Month: August 2022

Blog for Podcast #118 (Purveyors of chaos)

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

Those that seek to please the self. Those that believe that they are an example to humanity. Those that believe they are better than anyone else are all purveyors of chaos. The Bible says this about these types of people:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 –  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Matthew 15:18-19 – But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

All that is listed here is chaos.

Chaos can take many forms. In the entertainment industry like movies and TV shows, it is usually depicted as wars or some type of conflict. In reality it can be more subtle, more deceiving.

The actual definition of “chaos” is this: a state of disorder and confusion.

In today’s world we are in a time of disorder and confusion on multiple levels. In some cases, there is violence, but most of the disorder and confusion comes from everyday life itself.

The effects of order and chaos do correspond like a pendulum swinging from one side to the other. It has now swung to the side of chaos. So now we must deal with its effects and outcome of the damage that will come from it.

There are those that say chaos is good. Then there are those that know the truth and understand that chaos is always bad, and the degree to which the pendulum is allowed to swing deeper into the side of chaos demands an equal and opposite reaction of order to return the swing to go back the other way. However, even though the swing may appear equal the human cost is always greater when leaving chaos, when leaving evil. Let me explain.
The last time the swing into chaos went too far it cost over 60 million deaths, which was about 3% of the 1940 world population. Then the swing of the pendulum went into the order side.

Here is a contrast to note. For the swing of the pendulum to swing away from order and back into chaos does not necessarily require deaths to cause it, but the minds of humanity to reject order. This started and took place in the 1960s. Now the Vietnam War was going on this time and an approximate total deaths of 1,313,000 took place in that war. That was not a major factor in the change of people minds against order. Those that started the pendulum swing to chaos desired and even lusted for chaos, for sin. Not only in their hearts but their minds as well as they experimented with drugs like LSD and heroin.

They felt enslaved to order. They in their minds wished to have freedom from what they saw as constrains of order. Why this took place was a failing of those that were teaching order. From teaching the doctrines from which order resides, the Bible. For they themselves in most cases didn’t understand the teachings of the Bible. Those teaching the Bible had become legalistic, demanding order be followed, but to follow God is not something that can be demanded. It is something that is voluntary.

But understand what is meant by “legalistic.” Legalism is living the law and following the law, but not being true to the law. That is not having a repentance. Not truly desiring to be faithful to God nor His Son. That is legalism, that is being Legalistic.

What is truly sad though is due to all the chaos we now live within. Those that seek after it and truly desire it for themselves have turned into that which they themselves hated. They have become legalist of chaos. Desiring to control all by demanding that all embrace the chaos and accept it as the truth and all to ending all. Yet as has been shown the swing away from chaos back toward to order usually results in more deaths than it takes to swing from order toward chaos.

What I see in this is that through the love of Christ. He desires us to stay within the constraints of a type of order, not one dictated in legalism, but in a heartfelt desire to be obedient to all the teachings within the Bible, including those laws not replaced by Christ going to the cross. Christ desires that within an order that followed and given with love that can lead to an eternal life that has more to offer than this world we now live within could ever offer. To follow the teachings of the Bible can seem confining, but that is a test of our love and our devotion to our Savior.

Is that really so much to ask of us? I honestly don’t think so.

What is to follow is how to live within order, and if we do so we live within the laws of Moses as well.

Romans 12:9-18 – Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

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!

This is true and complete order. The furthest swing of the pendulum toward order. Yet now as stated we are at the opposite side of the swing, and the blade has gone further than ever before toward chaos. With that in mind. What will be the death toll required to have the swing head back toward order, toward Christ, toward God?

The last time was 60 million.

The Bible tells us the cost, the toll required for this next mandatory swing. It is just not what many think. Most think it is during the great disaster predicted during the tribulation. To some part that is very true, but it is not totally true.

The key is found in 2 Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 – For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

Now why is this? First off, we must understand that the “He” who is taken out of the way is the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Once we have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we are a Holy Temple unto God. That, which dwells within us cannot leave us if we stay true to God. Consequently, when the Holy Spirit is taken away all that have the temple within them are taken out of the way as well.

It has another name: a rapture.

Revelation 7:9-14 – After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Many scholars have debated this for centuries. Yet none can come to Christ without the Holy Spirit, per the words of Christ Himself:

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

If the Holy Spirit is not present, because He must be removed to allow the antichrist to be revealed, none can be saved after the midpoint of the tribulation. This must be something that is considered.

If this is factual and accurate then these “uncountable” otherwise known as billions could be considered part of the cost required. Then those others that happen during the devastation that follows are also part of that cost.

Simply it will cost billions of lives to cause the swing of the pendulum to go back to order, toward righteousness. What many don’t think about or realize is the true cost. The true deaths required in the price of being under chaos.

Death of the soul. Death that will last all eternity. Death that will include many that think they are destine to eternity.

Read the Bible for yourself. Learn the Bible for yourself. Live what is taught within the Bible for yourself.

God Bless  

Blog for Podcast #117 (Baptism)

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

Recently I encountered those that wish to deny the need for baptism. Their excuses ranged from varying aspects. However, when I confronted them with the Word of Jesus Christ Himself, I was bewildered by their rebuttal.

First off, we will show the verse that is the Words of Christ:

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Their excuse they used is that “born of water” is in reference to being born period. The water of the womb.

I did through research upon this topic. First off let’s look at the word “water.”

Water – G5204 – hudór – water

It just means water. Plain and simple water.

Now here is something that needs to be understood. During my research of this word in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. These elements were found about this word.

  1. There was a strong emphasis on the fact that the world was destroyed in a flood.
  2. Water is extremely valued in the middle east.
  3. Its main importance within the letters written by John was that of cleansing.

In the several pages dedicated to the word “water.” Covering its base meanings. Its emphasis throughout the region, as well as how the Jewish people thought of it in the Old Testament and New. One thing never once occurred. That of birth of the human child and the breaking of the water from the womb.

Those that listen to this myth forget an important thing:

1 Corinthians -15:50-53 – Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

With these verses in mind this completely negates those that say the “water” referred to in John 3 is what happens to all humanity at the time they enter this temporal realm of existence.

The actual meaning has more to do with cleansing and destruction of that which is evil for that which is able to become a vessel for the Holy Spirit. Something that shouldn’t be defiled, for it has been washed clean.

Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

This is one of the main reasons why baptism is a requirement per Jesus Christ in John 3:5. Not only of death and rebirth, but of physical and spiritual cleansing to allow the person the ability to be the vessel of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

This brings us to the baptism of Jesus Christ Himself. For even though Jesus was born of a virgin and never commit any sin. His human body was still corrupt, which required the need for a baptism, a cleansing.

Matthew 3:13-17 – Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

This statement is enough to verify what I stated before the verses describing Christ baptism. This was only able to be accomplished through baptism. Note the next verses:

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

In the KJV:

Matthew 3:16 – And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Straightway – G2117 – euthus – at once, forthwith, immediately.

Two things that need to be shown here.

  1. He came straight out of the water immediately. This shows full emersion baptism.
  2. He is cleansed and worthy to once again be filled with what which was originally His, the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost.

This cleansing is a requirement to allow us to be the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Which fully explains the words of Jesus Christ Himself in John 3:5. Earlier I read from Romans 12. I will restate it at this time because it shows the import of why we should fear to sin.

Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Why are we commanded to behave in such a way?

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

Due to our corruption which was shown in 1 Corinthians 15 as staying that way until we go into the presence of Christ at the Rapture if we are so fortunate. We will still sin to some degree since we are not the One who was sinless.

We should all strive to remove all sin from our lives as best we can. Through prayer, supplication, and study of the Word of God. Ever determined not to sin in any form. For when we do so we desecrate a Temple of the Holy Spirit. Out of fear of God we should always steer away from sin as best we can.

“The thief upon the cross was not baptized.” Comes the excuses once again.

How do you know this? There is nothing in the Bible that tells the history of the thief. Here are factors that need to be considered.

All agree that all three, Christ and the two thieves, were led to Golgotha. Christ was in the lead. The main person to be crucified that day. Blood still flowed from Christ onto the ground, and the two thieves walked through His blood. Something few even think about. But this is only a theory and no more should be thought upon it, which I will explain why shortly.

Then we have the story of Peter calling Jesus the Son of God.

Matthew 16:16-17 – Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Could the thief have been so blessed?

I have no true answers to this issue. What I know is that Jesus said this man for saying Christ was innocent was welcomed in heaven. That is all that is important. Those that apply this to baptism are more likely making excuse to sin then to follow Christ. Here I will leave this. For I am only striving to spread the True Word of God, and that is all that is shown within the Word. Any who wish to expand upon it or apply things not written within the Bible are making myths and fairytales.

1 Timothy 4:6-7 – If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 – I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Those that say the “water” in John 3:5 is a woman giving birth have created a fable and those that believe and teach it should be turned away from. For they desire to live in the sins we are instructed to leave behind defiling the Temples of the Holy Spirit.

Turn from sin and turn to God through Jesus Christ. If you have not been baptized do so and seek to end all sin within you as you live here on earth. Seek out full emersion baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and remember that once you do so that once you enter into sin once again, which will occur. You defile the Holy Spirit and seek damnation if you do not repent of your sins.

For Christ is soon to return and time is running short.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #116 (Enemies of God)

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

James 4:4 – Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

These people to which James was referring were not those that deny God. Those that openly sin, saying they welcome following their own lusts and desires that will lead them to damnation.

This verse was aimed at those within the church. Those that at one time professed and may actually have been grafted into the Vine that is our Lord Jesus Christ. However, now they no longer bear fruit.

Adulterers – G3432 – moichos – apostate, adulterer

  1. Apostate – someone who has given up their religion
  2. Apostasy – an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith

I want to key in on following and obeying. Why is that? The answer comes from Matthew:

Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

When following, when obeying. We are staying true to these two commandments which come from the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18) This explains why verse 40 exists. It is reaffirming what Christ stated in chapter five of Matthew:

Matthew 5:17-19 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Many that profess to being “Christian” have destroyed the laws of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. They use the excuses like for example that these laws are under the old covenant. Yet Christ says this about that mentality:

 Luke 16:16-17 – “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

Therefore, Jesus Christ makes it very clear that the laws that were not removed by Him going to the cross. That is making sacrifices. Are still active and true if they do not violate that second commandment.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Would you enslave yourself? The answer is no. Subsequently, slavery is against the laws of Moses. Even though they were originally in them.

But back on track.

So, following and obeying all the teachings within the Bible that pass the litmus test of Matthew 22:37-40 shows not only yourself, but the world about you that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, and so are not an enemy of God.

Yet there are those that will deny this, will argue, and complain that what was just stated is the Truth. This is the first indicator as to identifying who are the enemies of God.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

This leads us to the next clues as to who are the enemies of God. For within these verses are descriptions that leads us to the verses that are to follow:

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I want you the listener and reader to note an important verse that precedes these verses:

Galatians 5:18 – But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

This is a clear statement. That if we behave in the following manner:

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

We work within the laws of Moses. Yet if we live in the sins lists that come from the flesh. Those that live this way are answerable to the laws of Moses, which affirms what Jesus Christ Himself said, that the laws are not destroyed, just fulfilled. Then those that chose to ignore the laws and do not follow or obey them can be considered enemies of God.

What other evidence is there of who are those that are the enemy of God?

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

These verses when taken in concert with the first verse we discussed today says volumes. Therefore, let us repeat it:

James 4:4 – Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

So those that seek after wealth, fancy houses, new cars. Bigger and better. They are actually enemies of God. No matter what they say their affiliation is. For their true love is their want for what will get them what they truly desire.

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.

“You will be devoted to one and despise the other.”

It is a plain statement.

If you are devoted to God, you will not desire what money gives you. You will despise luxuries. You will not seek after bigger, better fancier.

You will downsize. If you have wealth, it will be given to charities in need. To people in need.

Most will reject this. Most will scoff at this. Most will be in bewilderment and shocked.

Revelation 3:15-18 – “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.

“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.”

Yes, I used these verses on purpose. Does it make those that want to reject this, scoff at this and are shocked by this stop.

It should. This is not me speaking these are not my words. This is the Bible. This is God.

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

It amazes me how people wish to reject the Bible just because what is being said goes against how they were raised and told their entire lives. That would imply that all they have learned and been told is a lie. That their parents, their pastor or minister had it all wrong.

If the Bible says one thing yet all you do goes to the opposite than what is the truth?

The Bible or how you have lived?

People say they are “Christian” yet reject that which goes against what they desire what they are devoted to. This causes conflict within people. For centuries they have been told that to succeed is to gain that which is within this world. However, this is opposite of that which the Bible tells us to seek after.

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.

Where your treasure is makes you a follower of Christ or an enemy of God. it is just that simple. It is black and white. Hot and cold. Sheep or goats. There is no middle ground. There never has been. People can’t keep chasing after both. They all must chose a side, and they must now do something about it.

Why?

Because Christ is soon to come and what follows that first appearance is something all wish to avoid, but most will not.

Why?

Because they chose to be God’s enemy instead of Christ’s follower.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #115 (money vs God)

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

The other day I ran into a new excuse as to why to keep one’s wealth. Before I get into that. I will concede this fact. That in today’s society and system we live within, it makes all slaves to our incomes.

However, this does not excuse those that come to a true awareness of the teachings within the Bible. Now as to the excuse. The person used these verses to be encouraged by using more of their wealth for themselves then for God.

1 Timothy 5:8 – But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Provide – G4306 – pronoeó – to foresee, look out for beforehand

Now just so we are all on the same page. All should agree that if you start a family they need to be cared for. However, we must also agree with what Christ Himself said:

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.

Most now days ignore these words from Jesus Christ, now I understand one more excuse for it.

We have to work by degrees. We must balance our lives even more so than at any time in the past. Mainly because of how the need for money has come to be the master of the world system. Which has entrapped not only humanity but Christendom. Because of this they have forgotten these important verses that I keep being forced to go back to time and again:

Luke 16:14-15 – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

This is why there is a need for balance, for moderation from those that profess to being “Christian.” Living within our financial boundaries. Not seeking after that which is beyond our control.

A trend I myself was guilty of was purchasing a new car every four to five years. This put me in a financial bind, which led to another bind then another. Entrapping me, enslaving me to money. This cycle continued for decades. Why?

Because I was not following the Bible. I was not following God.

Finally, I did start to listen. I kept a car for a decade, removed Credit Card debt. Bought items that were cheaper, but kept my family cared for. If I financed, I made it short term if possible and paid it off before I pursued something new that was actually needed. Not wanted, needed.

I grew up in a household that sought after bigger, better, finer. They too professed to being “Christian” yet did what 1 John 2 told us not to do. I had fallen into the trap that so many that now profess to being “Christian” now do.

Why?

Because I did not know the Bible as well as I should. I have changed that part of it. I studied the Bible like I have never done before. Which in turn has given me insight into how we are to pursue our lives here in this temporal realm of existence.

I followed that important teaching that shows I wish to be a follower of Christ.

Luke 14:25-32 – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

The cost of discipleship. The true cost is to stop seeking after the world. Stop seeking after that which the world prizes. Not to focus on our wants and desires. To live solely on what is required to make it to the next day but take no more. Not comforts, not luxuries. Not earthly entertainments.

Did I get rid of it all? No. I do not live as a monk of the days of old, but I live a modest and unassuming life. I live in an RV full-time with my wife and my dog.

Do I think all should live this way?

That is not for me to say. Each person must come to their place within the Body of Christ if they truly seek to be His disciple. However, we have the story of the young rich man. Told in three different gospels. Yet most reject what is being said within it.

The young man follows the teachings of the Bible. He follows all the commandments. So do many that profess to being Christian today. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ said this was not enough. More was required to truly be called a disciple of His:

Mark 10:21 – Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

Most do not do this. They believe it has no place in their life. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. For what is it that the young rich man did?

Mark 10:22 – But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

He turned his back upon Jesus Christ. Millions do this very same thing every day. Nonetheless they on the other hand still believe they are right with God and His Son. Yet Christ makes it clear that they are not welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven:

Mark 10:23 – Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

Why? Because they must have their comforts, they must have their luxuries, they must have their money. I return to Matthew chapter six once again:

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.

They are saying otherwise, they are saying it is not black and white. Not hot and cold. What does this make them then?

Revelation 3:15-17 – “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.

They are spit from the Body of Christ. They have turned their backs upon their salvation and chosen the world over God. They have chosen money over God. However, they still go to church. They still sing hymns and with all their hearts believe they are saved.  Believe they are going to heaven.

What is the final things Christ says about this issue about riches?

Mark 10:29-31 – “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

A key statement is made here:

“Along with persecution”

If people do not live in persecution. If they are not attacked for what they believe or say about the Word of God or how they live for Christ. Then they are not walking the path of salvation, but of comfort and leisure and point of fact money. They are on the wide path and not the narrow one.

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.

So, their god is not the Creator of this universe, but that which gives them satisfaction here in this fleeting existence we all must endure until we are called into the presence of God.

There are only two ways this calling can be accomplished. One way is in robes of white. The are other is to be standing before the Great White Throne in shock and bewilderment. For most believed they are truly “Christian.” Yet they will find themselves standing there anyway, defending themselves and seeing if their name has remained in the Book of Life or if it was removed by Jesus Christ Himself.

Revelation 3:1-6 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. 4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. 6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #114 (Abomination)

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Intro

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

Discussion

Abomination

This word in the Greek is only seen six times in the New Testament. Two of these times was used by Christ to describe the antichrist in the books of Matthew and Mark. It is used twice in the book of Revelation as part of the description of the world religion which worships the antichrist.

Why I stated with these four examples of this word is because I wanted for you the listener and reader to understand the use of this word as something to be seen as extremely bad.

Many times, throughout past podcasts I have used one of the other two verses that uses this Greek word. I will get to that shorty, but I want this to sink in a bit.

In two uses it is used as a description of the antichrist and the other two part of the description of the one world religion that will worship the antichrist. Just think about that. This being and this group are the antithesis of Jesus Christ and those that follow Christ. Those that are called “Christian.”

So let us now look at these verses once again that I have used in the past:

Luke 16:14-15 – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

When Christ talked to the Pharisees, he labeled them as what they were:

“You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

The Pharisees justified themselves to men not God.

Justify – G1344 – dikaioó – render, (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent, be righteous, to show to be righteous, declare righteous

Simply they made the Jewish people believe they were “holy” by feigning righteousness. Then he says what?

“For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

What is highly esteemed among men?

Again, I turn to verses I have used more than once:

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.

“Craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.”

Physical pleasure is not just limited to sex, but an adrenaline rush which is achieved through various means. Like participating in or watching sporting events, as well as video games and other entertainment like movies and television.

A craving for everything we see goes to seeking after beauty in all its forms. Form clothing to how people look and even tattoos. As well as face-lifts and seeking after eternal youth. Pride in achievements is seeking after success and prestige. While pride in possessions is seeking after the best, biggest and most luxurious.

What many don’t think about is that one of the worst places that participate in this is within churches. In fact, churches themselves do the same thing. The bigger the better when that is actually per the verses of 1 John a sin. Accordingly, seeking after bigger churches is pursing that which the world esteems.

Simply they are now equal to the Pharisees.

Right now, there are those listening that are protesting what I just stated. The mere fact that they are is verification that I have just stated fact. What does Jesus say about this?

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.

Most that profess to being “Christian” believe this is in reference to those that deny Christ. However, when you look at the full context of Matthew 7. Especially the verses that directly follow these:

Matthew 7:15-23 – “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. 21 “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.’

In the first half Christ is describing what to look for in false teachers, then He goes on to describe those that believed with all their hearts and actions that they were one with Christ. Yet He will say He never knew them.

I have shown multiple times those ending verses and explained that none can cast out demons unless they were once born again. Yet now they are denied by Christ.

Why is this?

It is because they have made themselves an abomination to Christ. They have turned themselves into the lukewarm.

Revelation 3:15-18 – “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.

Christ is giving them an out. He is asking them to repent. To abandon their riches and to seek after that which comes from Him. That which can only be received by leaving that which the world esteems to that which God esteems.

Mark 10:21 – Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

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.

Any who seek after wealth and riches are an abomination. They are on the same level as the antichrist and those that willingly follow after the riches of the world. Why do you think they are seen as worse than those that outright deny Christ? Why are they spit from His body?

Because they are an abomination. On par with those that are opposite of God, of Christ. This is why they are spit out.

Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Spue – G1692 – emeó – to vomit

  1. Vomit – to spew forth

Those that are the lukewarm are equal to those that follow the antichrist. They are no longer worthy to be in the presence of God or in the Body of Christ. They are detestable, seen as something that is willingly to show anger and hate for that which is true and righteous.

 1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

“From such withdraw yourself.”

Why say this? Because they are seen as evil. They are seen as an abomination.

God Bless