Easter is Pagan. There, someone said it.

[john832]

The Bible does not elaborate much about what goes on in Heaven. It has said enough, and good sense dictates there is more activity in Heaven than we can possibly imagine!

Or even around us...

2Ki 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
2Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
2Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

 

[john832]

since most christian churchs have a leadership team to run that church or sect. you will find some scripture has changed, how people, churches think. regarding feasts. christain feasts like easter, chrismas. and because of, the name it, and blaim it. and politics. its now happy holidays. the joy of being political correct. but in simple terms easter and Christmas was here before I was born. and is celebrated every year. lol

Ishtar and xmas were here about 2000 years before Christ was born. That's a good reason to continue in them?

 

[crossnote]

Romans 14:5-6, 10, 14 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

 

[KohenMatt]

Romans 14:5-6, 10, 14 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

I agree completely. I would hope that both sides of the holiday/feast day/sabbath/sunday debate would take this scripture to heart. There's nothing wrong with debating, but the judgement is out of order.

Thanks for the reminder, cross.

 

[john832]

Romans 14:5-6, 10, 14 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Man am I glad I saved this and don't have to rewrite it every time Rom14 is misquoted...

Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

The first thing we see here is that this chapter is about relating to a weak brother.

Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

The subject here? Vegetarianism

Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

So, if you encounter one who is weak in the faith and believes he must eat vegetables only, don’t let this puff you up…

2Co 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

What is the gold standard here?

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:


Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Now to the meat and potatoes…

Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Why is eating and fasting (not eating) connected to days here? Let’s see…

Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

From Bullingers Companion Bible…

Luke 18:12


twice in the week. The law prescribed only one in the year (Lev_16:29. Num_29:7). By the time of Zec_8:19 there were four yearly fasts. In our Lord's day they were bi-weekly (Monday and Thursday), between Passover and Pentecost; and between the Feast of Tabernacles and the Dedication.

Yes they fasted two days a week, Monday and Thursday, EVERY MONDAY and EVERY THURSDAY.

Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Now Paul shifts his attention to meat offered to idols. At the time, meat and drink were offered to pagan idols. After it was offered it was sold in a meat market called the ‘Shambles’.

1Co 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

Shambles…

G3111
μάκελλον
makellon
Thayer Definition:
1) a place where meat and other articles of food are sold, meat market
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of Latin origin [macellum]
Citing in TDNT: 4:370, 549

There were those who were weak in the faith (verse 1) who were offended by this. They somehow thought that eating that food was somehow connecting them with the idolatrous practices around them. This is why the following is written…

Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Meat here is…

G1035
βρῶσις
brōsis
bro'-sis
From the base of G977; (abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively): - eating, food, meat.

Notice it is food, not clean or unclean flesh.

G4213
πόσις
posis
pos'-is
From the alternate of G4095; a drinking (the act), that is, (concretely) a draught: - drink.

Drinking, can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Paul was dealing with ascetism and the belief that doing without was somehow a show of character. He dealt with this issue at Colossae also…

Col 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Col 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Col 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

The word for meat here is broma, from Thayer’s…

G1033
βρῶμα
brōma
Thayer Definition:
1) that which is eaten, food
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from the base of G977
Citing in TDNT: 1:642, 111

Again, we are dealing with food.

Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

So, it is not dealing with clean and unclean, but with flesh (meat) and wine (drink) that makes a weak brother stumble.

Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

There is no passage in Rom 14 that deals with the Sabbath or clean and unclean meats. The subjects are vegetarianism, fasting and food and drink offered to idols.

 

[RedTent]

I wonder if we aren't so caught up in how good chocolate tastes and kids like hunting eggs that we won't even think of anything that stands in the way of our fun? God tells us to have fun, joy, peace, love, abundance, but it is never to be apart from Him. We are to put on Christ, to include God in every moment of our day. If we do that, it is not wrong to carefully look at what scripture says and what tradition says about our holidays. I found a discrepancy, and by changing the way I thought about it to be more in line with scripture, I found that what God gives with a closer walk with Him is a lot better than Easter egg coloring and chocolate. I don't think it is wrong to look at ourselves carefully.

When I looked at what was said in the Nicene Creed about reasons and what they thought, it sounded to me like from the first it wasn't for Christ they made the Holiday, nor was walking with our Lord part of it. Read it for yourselves, perhaps you will find different things in it than I did.

I think the most potent argument for this man made way to celebrate is the outreach it is to the unsaved community. But it is our outreach, done in our way, not God's outreach done in the Lord's way.

 

[crossnote]

John832,
Paul is speaking both about days and meats but you are right the focus is not causing the weaker brother to stumble. The weaker brother is the one who lacks the freedom to partake of certain meats and days due to their conscience.

 

[shrimp]

Look, we have all probably heard the same arguments and "evidences" concerning whether or not to celebrate certain holidays. Let us all agree that, we don't do anything without being fully persuaded in our own mind. Therefore, the people who don't celebrate these certain holidays may not be as wrong as those that do.
I am persuaded that my family and I celebrating such holidays would not please God, therefor those who do, I would thank kindly not to deal out judgement on us and I would kindly ask my brothers and sisters who, like myself do not celebrate holidays, to please not be so eager to deal out death and judgement on those who do.

 

[crossnote]

Look, we have all probably heard the same arguments and "evidences" concerning whether or not to celebrate certain holidays. Let us all agree that, we don't do anything without being fully persuaded in our own mind. Therefore, the people who don't celebrate these certain holidays may not be as wrong as those that do.
I am persuaded that my family and I celebrating such holidays would not please God, therefor those who do, I would thank kindly not to deal out judgement on us and I would kindly ask my brothers and sisters who, like myself do not celebrate holidays, to please not be so eager to deal out death and judgement on those who do.

This and post #83 would go a long ways to ending these silly squabbles regarding Christian liberty.

 

[dcontroversal]

I agree Matt. On discovering the Pagan ties to ancient rituals and Easter, the choice was easy and I never looked back. Yet most of my family and friends, (all really) celebrate it and I've never thrown a rotten egg at them. ..well maybe once..

Same here...when I discovered the Pagan roots of the modern practice of (Ishtar) and Christ-mass my family and I immediately quite the practice and that was in 1992.....we caught flak from family and friends...oh well...Jesus receives honor by our stand in the truth!

 

[p_rehbein]

Look, we have all probably heard the same arguments and "evidences" concerning whether or not to celebrate certain holidays. Let us all agree that, we don't do anything without being fully persuaded in our own mind. Therefore, the people who don't celebrate these certain holidays may not be as wrong as those that do.
I am persuaded that my family and I celebrating such holidays would not please God, therefor those who do, I would thank kindly not to deal out judgement on us and I would kindly ask my brothers and sisters who, like myself do not celebrate holidays, to please not be so eager to deal out death and judgement on those who do.

I agree.............but, yeah, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!

 

[The_highwayman]

The Bible does not elaborate much about what goes on in Heaven. It has said enough, and good sense dictates there is more activity in Heaven than we can possibly imagine! What do they celebrate? God has created patterns for us to learn by. Circular reasoning is better than a checklist that some view the Bible, like, check that's done won't happen again. That is a huge mistake, because it's not the example our Creator has given. You don't have to study the Bible to know this, because the sun comes up every morning etc.

The point I'm trying to make, is that God is a stickler for dates! What does Heaven do at Passover? I believe the Bible and it says we will continue the Feasts and Sabbaths when Messiah comes, and if you won't come to worship Him at His appointed times you will be punished. Will we have Easter then? I don't think so.

The reason the Bible does not elaborate about what goes on in heaven is because that is not the FINAL destination for any believer. The new Jerusalem on the new earth is!

 

[john832]

Same here...when I discovered the Pagan roots of the modern practice of (Ishtar) and Christ-mass my family and I immediately quite the practice and that was in 1992.....we caught flak from family and friends...oh well...Jesus receives honor by our stand in the truth!

And yet if you try to explain to others the problems with syncretism you are ridiculed as a Judaizer and castigated for trying to warn others of the associated problems.

 

[chubbena]

Man am I glad I saved this and don't have to rewrite it every time Rom14 is misquoted...

Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

The first thing we see here is that this chapter is about relating to a weak brother.

Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

The subject here? Vegetarianism

Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

So, if you encounter one who is weak in the faith and believes he must eat vegetables only, don’t let this puff you up…

2Co 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

What is the gold standard here?

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:


Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Now to the meat and potatoes…

Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Why is eating and fasting (not eating) connected to days here? Let’s see…

Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

From Bullingers Companion Bible…

Luke 18:12


twice in the week. The law prescribed only one in the year (Lev_16:29. Num_29:7). By the time of Zec_8:19 there were four yearly fasts. In our Lord's day they were bi-weekly (Monday and Thursday), between Passover and Pentecost; and between the Feast of Tabernacles and the Dedication.

Yes they fasted two days a week, Monday and Thursday, EVERY MONDAY and EVERY THURSDAY.

Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Now Paul shifts his attention to meat offered to idols. At the time, meat and drink were offered to pagan idols. After it was offered it was sold in a meat market called the ‘Shambles’.

1Co 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

Shambles…

G3111
μάκελλον
makellon
Thayer Definition:
1) a place where meat and other articles of food are sold, meat market
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of Latin origin [macellum]
Citing in TDNT: 4:370, 549

There were those who were weak in the faith (verse 1) who were offended by this. They somehow thought that eating that food was somehow connecting them with the idolatrous practices around them. This is why the following is written…

Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Meat here is…

G1035
βρῶσις
brōsis
bro'-sis
From the base of G977; (abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively): - eating, food, meat.

Notice it is food, not clean or unclean flesh.

G4213
πόσις
posis
pos'-is
From the alternate of G4095; a drinking (the act), that is, (concretely) a draught: - drink.

Drinking, can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Paul was dealing with ascetism and the belief that doing without was somehow a show of character. He dealt with this issue at Colossae also…

Col 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Col 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Col 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

The word for meat here is broma, from Thayer’s…

G1033
βρῶμα
brōma
Thayer Definition:
1) that which is eaten, food
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from the base of G977
Citing in TDNT: 1:642, 111

Again, we are dealing with food.

Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

So, it is not dealing with clean and unclean, but with flesh (meat) and wine (drink) that makes a weak brother stumble.

Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

There is no passage in Rom 14 that deals with the Sabbath or clean and unclean meats. The subjects are vegetarianism, fasting and food and drink offered to idols.

Don't be such a spoilsport. It's an out-of-jail card for all who enjoy the biblical feast days here.

 

[chubbena]

The reason the Bible does not elaborate about what goes on in heaven is because that is not the FINAL destination for any believer. The new Jerusalem on the new earth is!

And the bible has elaborated much about what goes on in the new Jerusalem on the new earth i.e. Hallowed be His name, His will be done and we will live by every word from His mouth.

 

[p_rehbein]

The reason the Bible does not elaborate about what goes on in heaven is because that is not the FINAL destination for any believer. The new Jerusalem on the new earth is!

John 14:1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 .) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 .) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 .) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

John 17:16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 .) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 .) As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 .) And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 .) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 .) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 .) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 .) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 .) Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 .) O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 .) And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Matthew 1:1) At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 .) And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 .) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 .) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

John 3:3) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 .) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 .) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

(and there are many more..........)

 

[AgeofKnowledge]

That time of year again for the cults and fundies to start falsely screeching that everyone who hard boils an egg is a condemned pagan. This too shall pass.

 

[SarahM777]

That time of year again for the cults and fundies to start falsely screeching that everyone who hard boils an egg is a condemned pagan. This too shall pass.

Till Christmas

 

[AgeofKnowledge]

LOL! So true.

Till Christmas

 

[jkalyna]

John 14:1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 .) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 .) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 .) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

John 17:16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 .) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 .) As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 .) And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 .) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 .) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 .) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 .) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 .) Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 .) O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 .) And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Matthew 1:1) At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 .) And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 .) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 .) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

John 3:3) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 .) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 .) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

(and there are many more..........)

Amen PRehbein This was on my heart the other day. I live on a street called PLACE, thought those who think God has left town, he didn't and he is working behind the scenes, as to say, trouble, violence you will be destroyed. Jesus said, I go to prepare a PLACE for you. Luv this saying, we are heading for mansions, those without Christ, are heading for jail behind bars, on earth, and in hell, for it is the REAL JAIL, under the supervision of the one who is called the destroyer. Amen. People are decieved by riches, and things that glitter, a smooth ride, that leads to pride, satan was called, and is called the deciever, he dosn't love you, he didn't die for you, he has no good plans for you, only Death, Spritual for eternity, in a cold dark place void of hope, love,,,,,,,,,,,