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King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
<A Psalm of David.>> The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. Psalm 14:1

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:22

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Galatians 3:1

Today, I call on Bible teachers and interpreters to put all these three scriptures today. First, we often read or hear many Christians even on this forum call Atheists fools and say because the bible calls them fools according to Psalms 14:1 in that fact the don't believe there's God.

Second, Jesus came on the scene and said, "whoever shall say THOU FOOL, is in danger of hell fire. Mehn, this is serious! We often hear even preachers curse people from the pulpit for one reason or the other calling folks fools. How are we to interpret the words of Jesus in line with even calling Atheists or anyone fools. As if you're not getting what I'm saying....you'll soon understand.

Third, Apostle Paul comes on the scene and acted very contrary to the words of Jesus Christ calling the Galatians FOOLS. Mehn, if I'm to interpret the words of Jesus literally, Apostle Paul is in danger of hell fire mehn. Hey, are you seeing what I'm seeing?

Calling on Bible Teachers and Interpreters, how do we put all these three scriptures together? What do we make out of them? Don't tell me scriptures contradicts but I'm going somewhere.....and I hope to land safely with this mystery. Enjoy yourself while you UNLOOSE and UNVEIL....Glory to God!

III. MAKE CHRIST CENTRAL IN ALL INTERPRETATIONS AND\OR BIBLE STUDIES.

New International Version (©2011)
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,

New Living Translation (©2007)
"You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

John 5:39

The whole Bible is about the Lord Jesus Christ; from Genesis to Revelation and Christ is central in all Scripture. Whatever is hidden in the Old is revealed in the New. Whatever is typified in the Old is revealed in the New. An example of not taking this principle into consideration would be to say that God had a plan of salvation in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament Christ came with a new plan. It would be saying the Old Testament saints were saved by the Law and the New Testament by Grace.

The Book of Hebrews clearly says that the Law and all the sacrifices did not atone for sin. Hebrews 11, states that all the Old Testament saints though their faith was commended but did not receive the promises of God. Their faith was in the future coming of the Messiah and Savior who would atone for sin. Thus, Christ was central in salvation in the Old Testament as He is in the New Testament. It was Christ's death on the Cross that saved the Old Testament saints. They trusted\have faith in Him as their Messiah, before the fact of His birth, death, burial and resurrection.

Lesson Four

II. COMMIT NO HISTORICAL OR CULTURAL BLUNDERS.

A. The Bible was written over a period of about 1400 years. During that time many historical and cultural changes have taken place. To arrive at the correct meaning of a passage you must consider when was the statement made. Next, you must consider the historical and cultural situation surrounding the passage.

B. The example of God's command to stone false prophets. Deuteronomy 13:5, deals with false prophets in Israel. It states that in Israel false prophets were to be put to death. That is clearly what the passage says and what God commanded Israel to do. Does this mean that Christians today are to put false prophets to death? Obviously, we would not because we live in a different time in history and have a different culture. We live in the Church Age, and dispensationally are not in the Age of the Law as was Israel then. God gave the Law to the "nation" of Israel; He did not give it to the local churches. It was Israel's Constitution, Bill of Rights and system of judicial laws.

We today are in the age of the local churches and we are not the nation of Israel. God was not addressing us in these passages. However, Christians can apply the principle behind the commandment. The basis of this law was that God wanted Israel to be separated\distanced away from false teachings saying; "...So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee." The churches today must keep its self AWAY from false teachers\prophets. We can apply this principle today by denouncing false prophets\teachers and remaining separate from them. It would be a wrong application of the passage for Christians today to practice putting false prophets to death. That would be a grave historical blunder.

C. The historical setting of the Book of Daniel. In interpreting the Book of Daniel, one would have to consider that Daniel was a captive in Babylon. All the events of his life take place there. This historical information would be essential in understanding the Book of Daniel.

D. Another example that could be confusing is the use of the names "Judah" and "Israel." Historically, the twelve tribes of Israel divided after the death of King Solomon. It is necessary to understand who the names "Israel" and "Judah" identify. The ten tribes, that occupied the northern area of Palestine, were called Israel. Most times the name "Israel" is referring to the nation as a whole or the twelve tribes. Other times it refers only to the ten northern tribes after the tribes separated after Solomon's death. The Bible addresses the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in the south a "Judah." The name "Judah" can refer to the Southern Kingdom (the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin). Or it may be referring to Judah alone, as the name of the tribe of David. You must consider the historical setting of the word's use to know what it refers to.

It's your birthday today. Wishing your Happy Birthday and fulfilling years to come. Silver & Gold I have none but wishing you a wonderful birthday is the gift. We love you brother but God loves you more than we do. Again, Happy Birthday!

Recommended Bible Study Helps\Aids and Reference Materials

Many are too much King James Version "ONLY" interpretation and do not know there were Bibles before the King James. Since the King James was translated from Hebrews\Greek are we to assume those who understood the words for 1611 years were wrong and the King James interpretation is now to be different? Was it the same Holy Ghost that led the Hebrews\Greeks to understand the words as it meant to them in the original language?

Why are many afraid of the Hebrews\Greeks? God chose the Hebrews\Greeks to preserve his word for 1611 years before there was a King James and therein we can find original meanings to the translated English words. If the Hebrew\Greek was the language the Old\New Testament was originally written in and there are Hebrews\Greeks today who read the same language, does God change the meaning he inspired the writers to write? Hebrew\Greek will not go away so easy just because there is a King James Version. The Hebrew\Greek meaning will "ALWAYS" be greater than any translations of the King James Version.

1. Bible Translations – Check as many as possible ENGLISH translations. Hardcover and online with KJV as 'suggested' first preference translation with many other ENGLISH translations for clarity and broader understanding of the English TEXT already being translated.

http://www.biblegateway.com/

http://www.blueletterbible.org/

http://christiananswers.net/bible/

http://www.olivetree.com/bible/

http://bible.cc/2_corinthians/9-9.htm

https://www.youversion.com/bible/1/jhn.1.kjv

2. Concordance

Hardcover Strong’s concordance – Check for Old (Hebrews) and New (Greek) Testament word study meanings in our study.

Online Strong’s concordance:

http://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfm

http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/strongs-exhaustive-concordance

3. Dictionaries

Hardcover: Check all available hardcover bible dictionaries in your library (if any).

Online dictionaries:

Easton's Bible Dictionary and many others in the 2nd link - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/easton/ebd2.toc.html

http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/

You can also visit the dictionary & encyclopedias session of this study website: http://www.intothyword.org/pages.asp?pageid=53515

C. The rule is this: "Always accept the literal meaning of the words of the passage unless there is strong evidence to do otherwise." As stated earlier, "If the literal sense makes sense, seek no other sense."

We are very fortunate to live in this age. Excellent Bible helps are available to help us find the original meaning of a word. Word study books such as Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words enables anyone to research a word without knowing the language and find its original meaning.

D. Syntax. Important to arriving at the correct meaning of a word is the study of syntax. Syntax is the study of the word in is grammatical setting. It deals with understanding the word's grammatical use as a verb, noun, adjective, adverb or part of speech. It also seeks to decide the tense, mood, voice, and case of a word.

E. When God used a particular word He did so to convey a particular meaning. You cannot ignore the customary and grammatical meaning of a word, in its historical setting and honestly claim to arrive at an interpretation of the passage that God intended. To ignore this principle of sound Biblical interpretation is to destroy the very Word of God itself. God did not give us a subjective and confusing method of understanding His Word. God chose each and every word for its precise meaning and recorded it and reserved it so there would be no confusion.

B. Often the Bible does use figurative speech. The art or skill of an interpreter, using the proper rules of interpretation combined with good biblical reasoning can easily understand the meaning. In 2 Peter 3:8, Peter says that one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. Here the time period is clearly figurative. Note that the verse says one day "is as" a thousand years. It does not say one day "is" exactly one thousand years. It would be wrong to take this figurative statement as meaning absolutely that a day in heaven is one thousand years. It would also be wrong to use this verse to say that a when the word day is used in Scripture it means one thousand years. Note that here the Bible is interpreting the Bible.

1. In the Bible, when a verse is not to be interpreted literally it is clearly indicated. By examining the passage we know that Peter in 2 Peter 3:8, used a simile. A simile is figure of speech in which one thing is liken to another. Also, the context of this verse presents further evidence that supports this view. Peter is addressing scoffers who rejected the truth that Christ would return to earth.

2. Many have tried to use this verse to fix the long ages of evolution into the Genesis account of Creation. They believe that this verse allows for great latitude in interpreting the word "day" in Genesis 1 and 2. But if we apply sound rules of interpreting Scripture to the passages in Genesis it too shows that this is an erroneous interpretation.

3. The word for "Day" is the Hebrew word, "yom" It can mean the followings:

(1) The period of light (contrasted from the period of darkness).
(2) A twenty four hour period.
(3) A general vague "time".
(4) A point in time.
(5) A year.

4. Some want to believe the "days of creation" were long periods of time, which would support evolution. They would suggest the meaning of the word "yom" is "long ages" They point to verses such as Psalm 102:2, which use the word in a general sense. "Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble..." This could mean the day was one twenty hour period or any length of time of trouble. However, to understand what the word means you must look at the word in all the contexts it is used. Look at verses such as Gen. 7:11, 27:45; Ex. 20:10; Lev. 22:277; Num. 7:24, 30, 36, 40, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 77-78; Psa. 88:1, 139:12, Eccl. 8:16. These verses illustrate an unfailing principle found in every use of the word, "yom" Whenever "yom" is modified by a number\figure, or whenever "yom" is used in conjunction with the idea of day and night, or light and darkness, it ALWAYS mean a normal twenty four hour day.

5. The use of a number with the word "yom" is conclusive evidence that the "Days of Creation" were twenty four hour periods of time. The Bible says, ". . .the evening and the morning were the first day". The use of the words, evening, morning and first, limits the meaning of the word "day" to a twenty four hour period of time. That is exactly what it says. To interpret the time period which is stated here as meaning anything but a twenty four hour period is a gross error in interpreting what the writer meant.

6. Further evidence is found in Exodus 20:11, which supports this conclusion that these days in Genesis 1, are twenty four hour period of time. Note the statement of Moses, "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day: therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." This is as clear a statement of the time frame of Creation as can be had. Moses in connecting the six day Creation with instructions concerning the Sabbath day is conclusive evidence that the Creation was accomplished in six literal twenty four hours periods.

7. Peter, in 2 Peter 3:8, is assuring believers that God will keep his promises to us. It is pointing out that God is not confined to time as we know it. The use of the phrase "a thousand years is as but a day with the Lord" is understood as being a metaphorical reference to the fact that God is not limited by time. What we might perceive as a delay in time is within the structure of God's plan for the world.

8. If you interpret 2 Peter 3:8, literally, then you would still have only seven thousand years for God to complete the Creation. You would still not have the billions of years the evolutionist insists it took to create the world and life as we know it. In any case you can not honestly use this passage as a precedent to interpret the "days" of Genesis 1, as being anything other than a twenty four hour period of time.

Lesson Three

Hence we begin the lesson\course proper. We shall look into ELEVEN principles of interpretation that let the Scripture interpret Scripture. When we say let Scripture interpret Scripture we are saying, let God interpret His Word for us.

ELEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE LITERAL EXPOSITORY METHOD OF INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE.


I. FOLLOW THE CUSTOMARY USAGES OF THE LANGUAGE.

We have dictionaries that are lists of words with their definitions. A word can have several meanings. But a word does have a limited meaning. As an example take the word "boat". It could be referring to many types of water craft, but it would NOT be referring to a chariot pulled by horses. The customary and grammatical meaning of the word "boat" is a water craft. It would be improper to imply\interpret that when the writer used the word "boat" that he was referring to chariot.

Often, Bible interpreters incorrectly give Scripture an "allegorical" or so called "spiritual" meaning. Tan, uses the following examples of an allegorical interpretation of Scripture. One interpreter allegorically interpreted the journey of Abraham this way. He interpreted it as an imaginary trip of a Stoic philosopher who left his sensual understanding and after a time arrived back at his senses. Another example of misusing allegory would be to teach that the two pence given to the inn keeper in the parable of Good Samaritan, represented Baptism and Lord's Supper.

Accepting what the words literally mean is a vital part of this first rule. Unless the passage says otherwise, give Scripture a literal meaning. It is a well stated rule, "that if the literal sense makes sense, seek no other sense".

A. The example of Revelation 20:6.

1. For example, Revelation 20:6, states that Christ will reign for one thousand years after the Great Tribulation. This thousand years is called the "Millennium." This verse "literally" states that the time period is one thousand years. Amillennialists falsely assert that this thousand years is only figurative to support their belief that there will not be a thousand year reign of Christ on earth. They teach that although the Bible says it will be a thousand years it really means some indefinite period of time.

2. Here is the problem. If it does not mean a literal one thousand years then how do we go about finding out its "real" meaning? Their answer is simple. Let the Bible commentator or scholar tell you, because he has the education and insights that the ordinary Christian does not have. The problem with this answer is, which Bible commentator should you go to whom you can trust has the correct answer? With what criteria do you test each commentator to see who is correct? Do you see the problem? When you leave the literal method of interpreting Scripture you have no means to determine what the passage\text says! It is left up to each person to determine for himself what it means without any standard or system of rules to follow. Clearly, this is leads to great confusion and makes it impossible to know what God intend to tell us!

3. It is obvious from reading Revelation 20, that the thousand years is literal and not figurative. There is nothing in the passage that would suggest that the period of time is figurative. Thus if we accept literally what the Bible says we are letting the Bible interpret itself. The correct interpretation of the passage is that Christ will literally reign for one thousand years on earth! The literal meaning of the words tells us what God said. There is no confusion or misunderstanding. The question the "spiritualizers" of the Bible should ask themselves is, why did God say literally that this period of time would be a thousand years, when if He had some other period in mind. Why did not just state it plainly if meant something else?

obadiah777: @ ISHILOVE JEREMIAH 12 VS 9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour. <<< THE LORDS INHERITANCE IS ISRAEL. THE BIRDS ROUND ABOUT HER CALLED BIRDS ARE GENTILES. THE GENTILES ARE ALSO CALLED 'BEASTS OF THE FIELD'. IN GENESIS 1 VS 25, BEASTS CREATED FIRST WAS THE GENTILES WHO WERE NOT MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD ( THESE ARE HUMANS ). GOD DID NOT CREATE ONLY TWO PEOPLE CALLED ADAM AND EVE. THIS IS CRAZY TALK. THE WHOLE WORLD DID NOT COME FROM TWO PEOPLE. YOU HAVE TO STUDY GENESIS 1 AND 2 CAREFULLY. BEASTS OF THE FIELD IS USED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE BIBLE TO REFER TO GENTILES

in tongues of Hebrew & Greek at the same time and rolling on the floor.

obadiah777: WHETHER YOU HAVE THE TIME OR NOT I DONT THINK YOU CAN BREAK DOWN THOSE CHAPTERS. I STRONGLY DOUBT YOU CAN. IN FACT I CAN BET MY LAST DOLLAR THAT YOU CANNOT. IF YOU CAN, DO IT NOW. IT ONLY TAKES AT MOST 30 MINUTES

Hmmmmm, it takes 30 minus to unloose rubbish to God's people? If you are looking for God's gift like me as a teacher , why not say it and then come lay your offerings at the Apostle's feet so you can have revelation. Hey bro, I need to catch the Manhattan Bus to downtown Manhattan.....that's where I'm working tonight and I won't be drawn by this your argument. God willing, I will do justice to those scriptures when I do have time....after all, you no go give me anything; I'm just doing it to edify God's people and you also wanna use me to learn Yeye boi

obadiah777: BLOOD AND FRUIT SACRIFICE ARE SYMBOLISM. YOU GONE FIND OUT ALMOST ALL SCRIPTURE IS SYMBOLIC. THATS WHAT YOU GONE FIND OUT

PSALMS 78 VS 2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old

MATTHEW 13 VS 10 AND 11 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why do you speak unto them in parables? He answered them, "Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them.

YOU GONE FIND OUT THAT IF THE LORD DOES NOT OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE PARABLES SYMBOLS AND ALLEGORY, YOU WILL BE BLIND AS YOU ARE NOW. YOU GOT SPIRITUAL ASTIGMATISM

See, I'm tired of you for now please. You have nothing revelational to say....seriously. That scriptures you quoted was one of the Messiahnic Psalms and like I said, Genesis to revelation was pointing to Christ & the Church. If Psalms says was pointing to Christ that he will open his mouth and speak in parables......and Christ has spoken in parables and it is ALREADY REVEALED TO THIS DISCIPLES\APOSTLES.....and apparently to us who study those parables and their meaning....what is it that is STILL symbolic about the parables?

YOU GONE FIND OUT ALMOST ALL SCRIPTURE IS SYMBOLIC. THATS WHAT YOU GONE FIND OUT.....And again, you mean Abraham lying to Abimelech is symbolic? You mean, Devil tempting Christ was symbolic? You mean, God creating the world is symbolic? I know that's what you've been saying that the flood was symbolic......it never happened. Listen bro, God says what he wanted to say and what God wanted is what is written\penned down. I tired of this your unscriptural argument....I have things to do. This argument or discussion is meaningless and time wasting to me as far as I'm concerned.

Good night!

@ Obadiah777,

So now you want me to unloose those stuff for you? Keep it the way they are. I will do that when I have the time. I only came into this thread because because of the unscriptural things you were saying and alas, you've drown me into a longer discussion. I will do justice to those scriptures you talked about. Okay. And please, don't use that to dodge by style you hear me so?

obadiah777: GOD DEMANDS BLOOD SACRIFICE FROM EVERY HUMAN IN THIS WORLD. BLOOD SACRIFICE MEANS YOU KILL YOUR OLD SELF AND RETURN TO HIM ( LEVITICUS 17 VS 11 )

THAT IS A LIE AGAIN!....GOD DOESN'T DEMAND BLOOD SACRIFICE FROM NO MAN ANYMORE BECAUSE CHRIST ALREADY GAVE IT AND BLOOD SACRIFICE DOESN'T MEAN YOU KILL YOUR OLD SELF AND RETURN TO HIM.....DIE TO SELF SIMPLY MEANS WHAT IT SAYS BY CRUCIFYING YOUR MORTAL BODY WHILE BLOOD SACRIFICE MEANS BLOOD SACRIFICE....SACRIFICING BLOOD.

New Living Translation (©2007)
Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people's sins. Hebrews 7:27

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
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: 1 Peter 3:18

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14

Hebrews 9:14 says Christ offered himself by blood. Hebrews 10:10 and 7:27 says it was ONCE AND FOR ALL. 1 Samuel 15:22 and Hebrews 10:6 says God doesn't delight in burnt offerings AND SACRIFICE NO MORE.

^^^ Abeg stop ranting all over and still dodging questions please

Okay, if you're not abusing scripture interpretation, then kindly answer this question below:

Goshen360: Okay, let's start again......to show you where you ADDED to God's word. You said, God commanded or demanded blood sacrifice from Cain. Where in scriptures did God demanded that....Give us the book, chapter and verse.....very simple. I'm waiting. I have more o but let's start with that for now.

@ Obadiah777 and @ All, ^^^

I want to humbly recommend this thread for your edification: https://www.nairaland.com/1226596/expository-bible-study-course-raising

It will add more to your how we can understand and interpret the Bible accurately. It's a Bible Study Course though. Kindly join us and\or follow the thread. It will add to what you already know.

Thank you bro.

obadiah777: AND CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE I WAS ADDING ON TO GODS WORDS CHIEF ?

Okay, let's start again......to show you where you ADDED to God's word. You said, God commanded or demanded blood sacrifice from Cain. Where in scriptures did God demanded that....Give us the book, chapter and verse.....very simple. I'm waiting. I have more o but let's start with that for now.

Ishilove: There is an anti-obadiah NL user 'liking' each and every one of Goshen's posts. Lol.

Don't mind our brother Obadiah, he is abusing scripture interpretation by spiritualizing the text to say what the text doesn't say. It's okay to say what you wanna say from a scripture BUT give us another scriptures that unlooses the first one you're seeking interpretation for. That's what we demanded from our brother and he still haven't explained himself. Imagine him saying Adam was a NATION of PEOPLE. I have argued the same heresy with him in the past.

obadiah777: AND I REPEAT BRAH, WE ARE NOT ON THE SAME LEVEL. I SEE THINGS YOU DONT, ALL PRAISES TO YAHAWAH FOR BESTOWING ME WITH THESE GIFTS

I'm NOT saying I'm in the same level with you and CAN'T be in the same level with you and DON'T wanna be in the same level with you; we all functions as different PARTS of ONE BODY of Christ under different Grace, no competition or comparing ourselves with ourselves BUT whatever you say, MUST not contradict God's ALREADY written word. Telling us that this MEANS that and without any verification from what is already written is totally unacceptable. Revelation 22:18 says you should NOT add to God's word.

obadiah777: BROS JUST ACCEPT THAT THE SCRIPTURE IS NOT MADE FOR EVERYONE. ONLY A SELECT FEW. NOW SOUNDS LIKE YOU MAY NEED A LIL WORK. AMOS 3 VS 7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret unto his servants the prophets

This your statement is one of the Colosians' heresies - saying there is secret revelation of God's word to 'special' people. You're peddling HALF truth that is NOT complete. Take a look at this,

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10

Listen my friend, I do not boast myself and if I do, my boast is in the things of God not claiming to know it all though but as one that strives to know more. I understand the Old Testament even more than you do. But they are all pointing to Christ and the End time God's plan and purpose WHICH IS ALREADY REVEALED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Every OLD TESTAMENT chapters and verses HAVE THEIR FULFILLMENTS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT - EVERYTHING. So, when you read a TEXT in the Old and\or an event, go to the New and find the fulfillments - IT'S THERE AND YOU WILL SEE IT.

obadiah777: EVER SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON NAIRALAND I HAVE NEVER ONCE HEARD YOU WARN THE PEOPLE ABOUT THE IMPENDING DOOM COMING TO THE WORLD. ALL YOU PEDDLE IS THAT WATERED DOWN LOVE DOCTRINE THAT PASTORS USE TO GET TITHE AND DECEIVE THE PEOPLE INTO A FALSE SENSE OF SAFETY WHILE FLEECING THEM. THIS IS THE JOB OF A REAL PROPHET JEREMIAH 28 VS 8 The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence. <<< THIS IS THE JOB OF A PROPHET. IF YOU ARE NOT SEEING PROPHESYS THEN YOU ARE NOT ONE AND THIS IS WHY THE LORD HAS NOT REVEALED HIS SECRETS TO YOU ( AMOS 3 VS 7 ). MAYBE IN TIME YOU WILL GET TO KNOW ALL THE MYSTERIES BUT SEEMS YOU ARE TRYING TO HOLD ME TO YOUR SECULAR STANDARDS OF INTERPRETING SCRIPTURES. I AM ON ANOTHER LEVEL BRAH. RECOGNIZE THAT. TO GET TO MY LEVEL YOU NEED TO BE MORE DILIGENT AND ALSO FOCUS MORE ON THE OLD TESTAMENT. TILL THEN YOU ARE JUST A MAN WHO OFFERS SMOOTH WORDS

You do err! Haven't you read me teachings against sin? Go through my past threads. I don't have to come here and teach sin EVERYDAY or EVERY THREAD I OPEN. There's lots of things to teach\preach. And besides, you know I'm against tithe so your statement is out of point on the tithe issue. I do not have any worship place where I collect money from people.

The problem is NOT going back to the Old Testament. The problem is YOU....being unable to tell us or point us to another text that explains an Old testament text. If I say from the Old, I must be able to establish it with another text from either old or new. I cannot just say MOON = UNDERSTANDING with ANY valid text with which I arrived at that interpretation........Bros, that's all I'm saying here. If you can't prove that from ALL what you've saying, then it is your OWN interpretation NOT God's and such must stop.

obadiah777: AGAIN YOU ERR. REVELATION HAD NOT BEEN WRITTEN THEN ? JOHN 1 VS 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God << ALL AND I MEAN ABSOLUTELY ALL SCRIPTURE WAS WRITTEN FROM THE BEGINNING. YOU THINK GOD IS JUST MAKING IT ALL UP AS HE IS GOING ? YOU MUST BE OUT YOUR MIND LOL

You see, that's why I said; what you are doing is NOT God's interpretation BUT your OWN PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. John's "In the beginning" IS NOT the SAME as Genesis's "In the beginning". John delves into ETERNITY while Genesis delves into CREATION. I thought you said you understand Hebrews?

There's One that exist before Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 is helping us to correctly INTERPRET OR UNLOOSE what Genesis 1:1 was saying in that GOD existed before CREATION. Do you still have problem with that? That's why I said, you MUST point us to another TEXT that explicitly explains the one you're trying to seek meaning to. If that's too much for you to understand, you berrer keep your 'spiritualizing' the TEXT to yourself and STOP teaching heresy here.

obadiah777: YOU DO ERR. BLOOD SACRIFICE IS SYMBOLIC. THE LORD DONT REQUIRE PHYSICAL BLOOD. IT MEANS YOU HAVE TO KILL YOUR OLD SELF. THATS BLOOD SACRIFICE

I don't see where I err but you. There are PLAIN scripture that the TEXT tells us EXPLICITLY to KILL OUR OLD SELF. Those text you're using to MEAN that we should kill our OLD SELF are saying something different. Blood Sacrifice which the life of the flesh is IN THE BLOOD was POINTING TO CHRIST SACRIFICING HIMSELF THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE NEW COVENANT FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. Those where SHADOWS in which God was teachings His redemptive plan for the sin of first Adam. Blood sacrifice DOES NOT EQUALS die to old self BUT TO THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST. Again, God doesn't require BLOOD physical sacrifice ANYMORE because it was ALREADY REQUIRED AND GIVEN PHYSICALLY BY CHRIST.

obadiah777: BROS, YOU NEED HELP. GO AND LOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO READ HEBREW. THEN YOU WILL GET ALL THE SYMBOLS. THEY ARE HEBREW WORDS WHICH DID NOT CONVERT CORRECTLY TO ENGLISH. THATS WHY YOU DONT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURES. PLUS YOU ONLY READ THE NEW TESTAMENT SO I DONT EVEN EXPECT YOU TO UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURES. ANYONE WHO READS ONLY THE NEW TESTAMENT IS A SCRIPTURAL ILLITERATE. THE MEAT OF THE BIBLE IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

You still haven't said ANYTHING yet bro. I USE HEBREW and GREEK CONCORDANCE & DICTIONARY TO STUDY GOD'S WORD. There's nothing you want to tell me from the OLD TESTAMENT THAT I DON'T KNOW OR WON'T TELL YOU THE MEANING BEING REVEALED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. I understand the NEW because I have also STUDIED the OLD. So, your point ISN'T VALID to the questions asked. Now, lemme divert a little so you understand how OLD and NEW connects.....from the words of the Master himself,

New International Version (©2011)
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,
New Living Translation (©2007)
"You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5:39


King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
New International Version (©2011)
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Now, you just quoted a scripture and gave a wrong interpretation that SCRIPTURES WAS WRITTEN FROM END TO BEGINNING but Luke 24:27 PROVES you wrong in that even Jesus STARTED from Genesis down to the ALL the prophets...because REVELATION had not been written yet at that time.

Again, Genesis to Revelation is Christo-Central WITH the Church. In the Old Testament, it was a hidden Gospel BUT in the New, it is a REVEALED Gospel. There's no more hidden mystery any where anymore for all revelations are complete in Christ.

obadiah777: YOU ERR NOT KNOWING SCRIPTURES. SCRIPTURES WAS WRITTEN END FROM BEGINNING. ISAIAH 46 VS 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: <<< YES LEVITICUS WAS WRITTEN BEFORE GENESIS TECHNICALLY BECAUSE THE LAWS WERE ESTABLISHED BEFORE HE MADE MAN

Very good. You are coming closer. If scriptures was written from END to BEGINNING.....according to you. Now, tell us from REVELATION, WHERE GOD COMMANDED CAIN TO BRING BLOOD SACRIFICE FROM REVELATION AND IT APPEARS IN GENESIS. You should have a TEXT, I mean just one TEXT that shows what you are saying.

^^^ See how you're dodging questions being asked. Okay, another look at the issue;

obadiah777: YOU ERR NOT KNOWING SCRIPTURES http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_a_horn_represent_in_the_bible

http://www.teachinghearts.org/dre00symbols.html AND THE REST YOU CAN GET ON GOOGLE. BETTER YET IF YOU READ HEBREW YOU CAN GET THE REAL MEANINGS IN HEBREW TEXT

If 'horn' means something.....what is the text that tells us what that meaning is. I can also come up and claim the Holy Spirit tells me 'horn' means this\that without having any text to support it. Listen friend, every biblical 'imagery' has TEXT to prove the meaning. If you can't point us to a TEXT that tells us the meaning of what you're saying, THAT IS PRIVATE INTERPRETATION....and NO SCRIPTURE is of PRIVATE INTERPRETATION (2 Peter 1:20).

@ italo, ^^^

I will attend intensive to all your issues raised. Doing that on this thread will probably derail the purpose of this thread. I will start another thread for you and I, hopefully others will learn. Starting another thread for you and I, I will reference this very thread stating the basis of the new thread. My hands are too full at the moment and your answers need intensive feed back. I hope you bear with with for now.

Thank you.

obadiah777: PSALMS 40 VS 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me <<<< THE WHOLE BIBLE

ISAIAH 28 VS 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: <<< THIS IS HOW YOU INTERPRET THE BIBLE. THE BOOK IS A PUZZLE THAT HAS TO BE FITTED TOGETHER. YOU HAVE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE BOOK BEFORE YOU CAN MAKE THE KIND OF ARGUMENTS I MAKE. SCRIPTURE SAYS BLESSED IS HE WHO READS. STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED. EVERY INFO IS NOT WRITTEN IN THE SAME CHAPTER. AND I REPEAT THIS IS WHERE THE LORD DEMANDS BLOOD SACRIFICE

LEVITICUS 17 VS 11 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.

I DONT THINK YOU UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE. YOU SOUND LIKE A SCRIPTURAL ILLITERATE BUT I WILL TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE. ASK ME MORE QUESTIONS

You still HAVEN'T answered his question, DOES LEVITICUS 17:11 SAYS GOD COMMANDED CAIN TO PERFORM BLOOD SACRIFICE OR IS LEVITICUS WRITTEN BEFORE GENESIS?

@ Obadiah777,

You're my good friend and brother but YOU ARE TEACHING RUBBISH since the beginning of this thread and I don't have time for this your thread yet. When I do have time, I will return here in peace. But for the sake of those who're reading this thread, let's put your 'interpretation' to a test if it fits 'sound doctrine':

obadiah777: SUN- MEANS WISDOM
MOON- MEANS UNDERSTANDING
MOUNTAIN - MEANS COUNTRY
TREES- MEAN MEN
HORN- MEANS STRENGTH
SEAS- MEANS MASSES OF PEOPLE
BLOOD - MEANS KILLED

NOW I CAN GO ON FOREVER. NOW FOR EXAMPLE LETS SEE WHERE ONE OF THESE IS USED

JOEL 2 VS 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD comes.

Now, a simple test. How did you arrived at the interpretation from the verse you quoted that, SUN = WISDOM and MOON = UNDERSTANDING.......or perhaps that MOUNTAIN = COUNTRY; TREES- MEAN MEN; HORN- MEANS STRENGTH; SEAS- MEANS MASSES OF PEOPLE and BLOOD - MEANS KILLED

You will need to reference another TEXT that gives the parallel 'interpretation' otherwise, you are doing PRIVATE INTERPRETATION (using your OWN words of man's wisdom and infusing\inserting it into God's word) OR SPIRITUALIZING THE TEXT. This is different from when the text is being used as a metaphor and even scriptural text that are being used as metaphors are still being unloosed (interpreted) by another TEXT.

You're saying CONTRARY TO THE EXACT things scriptures talks about for the last days or end times saying,

obadiah777: NOW WHAT THAT VERSE MEANS IS THAT THE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING IN THE WORLD WILL BE KILLED BEFORE THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD. I AM SURE YOU CAN SEE THAT ALL AROUND YOU TODAY. THE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING OF PEOPLE HAS VANISHED. EVERYONE IS ACTING THE FOOL. LEADERS DONT KNOW HOW TO RUN COUNTRIES ANYMORE ALL THEY DO IS LOOT OR START WARS. THE MUSIC IS NOW GARBAGE. PEOPLES INTELLIGENCE HAS REDUCED. HECK ON NAIRALAND HALF THE PEOPLE CANT SPELL. THIS NEVER USED TO BE THE CASE. EVERYONE IS GETTING MORE S-TUPID. THESE ARE END TIME SIGNS

Now, take a look at this,

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Daniel 12:4

How do you explain Daniel that says knowledge shall increase with your statement above And it is also evidence that great knowledge is fast increasing today.

Ubenedictus: does ur definition of repentance involves 'rejustification'

No, it does not involves RE-justification. I answered the to shdemidemi indirectly. When we sin after coming to Christ, there're many reasons to that but one of them is 'yielding to the flesh'. In this case, it is not that we are being rejustified, we are already are and at the same time, it doesn't give us license to continue to sin. Off course, you know too well there's nothing like RE-justification.

The repentance in my former context simple means, stop sinning willfully or stop continue to sin willfully thinking the Grace is available and neither does it mean you have to start confessing and accepting Christ afresh like a sinner coming to Christ for the first time. No, you've already known Christ in the gift of salvation only such person haven't repented perhaps of some sins or still yielding to the flesh.

I hope I answered you question.

Ubenedictus: the bolded seems incomplete. it is not baptism or works or faith that justifies us but GOd who imputs the justice/merit/righteous of Christ on the sinner. Faith in Christ and baptism are preconditions.

Brother, which one comes first? Your believing and\or faith in Christ BEFORE you were baptized OR You were baptized before you believed in Christ?

I believe your answer will give a clear understanding of what I was trynna say.

Ubenedictus: you seem uncertain the bolded almost contradict. and i'll like you to explain demonstrative justification.

The demonstrative as implied talked about by James is an act that follows the inward invisible act of faith\believing. How does one show his\her faith? By carrying out action; in this case works. Works alone doesn't justify; works itself is a function springing out from our believe. Our works alone by itself doesn't justify us but our faith is on the finished works of Christ that justifies us. Believing in the finished works of Christ and out of that flows our works as a sign of our believing or faith in Christ's finished works.

shdemidemi: I sort of see it differently though.
I believe Jesus died for the sin I will commit tomorrow. If i really understand how He bought me from the sin market, it humbles me rather than it being a license to go committing more sins. But if I decide to go the other way of sinning, I believe there are earthly consequences--which does not affect my justification through Christ.
On a flip side I cannot stop being a sinner. I can never be righteous (nobody can) in this flesh.
Cos that is how I am wired.
I believe that is why God gave me a gift.
A gift(grace) I don't deserve instead of a wage (law) that I can't fulfill.
I want us to really look at this together.

We must learn not to learn on one side of scriptures - but RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of truth. We know that when we were yet sinners and now being justified through Christ by faith. What about sins we 'might' or 'do' commit after we have come to Christ? There's what the scripture calls 'willful' sin in which someone willfully sins and thinking the Grace of God is there to forgive or justify him\her - such is actually an abuse of Grace and the gift of God. It is then that the scriptures, "Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under Grace" comes to life in such believers.

The very case of such believers that uses Grace to continue to sin is that, perhaps they still don't understand Grace. Grace is Christ, not a teaching. It is the life of Christ that came as a gift of God. I don't have much time to fully explain but Grace is actually an empowerment of Christ over the sin that comes through the knowledge of the law. The very reason while 'some' believers still hide under Grace to continue to sin is because they haven't yielded themselves to the fullness of God in the Grace of Christ but unto sin in the fullness of the law. Please read the whole of Romans 6:1-End

Apologies to all.....if I return to any on-going thread late. We all know how things work in keeping up with many of our responsibilities and also attending to our fellowship here on this forum and yet, we all have 24 hours for each day.

Alright, lemme use the moment to thank our brother, Ihedinobi for his contributions. Those were great words. I will attend the comments from others in the following posts.

Thank y'all.

Nice article from my big brother. Thank you and God bless.