Month: February 2022

Blog for Podcast #92 (The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth) Part 1

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, 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 most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

One of the greatest challenges I have encountered, in having people accept the truth of the Word of God, is the fact that people cling to what has been handed down from one generation to the next. Which is to show how successful one can be and how they can gather wealth unto themselves and pass it on to the next generation. They honestly believe with all their hearts that they are living and acting in a way that is seen as good and right before the Lord.

In today’s message and study. We will examine what the Bible says about having wealth. To do this we will start in the first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

So, I am here to do as the Bible says to do. To teach those that have wealth how they are to become closer unto their Savior Jesus Christ. To that we must go deeper into these verses. Verse by verse. To start this, we will go to the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:17 – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

The first thing we are to look at is the phrase: “rich in this world.”

World – G3568 & G165

G3568 – nun – now, the present, this time

G165 – aión – an age, the world, a specific period, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age

Therefore, a more accurate translation would be rich in this temporal reality we now live in.

Those that have wealth are to do the following with their wealth:

First: That they be not highminded.

Highmindeed – G5309 – hupsélophroneó – to be lofty in mind, that is, arrogant, proud

Arrogant – unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people. Per Cambridge Dictionary

Second: not to trust in your earthly wealth, but to trust in God. For God gives us all that is required to be happy.

There are those that take “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” to mean possessions and material objects. But that goes against the words of Jesus Christ Himself:

Matthew 6:19-21 – “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.

It simply means God will give us all that is required to be happy in this world and in the eternity yet to come.

1 Timothy 6:18 – That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

In this verse there are four more directives. Accordingly, the next would the:

Third: That they do good

Good – G14 – agathoergeó – do good deed, to work good.

In simpler terms do good works as shown in James 2:14-26, for faith alone is nothing.

Fourth: that since you are rich in worldly wealth you should be just as rich in good works. Because you have the worldly wealth to be able to give more, to do more works than those that do not have earthly wealth.

Here people will protest and complain. For their wealth is tied up in their house, their car, their clothing. Etc.

That is just the point. Let us look at proverbs 30:

Proverbs 30:7-9 – O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

You are living in too big of a house. You are diving too expensive of a car, and your clothes are more than is required by someone who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. For who truly cares about their looks in this world?

Matthew 6:28-32 – “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.

So, you equate yourself to unbelievers by protesting what is being said here. What does that make you then?

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked

You have just openly declared either verbally or in your own thoughts that you are the lukewarm.

That is why following this teaching if you have worldly wealth is so important…. So let us continue.

Fifth – ready to distribute

Distribute – G2130 – eumetadotos – willingly sharing, ready to impart, generous

This means that you are to live modestly so that at a moments notice you can access your worldly wealth and be able to give to those in need at that very moment. So, the fancy house must go, the fancy car must go. And go get your clothes at a thrift store or Walmart.

Sixth: willing to communicate – G2843 – koinónikos – willing to share, sociable, ready to communicate, beneficent.

Willing to share means willing to share the Word of God. The overall meaning is that you are easy to approach and talk to. The opposite of highminded. You are not haughty and think yourself greater than anyone else.

Philippians 2:1-5 – 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. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Why do all this? That is what verse 19 addresses.

1 Timothy 6:19 – Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We are not to keep our “treasures” here on earth, but in the presence of God. If you have been cursed with earthly wealth. And you desire to be with God in His service for all eternity. Use that wealth to help the needy, the poor, the hungry. Those hit by a natural disaster or are refuges from evil acts performed by others in this world that think they are better than their fellow humans.

Earlier in this chapter of 1 Timothy Paul was talking about those that cause division within the Body of Christ. One of the reasons given for them doing this was because they sought after becoming wealthy here on earth. This is what is said about that mentality:

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

For people craving to have earthly wealth have wandered from the true faith and brought upon themselves great sorrows.

Verse 10 in the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Erred – G635 – apoplanaó – to lead astray, seduce

Faith – G4102 – pistis – persuasion, that is, credence, moral confection (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God), faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

Or as Jesus Christ said:

Matthew 6:24 – “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.

Money becomes the god of those that seek it. Not our Creator through Christ Jesus. Even though they may believe otherwise. These are the facts of the Bible. But also remember this from the Bible as well:

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Seeking and hording wealth puts people upon the highway and the wide gate. It is up to you how you wish to spend eternity. I have done as the Holy Spirit has directed me to do. It is now up to you that listened to do what you must do.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #91 (Within a generation)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , 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

Matthew 24:32-35 – “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

How long is a generation?

Per a paper but forth by Donn Devine on the International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki. A generation is 33 years. (https://isogg.org/wiki/How_long_is_a_generation%3F_Science_provides_an_answer)

You think it is a coincidence that Jesus went upon the cross when he was 33? I personally don’t.

But what is it Christ Jesus said to look for and to know that within 33 years he would return?

Matthew 24:4-14 – Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

What else is said about what to look for to know we are in the end-times?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

In a past three-part series “The many faces of the selfish god.” I go into an in-depth study of these verses. Therefore, I will not go deeper here.

Timothy was also told this about the last days before the return of Christ in 1 Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:1-4 – Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

 Now look at the world about you in your own life, on the TV. Those that live in your neighborhood, your city, town or village.

One of the greatest failings within the Body of Christ as been the desire to love too much. People see sin within those they interact with in all forms. But what is the command given to Timothy in verse five of 2 Timothy 3?

“Stay away from people like that.”

Yet most do not follow this directive. They allow people to not only stay in their lives but in their churches as well. Defying the Word of God. People believe they have the power within them to change the behavior of people about them. That is the greatest mistake any human can make.

We have no power to change anyone. All we do have is the ability to spread the Word of God and to live a righteous lifestyle which is to follow the commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:15-16 – And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

When we don’t separate ourselves from those that live in sin are we not covering the light in a basket?

Are we not making the salt useless?

Are we not ask God’s anger to be aimed at us?

Ephesians 5:1-11 – 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.

If someone is not producing what is good, right and true then they do not have the Holy Spirit within them.

1 John 2:1-6 – My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Many out there say that Jesus’ only commandment was to love, which is not true. Those that do this fall into those of verse four of the verses that were just read. For the commandments are all the commandments given unto us since the time of Moses as long as they pass the litmus test commandments restated to us by Christ Jesus. What is this?

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!

John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

And the litmus test commandments that Christ restated:

Matthew 22:37-40 – 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.”

But I have gotten offtrack.

When the sins shown in 1 Timothy 4:1-4 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are all seen we know that we are in the last times, the end times.

Do not people shun certain types of foods? Are there not Vegans and Vegetarians?

Have people fallen into to following false teachings? A prime example would be Joel Olsteen, who teaches to seek after worldly wealth which is totally opposite the teachings of Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:19-24.

Do people care more for their money and themselves? Do they not seek to have the biggest the best and the most expensive? A fancy house, clothes, possessions, a car?

Are they not boastful and proud? Thinking themselves better than other humans and showing off to those about them?

Do many these days ridicule God?

Are many in this present generation ungrateful to their parents as well as disobedient to them?

Do they consider nothing sacred?

Do not many belittle other, yet their own lives are filled with nothing but disorder?

Is that which is good seen as evil by most?

I could keep going, but I believe I have made my point.

When the exact moment the generation started the count down to the return of Christ within 33 years I cannot say. But all the signs we are told to look for are amongst us now. None can question this truth.

Christ Jesus is soon to arrive. It is now you must fix your life with Him. For if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are in reality not alive.

Yes, you breath, yes you wake up every day. But that is not the promised life that is offered by God through the death of His Son and resurrection on the third day.

The promised life is eternal life that is yet to come after this life you now live. The promised reward is not found in this life but in the one that will last forever. Why reward someone for something that will last a few decades? When they can have billions upon billion upon billions of years to appreciate the reward that God will give unto all that listen and obey what is within the Bible.

I will end this message with these words for the second letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:16-4:5 – 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. 1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #90 (Who tells you how to spread the Word of God)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, 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 most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

In today’s message I wish to discuss spiritual gifts. Not what they are, for there are lessons on those everywhere. Today’s message is how to treat your gift. First off, we need to lay the groundwork.

John 12:25-26 – Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

Why I start here is because too many ask for guidance from humans and not from God. Do you ask your employer what your assigned task is, or do you ask other employees? Those employees could be slackers and good for nothing and they may take advantage of you. Who gets in trouble in this situation, the slacker or you? Odds are in favor you.

So why ask fellow humans what God wishes for you to do with your spiritual gift. Humans? Many of whom listen to false teachers and embrace false doctrine.

You must treat your spiritual gift as you treat the Word of God. You must never take the word of others when it comes to the Word of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17- 22 – Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

1 John 4:1-6 – Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

The key element in these last verses is the placement of the of Holy Ghost within a follower of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, when seeking how to use our spiritual gifts given unto us by the Holy Spirit. Should we not ask for guidance from the Source?

The answer is obvious: Yes, we should.

However, millions do not do this. They look to their human counterparts for answers and direction. Many don’t even read the Bible. Taking the word of people. People they see as better than them to lead and guide them.

And they wonder how any can be asleep. Because they themselves are asleep.

Matthew 25:8-9 – Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

The foolish bridesmaids are those that ask others how to use their oil. But note how those that were wise responded. They told them they could not share theirs, but to go and buy more.

The answer they were referring to was in reading the Bible and coming to know more about how our Savior Jesus Christ thinks and works. Then to allow the Holy Ghost, the oil in the lamps to fill us with understanding and insight into how we are to use our spiritual gifts for the glory of Christ and His Father.

This can only happen by coming to know the Word of God not just by reading it, but by truly and deeply studying it. All the way to the meaning of the words within the Bible as they were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Once someone studies the Bible, in this way, they can reach a true understanding of the Scriptures.

Then and only then will they come to know the will of God and understand how to share their spiritual gifts. Thus, as I usually say. Do not take my word for it, nor any other persons. Find the answer in the Bible for yourself. All must be tested against the Word of God.

The day I write this is the day that has been assigned our day to acknowledge the birth of our Savior Christ Jesus. Today someone sent a long post denying the Word of Christ Himself. Believing they are right in the sight of God through His Son.

Their denial of God through Christ is the denial that there will be a rapture marks them as scoffers of God.

2 Peter 3:3-5 – Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.

They are like those that outright deny God and say nothing has changed forgetting that Jesus Himself described a rapture in His Olivet Discourse.

Matthew 24:36-42 – “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

The Lord’s return will come as a thief in the night. No one will know it is coming. However, we are told that of climatic events that will devastate the globe in the book of Tribulation. Neither are wrong both are right.  Yet Christ setting foot upon the Mount of Olives does not occur until after these calamities. This is not as a thief in the night.

The flood was sudden and unexpected, and we are told that when He returns people will be marrying and living life normally. You cannot live a normal live if the sun and the moon are darkened. Which cause all to fear. You see the contradictions.

None who truly know the Scriptures doubt there will be a rapture. They argue over when the rapture will occur. Many believe there will be a pre-rapture that will take all that profess to being “Christian” will be removed. Yet, if they read Revelation most that stand before God. Those that are counted within the billions standing before the throne of God died during the tribulation. They died before the Christ stood upon Mount Olive, splitting it in two. No, they died after He returned as a thief in the night. Those that are the lukewarm repenting of their sins for being left behind. While those that witnessed His sudden return and denied Him before that occurred. Now profess to all that would hear them that Christ did return as a thief in the night. The lukewarm and those that newly accepted are filled with the Holy Spirit. The living presence of God on earth. All that are filled with the Holy Ghost die. For it is made clear that these uncountable, these billion will die. They must die. For it is the Holy Spirit which holds back the revealing of the antichrist.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 – For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.

Revelation makes it clear that the desecration of the third Temple occurs at the midpoint of the tribulation. At the point when the 144,000 Jews are sealed. At the point when the billions stand before the throne of God. There will still be three and a half years in the time of the darkened sun, moon and stars. All caused by the destruction of the city of Babylon in one day. As shown in chapter 18 of Revelation. That city being known as the United States of America to those that live today. Destroyed by the eruption of the super volcano Yellowstone, a tool of God. A tool with the power and ability to darken the sun the moon and the stars.

To cause the billions especially the lukewarm to repent there must be a sudden and unexpected event. This can only be accounted for by Christ returning as a thief in the night. Christ told us a parable about this yet must don’t understand.

Matthew 25:1-13 – “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. And another warning to keep watch.

Why watch if it is not to be as a thief in the night.

Any who deny the words of Christ deny Him and in so doing deny God and thus make themselves the lukewarm and those counted amongst the foolish bridesmaids.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #89 (Tattoos: The Mark of the Lukewarm and a holiday response)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, 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 most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

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 2:15-16 – 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.

Leviticus 19:28 – “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the LORD.

I have started today’s message with Scripture. I have done this for a reason. For there are many out there that are not happy with the title of this podcast. They are also not happy with the use of Leviticus. I will address this last point first with the word of Jesus Christ Himself:

John 14:15 – “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

And:

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!

Since Leviticus is a commandment does it pass the litmus test also given unto us by Jesus Christ?

Matthew 22:37-40 – 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.”

Does this show love to others by tattooing? No. It shows glory to that person.

Does tattooing show love to God with all their mind, heart and soul? No, it does not, for they are seeking after the approval by those of the world, not God.

Then they are in sin and thus a mark of pride and ego. Therefore, it could even be called a precursor of the mark of the Beast.

James 4:4-12 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. 11 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. 12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

I read these last verses of James 4 for a reason. For there are those out there accusing me of judging them. However, they are in error. This is why:

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.

And how is this accomplished?

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

Verse 2 in the KJV:

2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

I am His servant, and I am simply reproving, rebuking and exhorting with longsuffering and the Scripture. For I am guided by His Holy Spirit. If you have anger and you believe you are directing it at me. You are in actuality angry at He who is guiding me. My Savior Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. For when people follow their own desires they are doing so in ego and pride, which they wish to reflect to the world they wish to please. For the only “world” they should seek to please if they call themselves “Christian” is in heaven before the throne of God. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Now to the next part of this message:

This last holiday seasons. I read and read message after message. Most saying things about the blessings God has given you.

Finally, a message came through at a Bible study group where I work. All it stated was God’s love and the blessings He gives you.

I was overwhelmed with the need to make a reply. This is how I responded:

Yes, we are to be thankful for all the blessings God has granted us.

As we head into this holiday season, we need to remember what true blessings from God truly are.

They are not the presents under the tree or in the driveway.

It is the fact that God gave His only Son to die for our sins. And we are to accept Christ as our Savior.

In Romans 2 we “Christians” are given this warning:

Romans 2:1-11 – You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

God has no favorites.  If you seek after worldly possessions and what appeals to the world like tattoos you have turned away from God. (1 John 2:15-17)

You have turned your back upon God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Think and ponder

This response triggered one of my coworkers and someone I truly do count as a friend.

I have studied the Bible over and over.

The true Gospel tells us that even after we accept Christ as our Savior we can falter and fall away. We are told that those that teach messages that do not convict the soul. That only teach of love. Are pleasing the people.

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

So, these people have turned away from God that only seek to please people. But why do they seek to please people and not God?

We return once again to Matthew 6:

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.

And once again:

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.

They have embraced the darkness and excuse sin.

Ephesians 5:3-9 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.

As I end today’s message my wish to all is to think of where they stand with Christ Jesus at this very moment. For what if this moment was when the trumpet blast calling the dead into the sky takes place. Are you ready to join Christ in the sky above and then be taken to the wedding feast? At this very moment?

Ponder and think

God Bless