₦airaland Forum

Pacesetter123:
Nobody said it was an act God that Herod killed the innocent children.But the entire mission of the wisemen from the East was an act of God.because it was to acknowledge Jesus as the King of Kings.To show that he will be worshipped by all men on the surface of earth as the saviour of the whole world.Any other thing that king Herod did expecially de massacre of the infant boys was the act of satan.Cos killing, stealing n destruction is the handiwork of satan but acknowledging n worshipping ofJesus as the saviour of the whole world n king of Kings is an act of God, which was exactly what the wisemen did.

Hmmm, so God led the wise men first to Herod when he could lead them directly to Bethlehem, so Herod will later kill innocent children? Is that what you mean?

Okay let's put it this way, the wise men otherwise refer to as Magi or astrologers or magicians (practices that God hates) were led by God to visit Jesus that caused the following:
1. Endangered the life of Jesus
2. Cause the massacre of innocent babies

Is that what you mean?

No bro, all these are the works of the one who hates what is good, Satan the Devil.

Op, nice write-up but the conclusion about the identity of the wise men from the East is wrong, since it doesn't support the general theme of the Bible.

Contrary to popular Christmas tradition, the Bible does not use the terms “three wise men” or “three kings” to describe the travelers who went to see Jesus after his birth. (Matthew 2:1) Instead, the Gospel writer Matthew used the Greek word ma’goi to describe those who visited Jesus. The word likely refers to experts in astrology and other occult practices. A number of Bible translations call them “astrologers” or “magi.”

How many “wise men” were there?
The Bible does not say, and traditions about their number vary. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Eastern tradition sets the number of Magi at 12, but Western tradition sets their number at three, probably based on the three gifts of ‘gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ (Matthew 2:11) presented to the infant.”

Were the “wise men” kings?
Although in Christmas tradition the visitors are often depicted that way, nowhere does the Bible call them kings. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, that designation was added centuries later as part of the traditions that “embellished the narrative.”

When did the “wise men” visit Jesus?
The astrologers may have visited Jesus a number of months after his birth. This is evident because King Herod, who wanted to have Jesus killed, ordered the slaughter of boys who were two years old and younger. He based that age range on information he had received from the astrologers.—Matthew 2:16.

The astrologers did not visit Jesus on the night of his birth. The Bible says: “When they went into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother.” (Matthew 2:11) This indicates that the family were by then living in a house and that Jesus was no longer an infant in a manger.—Luke 2:16.

Did God have the “wise men” follow the “star” of Bethlehem?
Some people believe that God sent the so-called star of Bethlehem to guide the astrologers to Jesus. Consider why that cannot be the case.

What appeared to be a star led the astrologers first to Jerusalem. The Bible says: “Astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem, saying: ‘Where is the one born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when we were in the East, and we have come to do obeisance to him.’”—Matthew 2:1, 2.

King Herod, not the “star,” was the first to direct the astrologers to Bethlehem. When he heard of a rival “king of the Jews,” Herod investigated where the promised Christ was to be born. (Matthew 2:3-6) On learning that it was to be in Bethlehem, he told the astrologers to go there, look for the child, and report back to him.

Only then did the astrologers go to Bethlehem. The Bible says: “After they had heard the king, they went their way, and look! the star they had seen when they were in the East went ahead of them until it came to a stop above where the young child was.”—Matthew 2:9

The appearance of the “star” set in motion events that threatened the life of Jesus and resulted in the murder of innocent children. When the astrologers left Bethlehem, God warned them not to return to Herod.—Matthew 2:12.

How did Herod react? The Bible says: “Herod, seeing that he had been outwitted by the astrologers, flew into a great rage, and he sent out and had all the boys in Bethlehem and in all its districts killed, from two years of age and under, according to the time that he had carefully ascertained from the astrologers.” (Matthew 2:16) God would not have caused such a wicked thing to be done.—Job 34:10 (So listen to me, you men of understanding: It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, For the Almighty to do wrong!)

The Bible account of Cain and Abel making their offerings is very brief. At Genesis 4:3-5, we read: “It came about at the expiration of some time that Cain proceeded to bring some fruits of the ground as an offering to Jehovah. But as for Abel, he too brought some firstlings of his flock, even their fatty pieces. Now while Jehovah was looking with favor upon Abel and his offering, he did not look with any favor upon Cain and upon his offering.”

There is no mention in the Bible that prior to this event Jehovah had given any specific information about sacrifices or about what kind of sacrifices would be acceptable to him. Thus, Cain and Abel evidently made their offerings solely of their own volition. They were barred from access to their parents’ original Paradise home; they began to feel the effects of sin; and they were alienated from God. In their sinful and pitiful state, they must have felt strongly the need to turn to God for help. Offering God a gift was likely a voluntary gesture on their part toward gaining God’s favor.

As matters turned out, Abel’s offering was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not. Why? Was it because Abel offered the right things and Cain did not? We cannot be sure that the type of offering had no bearing on matters, since neither of them had been told what was acceptable and what was not. However, it is likely that either type was acceptable. In the Law that Jehovah eventually gave the nation of Israel, acceptable sacrifices included not only animals or animal parts but also roasted grain, sheaves of barley, fine flour, baked goods, and wine. (Leviticus 6:19-23; 7:11-13; 23:10-13) Evidently, it was not the substance alone of the sacrifices of Cain and Abel that caused God to accept one and reject the other.​—Compare Isaiah 1:11; Amos 5:22.

Centuries later, the apostle Paul stated: “By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain, through which faith he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness respecting his gifts.” (Hebrews 11:4) Thus, it was because of faith that Abel was recognized as righteous by God. But faith in what? Faith in Jehovah’s promise that he would provide the Seed, who would ‘bruise the head of the serpent’ and restore the peace and perfection that mankind once enjoyed. From the statement that the Seed would be ‘bruised in the heel,’ Abel might have reasoned that a sacrifice involving the shedding of blood was needed. (Genesis 3:15) Nonetheless, the fact remains that it was Abel’s expression of faith that made his “a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain.”

By the same token, Cain was rejected, not because he offered the wrong kind of sacrifice, but because he lacked faith, as indicated by his actions. Jehovah had clearly pointed out to Cain: “If you turn to doing good, will there not be an exaltation?” (Genesis 4:7) God did not reject Cain on account of any displeasure over his offering. Rather, it was “because his own works were wicked”​—marked by jealousy, hatred, and finally murder—​that Cain was rejected by God.​—1 John 3:12.

kingxsamz:
Lol, that could be tales by moonlight, I agree. But what would you call a book which its contents are filled with talking snakes, talking donkeys, virgin mothers, rising bones, flying men, men walking on water and living in Fish for days?
You don't have a point.

Well understanding the Bible helps shed more light on ALL the things you mentioned here.

The talking serpent could be seen as a puppet and a puppeteer. Are the puppets actually talking? No is the answer. Same way Satan used the animal (serpent) to thoroughly deceive Eve.

The judgement passed after the rebellion wasn't given to the animal serpent but to the main actor SATAN the devil, the one referred to as the ORIGINAL SERPENT. Hence we can see that it wasn't the animal serpent doing the talking, but it was SATAN behind the scene.

One key to understanding the Bible is by comparing what it says to other portions of the Bible. It answers all life's big questions like
What happens to us when we die
Can we see our dead loved ones again?
Can there be real and lasting peace on earth?
Why so much sufferings?


These questions and many more have their answers in the Bible. True and satisfiable answers you can trust.

Soul” and “Spirit”​—What Do These Terms Really Mean?


WHEN you hear the terms “soul” and “spirit,” what comes to your mind? Many believe that these words mean something invisible and immortal that exists inside us. They think that at death this invisible part of a human leaves the body and lives on. Since this belief is so widespread, many are surprised to learn that it is not at all what the Bible teaches. What, then, is the soul, and what is the spirit, according to God’s Word?

“SOUL” AS USED IN THE BIBLE
First, consider the soul. You may remember that the Bible was originally written mainly in Hebrew and Greek. When writing about the soul, the Bible writers used the Hebrew word neʹphesh or the Greek word psy·kheʹ. These two words occur well over 800 times in the Scriptures, and the New World Translation renders them “soul,” either in the main text or in footnotes. When you examine the way “soul” or “souls” is used in the Bible, it becomes evident that this word basically refers to (1) people, (2) animals, or (3) the life that a person or an animal has. Let us consider some scriptures that present these three different senses.

People. “In Noah’s day . . . a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.” (1 Peter 3:20) Here the word “souls” clearly stands for people​—Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives. Exodus 16:16 mentions instructions given to the Israelites regarding the gathering of manna. They were told to gather it “according to the number of the people [“souls,” footnote]” that each of them had in his tent. So the amount of manna that was gathered was based on the number of people in each family. Some other Biblical examples of the application of “soul” or “souls” to a person or to people are in the footnotes found at Genesis 46:18; Joshua 11:11; Acts 27:37; and Romans 13:1.

Animals. In the Bible’s creation account, we read: “Then God said: ‘Let the waters swarm with living creatures [“souls,” footnote], and let flying creatures fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.’ Then God said: ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures [“souls,” footnote] according to their kinds, domestic animals and creeping animals and wild animals of the earth according to their kinds.’ And it was so.” (Genesis 1:20, 24) In this passage, fish, domestic animals, and wild animals are all referred to by the same word​—“souls.” Birds and other animals are called souls in the footnotes found at Genesis 9:10; Leviticus 11:46; and Numbers 31:28.

Life of a person. Sometimes the word “soul” means the life of a person. Jehovah told Moses: “All the men who were seeking to kill you [“seeking your soul,” footnote] are dead.” (Exodus 4:19) What were Moses’ enemies trying to do? They were seeking to take Moses’ life. Earlier, while Rachel was giving birth to her son Benjamin, “her life was slipping away [“her soul was going out,” footnote].” (Genesis 35:16-19) At that time, Rachel lost her life. Consider also Jesus’ words: “I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his life [“soul,” footnote] in behalf of the sheep.” (John 10:11) Jesus gave his soul, or life, in behalf of mankind. In these Bible passages, or in the footnotes, the word “soul” clearly refers to the life of a person. You will find more examples of this sense of “soul” either in the text or in the footnotes found at 1 Kings 17:17-23; Matthew 10:39; John 15:13; and Acts 20:10.

A further study of God’s Word will show you that nowhere in the entire Bible are the terms “immortal” or “everlasting” linked with the word “soul.” Instead, the Scriptures state that a soul is mortal, meaning that it dies. (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) Therefore, the Bible calls someone who has died simply a “dead soul.”​—Leviticus 21:11, footnote.

THE “SPIRIT” IDENTIFIED
Let us now consider the Bible’s use of the term “spirit.” Some people think that “spirit” is just another word for “soul.” However, that is not the case. The Bible makes clear that “spirit” and “soul” refer to two different things. How do they differ?

Bible writers used the Hebrew word ruʹach or the Greek word pneuʹma when writing about the “spirit.” The Scriptures themselves indicate the meaning of those words. For instance, Psalm 104:29 states: “If you [Jehovah] take away their spirit [ruʹach], they die and return to the dust.” And James 2:26 notes that “the body without spirit [pneuʹma] is dead.” In these verses, then, “spirit” refers to that which gives life to a body. Without spirit, the body is dead. Therefore, in the Bible the word ruʹach is translated not only as “spirit” but also as “force,” or life-force. For example, concerning the Flood in Noah’s day, God said: “I am going to bring floodwaters upon the earth to destroy from under the heavens all flesh that has the breath [ruʹach] of life.” (Genesis 6:17; 7:15, 22) “Spirit” thus refers to an invisible force (the spark of life) that animates all living creatures.

A portable radio without any electrical or battery power source
The soul and the spirit are not the same. The body needs the spirit in much the same way as a radio needs electricity​—in order to function. To illustrate this further, think of a portable radio. When you put batteries in a portable radio and turn it on, the electricity stored in the batteries brings the radio to life, so to speak. Without batteries, however, the radio is dead. So is another kind of radio when it is unplugged from an electric outlet. Similarly, the spirit is the force that brings our body to life. Also, like electricity, the spirit has no feeling and cannot think. It is an impersonal force. But without that spirit, or life-force, our bodies “die and return to the dust” as the psalmist stated.

Speaking about man’s death, Ecclesiastes 12:7 states: “The dust [of his body] returns to the earth, just as it was, and the spirit returns to the true God who gave it.” When the spirit, or life-force, leaves the body, the body dies and returns to where it came from​—the earth. Comparably, the life-force returns to where it came from​—God. (Job 34:14, 15; Psalm 36:9) This does not mean that the life-force actually travels to heaven. Rather, it means that for someone who dies, any hope of future life rests with Jehovah God. His life is in God’s hands, so to speak. Only by God’s power can the spirit, or life-force, be given back so that a person may live again.

How comforting it is to know that this is exactly what God will do for all of those resting in “the memorial tombs”! (John 5:28, 29) At the time of the resurrection, Jehovah will form a new body for a person sleeping in death and bring it to life by putting spirit, or life-force, in it. What a joyful day that will be!

If you would like to learn more about the terms “soul” and “spirit” as used in the Bible, you will find valuable information in the brochure What Happens to Us When We Die? and on pages 375-384 of the book Reasoning From the Scriptures, both published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

Righteousness89:
Last Week was Flood.. This week Locust..

The KING of Kings is Passing A Huge Message..

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.


We need to Fear GOD and Submit to His ways..

Like Wale Adenuga Production says " We are Nothing but Pencils in the Hands of GOD"

The World is being Grounded...

Everything we can see or Touch is going...

All the Palaces, Edifice, Automobiles, Architectural wonders, etc just Name it! Everything is Going.....

Just Last week Michigan in the USA witnessed the Flood they have not seen in 500 years.

And some of us are seeing all these Happenings and we do not see Reasons to Humble ourselves before GOD and Accept JESUS CHRIST.

GOD IS Merciful, Gracious and Loving..

But HE is also a Consuning Fire.

The Bible says " IT is a Fearful thing to fall into the Hands of The Living GOD.

The only Solution is for We all to Submit to Him and Accept JESUS CHRIST.irrespective of Nation, Continent, Religion, Race, tribe .

Don't be Deceived or Feel Comfortable with their so called Peace and Unity.

There is No Peace without THE PRINCE OF PEACE, JESUS CHRIST..





As for My Brothers and Sisters who will Quote to insult me as usual, pls insult me but don't Joke with the Message!

Insult me but Accept JESUS...


I know some of you who pour insults on me will be Saved and Accept JESUS one way or the Other by the Mercy of GOD. When we meet on the streets of Gold in Heaven , you will come to Appreciate me For bringing you the Truth.

I Love you All

Well such statement may make people think God is the cause, the truth is, God isn't the cause. He is never the cause of bad things, evil, pestilences or anything bad happening in the world... The Bible talks about one who is in control (ruler of the world)... It's the Devil not God.

Infact God is the only one who can repair all the damages caused by humans, and the devil... Including undoing death... How wonderful and exciting that time will be seeing our dead loved ones coming back to life...

ELEYINJUANU:
you agent of darkness you are here to defend your master the devil to blindfolded people from knowing the truth, you made mistakes saying Pastors are the one preaching about 666, this truth was established in the bible Revelation 13, you better go through to know the truth and amend your ways if not your end will be full of regretting.

Well the Bible never explained it the way your pastors are explaining it...

This is what the Bible says
According to the last book in the Bible, 666 is the number, or name, of the wild beast with seven heads and ten horns that comes out of the sea. (Revelation 13:​1, 17, 18) This beast is a symbol of the worldwide political system, which rules over “every tribe and people and tongue and nation.” (Revelation 13:7) The name 666 identifies the political system as a gross failure in God’s sight. How?.

The number six implies imperfection. Often, numbers are used as symbols in the Bible. Seven typically represents completeness or perfection. Six, being one short of seven, can denote something incomplete or flawed in God’s eyes, and it can be associated with God’s enemies.​

Three times for emphasis. The Bible sometimes stresses a matter by stating it three times. (Revelation 4:8; 8:​13) So the name 666 powerfully emphasizes that God views human political systems as gross failures. They have been unable to bring lasting peace and security​—things that only God’s Kingdom will achieve.

The mark of the beast
The Bible says that people receive “the mark of the wild beast” because they follow it “with admiration,” to the point of worshipping it. (Revelation 13:​3, 4; 16:2) They do this by giving worshipful honor to their country, its symbols, or its military might. As The Encyclopedia of Religion states: “Nationalism has become a dominant form of religion in the modern world.” *

How is the mark of the beast placed on someone’s right hand or forehead? (Revelation 13:16) Regarding his commands to the nation of Israel, God said: “Bind them as a reminder on your hand, and they should be like a headband on your forehead.” (Deuteronomy 11:18) This meant, not that the Israelites were to mark their literal hands and foreheads, but that God’s words would guide all their actions and thoughts. Likewise, rather than being something literal such as a 666 tattoo, the mark of the beast symbolically identifies those who let the political system rule their lives. Those with the mark of the beast place themselves in opposition to God.​—Revelation 14:​9, 10; 19:19-​21.

You can dig more into the Bible meaning...

#StaySafe

thesicilian:
We see the body looking peaceful externally, but only the dead can truly say what they're going through.

Well the dead don't go through anything. Death Is just the complete opposite of life. Anything you can do while alive, you can't do them while you are dead... Hence the expression "Asleep in death" a very deep sleep...

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going.

#StaySafe

crispus09:
every man shall complete the circle,God intentionally make death the end of the circle so as to check the excess of every man and some power mongers, now imagine if God created man to live forever ?

God actually created man to live forever... But Adam ruined everything... Romans 5:12 .... That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned .. but God's plan hasn't changed... He sent Jesus to buy back that which Adam lost (The prospect of living forever)...


John 17:3...This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. ... So by knowing God and Jesus we gain everlasting life...(or live forever)...

But where are we living forever.... The Bible still answers...
Psalms 37:29....The righteous will possess the earth,And they will live forever on it ...

Therefore God didn't create death to check man's excess but death came as a result of Adam's disobedience... But God also made a way out for humans to live on Earth forever...without sickness, poverty, crimes, old age...

Hope to see you all in that world..to come soon....

I just checked mine now,
Call-Up letter is Out.... Please anyone posted to Kaduna like me?
contact 0 9 0 3 1 2 9 2 6 7 1

ursullalinda:
I'm doing everything possible to make heaven.....Nigeria is hell already......can't afford a second missionary journey to a place like this.....God forbid .....so OP i will overcome and inherit all things excluding Nigeria

Anyways from the Bible stand point, all humans go to hell at death.... Hell there simply is a grave which can either be Hades in Greek or Shoel in Hebrew... Not a place of torment...cus those who go there don't know anything.. they re unconscious ( Eccl. 9:5,6,10).

But there is goodnews... Anyone who is in God's memories even if he dies and goes to hell will definitely be brought back to life ( John 5:29). That's the hope of all true Christians (The Resurrection)...

TheHistorian:
Lives are irreplaceable ooh.

I expect FIFA and other related organisation take proactive security measures ahead of the World Cup.

But..Why can't we live in a crime-free society where we have no violence and we all peacefully co-exist??...Why??

Because we re living in a world controled by Satans and this demons IJohn 5:19....Only God's Kingdom will bring everlasting peace to mankind where there would be no more sickness, crying pain, suffering or even death Rev. 21:3,4