People sometimes have to lye to live or to defend what they believe in, but also that lying is a bad thing to do, but say or what if you are doing it to save someone else's life or possibly yours, i was once put into this condition and this is what i think of lying: What does the Bible say about Lying?
There is a plague that is grieving the heart of God because it is preventable and can be stopped. It has spread among all churches and is particularly rampant in society. Even God’s ministers are not immune and many of them are infected with it.
What is this evil plague? You may be surprised as it appears rather harmless at first glance. It is now so commonplace that people are deceived into just accepting it as normal, instead of recognizing and resisting it. This epidemic is the practice of lying and dishonesty.
What does the Bible say about lying? A lying tongue is not only something God hates, it is also something that is an abomination to Him.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Examples of Dishonesty
As the moral climate of our society has been deteriorating, lying has become a major problem. The business world is particularly plagued by this problem--men’s dishonesty with each other, meetings "forgotten", company theft, promises not kept, contracts broken, etc. Lawyers have increased in numbers over the last decade, mainly because of irresponsibility and broken contracts among men due to lying. A news organization recently did a survey here in America and asked people several questions to determine the percentage of people who lied or were dishonest about things. Some of the questions were:
Do you cheat on your Income Tax Return?
Do you compliment people when you really don’t mean it?
Do you tell your spouse to tell callers you are not at home when you there?
Do you tell "little white lies" if it will keep you out of trouble?
Do you tell creditors that "the check is in the mail" when you have not yet mailed it?
Do you exaggerate in repeating things you have heard?
The results of this survey determined that 90% of Americans are not truthful under certain circumstances. This is understandable when we look at the morals of our society but what about Christians? Have they fallen into the habit of lying also? Also, what constitutes a lie according to the Bible? Anything that is not the truth is a lie and God’s Word the Bible tells us what is truth. The Bible is the standard or measuring rod we must use in determining truth. Sadly, Christians are also succumbing to this epidemic of lying. Lying to each other has now become so commonplace, Christians too, have become liars.
The Father of Lies
Have you been lied to lately? Was it another Christian that lied to you? A minister perhaps? Each of us have had our trust in people undermined, or in some cases even destroyed because of lies. We would all agree that lying is an ugly evil. The Bible tells us that lying began with the devil and that he is the father of lies.
John 8:43-47 says, "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
The Bible is filled with admonitions against being dishonest and lying. One of the Ten Commandments states:
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Exodus 20:16
Before we point our finger at another for being a liar that we feel God needs to deal with, let us examine our own lives to see if we are infected with the same disease. What kind of witness are we to those around us? Are we deceived and have we become liars ourselves? Let us first give a definition as to what a lie is according to Webster’s dictionary:
1.) To make a statement that one knows is false, especially with the intent to deceive.
2.) To give a false impression or action or false statement, especially with the intent to deceive.
3.)To make a false statement in order to evade the truth.
4.)The invention of a false story or excuse in order to deceive.
Perhaps for a Christian, a Biblical definition of lying could be summed up in this statement:
Any time our word does not agree with God’s Word.
In Numbers 23:19 the Bible says, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
When we do not keep our word we are guilty of lying. Over the last year I have lost track of the number of times Christians have failed to keep their word to me. I am not angry or resentful or bitter over this, as the Lord has worked those attitudes out of my life. I have learned to take every offense to Him in prayer and He then removes any personal ill I might have and He gives me a forgiving and gracious attitude toward others. However, since I began to notice how many of God’s people were not keeping their word, I received a prayer burden of intercession for this evil to be removed from God’s people.
I first began praying about my own life and ask God to expose any areas where I might be guilty of this sin. I have tried to obey Romans 12:17-21 which says, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Most of the time I would just forgive these lying offences and would just pray for them and try to "live peaceably with all men." However, in prayer, the Lord spoke to my heart that I must go one step further and "speak the truth in love" to my brothers and sisters if I truly loved them.
Ephesians 4:15-16 says, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
If we, as the body of Christ, are to mature and grow up we must conform to the truth which is Jesus. The devil is behind every lie and as Christians we are admonished not to lie to one another.
Colossians 3:9-10 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
Two Roots of Dishonesty
The two main reasons we lie are usually rooted in either fear or pride. Fear is the first reason. We are afraid of the consequences if we tell the truth. Yielding to fear shows a lack of trust in God to take care of the situation. If we yield to God and do it His way He will usually give us favor with those that we fear. The other reason is pride. We are prideful and concerned about what men will think of us (desiring man’s approval instead of God’s approval.)
Jesus always kept His Word. God still keeps His Word and is faithful to keep every promise He makes in the Bible. That is why He is reliable and we can trust Him. We are called to be like Him. The Bible says that out of a man’s mouth proceeds what is in His heart. If we tell lies or fib then it means that we need a heart cleansing.
Matthew 15:18-20a says, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man..."
We need to ask God to cleanse our hearts and begin reading and studying the Bible so that His Word resides in our hearts. As we keep His Word and water it with prayer it will produce good fruit in our lives. Lying is not only speaking an untruth; another form of lying is not keeping our word to others.
Luke 8:15 says, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Little "White" Lies
Let us look at some specific ways the devil gets us to lie. We will expose some of his devices. These sorts lies are being practiced by many Christians. Now remember, we are guilty of lying when we do not keep our word. Even if these sorts of lies seem harmless and don't appear to really hurt anyone else, they are harmful to our own souls. The more we practice telling untruths of any kind, the duller our concience becomes.
1.) "I will call you back tomorrow." (This excuse is often used with a deliberate intent to decieve. The person does not call back at the appointed time and will call back at a much later date with excuses of why they were unable to call which usually goes something like: "I just was so busy, I meant to call , but did not get around to it." We all have been guilty of this, but we need to realize when we say we will do something we need to keep our word. We do understand there are legitimate reasons that make it impossible at times to keep our word. This is not the case we are referring to here. It would be better to not make this promise or to say, "I will try to call you back tomorrow.")
2.) "I will be happy to do that for you." (Whatever promise was made, it was not kept and their word about the matter causes them not to be trusted. The Holy Spirit is trying to purge this lack from His people and is using a group of men known as "Promise Keepers" to help restore trustworthiness back in the heads of families by stressing that they need to keep their promises.)
We could list numerous examples but these two cover a lot of territory; any time we say the words "I will" we need to be responsible to do it. We all, on occasion, fail to do the things we have good intentions of doing or we are hindered in some way and can’t do them. However, if we are unable to keep an appointment we should be thoughtful enough to call and cancel, or tell of our delayed arrival. We are living in an age when there are so many uncaring attitudes expressed. As Christians, we can be good witnesses by being different.
One of the biggest faults of many Christians, and our society as well, is that we tend to over-commit and then we are unable to keep our word. It is disheartening to see this shift prevalent in businesses. They commit to the jobs, then, are not able to produce them on time and thus the standard for business practices is shifting to not expecting them on time. Business people must now factor in lengthy time delays just to compensate for people’s lack of business ethics.
People that tend to over commit sometimes have a pride problem and are people pleasers. They want people to like them so they offer to do things for them, and because they are unable to keep their promises to all they end up not being able to keep their word; thus they are dishonest. In business it is usually greed that tends to cause them to over commit. They want more business and more money, even when they must work from a backlog that was promised timely.
As Christians we need to ask the Lord to forgive us if we are guilty of lying or deceit. It is a very serious matter with God when we lie. (We can read of the incident of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5 in the Bible. They both fell dead when they lied to the Holy Spirit.)
The Bible also lists this sin of lying as one that can lead us to hell along with some other grievous ones.Revelation 21:7-8 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
We can be overcomers through the power of the Holy Spirit as we seek to be like Jesus. We not only do not want to lie, but we also want to keep our word so that people know we are honest and trustworthy. As Christians, we want to represent our Father well in this life and be honest and free from fabrication and fibbing.
Nov. 2003
What exactly does blasphemy mean? I am having trouble understanding it. Is it more od just speaking it or thinking it? If you are ignorant about what it means will you still be held accountable for it?
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First let me quote the definition from the Nelson's Bible Dictionary:
BLASPHEMY - the act of cursing, slandering, reviling or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.
I always think of blaspheming as blasting God or God's name. I don't think you can do that and not know it. You can be ignorant about what the word means, but if you are blasting God, you know that you are doing it and yes, I think you will be held accountable for that.
Fortunately, Jesus says that blasphemy can be forgiven. But there is a very somber warning against blasphemy against the Holy Ghost:
Mat 12:31-32
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
So, the question is what is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost? I suppose it would be slandering or showing contempt for the Holy Ghost.
Since the primary work of the Holy Spirit is to draw mankind unto Christ, I think that rejection of the work of the Spirit (or rejection of salvation through Christ) might be what Jesus is talking about here. But, I'm not certain and wouldn't want to say that is the case in a dogmatic sense.
Falling Away: Nov. 2003
Hebrews 6:4-10
Having great difficulty with these passages. Was saved when 19, backslid and now am hopeful of living again in Christ, but these verses indicate "it is impossible." How do you interperate.
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This is a difficult passage. Christians have been kicking this one back and forth for a long while now. I'm not sure if my understanding of this passage is correct or not, but I will try to lay it out for you the best I can.
First I'll post the passage beginning in verse 1:
Heb 6:1-6
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
At the end of chapter 5 the writer is telling them that they have not progressed in their faith like they should have. He says that they are still in need of milk (like babies) when they should have moved up to meat (like adults). Then beginning in verse 1 of chapter 6, he says he is going to move on past the basic foundations of Christianity (if this passage was really saying that you can't be saved if you fall away, I think that would be considered a "basic" don't you?). He is getting ready to discuss some real "meat." Issues pertaining to salvation are really "milk" but he's not talking about salvation here, he's moving onto the "meat."
In verses 4 and 5 of chapter six, the writer is defining exactly who he is talking about. The people he's talking about have one or all of the following that's true:
they have been enlightened - (their eyes have been opened to the truth)
they have "tasted" heavenly gifts - (they dipped their toes in the water, but haven't yet plunged in)
partakers of the Holy Ghost - (they have experienced a portion of the gifts of the Spirit, see Gal 5:22-25)
they have "tasted" the Word of God - (again they have not plunged in)
they have "tasted" the power of the world to come
When you read this verse it would seem at first glance that it is talking about people who are saved or born again (accepted Jesus' free gift of salvation and turned with repentance from their old life and started a new life through Jesus). All five of the points above could definitely be said about a true, born again believer in Jesus. However, these five points are also true of those that have a form of religion, but have not truly experienced salvation through Jesus Christ. I would use Judas as my example.
Judas was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. He was enlightened to the truth by Jesus himself (point #1). Judas had tasted the heavenly gifts (#2) and experienced the gifts of the Spirit (#3). He definitely was familiar with the Word of God (#4) because he spent three years with the incarnate Word of God, Jesus. And finally, he most certainly had tasted the power of the world to come (#5) because we know he was sent out with the disciples and had the power to heal the sick and cast out demons (Mat 10:1-8).
All five of the points above would be true of Judas yet we know from Jesus' own words that Judas was never a true follower of Jesus:
John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Therefore, I believe that the writer of Hebrews is telling us in this passage that there are people who dip their toes into the truth but never plunge in and take it into their heart. And once they have gone that far and still reject the gospel, then the writer says that it is impossible to bring them to repentance. If they have seen, and tasted all that God has to offer and still fall away from the truth, they have hardened their hearts to the point that they will never be repentant. Paul outlines this progress in Romans chapter one.
There is another reason I don't believe that this passage is talking about those that have been saved and then backslide. There are many verses in the Bible where God tells us that if we confess our sins, our fellowship with God will be restored:
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is a rock solid promise from God. You can take that to the bank!
God is not going to let us "fall away." Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit puts his seal on us and we are NOT going to slip out of God's hands:
John 10:27-29
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Eph 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
I hope this explaination helps you have a peace about your salvation. God went to great lengths to purchase our salvation. He's not looking for a reason to send us to hell. He promises eternal life. Eternal means forever. He didn't say we could have life until we mess up and sin again. He said ETERNAL LIFE. I'm pretty happy about that!
Women Ministers: Oct. 2003
Frist let me say thank you for opening the door that will help us to understand a little better. I would like to ask are you saying a woman does or does not suppose to preach . There are so few men in the church today they are all locked up , on drugs or just to busy to take care of the church. where i live most of the time the only people there are women and childern, what are we to do if the men have given up their role in God's plan? How are we to here with a preacher
Sandra
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Dear Sandra;
Thanks for viewing my web site and taking the time to write.
The Bible doesn't say that women aren't to teach, it says they aren't to teach or have authority over men. So, if the only people in your church are women and children, then there is no problem with the women teaching the other women.
But more than likely there are men in your church, if they are unwilling to take a leadership role, then perhaps it's time that you found a different church where there are men standing up in leadership.
I do understand what you are talking about. I have noticed that there are lots of churches where the men are not involved in the church, and 90% of the work is done by the women. I would just offer my opinion here and say that usually, these are not growing churches, but dying churches. Vibrant groups of believers will have men, women, children, and senior citizens in normal proportions. If one or the other of these groups is missing, then there is something missing from that body of believers. It's like a body that has had limbs amputated, it can still function but not as well as God intended. I hope that makes sense.
Brothers: Oct. 2003
I have a quick question for you. We were having a discussion at work. A friend of mine husband passed away, and somehow we got on the subject of the brother taking the role of the husband. Is there something in the Bible regarding this. I was thinking there was, but can not pin point it. Thanks =)
Thank You,
Brenda
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Thanks for viewing my web site. I think this might be the verse you are looking for:
Deu 25:5-6 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.
Hope this helps. God Bless.
Lying: Oct. 2003
Dear Sir,
What is the bible's stand on liars and or lying.
Thank you for your help.
Georgia
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Georgia;
The Bible has quite a bit to say about liars. In fact it's listed in the ten commandments given to Moses by God (#9). Lying is also called "false witness" in the Bible.
Here is a list of all the verses I could find about lying:
Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exo 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Lev 19:11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
Psa 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Psa 101:7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
Prov 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Prov 12:17 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Prov 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Prov 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Prov 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Prov 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Mat 19:18-19 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
the World: Oct. 2003
Where in the Bible does it state what the world consist of or what the world is made of?
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Here are the verses I thought would come the closest to answering your question. I've probably missed some. I hope this helps, though.
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Psa 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psa 89:11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
1 Cor 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
Psa 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Jer 51:15 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.
Wicked/Just: Oct. 2003
I have been searching for the verse that states something like, "The wicked share store up for the just." Could you tell me where this is found?
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I'm not sure if this is the passage you are looking for. Let me know if it isn't, and I'll try again.
Job 27:13-17
This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty. If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread. Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep. Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
Women Ministers: Oct. 2003
I have a concern regarding male ministers using 1Timothy as an excuse to why they have problems with women being the head of a church. When God made man, he said let us make man in our own image, and created he him, male and female.
Thus my understanding of man, is not gender specific. However we get caught up on the thought that Eve was the one who fell to the serpent, but Adam fell to her. So female suffer in painful childbirth and so forth.
My confusion is at this point; When Christ came and gave his life to save man, to pay for past, present and future sin; was he only giving his life to save the male portion, who in turn is "supposed" to step up and be the "head" and lead the female portion to the right path. Following this process, the problem arises. When Christ said I leave you the holy ghost, he didn't say he left it just for males. If the holy ghost is in both male and females, and the holy ghost (Christ in us) works on behalf of God, then why is there a problem when a woman has be called forth by God to be a leader of a "church"?
I have had a few conversations with a few pastors who say that they don't mind women being ministers but they have a problem with the women being a church head because the bible said they are not to be. This perplexes me, when the ultimate commandment given by Christ is to do all things in LOVE. If a woman is feeding the modern day disciples with the Word, according to scripture, with LOVE, and is lining up with the footsteps of Christ, then is it not the pride of man that keeps him from seeing her as a servant of God?
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You are right. In the Bible, when God talks about "man" it could well be "mankind" or the human race in general. Often it's not gender specific, it applies to men and women.
However, there are many places where God is very specific. When the words "woman or wife" are used, then that is clearly talking about females. The passage in 1 Timothy is very specific:
1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Christ gave his life for men and women equally. And the Holy Spirit is given to men and women equally. Since we are on the subject of the Holy Spirit, we know that all scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16). Therefore, the passage in 1 Timothy is also given by the Holy Spirit. So, if the Holy Spirit says that women are not to have authority over the men in the church, then why would you assume that "a woman has been called forth by God to be a leader" as you stated above?
You talk about women feeding disciples with the Word, and lining up with the footsteps of Christ. We know that one way to look at the Bible or the Word is Word=Christ=Bible. The scriptures don't change, and Jesus doesn't teach anything contrary to the Word.
Psa 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So, if the Holy Spirit inspired scripture that tells us women aren't to have authority over men, why would you assume that a woman leading a church (even if she's doing it in a loving manner), is following in the footsteps of Christ?
And the last statement; "then is it not the pride of man that keeps him from seeing her as a servant of God?" I don't think it's pride at all. I think it's just trying to follow the guidelines that God has given us in His Word. Sometimes I wonder if it's not an issue of pride on the part of women who are not willing to submit to the scriptures?
Oct. 2003
Hello.
I have a Question .....So it says divorce forbidden. If that is the case . then I have no hope. right. because I am divorced and remarried
Mark 10:10-12 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
This means that I will go to Hell....
M.
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M.
You are right that the Bible tells us not to get divorced. God's plan from the beginning was that one man and one woman marry and remain married for life. Divorce is the result of sin on the part of one or both of the people involved. But that is not the end of the story.
You see, people have the wrong idea about who goes to heaven or who goes to hell. Here are some of the things I've heard:
Only good people go to heaven
If you sin, you go to hell
When you die, if your good deeds outnumber your bad deeds, you go to heaven
If you go to church every Sunday, and live your life the best you can, you go to heaven.
None of these statements are true. They might have some truth in them, but the real truth is more wonderful than most people can believe.
Let me give you the real truth about who goes to heaven and who goes to hell.
The Bible tells us that God knew that we would sin. And since God is completely just, and completely righteous, sin can not be tolerated in His presence. Therefore, anyone who sins is banned from the presence of God.
The bad news is that everyone has sinned.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Sin carries a penalty and the penalty is death (or separation from God, hell).
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death...
OK, so if everyone sins and the penalty for sin is death (hell), that would mean that everyone is going to hell, because everyone has sinned. It doesn't matter if it's a little sin or a big sin, it's all sin in God's eyes. But the good news is that God knew that we would sin, and because He loves us so much, He provided a plan of salvation.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
So, God's plan is that if you believe on the Son of God, you can be saved from hell and have everlasting life with God. Then the question is; who is the Son of God. The Bible tells over and over again that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. Jesus, who never sinned, offered his life in payment for our sins. He paid the penalty for sin so that we could have life.
1 Pet 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the price for our sin. Then the Father raised him from the dead. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is what brings us everlasting life. Now here's the REALLY good news, Jesus offers this everlasting life to everyone as a free gift . You can't earn it by going to church every Sunday or by doing 'good' deeds. You can't buy it by giving money to the poor or giving time or money to the church. It's a gift ... and it's free.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
So, if it's a gift, and it's free, and it's offered to everyone, then why isn't everyone going to heaven? Just like any gift, you have to accept it for it to be yours. I can get a gift for you, wrap it up, and bring it to your house and hold it out to you. But it's not yours until you take the gift from my hand and receive it. And that's the trouble, many people hear about the gift of salvation that Jesus offers, but they don't receive it.
Receiving the gift of salvation is believing that Jesus paid for your sins:
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
And that's the answer to your question: "...then I have no hope. right. because I am divorced and remarried?" Wrong! there is hope and that hope lies in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It's a gift from the God of all the universe, wrapped up with a bow, and delievered to YOU . All you have to do is receive it. Will you?
Baptism: Oct. 2003
what are the references in the old testiment referring of baptism
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John;
There are no passages (that I'm aware of) in the Old Testament that use the word "baptism." There are however, many verses in the Old Testament that talk about ceremonial washings, that symbolize the removal of sins. Have a look at the What Does the Bible Say About ...Baptism page if you would like to see some of the verses.
Baptism: Oct. 2003
My friend and I have been on the topic of salvation through baptism for a while now. I was wondering what versus you could give if any that would make the distinction of whether or not it is necessary for salvation. I am also looking for versus that deal with sex before marriage, specifically with forgiveness of it.
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Jeremy;
I do not believe that the Bible teaches that baptism brings salvation. If that were the case, then why would Jesus need to die on the cross? If baptism can save you, then all God would have had to have done, was tell everyone to be baptized, and that would have been all that was necessary. But rather, what brings salvation is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God.
Baptism is a symbol of the salvation that Jesus brought to us. It is an outward, physical demonstration of a very real spiritual change in our life once we accept salvation. It symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Rom 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
When we accept salvation through Jesus, the first act of obedience should be baptism. When we are emmersed down into the water, it is a picture of the death and burial of our old life and when we come back up it is a picture of our new life, or resurrection.
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
The controversy over whether it is necessary for salvation comes from a couple of verses. I'll list them for you:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Now, because of these verses, there are many denominations that believe baptism is essential for salvation, or that the act itself actually saves you. But if you look closely at these verses, they aren't really saying that at all.
In Act 2:38 it says to be baptized in the name of Jesus. If you are doing something "in the name" of someone, you are doing it based on their authority. Salvation "in the name" of Jesus, or baptism "in the name" of Jesus, is under the authority of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was the final seal of authority that proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be, and that he did in fact have the authority to grant remission of sins.
That is also the message in the next verse, 1 Pet 3:21. Here Peter says "even baptism doth also now save us" but he explains in the parenthesis that it's not the physical act of washing with the water, but it's our heart condition (the answer of a good conscience toward God).
If you remove the parenthesis section of the sentence and read it without the aside, here is what you have: The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a figure or a symbol, but it's the resurrection that saves us.
Mark 16:16 is another verse that is often used to try to prove baptism brings salvation.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
I find it very telling that the verse does NOT say 'he that is baptized not shall be damned.'
Are we supposed to get baptized? ABSOLUTELY! It is very important. Does baptism actually save you? ABSOLUTELY NOT! There is nothing we can do ourselves, no act or good work, that can save us, it's only through the work of Jesus that we can be saved.
Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
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For a complete listing of verses dealing with sex before marriage, look at the page What Does the Bible Say About ...Sex.
In the Bible, the word "fornication" is used to describe sex outside the bonds of marriage. The Bible is clear that fornication is a sin:
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
However, as with all sin, God has offered us forgiveness. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians wrote this:
1 Cor 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
There is forgiveness for fornication, it's there for the asking.
Meekness: Oct. 2003
What does the Bible say about meekness (scripture)?
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Here are all the verses I could find about meekness. Hope this helps.
(Num 12:3 KJV) (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
(Psa 22:26 KJV) The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
(Psa 25:9 KJV) The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
(Psa 37:11 KJV) But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
(Psa 76:9 KJV) When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
(Psa 147:6 KJV) The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
(Psa 149:4 KJV) For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
(Isa 11:4 KJV) But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
(Isa 29:19 KJV) The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
(Isa 61:1 KJV) The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
(Amos 2:7 KJV) That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:
(Zep 2:3 KJV) Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.
(Mat 5:5 KJV) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(Mat 11:29 KJV) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(Mat 21:5 KJV) Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
(1 Pet 3:4 KJV) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
(Psa 45:4 KJV) And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
(Zep 2:3 KJV) Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.
(1 Cor 4:21 KJV) What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
(2 Cor 10:1 KJV) Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
(Gal 5:23 KJV) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Gal 6:1 KJV) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
(Eph 4:2 KJV) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(Col 3:12 KJV) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
(1 Tim 6:11 KJV) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
(2 Tim 2:25 KJV) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
(Titus 3:2 KJV) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
(James 1:21 KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(James 3:13 KJV) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
(1 Pet 3:15 KJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Sept. 2003
hello,
I am sammi and I am doing a presentation in a youth group about Satan at our church. YouR web site has help greatly and belive that your website will provide some answers for non-believers. i am 14 and have recently become a Christian and was given this subject before I was a Christian, I think it was a way for my youth worker to convince me of God and it has. I just needed some information on who Satan was and where did he come from this is a question I have got to answer still as I cannot find an answer anywhere. I have yet to meet a Christian who will answer it for me and I would appriciciate your help.Where do you think that Satan came from, and do you think God created him. if so what were Gods intentions. I have my own theorys on this subject but am trying to get as many people to answer it as i can to provide a wide yet meaningful perspective for the young people.
Thank you and great website,
Sammi
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Dear Sammi;
I was very excited to receive your email. I am so pleased that you have become a Christian and know Jesus, who he was, and that he loved you enough to die for you.
Your question about Satan is a good one. It's also is a very difficult question. There are many people who have been Christians for a long time that don't understand who Satan is and God's intentions. All I can tell you about it, is what the bible says.
There is a page on this web site that deals with Satan and demons, and lists all the verses that pertain to them: What does the Bible say about Satan & demons. You might want to check that out later.
From your letter, I got four questions:
Who is Satan?
Where did Satan come from?
Did God create Satan?
What were God's intentions when he created Satan?
God did in fact create Satan. The Bible tells us that God created everything, that includes Satan. Look at the verses below:
Prov 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
So you see, God did create Satan.
To answer the question "Who is Satan?" you would have to first say that he is a created being. He is an angel created by God. We aren't told what type of angel he was (there are several types of angels). But we know that he was a very powerful angel.
Satan rebelled against the authority of God and was very proud. Satan said "I will be like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). To God, pride is an abomination, a terrible sin. Look at these verses:
Prov 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD
Prov 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Other verses about pride: What does the Bible say about Pride
Because of Satan's pride, God cast him out of heaven:
Isa 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
And Jesus said:
Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Your last question, "What were God's intentions when he created Satan?" is the most difficult. From the Bible we can know that God knew that Satan would rebel even before He created Satan. The Bible tells us that God knows everything (past, present, and future).
Isa 46:10 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:
So, why would God create Satan knowing that Satan would rebel, tempt mankind, and bring sin into the world? God created mankind to have fellowship with God. He wanted us to love Him out of choice. Therefore, there had to be an alternate choice ... hence he allowed Satan to rebel and He allowed sin to enter the world.
We all have a choice to make, do we want to have fellowship with God, or do we want to continue to dwell in the sinful state that is mankind's nature? When we choose to accept Jesus' free gift of salvation, and repent from the sins that we have committed, we then choose to have fellowship with God. We enter into God's family and will spend eternity with Him as sons and daughters.
When we reject the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers us, we are choosing not to have a relationship with God. We are saying that we love sin more than we love God. Jesus knew that there would be many that would reject the salvation that He offers:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
You see, God could have created millions of people that would simply obey him like robots. But He choose to create a race of men that would love him by choice. And those of us who do, will spend eternity with Him. I think that's pretty remarkable!
Women Ministers: Sept. 2003
I recently reviewed your Q & A about Women Minister's. But, what about the scripture in Titus that tell the older women to teach the younger women... It specifically says "teach" My question is about preaching...Are women suppose to be preaching? This is a question that has been left up to interpretation I think. I have grew up in the Pentecostal view that a women is not suppose to preach. Why? I haven't found any convincing evidence to substantiate this..Nothing that directly addresses this issue...I need to study more and ask for the truth..
I need to know the right/true interpretation..I will continue my study and research regarding this issue but need direction. I will also start with your What does the Bible say about.........answer that is posted online, concerning this matter.
Thanks....
Terri
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Terri;
Thanks for viewing my web site and taking the time to write. If I understand your question correctly, you are asking about verses 1 Tim. 2:12 in comparison to the verse Titus 2:4. I'll list them both so that we can have a closer look at them:
1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
The verse in Titus is not the only verse in the Bible that tells women they are to "teach." We know that women are to teach their children God's word. So, the verse in Timothy must not be a restriction against women teaching altogether.
If you look at the whole passage (verses 9-15) you see that Paul is dealing with women's behavior in church, and in relationship to the men. Verse 12 is telling women that they shouldn't have authority over men, that they shouldn't be teaching men. Just to get my point across, let me reword the sentence: 'But I suffer not a woman to teach men, nor have authority over men'. (please keep in mind that I am not changing the Word of God, just trying to show you how I understand that sentence to read.) I see it not as a restriction against women teaching, but a restriction against women teaching men.
Paul goes on to tell us in verse 13 and 14 why the women aren't to have authority over men:
1 Tim 2:13-14 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
Apparently, there is something in the makeup of women in general that makes us more susceptible to being deceived. Maybe it's the fact that women are more trusting as a rule than men. I'm not sure why, but that is what the Bible says.
Additionally, if you look at the passage in Titus that talks about women teaching the younger women (notice that Paul is specific that they teach other women), there is also a verse that tells women to be under the authority of her husband. So again, there is that authority issue. Here is the whole passage:
Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
So, I think the issue is not so much the "teaching" as it is the "authority." Preachers, pastors, ministers, or what ever term you call the leader of your church, have authority over the people that are members. God has called them to lead the church. You can't LEAD if you don't have authority. That is why I believe that God is telling us in Timothy that women are not to be the leaders of a church.
I hope this answers your question. God Bless you.
Second Coming of Christ: Aug. 2003
hello~
I have some questions regarding the Bible and i was wondering if you could help me... What does the Bible say about the second coming of Christ? will the belivers be here for the tribulation? will christians be taken before the tribulation happens? what verses do you have to support your answers? where can i find more about this subject? thanks for your time and help.
In His love,
Liz
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Dear Liz;
Thank you for viewing my web site. Your question is a good one and Biblical scholars have been debating this issue for centuries. There are many fine Christians that will strongly disagree on this issue. But since you asked me, I'll give you the conclusions I've drawn from my study of the Bible (with the understanding that there are others that will disagree with me).
There are several sections on this web site that deal with the End Times: ...the End Times
...Signs of
...Rapture
...Tribulation
...Second Coming
...Judgment
...Kingdom
If you click on these pages, you will find hundreds of verses dealing with this topic.
However, I'll give you a quick outline of events:
The Rapture This is not the Second Coming of Christ. The rapture refers to an event where Jesus will bodily remove believers from earth.
The Tribulation This is a seven year period of time where God is pouring out his wrath upon the earth
The Second Coming At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will return to earth and defeat the Anti-Christ and all those that follow him
The Millennium After Jesus returns to earth, He will reign on earth for a thousand years (with all believers).
The Rebellion At the end of 1,000 years, Satan will rise up (with human followers) and rebel against the Lord once again. Jesus will put down this rebellion and Satan will be forever cast into the lake of fire.
The Judgment Everyone that has ever lived will stand before Jesus and be judged. Those that have received forgiveness of their sins through the Blood of Jesus, will spend eternity with the Lord. Those that have rejected the free gift of forgiveness, will spend eternity in the lake of fire with Satan.
That is the basic chain of events. Now, for the scriptures to back up my statements. Please keep in mind that this if a VERY brief discussion on a very deep topic. There have been hundreds of books written on this topic, but I just don't have the time or the web space to go into great detail. I hope though, these scriptures will lead you to further reading.
The Rapture:
At some point in time, Jesus will call all believers out of the earth, and resurrect the bodies of believers that have died.
Eph 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
1 Cor 15:51-52
Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
This is not the Second Coming because Jesus never returns to earth, believers are taken up to be with him.
There is disagreement as to when this event will take place, some believe it happens at the end of the tribulation, other's believe that it happens in the middle of the tribulation, but the majority of people believe it happens prior to the tribulation. I fall in this last group. The reason I believe that the rapture will occur prior to the tribulation, is that there are many verses of scripture that talk of God saving those that belong to Him from God's wrath.
Zep 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
1 Th 1:9-10 For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
2 Pet 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
The term "rapture" is not found in the Bible. It is just a name given to an event described in the Bible.
The Tribulation:
There is a period of time that is referred to as the Great Tribulation. This will be a time when God pours out his wrath upon the earth. During this time there will be great destruction both to mankind and to nature itself. One half of the world's population will be destroyed within a seven year period.
It is impossible for us to image the destruction that will take place because it will be a time like nothing that has ever happened in the past. Jesus said: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Mat 24:21).
When the disciples asked Jesus about this time, he gave them a very brief outline. This is known as the "Olivet Discourse" and can be found in Matthew chapter 24. Later Jesus revealed to John the details of these events, and John recorded them. The bulk of the book of Revelation is a detailed account of the events that John was shown.
In the book of Revelation, we are told that this period would last seven years (see ...Tribulation , "Daniel's 70th Week" and look at the verses Rev 11:2-4, 12:6, 13:5).
The