Is It Wrong To Drink Wine Alcohol?

No, it is not wrong to drink alcohol. It is wrong to drink alcohol in excess just like it is wrong to do anything in excess.

Jesus drank wine, and He turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana. "The Greek word translated "wine" is oinos, which was the common Greek word for normal wine, wine that was fermented/alcoholic. The Greek word for the wine Jesus created is the same word for the wine the wedding ran out of. The Greek word for the wine Jesus created is also the same word that is used in Ephesians 5:18, "...do not get drunk on wine..." Obviously, getting drunk from drinking wine requires the presence of alcohol. Everything, from the context of a wedding, to the usage of oinos in 1st century Greek literature (in the New Testament and outside the New Testament), argues for the wine that Jesus created to be normal, ordinary wine, containing alcohol.

Thosewho oppose the drinking of alcohol, in any quantity, argue that Jesus would not have turned the water into wine because it is wrong to drink alcohol. In this understanding, consumption of alcohol in any quantity is wrong. That is not a biblical understanding, however. Some Scriptures discuss alcohol in positive terms. Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs, “Drink your wine with a merry heart.” Psalm 104:14-15 states that God gives wine “that makes glad the heart of men.” Amos 9:14 discusses drinking wine from your own vineyard as a sign of God’s blessing. Isaiah 55:1 encourages, “Yes, come buy wine and milk…” From these and other Scriptures, it is clear that drinking alcohol itself is not wrong. Rather, it is the abuse of alcohol, drunkenness and/or addiction, that is wrong (Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 23:29-35; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19)."

Accountability

My daughter gets tormented at school. Everyone ostracizes her. The exact same thing happened to me when I was younger. I was trying to comfort her by telling her that the same thing happened to me and that I barely noticed. Not sure if it was because I stayed so absorbed in my novels or because I was add. But either way I didn't care all that much. My daughter appears to have taken after me in that she keeps her earphones in her ears cause she's always listening to music and she's always carrying a book with her, but unfortunately she didn't take after me when it comes to being add. She is ambidextrous and more left handed so she is slightly adhd but not add at all. So she is very aware of what is going on around her at all times she is just hyperactive thus it's hard for her to phase out like I always have.

She appears to be harboring a lot when I never did, and I think it's because she takes it personally when she shouldn't. I told her that she can't take it personally because it's not personal. I taught her to focus on why the person is doing what they are doing rather than what they are doing. Hurt people hurt others. I explained to her that when little kids make fun of her or others it is because they are insecure and they do it to everyone so it's not like they singled her out. So she should not take it to heart and just take up for the other kids they ostracize. I told her she should actually feel sorry for the mean kids because they obviously have issues. I taught her that she has to forgive people and pay them no mind when they mess up because if she harbors negative feelings it doesn't hurt anyone but her. So she needs to ignore it like it never happened and understand that it's not personal and the person just has problems. I told her people will always hurt her feelings and that doesn't stop even when she gets older. So she has to learn to ignore it and pray for God to heal the broken person. I told her instead of seeing her situation at school in a negative light she should focus on the positive aspect of it. I told her that even though it wasn't that great to be picked on when I was younger it developed a character in me that I may not have acquired had I not been ostracized. It made me more compassionate toward others that experienced the same.

If there is one thing I have told her incessantly that I never want her to forget it's that hurt people hurt others. And even though it doesn't justify it because no one should return evil for evil and people know better.. it is important to understand that. Because it is in that understanding that she will be able to sympathize with the person rather than return evil for evil like they did.

I have taught her to kill them with kindness because only good defeats evil. And I've also taught her to take up for herself and others. Because if a person acting cruel to another kid has so much of an impact on them imagine how much of an impact an act of kindness would have. She will never know how much of an impact her kindness may have on a kid that was being bullied. I taught her to be a leader not a follower, take a stand against cruelty, and show them all that it's not cool to be mean to others.

Part of being kind is taking a stand against evil. No one should be an enabler and roll over so that evil can trample all over everyone. People have to be held accountable for their actions or evil runs rampant. No one should allow anyone to treat others like crap. Someone needs to make it clear that it's unacceptable.

I have taught my daughter to be sympathetic toward those that pick on others because they are just insecure, most of them come from abusive broken homes, but that is not a license to abuse others. People have to be held accountable. You can't just let people walk all over you and others because they had a hard life. Everyone goes through stuff but not everyone abuses people. And those that do will only continue to do so if there are no repercussions. But if there were repercussions they may stop.

What Happened to Jephthah's Daughter?

“In Deuteronomy the Lord strictly commanded Israel: “ There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch….For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee (De 18:9-12). The Lord would curse, not bless, such a person. The very ones Jephthah was fighting, the Ammonites, practiced such abominations to their god Molech.

Jephthah’s daughter was not killed. She was offered up to the service of YHWH; presumably she would have then gone to work for a lifetime in a sanctuary dedicated to YHWH. The lamenting done by both father and daughter would have concerned the loss for the daughter of the normative Israelite roles of wife and mother (a tragedy for Jephthah, too, since she is his only child and, without her children, his patrimony will most likely be lost forever). Thus she leaves and “bewails” her virginity (Judges 11: 38). Persons could be devoted to God’s exclusive service in connection with the sanctuary. It was a right that parents could exercise. Samuel was one such person, promised to tabernacle service by a vow of his mother Hannah before his birth. This vow was approved by her husband Elkanah. As soon as Samuel was weaned, Hannah offered him at the sanctuary. Along with him, Hannah brought an animal sacrifice. (1Sa 1:11, 22-28; 2:11) Samson was another child specially devoted to God’s service as a Nazirite.—Jg 13:2-5, 11-14; compare the father’s authority over a daughter as outlined in Nu 30:3-5, 16.

In the laws every first born had to be offered to God, in the case of the clean animals that meant they would get sacrificed, in the case of the unclean animals that meant that another animal would be sacrificed in its place or it would have its neck broken but in the place of people they always had a sacrifice take their place (I believe turtle doves were one of the things that could take the place for a human baby). I would imagine Jephthah would have already known all about these laws on the sacrifice of the first born, so it would have been rather easy for him to know what got sacrificed as his daughter was sent off to serve the Lord in the tabernacle.

It is also important to note that in this time women could choose to dedicate themselves to serve at the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:8).

When Jephthah brought his daughter to the sanctuary, which was in Shiloh at that time, he undoubtedly accompanied his presentation of her with an animal burnt offering. According to the Law, a burnt offering was slaughtered, skinned, and cut up; the intestines and shanks were washed; and its body, head and all, was burned on the altar. (Le 1:3-9) The wholeness of such offering represented full, unqualified, wholehearted dedication to God, and when it accompanied another offering (as, for example, when the burnt offering followed the sin offering on the Day of Atonement), it constituted an appeal to the Lord to accept that other offering.—Le 16:3, 5, 6, 11, 15, 24.

It was a real sacrifice on the part of both Jephthah and his daughter, for he had no other child. (Jg 11:34) Therefore no descendant of his would carry on his name and his inheritance in Israel. Jephthah’s daughter was his only hope for this. She wept, not over her death, but over her “virginity,” for it was the desire of every Israelite man and woman to have children and to keep the family name and inheritance alive. (Jg 11:37, 38) Barrenness was a calamity. But Jephthah’s daughter “never had relations with a man.” Had these words applied only to the time prior to the carrying out of the vow, they would have been superfluous, for she is specifically said to have been a virgin. That the statement has reference to the fulfilling of the vow is shown in that it follows the expression, “He carried out his vow that he had made toward her.” Actually, the record is pointing out that also after the vow was carried out she maintained her virginity.—Jg 11:39.

Thus the passage states: And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: [and she knew no man]. And it was a custom in Israel, that the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year."

....

The last sentence confuses people. They think that because it says the daughters of Israel went yearly to "lament" the daughter of Jephthah that she died-- but no.

Note that the verse speaks only of the [daughters] of Israel doing this, and it makes no mention of the father or any other person close to her.

It refers only to the 'daughters of Israel' doing this as they were lamenting the fact that she knew no man.

Because back in that time women were defined by their role in marriage.

Was the Prophecy of Tyre Fulfilled?

It is a historical FACT that Nebuchadnezzar lay siege to the city for thirteen years and caused such destruction that most of the inhabitants of the mainland city abandoned it for the relative safety of the island city. The scriptures say that Nebuchadnezzar would plunder the city. However, the scriptures also state that many nations would come against Tyre. So logically, that means the scriptures are not implying that Nebuchadnezzar would completely obliterate it.

Did the Expedition of Nebuchadnezzar Fail?

"The expedition of Nebuchadnezzar did not fail. Below is a quote regarding information found in Babylonian records:

'Following the pacification of Tyre, Nebuchadnezzar turned again to Egypt. A clay tablet, now in the British Museum, states: “In the 37th year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of the country of Babylon, he went to Mitzraim (Egypt) to wage war. Amasis, king of Egypt, collected [his army], and marched and spread abroad.” Having completed the subjugation of Phoenicia, and a campaign against Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar set himself to rebuild and adorn the city of Babylon, and constructed canals, aqueducts, temples and reservoirs.'

What we know from Babylonian records is that Nebuchadnezzar went on a campaign into Egypt in 568 BC to plunder and take spoil. The prophecy of Ezekiel did not say that he would conquer Egypt, but that he would “despoil” it and take home plunder from the campaign.

Not sure why some believe that this campaign failed, unless they incorrectly interpret the prophecy to be a prediction of Babylon actually conquering Egypt, which it is not."

Does God lie?

The bible never says that God lies. Just the opposite, actually. It says that He does not lie.

Certain spirits can put a lying spirit in our mouths and God allows it because He gives us over to the devourer (Satan) when we go against Him because we make ourselves His enemy.

Were Children Given the Death Penalty for Assaulting or Cursing Their Parents?

People question the verses in which the judgment rendered for children who physically assault or curse (not in the general sense, in the sense that they meant to do them serious harm thus the reason the verse states 'their blood shall be on their own head') their parents is death. There were strict judgments in the Old Testament in order to keep them in line back then because people were extremely evil...children were pronouncing defeat, disgrace, sickness and death over their own parents-- they literally hated their own parents which means they were extremely evil and as such were a threat not only to them but to others around them.The Hebrew word for 'curse' has a broad range of interpretations. One of which indicates sorcery and witchcraft. Nevertheless, composition (a final determination) was acceptable in several of these cases depending on the severity. The law was laid down to maintain order and structure. And also to enforce acts of righteousness and deter evil. And we have to remember that only in "extremely severe" cases would this actually have been carried out due to the fact that a parent is not going to report a child of such an offense unless they truly feel threatened.

Is Matthew 16:28 Referring to the End Times?

No, it is referring to His resurrection and ascension.

It foreshadows Acts 1: 1-11. Note verse 3 and 7:

1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Do People Speak in Real Tongues?

Yes, but there are false tongues. Satan has a counterfeit here for pretty much everything of God. So he can attempt to throw people off.

I have spoken in real tongues. It’s the Holy Spirits way of interceding for a person.

There is a common misconception that one has to be able to speak in tongues or they are not saved and led by the Holy Spirit. That is not true. There are many saved Holy Spirit led people that do not speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is just one of the gifts of the spirit. Like the gift of prophecy. Or any other gift. And we all have different ones. We don't have to have any certain one to be considered saved and led by the spirit.

Does the Bible Say the Earth is Flat?

No.

The Unleashing Of Wild Beasts in 2 Kings 2

In order to understand 2 Kings 2 one must understand the context in which it is written. During this time, Jeroboam had set up the golden calves in Bethel (the house of God). This was considered idol worship and thus a covenant transgression therefore triggering the covenant curse which included the unleashing of wild beasts (Leviticus 26:22).

These adolescents came from hence and decided to attack God’s representative which is also considered a terrible transgression as God specifically warns against such actions saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm (Psalm 105:15).

God sent these two beasts not only to fulfill the covenant He made with Israel (for God is not a man that He should lie) but also to protect His prophet.

God does not provide retribution light heartedly:

As Ezekiel 18:23 states, have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

Is God Protective?

Yes. God is extremely protective over us. That is why He gave us the law-- to prevent us from hurting one another. And that is why He instructs us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

One example in particular in which He bestowed His divine protection is in the plight of the Apostle John. John was sentenced to death by boiling water but God delivered him miraculously unscathed. The officials were so alarmed by this that they sent him away to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation.

Another is when He rescued Daniel from the mouths of lions and when He saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace.

The Lord will go to extreme lengths to protect His children. His acme having been His sacrifice for us. And now, because of His sacrifice, His spirit dwells within us. And He has given us gifts.. and calls us to intercede for the people and fight against Satan in the power of the Holy Spirit so that we all may be set free.

We dream of someone that will be there… that will comfort us when we are afraid. Someone that will protect us...  and never leave us. But we are dreaming of something we already have. God has always been there with us guiding us. He is always by our side… even in the dead of night.. . whenever we fall.

And He will never leave us or forsake us.

He is always with us.Yet so many of us are chasing something we already have. We must acknowledge what and who love is: we can't have love without love. We look for it in others but we must look within to find it. It is His spirit we are seeking and His spirit is within us. He is love. And we already have Him.

The Lord is our fortress, our refuge, and our strength. Our only protection from the enemy. By His stripes we are healed and through His blood we are cleansed. It is His voice that guides us into all truth. It is He that comforts us and delivers us from the pestilence that walks in darkness and the destruction that lays waste at noonday. He alone is our savior and our redeemer, our protector, and our deliverer.

I kept praying and asking God for a few things... some of my prayers were being answered and others were not. I kept wondering why. I kept thinking about it, going over it in my head repeatedly when I heard a still small voice say: 'You never stop to think of yourself. You even say you'd give your life for those you love. You desire but one thing-- to see them saved.
You keep thinking, What can I do to see them saved?
There is one thing I desire of you-- to see you saved.'

Sometimes we get so caught up in things that we forget God has a plan for everyone. He may have us intercede for a person but that doesn’t mean He's not in control. He is love. And the love we have for someone is just a small portion of His pure unconditional love for us. We forget that God knows our every need and that He loves those we are praying for more than we could ever imagine-- they are in His hands and He has it all under control.

I realized something recently. I think God wants us to pray for others not just because He wants our help saving them... but because He wants our help saving ourselves.

It is His spirit in us that causes us to intercede for others selflessly--
in the same way He sacrificed and gave His life for us…

in the end He still has but one desire--
to see us saved.

What Is Prayer Intercession?

Basically, what we are doing with prayer intercession is we are praying His kingdom down to earth.. to thwart the plans of the enemy and break the chains of those that are in bondage to him. God calls us to intercede for others in prayer intercession because He wills that all of our chains be broken. But some have turned away from Him. They have shut Him out. So He needs us to intercede for people since He gave us free will and He doesn’t like to violate it... He needs someone that of their own free will is willing to ask Him to intervene.

So when we ask God for something that is in His will it is certain to come to pass at the right time. And we know what is His will because His will is good. And we know what is good because He told us what is good. So we know what is good is His will.

So you can have faith that what you have asked according to His will shall come to pass. And faith is important. It’s what makes prayer powerful.

Intercession is important, and if we don't do our part it doesn't get done. But we must be careful as to not get too caught up in things and end up trying to do God's part.

God calls us to intercede in prayer, but He is still in control.

He has a plan and a purpose for everyone's lives.

And our intercession is only another part of that plan.

... And I’ve had a hard time understanding that in the past. Satan has tormented me by making me worry about things constantly. I didn't trust God, and I was trying to do His part rather than move when He says to move. I was always running ahead of Him. I didn’t grasp the concept that God has everyone in His hands. And that He has a plan and a purpose for them based on their actions…and what He sees they will do. Therefore, there is no point in worrying myself with it because everything happens at a certain time. God works at each person's pace. And what they are ready for. Or what they need at a certain time. He knows everyone's heart thus He has it all under control.

He is teaching those that will listen and He has an individual plan for each person. They will come to know Him according to that plan. When they are ready. And we are not to worry ourselves with that part of it. All He wants us to do is trust Him. And follow Him.

God is patient with us. He lets us choose what we want to choose. And He lets us learn as we go. He is with us every step we take- watching and waiting so that when we're ready-- He reveals Himself.

God's ways are not our ways. And things are not always what they seem. God moves at our pace. He is patient with us. And He is teaching those that will listen. He knows what we need. And what we're ready for… when sometimes we don’t.

This is why we must trust Him in order to do His work effectively. There are times when what we think is best for someone is in fact not really what is best for them. God is sovereign, and we can't always understand the way He works. As I’ve said before, God works around our will. And what He sees we will do. And He has this magnificent way of turning everything into good for those that love Him. He causes everything the enemy meant for harm to return upon his own head.. which means God uses something that appears to be negative for our own benefit. But we can’t always understand the plan He has for each individual person… which is why we have to trust Him.

The first thing God taught me when I first turned to Him was that we can control no one. We can intercede.. but we cannot control the person. They have to choose Him at their own pace. Therefore, our prayers will be answered at the 'right' time. And we are not supposed to get caught up in what we see around us. Or focus too much on the fact that people are listening to Satan. Because that only glorifies Satan thus rendering him more attention than he deserves. We are supposed to keep our eyes on the Lord and trust Him thus glorifying Him instead (ie give it all to Him by stating that Satan is a defeated being and that though God’s children may be listening to him God has them in His hands. Satan has already been conquered. They are saved, and God already has a plan for them. He is going to turn it all into good so that what Satan meant for harm will return upon his own head). Because it renders Satan of no effect thus robbing him of his scheme to obtain false illusory power.

If a person is choosing Satan it’s not the end of the world. We have all chosen him at some point. And God teaches His children through that experience. He has a marvelous plan in which He makes all of His children new. He will strengthen us. And purify us through the experience. Though it may seem like darkness prevails at times in truth it never does. Because light always defeats darkness.

We gain wisdom through trials. We are reshaped and molded into His image so that something glorious is revealed and we become who we were meant to be.

God makes us into beings of light like Christ. He gives us strength and endurance so that we join ranks with Him and we become courageous and fearless. He teaches us to overcome evil with good and we become victorious forever.

Give it all to God. Trust Him entirely. Leave no room for fear or any other type of affliction. We must "keep" our eyes on Him so that we "remain" fearless and thus filled with faith. This is a battle. It’s time we realize that and arm ourselves with the appropriate weapons so that we are filled with the spirit: prayer, praise, and the shield of faith that is obtained through God’s truth (the word of God) which is the sword of the spirit. And we must learn to meditate on His love and draw into it.

Once we can learn all of this we will be fine. We will not even be fazed by Satan. He will be rendered of no effect.

The most important thing is to hide in Him, trust Him, and meditate on His love.

It increases our faith

The rest of it is important as well but without faith we haven't a shield.

 Ephesians 6:10-20

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...

Are We Here As a Punishment?

We are not here as a punishment. Adam and Eve were first in 'Eden' which was a paradise. It was a paradise because sin did not exist. Sin= fellowship with Satan instead of God. Therefore, all we have to do is choose not to sin (ie consort with Satan) and we will no longer suffer. We bring the pain we experience on ourselves when we choose Satan instead of God-- our ONLY comforter and protector in this world.

Eden is the paradise/utopia mentioned in the biblical scriptures. We were created to live in this paradise/utopia, but Satan came and beguiled man to fall into sin. But God sacrificed for us and sent His spirit so that we may overcome the wiles of the wicked one and thus receive His kingdom thus experiencing heaven on earth. We were all intended to experience this heaven on earth therefore we are all seeking this love/Eden.

Love= Fellowship with God.

Sin= Fellowship with Satan.

In the fall of man Adam and Eve chose to listen to Satan… instead of God. Which altered their existence-- which was to live a euphoric life with God. One of the ways they were created to do this was through the fruit of the spirit... with love as the greatest of these.

Adam and Eve were created to live in a paradise/utopia. Satan essentially corrupted this in swaying them against God/their provider. As a result all mankind lost the desire for the fruit of the spirit which was the only path to self realization and true happiness with God.

The relationship that God intended for Adam and Eve can only be realized through divine love. The type of love expressed through Christ' sacrifice for His people. But because of the fall of Adam and Eve this is rarely experienced on earth the way God intended. Most people do not choose the fruit of the spirit over the temptation of sin.

When I say marriage is a gift from God I’m not referring to a legal marriage. I’m referring to the bond between a man and woman... because such a bond does exist. It’s just most people do not have the ability to love the way they are supposed to because of Satan’s influence. So in effect they never experience that bond with the person God created for them...

 .. if two that were created for each other ever unite on earth it is a result of divine love... they would have chosen it above all else.

I never used to understand what it meant when I heard that God is love. Because I had always perceived love as a feeling. But I recently started to understand it.

When we love someone we must be "following our heart" per say… but what are we doing when we listen to our heart? We’re listening to God/our conscience. The way Adam and Eve should have… because if they had there would be no such thing as sin.

But Christ defeated sin/Satan on the cross. Satan's entire scheme to prevent us from obtaining Eden was obliterated the minute we received the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit is not subject to Satan/sin. And now because of the Lord's sacrifice we are redeemed in Him so that if we desire the fruit of the spirit and we choose it we can now experience the fullness of His love here on earth the way we were intended.

Were the Prophecies from the Bible Fulfilled In History Or Just in the Bible?

They were fulfilled in history.

Thus the reason they were "fulfilled."

How Many Biblical Prophecies Are There?

There are around twenty five hundred or so prophecies in the bible around two thousand of which have already been fulfilled in history.

Are There Any Prophecies From False Prophets That Have Been Fulfilled?

There are around ten prophecies from false prophets which were said to have been fulfilled although fulfillment cannot be objectively verified. The false prophets also utilize the biblical scriptures only they add and/or take away from them. 

The bible mentions these false prophets. The fact that they exist is just further evidence that the bible is the word of God since such is addressed in the biblical scriptures.

The prophecies of false prophets do not always fail thus the reason why people consort the oracles, psychics, diviners, and play with ouija boards/tarot. And people get thrown off by this. And deceived into following false prophets that add/take away from the scriptures. But God is testing us. To see if we will follow Him whole heartedly. And not turn away. Because in our hearts we know the truth.

The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 21: 29-33)

The parable of the fig tree is a parable. Therefore, not everyone can understand it and people get confused with the verse that says 'this generation'...

So in plain English this passage says:

Just as we know how to discern the seasons of change due to the appearance of the trees around us so will we also know when the time is nigh because the Lord himself has given us a sign. And assuredly, these things will come to pass in this generation (meaning, the generation that sees these signs) and it shall not pass away until his word is fulfilled.

And when He says generation He is not referring to a specific measurable time period because it is not for us to know the exact dates or times that the father has set by his own authority.

Does the Bible Say That If Animals Look At Stripes While They Mate, Their Offspring Will Be More Likely to Have Stripes?

No. That is not a correct interpretation of Genesis 30.

Perhaps if we interpret the verses correctly they might make more sense ;)

Lets start with verse 27:

27 And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake.” 28 Then he said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.”
29 So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. 30 For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?”
31 So he said, “What shall I give you?”
And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks: 32 Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and these shall be my wages. 33 So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.”
34 And Laban said, “Oh, that it were according to your word!” 35 So he removed that day the male goats that were speckled and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36 Then he put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
37 Now Jacob took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods. 38 And the rods which he had peeled, he set before the flocks in the gutters, in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, so that they should conceive when they came to drink. 39 So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted. 40 Then Jacob separated the lambs, and made the flocks face toward the streaked and all the brown in the flock of Laban; but he put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laban’s flock.
41 And it came to pass, whenever the stronger livestock conceived, that Jacob placed the rods before the eyes of the livestock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. 42 But when the flocks were feeble, he did not put them in; so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. 43 Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.


The Indian almond tree is said to improve fertility. It is clear from the passage that the fresh peeled rods of the trees caused the livestock to go into heat and mate more often.

(I mentioned the Indian almond tree as an example--
the rods/insert appropriate labels that Jacob gathered also obviously did the trick or his flock wouldn't have been increased as a result)

It is also clear from the passage that the offspring which were streaked, spotted, and speckled were streaked, spotted, and speckled due to the fact that Jacob placed the rods in the water before those livestock which belonged to him and were streaked, spotted, and speckled so as to cause them to go into heat and increase their flock.

And verse 40 is just saying that Jacob separated the flock.

Does the Bible Say That Bird Blood Cures Leprosy?

 Not at all.

 This is a misinterpretation of Leviticus 14.

Quoted: 14:2 “This is the law of the diseased person on the day of his purification, when he is brought to the priest. 14:3 The priest is to go outside the camp and examine the infection. If the infection of the diseased person has been healed,

then shall the priest command to take..."

The following verses then address the cleansing which entails the sacrifice of the bird as it was custom for God to accept sacrifices as atonement in biblical times.

And it is clear from the passage that the man was healed/cured prior to the process.