Month: March 2022

Blog for Podcast #96 (Sin nature part 2 conclusion)

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

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Last week we began a study of the Armor of God, but within this study. We did not stick to the usual format that people expect when looking at the Armor of God.

In last week’s study we confronted the issue of how our salvation is viewed by God. How many who believe they are right with God, are not. This included those that follow the false teaching of “once saved, always saved.”

As I showed in the last lesson those that got angry when this was brought up were in actuality not listen to God, but to Satan. If you haven’t already listened to or read last week message I refer you back to it, especially if I have just triggered you into getting angry.

Why is wearing the Armor of God so important? That is answered in this verse:

Ephesians 6:12 – For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

To truly understand this verse, I have been led to give my personal testimony, so we can see how not wearing the armor correctly can lead a person away from God.

I was born again on June 24, 1984. I was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues on that very day. For we are to seek after the ability to speak in tongues as shown in 1 Corinthians 14. However, as I have learned it is not something that should be shouted out to the world, but something that is between you and God.

Anyway, to get back on track.

God showed my rebirth to the world, by leading my first wife to give me a middle name for my 25th birthday. Since before that time I had never had one. For the next years I grew in my knowledge of the Bible, and God blessed me with dreams, thus marking me at that time to be a dreamer of dreams per Act 2:17. So even back then I knew that the times we are now in would come to be.

In 1992 the Holy Spirit told me my first wife was cheating on me at that very moment, which led to my divorce in 1993. I did not cause or ask for the divorce by the way, my then wife did. This began my downward spiral. This is the beginning of me drifting away from God.

In 2003, I fell prey to my earthly lusts and desire to never be alone. I was bewitched by a witch who believed herself to be saved. Even though she lived the life of a witch but professed that she could never loss her salvation, even though she performed witchcraft. When we look to Galatians 5 and the sins listed there shows a person is following the world and not God, we see that sorcery is upon that list.

This led to my first purging of worldly possessions that occurred in 2005, when I lost my house, most of my world good and had to file for bankruptcy. Yet I still had not learned my lesson nor had I put my foot down upon the sorceries my then wife did. This led to an increase in worldly possessions.

As I drifted further from God I began to listen to the world and not the Holy Spirit. My behavior became crueler and more self-serving. Also, my one true sin nature was running rampant within my mind and soul. What that nature is, is between me and God, so I will not broadcast it to the world. Needless to say it is something I am not please to live with, and I cannot wait until I am divested of this corruption and I dawn incorruption.

Then in 2013 twenty years after my spiral away from God began. God had had enough. I finally confronted my 2nd wife about her issues in December of 2012. She broke the line I had laid the very next month.

I found myself and my adopted ten-year-old son homeless and with only a portion of my worldly goods. None of which included anything of my childhood. So, again God was telling me not to worship the things of the world. This was the beginning of what I call my year of Job. I suffered other trials that year. It was a humbling experience. However, I listened to God, and stopped placing myself before Him.

In 2014 I began my blog, which has turned into these podcasts, which have been read and listened to all over the world. I learned without any doubt that salvation CAN be lost. For Jesus Christ Himself said so in John 15, very clearly. I learned that any who doubt this are in fact denying Jesus Christ. and what does Jesus say about those that deny Him?

Matthew 10:33 – But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

Which reinforces that the false teaching of “once saved always saved,” is just that…. False.

Yet millions are going through their lives believing they can continue to live in sin. Never seeking repentance nor the desire to end their sin nature. Embracing and enjoying it, as well as living in luxuries and they believe with all their hearts they are going to heaven.

I was there. I believed that as well. That is why I know the pre-tribulation rapture will be small.

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.

It is these few that will make the first rapture. For it is made clear that the mid-tribulation rapture will be uncountable. Aka in the billions. Who will die of starvation and beheadings in the first three and a half years of the tribulation.

Revelation 7:9-14 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. 12 They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.

We are in the last days. Which is why it is so important to put on the Armor of God.

Not only to pray continually and to truly come to know the Word of God, which are the helmet and sword of the armor, as we discussed last week. But also, to wear the other parts of the armor. For we are in the time of evil now. So, I will list those verses once again:

Ephesians 6:14-16 – Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

Stand our ground, never faltering from what is true and telling the truth for trying to help those that have gotten angry at us for saying that salvation can be lost.

Strive to live righteously, always seeking repentance and doing our best not to allow our sin nature to win and take control over us. For we are continually struggling between what our body wants and what the Holy Spirit desires for us. (Galatians 5_16-17)

Find peace of mind when you come to understand that these struggles, we now experience shows that we are on the right path. For it is made clear that those that suffer over their body’s desires. Those that are disciplined by God are seen as His child.

Revelation 3:19 -21 – I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Many of those that embrace the once saved always saved mentality do not suffer, thus they are not disciplined. Thus, they are not children of God. Therefore, they are not victorious, and they will find themselves here upon this earth in bewilderment and sorrow for God did not include them in the soon to happen rapture.

The shoes of peace comes when we feel this discipline in our lives and instead of getting angry with God, as many do, we praise God instead.

Time and again Satan will attack us through our bodies. That which is corrupt, so we must hold up the shield against the fires of temptation we all suffer with. Turning to God through Christ to overcome these temptations. By doing so we know that we have held the shield correctly and are obedient to our Creator by following the Holy Spirit.

If someone challenges what you feel is right, and you get angry over it. Think.

Why did you get angry, why does it upset you?

Read and study the Bible, and most importantly remember what Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:

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

One of the key elements of these verses is the statement “cast out demons in your name”

Later in Matthew this is said:

Matthew 12:25-28 – Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. 27 And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. 28 But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.

None can cast out demons if they are NOT of Christ. Yet Jesus says He never knew them. It is because they turned their backs upon Him. They left their salvation to live in and for the world. To seek after that which is seen as an abomination to God. (Luke 16:14-15)

Then again per Jesus Christ, salvation can be lost and so there is no such thing as “once saved always saved.”

There is however God’s never ending and on-going love for all of humanity, be they saved or not. However, His greatest desire is for all to come through the only door to be able to stand before Him.

John 14:6 – Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #95 (Sin nature part 1)

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

Discussion

I have been led by the Holy Spirit to talk about the Armor of God. However, I am not going to follow it in the same way others have. So, let us look into these verses that are so important to us.

Ephesians 6:10-20 – A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Throughout my studies of the Bible. When reading the New Testament, especially those letters written by Paul. God guided him through the Holy Spirit, I believe, to write the most important elements of a point last. Why? Because being the last thing the person heard or read would be what stuck with them the longest.

With that in mind, what is the most important points found in these verses?

The answer:

Ephesians 6:17-18 – Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Asking God into one’s life, and then learning the Word of God. I mean truly learning the Word of God.

When understanding the true Word of God, we come to know why it is the sword. For a sword cuts. A sword hurts. It can cut us to our soul and cause us to weep from the pain. For we come to know just how wicked we are living in sin.

Which brings us to something that all need to accept. Being in corruption we all have a sin that we can never totally rid ourselves of. Even when we become saved, we have a sin that we will never lose. Paul understood this and confessed it. (Romans 7:7-25) This is also said in Galatians 5:

Galatians 5:16-26 – So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

We all struggle, but it is those that repent, and seek not to repeat the sins they have committed that shows the difference between those that are faithful to God and those that are faithful to themselves. Those that accept the sword of the Word of God accept that salvation can be lost if someone does not reign in their behavior and their sins.  There are those that challenge this. Many of those that do are with the group that follows the man-made doctrine of “once saved always saved.”

Right now, someone listening to this just got angry at what was just said. Apparently, they were not paying attention to the verses that were read a bit ago, so I will key in on key verses they should have listened to.

Galatians 5:19-21 – When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature… hostility, quarreling… outbursts of anger… dissension, division.”

Did those that got angry just display one of these sins? I will allow them to make that determination.

What is important is coming to understand the truths within the Word of God. Accepting the pain of the cut which is meant to discipline.

Revelation 3:19-21 – I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Do you feel pain, discomfort, sorrow over your sinful actions? I know I do, and I stive to end them, through prayer and supplication. We all have a sin nature that stays within us. Paul showed this in the verses in Romans and Galatians. Yet as you have seen within the New Testament the letters between the book of Acts and Tribulation are written to those that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Time and again the words “do not sin” are seen over and over. So, if salvation can never be removed why bothers saying this? But enough of this for now.

When wearing the Armor of God, we also follow the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when we do this, we bear this fruit shown in Galatians:

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

We have to live two lives. One on a spiritual level which is why we need to wear armor. The other is needed to show the world the love that God has for all of humanity.

This is a concept that many get confused about, especially those that embrace the “once saved always saved” concept. God loves every single human, be they sinner or saint. How can we help others to know God if we allow ourselves to be like those of the world?

The answer is we can’t.

That is why people look down upon those that believe in Christ. They see those that do this as ignorant and simple. Those that know God through our Savior Jesus Christ do not see them as lesser if we truly follow the teachings within the Bible. We see them as equals, worthy to be added to the family. All we must do is accept that they truly are and allow them the time they need to come to this conclusion themselves. How this is accomplished is by following the ways the Holy Spirit guides us to do so. Those things which bear the fruit of Galatians 5:22-23.

Our true battles are spiritual, which is why we need the full armor of God. By knowing the Word of God, we wear the helmet and carry the sword, which can cut the souls of those that believe they do not need God, as well as cause those that are already within the fold to learn through pain that they have failed our Creator.

Proverbs 13:24 – He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

In Luke 16 Jesus explains that we are to seek to befriend and live peaceably with those that deny Him and His Father. One statement is made after this teaching:

Luke 16:14-15 – The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. 15 Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.

What does the world honor, which is referred to as something the Pharisees dearly loved?

Those that seek after wealth, that seek after the best the most expensive. The most luxurious, that which causes the world to be envious of those that do this. In reality it is seen as detestable to God.

Luke 16:15 – And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Abomination – G946 – bdelugma – a detestation, that is, (specifically) idolatry, an abominable thing, an accursed thing

Those that seek after riches are seen as an abomination to the Lord our God. The Glorified Jesus Christ dictated a letter to them:

Revelation 3:14-22 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #94 (Those who worship themselves)

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

tro

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 shouldn’t have to give up my worldly possessions.”

“I have earned this car for it is my reward for serving God.”

“My house is my home, and I can keep it and all my worldly goods.”

These are the excuses I encounter nearly daily for those that profess to being “Christian.”

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.

One of the greatest hindrances in following Christ is the self and the desire to hold onto to this temporal existence, this world we now live in. I have done studies on this in four of my podcasts. #13-15 entitled the “Many faces of the selfish god,” and episode #50 entitled “Selfishness.”

One of the definitions from the Cambridge Dictionary says this about the “self”

“Interest only in your own advantage.”

Your OWN advantage.

The Bible says this about that type of mentality:

Exodus 20:3 – “You must not have any other god but me.

Philippians 2:3-5 – 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.

I have found one of the greatest signs within the Body of Christ that people are still worshiping themselves, instead of God, is their insistence to show or talk about the fact that God loves them and posting only the verses that make the “self” feel better about themselves.

Yes, God does love you. In fact, He loves ALL of humanity. So how does that make you different than any other human. Be they sinner or saint? That answer: absolutely nothing.

So why do people keep insisting, once they have accepted Christ as their Savior, that they are loved and must feel good about themselves?

We return to the definition of the self. They are only interested in their own advantage. What is the definition of “advantage?”

A condition giving a greater chance of success. Once again per Cambridge Dictionary.

Did they not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior?

I will allow those reading or listening a chance to ponder that question.

Then they have already succeeded if they have.

Then why focus so much upon the love of God and daily reassurances which makes them feel good?

If they have already triumphed why continue to focus upon God’s love?

The answer?

Hebrews 10:26-29 – Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. 27 There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. 28 For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.

Their focus on His love is so they can continue to believe they are covered by the very blood they have tainted, by insisting upon keeping or getting expensive items, like a huge house, a fancy car, and other luxuries. Amongst other sins as well.

Once we accept salvation and we are filled with the Holy Ghost. That spirit dwells within us.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

Therefore, if someone has the Holy Spirit within them because they are a child of God by accepting salvation and then being filled with the Holy Ghost. Yet continues to live for themselves and do as they please, because of free-will, and what makes them feel good. Including living in sins which we are told to end within our lives (James 4:17), are we not defiling God?

Again, I will allow the reader or listener to ponder.

Let us look to Galatians.

First, we need to establish some facts about those inside the church within the province of Galatia.

Galatians 1:6-7 – 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.

“Turning away so soon from God, who called you to Himself through the loving mercy of Christ.”

Aka they were saved and born again, yet they abandoned the true Word of God, for a false one.

Do we have a clue as to the type of false message?

Yes, we do:

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.

It was a message which twisted the truth for something that was only “pleasing people.”

They seek to hear just how great they are because they follow “God,” and believe they are special and loved.

One of the greatest things that pleases people is to continually hear that they are loved no matter what and that they can keep their worldly possessions. This spoils the “child.”

Proverbs 13:24 – He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

A message of love, love, love and daily comfort. This is a false and destructive teaching and mentality. It spoils the person that accepts it for they have no desire to face the conviction of their sins. The discipline that all He loves must suffer through to become closer to Him through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. This is shown in the people in Galatia that were following what the “self” desired not the Word of God, thus the rod, as is witnessed here:

Galatians 5:16-21 – So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

An important statement is made here:

Galatians 5:18 – But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

Let’s look at this in the KJV:

Galatians 5:18 – But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

If we follow the Holy Spirit, we are well within the teachings of the Bible. However, if we continue to live in sin, we are placed under the laws given to Moses (1 Timothy 1:9).

The Bible also says this:

Romans 6:12-14 – Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

And:

Romans 7:7-13 – Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” 8 But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. 9 At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, 10 and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. 11 Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. 12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good. 13 But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my death? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes.

When we know the Bible, we know how to live and act, so the fact that God loves us is a given and does not need to be reiterated over and over and over.

This verifies that those that insist upon repeating God’s love for us, or platitudes about how perfect we are in Christ. They are most likely wishing to live in sin more than serving God through our Savior Jesus Christ with the aid of the Holy Ghost. Which shows that the self is their true god and not He who Created all of humanity, whom God does truly and completely love (1 Timothy 2:1-6). Which is why He wishes all to come to salvation through Christ Jesus. To live our lives with the help of our comforter, the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-26 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

By showing love to others, which is living in the Spirit. We show the love that God has for everyone. Always speaking of His love does not truly focus our mind, soul and heart on God, but upon those demanding this attention to know they are loved. Consequently, they can keep living in a sin they know in their soul they are committing. Including living for and in earthly treasures.

This is why Christ said this about those that draw attention to themselves during His Sermon of the mount:

Matthew 6:1-7 – “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.

This goes for speaking in tongues as well (1 Corinthians 14:1-40). Yes, seek to speak in tongues but keep it between you and God. Unless you fit the criteria established in 1 Corinthians 14 for prophecy.

As I stated earlier, but it is needed to be said again. God loves All of humanity. Stop dwelling upon His love for you and start learning the Bible, to show YOUR love for Him and your fellow humans. Any who truly knows they are saved knows they are loved. Why? Because Christ died upon the cross (John 3:16).

When someone continually bring up the fact that God loves them. They continually place Christ upon that cross. What does this really imply about those that do 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.

Before we conclude today’s study. We will return to Philippians chapter 2:

Philippians 2:3 – Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (NKJV)

In the original KJV this verse goes like this:

Philippians 2:3 – Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Strife – 2052 – eritheia – ambition, rivalry, self-seeking; a feud, faction.

               a: ambition – a strong wish to achieve something

Ambition is much like advantage which we defined earlier.

Vainglory – 2754 – kenodoxia – empty pride, self-conceit

               a: conceit – the state of being too proud of yourself and your actions

these two words together equal “ego”

ego – an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others.

We are told in this verse to think of others as better than ourselves. Simply to be humble.

Humble – marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful

               a: meekness – the quality of being quiet, gentle, and unwilling to argue or express your opinions.

What this boils down to is surrendering the self. Doing nothing for ourselves. Seeking nothing for ourselves. This includes seeking after worldly rewards and comforts. Once someone disagrees with this, they are allowing the “self” the “ego” to be who they really are. A worshipper of themselves, not God through our Savior Jesus Christ.

I leave this said for you the listener and reader to contemplate.

Think and ponder.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #93 (Blindness with the Body)

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

Earlier as of the day I write this I had posted a part of the book of Jude. The last book of the letters that form the majority of the New Testament, just before the book of Revelation. It was on a forum that is dedicated to those that profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. I learned two things about the Body of Christ where I posted these verses. First, there are those that have not studied or even read the Bible. This of the two things is not even the worst of the things I learned. But the mere fact that these people profess to being “Christian” when they do not even know who the Word of God is, by the Word of God is saddening.

What was the worst. Was a lady’s sarcastic reply to these verses. It didn’t even occur to her that in essence she was scoffing at God. What is even more astonishing was what the verses were talking about. So that you the listener or reader will understand I will post these verses.

Jude 1:5-16 – So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. 7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment. 8 In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) 10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. 11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. 12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. 14 Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones 15 to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

Verse 10 once again:

Jude 1:10 – But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jude is talking about those that come within the community of those that profess to be “Christian.”

These people put on a show that they are followers of Christ. However, their actions and behavior betray them for what they really are.

Jude explains their destination in verse 11:

“What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.”

What is truly sad is that many that are like this are blind to the truth.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

But they are within the Body how can they be perishing? Someone just insisted.

John 15:1-6 – “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.

Verse 6 in the KJV:

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.

There is only one fire Jesus Christ ever talks about. It is the fires of Hell.

Those that argue and scoff at the very Word of God. Ridicule God Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. Does this bear fruit upon the vine who is Christ Jesus?

The answer is no.

Can they fix this?

That is between them and Jesus. That is not our domain. Those that are of the Body in fact are told to do this:

 2 Timothy 3:5 – They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

Titus 3:9-11 – Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.”

Why?

“For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.”

This is one of the greatest failings within the Body of Christ. The lack of will to cast out those that insist upon living in sin.

We are given an out. We are told to warn them. This is their chance to fix themselves with God. However, if they fail to do so. For the sake of those within the Body that are new or weak we are to cast those that cause these divisions out. Not for their sake, but the sake of those that are not yet strong in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Ghost.

It is due to the fact that this practice is not being followed that we within the Body of Christ find ourselves standing upon the precipice, which is the age of the lukewarm. The abyss stands before us for we must chose to end that which is against the teachings within the Bible from the Body of Christ for His return is near.

One thing I like to say often. Is never to take the word of myself or anyone else when it come to the Word of God. I always insist that people study in-depth the Bible for themselves.

Another instance occurred in a public forum.  Someone ask for my credentials as to my ability to teach the Word of God. Does this not tie in with the verses from Titus?

For the challenge was due to the fact that we are not to seek after worldly rewards aka wealth here on earth.

The person was challenging my competence to state we are not to seek after the world. The thing is I have only shown and taught what is in the Bible. In many cases the teachings of Jesus Christ Himself.

An example:

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 a teaching from John. One of the twelve disciples:

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.

These are not my teachings. These are the Word of God. Yet people insist upon attacking these teaching.

Along this line of though. Two other incidents happened as well where people, when you think about it, weren’t attacking me directly, but in how the Word of God itself is perceived. How the words within the Bible itself are to be interrupted their way and not the literal way they are written down.

Why they did this is from my perspective is so they can accept that they are living in sin and expect to be received with open arms by Jesus Christ when they pass on. Or when the trumpet blast comes, they feel they will be welcomed in the sky above and gathered into the wedding feast.

They are picking out things like God’s eternal love of all of humanity. That His love will never fail or abandon us. Which is truth. What they don’t wish to accept is that His love is for ALL of humanity. Even those that deny Him. The Bible makes this very clear and none who truly know the Bible will never deny this.

You cannot pick the parts you like from the Word of God and deny those parts which cause you discomfort. Which is why Paul said this in Galatians:

 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.

In the KJV:

Galatians 1:10 – For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Making people feel good aka pleasing people. Is not teaching them that the letters between Acts and the Revelation were written for people that Paul himself in most cases had baptized after he knew they had been filled with the Holy Ghost. Paul kicked people from the Body of Christ because they changed the true Word of God to a message that would please others and inturn give those teaching these lies worldly wealth, which as was shown earlier should never be sough after if you are truly following the Bible.

Paul, John and Peter, and the writers of the book of Hebrews, as well as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ makes it very clear that even though someone has received the Holy Spirit and been baptized they, through their own free-will, can choose to turn their backs upon the Truth and return to sin.

Hebrews 6:4-6 – For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. (NKJV)

Yet for me saying these things. They attack and argue with me. Many times, in a high-minded attitude as they know better then I do. I know nothing. I merely read the Word of God and show what is within it. Yet I am the one attacked. When people do this. Even those that say they are “Christian.” All I can do or say is this:

Matthew 5:10-12 – God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

For I know I am teaching the truth when these things transpire, and I feel blessed to be a servant of God through Jesus Christ my Savior.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #92a (The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth) Part 2 Conclusion

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

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Today as we continue our study of “The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth.” We will start with a study of some verses from the Gospel of Luke, and we will see where the Holy Spirit leads us in today’s podcast from there.

Luke 16:1-13 – Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. 2 So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’ 3 “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. 4 Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’ 5 “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ 6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.’ 7 “‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’ 8 “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. 9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “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 will start in on Christ’s description of His parable from verses 9 – 13. Therefore, I will restate them in the KJV:

Luke 16:9-13 – And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Most of the verses here have importance to those that profess to being a follower of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, we will take a look at those that will cause people to think from different perspectives. We will start with verse eleven from the Amplified Bible classic

16:11 – Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches?

Once again in the KJV so we can do a breakdown of certain words:

Luke 16:11 – If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Ye have not – G3756 – ou, ouk, ouch – no or not

Faithful – G4103 – pistos – objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful, faithful, reliable.

Unrighteous – G94 – adikos – unjust, by extension wicked by implication treacherous

Mammon – G3126 – mamónas – (Aramaic) riches, money, possessions, property

Will commit to your trust – G4100, G5213

               G4100 – pisteuó – to believe, entrust

               G5213 – humin – you

The takeaway from the translation:

If a person has not been trustworthy with their earthly riches, possessions and property how can they be trusted with those heavenly rewards yet to come.

What does this mean?

For that we look 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.

Verses 18 in the KJV:

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

Now we will break this down.

That they do good – G14 – agathoergeó – do good: I work that which is good, perform good deeds.

Good – G2570 – kalos – beautiful, good. Properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is valuable, virtuous.

Works – G2041 (G1511)

               G2041 – ergon – to work, toil, an act – deed, labor

               G1511 – einai – am, was, come, is, there is, to be, was

ready to distribute – G2130 – eumetadotos – ready to impart, good at imparting

               impart – to grant a part or share of. to give; bestow; communicate

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

Per the TDNT when these two words are combined as seen in this verse, these two words mean this: “He who gladly gives others a share.”

Therefore, this verse comes out saying:

They do good works that are virtuous who gladly gives others a share of their earthly riches.

Now most do not do this. They say they tithe their ten percent. They cling to the majority of their money and claim it as their rewards, and none are welcome to a share. Simply they have not been faithful with their corrupt riches. For it is made clear that to be faithful they must share most of it and joyfully.

Those who insist upon keeping their wealth. Using a majority share for their own wants and desires are poor stewards of their money. So, they are showing they cannot be trusted with their heavenly rewards. This is why we see this said in verse thirteen:

Luke 16:13 – “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.”

By seeking after more and more. Seeking after wealth, luxuries. Fancy clothes, possessions. Those that do this are enslaved to money. They do not serve God, even though in their eyes they believe they are. The Glorified Jesus Christ sent a letter to them:

Revelation 3:14-22 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

The key element in the description of the lukewarm:

Revelation 3:17 – You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

“You say, I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!”

Does this not describe those that are enslaved to money and not God?

Do they not profess to being “Christian,” yet they insist upon having all their wealth for their own comforts and desires?

The Bible shows they are to give most away and to do it gladly, as stated earlier. Yet right now if they are still reading this, or listening to this. They are getting angry and protesting.

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

“To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.”

“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.”

Later in Luke 16 this is said:

Luke 16:14-15 – The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. 15 Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.

Wealth, status, possessions and the seeking after them is seen as detestable in the sight of God.

Are people willing to accept their short comings?

Time is running out. For His return is nigh.

God Bless