Reply from JPN: Hi, there are definitely church teachings that have been corrupted but God's word hasn't. You can trust His word as He promised to keep and preserve it (Psalm 12:6-7, Matt 5:18, John 10:35). The books of the New Testament were generally accepted and recognized as scripture by the early church (with debate over a few) before officially 'canonized'. All of scripture is given for our growth and teaching (2 Tim 3:15-17). Both scripture and the early church (not the Roman Catholic church) recognized Sunday (the day of resurrection) as the day to come together (Act 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2).

Reply from JPN: Yeah! He definitely is saving the best for last and none of His own will be disappointed! Glad you liked the study and thanks for letting us know.

Reply from JPN: And thank you for doing the same!

Reply from JPN: Hi Ruth, glad you liked it and hope you got some sleep after that! I will write a Q&A on the 'by His stripes we are healed' question and let you know when done.

Reply from JPN: Thanks Jyoti - I like that one too!

Reply from JPN: Hey fellow Kiwi! Glad you found the site and hope you enjoy it!

Reply from JPN: Oh, thank you. Glad you like it and trying to make it clear, clean, simple and understandable is definitely a goal!

Reply from JPN: Thanks & yeah, Jesus was very clear on it.
Mar 10:42-45 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. (43) Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (44) and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. (45) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reply from JPN: Yeah, awesome... very well said! We certainly get those moments of revelation at His greatness and our smallness. It reminds me of Peter, blessed by Jesus with a boat bursting with fish, getting a glimpse of who it was that was in the boat with him. And his response to the Lord's goodness was 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!' The goodness of God worked contrition and Jesus replied (loose translation!) 'Do not be afraid. You are the type of person I can and will use!' (Luke 5:5-11)

Reply from JPN: Thanks - yeah things are accelerating. Not just wickedness but prophetic pointers as well, all according to God's plan and word in advance. Blessed are those that take rest in Him!

Reply from JPN: Hi, yeah I understand your concern. God can and does lay topics/thoughts/words on our heart but I'm personally very wary of those that are always saying 'this is from God'. Lots of unscriptural messages have been given in God's name so we need to be reverent and very careful when saying something is from Him. The Bible says study to show yourself approved (2 Tim 2:15). As we do that, with prayer, God directs our steps in teaching. God has given us His word and all scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction (2 Tim 3:16). I also agree that God uses others in the congregation to speak through as well, and that when we come together each should at least have the opportunity to share something edifying. Doesn't often work that way in todays Church but it is scriptural (1 Cor 14:26). Hope things work out for you and your church.

Reply from JPN: Hi, I have a different view than most (but not all) concerning the seals and trumpets as I see them overlapping and not strictly consecutive. I have written about that in the following Q&A and also talk about the 7th seal near the end of the Rev 6 study. Hope it helps!
https://jesusplusnothing.com/series/post/chronology-of-revelation
https://jesusplusnothing.com/series/post/bible-study-revelation-6-seals-countdown-jesus-coming

Reply from JPN: Thanks and yeah, unfortunately large parts of the church won't even preach on prophecy or the end times despite what is going on in the world. Jesus told up to be alert and watch!

Reply from JPN: Oh... thank you! I will have to go and re-read my conclusion now! May God bless!

Reply from JPN: Good on you for following God's lead and looking further into this topic. There is a lot hidden in those gates!

Reply from JPN: Thank you! May He bless your study group as well. Hope it goes well.

Reply from JPN: Hi, there are websites that do it if you google Gematria calculator but can't vouch for the accuracy. You should be entering the Hebrew or Greek words/names, not English, if you are looking up something from the Bible.

Reply from JPN: Thanks Ron, glad you got some confirmation. Jesus is the "real deal" and we (as the saying goes) are all beggars telling other beggars where to find bread!

Reply from JPN: Hi and thanks for the points. Glad you liked the study. They could serve in the army at 20 (Num 1:3). Given David's desire to fight those that defied the God of Israel, and with three older brothers already in Israel's army, I believe if he was 20 he would have already joined. So it seems he was not of that age yet and most commentators believe he was mid to late teens. But the Bible doesn't say specifically so not being dogmatic and it is his faith that is the important point

Reply from JPN: Hi and thanks - I haven't read those particular writers on Revelation but certainly there are many older commentaries that over-spiritualized the book and/or missed the role that Israel plays in the last days. Pleased that you are enjoying our studies!