Month: November 2023

Blog for Podcast #181 (Stop Scoffing if you say you are Christian)

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

Those that study Scripture know that time is running out. What is worst of all. Many that profess to being “Christian” believe with all their hearts that they are going to heaven. This is the furthest thing from the truth.

At this very moment many reading or listening to this, that profess they follow Christ, are scoffing and mayhaps laughing at what was just stated. The mere fact that they are doing so places them on par with those that derided Jesus Christ Himself.

Luke 16:14-15 NKJV – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 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.

Those that just scoffed and laughed most likely seek after what is highly esteemed among men. The large house or houses. Fancy clothes. Expensive vehicles. All that is seen as “an abomination in the sight of God.”

Are you still laughing? Are you still scoffing? Do you still wish to be seen as an abomination in the sight of God? Then stop laughing and scoffing and start to read and or listen to the Truth. First off. Study the Bible for yourself. Not read it. STUDY it. There is a difference.

Reading it, is what caused those that laughed and scoffed to do so. Reading it allows people to hear things from others and accept it is truth when it is a lie.

Studying it allows those hearing or reader to discern what is the real Truth. I challenge any to find error in what I am teaching by studying the Bible for themselves.

But, to get back on track.

Why are actions I mentioned earlier seen as an abomination in the sight of God?

The Bible gives us the answer.

1 John 2:15-16 NKJV – 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. 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.

Let’s look at this from another translation of the Bible.

1 John 2:16 NLT – 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.

First off, I have to make something very clear. When you truly study the Word of God. You find out that there are translations of the Bible that can be trusted. However, it is best to use those translations that are closer to the original source like the King James version.

Now let’s continue. First, we have the clear command:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world.”

Yet those that laughed and scoffed do just that by seeking after fancy houses, clothes and vehicles. They seek to be wealthy. This is all that is “highly esteemed among men.”

Yet most that profess to being “Christian” keep these things and seek after bigger, better and more. Making themselves friends of the world seeking after those things which men, the world, esteems. Which makes them what to God?

James 4:4 NKJV – 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.

By keeping the big house and continuing to live as the rest of the world does makes these people that profess to being “Christian” actually enemies of God.

Again, scoffing and laughter occurs. However, in three different gospels this one meeting is emphasized.

Mark 10:17-22 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 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.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

So, lets look at this from a perspective of those that now profess to being “Christian.” Most profess that they follow the commandments, especially those listed in these verses. Consequently, they are equal to this young man.

They have many possessions. Again, this makes them equal with the young rich man.

What does Christ command this man to do?

“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 that scoff and laugh refuse to downsize. It is not for them it is for someone else to do. It was for this young rich man alone, not for them.

This mentality goes completely opposite these Words spoken by Jesus:

Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Again, this is not meant for them. Then they just made these Words we just heard a lie spoken by the Son of God.

Time and again Christ commands we reject the world and all it offers to show we are His disciples. One of the most pronounced occurs in the gospel of Luke:

Luke 14:25-33 NKJV – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “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. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 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— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 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? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

This is why it is so important to stop laughing and scoffing at these Truths now before you the reader or listener. As long as you have this attitude you are in a way behaving like the young rich man. However, instead of walking away from your salvation sorrowfully as the young rich man did. You that laughed and scoffed are walking away in pride and arrogance.

Proverbs 8:13 NKJV – The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV – Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Those that laugh and those that scoff show they are prideful, and their behavior shows arrogance. Which opens a door into the souls of those that behave in this manner as shown in this verse:

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

We need to look at this verse in the KKV:

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

Strife – G2052 – eritheia – rivalry, ambition, self-seeking.

To see others as better than yourself you would and should willingly downsize. Living off the least of your earthly wealth and giving the rest away to help others. Which, explains why this is said in 1 John:

1 John 3:17 NKJV – But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Whoever has a big house, fancy clothes and vehicles, and sees any in need and does nothing shows all they place themselves before others and as the verse states plainly. Shows they have no love of God within them.

Since we have shown they are an enemy of God this makes total and complete sense, which is why they laugh and scoff. For they are not “Christian,” but religious self-serving creatures destine to damnation. That is unless they repent.

Revelation 3:15-19 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.

To be zealous is to act quickly and earnestly. Follow what is commanded by the Glorified Jesus Christ and repent of your lust and desire to live in and of the world. Now! Downsize Now! Help those in need Now!

For tomorrow will most likely be too late.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #180 (The Most Religious are most likely the Most Damned)

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 title of this podcast is aimed at those that profess they are “Christian.” Those that go to the buildings called churches at least once a week, but most likely go more than this. Those that without question or doubt give their ten percent tithe. Yet they live in comfort within their luxuries. Playing or watching golf on their huge, screened TVs. Going to their jobs every single day, and even working overtime if it is required. Working toward their retirement seeking their multi-million-dollar 401ks and/or pension plans. Planning upon their multiple homes filled with all the items they can seek after and acquire to show that they have succeeded and are special. All the time going further and further away from God to the point of eternal damnation.

As anger rises within them at hearing these words, they give verification to the truth that has just been said as shown with these verses from Galatians:

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 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.

For is not everything they seek after considered “selfish ambitions?” Is not the rising anger an outburst of wrath? Do they not display jealousy with others having more and better houses and luxuries than they have?

Jesus said this after one of His parables:

Luke 16:13-15 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 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.

They derided their Messiah for telling them what is now being said in this podcast. Those that are angry and protesting are in fact deriding what is being stated here in this podcast. Thus making them equal to the Pharisees. How does Christ reply to those very religious men?

“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.”

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

What is highly esteemed amongst men today?

A huge house or multiple homes. A huge salary. Multiple vehicles, the more expensive the better. Fancy and expensive clothes. Multiple large screen TVs. Expensive luxuries all for a person or family.

All an abomination in the sight of God. Just as shown would be the case when it was close for Jesus Christ to return and cause the tribulation to occur as witnessed in the last letter to the seven churches in the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation.

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

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’”

And how does the Glorified Jesus Christ really see them:

“And do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Also Christ said this earlier:

“I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

To be violently spued out of the Body of Christ. Means to no longer be able to qualify as a follower of Christ. Let’s define the word “disciple.”

Disciple – G3101 – mathétés – a learner, pupil

  1. pupil – one who has been taught or influenced by a famous or distinguished person
  2. taught is to teach – a: to cause to know something;

b: to cause to know how;

c: to accustom to some action or attitude;

d: to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action.

When you think on these definitions you come to one conclusion. Any who call themselves “Christian” in their hearts has commit to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. For these definitions equate to these very principles found within the Word of God. Therefore, all are disciples who assume the moniker of “Christian.”

Any who says they are not a disciple of Jesus Christ therefore are not “Christian.” In Luke chapter fourteen Jesus Christ defines what is required to be His follower, His disciple:

 Luke 14:25-33 NKJV – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “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. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 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— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 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? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

A direct command from Jesus Christ:

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

Per this statement by Jesus Christ Himself. Any who keep their earthly wealth, seek after earthly luxuries, houses and vehicles are NOT “Christians.” If they go to a building called a “church,” and give their ten percent tithe. As well as keep and seek after earthly comforts and wealth, they are nothing but religious people pretending to be of a group that calls themselves “Christian.” Which per Jesus Christ Himself they are an abomination in the sight of His Father: God. Who sees them as equal to the antichrist and those that follow that person. Consequently, their names are not written in the Book of Life and their destiny is what?

Revelation 20:15 NKJV – And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Isaiah 66:24 NKJV – “And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.

Christ gives them a chance:

Revelation 3:18-19 NKJV – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

To be zealous is to act quickly to fix the mistakes you have taken. Not tomorrow or next week, but now. Downsize now. Sell off your luxuries and multiple vehicles. Get rid of your expensive clothes and start to buy inexpensive clothes. Give away what you can’t sell to those in need and be ready to help those that have suffered due to natural disasters. Just as we are instructed to do in the Bible.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV – Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We are promised no earthly rewards or luxuries by God or His Son. All our rewards will come when we begin to live our eternal lives. Any who seek after anything here in this temporal reality seek after sin and living in sin.

Matthew 16:24-27 NKJV – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

So, repent of your sin of hypocrisy of living in both religion and in the world. Choose your fate. Either surrender all and follow Jesus Christ or keep all and, in the near future, take the chip into your hand which is the mark of the beast and confirm to all that it is Satan you follow and worship and not Jesus Christ.

For that is what you are saying with your actions, your works, at this very moment by living as you do now. For faith without works that reflect the teachings of the Bible are dead, just as those that reject the Truth of the Word of God are dead in the eyes of God.

James 2:26 NKJV – For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

It is this death in the sight of God this podcast is trying to make those reading or listening aware of. It is this death that allows Jesus Christ to say He never knew them.

Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Repent and downsize as quickly as possible, for time is quickly running out. For the first rapture is swiftly approaching.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #179 (Those that Seek to Justify Their Sins)

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

Time and again I encounter those that wish to continue in their sins. They profess to being “Christian.” However, when they are confronted with how they live is not per the Bible. They become incensed. They seek to attack the human that has shown their weakness with God as shown in the Bible.

As shown in the Bible. This means the person quoting the Bible is the messenger not the judge. They are the ones presenting the message, but not the one whom sent it.

These acts of self-justification, by the person or persons feeling remorse upon their part at receiving the message. Shows that a nerve has been struck. Guilt has reared its ugly head within them. Therefore, they strike at the messenger, not realizing they are in fact attacking He who sent the message. Since the messenger quotes the Bible, then it is God through the Word of God who sent the message. Not the human they seek to attack by trying to justify themselves.

What is amazing though is how they seek to justify themselves. Let us take social media as an example. They go into the messenger’s past. A past which has been forgiven by God. They attack how their children raise their grandchildren. Forgetting this important verse.

Ephesians 5:31 NKJV – “FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

This means that the father and mother no longer have say with how the man and wife raise their children.

They try to throw out sins of the past of the messenger, to justify and excuse the sins they now live in. How does that work to God’s Glory?

The answer is: it does not.

It works only for those seeking to justify themselves by allowing them to keep living in their sins. Using the past sins of the messenger as proof, in their eyes that they are right and can continue to live in sin. This also proves that they are not God focused, but self-focused. It also shows that they seek that which is esteemed by the world.

Luke 16:13-15 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 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.

This means that they wish to justify being seen as “an abomination in the sight of God.” They wish to justify being on par with the antichrist and those that follow him. Which again shows they have no true desire to follow God but wish to live a lukewarm life.

I use the word “life” loosely here. For Christ Jesus said this about those who choose to being lukewarm:

Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

To be vomited out of the Body of Christ means only one thing. They are not apart of the Body and so are not one with Christ. This also means they are not written in the Book of Life as witnessed by this letter:

Revelation 3:1-5 NKJV – “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

All this spoken by the Christ Jesus. The one giving the message. However, they don’t wish to hear or accept these truths. For to do so means they must change or deny Him who sent the message.

 Matthew 10:33 NKJV – But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

The moment they are denied by His Father. Their name is not found in the Book of Life. So, then, what is their fate?

Revelation 20:15 NKJV – And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why they seek to justify themselves. For if they are not in the Book of Life. This is their fate. They must be right. They must be escaping this fate. Yet where did the message come from? Not from the messenger, but from the Word of God. And what is the purpose of the Word of God?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

For reproof. The messenger shows the Word of God. Shows they are living in sin.

Here, those given the message should seek to correct their ways, not try to justify the ways they live. For the Bible shows us how to live in righteousness. The Bible teaches us to downsize, which is the visible commentment we show the world that we seek to reflect Christ and not the world.

Those that seek to justify themselves don’t wish to hear this. They wish to have their earthly rewards. But what does the Bible teach us about earthly rewards:

1 John 2:15-16 NLT – 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. 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.

Therefore, those that seek worldly possessions make themselves friends of the world.

James 4:4 NKJV – 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.

Thus, they make themselves enemies of God. Justified enemies of God, that seek not to help others into heaven, but themselves into earthly comforts. And what does Christ say about that?

Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Let’s return to Luke 16 once again. Jesus had just told a parable about the dishonorable land manager. He ended this parable with these words:

 Luke 16:13 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

This is what is said next.

Luke 16:14 NKJV – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.

They derided – G1592 – ekmuktérizó – scoff at, mock greatly, sneer

               Scoff – to laugh and talk about a person or idea in a way that shows that you think they are stupid or silly.

               Mock – to criticize and laugh at (someone or something) for being bad, worthless, or unimportant. If someone mocks you, they show or pretend that they think you are foolish or inferior, for example by saying something funny about you, or by imitating your behavior. Or by digging up your past and try to use it against you.

               Sneer – to talk about or look at someone or something in an unkind way that shows you do not respect or approve of him, her, or it.

Those that try to justify their sinfulness. So, they can continue in it must belittle the messenger. Not realizing that they are actually belittling God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Which shows that they are blind to the Truth. For if they truly followed Christ Jesus, they would not act like those that sent Him to the cross. Therefore, those that belittle the messenger are not followers of He who sent the message. Their love is for the world and he who runs it.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT – 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.

Satan rewards those that follow him with earthly rewards.

Luke 4:5-6 NKJV – Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

“And I give it to whomever I wish.”

The mere fact that they are so open to diminishing God shows all where their loyalties lie. Which is truly sad. For they have chosen eternal death over eternal life. Just so they can live in earthly comforts. Just so they can enjoy this short temporal life of a few decades as opposed to eternal life.

But that is their choice, and it is truly and completely sad.

Repent! Downsize! Now!

God Bless

Blog of Podcast #178 ( Most that call Themselves Christian follow the Path of Willful Disobedience)

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

One of the greatest issues that faces the community that calls itself “Christian” is most believe that they have favoritism. As I have shown and taught in the past that would turn God into a liar. So, I will show this verse once again that shows no one has special status before God.

Romans 2:11 NLT – For God does not show favoritism.

But since we are here in this letter to the Romans. I wish to key in on something that Paul wrote to these people.

Romans 7:14-25 NKJV – For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

People that view themselves as special, that are proud and believe themselves exempt do not wish to acknowledge these verses. Paul makes reference to his endeavor along these lines in 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 9:23-27 NKJV – Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

”But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Most confuse these verses as to mean physical health, but in actuality it is spiritual health that Paul is referring to. Disciplining his mind to not turn to the one sin that is still left within him.

Now right here those that perceive themselves as special, and exempt will be either complaining or laughing. But then they seem to forget this important verse:

1 Corinthians 15:53 NKJV – For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption.”

And when does this occur? At the rapture. Therefore, until we are called to enter into our immortal bodies, we all have corruption in us. We all have something that is carnal still present within our bodies. Something that never leaves us. For only one being has ever been perfect and this is our Savior Jesus Christ. Paul knew this and not only struggled with it, but passed this struggle onto those reading and listening to his letters so that they would not feel shame in their one carnal sin that was hurting them.

The moment someone believes they are sinless they are prideful and behave in a haughty manner. What does the Bible teach about being proud?

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV – Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

But those that think they are special, and exempt don’t wish to hear this as is shown as we go further into these proverbs.

Proverbs 16:19-22 NKJV – Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.

Why?

Because they have done all that is required and no more is required of them. I showed when I taught the full meaning found within John 15:1-6. Those that choose not to abide in Christ willfully elect to enter into damnation. Which explains why Paul worded 1 Corinthians 9:27 the way he did. Showing that his desire was to seek to abide in Christ by bringing under control his carnality. That one element that is within all that none can remove until they put on their immortal bodies.

People do not wish to accept that our relationship with Jesus Christ is a partnership. Which is why it is called to abide. Once again let us define the word: abide.

abide – G3306 – to stay, remain, dwell, endure.

Are Christians not called the bride of Christ? Is marriage a one-sided relationship? The answer is: it is not. Even Biblically the most successful marriages were two-sided. Most that profess to being “Christian” expect Christ to do everything and they have to do nothing in return. This is why Christ says this about those that wish to be his disciples.

 Luke 14:26-27 NKJV – “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. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

A clear statement. This is expounded three times in three gospels. I will read one of these:

Mark 10:17-22 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 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.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Most that profess to being “Christian” do exactly as the young rich man did. In their eyes they are the perfect disciple. Yet Christ says they haven’t done one thing.

“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.”

What is the young rich man’s response?

“But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

This is how most live and how all that are like this respond. They say it is not their task to do this for they are special and exempt. This is why Christ says this to His apostles:

Mark 10:23-31 NKJV – Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

This is why Christ also said this:

Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV – “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Those that believe in their special status with God believe they can keep their wealth and not have to walk away sorrowfully like the young rich man did. Therefore, they in turn show that they are willfully removing themselves from their salvation. Yet in their eyes they think and believe with all their hearts that they will enter into heaven. Yet they fear death to come upon them. Which again shows they do not desire to be in the presence of God and are not living a live within the Word of God as exemplified by these verses:

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NKJV – For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Most that profess to being “Christian” do not behave in this manner. Most fear and dread to leave this mortal life. Why? Because deep inside most know the truth. That they are not one with Christ but of this world which they willfully chose to befriend.

James 4:4 NKJV – 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.

For their soul knows that they are not friends with God but His enemies. Again, they do not wish to hear or acknowledge this truth. For to do so would force them to accept that they have been living a lie. That since they keep their wealth and luxuries of this world that it is not God they serve, but he who offers earthly wealth to those that follow him.

Luke 4:5-6 NKJV – Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

“For this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.”

“I give it to whomever I wish.”

That is why Christ desires we downsize. As a living witness of our devotion to Him, by the selling off of our worldly goods which are gifts given unto us by the devil. By downsizing we show the world Whom we wish to server. From Whom we seek our rewards, which are not found upon this earth, but in our eternal life that is going to come once we leave this temporal plain of existence. This is why these verses are taught:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV – Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Therefore, abandon your willful arrogance, which makes you claim you are a child of God and exempted from following His command to downsize. Time is running short to change your ways or you may find yourself here amongst those that deny God and His Son our Savior: Jesus Christ.

God Bless