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I think we would all benefit from a definition of terms. Covenant theology is a systematic theology. Dispensationalism is a systematic theology. Systematic theology has a doctrine, build on certain principles that lead a man to interpret the bible according to those principles. Dispensationalism breaks down the world into times or dispensations. Calvinism breaks down the bible by covenants. There appears to be no system to Stewardship and therefore it is not a theology. I listened to the entire video and agree with the idea that we are to be stewards of the mysteries of God. Bro Shifflet does not seem to be advocating for any theology at all. I would further say that any Dispensationalist or Calvinist would agree that we are to be stewards of the mysteries of God, but would interpret that within the confines of their respective systematic theologies. How any of that determines whether the angels in Revelation are actual angels or just messengers I cannot fathom. How stewardship determines whether of not Israel and the church are separate does not make any sense to me at all. Stewardship Theology does not exist as a systematic theology and therefore anybody can claim to be a Stewardship theologist and it means nothing.

PastorMatt, thank you for all you do in giving us a great site free from all of the things many sites allow. It's greatly appreciated. You and the other administrators and moderators are doing an exceptional job. Blessings.

Well, we will have to disagree on these two issues. I agree with the solid fundamentalist preachers and commentators of the past who teach both positions I have stated above. I have been blessed too much by seeing Christ in the OT passages that speak of the Angel of the Lord to let anyone else take them from me. Genesis 48:15-16 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. Hm, the second person of the Trinity is called the Angel which redeemed me in this passage (referring specifically to the Angel of the Lord that Jacob encountered) - ouch! Guess I believe God’s Word over a new position.

These are all examples of substitution by assertion. There is no verse that indicates they were called sons and several that indicate they are never called sons. There are only assertions made by teachers. No verse actually shows this and one passage as shown above that clearly shows He is not. This shows the power of assertion even in light of clear passages to the contrary. And many of us are guilty of it in some way or another because we just assumed it was so. Until we can deal with all the scriptures as they are written, (not just about angels and God's sons) our doctrine will be lacking.

Is it wrong? Isn't it up to each church to decide? Personally I believe there should be a baptism pretty close to the salvation decision. But, with the level of people's misunderstanding of baptism and what it really means, I can understand the length of time some churches take in allowing such. Is it ridiculous in having people understanding what they are doing?

It's taking much longer to get baptized. Some classes to get baptized, are ridiculously long. My last church was around 2 months of training. I shake my head, wrong….

Unfallen Angels are called sons of God in the Old Testament. Representive angel? There are many passages where the Angel of the Lord is clearly the pre-incarnate Christ. That is a big area of theological difference!

As the original example so too are the assumptions and substitutions in regard to the angel of the Lord. "Because it fits" is not sufficient reason. Particularly when Hebrews makes it clear that no angel is a son. There needs to be more than that to build doctrine on. In regards to the angel of the Lord, it is more appropriate to simply consider him the Lord's personal representative angel, as Matthew 28 shows plainly they are not the same. Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Matthew 28:1-5 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Who ever refers to a pastor as an angel of a church? These angels are literal angels. Galatians 3:19- Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Galatians 1:8- But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Some particular encounters of angels are the Angel of the Lord (in the OT) - which is sometimes (or most of the time) Christ. In Revelation, I believe there is at least one reference to an angel which is Christ (based on the description and what that angel does and the timing of the event - ch 10 fits Christ having the book given Him in chapter 5, and landing on the earth, reclaiming the earth at the end of the seven year tribulation period). If at least one reference to an angel in Revelation is not a physical angel (but Jesus), then why couldn’t chapters 1-3 be something other than a literal angel? Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27 uses the Greek word for angel to refer to John the Baptist. Luke 7:24 and 9:52 and James 2:25 refer to human messengers. So there are definitely examples of that word referring to non-angelic messengers (ie. humans).

What I am saying is that it is an example of substitution theology. The book is clear that it is speaking of angels throughout. Yet the word "pastors" fit the person's theology better so it is substituted. Such substitutions are not in the text yet it is made to fit through through sheer will of the teacher and, statement as if a fact. Sure there is attempt made at justification through reasoning and allusion to messengers being the general meaning of the word angels so ergo it must be pastors, yet it is substitution nonetheless, which breaks the picture scripture is making in the use of Angels in each stage. 7 church angles, 7 trumpeting angels, 7 pouring angels. That's not to say there is no justification for substitution imagery if scripture makes it in the process of symbolism and allegory which it clearly does in other instances. Yet it needs contextual basis and not mere assertion due to the fact what is clearly presented is inconvenient for the teacher.

Maybe I am missing something here, but the references to the angels (ie. messengers) of the seven churches in chapters 1-3 does fit the local pastor leading that church, and therefore teaching/preaching the Word of God to their individual congregations. Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. Revelation 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; And so on... Unless you are talking about making angels mean pastors throughout the rest of the book?

I would say many things these could be placed under #7. Yet we can also say for your first example that Christ exhorted all who can hear to hear what the Spirit said unto the 7. This means the things for the seven are also for all who are in the Spirit to hear. Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ... Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ... Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ... Revelation 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. As for the second I would tend to agree with you on a strong likelihood due to the spiritual depravity and strong delusion but not a hard can't. More of a don't want to of Romans 1, as indicated by the words "had pleasure" in 2 Thess 2:12.

Does God Delight In You? Psalms 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, you are accepted in Him by the Father - and you therefore become a child that He delights in. Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. We may not like the application of this second verse to ourselves, but He corrects us because He cares for us. Proverbs 11:20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The first two verses above state our Heavenly Father takes delight in His children, and verses 3-4 state what He delights in (the way we live before Him, and our prayers to Him). Are you delighting yourself in the Lord - AND are you bringing Him delight day by day? November 20, 2021 Jerry Bouey

The Lord Is My Song The following comes from the Introduction to my poetry blog, Songs In The Night, and is a challenge to each of us to have music that glorifies the Lord: The name is based on the following passages: Job 35:10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night. Psalms 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psalms 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. I have found through personal experience that only the Lord Himself can give songs in the night - only He can give His perfect (complete) peace and joy to His children in the midst of their trials and sorrows. It is only through Him that songs can spring up out of troubled hearts - and it is those same songs that truly can touch and minister to the hearts of others. Not only does the Lord Jesus Christ gives songs, He also is our song. In light of eternity and all that He has done for us, truly He is the only song worth singing about. Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. Psalms 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. Not only should God's Word be our songs: Psalms 119:54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Our songs should be filled with His Word! When we are to: Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. It is tragic that so many sing songs that are either void of the Word of God, or that contradict or confuse it. One thing I have always found interesting, is that when we have the Scriptures dwelling in us, there is a song in our hearts - and when we look at this passage: Ephesians 5:18b-20 ...but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; We see that being filled with the Spirit of God produces the same effect - that is because the Holy Spirit always leads according to the Word He inspired and wrote. When your focus is steadfast on the Lord, meditating on His Word, He surrounds you with His songs. Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. If you are saved, I hope that you use your songs to praise the Lord Jesus Christ who saved you. Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Our songs should be a testimony of our trust in our Saviour. Psalms 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Whether songs of praise, songs of deliverance, or songs of joy - whatever the song, they should be all about the Lord! Is your tongue the pen of a ready writer - and are your songs about Him? Psalms 45:1-2 A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. May you glorify and honour Jesus Christ through all your songs! Jerry Bouey July 17th/06 A Song In The Night Though darkness hides the sunlight, A song is in my soul; In the night of my affliction, The Lord is in control. I cannot see His footsteps – The path He leads me down; All the way, there’s a promise: His path leads to a crown. Within the stormy blackness, Jesus has His eye on me; Though the darkness hide Him, By faith I still can see. Though nighttime falls around me, The cross leads to the tomb, My footsteps will not falter, His Word lights up the gloom. Though I know not the journey, The Lord will take me through; I will trust in my Saviour – He has my best in view. Even though my steps be darkened, My Father knows the way; And He will safely guide me – From the shadows into day. June 14th, 2006 Jerry Bouey

Because You Passed My Way My load's a little lighter now, Because you passed my way - The sun's a little brighter And the clouds have passed away. I've found my Saviour nearer, And each day He grows still dearer And I'm on my way to Glory, Because you passed my way. I was lost and no one seemed to care Until you passed my way, You saw me, and led me to Christ Oh, what a happy day, Now I'm living all for Jesus, And with Him I'll be some day, For I found a new beginning, Because you passed my way. And when in realms of glory, I see His precious face, And hear the angel voices Within that heavenly place, I'll remember that sinner, Who once had gone astray, Might not be there in Glory, Had you not passed my way. - Eleanor Taylor Rhodes, in Gospel Herald

FEAR My friend went on ahead And left me here To walk my last, long mile Alone; and Fear Stepped to his vacant place And said that he Would walk with me, and my Companion be. And so he dogged my steps In this dark vale Where death's wings shadow me. My face grew pale, My spirit quailed. I called One precious Name In my distress, and lo, That loved One came! He closely holds my hand, This tender Friend, Nor will He let me go Until the end. And as He walks with me, Daily more dear, I find that trust and love Have cast out Fear. Martha Snell Nicholson (From A Daily Visit To Ivory Palaces)

Who's preaching this? He looks familiar. Ah, I see it's Brother Shifflet.

Its the same thing as what the bible says about Stewardship. Here is a good video:

Left sock, right sock...left shoe, right shoe.

I stopped using socks several years ago, except when i am gong to buy new shoes. I always use slip on shoes which I put on with the aid of a long handled shoe horn.

Tonight I made a meatloaf, blackeyed peas, green beans and a homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Delicious!

I did spicy roast chicken today with crinkle cut fries and baked beans, my wife had a cauliflower cheese grill with hers instead of chicken .

There will be new mirrors installed for those that use lips stick.