Month: July 2021

Blog for Podcast #62 (Discipleship)

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 most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Discipleship

Per Dictionary.com it is defined as this:

The condition or situation of being a disciple, a follower, or a student of some philosophy, especially a follower of Christ.

To many out there that call themselves “Christian” don’t seem to realize one important fact. That when they asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior. They too at that very moment became a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I know without a doubt that this statement I just made is true. I encounter those that make statements like: “this is only for the disciples.”

Those that make statements like this do not consider themselves disciples. Yet, they say they are Christian. This is a very sad testimony for those that say things like this. Very sad indeed.

True discipleship takes great courage and sacrifice. This was shown by the twelve and then Paul. And yes, I do include Judas Iscariot. For if you say he was not. You dimmish not only Jesus Christ, but His Father as well. Judas was the ultimate example that we have a part in our salvation. He was accepted by Jesus Christ and thus you can say saved. He rejected this salvation and then not only rejected the Son of God, but also betrayed Him, for the love of money.

Now as was just said all know that there were the original twelve disciples. However how many were given the opportunity?

For that we must turn to the book of Luke:

Luke 14:25-33 – A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ 31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

First and most importantly it is not a literal “hate” it is a distancing of oneself form those that chose not to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Not truly hating, for Jesus on more than one occasion made it clear that we are to love all and especially our enemies.

Jesus does make it clear that we are to be a light unto the world. Living our lives per the teachings of the Bible. Stiving not to sin and showing that all that chose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ seek nothing but peace and wellbeing for all. This “hate” I feel being referred to is a life filled with sin. Being without the love and blessing of God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Back on the main topic: Discipleship.

A large crowd was following Jesus, so He offered them to be His disciples. Only twelve accepted what was asked of them. I believe all understood the cost. Only twelve rejected the world. The rest chose their lives here on earth. They chose their earthly comforts, their earthly desire, their earthly wants and lusts over eternity.

Now there are many demands made upon those that can become a disciple of Jesus Christ, of God. In the olden days in certain factions, certain sects. They decided willingly to subject themselves to hardships. Many would say they went too far; others would say they didn’t go far enough.

In one of these sects was a certain man who sacrificed a lot. Yet, he never felt it was enough in the way things were arranged by those in power. His name was Martin Luther. Due to his devotion and discipleship, it caused the birth of the protestants.

Now look at those in today’s churches. Millions ask Jesus Christ to be their Savior. How many truly chose to follow the true Christ? How many weight the true cost required? How many truly seek to pay that cost? How many have foundations but not walls to their buildings? As those that reject God and His Son set outside laughing at them.

I can not answer these questions. They can only be answered by the individual. Yet, there is one individual we can turn too. That has been one example that appears within the Bible. Yet how many truly investigate this one example?

Mark 10:17-31 – As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “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 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, 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!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

The key element of this conversations is surrendering those things of the world for those things which come solely from God. Multiple times Christ refers to treasures. How we are to place the treasures of heaven before the treasures and comforts of this world. (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:10, 6:17-19; Mark 12:41-44; James 2:2-9)

How many truly understand this message? From my point of view. Very few.

We are to seek after those things which further God not ourselves.

Matthew 6:25-34 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Many see verse thirty-three as receiving worldly wealth. Yet if you pay attention to these verses that go with this one verse. That is not what Jesus is inferring. Christ is referring to what we need.

What is a need? It is a condition requiring supply or relief.

Since we are to seek after God’s plans and desires. We are told to seek after heavenly treasures not earthly ones. When those that seek after earthly treasures do so. They are acting contrary to the will of God and so as such are sinning. This is not me saying this. This is what Jesus taught and stated clearly. How someone wishes to confirm or deny is up to them.

Myself? I have been reducing my worldly profile. All I wish to do is serve God through Jesus Christ. My calling is to teach. So, I will do so.

I will end this with these words of how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ:

Romans 12:1-21 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 3 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. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #61 (Those who turned away from God)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, 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.

Discussion

Today’s message will not even be acknowledged by many who listen or read this.

Why? 

Mainly because they think they are right with God. But this is the furthest thing from the truth. They are in actuality the lukewarm. (Revelation 3:15-16)

In Hebrews chapter six the writer of this letter says this about the basics of the teachings of laws and rules of the ability to follow God:

Hebrews 6:1-3 – So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

However, the person then goes to say this:

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.

Let that statement sink in.

For it verifies that someone can loss their salvation.  When taken in conjunction with the previous verses… as it should be anyway. We gain insight as to why they have lost their salvation and have become unable to see it or return to God.

Per their perception they are still within their salvation. Yet they live of, and within the world. Thus, becoming the lukewarm, and then being spued out of the Body of Christ. (Revelation 3:15-16)

Now I know many will challenge what I have just stated. I understand that. That is the issue with what caused the verses in Hebrews to be written on the first place. Many have truly experienced salvation. Many believe they are all set for eternity.  Yet, as Hebrews, John 15 and verses in Matthew show this is not how it truly is. 

Now I am going to read from 2 peter the second chapter.  There are two references here.

The first:

2 Peter 2:1-3 – But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. 

The key statement in these verses:

“And even deny the Master who bought them.”

In the KJV is says:

“Even denying the Lord that bought them.”

Once again verifying that salvation can be lost.

Now to look at the second set of verses in this chapter:

2 Peter 2:20-22 – And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 

21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

Now again someone will protest with statements like: “Well they were never saved in the first place.”

Those who say these words have just committed a grievous sin.

Romans 10:9-13 – If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

As Paul continues after these verses that shows if someone asks, they are saved. He talks about how Israel rejected the truth. As a result, the nation of Israel was removed from the world. Yet, once again Israel exists. Why? Due to God’s promises to Abraham. But that is a different discussion. What is important to this topic is that there are those out there that belief Israel is no longer under that promise and have been cut off. That is the furthest thing from the truth. They just have a longer and harder road to travel than Christendom must follow. Those that say Israel has no part to play in God’s plan are teaching a false gospel.

But back on topic.

Any who asks Jesus to be their Savior is saved. Yet, they are like newborn babes. Vulnerable to listening to false and misleading teachings. Teachings that make them think that they can live their lives as they always have and still be welcomed into heaven.

True Christians cannot be a part of the world. I know this full well for I have lived the road downward. But only through God’s love for me was I finally able to awaken to the truth. God had to slap me down to make me awaken. I had lost most of my possessions and even lived in a hotel room with my ten-year-old son.

But I finally listened to God.

As a result, I started my blog which has led me to making podcasts. Ever growing in my calling as a teacher of the Word of God.

The Word must be taught completely and accurately. People must come to know that they must change how they live. No longer seeking after money. For money is the world. Jesus makes it clear you cannot serve two masters. It must be God or money.

Matthew 6:19-24 “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. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

The moment someone keeps after money yet professes to being “Christian” they have become the lukewarm. Who as a result, are seen as worse than those that deny God.

Get that imagery into your head.

Someone who openly says they hate God. Say for example someone that worships the Devil and kills animals on an altar are seen as greater than those that say they are “Christian” and live in luxury. Because luxuries are for glory in and of the world. Not from God. (1 John 2:15-17)

It is made clear by Jesus Christ. We should only seek after treasure in heaven. Any wealth that is given us beyond the basics needs is ALL God’s. And is to be used for His glory not our legacy or our comforts and leisure.

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!

In past studies it has been established that God prefers us not to seek after the things of the world. However, in verse eight the implication is just the opposite. More verses say to seek after God’s realm than humanities. That is even seen here when taking all these verses together in a fashion. As fortified by 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?”

True enrichment is not worldly wealth but blessings from God. Not stored here on earth but in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-24) It is made clear that worldly wealth known as money is another god. That is why it is important to shed the excess to those that are in need. As is made clear in 2 Corinthians seeking after what is righteous is more important than holding on to that of the world. This is accomplished by doing as these verses state to give freely of the excess given unto us by God for His glory. For that is the true and only purpose of anyone given more than they need.

I will end with these verses for you the listener and reader to ponder:

James 5:1-3 – Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #60 (Epiphanies)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, government, , , , , , 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

In recent discussion I had been having God gave me insight that I just have to share.

What it was, was this insight into the Bible itself. To get here I must first start with this Bible verse:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

In the New Testament after the Gospels and the book of Acts and before the book of Revelation are the letters. Most written by Paul, but also Peter, James and John, and even an unknown author. What is to follow is the epiphany that God gave me.

There are many out there that embrace the belief of once saved always saved. But when you really think upon that idea a dilemma occurs. When you really think upon that, something doesn’t quite work when you take the Bible into your hands. When you really analysis this teaching a question comes to the surface:

Why have anything beyond the book of Acts except the book of Revelation?

I mean think upon it for a moment. These letters were all written to groups that had become saved and to ministers of these people or as in the case for the book of Hebrews. An appeal to see Jesus Christ as the Messiah the Jewish people have been waiting for. But if they are saved forever is there any need for these books? Also within these letters are statements about ending sin, but if we are saved forever why be told this?

Yet the Bible is inspired by God. So, there is a need for these letters. So, as we see in the book of Hebrews those saved and filled with the Holy Ghost can have issues. Issues that can actually insult our Savior Jesus Christ. It is clearly stated that they had they Holy Spirit within them yet rejected Jesus Christ and God.

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.

The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that salvation can be lost by someone who has received the Holy Ghost. You cannot receive the Holy Spirit unless it is given to you by God and Jesus Christ. And you cannot receive the Holy Ghost unless you are saved. This shows that we ourselves have an active and continual part in our salvation. Why else did God give us the letters that fully and completely formed the New Testament. That teaches us how to be faithful and complete disciples of our Creator and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. The books also tell us time and again that if we refuse to partake in our salvation, we can and will lose it, not only our salvation but our eternal life.

This is why it is so important that each person learn the Bible for themselves. If they question those that speak to them like myself, they should learn what the Scriptures say for themselves as it should be. Humans makes error, humans cause false teachings to come into being. We are all fallible, but the Bible is not.

When you read the letters in what I believe in the true context of these letters. As someone who can loss their salvation, the letters fall fully and completely into perspective. Look at the beginning of the letter to the Galatians:

Galatians 1:1-6 – This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. 2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia. 3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. 6 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.

This letter was sent to those that had been saved and accepted Christ as their Savior. Yet, note the wording of verse 6:

“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ.”

It clearly states that they knew God. They knew salvation from Jesus Christ. They turned their backs upon it. Once again echoing the sixth chapter of Hebrews.

When you go further into Galatians Paul says something important about the True Gospel:

Galatians 1:10 – 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.

Teaching the true Gospel does not please people, but God. Those that say you are always saved are doing one thing. Pleasing those that accept this teaching. For they feel they can do whatever they wish for they are coved by Grace. This is how someone can turn so quickly from God. All the time thinking and believing they are still one with Christ.

What I just said hurt someone out there listening to or reading this. They are angry. They are laughing at me. The thing is it is not me they are laughing at. They are believing opposite what the Bible makes very clear. So, who is it they are really angry with? Who are they really laughing at?

The Scriptures. and as was established at the beginning of this study. The Scriptures come from one source. God!

Then it is God these people are angry with and laughing at.

I will allow that to sink in by changing topics.

In another discussion I had recently had a person asked me: “Where is your list of good works?” The implication deals with James 2:14-26. The answer was simple: The Bible!

The need for good works, to bear fruit is a requirement given to us from Jesus Christ Himself in His teachings shown in John 15:1-10.

Here Jesus also states that we must be pruned. Jesus makes it clear that we will go through trials and tribulations. This pruning is not just emotional and or physical. it is also spiritual. The True Gospel at times is painful. It is especially painful to those that have embraced a false gospel. Thinking all is fine with how they live and want to live. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. As has been shown in this message in the books of John, Hebrews and Galatians.

2 Corinthians 13:1-10 – This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”). 2 I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them. 3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. 5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. 7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. 8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. 10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

It is time for many to awaken to the True Gospel. To read it in the framework as if you can lose your salvation, which as has been shown is the True Gospel. If we live our lives as if we can return to death it will cause us to seek to live our lives to please not ourselves but who we should always seek to please in the first place: God.

Ephesians 5:1-7 – Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 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.

1 John 3:17-24 – 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? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 23 And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. 24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

Romans 12:1-2 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

1 John 2:15-17 – 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. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

So, when seeking after God we should never seek after anything of the world. We should never seek to store treasures here on earth but in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-24)

Look hard into yourselves, those listening and reading. Who are you seeking to please? Think hard upon that, for all of eternity rests upon who it is we wish to glorify. God or ourselves.

God bless

Blog for Podcast #59 (Riches)

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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

In this time, we now live in. A time that is shown to be of the last letter to the churches that the Glorified Jesus Christ dictated to John. (Revelation 3:14-22) For what would become the book of Revelation. We are shown that most in the church would be lukewarm. Singing and praising God and His Son Jesus Christ. Yet, living more for the world and its luxuries and pleasures than really and truly honoring God. We need to look at the letter that James wrote, for within are lessons for those that call themselves “Christian” in today’s religious environment.

James 1:2-11 – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.

In these verses is a key element that needs to be given its due merit. So, I will restate these verses in the KJV:

James 1:5-8 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Many do not understand why God does not answer their prayers. This is why. They ask for things of the world and not of those things which God requires from us all. Loyalty to Him and to Him alone. So when asking for wisdom. It should be asking for true wisdom, which grants us insight to His teachings.

Wisdom – insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence.

When asking for wisdom from God. He will give it to those that ask in a great amount and without reprimand. There is a caveat though. When the person asks for this wisdom it must be in full dedication to God Himself and not influenced or tainted by worldly wants or lusts.

Colossians 3:1-6 – Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

We cannot receive this wisdom if you seek after any of those sins shown in the third chapter of Colossians in the fifth verse.

Returning to James we see one of these sins listed once again, but in a different aspect:

James 1:9-11 – Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Greed and having riches can be said to be one and the same. For having riches can be distracting for those that have wealth. It will make them look to the world and thus be distracted from who they should truly be focused upon: God. It is made clear in James that those with money should feel humility for God actually see them as less than those that are poor.

Most that profess to “Christian” in today’s world though seem to be or seek after riches. Why do they seek to be seen as less in God’s eyes than those that are poor? Yet that is how many do act and behave that call themselves “Christian.”

This in essence verifies that those that profess to be “Christian” are ignoring the teachings of the Bible and would rather gather worldly treasures rather than heavenly ones.

Revelation 3:17-19 – 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.

Let us take a better look at verse nineteen in the KJV on what many in today’s world need to do:

Revelation 3:19 – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The Glorified Christ states clearly that those that seek riches should reject it and turn whole heartedly toward God. To repent of their sin of not seeking for treasures in His house instead of their own.

Will these words be heard?

I have no answer. That is not for me say. That is for those that finally acknowledge they are truly lukewarm, and that they, in Christ eyes, are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. All due to seeking after wealth, leisure and comforts here on this earth.

James 1:12-18 – God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.”

When someone sins. It is their own doing for their own wants and desires.

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”

When someone worships the world they break the commandments given to Moses:

Exodus 20:3-4 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

A house that is bigger than what you need to shelter from the elements is a graven image. A car that costs as much as a small house is a graven image.

1 John 2:15-17 – 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. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

This is a very clear statement. Yet millions ignore it in today’s Church. Millions that call themselves “Christian” seeking after wealth, possessions. They have cravings for everything they see like expensive cars, clothing. They are actually taught to seek after pride in their achievements. All the while being told they are a good Christian. When as this verse makes clear that is the opposite of the truth.

Matthew 6:19-34 – “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. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

If someone sees themselves truly as “Christian” then they must do as Christ said. I will end this message with the word of Jesus Christ once again:

Luke 14:25-33 – A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ 31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

God Bless