What are you reading?

[Altair]

I still read the Bible. I read it often, and why I read it is to consider where we are, who we are and where we're going. Some of the books in the Bible (the bible is not a book, but a collection of books and letters) relate to prophecies that are coming to fruition now. Others relate to events that happened in people's lives. They may give examples of both good and bad actions that people did, and the consequences they caused.
Also, I like to look at the angle of when people claim certain things that are in it, to study the context of why it was written, who it was written to, and compare it to other parts that are in there.
I also like to read the parts which are songs and poems, albeit a translation of them, like the psalms of David and others, and how they felt after such things as being chased by armies, or after making huge mistakes, or even just expressing their thankfulness, anger, confusion, or whatever it is, to know that a person of God is just like me - full of errors, but desiring the best for themselves and others, and doing things to change.
I also like to find things I have overlooked before, causing new understanding, or making me question my conduct in other areas.
I also appreciate the instruction given in the later parts, such as Jesus' instruction written in Matthew chapter five through to seven.
There is no other book I can read that actually makes me feel refreshed and accepted after reading it.

I read the Bible also.

Revelation 12:7-9​

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Yes...I AM STILL HERE.

 

[Altair]

Daniel 12:1​

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

 

[Kev45]

its Minnie Kev i think you may have confused me with someone else

Oh lol, got that wrong, nice to see you, I'll still leave an x and say hi to jojo, and I hope she isn't getting up to any mischief xx

 

[Altair]

Hmm.....!

Matthew 13:41​

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers.

 

[Altair]

Oh lol, got that wrong, nice to see you, I'll still leave an x and say hi to jojo, and I hope she isn't getting up to any mischief xx

Hi Kev...

 

[Altair]

Bit condescending this bit...

Mark 9:25​

And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

Calling people 'IT...And never enter him again?

 

[Altair]

Daniel 10:12​

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

I.E. Fcuk all to do with Reality.

 

[Altair]

• The angel of the Lord opposes Balaam (Numbers 21:22–32).
• Two of David’s bloodthirsty warriors, Joab and Abishai, make life difficult for the king (2 Samuel 19:22).
• Solomon faces political opponents after he turns from God (1 Kings 11:14–25).

In each of these episodes, the Hebrew Bible calls these figures satan, because they are acting as adversaries.

 

[Altair]

Satan is not actually the bad guy.

No one knows what he looks like.

Here's My take.

 

[joe90]

 

[A_Son_of_God]

I read the Bible also.

Revelation 12:7-9​

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Yes...I AM STILL HERE.

Glad you're still here mate.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

• The angel of the Lord opposes Balaam (Numbers 21:22–32).
• Two of David’s bloodthirsty warriors, Joab and Abishai, make life difficult for the king (2 Samuel 19:22).
• Solomon faces political opponents after he turns from God (1 Kings 11:14–25).

In each of these episodes, the Hebrew Bible calls these figures satan, because they are acting as adversaries.

The word satan means "Resister". So it is technically a title for the angel that caused the rebellion and tried to kill all humans because of envy against his spiritual brothers and his father. "Satan" as an angel - his name is not known. Those who think it is Lucifer misunderstand that the name "Lucifer" is the same as "Satan" in that it is not a name, but means "Shining one". That is why the angel known as Satan has attempted to hide God's holy name from humans.

 

[Altair]

The word satan means "Resister". So it is technically a title for the angel that caused the rebellion and tried to kill all humans because of envy against his spiritual brothers and his father. "Satan" as an angel - his name is not known. Those who think it is Lucifer misunderstand that the name "Lucifer" is the same as "Satan" in that it is not a name, but means "Shining one". That is why the angel known as Satan has attempted to hide God's holy name from humans.

Great post. Makes one wonder why there is NO name for Satan...Apart from Devil, Lucifer etc. An Angel none the less but one with no real name. Every other Angel has a name... apart from Satan.. But he WAS once an Angel. Which i find sad in the story. Perhaps he did have a name but no one dared speak it?.!

 

[Altair]

This snippet off the web. (Got Questions.)

Although he has persuaded many people that he doesn’t exist, Satan very definitely is a real, personal being, the source of all unbelief and of every kind of moral and spiritual evil in the world. He is called by various names in the Bible, including Satan (meaning “adversary”—Job 1:6; Romans 16:20), the devil (i.e., “slanderer”—Matthew 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8), Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9), and many others.

The existence of Satan as a personal being is proved by the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ recognized him as such. Jesus referred to him frequently by name (e.g., Luke 10:18; Matthew 4:10) and called him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

The apostle Paul called Satan the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). The apostle John said, “The whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19) and that Satan “leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9). These could hardly be descriptions of an impersonal force or a mere personification of evil.

The Scriptures teach that, before man and the world were created, God had created an “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22), a heavenly host of spiritual beings of great strength and intelligence. The highest of these beings are the cherubim, who are attendants at the very throne of God, and the “anointed cherub” was originally Satan himself (Ezekiel 28:14). He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.”

God did not create Satan as an evil being, however. The angels, like man, were created as free spirits, not as unthinking machines. They were fully able to reject God’s will and rebel against His authority if they chose.

The basic sin, in both man and angels, is the twin sin of unbelief and pride. Satan said in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . . I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:13,14). Again, these could hardly be the actions or motivations of an impersonal force.

Jesus also told us of some of the characteristics of Satan. Christ said he was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him, and that when he speaks he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

It is crucial that Christians recognize the reality of Satan and understand that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). It is impossible to overcome sin and temptation from the devil by ourselves, but Scripture tells us how to be strong. We need to put on the full armour of God and withstand temptation (Ephesians 6:13).

Hmm...

Jesus called Satan 'The Prince of this WORLD....! Why did he call him that?

 

[A_Son_of_God]

This snippet off the web. (Got Questions.)

Although he has persuaded many people that he doesn’t exist, Satan very definitely is a real, personal being, the source of all unbelief and of every kind of moral and spiritual evil in the world. He is called by various names in the Bible, including Satan (meaning “adversary”—Job 1:6; Romans 16:20), the devil (i.e., “slanderer”—Matthew 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8), Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9), and many others.

The existence of Satan as a personal being is proved by the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ recognized him as such. Jesus referred to him frequently by name (e.g., Luke 10:18; Matthew 4:10) and called him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

The apostle Paul called Satan the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). The apostle John said, “The whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19) and that Satan “leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9). These could hardly be descriptions of an impersonal force or a mere personification of evil.

The Scriptures teach that, before man and the world were created, God had created an “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22), a heavenly host of spiritual beings of great strength and intelligence. The highest of these beings are the cherubim, who are attendants at the very throne of God, and the “anointed cherub” was originally Satan himself (Ezekiel 28:14). He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.”

God did not create Satan as an evil being, however. The angels, like man, were created as free spirits, not as unthinking machines. They were fully able to reject God’s will and rebel against His authority if they chose.

The basic sin, in both man and angels, is the twin sin of unbelief and pride. Satan said in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . . I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:13,14). Again, these could hardly be the actions or motivations of an impersonal force.

Jesus also told us of some of the characteristics of Satan. Christ said he was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him, and that when he speaks he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

It is crucial that Christians recognize the reality of Satan and understand that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). It is impossible to overcome sin and temptation from the devil by ourselves, but Scripture tells us how to be strong. We need to put on the full armour of God and withstand temptation (Ephesians 6:13).

Hmm...

Jesus called Satan 'The Prince of this WORLD....! Why did he call him that?

Satan is referred to as the ruler of the world. In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 28, he's referred to while the King of Tyre is being addressed, and he's called "the anointed cherub", showing that he had a position of authority under God before, with anointing means he was given a kingdom. It appears it was over the earth, as the rest of the scripture states he walked about in the fiery stones - most likely referring to the earth before it could hold life. (Ezekiel 28:13-19)

So, God actually gave "Satan" a position, but something happened with Satan, making him probably feel pride or something. I think it was to do with humans being made in the image of God. We can use accounts from the Scriptures, but they're not completely clear on the why of this. Still, we do know from that scripture that Satan thought too much of himself. He became "haughty because of (his) beauty" for instance.

Here's a theory. Imagine God delegated the creation to the angels. He set a pattern, and the angels helped. (this is based on Proverbs 8:22-31 personifying "wisdom" and calling the firstborn a "master worker". If there's a "master worker", wouldn't that mean there had to be other workers to compare him to?)
So imagine the angels went ahead with their creations. Imagine for instance some of them made large creatures and others made small. Maybe one made a large variety that went about destroying everything - taking over (just an idea, definitely not fact), and God said, "No, that's no good. Oh, look! I'm going to make a physical creature in our image, with abilities similar to ours". So Satan may have lost his creation, and mankind came along. Who knows for sure, but if it was sure, that'd help explain the resentment against humans, and why Satan set out to destroy us as a race on earth, us humans.

This could also explain why God didn't remove Satan immediately from his position, and why there was a legal challenge laid, as Satan had been given a position over the earth, and while the evidence was still being showcased in the legal courts in heaven - just like here on earth - Satan was not "convicted" as such, so he remained in his post to some degree, and chose that time to slander humans, of which he still does. He still intends for us to die, out of resentment he wasn't the big boss.

 

[Altair]

Satan is referred to as the ruler of the world. In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 28, he's referred to while the King of Tyre is being addressed, and he's called "the anointed cherub", showing that he had a position of authority under God before, with anointing means he was given a kingdom. It appears it was over the earth, as the rest of the scripture states he walked about in the fiery stones - most likely referring to the earth before it could hold life. (Ezekiel 28:13-19)

So, God actually gave "Satan" a position, but something happened with Satan, making him probably feel pride or something. I think it was to do with humans being made in the image of God. We can use accounts from the Scriptures, but they're not completely clear on the why of this. Still, we do know from that scripture that Satan thought too much of himself. He became "haughty because of (his) beauty" for instance.

Here's a theory. Imagine God delegated the creation to the angels. He set a pattern, and the angels helped. (this is based on Proverbs 8:22-31 personifying "wisdom" and calling the firstborn a "master worker". If there's a "master worker", wouldn't that mean there had to be other workers to compare him to?)
So imagine the angels went ahead with their creations. Imagine for instance some of them made large creatures and others made small. Maybe one made a large variety that went about destroying everything - taking over (just an idea, definitely not fact), and God said, "No, that's no good. Oh, look! I'm going to make a physical creature in our image, with abilities similar to ours". So Satan may have lost his creation, and mankind came along. Who knows for sure, but if it was sure, that'd help explain the resentment against humans, and why Satan set out to destroy us as a race on earth, us humans.

This could also explain why God didn't remove Satan immediately from his position, and why there was a legal challenge laid, as Satan had been given a position over the earth, and while the evidence was still being showcased in the legal courts in heaven - just like here on earth - Satan was not "convicted" as such, so he remained in his post to some degree, and chose that time to slander humans, of which he still does. He still intends for us to die, out of resentment he wasn't the big boss.

Again...Great reply.

This still leaves the 'Option' for Satan to change and mend his ways.

We are not at end times YET.

Revelations mention a beast that is NOT Satan... Who is that Beast?

 

[A_Son_of_God]

Again...Great reply.

This still leaves the 'Option' for Satan to change and mend his ways.

We are not at end times YET.

Revelations mention a beast that is NOT Satan... Who is that Beast?

Now we're getting to the exciting bits. You are correct, and great observation mate. Most people equate Satan as "the beast". But the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:1-7) and the book of Revelation have two similar accounts (Revelation 13:1-2). In the book of Daniel, the angel Gabriel tells Daniel what these "beasts" are, and keep in mind that Revelation was presented in "signs" generally speaking. (Revelation 1:1)

So, we really need to consider Daniel's words to see what he says first. and then we can compare them to Revelation. Have a look at those scriptures in those verses firstly. The angel tells Daniel what those beasts were. If you notice the correlation between Daniel and Revelation, especially at this stage those two sections of scripture - Daniel 7 and Revelation 13, you might start to see what this beast is. Let me know...

 

[Altair]

Now we're getting to the exciting bits. You are correct, and great observation mate. Most people equate Satan as "the beast". But the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:1-7) and the book of Revelation have two similar accounts (Revelation 13:1-2). In the book of Daniel, the angel Gabriel tells Daniel what these "beasts" are, and keep in mind that Revelation was presented in "signs" generally speaking. (Revelation 1:1)

So, we really need to consider Daniel's words to see what he says first. and then we can compare them to Revelation. Have a look at those scriptures in those verses firstly. The angel tells Daniel what those beasts were. If you notice the correlation between Daniel and Revelation, especially at this stage those two sections of scripture - Daniel 7 and Revelation 13, you might start to see what this beast is. Let me know...

This is TOUGH.!

Have to put it in MY own words.

Daniel was an OK bloke.

Gabriel was NOT an ok bloke.

The 'Angels' TOLD Daniel what the beasts were.

There are MORE than ONE BEAST?

 

[A_Son_of_God]

This is TOUGH.!

Have to put it in MY own words.

Daniel was an OK bloke.

Gabriel was NOT an ok bloke.

The 'Angels' TOLD Daniel what the beasts were.

There are MORE than ONE BEAST?

Right, with the exception of Gabriel. Gabriel was a holy angel.

As for the beasts? Yes. There is more than one beast. Daniel describes the sea being stirred by "the four winds of the heavens". Then he is shown four beasts come out, one after the other. The first was "like a lion", the second was "like a bear", and the third was "like a leopard".
But when we look at Revelation we see again "the sea", where a wild beast ascends out of it. But this beast was "like a leopard, but its feet were like those of a bear, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth."

Then it says that the dragon gave the beast its authority.

When we go back to Daniel Chapter 7 and continue on until verse 15, we see that the spirit creature tells Daniel that these "beasts" represent "kingdoms", or governments.

Therefore, the "beast" that is given power and authority by the Dragon is a government.

 

[Altair]

Right, with the exception of Gabriel. Gabriel was a holy angel.

As for the beasts? Yes. There is more than one beast. Daniel describes the sea being stirred by "the four winds of the heavens". Then he is shown four beasts come out, one after the other. The first was "like a lion", the second was "like a bear", and the third was "like a leopard".
But when we look at Revelation we see again "the sea", where a wild beast ascends out of it. But this beast was "like a leopard, but its feet were like those of a bear, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth."

Then it says that the dragon gave the beast its authority.

When we go back to Daniel Chapter 7 and continue on until verse 15, we see that the spirit creature tells Daniel that these "beasts" represent "kingdoms", or governments.

Therefore, the "beast" that is given power and authority by the Dragon is a government.

Exactly what we see TODAY.

With our Governments.!

It's not a fair fight though is it.

If I was Facing the DEVIL FACE TO FACE... I'd have a pop.

Daniel was a nice guy.