Month: December 2023

Blog for Podcast #186 (The Judas Effect)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Just so we all understand from the start. Judas was chosen by Christ. Aka saved.

Judas was sent out to teach the Truth. He cast out to demon and healed the sick:

Mark 6:7-13 NKJV – And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Christ said he was clean. Aka saved.

John 15:1-6 NKJV – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

What else do we learn from the verses we just heard in addition to the fact that Judas was clean when he heard this message? The answer: He stopped abiding in the Vine who is Jesus Christ. These verses, in other words, were a warning to Judas to not stop abiding in Jesus, which he eventually did. He chose to abandon his salvation. Aka he was no longer saved. Which millions eventually do, for humans are fickle as was made clear in Hosea.

Hosea 1:2 NKJV – When the LORD began to speak by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the LORD.”

For those that call themselves “Christian” have committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord. This is why Peter said this:

2 Peter 2:20-22 NKJV – For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Any who says they cannot lose their salvation are saying they no longer sin.

1 John 1:8-10 NKJV – If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Millions actually call Jesus Christ a liar and are equal to Judas. They have taken their thirty silver and say they are one with Christ and have no need of anything.

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—

Their earthly riches. Their earthly wealth is their thirty silver. Accordingly, like Judas, they are vomited from the Body of Christ. The are removed from the Vine and cast into the fire.

Christ makes it a very clear division. It is cold or hot. It is black or white. It is God or money.

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.

What is highly esteemed among men?

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.

They seek after and are rewarded with these things that never came from the Father. Never came from Jesus. They no longer abide in Christ.

What is required to show you desire to abide in the Vine who is Jesus Christ?

Mark 10:17-21 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.”

“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.”

Note: the young rich man followed the commandments. He put on the show that he was following God, for we are all called to follow the commandments if we love Christ.

John 14:15 NKJV – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

To show our devotion to God through Jesus Christ we are to downsize, for this is a commandment from Christ Himself. Yet, millions ignore this command, for it is not meant for them. They are allowed to keep their thirty silver. They are allowed to be the lukewarm and keep their riches and wealth.

What was Christ answer to this belief?

Mark 10:23-25 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.”

This is the Judas effect. They can keep their riches. For they are not the young rich man. However, they ignore the Wording of these verses.

“How hard it is for those who trust in riches.”

“Those” is reference to any who seek after and keep earthly wealth. For they trust in their riches more than they trust in God through Jesus Christ.

Any who seeks after the huge house, the fancy clothes, and expensive vehicles show where their loyalties lie. Which is why it will be hard for them to enter into the kingdom of God. They would rather keep their thirty silver than to throw it away so they can enter freely into the presence of God. This is why Christ says this in Luke:

Luke 14:33 NKJV – So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Any seeking after wealth pursues to be Judas. They seek to no longer abide in Christ willingly, because their comfort, their status, their possessions are something that they can see and hold on to. For they don’t see their Savior, and since they cannot see Him, abiding in Him is not of any value to them. Their eternal life offers no dividends to them now. For their focus is not upon their eternal life, but their temporal life, which means they are fixated upon their death. Not temporal, but eternal. For the mentality of those that pursue their Savior follow a different path:

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.

“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.”

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”

To be well pleasing to Him is to follow His commandments, which includes downsizing as well as praying in private, never publicly.

As we quickly approach the soon return of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is extremely important to come to understand that we must follow the commands given us by Jesus. Any who refuses these Truths. Any who refuse they can lose their salvation wish to be someone who has taken the thirty silver and sold Christ unto death in their own souls.

However, God through His eternal love for all humanity. Offers us all a chance to repent of our sins and to return to Him. If we accept the Truth and return to Him, if we accepted Him as our Savior, then we will willingly and with vigor seek to be with Him. We do this by submitting to His teachings within the Bible.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #185 (How you show all where your heart is in this Christmas Season)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

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.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This can be measured every Christmas Eve when people look under their tree. If all you can see is boxes or objects and not the tree skirt. You are seeing where your heart is focused, and it is not upon God. This measurement is amplified by the fact that Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Most show their true desires and affiliation with these gifts. For they show all the world where the focus of these people is located. It is not upon God.

Now I wish to come at this from another angle. Let’s look to 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 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.

“For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.”

Those that profess to truly following Christ do not desire to be here on this earth, but in the presence of God. So why seek after gifts under the tree?

The answer is: you shouldn’t.

This should make many feel uncomfortable at this time. However, most will scoff and laugh at what has just been said. For those doing so I refer you to my past podcast #181 (Stop Scoffing if you say you are Christian).

I will now continue with today’s study.

We are taught this in 1 Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV – Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

Therefore, you should see more tree skirt than you see presents under the tree.

What should be done with all the rest of the money?

James 1:27 NKJV – Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

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.

Something important was said in James 1:27 so I will restate it:

“To keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

This brings us back to presents once again with these verses:

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.

When we look at all the decorations, all the parties and all the presents what do we see in these verses?

Physical pleasure? Yes.

A craving in everything people see? Yes

Pride in their in achievements? Yes

As for possessions. I think nothing is worth saying in this issue sense it is so obvious.

What this boils down to is everything people now celebrate does not celebrate only the Son of God but also God who is the Father as is clearly stated in these verses:

“These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”

They do not celebrate Christ; they celebrate the world and he who is the father of 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.

Which explains why Santa wears red and people celebrate it and enjoy doing so. All in the name of the season. Note I didn’t say in the name of Jesus. For they have left Jesus behind long ago.

Once again anger raises its head from the readers and listeners. So, let’s turn to the Word of God:

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.

First, we have idolatry, then we move on to hatred as well as contentions. We have outbursts of wrath. Because of self-ambitions people seek after more and greater things. What is one thing most do at this time of the year? They have parties which is revelries.

Now, since we have now established you are of the world and celebrate the world and not Christ’s birth. Let us be honest and face the truths of these sins against the Father. So let us look at the last letter in the Book of Revelation.

Revelation 3:15-22 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. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ “

We are looking to this letter for a simple reason. Redemption, repentance. Repentance from the sin of seeking after presents for yourself and your loved ones. All the while you ignore the poor, the orphaned. Those in dire straits. Sitting in your fancy houses and driving your fancy cars. All the while asking to be vomited out of the Body of Christ instead of seeking to gather your treasures in heaven at the foot of the throne of God.

“Therefore be zealous and repent.” Give those presents to the poor and save one each for your family. Does this cause you and your family emotional pain? This is as it should be. For we all must suffer for the greater good of all humanity.

For the true meaning of the birth of Christ has been forgotten. That He came into this world for the salvation of all. So, they can stand before God without sin.

Yet billions now deny God, and billions more worship false images of what they think is God, but it is not. It is this number because most have denied their calling to discipleship. They seek the thought of salvation but deny their duties to it.

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.

“Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

“Therefore be zealous and repent.”

For time is running out. The first Rapture is due very shortly. Seek to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and worship God and not the presents under a tree decorated like a pile of treasure, which is absent from before the throne of God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #184 (Challenging 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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

There are still too many wearing blinders. There are still many that wish to challenge God.

Yes, you heard me correctly, challenge God.

How does someone challenge God? That is simple to address.

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.

“ALL SCRIPTURE!”

Time and again I encounter those that say, “show me in the Bible where something is stated.”

I show it. They deny what is shown. They insist that they are right, and the Bible verses have no meaning. This is a challenge to God. Not me providing the Bible verses, but them rejecting them and adhering to what they insist is the truth in their eyes.

That is a challenge to God. This is arguing with God.

They do not wish to face the Truth that they are living a lie. If they accept the Truth that would mean they have been living falsely all these years. That their entire life has been for nothing in their eyes. Which again shows their vein selfish perspective of the situation.

It is all about them. They are right and everyone else is wrong. Why? Because they are their own god.

Exodus 20:3 NKJV – “You shall have no other gods before Me.

Most don’t realize that they themselves make themselves their own “god.” It must be their way or the highway. They are unyielding to the Truth, because it is not what they have been taught for years if not decades. From one generation to the next. Yes, you read or heard that correctly. From one generation to the next.

You see most of the people pleasing teachings that have perverted the gospel entered into our belief systems at the beginning of the Reformation. For Martin Luther, even though mostly correct for challenging the Catholic Church, went too far. Ending the demand of following rituals was totally correct, but to go to the other extreme of “faith alone,” which is the total opposite extreme.

This is what the Bible teaches:

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

Now, once again works is not the rituals that were being pushed by the Catholics. Then what is “works?”

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

This is the key to works as taught by Christ Himself. As you can tell from these verses this is both faith and works combined. Faith by itself is dead. Works without faith are dead as well. It must be both.

James 2:18 NKJV – But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

“I will show you my faith by my works.”

By following the laws not removed by Christ going to the cross. For to be lawless is how those that live by faith alone live and in turn sin. For they refuse to follow the laws, therefore, all that is required by them is faith alone.

Once again:

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

Why is it they are dead? Because they must have it their way and not God’s way. They make themselves their own god as mentioned earlier. They worship themselves and reward themselves. For they are worthy of this worship, because they are righteous and good. For they say there is a God and they believe in Him.

James 2:19-20 NKJV – You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

All who demand it is faith alone show arrogance and pride, for they do not tremble. This brings us to looking at who else challenged God.

John 8:48-59 NKJV – Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Those that insist it is by faith alone, which goes totally against what is taught within the Bible, are like these Israelites nearly two thousand years ago. This is verified in these verses from Jesus Christ who said this:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

To keep His Word is done by following the commandments and living as we are taught to live within the Bible. Those who insist that all they need is faith brings a lie to these Words spoken by Christ, just as these people did. It is shown clearly that not only did these people challenge Christ they also sought His death.

Those that embrace faith alone also seek after Christ’s death. If they accept His life is ongoing and eternal they must accept His commands and follow them. As long as Christ is dead to them the commandments are not law but suggestions. Suggestions which can be ignored because they have faith. However, as is shown in the Word of God, this is not the Truth. True faith is reflected by our works which work within the boundaries of the law and the prophets not removed by the cross. This is shown in Galatians chapter five:

Galatians 5:16-26 NKJV – I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

What does the word “conceited” mean?

Conceited – desirous of vain glory – G2755 – kenodoxos – vainglorious, boastful.

  1. Vainglorious – showing too much pride in your own abilities or achievements.

When people believe that they can do anything because God is inside them. This is vanity and conceit.

Now don’t misunderstand me. For the Bible makes clear that we are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17-20 NKJV – But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 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? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Having the Holy Spirit within us means we have Christ within us. This, however, does not give us a license to do as we please. In fact, those that truly have the Holy Ghost within know that to enter into sin would desecrate and defile the Spirit of God. So, consequently, they seek never to sin for it would shame Christ.

Those that challenge Christ insisting they are covered by Grace. They can live as they desire and wish. So, they do not care that they defile the Holy Spirit for their god is not The God, but themselves and they relish living as they so desire and wish.

Christ ran into those like this as well. This led Him to tell the parable of the bad land manager which ended with this:

Luke 16:13-17 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. “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

Those that embrace faith alone love money and care nothing about the law and the prophets. For them the laws and the prophets are dead. All taken away by Christ, which Jesus never taught. In fact He clear said the opposite:

Matthew 5:17-19 NKJV – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 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. 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.

Those that teach faith alone teach people to break commandments. You can’t have it both ways. You either challenge God or live by both faith and works as is clearly taught by the Bible and in turn God through Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit.

Repent, return to Christ or stay in the dark till the light shines and exposes your sins.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #183 (Misconceptions of Salvation)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

The misconception of what has been defined as salvation has brought us to a point in this temporal existence to a nearly complete lack of people actually achieving true salvation.

Most believe they can just say they have chosen to follow Christ, yet they show very little change in how they behave and live their daily lives.

When it comes to salvation, repentance is required of the person receiving said salvation.

Repentance. What does that truly mean?

To repent involves turning from your sin. Basically, to do a one-eighty degree turn. It means you stop doing that sin. This is not what is being taught if taught at all though. Many go about living their lives doing as they wish. Usually contrary to the Bible, otherwise known as living in sin. Yet many go to church on Sunday and feel that their mere effort to show up at church is enough to redeem them in the eyes of God.

Well…….

Ummm…..

That ain’t how it works.

That is no repentance. To be blunt that is not even salvation.

To live a selfish life is totally opposite the teaching of the Bible. In true fact it is an abomination in the sight of God.

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.

We are taught within the Bible to place God first and foremost and to do so every single day, not just Sunday.

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

We are told to be humble and not to try and show ourselves as better than anyone else.

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.

Yet Billions live lives of self-ambition and or conceit and millions of them call themselves “Christian,” again this is not repentance.

True repentance is a shattering of your very personality you have lived with before you asked Jesus into your life, yet many do exactly the same thing they did before they asked Him in. Some do change, but then something happens and they return to their old way of life. I know this for a fact because this happened to me, so don’t say that isn’t true when having lived it I know that it is true. On top of which the Bible says this:

2 Peter 2:20-22 NKJV – For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled inte them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

True repentance is painful, hard and something you beg and plead for God to take it from you. Gee, where have I seen that take place in the Bible? Oh, yea in an orchard just before the Pharisee’s men came to arrest Christ. Christ has been where you are, but He did not take the out He was given for His love of humankind and His selfless act was the greatest gift of all. What He accepted can easily be taken from you but can still be emotionally painful and agonizing. In some cases you will be asked to leave that which you love, a person, money, and a lifestyle. It will hurt and it will take time for this pain to pass but it is something that must be done. But remember you cannot do it alone nor can you. For Christ Himself will help you through it. Studying the Bible will help you through it. Talking with those that have been though it can help you through it and praying can help you through it.

True love hurts and only through a true love of God and Christ will you ever get to truly understand that pain and why it is needed.

It is due to this misunderstanding of salvation that many that profess with full believe that they are followers of Christ. Yet, they live and promote sin. They live as the world does and believe they are not required to change. Yet that is not what the Word of God teaches.

The Bible makes it clear we are to downsize. This is not a misconception this is a command from Jesus Christ:

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.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV – Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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.

Those that keep their earthly riches do not show repentance. They continue to live as in the world, which marks them as 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.

If you truly seek salvation you MUST accept the discomfort that is required. This means downsizing and not seeking after earthly wealth and all that goes with that imagery.

1 John 2:15-17 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. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Time is quickly running out to show that you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. Stop being like the lukewarm. For their fate is sealed in damnation.

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—

Repent if you thought you had salvation. Then truly seek it by striving to live a sanctified life.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #182 (Context, Context, Context)

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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

One of the biggest issues I encounter within those that profess to being “Christian” is their misuse of the Word of God. They have what could be called: selective hearing. Case in point:

The other day on social media I ran into a posting of Titus 3:5 by itself. So, let’s look at it:

Titus 3:5 NKJV – not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Many take this to mean they are not required to perform “works of righteousness.” This is a faith alone mentality. This is an OSAS way of thinking.

This is also taken totally out of context, which in turn, turns the Word of God into a lie. Let us look at it in the FULL context:

Titus 3:1-11 NKJV – Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

This is the full context. This shows works of righteousness performed by those that profess to being followers of Jesus Christ. However, let’s look at the full perspective given by the sentence that verse five is a part of.

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

This sentence is referring to the coming of Jesus Christ to save all humanity. This does not tell us not to live a righteous life. It actually tells us in full context to live a righteous life through our works.

Once again rituals and works are two different things. Rituals are repetitive actions that do not require true faith. Works are how you live and act every single day. You show where you stand with God through your faith by how you live, which are works. Thus, the admonitions shown in these verses.

Admonitions most refuse to even attempt to do. Like for example following the speed limit. Yes, following the speed limit. As shown in the first verses:

Titus 3:1 NKJV – Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

Titus 3:1 NLT – Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.

Any man-made law that does not go against the Word of God is to be obeyed. Why is this?

Daniel 4:17 NLT – For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses—even to the lowliest of people.”

Because God placed them into power. Even Hitler, and Stalin as well as Napoleon. All of whom broke the laws of God. Here those that followed God should have stepped forward and stop them. In fact, many did just that. However, they were few when compared to those that went along with those rules and laws that went against the Word of God. They set in silents and allowed millions to die. All because they were living in earthly comforts and to speak out would remove these earthly riches from them.

Why this world is in the end times is because most that profess to being “Christian” refuse to live righteous lives. Mostly because they have fallen for the lies that many that standing in pulpits teach that they, those sitting in the pews, are not required to do more for God. They teach that they can have their riches and only need to give 10% of their earthly wealth. This is totally opposite what the Word of God teaches.

This is what comes when people take the Word of God out of context. This was addressed to the church in Galita, and how those of the church behaved.

Galatians 1:6-10 NKJV – I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

A key statement is made in these verses. “To a different gospel, which is not another.” What this is referring to is those that take bits and pieces of the Word of God to create a new gospel which turns it into a people pleasing message that leads people to damnation instead of salvation. This is why those that piecemeal the True Gospel are cursed.

I must note that I have encountered an occurrence where someone took verse ten out of context saying that we as Christians are not to seek to please people. Which, as I have just shown by presenting these verses in context. These verses refer to changing the Word of God.

I encountered yet another example from 2 Corinthians. The person presented just verse 9 for our consideration and even then, they did not give the entire verse.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The complete verse:

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV – And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

In full context:

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 NKJV – It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

This shows that we should be humble and not seek self-glorification. This is not a teaching about only living under God’s Grace through Christ. Those that try to teach such a message as shown earlier are to be cursed.

One of the greatest examples of misinformation comes from the gospel of John.

John 3:16 NKJV – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

None will question this that seek to truly follow Christ. In full context:

John 3:16-21 NKJV – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

This is a challenge to seek the light, not just to acknowledge Christ.  To acknowledge Jesus Christ as the light that has come into the world to expose evil. Also, to live again a righteous life, which is why it states: “that his deeds may be clearly seen.”

Deeds – G2041 – ergon – work, task, employment; a deed, action aka works.

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

This is how we expose evil unto the light. By how we live. Being a reflection of Christ by fulfilling His commands.

James 1:22-25 NKJV – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Be doers of the Word of God not just hears. Most refuse to accept this. Most would rather be hearers. Most are. Which means most are looking into an imperfect image of themselves. Believing they are destine for heaven when they are really destine for damnation.

Time is running out to repent and become doers of the law. Downsize and then give most your wealth unto those in need and into spreading the True Word of God.

God Bless