You are stuck in middle ages Christian mythology.
Let me say it again … Most of the people on this board now know much better than that.
The term "adversary (the meaning of the term Satan, no matter who acts in it) refers to a collective "spirit" of Christian adversity.
You are interpreting Scripture "by the letter" of the law and missing the "spirit" of law (order) it is destined to ultimately teach the seeker (who leaves the letter - the literal). Semantics are now a defense only of those not ready for greater things. Many subtle meanings of terms and concepts have been lost in translation for centuries, and not by accident - but the spirit preserved within it all remains because of that.
Consider the effect of this belief, for instance. What does it say to you? What does it mean for people to believe in "an invisible force" over which they have no power? It is a cop out. That's what it is - for people who are too weak to handle the truth. Granted there is time and place for that. But that time is now past and we can leave that place as we choose. So ask yourself if you are strong enough to realize what is hidden in this lettered law, and if you are willing to realize your own very vulnerability to "satan" is merely your ignorance of him. But understand it means you will also have to take responsibility for yourself you have previously shirked. When you have prevailed in this challenge however (in this generation when enough of the right information is available, as it now is), YOU will have influence over any and every adversary or adversity, through wisdom and understanding. And all power is given you in that - power long hidden from our fathers for good reason, and intended only for us and our time for even better reason.
>by going back to the beginning and trying to know themselves and know God, and know truth…
Well said. And by doing so is the inheritance of this generation found - and by the seeker first - as long ago ordained.
We should also let the world of the past fall away and look for the bigger picture. But we can also discover good reasons for all the confusion we now have in light of due appreciation for what the same theological sources of it gave us and where it has gotten us - where we are now.
The Saducees were asking the question.
Jesus pointed out the ones that everybody THINKS know the Scriptures do not really UNDERSTAND them..
We have the same problem today.
Very good. I would agree with most of these. It seems silver however (since all the constituents of the Daniel 2 image relate bottom -up to time periods of Western history) seems to relate exclusively to the fourth "day" - the 40 years we are now right in the middle of. It represents our present value system, aside from money.
Yes, this is the generation when all is fulfilled.
I'm even starting to believe we will soon discover how to live much, much longer lives.
It may already be known. Consider what the political fallout would be, and how it would be covered up and fought over.
Might one of the results of that be like all the alternative health doctors that have come up dead in Florida lately?
I hope this helps, but the reality is "Israel" refers to all the people of the lost tribes (who do not acknowledge who they are today) that became most of Europe and now comprise the majority of the free world. The term "Jews" (and the religion) was hijacked in the 8th century by Khazars who went on to convince all the world since then that they are all that is left of "the chosen people (Israel)." It's really all quite obvious and very simple. Study history and lurk moar.