throughout the whole world. Conversely because it hasn't reached a certain tribe or people group in an isolated area that doesn't mean that it hasn't been declared throughout the whole world.</p><p class="mobile-post">Robertson puts it like this "Heralded in all the inhabited world. It is not here said that all will be saved nor must this language be given too literal and detailed an application to every individual."<br /><br />Adam Clarke also mentions that the phrase 'in all the world', perhaps only means no more than the Roman empire". He mentions Luke 2:1 which reads, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed." Clearly, argues Clarke, "this means no more than the whole Roman empire: as a decree for taxation or enrollment from Augustus Caesar could have no influence but in the Roman dominions"</p><p class="mobile-post">It is also interesting to note that when Paul writes to the Colossians he says of the gospel, "Which is come to you, as it is in all theworld..." (Colossians 1:6) </p><p class="mobile-post">The purpose of this declaration of the gospel is as a testimony, a witness to what God has done through Christ. A testimony needs only be a light shone in a dark place, a standard held up for those, who are<br />looking, to see.</p> <p class="mobile-post">So, has this happened already? Maybe. A testimony of the kingdom has certainly been preached over the last two thousand years and it has beenpreached, at varying times, throughout the whole world. </p> <p class="mobile-post">Is it happening now? Certainly. This message is still being preached and this testimony is still being made.</p><p class="mobile-post">Is it in the future? Maybe. God could, in his grace, provide one last missionary thrust into all the world before the end comes... But don'tcount on it! </p><p class="mobile-post">Remember, watch, pray and be ready for his appearing.</p><p class="mobile-post">Blessings,</p><p class="mobile-post">Gary</p>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1136658871836903302006-01-07T20:32:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:16.710+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 5)<div class="moz-text-html" lang="x-western"> Last time we started to look at the <i>when</i> Jesus will come again. The first aspect of his returning is that we are encouraged to watch and pray as the hour of his coming in unknown.<br /><br />The second aspect is that certain things must happen before our Lord returns. For example in Matthew 24:14 Jesus says, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come."<br /><br />Other things to expect are:<br /><br />False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. (Mark 13:22)<br /><br />For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. (Mark 13:19)<br /><br />Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (II Thessalonians 2:3-4)<br /><br />But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. (Mark 13:24-27)<br /><br />In summary form, indications of his coming are:<br /><ul><li>Gospel preached in the whole world</li><li>False Christs and false prophets</li><li>A great tribulation</li><li>The revealing of the man of lawlessness</li><li>Sun and moon darkened.</li></ul> Over the next few posts we will look at each of these in detail and ask ourselves the question. Has that happened already? Is it happening now? Is it in the future?<br /><br />But always remember we are told to watch and pray and be ready for his appearing.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Gary<br /></div>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1135337061126965992005-12-23T13:24:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:16.389+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 4)Having looked briefly at <i>how</i> Jesus will come again it is time to look at <i>when</i>.<br> <br> There are two distinct themes about the return of Christ. One is that it is imminent, no one knows when he will come and it will be sudden. The other is that some things must happen first before Christ returns. In this post we will look at the immediacy of his return.<br> <br> "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man comes." (Matthew 25:13)<br> <br> Talking of when he will return Jesus says, "But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32). It is important for us to remember this. The history of Christianity is full of people who can tell you exactly when Jesus will return. Of course all have proved false. What is important is that we are ready for his return. Jesus put it like this, "You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." (Luke 12:40). Speaking of the unexpectedness of His return, this time in parable form, Jesus said, "the master will come on a day when he is not expected and at an hour that is not know." (Matthew 24:50). His advise is "<b>watch</b> therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42.)<br> <br> Writing of the closeness of His return, James write "You also be <b>patient</b>. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:8). Also Peter writes "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be sober, and <b>watch</b> to <b>prayer</b>." (I Peter 4:7).<br> <br> We are called to watch, to pray, to be ready, to prepare our hearts for his coming. We may think that many centuries have passed and his hasn't returned, but we must remember that no single man has every waited longer than maybe 100 years for his return. Our lives are short. Personally I have been waiting for his return for only 10 years. From where I stand he isn't late or delayed and if he came tomorrow I was only just ready.<br> <br> Next we shall look at the things which must pass before he returns.<br> <br> Blessings,<br> <br> GaryGary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1134730051996319692005-12-16T12:47:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:16.114+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 3)Last time we saw that when Jesus comes again, every eye will see him and just as the clouds covered him when he ascended, those same clouds will reveal him when he returns.<br> <br> Another feature of his return will be the trumpet call. The trumpet is an instrument to announce something. Jesus said in Matthew 6:2: "Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward." We have a saying in England "to blow you own trumpet" which means you are promoting yourself.<br> <br> When Jesus returns it will be announced with trumpets (blown by Angels): "then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send out his angels <b>with a loud trumpet call</b>, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. " (Matthew 24:31, RSV)<br> <br> This trumpet is a sign, an announcement of his coming and a rally cry for the church of Christ to gather to Him. It will also be a time of mourning for those who don't want to see Jesus coming, for "all the tribes of the earth will mourn." <br> <br> Revelation 11:15 put it like this, "Then the seventh angel <b>blew his trumpet</b>, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.' "<br> <br> Paul by the Spirit writes it like this, "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the <b>last trumpet</b>. For the <b>trumpet will sound</b>, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:52, RSV).<br> <br> Again in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Paul puts it like this, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the <b>sound of the trumpet</b> of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first;"<br> <br> At the trumpet sound we will be called to our Jesus, we will be changed and the dead will be raised. Which is the topic of the next entry... the resurrection of the dead.<br> <br> More soon, bless you,<br> <br> Gary<br> PS. There are some theologians who don't agree with the linking of the trumpets in Matthew 24, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4 and Revelation 15. They have a reason for this and we shall look at that in a later study.<br>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1134469930214673632005-12-13T12:32:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:15.894+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 2)Is Jesus really coming again? In the gospel of John and chapter 14 Jesus says: "... <b>I will come again</b> and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." All Christians are waiting for his return, some with more expectation than others depending on their circumstances, however he <b>is</b> coming again. Hebrews 9:28 puts it like this: "so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, <b>will appear a second time</b>, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."<br> <br> This second coming is not to deal with sin, that was dealt with on the cross, but rather this time to fulfill (complete) the promises of salvation. Of course, the next questions which spring to mind are <b>how</b> will he come and <b>when</b> will he come? The <i>how</i> and the <i>when</i> are the core of the study of eschatology. Of course there are variations of ideas about these, however there are certain truths which are fundamental and on which all agree.<br> <br> Let's start to look at the <i>how</i> <meta http-equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <title></title> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 1.1.3 (Linux)"> <meta name="CREATED" content="20050908;12390300"> <meta name="CHANGED" content="20050916;15105800"> . The first thing to note is that he will come with the clouds and great majesty and power: "And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory." (Mark 13:26) and "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, every one who pierced him; and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him." (Revelation of John 1:7, RSV). Also see Matthew 26:64 and Mark 14:62.<br> <br> When he comes again, every eye will see him and just as the clouds covered him when he ascended those same clouds will reveal him when he returns.<br> <br> More soon, bless you,<br> <br> Gary<br>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233815.post-1134398929255187342005-12-12T16:48:00.000+02:002006-11-14T17:44:15.630+02:00Eschatology 101 (Part 1)<p class="mobile-post">Early on in my walk of faith I heard a sermon on the end times. Being<br />young in the Lord and hungry for His word, I drank in every part of it.<br />The next day I discussed some of the issues raised with some other<br />Christian friends and I was shocked to find that none of them agreed<br />with the sermon I had heard. This unsettled me and I soon learned that<br />the study of the return of Christ was a complex subject with many, many<br />points of view. As such I stayed away from the subject for about 10 years.</p><p class="mobile-post">However in recent years I started to look at the subject again. One<br />thing which really prompted me to study this subject was a comment by<br />David Pawson in one of his books. What he basically wrote was that by<br />not studying this subject we leave our churches, neighbors and friends<br />open to different cults who come with clever, persuasive pre-packaged<br />speeches and answers about the return of Christ. When our friends then<br />turn to us for help or guidance we fail them and the cult gains another<br />member.</p><p class="mobile-post">These next series of posts will be the ABCs of eschatology (the study of<br />the end times).</p><p class="mobile-post">To end this post we will look at our first scripture from Acts 1:11:<br />"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who<br />was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw<br />him go into heaven."</p><p class="mobile-post">This Jesus, our Jesus will come again in a bodily, visible way. It<br />hasn't happened yet, but it will. Jesus is coming again.</p><p class="mobile-post">Blessings,</p><p class="mobile-post">Gary</p>Gary Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475139921281523601noreply@blogger.com0