You stated ]our “bodies” sleep until the ressurection, yes. i will agree with you on this.
but seeing how there is no credible evidence that moses was resurected, and did appear at the transfiguration, and seeing how samuel, did appear to saul.
My Reply Who spoke to Saul through the witch–a resurrected prophet of God, or a devil in disguise?
(1Ki 22:22) And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
(Rev 16:14) For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles…
What does God say about spirits,
(1Ti 4:1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
This spirit of Samuel is the working of Satan.
Interesting to note that the following day Saul’s sons were slain by the Philistines.
**You stated **
and seeing how it is written in hebrews that we have a great cloud of witnesses
,
**My reply ** (Heb 12:1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
This verse is not talking about souls in heaven, but about the faithful ones in history that surround us. People assume that cloud of witnesses, are souls. This is a very stretch of the imagination.
**You stated **
and seeing how it is written in revelation, that the souls of the martyrs cried out for justice to God,
**My reply ** lets continue this verse to see the whole picture…(Rev 6:10) And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
If this verse is taken literal, how could ALL the souls that were martyred for Jesus fit under an altar. But, more amazing is why would souls in heaven, being in a sinless state, want revenge on they that dwell upon the earth. Wanting revenge is a sin.
**You stated **
and seeing how the people gathered for prayer for peter, thought it was his “angel” at the door, and not peter in the flesh, after he had been released from prison,
**My reply ** I am not sure of the verses
**You stated **
and seeing how stephen, when he was about to die, looked up, and saw Christ, and stated, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, and gave up the ghost
,
**My reply ** (Act 7:59) And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Act 7:60) And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen said receive my spirit. Stephen’s spirit is going back to God as the scriptures say…(Ecc 12:7) Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Also notice, that Stephen “fell asleep”. The scriptures could have read, gone to heaven, or, went to be with the Lord, or gone to paradise, etc.
**You stated **
i would have to say you are wrong about what the bible has to teach about this issue.
**My reply ** I think we can see by really seeing what the verses read, not just “a” verse, but the whole context of a verse, gives us a good understanding.
**You stated **
not to mention, only the Church that Christ has provided, can rightly interperet the bible. it is not for individual interpretation, and never was meant to be. not for israel, and not for us either. it is a matter of who your authority is. your authority is derived from yourself. that my friend is no authority at all.
**My reply ** Wow, very strong statement. I disagree with you based on what the bible has to say…(2Pe 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
**You stated **
we need to have a proper authority over us. that proper authority is the Church Christ has established. and the successors of the apostles whom he appointed. peace
My reply The proper authority and only authority over us in understanding scripture is the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, informing us, providing us with the true meaning of God’s word. Listening to any Priest, Pastor, Minister or any church doctrine is below the authority of the Holy Spirit that provides us with the light of His word.
written with love
Peace