We shall refer verses where up or down west or east have their own significance. God divided the waters,"and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." (Ex.14:22)
Similarly before crossing the Jordan, "That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.:( Joshua 3:16). In this book we have this verse:
"And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south."(v.4)
The visions of Zechariah refer to deep valley and mountains of brass on either side,"behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass."(Ze.6:1) and in the first vision,"We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest." The river of time connects waters above the firmament to the last chapter where the pure water of life flows through from middle of the throne of of the Lamb and of God,- various visions are thus strung up on the continuous thread highlighting the mercy of God.
vv.1-4
"Behold, the day of theLordcometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
When the Spirit introduced the Lord God as Ancient of Days it was intended to place emphasis on days which are appointed according to the pleasure of his Will. "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness bythatman whom he hath ordained;whereofhe hath given assurance unto allmen, in that he hath raised him from the dead.."(Ac.17:31).
They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.
The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.
Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."
In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).
In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.
I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was
Just to clarify, Texsis; the LORD parted the Jordan as He did at the Red Sea by the hand of Moses ( Exodus 14:21,22), so this would have helped the Israelites to cross over much quicker than the earlier crossing ( Joshua 3:7-17); and of course, the Jordan was much narrower in width than the Red Sea.
The distance was 2000 cubits about 2/3 of a mile. I believe they came up with this distance from Joshua 3:4. I do not know when it started by the time of Jesus, they had many traditions they held rather than the commandments of God that Jesus busted them on. Matt. 15:1-7 also in Mark 7.
Exodus 25, is where/when the Bible 1st describes the Ark of The Covenant / Testament. Exodus 26 is the detailed description of it's strict rules of being set within the holy place and the most holy, sanctified, behind the veil Exodus 26:33, then Exodus 30, Exodus 31, Exodus 35, Exodus 37, Exodus 39, Exodus 40,
Leviticus 16:2, is where the LORD warns, there are/were strict rules, even risk of life going before the Ark of The Covenant / testament,
Numbers 3 & Numbers 4, explains the care of the Ark & all things regarding the Temple; had dedicated people, & their children, that specifically looked after covering for items, even carrying them. Example: Numbers 4:5-15 note again threat of death in Numbers 4:15, & Numbers 4:16-20,
1Samuel 5, 1Samuel 6, 1Samuel 6:19, remember the rules, GOD specifically said. 2Samuel 6:3-7, 1Chronicles 13:10, 1Chronicles 15:2-3, 1Chronicles 15:12-15, there are more examples._..if you would like more, let me know.
Significant that during the crucifixion of JESUS Christ our Savior that holy veil was torn: Mark 15:37-39, Luke 23:42-47, Matthew 27:50-51,
I believe that comes from a guy named Bob Jones that said that. A few other people have said that would happen. I watched a few videos about what they call "the perfect storm".
I personally witnessed, during a hurricane years ago a tree was uprooted & floated down stream in flooding water until it was stuck up under a bridge; caused the flooding creek, to flood in reverse: because of debris that was caught by tree, limbs, roots etc. blocked the flow. Other Hurricanes have recorded winds & other causes doing that to The Mississippi River & other rivers, during past decade. These events they speak of are supposed to be major events. It however doesn't seem to be necessarily noted in scripture except for miracles that GOD used for Israelites to pass through. Exodus 14:26-29, Joshua 3:13-16, Joshua 4:7,18,23, Joshua 5:1, & Prophets: 2Kings 2:8,14,
The story of Joshua 5 mirrors the Exodus in several ways. First; it involves the end of an era and the beginning of movement into a new land across water which was dried up. Second; once again the Presence of God was there; although at this time there was the Ark with the manna inside to remind everyone of God's earlier miraculous provision. There was also Joshua in the stead of Moses; acting as the leader or representative. The miracle was also noteable as the waters of the Jordan ALWAYS flooded in this season (sidenote in v. 15).
There was a call to sanctify (probably abstinence and ceremonial cleanness) in verse 5; and verse 6 indicated how the Levites were to administer initial movements forward; and the people were to follow. The 12 men of every tribe (v. 12) were to represent God's inheritance as was to be distributed among the tribes after conquest (v. 10).
It would seem that such promises which indeed brought fear among the pagans as already witnessed in Chapter 2 would cause these Jews to remain faithful for the rest of their days.
There was soon to be much fear and trepidation; and eventual disobedience-although perhaps the successful faithfulness time frame might be longer here than in during the Exodus. Admittedly; what would be seen with human eyes in regard to the giants of the land would cause such a reaction as this was a new thing to behold. Once again; the theme of TRUST in relation to God needs to be upheld. His covenants are unchanging-praise God or we would all perish as we all have sin remaining as long as our earthly tabernacle remains ( 1 John 1:8).
However; we all have the potential and ability through the Spirit to put the flesh to death day by day. We seek; however a heavenly city( Heb. 11:16) which was already foreshadowed by the faithful saints of the O.T.
I would like to add a wise answer given by a young man. It was something like this & (I've added additional rationale): Being this was the return of The Ark of The Covenant, that was taken because of disregard to GOD's Laws, 1Samuel 2:12-17, contradictory to the Laws given in Exodus, Leviticus & Deuteronomy, & even in Joshua, Joshua 3:3, 1Samuel 2:27-36, 1Samuel 3:1,2,3,11,12,13, 1Samuel 4,
that 'maybe it was because HE had to make a strong early example because people have a tendency to diminish respect over time. If there was no consequence in the returning & beginning a new ere, then how much would have been disregarded after?'
It appears to be consistent with the beginning New Testament Church; Acts 5:1-11,
Whether we like it or not, David was significantly upset & considerably moved by it. 2Samuel 6:8,9, but yet also took a more respectful, Holier approach, with much reverance 1Chronicles 15:2, 1Chronicles 15:1-25, even then as David gives total honor to GOD & in his "first Psalm" says "be mindful always of HIS covenant, the Word which HE commanded to a thousand generations" 1Chronicles 16, then that respectful approach continued with David's son King Solomon; 2Chronicles 5,
Hopefully this is also helpful & welcomed to discussion.
To trust God and remember fear is of the devil and there is no fear in love, and we reap what we sow and that applies to unbelief as well. If you do get it, James 5:13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
That's true Brenda. In some cases, people who were convinced about the 'harmful' effects of the vaccine & have later turned about face on the matter, are also joined by those in the opposite camp, pushing for the vaccine, but later having fallen ill & may have even passed on. We can see both sides of this which has divided so many.
Therefore, each one has to be convinced, having examined it as much as possible, & do according to the dictates of their consciences. The other problem that arises is, should those who've not been vaccinated then protest against employer or govt. rulings that put restrictions or penalties upon them? Sure there'll be many protestations, as there are even now, but the bottom line is, if a law is in place, we either obey or disobey it, & if we're true to our convictions, then the ramifications of our decision, whether of good or ill, must be accepted.
I would just like to offer you a short simple answer to your question. What is the Lord telling you to do? What is He putting on your heart? That would be your answer!
I tend to agree. With so many people that are adamant about the vaccine being harmful only to get the virus then to urge others to get vaccinated before it is too late. I know it is rushed more than our childhood vaccination trials. I believe this is out of necessity.
To add to discussion. In a Country where people are subject to a King & Governors in Monarchy I can see where, 1 Peter 2:13,14,may apply a little more directly. but please read, 1 Peter 2:12-25, Please note: 1 Peter 2:19, even here "in good conscience toward GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully" interesting words Con= opposing, Science...? GOD is GREAT!
There are many differences in Todays Governments.
We here in The USA are not "subjects" in our Declaration of Independence & Constitutional documents Federal & ALL States; we clearly do away with that. If you're in USA we Are The People, One Nation Under GOD. The Governing authority is ours, & it is our duty to act against Tyranny.
Side not: Recently I've received emails stating The US Supreme Court has blocked the "mandate" against a (governing agency to force companies to require vax) the Virginia Governor sworn in Sat. Jan.15, 2022. 1st Executive Orders, eliminate those regulatory wrongs even within schools. These past difficult tyrannical years should teach us to be wise for the future.
If we receive anything to save ourselves be careful = Luke 9:24, Mark 8:35, Matthew 16:25, Luke 17:33,
Hello, I'm happy to share my opinion of this topic. There's nothing in the Bible directly about people needing to take an experimental substance a pharma company pushes for their commercial profit. It's not the government's role to control your body as that is a human rights violation. Even if the substance they were pushing had never harmed or killed anyone and even if it actually helped people that would still be a violation of rights. When it says in the Bible to give to caesar what is caesar's that doesn't mean to cower to tyranny and evil. For example, does that mean one could use the Bible to justify sending Jews to Auschwitz gas chambers if they were in the German army? No, it doesn't. We are supposed to follow God's moral law, before we follow man's law, and if the two conflict, then we follow God, not man. For instance, even if your government commanded you to kill people in world war 2 doesn't make it morally right, since God said do not kill.
And God gave us our bodies and we are to take care of God's belongings as we are not our own. That means to keep healthy through diet, exercise, and not to harm ourselves through experimental drugs. Given that more there's already more than 1 million documented cases of injuries and thousands of deaths just in the US as a result of the covid so-called vaccine that means its dangerous and I think its morally wrong to take it. I don't fault those who have taken it with the assumption that it was somehow helping them, but sadly it has all been a sham. This has been one of the largest human rights violations in world history with possibly millions dead unnecessarily because of greed. Pray that the truth will be finally revealed.
Hello Letizia. There's nothing in the Bible about getting a vaccination against Covid, nor a compulsion to take any vaccinations. However, there is a Scriptures that speaks of obedience to governments: 1 Peter 2:13,14, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."
So, as believers, we are required to not only obey God, but also to obey the administration of government as they bring in laws & give direction for many areas of personal life & business in society. We may not like or agree with those personalities within government or even their laws, but IF a law is given for our good, then we should obey. As yet, this vaccine has not been enforced upon us (though in some jobs, it has become necessary, just as the need to wear specific head or body protection). Still, it must remain the choice of each one whether to take the vaccine or not. If for conscience sake or before the Lord, one chooses not to take the vaccine, that might be acceptable to God but maybe unacceptable to the government, & therefore some form of restriction might be imposed.
Then, to answer your question, if a person believes that the vaccine is wrong or detrimental to one's health, then refrain from taking it & accept the consequences. I don't think that our choice in this particular matter has to meet God's Approval - there are many decisions in life that God leaves up to us that don't violate His commands - I feel this is one of them.
There is much depth to this subject, and you can learn how to defend the faith by reading the Bible and by reading books or websites on this topic. Your answer depends on who is asking, age, how much they know about the Bible/Christianity already, if they seem genuinely open or are just ready to attack your beliefs, how much time you have, if there's distractions, etc. There's also countless logical fallacies that are commonly used to attack Christianity, but if someone isn't aware of them, some might be blindly accepted instead of called out. Here's what I do for example:
1: Why should I believe in God?
2: Why shouldn't you?
1: There's no proof, you can't see Him
2: Actually there's tons of proof. Can you prove He DOESN'T exist?
1: Yeah, but why would you believe in something you can't see?
2: Are you assuming that if you can't see it, that it must not exist?
1. Yeah.
(flip who is leading the questions)
2. So, do you love your parents?
1. Yeah of course
2. So, prove it. You just said if you can't see it it doesn't exist, and you can't see love, so using your logic does that mean you don't love your parents?
You can go all kinds of directions with this, but the key is to address and counter each false assumption. Back to creation/evolution.
1. Why don't you believe in evolution?
2. Because there's no scientific proof of it.
1. Yes there is, there's tons.
2. No, there isn't. No one has ever witnessed one species evolve into another. It has NEVER happened, and no one has ever witnessed it.
1. Yeah, but look at all the similarities. The DNA.
2. So, are you assuming that if something has similarities that it must have 'come' from it?
(flip who is leading questions)
2. So, a unicycle has many similarities with a bicycle and a motorcycle. It has very similar 'DNA'. With your logic is, does that prove that a unicycle evolved into a motorcycle?
1. That's different.
2. What if it's not different? They were each designed and created.
2. The problem is that you exist with more advanced features than anyone can imagine and your best explanation is that an explosion from nothing created you. Your interconnected systems show proof of intelligent design. So, where you intentionally designed or accidentally designed from an explosion from nothing? How often do we see advanced designs come from random explosions? No one has ever witnessed that. Since it's never been seen, and since it doesn't follow the scientific method, and since it violates the laws of thermodynamics, I think it takes more faith to believe in that to believe I was intelligently designed.
If someone asks me why they should believe in God instead of evolution or something that is ungodly what should I say? In the situation of them asking me how, How did God come about and me telling them no one knows? What should I say?
We are walking on land that has been blessed (Consecrated) but we are not following the words of GOD. How many acres of Land are Consecrated there in Columbia? We need to learned and teach the Commandments starting before first kindergarten. If you look around this Country you should be a shame every day; this is not even good as a pig pen. We all should take some time to find out why so many of our people are acting as there are not enough time in a day; and as if we need more and stuff; i came here with nothing and will leave earth all wilted and old; and my hands will be empty. The earth are consuming many things now soon it will be all gone, no more fighting and stealing friends,thanks.
Ty! dr. dee, your comment was a great encouragment for me, praying for a special restoration on my husbands job, the enemy has worked against him, but i know god is able to bring him out of all his troubles!! god bless you!
This is a word for me today because I am seeking God for the path he wants me to take and which way to go and what congregation should I attach myself to. I feel that obeying the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me and listen and follow I will hear the directions of God and His Holy spirit, this chapter has open up a form of understanding for me that I didn't understand.
When I read this chapter, I can hear the message: "Wade In The Water" ~ For God Is Going To Trouble The Waters" meaning regardless if you on the edge of water or find yourself deep down in water if we can Trust Christ, turn it all over to Him, He will trouble the water on our behalf and cause us to pass through our Waters of Trails, Waters of Situations, Waters of Trouble.
Another miracle of God like the parting of the Red Sea. God did it for Moses and He promised Joshua He will be with him. This is a manifestation of promise fulfilled. Praise Jesus.
I agree with God/woman - Lord Jesus, Help thou my unbelief!! I've known the Lord for 47 yrs., but I still have fear, as we all do. I didn't live for Him for many many of those yrs.; only been 'back" 2 1/2 yrs., but I'm much stronger now than then. I'm older and been through a lot so have 'matured' in my thinking more.
I backslid for 34 yrs., so don't ever give up on your loved ones.
We shall refer verses where up or down west or east have their own significance. God divided the waters,"and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." (Ex.14:22)
Similarly before crossing the Jordan, "That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.:( Joshua 3:16). In this book we have this verse:
"And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south."(v.4)
The visions of Zechariah refer to deep valley and mountains of brass on either side,"behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass."(Ze.6:1) and in the first vision,"We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest." The river of time connects waters above the firmament to the last chapter where the pure water of life flows through from middle of the throne of of the Lamb and of God,- various visions are thus strung up on the continuous thread highlighting the mercy of God.
vv.1-4
"Behold, the day of theLordcometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
When the Spirit introduced the Lord God as Ancient of Days it was intended to place emphasis on days which are appointed according to the pleasure of his Will. "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness bythatman whom he hath ordained;whereofhe hath given assurance unto allmen, in that he hath raised him from the dead.."(Ac.17:31).
They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.
The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.
Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."
In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).
In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.
I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was
The distance was 2000 cubits about 2/3 of a mile. I believe they came up with this distance from Joshua 3:4. I do not know when it started by the time of Jesus, they had many traditions they held rather than the commandments of God that Jesus busted them on. Matt. 15:1-7 also in Mark 7.
God bless,
RLW
Psalms 144:5,6, see: Exodus 19:10-20,
Psalms 144:7, many times GOD parted the waters, rivers, even a Sea, to deliver HIS children: Exodus 14:21-31, Joshua 3:13-17,
Psalms 144:11-15, could be reference to many battles David faced in: 1Samuel, 2Samuel, 1Chronicles,
Hopefully these are helpful
Exodus 25, is where/when the Bible 1st describes the Ark of The Covenant / Testament. Exodus 26 is the detailed description of it's strict rules of being set within the holy place and the most holy, sanctified, behind the veil Exodus 26:33, then Exodus 30, Exodus 31, Exodus 35, Exodus 37, Exodus 39, Exodus 40,
Leviticus 16:2, is where the LORD warns, there are/were strict rules, even risk of life going before the Ark of The Covenant / testament,
Numbers 3 & Numbers 4, explains the care of the Ark & all things regarding the Temple; had dedicated people, & their children, that specifically looked after covering for items, even carrying them. Example: Numbers 4:5-15 note again threat of death in Numbers 4:15, & Numbers 4:16-20,
Note Numbers 7:89, Deuteronomy 10:5,8, Deuteronomy 31:26, Joshua 3:13-17,
1Samuel 5, 1Samuel 6, 1Samuel 6:19, remember the rules, GOD specifically said. 2Samuel 6:3-7, 1Chronicles 13:10, 1Chronicles 15:2-3, 1Chronicles 15:12-15, there are more examples._..if you would like more, let me know.
Significant that during the crucifixion of JESUS Christ our Savior that holy veil was torn: Mark 15:37-39, Luke 23:42-47, Matthew 27:50-51,
* Hebrews 10, Hebrews 9,
Please read Hebrews 10 whole chapter
Hopefully these are helpful
2Thessalonians 2, Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:5-37,
Revelation 16,
I believe that comes from a guy named Bob Jones that said that. A few other people have said that would happen. I watched a few videos about what they call "the perfect storm".
I personally witnessed, during a hurricane years ago a tree was uprooted & floated down stream in flooding water until it was stuck up under a bridge; caused the flooding creek, to flood in reverse: because of debris that was caught by tree, limbs, roots etc. blocked the flow. Other Hurricanes have recorded winds & other causes doing that to The Mississippi River & other rivers, during past decade. These events they speak of are supposed to be major events. It however doesn't seem to be necessarily noted in scripture except for miracles that GOD used for Israelites to pass through. Exodus 14:26-29, Joshua 3:13-16, Joshua 4:7,18,23, Joshua 5:1, & Prophets: 2Kings 2:8,14,
Hopefully this is helpful
There was a call to sanctify (probably abstinence and ceremonial cleanness) in verse 5; and verse 6 indicated how the Levites were to administer initial movements forward; and the people were to follow. The 12 men of every tribe (v. 12) were to represent God's inheritance as was to be distributed among the tribes after conquest (v. 10).
It would seem that such promises which indeed brought fear among the pagans as already witnessed in Chapter 2 would cause these Jews to remain faithful for the rest of their days.
There was soon to be much fear and trepidation; and eventual disobedience-although perhaps the successful faithfulness time frame might be longer here than in during the Exodus. Admittedly; what would be seen with human eyes in regard to the giants of the land would cause such a reaction as this was a new thing to behold. Once again; the theme of TRUST in relation to God needs to be upheld. His covenants are unchanging-praise God or we would all perish as we all have sin remaining as long as our earthly tabernacle remains ( 1 John 1:8).
However; we all have the potential and ability through the Spirit to put the flesh to death day by day. We seek; however a heavenly city( Heb. 11:16) which was already foreshadowed by the faithful saints of the O.T.
that 'maybe it was because HE had to make a strong early example because people have a tendency to diminish respect over time. If there was no consequence in the returning & beginning a new ere, then how much would have been disregarded after?'
It appears to be consistent with the beginning New Testament Church; Acts 5:1-11,
Whether we like it or not, David was significantly upset & considerably moved by it. 2Samuel 6:8,9, but yet also took a more respectful, Holier approach, with much reverance 1Chronicles 15:2, 1Chronicles 15:1-25, even then as David gives total honor to GOD & in his "first Psalm" says "be mindful always of HIS covenant, the Word which HE commanded to a thousand generations" 1Chronicles 16, then that respectful approach continued with David's son King Solomon; 2Chronicles 5,
Hopefully this is also helpful & welcomed to discussion.
14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Therefore, each one has to be convinced, having examined it as much as possible, & do according to the dictates of their consciences. The other problem that arises is, should those who've not been vaccinated then protest against employer or govt. rulings that put restrictions or penalties upon them? Sure there'll be many protestations, as there are even now, but the bottom line is, if a law is in place, we either obey or disobey it, & if we're true to our convictions, then the ramifications of our decision, whether of good or ill, must be accepted.
I would just like to offer you a short simple answer to your question. What is the Lord telling you to do? What is He putting on your heart? That would be your answer!
There are many differences in Todays Governments.
We here in The USA are not "subjects" in our Declaration of Independence & Constitutional documents Federal & ALL States; we clearly do away with that. If you're in USA we Are The People, One Nation Under GOD. The Governing authority is ours, & it is our duty to act against Tyranny.
Side not: Recently I've received emails stating The US Supreme Court has blocked the "mandate" against a (governing agency to force companies to require vax) the Virginia Governor sworn in Sat. Jan.15, 2022. 1st Executive Orders, eliminate those regulatory wrongs even within schools. These past difficult tyrannical years should teach us to be wise for the future.
If we receive anything to save ourselves be careful = Luke 9:24, Mark 8:35, Matthew 16:25, Luke 17:33,
Hopefully this is helpful in your discussion.
And God gave us our bodies and we are to take care of God's belongings as we are not our own. That means to keep healthy through diet, exercise, and not to harm ourselves through experimental drugs. Given that more there's already more than 1 million documented cases of injuries and thousands of deaths just in the US as a result of the covid so-called vaccine that means its dangerous and I think its morally wrong to take it. I don't fault those who have taken it with the assumption that it was somehow helping them, but sadly it has all been a sham. This has been one of the largest human rights violations in world history with possibly millions dead unnecessarily because of greed. Pray that the truth will be finally revealed.
So, as believers, we are required to not only obey God, but also to obey the administration of government as they bring in laws & give direction for many areas of personal life & business in society. We may not like or agree with those personalities within government or even their laws, but IF a law is given for our good, then we should obey. As yet, this vaccine has not been enforced upon us (though in some jobs, it has become necessary, just as the need to wear specific head or body protection). Still, it must remain the choice of each one whether to take the vaccine or not. If for conscience sake or before the Lord, one chooses not to take the vaccine, that might be acceptable to God but maybe unacceptable to the government, & therefore some form of restriction might be imposed.
Then, to answer your question, if a person believes that the vaccine is wrong or detrimental to one's health, then refrain from taking it & accept the consequences. I don't think that our choice in this particular matter has to meet God's Approval - there are many decisions in life that God leaves up to us that don't violate His commands - I feel this is one of them.
There is much depth to this subject, and you can learn how to defend the faith by reading the Bible and by reading books or websites on this topic. Your answer depends on who is asking, age, how much they know about the Bible/Christianity already, if they seem genuinely open or are just ready to attack your beliefs, how much time you have, if there's distractions, etc. There's also countless logical fallacies that are commonly used to attack Christianity, but if someone isn't aware of them, some might be blindly accepted instead of called out. Here's what I do for example:
1: Why should I believe in God?
2: Why shouldn't you?
1: There's no proof, you can't see Him
2: Actually there's tons of proof. Can you prove He DOESN'T exist?
1: Yeah, but why would you believe in something you can't see?
2: Are you assuming that if you can't see it, that it must not exist?
1. Yeah.
(flip who is leading the questions)
2. So, do you love your parents?
1. Yeah of course
2. So, prove it. You just said if you can't see it it doesn't exist, and you can't see love, so using your logic does that mean you don't love your parents?
You can go all kinds of directions with this, but the key is to address and counter each false assumption. Back to creation/evolution.
1. Why don't you believe in evolution?
2. Because there's no scientific proof of it.
1. Yes there is, there's tons.
2. No, there isn't. No one has ever witnessed one species evolve into another. It has NEVER happened, and no one has ever witnessed it.
1. Yeah, but look at all the similarities. The DNA.
2. So, are you assuming that if something has similarities that it must have 'come' from it?
(flip who is leading questions)
2. So, a unicycle has many similarities with a bicycle and a motorcycle. It has very similar 'DNA'. With your logic is, does that prove that a unicycle evolved into a motorcycle?
1. That's different.
2. What if it's not different? They were each designed and created.
2. The problem is that you exist with more advanced features than anyone can imagine and your best explanation is that an explosion from nothing created you. Your interconnected systems show proof of intelligent design. So, where you intentionally designed or accidentally designed from an explosion from nothing? How often do we see advanced designs come from random explosions? No one has ever witnessed that. Since it's never been seen, and since it doesn't follow the scientific method, and since it violates the laws of thermodynamics, I think it takes more faith to believe in that to believe I was intelligently designed.
Etc.
I backslid for 34 yrs., so don't ever give up on your loved ones.