Month: June 2021

Blog for Podcast #58 (What does the Bible say about those that seek the world)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

God is disappointed in many of those that call themselves His “Church.”

Why do I say this?

All I see is people that call themselves “Christian” who live in luxury and seek after the pleasures of the world. What does the Bible say about those that live this way?

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

Then I ask this. Can they in actuality call themselves “Christian?” Again, per the Bible.

James 4:1-12 – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. 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. 11 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. 12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

So do not think I am judging. This is not me making these assurances.

1 Timothy 5:20 – Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

The warnings had stopped. So many live in sin. And have come to believe their sins are not sins.

Why? Because they listened to others who said it was okay to seek after darkness. Instead of staying in the light.

Ephesians 5:5-13 – You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

I am not acting as judge. I am a servant unto my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Son of our Creator, the Lord God Almighty. Following the directive of our Lord. Shining light upon what is in the darkness. I cannot help it if it makes some listening uncomfortable. They are this way because the light is glowing upon the truth. If the truth hurts them, it is the truth of God that is causing them discomfort. For the true Gospel does not seek to please humanity but God.

Galatians 1:6-10 – I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

When someone tries to make someone pleased and rejects that which causes discomfort, they have made themselves cursed by the Word of God the true Good News. For the true Gospel causes those living in sin to feel uncomfortable and to seek to hide in the darkness. Or they will reject that which is evil and then turn to the light and the true path to salvation that comes from only one source: Jesus Christ the Son of God, who is the lion and the lamb. Who said this to those who choose comfort and luxury:

Revelation 3:15-22 – “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.”

So let us look at the verses that deal with what those that are lukewarm are to actually seek after. So let us look at these verses in the KJV:

Revelation 3:18-19 – I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

“Gold tried in fire.” Is us purified of our sins to become clean and worthy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“White raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” The white clothes we receive when we accept Christ as our Savior.

“Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Obtain the eye salve, which is the Holy Spirit, who allows us to see the truth.

Then Jesus makes it clear that those He loves He will correct and discipline, which is the true Gospel. Not the false gospel that pleases and makes those listening feel good, but instead makes them feel uncomfortable in the luxuries and riches they have clad themselves in because it is appealing to their earthly eyes and worldly desires. A sample of this I witnessed the other day. Was a Mercedes Benz with Christian stickers on the back of it. The ultimate example of a lukewarm person.

Let’s return once again to the Bible:

1 Timothy 6:3-10 – Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

However, most will not listen to these words. Most will have already turned off this message or stopped reading it. Because they have no desire to accept the truth.

So, we must now move on to what Jesus said about the smallest gate into the city of Jerusalem.

Matthew 19:23-24 – 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!”

But to correct this. What must be done? I will end this podcast with these verses:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #57 ( A study of the verses about Judging one another)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Since I first published this post as a blog in October of 2017 this has been one of the most looked at of all my posts. So I have decided to make it into a podcast, since I have a feeling there will be those in future podcasts accusing me of doing this very thing.

So let us begin today’s podcast:

Discussion

The verses that are shown within the Bible that deals with judging another. Is what millions go about saying to one another when someone confronts another with their misdeeds, and they presume they are being judged by that other person.

Why pursue studying of these verses about judging?

Because those that throw out this one verse in reply have not studied all the verses related to it. They take them out of context. Plus, do not understand the full teachings within the entire Bible. At this time all I can say is those that throw out this one verse in reply are not going to be happy with the results of this study.

Matthew 7:1-5 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Now let’s take a more contemporary look at this teaching, then we will actually take a deeper look at the actual verses.

So, in this hypothetical world we have a team of men setting down at a workplace. Someone approaches and says, “Why are you setting when those men are working?” Referring to some of the co-workers that were still doing their assigned tasks.

One of the men turns to the person, and replies.

“We have finished all of our given duties, and as it is, we have new duties we plan on starting shortly. Why do you ask this?”

“Well, this man from another team saw you sitting and doing nothing.” Was the persons reply.

The team of men look to where the person that had made the comment was working. The person was nowhere to be found and most of his work was not done. They looked for the person, that had made the comment and who was in need to complete his own jobs. They found him talking to others pointing again to those that were setting.

They approach the man and ask him.

“Why do you accuse us of not doing our work, when our work is not complete? We looked to where you should be to talk to you and found you missing and your work nowhere near to being done.

The man grew angry and accused them once again of being lazy and failing to help those in need of help. The team of men turned and walked away.

This is the heart of this teaching that Jesus was speaking of when it comes to judging. It shows that those that judge are in fact hypocrites, and have no need to be accusing others of doing a wrong when they themselves commit the sin they are accusing the other of doing.

So let us look in this teaching in its entire context. Now the biggest issue people have to come to understand is the comparison Jesus uses to the issue of judging. The mote and the beam.

Mote – G2595 – karphos – a small particle (a splinter of straw or wood); “a dry stalk; a chip of wood;” something dry and light; a “chip or splinter, of the same material with the beam”

Beam – G1385 – dokos – a large beam (joist) of wood; “a beam of timber;” – “a log on which planks in the house rest (as in the papyri); joist, rafter, plank; a pole sticking out grotesquely;” (figuratively) a huge log (like a plank used in a house) that completely obstructs someone’s vision.

Jesus making this comparison is not by chance. It is specific and pointed out for a reason.

Do not try and take the splitter out of someone else’s eye when you have a beam of wood within your own eye. This means the sins are the same exact sins, as was demonstrated in the situation above. The man accusing those sitting down and resting after completely their work, of having a splinter. Had not done his own work and so had a beam within his eye.

Thus, the statement by Jesus: “You hypocrite!”

Judging deals only with hypocrisy, and is shown as such as the sentence continues:

“First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

So here Jesus is telling us to first cast out our own sins. Now it is here that people will start to say that Jesus is referring to all sin. Then why the mote and the beam? Why have a particular comparison?

All sin. We are all individuals and so sin in different ways. Yet many that choose not to sin through accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. With His help cast off sins. Not all sins, for we live within corrupted bodies. However, we can cast enough sin from us to live a righteous life with the help of the Holy Spirit. Allowing us to be light into the darkness, which is sin. That is why we have these verses to follow within the Bible:

2 Timothy 4:1-5 – I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

Now let us look at this in the KJV:

2 Timothy 4:1-5 – 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 long suffering 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.

Reprove – G1651 – elegcho – to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

Rebuke – G2008 – epitimao – assign value as is fitting the situation, building on the situation to correct (re-direct).

Exhort – G3870 – parakaleo – (a) I send for, summon, invite, (b) I beseech, entreat, beg, (c) I exhort, admonish, (d) I comfort, encourage, console; (“personally make a call”) refers to believers offering up evidence that stands up in God’s court.

As you can see, when you accept Jesus Christ and then cast out the beam that is within your own eye. We are then taught to help others by showing them with the Bible that it is something that should not be done. To show them that the beam can be taken out. Then to encourage them to remove their own splinter. Why? Because the person talking to them had removed the beam from their own eye with the help of Jesus Christ.

So, the team of workers are free to say for instance to the man in our example: “You must finish your own work, before you can accuse us of not work.”

Now remove the word “work” and replace it with a particular sin. As long as you are not doing this sin yourself and show evidence it is a sin within the Bible. You are not guilty of judging but trying to help someone not to sin.

However, we must realize that not all are willing to accept the truth and so in turn will throw out that they are being judged. In a way they are, but not by those saying they are sinning. But by the Word of God, so as the verse makes clear in 2 Timothy:

“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.”

Those that reprove, rebuke, and exhort are not judges, but advocates for the one sinning. They are being their legal defense team. Trying to help them not have this particular sin between themselves and Jesus Christ as He sets upon the Throne of Judgment. Because they themselves, with the aid of Jesus Christ have put this particular sin behind them.

It must also be noted that if we purify ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit, and at times our fellows in the Body of Christ. That we will be worthy to be accepted into heaven upon the first resurrection:

Revelation 20:4-6 – Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or in their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.

To these that are in the first resurrection will not stand before the Great White Throne Judgement. It must also be noted that they will be in the billions. For there is a direct correlation between these verses and the verses of the seventh chapter of this book within the Bible:

Revelation 7:9-17 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. 12 They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. 15 “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. 16 They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. 17 For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

They die during the first part of the tribulation for refusing to deny that Jesus Christ is their Savior and refusing to take the mark of Satan. They will have helped their fellow Christians to come to the truth of their ways of life. Helping them to end the sins within these lives so that they may be made holy in the presence of God. Worthy of wearing the white garments of salvation and accepting their death at the hands of those that rejected God and are accusing those they kill of judging them.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #56 ( the Rejection of Christ)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

The writer of Hebrews had one intent in mind. Causing those within the Jewish community to come to accept that Jesus Christ was the Messiah they had been looking for.

The Jewish nation had been following the laws given to Moses for near 1500 years. As was shown by the Pharisees the nation went through the motions, but in actuality they had let their faith in God fall away from them. So, when it came time to accept the Messiah, they were too blinded by rituals to see the truth written in the Tanakh.

So why read the book of Hebrews?

In today’s world it has been nearly two thousand years since Jesus Christ ascended. Christianity has faltered in its faith and works. Due to it those teachings that are found within this book are things that today’s Christians need to listen to and think hard upon. For most that call themselves “Christian” are walking down a path that they believe will lead to eternal life. However, this is not totally true in many cases.

Also, we must note that there are many that deny God. Not only when the book of Hebrews was written but now. Within the book of Hebrews many verses are used that come from the Old Testament. Now from the book The Case for Christ a statement is made which refers to many verses found here within the book of Hebrews:

“I had studied this same statistical analysis by mathematician Peter W. Stoner when I was investigating the messianic prophecies for myself. Stoner also computed that the probability of fulfilling forty-eight prophecies was one chance in a trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion.

“Our minds can’t comprehend a number that big. This is a staggering statistic that’s equal to the number of minuscule atoms in a trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, billion universes the size of our universe!

“’The odds alone say it would be impossible for anyone to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies,’ Lapides concluded. ‘Yet Jesus – and only Jesus throughout all of history – managed to do it.’” Chapter 10 of the Case for Christ.

In the first chapter alone, there are ten references from the Old Testament that shows how Jesus was foretold of, which is part of the forty-eight prophecies mentioned in the Case for Christ.

In recent debates I have had with those that wish to comment to my podcasts without listening nor reading them. Many have commented that they need faith alone. In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews faith is the key topic. However, if you pay attention to how the chapter is written, the faith of those listed is shown by works. This corresponds to the second chapter of James.

James 2:14-26 – What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

When looking through the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. You see time and again those great people whose stories we know from the Old Testament. How they showed their faith by doing the will of God. Living lives in the belief that they were seeking to please God and no human.

Yet, millions go through life now, living only in pleasing themselves and their desires of this world. Thinking they are fine with God because they call Him their Creator. Nevertheless, they live in sin not caring for what the Bible tells us to do and how to truly live our lives. Lives that should not be looking to this world, but for the eternal life that is yet to come.

Millions say that all that is needed is faith, but as was shown clearly in the letter from James:

“Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”

What saddened me the most is that they see themselves as not only fine with God, but greater than others. Especially those that wish to pursue the teachings of the Bible that tells all they must follow what is written within it. To turn away from seeking after worldly wealth, leisure, and pleasures. To store up their treasures not here on earth, but to store them in Heaven by seeking to do the will of God. By doing works and bearing fruit which bring themselves and others in line with the laws given to all within the Bible.

Those that see themselves better than others are not following the Bible.

Romans 12:3-8 – Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Those that follow God think themselves as part of the whole. Equal with its other parts. Seeking only one thing. To show all the true teachings of the Bible, by being living examples of Jesus Christ and doing those tasks given to us as gifts from God Himself. To show all that God is their Creator and only through His Son can they find true life. An eternal life that will not last a mere one hundred years with the bobbles and trinkets you have collected here on earth. But a life that will last billions upon billions of years with the treasures we have stored up in God’s heavenly presence.

What strikes me most in these debates is the anger that exudes from the wording used by these people who profess they are children of God.

James 1:19-21 – Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Evil behavior is called blasphemy which means something that you say or do that shows you do not respect God or a religion per Cambridge Dictionary.

This definition reminds me of how these people that say they are “Christian” challenge and confront me. They show me no respect and they see themselves as greater than me. Having an attitude of supremacy over others, not just me. And you wonder why those that deny God do so?

The problem is not those that deny God. It is those that see themselves as one with God when they are no where near living a righteous life. When they can have anger and or resentment for their fellow humans be they Christian or non-Christian. It is this behavior and mentality that caused the Crusades. It is this mentality that instigated wars. That caused those that came into the New World to seek to dominate, control and slaughter those of the cultures and peoples in North and South Americas. Parading they are “Christian.” However never being anywhere truly near the teachings within the Bible. Especially those taught by Jesus Christ Himself, which state not to seek after the world and its riches but to seek after God and His riches and the eternity to come.

Why they grow angry is because they are not God focused but self-focused. They believe they can have their cake and eat it too. They see themselves having the leisure and luxuries of the world and also receiving an enteral life being a servant of God. However, Jesus Christ made it clear they cannot serve God and money. They must hate one and love the other. (Matthew 6:24)

We are told that when someone sins, we are to help them see the truth. However, when you show them the truth, they get angry instead. Insisting you are in the wrong. Nevertheless, you show them the truth found within the Bible and their anger grows.

They aim their anger all at the one telling them they are in error. Even with Biblical prove provided they cannot accept that they live in sin. This is proven once again in Hebrews:

Hebrews 6:4-8 – For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. 7 When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. 8 But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.

Now I will say this about my own life. I was born again in 1984. I had fallen away from the true path of salvation and in 2013 God had enough. My field was bearing thorns and thistles and the “farmer:” God was on the verge of burning the field: me. In simpler terms I was on the verge of losing my salvation. This is made clear in John 15 that salvation can be lost. And we will be cast into the fire which is the pit of fire also known as hell. I went through the pruning that God gave me, and it was harsh to say the least, but I endured it for Christ’s glory.

Once when I mentioned John 15. The come back was: “that was for the disciples.” Once you ask Jesus Christ into your life you become a disciple. This is one of those things that it seems people forget. As is shown in Hebrews chapter six many that have been saved and known salvation lose their way to the point that they see themselves as fine with God, yet they subject Christ to shame and ridicule. And they wonder why God would cast them off and return them to damnation. It is this type of behavior that shows why Jesus disliked hypocrisy so much and why in His glorified form He said He would spit the lukewarm from His mouth.

This message gives a portion out there a lot to think about. What is important is to do that thinking. Not for me, but for yourself and the glory of the sacrifice made by our Savior Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #55 (Misunderstandings and misconceptions)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM to listen to this message. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

One of the greatest misunderstandings within Christianity and in fact all of humanity is the knowledge that God’s part of the relationship is complete and eternal. The other part of the relationship. Our part is the problem. This is the mistake.

People lean on the first part of the relationship. They place all upon it. However, most ignore the other part. They assume all is fine due to the first part and do nothing on their part in the relationship. It has been this way before Jesus was born and after He ascended.

Time and again the words “self-control” are seen in the New Testament. This points to the latter part of the relationship. Time and again there are verses that show we can lose our relationship with God.  Nevertheless, people turn to the former part of the relationship saying they are fine and okay with God. All because it states that God’s love is eternal. The Bible clearly states that God’s love is this way. None can argue this. None should.

Due to this though people ignore verses that state we can be separated from God. The most important of this is found in John 15:

John 15:1-10 – “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. 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

Please note the first two verses. The “my Father,” is God. It clearly states that “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit.” This is a clear statement of separation from God. Done by who? God Himself. Also when asking for anything it must be within Gold’s plan. Earthly wealth and possessions are not in God’s plan for all of this earth will be destroyed. (Isaiah 65:17)

As this chapter continues, we are given a construct that cannot be challenged or denied. Jesus makes it clear that He is the Vine. And if you are saved you are a branch upon this vine. It someone does not follow the laws given within the Bible they are cut from the vine and are cast into the fire.

Another misconception that needs to be addressed comes from those that wish to deny God. Those that are in this group say thinks like: “Why would God allow this to happen?” or “All the terrible things that have occurred was due to Christianity!”

First, I must direct you back to the first misunderstanding. This is the key to it all. People lean on this belief that they can do anything in the name of God. Even ignoring the laws within the Bible. Believing all the time that just because God’s love for all of humanity will cover their sins. No matter how great or more accurately how horrifying their sins are.

Just because someone says they are acting upon their “faith” or in their “god.” For those listening I just used a small “g” for god not a capital “G,” just for the record.

Does not mean they are acting within the confines of “Christianity.” In fact, if someone actually knew the Bible, they would know that acts which destroy are not acts of “Christianity” at all. They are the behavior and actions of humans doing what they wish to do for their own betterment within this short temporal existence we all now live within. Which is directly opposite the true teachings found within the Bible.

The Crusades were not of or commanded by God, but of men seeking wealth greed and riches. The conquest of the South and North American continents was also due to this very lust for treasures here on earth as well as leaving a legacy behind for all of humanity to remember their names. Any who seek after things of this world in the name of a religion are not doing so for their faith but for themselves. Many will say that it is due to Christianity that 30 million people are dead. I can counter with saying nearly 200 million are dead due to people not following a religion, but their own social justice morals known as Socialism. We can play at word games like this all day long.

What is important is coming to understand that a human’s actions that go counter to the teaching that are found within the Bible. Even though they profess to being “Christian.” Does not and never will make them Christian, but what they truly are. Heathens and the basest of humanity. Those that only live for their own wants, lusts, and desires. Those that in reality do not live to serve God, but themselves. Using God as an excuse to justify their own sins in their own eyes. Yet all the time relishing what they do for it makes them feel superior and greater for they are the ones in the right, in their eyes.

Another misconception is that we should seek after wealth here in this temporal reality. This again is the furthest thing from the teachings of the Bible. The other day I was instructed in a dream to once again emphasize the importance that if we profess to being a follower of Jesus Christ that we should shed our worldly possessions from our lives as quickly as possible. Why? Because something is going to happen soon that most are truly not prepared for. The return of Jesus Christ.

As I have discussed in one of my earliest of Bible studies. The letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation are also chronological. That being said. The last letter specifically addresses those that seek after wealth. It is made clear that the Glorified Jesus Christ wishes us to realize that those that seek after riches here on earth are actually counted amongst the “lukewarm.” Another name of someone that is lukewarm is a hypocrite. Christ despises hypocrisy.

He made it clear that those that are lukewarm are spit out from His Body. For they are seen as worse than those that deny and hate Him openly. Can you see that comparison? Someone who openly flaunts their sins for all the world to see. Is seen as higher in God’s eyes than someone who is of the lukewarm.

Yet millions live their lives in this very manner and truly believe they are one with God though Jesus Christ. This is how the Pharisees lived and believed as well. And what did they do when they were confronted with the Son of God? They crucified Him, and you wonder why Christianity is looked down upon. All due to those that are in reality the lukewarm.

So, what must be done to correct these misunderstandings? These misconceptions.

First and foremost. To acknowledge that all that do these things are living in sin and not living truly for God and the teachings within the Bible, but for themselves and their own selfish wants and desires.

Next, they must seek true repentance. To repent means to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the improvement of one’s life. Meaning to cast out sin. All sin from our lives. Yet we must accept that we live in sin or be like those mentions in Hebrews chapter 6.

Hebrews 6:4-6 – For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.

Many will scoff at my words saying they are fine with God for they have known the blessings of His salvation, not realizing they themselves have rejected Him, after having found Him and replacing Him for the things of the world instead. I will let Peter speak now:

2 Peter 3:1-18 – This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. 3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Accept that we can loss our salvation for this is found within the Bible. Accept that people pervert the Word of God for their own glory and lusts for the world for there is prove of this within the Bible. Accept that we are not on this earth to seek after wealth and legacy here in this temporal plain of existence for we are told to shun it within the Bible.

Accept that we are to turn to Jesus Christ as our Savior and to follow ALL the teachings that are found within the Bible that will lead us to our ultimate goal. A goal that is not found here on earth, but first in heaven then finally in the new heavens and earth that is to come. Which we will live within as we live now, but sin free and for billions upon billions of years.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #54 (The mistake of “Faith alone.”)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM to listen to this message. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

In 1953 a Biopic was released about Martin Luther. When it comes to movies about this man. It is the best out there, in my opinion.

Why?

Because it also addressed the mentality of not only those in power, but the reaction of the common people as well as those in scholarly pursuit of the truth.

At a crucial point in the movie. What they portray as the culmination of his studies and determination. They announce this one statement.

“It is through faith ALONE!”

Now it is here that I have issue. The worst of all is that this is stated four hundred years after Martin Luther is implied to have stated this.

I understand where Luther is coming from if he did state this. For at the time he makes this proclamation. The duty of Christians to perform works had been perverted beyond that required within the Bible. This was done by those in power of the Catholic Church, which was the only allowed church. Who were more interested in money than the true teachings within the Bible. The selling of “indulgences” and the worshipping of “relics,” were the “works” forced upon those that were kept in ignorance of the true teachings of the Bible. Those in power desiring to control and manipulate the masses to their whims and wishes. Therefore, Martin Luther, making the declaration that is it “through faith alone,” makes total and complete sense.

However here is the problem with this.

There are many out there that say things like: “I believe in God,” “I have accepted Jesus as my Savior” or “I know I am going to heaven.”

These are all statements of faith. A belief in the one and only God, the Creator of the Universe.

We are in a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. We have a responsibility in this relationship. That is why we are call “stewards.”

What is the definition of a “steward?”

The best definition of this is found at dictionary.com: a person who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants.

Stewardship is accomplished by doing works.

But didn’t I just say that works were a problem during the time of Martin Luther? Yes, I did. But I also said faith alone is an issue.

James 2:14-26 – What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

“Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”

Works are not that which is forced upon you by those within power of a denomination. They are the action you feel led to do by your faith in God.

“How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

Our good deeds are not something that is for the world to see or even know about.

Matthew 6:1-4 – “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Many do this in many ways and think all is well with them. Note though how Jesus described those that do this and especially where:

“Don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity!”

Think upon this description hard and long.

Hebrews 10:24 – Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

How is this accomplished? That answer is given in the second chapter of Titus:

Titus 2:1-15 – As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Truly being “Christian” is a lifestyle choice. To live in virtue and to do the will and teachings of God takes all of what is shown within these verses. Not just part, but all. That is why I said it is a “lifestyle.”

A lifestyle is defined as – “someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of people usually do.”

“People usually do,” is action, is works. So, we are told to do works. We are told to live with both faith and works.

Works that show honor to God. That reflect the teachings of the Bible. Especially those given unto us by our Savior Jesus Christ. We are told to have “self-control.” To live wisely and worthy of respect. To treat our boss with loyalty. A key statement is made in verse twelve:

“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,” by not living godlessly or seeking after worldly pleasures. However, millions that profess to being “Christian” live godlessly and seek after worldly pleasures. Believing that they are right with God all because of faith alone.

Many are taught that it is through faith alone. As I have shown in the verses in this study this is a lie. A false teaching. Cleaver words meant to deceive and blind those that are not willing to have the self-control required to seek after God through Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible.

When living with both faith and works we end sin within our lives with self-control and the grace of God through our Savior Jesus Christ. Who gives us righteousness. (Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 1:30) Especially those sins that the Bible clearly states are transgressions which will not allow entry into the presence of the Creator of the Universe.

Only those that are the true followers of Jesus Christ and the teachings within the Bible will stand before the throne of God. Yet many will think they are followers, nevertheless Jesus Christ will look upon them and in Jewish legalism state that He never knew them.

Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

Why?

Mainly because they did not pursue both faith and works but relied upon faith alone. Continuing to live their lives according to their true gods: Themselves and their sins.

God Bless