Month: April 2020

Most have the wrong image of how “Christians” are to act

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We have the appeasers.
We have the love merchants.
We have the prosperity gurus.
All seek one goal to get humanity to come into their buildings called “churches.”
First off the “church of Christ” is not a building it is those that have accepted Christ as their Savior and strife to follow His teaches as best they can. Stumbling and falling, but growing stronger and ever forward are those that have accepted as their Savior, the Son of God.
Second, those that are the Body of Christ are to separate from those of the world. Not to mix and mingle with it, for the Bible states clearly the end result. Those of the Body re-enter the world. Now physically this is not something that can be done, but there is no need to get involved in the discussions about sports, celebrities or the latest fad. You simply state the truth, you have no interest and go on about your business.
Then who are we to fellowship with? The Bible makes it clear, we are to fellowship with each other. To be encouraged and up lifted by our fellow followers of Jesus. We are told time and again to do this, yet how many actually gather with those that are their fellows? Not enough I would gather and many that think just going to the buildings called “churches” is all they need do. They should seek to make friends from within the Body and seek to fellowship with them daily.
We are to be the light of the truth that shines into the darkness that is the world about us. Exposing sin into the light to shame and embarrass. Not with words, but with our actions. Not actions of looking down upon those that sin, but showing that we have no desire to partake of these sins ourselves. We are not to attack, berate or belittle, but to those willing to hear we are to reprove, rebuke and exhort when asked, but mainly we are to do it with our behavior and our attitude of not thinking we are better than those that sin, but their equals even though we do not partake of their actions, which are against God.
It is to be done in knowledge of what is within the Bible and knowing what is right and wrong. Then through right action we show those that are not doing right to at some point within their souls understand that they are wicked, weak and pitiful. For they will see you living in a way they thought impossible and will wonder and question their own lifestyles and behavior as it should be done.
Without knowledge of the Bible as well as the driving forces for sinful humanity you can give a false image, an image of hypocrisy.
Will all be able to accomplish a true image of our Savior? Maybe not today or tomorrow, but it is doable.
One of the main factors that drives people away from God is those that do seek to appease; those that do seek after only love; those that seek earthly rewards.
Yes Christ does seek after peace, but knows that as long as humanity is corrupt there shall never be peace, there will only be murder, hate and war. All driven by humanities selfish desires to say that only they can accomplish what is already promised unto them through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Yes Jesus does love, but the love is so great that He died for our sins to be washed away and never to be repeated.
Yes the Savior does promise rewards, but it is an eternal reward that will never be received here upon the earth, for only corruption comes from the earth and Christ Jesus our Savior is perfection and offers only perfect rewards that are beyond this failing and corrupt reality. Rewards that will last for billions upon billions of years once this reality has been replaced with the new reality yet to be. For God has said that once the testing of those in this reality is completed there will be a new universe and a new earth. One that will not see humanity as beings that walked upon this small planet in the corner of a small galaxy, but as servants of the Most High, the Creator of all there is and all there will be, God.

Too many things are happening

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Within the Bible we are told what to look for when the return of Christ is near one of these lessons was taught by Jesus Himself in the twenty fourth chapter of the book of Matthew. We are told to be watchful and take heed when these signs begin to not only multiple but become global in scope.
There will be wars and rumors of wars.
Nations will turn against other nations.
There will be pestilences. Possibly Ebola, amongst other things of this nature.
Earthquakes shall take place everywhere.
Famine.
These are just sings of “the beginning of sorrows.”
So can we say we are in the beginning of the end? There is enough evidence to support this.
Then those that profess to be “Christian” shall be delivered up to be killed and hated. This is being done at this time. Yet here is something that needs to be noted. Whenever prophecy is made and mentioned from my experience it has to deal with the general area that surrounds Israel. Now since Christ mission was specifically for the Israelites till they rejected Him as their Savior, I still thing the area around Israel is the focal point of all glimpses of the future. That being stated, The slaughter and near genocide of Christians in the Middle East at this time points to true fulfillment of this statement by the Christ.
“And then many shall be offended, and shall betray one another and shall hate one another.”
That is a powerful statement. Why is that? Many shall be offended and shall betray one another. Is not those that hold to the PC propaganda “offended?” Is not this wording fit here?
Offended – skandalizo – I cause to stumble, cause to sin, cause to become indignant, shock, offend.
As you can see there are multiple meanings. The core meaning of the word which has to do with a falling away from God. This is happening. Then we have the “cause to sin.” This is also being seen with events like homosexual marriage. Then we have “to become indignant.”
Indignant: to become angry because of something that is wrong or not fair:
Or as in this most cases lately “appear” to be not fair.
All if not most of the meaning of this word “skandalizo” have meaning now, today.
There shall be many false prophets. The prosperity “preachers” are a prime example of this.
Matthew 24:12 – And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Iniquity – anomia – lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin.
Again this is present on all levels.
All of these actions can be seen throughout the world. Not just one country as an example Germany in the 1930s.
This is now global. This had never been seen to this extent any other time in history. Time is running out.
You need to get your house in order for we do not know when the true end will begin. For Christ will come as a thief in the night and we know not when He shall appear.

“I can’t believe in a fairytale”

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re-post
These are the words spoken by many that have never taken the time to learn about Jesus Christ or the Bible or even God.
They listen to people that teach them that Christ is a myth, a fiction, a fairytale.
Many live under the assumption that the Bible did not exist until 1611 when the translation of the Bible into English was competed.
They don’t know its history or the facts that there are documents outside the Bible and physical evidence that Jesus Christ did walk upon the earth.
What is even more astounding is they say they cannot believe in a fairytale yet on the other hand they become fully engrossed into a world or worlds of absolute fantasy.
Examples: Superman. A character that two Jewish men made up and state clearly they based him off of Christ. He has even died and been resurrected.
Anakin Skywalker a.k.a. Darth Vader. In the fourth movie otherwise known as episode one. He is conceived of a virgin birth.
Dune – Paul Atreides Muad’Dib is a messiah-like character.
I can keep going, but I feel I have made my point.
People seek after a messiah even when they deny the one that is the true Savior. It is something that is within us. Something our soul seeks to have filled.
Yet when people deny God and His Son, they become lost, forlorn, confused, bewildered.
So, since they deny the truth, the reality. They fantasize a fiction, a fairytale to believe in. They seek out anything to fill their existence. To make them feel whole, wanted, needed.
So they become engrossed into fantasies and fictions clinging onto to them as tightly as possible. They dress up in costume, identify with the characters.
Spend millions of dollars to see their movies, read their books, their comics and watch their television shows.
All to feel whole and complete a part of the fantasy.
All the while Jesus. A person once again as stated above is documented to have existed outside the Bible.
Who has witnesses that saw Him alive after His resurrection and have letters written to those that saw Him before and after His death no later than a few year after these events took place. At no other time in history has this even happened to any in any other religious group. With a statement of faith and belief that can be shown was made as early as eight years after His resurrection and over five hundred witnesses were still around to dispute these claims yet none ever did.
Then those that state they cannot believe in a fairytale, need to start looking at what they now believe and ponder what fantasy is real and what is not.

All are given a chance to acknowledge there is God

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re-post
I heard a question today, that I know needed a response, however the person asking it would not understand the reply. To paraphrase:
“Does being spiritually dead make you blind to the truth of God?”
My response starts in Romans 1:
18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.
28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. 32 They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
At some point in everyone’s life they will see without a doubt that God is real. Now look at verse 21 through 23 once again. In the KJV the word “vain” is used.
Vain – mataioo` – I become vain
Vain – excessively proud of or concerned about one’s own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.; conceited: (per Dictionary.com)
Conceited – the habit or attitude of thinking yourself better than others, even when there is no reason to think so (per Cambridge Dictionary)
Each individual can make a selfish, self-serving view and causes it to reflect themselves and state that is what is real, when in reality they were to say: “This is God.”
An example: Penn Jillette once made a comment of watching a sunset at a beach and a nearby couple said. “How can someone watch this and not believe in God.” He said he could. Now from what I understand Mr. Jillette is a nice person. This however does not change the fact that he was given an opening by God to say: “God you are real.”
This is the type of opportunities that are given to all.
Why?
For our judgment due to free-will does not come directly from God. For we are our own judge and jury. God has shown us “He is.” Yet people would rather worship themselves and as is shown in this first chapter of Romans, people live in sin willingly and joyfully. So much so, they encourage others to join them.
People pass judgment upon themselves. So on that day that they stand before the Great White Throne Judgment they will have no excuses. Realizing they have chosen their own eternal fate in the creation of God.
This is why Jesus Christ Himself made it very clear to the lukewarm. For the lukewarm are liars. Not only to the world, but themselves, and it will be these that weep and gnash their teeth on the fateful day. This is why the lukewarm are seen as worse than those that see there is a God and reject Him. The lukewarm, the hypocrites, the liars are seen as inferior for they lived of the world and for the world, but told all they served God and so led others into damnation and pain and suffering.
Revelation 20:11 – And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8 – But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The withered branch

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re-post
I am about to have some Bible verses below that I wish you the reader to look at and think upon. They are words spoken by John the Baptist to the Israelites not long before Jesus started His ministry:
Luke 3:7 – When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
Now you are asking: “Why is this important to me? This about the Jews just before Christ came amongst them. “
Let me put it to you this way: “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are Christians.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create Christians from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
This is reinforced in John 15
1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
We are now in a period where many say they are “Christian.” However, they live in, of and for the world. They seek after worldly rewards, sporting events instead of time with God, money, large homes, fancy cars, expensive clothing, and jewelry. All this is of the world, yet this is their true desire. They show no real desire to serve God. To help others. All that matters is themselves and their wants and desires.
They bear no fruit for God. They are a dead branch upon the vine that is Jesus Christ. They were once saved, yet are now dead and withered.
Their destination is made clear and obvious:
“Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
“Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.”
So where is it you stand within the eyes of the Lord?

Salvation is not guaranteed – the rebuttal

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re-post
This is a reply I received to yesterday’s post.
“While I agree that the ‘once saved always saved’ theology does not take into account freewill, I also see John saying that he was writing so that believers could know that they are saved. That said, I get annoyed when I see Leviticus 19 quoted as a command to not have tattoos. Why is it we get to pick and choose which commands in that chapter apply to contemporary society? Do you wear clothing that is mixed? Do you know of anyone in Industrial nations who pay their workers daily instead of paying the wages earned out that day? How about the inference that concubines are okay? Or just scales for that matter? Where do we go to determine fair value of goods in relation to the dollar when the dollar itself no longer has backing other than what public opinion sees its value as? The tattoo reference was so that Israel did not mark their bodies as the pagans around them did to worship their pagan Gods. It is the only place in scripture where it is written. Outside of that Jesus will have tattoos on His thighs at His return, right?
“And lastly, yes, there are tons of laws, rules, precepts and commands. Jesus addressed this with the Pharisees multiple times. Obey, but obey because you are in love with God in such a way that you desire to honor Him through doing His commamds. Paul encouraged believers not to be a stumbling block to one another as we work out pur own salvation with fear and trembling. Paul at meat that was sacrificed to idols, or at the least he thought it was okay. It was a direct violation of the laws you desire to be followed. But he goes on to say that he refrains from doing so when it would cause a weaker believer to stumble in their faith.
“Love is the answer, not legalistic obedience. If you are convicted about driving the speed limit then drive the sleed limit. But give Grace to others as they work out their own salvation. Tell them about Paul’s rationale in obeying government authority but don’t try to be the Holy Spirit for them. Peter was faithful in preaching the message but he also fell back on the laws and Paul called Him out for it. But still, preach and give grace as we all are depraved and worthy of death, whether we obey the speed limit or not.”

I feel it is important to make this rebuttal in a more visible manner due to its import upon the topic at hand. I will go through the response this brother in Christ gave to yesterday’s post one point at a time.
I will start with your being upset due to the Leviticus view of tattoos.
You actually answer your own argument. It is a way of separation from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). As I stated, there are those that feel through their tattoos they are venerating their faith and belief in God. However, most that tattoo their bodies do not follow this and furthermost of these get it done as a sign of rebellion. But what is it they are rebelling against? Could it be this?

Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

My own personal view upon tattoos comes from a different source. I know that I am a teacher as is governed by Ephesians 4. However I know that I also fall within the purview of Acts 2:17:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

I am a dreamer. Thus my name dreamwalker1960.
Now why I mention this:
In a dream I had in the late 1980’s it showed those that were of the lukewarm before the Rapture, but it is a dream set within a post-Rapture timeframe. These lukewarm were all dressed in grey jumpsuits. Chained together like a chain gang. They were being moved in a single file line toward the back of a now ransacked and empty store. You could tell this by the empty and battered shelves and the tattered advertising hanging from the ceiling.
Those forcing the chained people to the rear of the store all had one thing in common. They were all tattooed. This included a twelve your old boy who came running into the area carrying the severed head of a woman by her messed up blonde hair. All those that were covered in the artwork upon their bodies cheered and celebrated.
So to me personally, especially now some thirty years after this dream took place. Seeing tattoos on a massive increase within the population. Mainly due to not knowing God or the teachings within the Bible. I find this increase a sign of the coming Tribulation.

Back to the point that was made of separation between Israel and the pagan nations about them. As I pointed out in Romans we are told to separate ourselves from the world as well.

Matthew 5:14 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Is not good works following the teachings of the Bible? The answer is yes.
Part of this separation is by honoring and following, when not superseded by the teachings within the New Testament, those commandments within the Old Testament, as we are instructed to by Jesus Christ.
I have found that if something is not addressed by Jesus or the apostles in their letters it should be adhered too if it is within reason. Tattoos are not directly mentioned in the New Testament, but does fall within what is required of us within Romans 12 and so should be maintained as a sign of separation.
This works into the question that was asked of what applies to contemporary society. This is why reading and coming to understanding the Bible is vital. Especially in this day and age with the onslaught to destroy Christianity and the teachings of the Bible. A sign of which is shown by the increasing popularity of tattooing.
Now does it mention the requirement for clothing in the New Testament? In a way it does:

Matthew 6: 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
We are to live our lives in moderation. For God will provide our needs. Does this mean we are not to work? No it does not. We are not to waste money upon that which we simply need to cover our nakedness. Seeking after luxuries be they clothing, transportation or even our housing is against Biblical teachings both in the Old and New Testaments.
As to wages. We are required to work within Ephesians 6:5-9. The master being our employer, we the slaves. It is due to government regulations which we are to follow under Titus 3:1 and Romans 13:1-5. These regulations state that we are to be paid weekly, bi-weekly and even monthly.
Concubines is covered in the New Testament that a man take only one wife.
As to the fair value of goods. At this time most nations have regulations on how goods are priced. More and more items are being regulated by the government and so a true fair value cannot be seen due to government’s intrusion into the free market. So simply to say a true fair market society for the most part is non-existent.
Obeying the commandments I agree is an act of love toward God. Thus an act of free-will and a coming to understand those that help to separate us from the world. Thus heading us towards a true reflection of Jesus Christ is a major factor of this love. As I stated, God’s love is eternal. However, as exemplified by Hosea, humanities love is fickle and requires renewing and refreshing in various areas and at various times. This is why we are instructed this in 2 Timothy:

4:1 – I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Now it is implied that I am a “stumbling block.” If this is not the case, sorry for misreading. However, here is how I perceive what a stumbling block is.
It is not those that point out the sin and then show you why it is a sin. Then suggest you change your ways. Thus making you become a better reflection of Christ, which is as I see my ministry to be following, and verified by the verses directly above, which you are implying is me acting as “the Holy Spirit.” This is the furthest thing from the truth as is shown above, and is required for all Christians to help their brethren grow.
A stumbling block is when people say “sure go get a tattoo,” which is a conformity to the world. It is when you do not acknowledge that God established a nation’s government and they would prefer to speed about, breaking the speed limit, and if you are not speeding as they do. They come behind you, tailgating you and flashing their lights at you as if you are doing something wrong. Trying to force you to conform to their behavior.

Faith alone, which is love alone is dead. It is an equal balance of both faith and works (James 2:14-26). Works not being legalism, but following the teachings of Jesus Christ which also includes following the commandments. Mistaking following the commandments as legalism is one of the major flaws in today’s society. Works alone without the love for God, which is legalism is dead as well.
As to obeying or choosing not to obey the speed limit, shows your desire through your love toward God as to how you see His Son and the teachings of the Bible. So disobeying the speed limits is clearly stated as disobeying God and thus bears no fruit for God and in time may lead to being removed from the vine that is Jesus Christ, and thus cast into the fire. Obeying the speed limit is one of the easiest way to show your love for God, and serves as a training tool to help you grow in other works through love for Jesus Christ.

So it is up to you how you wish to live your life. Seeking after your own reward and satisfaction within this temporal plain of existence we live within. Seeking after wealth, and luxuries and only seeking to please your own desires. Or do you seek to follow the Bible. Placing God at the center of your life thus following the speed limit and not getting tattoos.
It is up to you how you wish to live out your eternal life that is yet to come. For this life we now live is how our placement in that eternal life is to be determined. By doing works, which are the commandments and teachings within the Bible and doing so out of love for our Savior and His Father we honor and give praise to God in all His glory. This will head us toward an eternal life of joy in the service of God. The other route of seeking only to please yourself, of only thinking God loves you no matter how you live, or outright rejecting God will lead to eternal damnation.
Our goal as Christians is to reflect Jesus Christ not ourselves and is only accomplished through equal portions of faith and works.

Salvation is not guaranteed continued

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re-post
This is a topic that is extremely hard for most to even try to accept and attempt to understand. This is due to the fact that most have never been taught this and have only heard of the edification of God’s love for them and that is it.
I will say this. On God’s part, He will never abandon us, see the book of Hosea. However, it is a two sided relationship, just like any marriage. Both must be willing participants. It is we humans that are the problem due to free-will. It is our actions that cause this issue. It is us that causes Salvation to be lost.
So how is it we can correct this? To get into this. I will once again start with the words of Jesus Himself, for we must come to an understanding of Christ role in this marriage.
Matthew 5:17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
The main thing that ended upon the cross was the requirement to sacrifice animals, and have burnt offerings upon the altar. Let’s see what else Jesus said:
John 14:15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
But what is it we are to follow that is from Him?
Matthew 19:17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
All of the commandments were not just the Ten Commandments, or as they should have been taught from this moment Jesus spoke these two, thus making them Twelve Commandments. They were the entire book of Deuteronomy.
As I stated above, Jesus removed the need for sacrificing upon an altar to God. However Jesus is making it clear that the lifestyle taught within the latter part of Exodus, within Leviticus and the book of Deuteronomy are still to be practiced. However most at this time refuse to accept and live this way. Thinking that Jesus actually came to abolish the law and the teaching of the prophets. Yet as I pointed out that is the complete opposite, yet millions live their lives as if that were the case.
A prime and very visible example of this is tattoos, the painting of the skin. It is seen as defiling the gift of God, your body.
Leviticus 19: 28 “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord”
However within recent decades as the teachings within the Old Testament are ignored and forgotten. The very things that Christ said He came to fulfill and told us in His own words to follow. Mainly due to those in political power creating laws that force God out of the school, which has caused this “art form” to be on a dramatic climb. More and more paint their bodies in direct contradiction to the teachings of the Bible. Some even think this “art form” reflects their faith and belief in God. This is due to the denial of the truth within the Bible.
Not only do people deny the law and the commandments they also deny the teachings within the New Testament as well. Again another prime and very visible example:
Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
Now this states we are to obey the laws of the nation, and state we live within. As long as they do not go counter to laws within the Bible. The prime and very visible example to which I was referring. Driving on the highways and byways that get us from one place to another every single day of our lives. When a speed limit states we are to go 55 mile per hour. As Christians we are to go 55. Yet you see extremely few that do this, and some of those that do not obey the laws ride up the rears of those attempt to follow the law tailgating them and flashing their lights at them as they attempt to go 55. All of which is against the laws of the land and thus against the teachings within the Bible.
This is why when people live their lives in this manner their salvation is not guaranteed, yet they think they are saved. However their very behavior and actions moves them further and further away from God. They bear no fruit for God, and so stand the chance of being removed from the Vine which is Jesus Christ and cast into the fire of damnation. (John 15)
The only way to correct this is to live our lives as they are taught within the New Testament and the Old Testament, and accept that it is by both faith and works that will help us be Christ like. The works being that we live our lives the way the Bible tells us to live them.

Salvation is not guaranteed, no matter what you may have been told

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Now once you get done laughing and are still here reading. Allow me to explain the title of this article, and since the best place to start this is with the words of Jesus Christ Himself:
Revelation 3:5 – All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.
Now some of you will be saying. What does this have to do with not being assured of one’s salvation? EVERYTHING! Let’s look at the King James:
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
“and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,”
First off note the phrasing of the sentence. It implies that Jesus has the power to add and remove the names that are listed within the Book of Life. “I will not blot out.”
Now let’s break this down further.
Blot out – exaleipho – to rub (smear) out, i.e. completely remove (wipe away); obliterate; remove totally from a previous state with the outcome of being blotted out (erased).
To be erased they must have their name placed within it to begin with. Now let’s again turn to the words of Jesus.
John 15:1 – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
“Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.”
“Anyone who does not remain in me.” This identifies one of the focal points of God’s gift given to all of humanities. That being free-will. It states that we have a choice in our relationship with Christ and through Him, God. It is a true inter-relationship in which each person has a say. However, Jesus will remain loyal, on His part, yet humans do show what is most important to themselves. This goes to teachings within the Bible that states is it not all works, as well as not all faith, but an equal measure of both. This is what allows us to bear fruit upon our branch. However if we go outside of this balance then we no longer bear fruit. Also if we turn away from what the Bible teaches, especially those given by Jesus Christ Himself, then we no longer bear fruit.
This guidance made by Jesus Christ Himself in one of His private teachings to the apostles makes it clear. If you no longer have an interactive relationship with Him, then you wither and die. At this point God Himself removes you from His Son, and you are cast into the fire. The implication of the word “fire” is as one would expect, the fires of hades.
So if you are of the vine of Christ, you are saved. Your name is written in the Book of Life. Then your branch is broken off from the vine, from Christ. You are no longer a part of the body. Your name is removed from the Book of Life. So as you can see, Salvation is not guaranteed.
What is needed by all that wish to be within the vine or to remain within the vine is to learn the Bible and to not just say “I am Christian,” but to live a Christian life and lifestyle. Not just through their words, but their actions. From obeying the speed limit to living not within wealth and luxury, but in moderation. Saving the majority of your wealth and then to give to those in need before yourself. This world, this temporal plain of existence we now live within is not where our minds should be focused, but on God and the eternal life that is to come.

The Christian walk (part five)

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The next step
Seeking after the world as was pointed out at the end of the precious part of this series makes of us that calls ourselves “Christian,” adulterers. Yet the majority that calls themselves “Christian,” go about their lives, living in Christian adultery and don’t even give it a second thought. Many in fact come to embrace this as part of their outward sign that they are in fact “Christian.” As was shown in James 4:4-10, that is the furthest thing from the truth.
Yet what is it that makes people Christian adulterers?
It is how they live their lives.
Revelation 3:14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
“I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!”
The moment we seek after things. The moment we desire to have the biggest, the most expensive. The name brand items. Those special golf clubs, that million dollar house, that fifty thousand dollar car. You no longer serve God but yourself. That house, that car.
Mathew 6:19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
This money you are scrimping and saving just to spend or place yourself in debt for. Could in fact be spent as we are told how to spend by the Bible itself.
1 John 3: 17 – If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
The answer is it not.
Matthew 19:16 – Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” 21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
When living a Christian walk. We should not seek the best, the brightest, the most expensive. We are to seek after a live that does not deprive us of some comforts. However, when those comforts become the focus of your wealth then we are not serving God, but the world. Our treasures are not in heaven, but in the temporal. The here, the now. And they are especially not on those in need.
We are to live a modest life and if we are given more than a modest income. Then what is beyond modesty is ALL GODS and no one else’s, not even yourself. That is a Christian walk.

The Christian walk (part four)

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The first steps (part three)
How do you put following the road laws into practice?
As was pointed out at the end of the previous part. A lot of reasons as to why people go about not doing following the road laws, was given. If you noticed they focused upon one thing. The self.
This is when we need to look what Jesus called the greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
If you love God with all your heart, soul and mind. How can you think of your own wants and desires?
The road laws state that you are to go a certain speed limit. This increases the time it takes to travel when you do not speed. So staying up to watch a sports event, or that special show. Staying out with your friends in a bar or at a party. Just because it is what you want. This does not place God as the most important person in your life. You are your most important person. You are your own god.
Exodus 20:3 “You must not have any other god but me.”
Yet this is shown daily upon the road. When you speed you are your own god. When you cut someone off because you are in the lane that is ending and they have the right of way you are loving yourself over your neighbor. Something that is popular in Pennsylvania, turning across traffic in front of oncoming traffic as the light turns green. Again this is someone placing themselves above all others, and especially God.
So as you can see just driving a car is a way of reflecting your Christian faith. Common courtesy along with not placing yourself first in any situation is by definition living a Christian life.
But how is that accomplished?
You stop placing yourself first.
This is not easy. This is why following the laws of the road is so important. It actually teaches you to become aware of your Christian walk through life. It shows you when you are being selfish and self-serving. It points out to you when you are placing yourself above others.
It also shows just how difficult the true Christian walk can be and is.
James 4:4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.