Effective this date…. until further notice.
All future podcasts will be released every Wednesday morning just before 6 a.m. EST
Month: October 2021
Blog for Podcast #75 (Sardis)
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
I have looked at the seven letters in the book of Revelation before in past podcasts and blog posts, but God wishes me to do a more detailed look at the letter to Sardis. Now as I have shown in these podcasts and blog studies. The letters are not just concurrent. Which means we can find every example of these seven churches in the behavior and actions of those that profess to being “Christian,” at this very moment. But that they are also chronological. Which means that the majority of those that call themselves “Christian” behave in the manner shown in order from the first letter to the seventh. The last letter is that of the lukewarm, which is the time we now live within.
Then why bother looking at the fifth letter if we are living in the times of the last letter of the lukewarm Christian? As stated afore there are examples of all the churches going on at this very moment. I must also add this though. When looking at the behavior of the lukewarm Christian, does it not reflect that of the dead Christian of the letter to Sardis.
And yes, you heard me right. I said the “Dead Christian.”
For these letters to the seven “CHURCHES” reflect Christianity not those that deny Christ. Therefore, we are seeing the behavior of those that profess to call themselves “Christian.” How do they do this? They go to church. They say they believe in Jesus Christ and that He is their Savior. They even tithe 10% of their income. And do many things for the “church.”
Now let’s look at the entire letter to Sardis:
Revelation 3:1-6 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. 4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. 6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
What is the very first thing that the Glorified Jesus Christ says to these “Christians?”
““I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.”
So let us now deal with this rejection that these people that believed they were right with God encountered from the KJV of this verse:
Revelation 3:1 – And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
In today’s world those that fully profess to being the name “Christian.” They believe that this name says it all. That their name is written in the Book of Like. That they are one with Christ and are His tools and in His service. That by just saying the name of our Savior is enough to protect and carry them on into heaven.
However, Jesus Christ makes it clear that this is not the truth. In fact, they are dead. Not physically dead, but spiritual dead.
Most do not wish to hear this. Most reject that this is even possible. Yet, this letter was dictated by Jesus Christ Himself. There are those that deny any part of the Bible that is not the Gospels. They reject the Word of God.
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.
We have an entire Bible made of both the Old and the New Testament. It is not just the New and it is not just the Old. When these two books became one book they became “Scripture.” Also note that the New Testament is not just the Gospels and the book of Acts. It also includes letters by Paul, James, Peter and John. Consequently, to deny any part of the Bible is to deny God Himself. Now you can see that with this one example of what is and what is not “Scripture.” Shows that there are those that can be considered “dead” to the Glorified Jesus Christ.
What are other examples of those that can be seen as “dead” to Christ?
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.
Now when you read the first part of this second chapter from the first letter of John. You see that he is addressing those that are old and new to the belief that they are “Christians.” Therefore, these two verses are directly aimed at those that profess to being “Christian.”
Yet, they seek after wealth, luxuries. They seek after activities that give them physical pleasure. Like sporting activities and even sex. They seek after and take pride in the worldly achievements. As well as seek after fancy cars, big houses and all the decorations that fill and adorn these objects. And in each one of these actions, they take a step into the world. They move further and further away from God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Until they finally get to a point where they are cut from the branch of the Holy Vine who is Jesus Christ. Causing them to be dead unto Him.
John 15:1-2 – “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.
You cannot be a part of the vine unless you are born again. Unless you are what can truly be called a “Christian.”
Let us move on to the KJV of verse 2:
Revelation 3:2 – Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Be watchful and to awaken have the same meaning. It is the guard watching the city at night. Not to fall asleep. To be vigilant.
Vigilant is defined as: always being careful to notice things, especially possible danger per Cambridge Dictionary.
Christ is telling people there is a chance to redeem themselves in His eyes which will correct their path towards death and be able to be seen as worthy to stand before God. As is made clear in verse three:
Revelation 3:3 – Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.”
Repent – G3340 – metanoeó – I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God. per Bible Hub.
Stating that these people have turned their backs upon God and are going away from Him not toward Him. So, they are called upon to repent of their behavior and return to the true path of being a true “Christian.”
This is done by rejecting the world. Not to seek after wealth, fancy homes, and comforts here on earth, but to seek after their treasures in heaven.
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.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 we are instructed to give most of our wealth away. So those that give a whole 10% as tithe have it backwards. They should keep 10% to meet their needs and give 90% away.
Throughout the years as I have grown in my faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior, I have had God taking my worldly possessions away from me more than once. The biggest and greatest of these lessons occurred in what I call my year of Job. In 2013 I had reached the point where I could either be dead to Christ or alive to Him. I lost most of my possessions amongst other events that year that made me face God one again and be His disciple. I now live a life of needs only. I do not seek after things of this world that go beyond a need requirement. For I seek to have my treasures in heaven not here on earth.
Now let us look at verses 4 and 5:
Revelation 3:4-5 – Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
It is made very clear here. That there are those that do not seek after the world; that are seen as worthy to stand before God. The implication is made clear. Those that repent and stop seeking after the world will be called overcomers and they too will once again be allowed to wear white robes.
But it is also made very clear. That those that continue to pursue the world will have their names removed from the Book of Life to be called dead and worth only of going where those that refuse to be one with Christ go:
John 15:6 – If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
To wither is to be dead and those that die spiritually will be cast into the fires of damnation.
Ponder upon this study and think hard about your own lives.
God Bless.
Blog for Podcast #74 (Darkness)
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
In Ephesians chapter five the Bible says this about how to live a “Christian Lifestyle.”
Ephesians 5:1-15 – 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. 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, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Now we must remember that these letters that form that majority of the New Testament are letters that were sent to those that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. They were born again and had the Holy Spirit within them.
Yet we are instructed not to let certain things take place:
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 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.”
For these sins to be listed. Something must have taken place within Ephaesus to cause this particular pointing out of sinful behavior.
Case in point “no sexual immorality.” The other day I read an article where the youth pastor of a church was beaten by the father of the child. When the father caught this pastor touching his son in the wrong way. So, as you can see this man who went to a theological seminary or college and received a degree to be a pastor sinned.
There will be those out there that say this pastor was never saved. Which personally this really upsets me when people say this excuse. Why? Because of this from the book of Romans:
Romans 10:9-10 – 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.
These two verses show God’s love for all of humanity, Be they saved or unsaved. Sinner or saint. Believer, or heathen. Once someone does this they are saved.
But humans were given free-will. It is this free-will that makes humans like the wife of Hosea from the book of Hosea. Their free-will gets them into trouble. Why?
1 Corinthians 15:54 – So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Corruptible – G5349 – phthartos – perisable, corruptible
Corruptible – able to be made to do something dishonest or immoral per Cambridge Dictionary.
Even after we are saved, we are still able to fall into sin and do sinful things. However, as is shown in the verses I started this study with we are called not to do these things. As this pastor showed we can do dreadful things. This is why Christ said this:
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.
Now we are getting to the core of today’s study. The very next verse that followed this list of sins in Ephesians.
Ephesians 5:6-9 – 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.
You have light within you. Let us look to the words of Christ once again:
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.
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 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!”
But why have this statement in the middle of talking about where our treasures are and money?
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 darkness. When a person’s focus is not on following the teachings of Christ, but upon seeking after their own wants and desires here on earth. That is living in sin and so not in the light.
Let us return to Ephesians again, this time in the KJV:
Ephesians 5:5 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Covetous man – G4123 – pleonektés – holding (desiring) more, eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder)
Avaricious – showing an extremely strong wish to get or keep money or possessions
Defrauder – a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud
- Swindle – to get money dishonestly from someone by deceiving or cheating them
Idolater – G1496 – eidólolatrés – an image (servant) or worshiper
- Image – 1) a visual representation of something
2) a mental conception held in common by members of a group and symbolic of a basic attitude and orientation
3) a popular conception (as of a person, institution, or nation) projected especially through the mass media
Most associate “image” as worshiping a stone image otherwise know as Idolatry. Yet as was just shown “image” as many other meanings. Many have fooled themselves into believing they are being truly “Christian” by seeking after wealth, rewards, and luxuries here on earth. Yet this is the opposite of what Christ Himself commands in Matthew 6. This is of the world as shown in 1 John 2.
The word “idolater” when researched within the TDNT it means that the person called this is diligently working to fulfil their greedy desire. Seeking after money which is considered an idol in Matthew 6:24. So working to gain money, prestige, a fancy house, a fancy car, fancy clothes is working for and toward the world as has been established here today form the Bible itself. Is living in sin and turning one’s back upon God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.
So those that call themselves “Christian” yet hold on to their wealth and seek more, and believe they are one with God fall into this group in Ephesians:
“Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.”
For how great is their darkness? For what they see as light is not that but is truly darkness.
Darkness – G4655 – skotos – shadiness, darkness, either physical or moral.
In a reading of the TDNT it is a very long and complicated study. The elements that made the most sense was that of the ways of Christ is light and remaining in and for the world is darkness. Most within the United States fall into the latter of these two descriptions.
Seeking after their own wants and desires. Seeking to be appealing to those about them by their looks and what they own. This is darkness. And so, they excuse these sins thinking all is right with themselves and God.
This reminds me of one of my dreams where I was falling towards hell. I was in complete and utter darkness. As I fell I at times encountered groups of people singing hymns and saying prayers to God and Jesus. Holding each other’s hands in a circle yet they too were falling towards hell in the darkness.
Ponder upon this study and think and pray.
God Bless
Blog for Podcast #73 (The laws within the Bible)
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
Matthew 5:17-20 – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
These are the words of Jesus Christ about the laws of Moses. He also said this:
Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
By living these two greatest commandments we fulfill the laws of Moses. Does this mean we should ignore them? Millions believe this due to what is said in Galatians:
Galatians 2:15-21 – “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” 17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
How does this section begin though:
“You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles.”
Here is the key dividing line that must be kept in mind when reading these verses. Being born Jewish, they were subject to the law of Moses. Yet, their acceptance that Christ is their Savior these laws are no longer a factor.
However, to fulfill Christ’s mission we must remember these words:
“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”
So, we must at least adhere to following those laws of Moses to fulfill treating others as we would treat ourselves. When you fully reject the laws of Moses you are in turn fully rejecting Christ who made it clear He came to fulfill these laws, and that they still need to be followed per His own teachings.
When you fully take Christ teachings into consideration. This is evident that Christ still taught these laws in everything He instilled through His instructions.
Then why do people insist that they are right and that the Christ is wrong?
Yes, you got what I said correct. They insist that the laws must be fully and completely abandoned. So, I will go back once again to the words of Jesus Christ Himself:
Matthew 5:17-20 – Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until the sky and earth pass away and perish, not one smallest letter nor one little hook [identifying certain Hebrew letters] will pass from the Law until all things [it foreshadows] are accomplished. 19 Whoever then breaks or does away with or relaxes one of the least [important] of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven, but he who practices them and teaches others to do so shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Amplified Classic)
Let us look at the KJV now of verse 17:
Matthew 5:17 – Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Destroy – G2647 – kataluó – (a) trans: I break up, overthrow, destroy, both lit. and met., (b) I unyoke, unharness a carriage horse or pack animal; hence: I put up, lodge, find a lodging.
Fulfil – G4137 – pléroó – I fill, fulfill, complete; to make replete, to furnish, satisfy, execute, verify, end.
- Replete – fully or abundantly provided or filled
Now look at verse 19:
Matthew 5:19 – Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Christ makes it clear that we are to continue to follow the laws of Moses, but as is shown in Matthew 22 we complete this task by treating others as we would treat ourselves. When not diminishing other and treating them as our equals we treat them as we wish to be treated.
When doing this there is no cheating others. There is no enslaving others. There is no killing others. There is no evil. Why? Because we are treating others as we seek to treat ourselves.
Now there will be those that say I am preaching legalism.
Then they have not been paying attention. This is not me saying these things. This is the words of Jesus Christ Himself.
If the Son of God says that we are to follow the laws. Then we are to follow the laws. If we are to follow the laws of man but not God that makes the entire Bible void and useless. This is how atheist see the Bible. This is how those that totally deny God see these teachings.
So, you are saying you side with the atheist and those that deny God?
Ponder upon that for a moment.
Does this not fulfill these verses that describes the last church described in the book of Revelation?
Revelation 3:15-16 – “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!
Yes, it does.
Why because most have abandoned that which will cause them to do good works for God. (James 2:14-26) Which will cause them to bear fruit for God.
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.
“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”
Obey the commandments. That is not legalism. That is listening and following Jesus Christ in faith and works.
And what is the result if we do not keep Christ within us?
John 15:6 – If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (KJV)
I turn back to one of my early podcasts and I give you the breakdown of this verse:
He is cast – G906 – ballo – to throw [Strong’s]
“To throw” or “to cast,” “to cast off fruit. ‘Often in the NT “ballo” is used in different ways in connection with the thought of judgement, partly as a committal to the element which exercises it. Partly of expulsion from the community of salvation, when used with “exo.” [TDNT]
Forth – G1854 – exo – out [Strong’s]
Is withered – G3583 – xeraino – to desiccate, to shrivel [Strong’s]
Men gather – G4863 – synago – sunago – to lead together, collect or convene, to entertain [Strong’s]
Them into – G1519 -eis – to or into [Strong’s]
The fire – G4442 – pyr – pur – fire [Strong’s]
A judgement [TDNT]
They are burned – G2545 – kaio – to set on fire, consume [Strong’s]
With the TDNT the emphasis of this word is keyed to self-burning. Voluntarily giving oneself over to be burned.
The main takeaways from the translation of this verse is if you accept Christ as your Savior and you choose not to follow his teaching and live a truly Christian life. You instead choose to live in the world of man which entertains you. You are broken off from the Divine Vine that is Christ and you are cast willingly into the fires of judgement. Which agrees with Revelation 3:15-16.
As you think and ponder these words. I will leave you to think where you stand with God.
God Bless
SPECIAL ADDENDIM
In a comment made on the Facebook page for my podcasts someone made a haughty reply to this Bible study. (To understand why I use the word “haughty” please read “Blog for Podcast #65 (The Haughty)
In this comment the author implied that this law should still be followed:
Exodus 21:20-21 – “If a man beats his male or female slave with a club and the slave dies as a result, the owner must be punished. 21 But if the slave recovers within a day or two, then the owner shall not be punished, since the slave is his property.
My reply to this person was this:
Just for those that assume they know better than God through Jesus Christ.
Any of the old laws that don’t stand up to:
Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
In other words: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.
Were voided upon the cross.
2 examples:
People do not enslave themselves.
People usually do not beat themselves.
Those that use this as an excuse not to follow the laws within the Bible. Need to rethink how they live their lives.
These two greatest commandments, which the moment Christ spoke them, I feel, should have changed the 10 Commandments into 12 Commandments. Became the litmus test for all the laws within the Bible.
As shown in my two examples when comparing to the law listed in Exodus. Anyone who loves their fellow humans as they love themselves would not enslave themselves or beat themselves. because we are placing the others before ourselves.
Philippians 2:1-4 – Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
God Bless
Blog for Podcast #72 (Do not seek after the things within the world)
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
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.
I have referred to these verses more than once, and I have been led to dig into these verses to cause people to think and analyze how they are living their lives at this very moment. For when you think upon these teaches you can see they go deeply into how many are acting and responding to not only within their own homes, but due to external factors as well.
Let us start this exploration with the amplified classic version of the Bible:
15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.
Let us now go verse by verse in the KJV and break it down into the Greek where needed.
1 John 2:15 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
World – G2889 – Kosmos – Bible Hub it is shown in this way: the world, universe; worldly affairs; the inhabitants of the world; adornment.
Worldly affairs, and those that populate it. These are the things that distract us from God. However, people do not seem to realize this. Humans cause sin. Humans cause crime.
Matthew 15:18-20 – But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 20 These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”
All that affects the world about us is due to people living in sin. That is why we are being told to not remain in the world we have left behind.
Ephesians 5:1-17 – 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. 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, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 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. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.”
I wish to do a bit of sidestep here and look at verse 5 of chapter 5 of Ephesians:
Ephesians 5:5 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Covetous man – G4123 – pleonexia – holding (desiring) more, that is, eager for gain; covetousness, avarice.
Okay, now to get back to 1 John.
Love – G25 and G26 –
G25- agapaó – to love (in a social or moral sense); wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem.
G26 – agape – affection or benevolence; good will, esteem
The first “love” is for the world and the things within it. The second “love” mentioned here is for how our love should be towards God through His Son Jesus Christ. As you can see “agape” love is meant to be all encompassing. This is seen in the greatest commandments given to us by Christ Himself:
Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
This shows that our focus must be upon God and what His Son told us within the Bible on how we are to live our lives.
So let us now move on to verse 16:
1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Flesh – G4561 – sarx – flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred; the body as opposed the to soul (spirit), or as the symbol of what is external.
Eyes – G3788 – ophthalmos – the eye; the mind’s eye; figuratively envy (from the jealous side glance)
Pride – G212 – alazoneia – boasting, show, arrogant display, ostentation; self-confidence
Life – G979 – bios – manner of life; livelihood; the present state of existence.
The implication is made very clear here. Whenever someone seeks after anything that gives them pleasure here in this temporal realm, we now live within. They do not seek after pleasing God, but themselves as so are not trying to be one with God, but themselves. For their true god is themselves.
Therefore, if someone seeks after wealth, a fancy car or home. Fancy clothing, tattoos of any sort. They are seeking to appease their own wants and desires. Christ makes it clear in Matthew 6 what it is He wishes us to seek after:
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.
We are also told that if God does curses us with money, we are not to horrid it but to give most of it away:
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!
Why seek to have worldly status and praise when calling yourself “Christian?” This is not what we are told to do many times within the Bible. For this mere hundred years we live upon this earth is not our true life. This is not our legacy. Giving all glory and praise to God through His Son Jesus Christ is our true legacy.
It is serving God by giving away what we do not need to live day to day. It is helping those in need. That is our legacy. For this will cause a great treasure to be gathering in the presence of God Himself. Who will bless us with not one hundred years of life, but billions upon billions of years of life. Living as we do now. Seeing as we see now.
Yet millions who profess to being “Christian” would rather have their earthly treasures and desire met. Not caring for the true future, but instead trying to promote their own legacy which as verse 17 says:
Will “fading away, along with everything that people crave.”
God Bless
dreamwalker1960 