Question–Regarding Transfiguration and Second Coming – The Week of November 1st 2011

Question Submitted:

Re: Question about Matthew 16:27, 28 - Transfiguration and Second Coming

In Matt 16: 27-28 26- Christ tells his disciples that he will return in his father’s glory and with the/his angels and there will be judgment.

27- Christ tells them that some of them will still be alive when this happens.

Right off the bat I went Hugh? What? I went to get my bible that is a study bible to see what it had to say. It says that some people think that this happened at the transfiguration, others think it was the resurrection and the ascension, and yet others believe that it was at Pentecost.

I am still at a loss. Yes, it could be anyone of those IF there had been judgment. In verse 27, it says that when he comes back there will be judgment. None of the three theories contains any judgment.

What are your thoughts on this?

Answer:

Re: Question about Matthew 16:27, 28

Verse 27: I do all Scripture research in the Greek and Hebrew based on the words used in the King James Version of the Bible. Both in the King James and New King James, in this verse the word judgment is not used. The term used is "he shall reward" KJV and "He will reward" in the NKJV. This of course brings different results. Not punishment but recompense. You have to be careful about some translations the meaning is distorted. I have done a lot of research on Bible Translations and own most all of them. Many Bibles in this verse use the term "repay" which is okay but "judge" used such as in the Living Bible and New Living Translation misses the mark in meaning based on the Greek. The 1890 Darby Bible and 1901 American Standard use the word "render" which is okay as the word appears in the Greek Definition but the word "judge" never appears in the definition.

Here is the definition from the Greek so you can read it for yourself:

591. ajpodivdwmi apoádidoµmi, ap-od-eed´-o-mee; from 575 and 1325; to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):— deliver (again), give (again), (re-) pay (-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield.

Verse 28: I believe this is a reference to the transfiguration, which happened six days later [see Matthew 17:1-13]. Jesus showed Peter, James, and his brother John what He would look like after His death, resurrection, ascension to heaven, and return to earth at the final judgment also known as the second coming. A preview of sorts of what we will experience one day when He return at the second coming. Whether we are alive or in heaven already, we will still experience seeing Him in His Full Glorious Victory.

Question–Effects of thoughts and words on our lives. The Week of Oct. 25th 2011

Question Submitted:

“Do you believe that we can control our lives, but that things we think and say? And if we keep it positive then we will stay positive? I think that just leaning harder on Gods word is my answer. I need to read it more.”

Question:

“Do you believe that we can control our lives, by the things we think and say? And if we keep it positive then we will stay positive? I think that just leaning harder on God’s word is my answer. I need to read it more.”

Answer:

I do believe that the things we think and say can effect and affect our lives in big ways. I do not believe they control our lives unless they become what are known as a stronghold in our thinking. I do not believe you can think yourself into “anything.” I believe what we think and believe must line up with God’s Word in order to manifest in our lives. God is no magic genie. We do not just think what we want into existence. We get our thinking in line with God’s Truth, which is found in God’s Word. I agree that leaning harder on God’s Word is your answer and that reading it more will help you dramatically. You also need to recreate your thinking and inner self to reflect the principles and truths that you find in God’s Word. That means time and effort on your part. What you must honestly answer is, “Are willing to invest the necessary time and effort?”

An added note on thoughts:

In order to keep our thoughts from straying into areas that God knew would not be fruitful He gave us these verses to use in disciplining our thinking. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 He is telling us that if the thoughts that come into our mind do not line up with what God has given us as the Truth in His Word, we are to disregard them. Every thought we have should be examined against what we know to be true based on God’s Word, character, wisdom, will, Truth, and principles. Then, when we are having ugly thoughts or thoughts which God would not wish us to have, He tells us in Philippians 4:8 not to waste our thoughts on anything less than, what He describes in this verse. Yes, He is saying to control our thoughts.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

In this verse, God is asking us to keep our minds focused on certain things. If we are focused on these things what might be the affect upon the mind and thoughts?

How do you know what God wants you to do? - The Week of October 11th 2011

Question Submitted:

How do you know what God wants you to do?

Answer:

This often only comes through trial and error.

1. Make sure your relationship with Jesus is real and you belong to Him. Ask Him, it is that simple.

2. Before seeking to hear God in prayer on a matter you have to first check your motives before you pray and make sure you are asking God for direction regarding what His Perfect Will is for you and not just what you want.

3. Listen to that still small voice inside which tells you what to do. Write down what it tells you. Writing the information down is vital since our minds have a way of altering things later on to suit our wishes, circumstances, and desires.

4. Measure what you have heard against God's written Word, the Bible. They will never contradict one another.

5. Ask God [at first] for confirming signs that you have heard Him correctly. Write down the sign once it comes.

6. Then in the end seek confirming counsel from another who is walking closely with God.

These are the simple ways to work on hearing from God correctly. You will not always get it right but with practice you will get better.

A question regarding husbands and marriage. - The Week of October 4th 2011

Question Submitted:

A question regarding husbands and marriage.

Do you think each time they fail us that they lose heart in attempting to please us?

Answer:

I would have to say yes I do believe they lose heart to some degree. When they try and fail they get a little more disheartened and then it is harder to even make the effort the next time. I would have to think that although they might feel that way it is our job as a wife to build them up in the things that they do right. If we do a good job at that then there will be balance, and their hearts will be renewed and strengthened.