Month: February 2024

Blog for Podcast #194 (Are there Works in the Book of Acts)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

Recently I encountered someone who insisted that within the book the “Acts of the Apostles” there were no teachings about “works” within it. Well, let’s look at what has been sectioned into the second chapter of this book:

Acts 2:42-47 NKJV – And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Let’s look at this from another translation to expand upon what is stated here:

Acts 2:42-47 AMP – And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers). And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death].

“And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people.”

  1. Sold their possessions.
  2. Distributed the money amongst all according to their need.
  3. They assembled in the temple with a united purpose.
  4. They performed the Lord’s Supper.
  5. Partook of their food with gladness, simplicity and a generous heart.
  6. Constantly praising God.
  7. Being in favor and goodwill with all people.

These seven items listed were and are “works.” This is also how all that profess to being “Christian” should still seek after. Most don’t. Which is why Jesus Christ 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.

And a bit later also said this:

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!’

Those seven actions are behavior that are considered “works” – “laws” – “commandments.” Things which most deny and thus must be done and followed or they are taking the wide path and not the narrow.

Yes. I did say the word “must.” Additionally, we see that Luke did mention “works” in the book of Acts. Therefore, any who say that it is by “faith alone” teach opposite what is shown in these verses. For these people lived by works in faith in the book of Acts.

Now why did I say that last sentence once again. What does the word “acts” define as?

Act – something that someone does.

Which also means “works.” Therefore, this book could legitimately be called the “Works of the Apostles.” Meaning this entire book shows and teaches “works.” Indicating those that decided upon naming this letter by the name given were in fact emphasizing that Jesus Christ taught those that followed Him must live their lives in both faith and works. Therefore, those that teach the people pleasing messages like faith alone, teach death.

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

It just amazes me how people wish to overlook the simplicity of the Truth taught and in plain sight in the Word of God. They complicate and convolute the Truth of the Word of God just so they can live within their sins. That is why “faith alone” is so important to them, because it allows them to live in sin, which as you read through the book of Acts, we see time and again those that repent and end living in their sins. For that is what is required by all.

Five times the word “repent” and six time the word “repentance” appears in the book of Acts. What does it mean to repent?

Repent – G3340 – metanoeó – change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God.) To think differently or afterwards, reconsider morally.

What follows is what the TDNT says about the this:

In the teaching of Jesus according to the Synoptists “repent” is again the imperative which is indissolubly bound up with the indicative of the message of the “kingdom” (Mk. 1:15; Mt. 4:17). But Jesus does not merely repeat the call of John the Baptist. He modifies and transcends it by making conversion a fundamental requirement which necessarily follows from the present reality of the eschatological “kingdom” in His own person (→ I, 588 f.). To call to conversion is the purpose of His sending (Lk. 5:32). His preaching of conversion far surpasses even the most powerful of such preaching before (Mt. 12:39 ff. par.: Jonah).

So, within the TDNT we see the word “conversion” used multiple times. Therefore, let us define this word.

Conversion – the process of converting something from one thing to another.

  1. Converting – convert – to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character.

What this boils down to is a new being. A new creation. However, we must remember this important fact taught in 1 Corinthians:

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

Even though we are a new beings once we are born-again, we are not perfect, nor will we be until we stand before Jesus Christ.

With all this in mind we come to the understanding that “repentance” is the creation of a new being that occupies the same physical body. However, their soul and spirit are a new creation, that must strive to follow the teachings found within the Word of God. Yet, we must strive and learn to avoid sin, for we will always be plagued by it.

The act of repentance can also be called a “work.” For to repent to be converted is an action word. So, let me restate this once again. The entire book called the “Acts of the Apostles” is showing continual and ongoing actions of works for the glory of God. Any who says the Bible does not teach works through faith are not teaching the Word of God, but a people pleasing message. They are then cursing themselves:

Galatians 1:6-12 AMP – I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel. Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not]. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah). For I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made known by me is not man’s gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

We too can receive a revelation from Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit. I know this, for this is how these podcasts are written and presented to the world at large.

However, time is quickly running out. The adversary has increased his attacks against all that strive to overcome. For he is growing desperate and wishes to take as many with him as possible. Even those that have done their best to be the good and loyal servants of their Creator through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

We must do as we are commanded within the Word of God to sperate ourselves for those that would lead us away from our Savior.

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

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

For they are of the world and the world is dead.

Turn from them now. Place God at the center of your life… forget the world about you, for if God is not within it……. It is dead as are those that stay within it.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #193 (By Their Works)

bible, 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

One of the biggest problems with faith alone beliefs, other than the fact that they call Jesus Christ a liar, is they say that works are in no way required to allow them into heaven. Now why did I say they made Jesus Himself a liar. Well let’s hear from the only way into heaven:

Matthew 16:27 NKJV – 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.

“Then He will reward each according to his works.”

There is somewhere else this is stated:

Revelation 20:11-13 NKJV – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.

“And they were judged, each one according to his works.”

Therefore, let us look to James now:

James 2:14-26 NKJV – What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 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. 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? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

“So faith without works is dead also.”

This is why faith alone is dead. Why it is dead is because it is a people pleasing message. This is discussed in Galatians:

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.

Notice the wording in these verses. Many in Galita turned away from their grace, their salvation, to listen to a people pleasing message. This is their work, which they will be judged. Those that teach these false messages. Their works causes them to be cursed.

Jesus tells us that we are to follow His commandments.

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

That is an action and so is considered “works.”

The struggle to overcome our sinful natures even after we are born again is “works.” For we are to ever seek to be a True reflection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

There are times when this is not easy. This is what is taught within the book of Job.

However, we are getting off track a bit.

In the first verses I showed that when Christ first returns, He will then reward those that are loyal to Him. The second verses I show that once His thousand years is finished the Great White Throne Judgement. Here Christ will judge those that did not make the raptures and they will be judged by how they lived their lives, which is their works.

We have Words spoken by our Savior about what to expect. He clearly states a person’s “works” will be the only thing He will use as a gauge to receive rewards. Then we have verses talking about His judgement over humanity that failed to align themselves with God. They are judged per their works, again the only requirement “works.”

Most that profess to being “Christian” do not want to hear this word. For that would mean they have been living a lie. Well, they have been. This is proven by their earthly rewards which they receive with joy and glee.

Luke 4:6 NKJV – 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.

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.

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.

By this time many will be going nuts about how this podcast has been pointing to “works.” They will be screaming it is not “works” alone.

Well, you know what I totally agree, and so does the Bible. Therefore, I will say those verses that are in agreement once again:

James 2:14-26 NKJV – What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 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. 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? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

“Faith without works is dead.” This means that it requires both faith with works, which is taught by Jesus Christ over and over again. Having faith and going hand in hand with following Christ’s teachings and following the laws not removed by the cross. These are works. This behavior leads to rewards.

Those that ignore “works” are stating that they have a special place with God. They have favoritism.

Romans 2:5-11 NLT – But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Note the key verse in this teaching written by Paul to the Romans:

“He will judge everyone according to what they have done.”

He will judge everyone according to their “works.”

I recently had an encounter with someone that tried to throw the weight of the Truth off themselves by saying “Does Paul teach works?” I said:” yes.” As you just read or heard Paul did teach the need for “works.” Any who say otherwise call the Bible itself a lie. Any who call the Bible a lie work for the father of all lies. No matter what they believe in themselves. This is because they have closed their eyes and ears to the Truth because they wish to hear the pleasing message they have embraced.

Yes, you heard that correctly, pleasing message. What is taught about people pleasing messages? Once again I will repeat this as well:

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.

Paul marveled that they turned away so soon from Him who called them in the grace of Christ. They abandoned their grace, they turned away from their salvation. Turning away from grace is an act, an action. “Works.”

Time is running out. Repent, do works in faith.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #192 (Some Hard Truth)

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

Several years ago, I made a blog post entitled “The Hard Truth.” This ended up in three posts, because as usual those that embrace the false doctrines of OSAS and all you need is faith challenged what was posted. So. Let us begin this retrospect.

Day 1

Most that attempt to read or listen to this won’t like it. However, it is not my mission to make you comfortable, but it is to challenge all willing to listen to improve their standing with God.

Right here someone will scoff, saying that we are not required to increase this standing. That God loves us as we are. Then you have just made the Bible moot, and the crucifixion a waste of time.

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, what does it mean to “let him deny himself….”

Let him deny – G533– aparneomai – to deny, looking back to what was originally refused; “strongly reject” (especially the source). That is, utterly refusing to recognize the original source involved. Can imply “ignore, disown, or repudiate”

Now as we live our lives all of us make plans and have desires. Many of these desires are focused upon one thing. Us.

The desires for wealth, for luxuries, for leisure. These are all things that become something to not continue to seek after, but to, if not totally reject, lower its import in our lives.

Why?

Because you are hanging on to your life, and Jesus Christ made it clear, doing so will lead to you losing your soul, not saving it. This is fortified by 2 Peter 2:

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.”

Humanity will always seek after the here, the now. Yet Christ made it clear that we are not to do this.

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.

To store up treasures is seeking to have more money than you need to live. This is not what Christ tells us how to live. We are not to seek after a comfortable life, but a life that will sustain our existence till we are called unto the next life. To seek after fancy clothing, and fancy vehicles are things that are able to be eaten by moths and rust away. Fancy possessions that others would seek to steal are of the world and not needed by those that truly seek to follow Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:16-24 NKJV – By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 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? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

“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?” 

The answer is: It does not. Therefore, if God’s love is not in this person are they still of the vine of Jesus Christ?

John 15:1-8 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. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Many think they are a part of the Vine. Yet due to not following the commandments of the Bible are not bearing fruit upon the Vine. God Himself cuts them from the Vine and they are burnt within the fire. They are no longer apart of Jesus Christ, they are no longer saved, but are of the world. They are cast into the fire of damnation by their own actions and desires for worldly wealth and possessions. The very things they are required to give unto their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, then unto those of the rest of humanity that are in need. They, however, keep and horde it for themselves.

This is how most that call themselves “Christian” are today, and they are blind unto the Truth, and it is truly something to weep about. For they are the lukewarm and spit out of the Body of Christ.

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.”

Follow the commandments of the Bible as commanded by Jesus Christ Himself. Live modestly, do not break the laws of man that do not go against the Bible and change those that do. Stop seeking after the here, the now, the contemporary. Seek after the eternal life that we are promised by Jesus Christ and not after the riches of the world. For as long as you do, you seek to lose your salvation, by your own hand.

Day 2

In yesterday’s post I spelled out the need to follow the commandments in the Bible and showed with the Bible the foundation for this belief. I received a response by someone challenging the Word of God.

Part of my response to one challenge was as follows:

“Due to how my post was received yesterday someone used a quote from John MacArthur:

‘I cannot be saved by keeping the law, and I will not be sanctified by ignoring the law.’

“Just following the commandments alone cannot save you. I completely agree.”

He goes on to say this important statement: “I will not be sanctified by ignoring the law.”

What does this mean?

It is very simple. Everything I discussed in yesterday’s post fits perfectly with this.

Only through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior can we be saved. However once saved and to grow in our sanctification we must follow the commandments, as Jesus Christ Himself said we must do.

As was witnessed by the response I received, most do not wish to grow in their sanctification. They would rather live their lives as they deem to be enough. This again is counter to the teachings of the Bible, as I have been trying to point out for years.

There is only one destination with this type of mentality, and it is a place that most think they will never encounter, yet as I have made clear this is the furthest thing from the truth. Thus, why these articles have been entitled “The Hard Truth.”

Ponder and think readers, ponder and think.

Day 3

Today’s society is a culture that in reality no longer qualifies as the word “society.”

Society as defined in the Cambridge dictionary as: people considered as a group, or a group of people who live together in a particular social system.

Today in the United States as well as in Europe, in addition to other countries throughout the world, people may live in the same geographical regions, but they no longer follow the same social system.

A social system or social structure is described as: the internal institutionalized relationships built up by persons living within a group (such as a family or community) especially with regard to the hierarchical organization of status and to the rules and principles regulating behavior per the Marion- Webster dictionary.

What is lacking in today’s society is the “principles regulating behavior.”

What were these principles?

They are what is referred to as ethics.

The defining ethical code that originally controlled and governed these nations was Christianity. Christianity works from the Bible. Within the Bible are a list of rules and regulations that are called commandments. Yet most have decided these commandments are antiquated and useless so as a result nations around the world are falling into chaos and disorder, which results in the beginning sentence of this days post.

Jesus Christ said this about the commandments and laws:

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.

“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.”

So, the commandments for the most part are still in effect. This does not mean we are to stone people for their sins. That was taken out of our hands by Jesus Himself hanging upon the cross. However, we are to follow those commandments or laws as they were defined by Jesus and His apostles within the New Testament, and if they were not listed in the New Testament we were to refer to how they were originally addressed for the most part in the Old Testament. Especially those that deal with personal interaction with others within a society.

Most in today’s world diminish the commandments and their meanings especially within the “societies” we live within. This is witnessed daily as people speed down the roads and highways going faster than the posted speed limit. This is just one minor example of how the commandments of the Bible have become irrelevant. But what did Jesus say was the result of doing this?

“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.”

You are making of yourself to be the “least in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Yet millions if not billions do this very thing and think nothing of it. In fact, they go about saying that those that say you should follow the commandments are teaching “legalism.”

Yet the true meaning of legalism is to go about performing rituals without knowing or even caring why these rituals are done. A very visual example of this is found within the Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church.

However, why do these two churches now have these rituals? Both of these churches date back to the beginnings of Christianity. So, in some way they recognize the need to follow the commandments, even though they have lost their way.

Following the commandments does not require nor is legalism. It required love of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:15-21 NKJV – “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Jesus knows that we cannot do this fully on our own, which is why being filled with the Holy Spirit is something we should seek after. For it will help us to fulfil and follow the commandments. For Jesus makes it clear that we must accept the commandments and obey them.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” (KJV)

He that hath – echo – I have, hold, possess

Possess – to have or own something, or to have a particular quality.

We are to not just accept but to take as our own the commandments that are within the Bible. To live them and reflect them. Yet most reject this. Most per Jesus Himself are saying that they do not love Him, but in fact love themselves more. They refuse ownership of the commandments and choose to live their lives as they see fit to live it.

They embrace chaos over order and as a result we have the world we now live within. For all evil comes from humanity, while all love and peace comes from God.

So, this is the end of the look into the past. Those with an ear will hear. While those that still embrace the World will not take ownership and openly reject God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #191 (The Sin within Us)

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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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

One of the greatest challenges that face all of humanity be they saved or unsaved is the struggle with sin. When we become saved, we have an ally. Many think this ally is a catch all. They are no longer responsible for how they now live. This goes counter to what is taught within the Bible.

Case in point:

In the first chapter of Romans, it describes those that reject the reality of God. Then we come to the second chapter of Romans. This chapter is addressed to those that call themselves “Christian.” Let’s look at what is said:

I will look at this in two parts:

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

“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”

This makes it clear that there is still sin within us even after receiving salvation. This is made even more clear in Corinthians:

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

Many that think they have no sin within them see themselves as favored by God. So, they hold on stubbornly to the sin or sins within them. Thus, walking further and further away from their salvation. which is why it states this:

“You are storing up terrible punishment for yourself.”

Those that see themselves as favored, and in turn call the words shown in verse eleven a lie. They cannot understand that they bring the truth to these words spoken by Christ.

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!’

It is a daily challenge to overcome the sin we struggle with. In my personal experience several sins that plagued me died upon my salvation. Yet others stayed. Some slowly left. Others left in another moment of striving, struggles and prayer. It is called sanctification.

Let me share with you a blog post I wrote on this journey we all must take in our salvation:

A study of the book “The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification” By Walter Marshall – part one

As I grow in my faith and dare I say “sanctification.” I have been led by the spirit to take a more in-depth look into this part of being a Christian. My research led me to the book written by Marshall which was published in 1692. He was a Puritan and suffered persecution by the Church of England when they demanded that only certain teachings be done. He and several other ministers refused to sign the “Book of Common Prayer” and as a result he lost his parishes on Black Bartholomew’s Day in 1662.

After his own struggles with faith and belief as well as fought the hard fight against those teachings that are called Antinomianism. That being the belief that faith alone is all you need to be saved. As well as Neonomianism, which is the legalistic following of the Bible. He reached the point of writing the book entitled above.

Direction # 1 – That we may acceptably perform the duties of Holiness and Righteousness required in the Law, our first works is, to learn the powerful and effectual Means whereby we may attain to so great an End.

What struck me the most was his approach to the greatest commandment, which is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. He states that if you love God, you will be willing to sacrifice all, to the point of even abandoning your own desires and wishes. You would follow to the best of your ability all the commandments within the Bible. For as he puts it, are a guideline to the second greatest commandment of love thy neighbor. For by practicing and obeying all the commandments that deal with social interaction and behavior you show your love towards God.

Even I fall short in this department. Why?

Because in today’s society and culture we no longer follow the majority of, as Marshall puts it, the Laws of the Bible. This is not totally our own fault, but those of our parents and their parents. This is something that does not happen overnight, over a few years, but over decades and through generations.

To correct this is to first acknowledge there is a problem with not just how the Bible is taught, but read. Most in today’s society have an Antinomianism, or faith alone, understanding of the Bible. This as a result is a key factor in the disintegration of social and cultural behavior in Europe and the United States.

Can it be corrected on the whole?

From the way the Bible is written, I would say no. However, for those willing to listen. For those willing to understand that by accepting this path towards sanctification they are in essence signing their own death warrant upon this temporal life we now live.

Is this a drastic statement?

Most definitely, but we must come to that understanding.

Look to what happened to Walter Marshall when He refused to sign the conformity requirements that the Church of England forced upon their clergy in 1652. His life for a short time was shattered. However, he did find a new parish and continued in the good works towards his own sanctification.

As we come into this age that is actually described within the Bible as the signs of the soon return of Jesus Christ. We must accept that by adopting to truly seek after sanctification. By following the commandments, which are in reality laws given to those willing to listen, by God and through His Son Jesus Christ. We face the fact that society on whole will reject us to the point of martyrdom, as is written within the Bible.

John MacArthur said, and I paraphrase, that to live the commandments and not accept Jesus, will not lead to salvation. However, once we are saved we cannot ignore the commandments if we seek after sanctification.

Yet, as mentioned above, most do not even attempt to follow just the Ten Commandments let alone all we truly are required which are in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which have not been made void by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. There are many laws that deal with everyday life and interaction with others. Most have in actuality been turned into human laws in most Christian based nations. However, the majority now take them for granted or are totally ignored.

Few people attempt to gain sanctification. Mostly due to not being aware that it is something that is required of all when accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. I myself was under this same misunderstanding for decades. As a result, I drifted further and further away from God and my Savior, Jesus.

It took God literally destroying my life in 2013. Since that “year of Job,” as I call it, returning to God through Jesus Christ as been a goal that has taken me down a road, I never thought I would ever see in my lifetime. A life with true happiness, due to God’s blessing as I endeavor to travel down the narrow and least traveled path towards Him.

I have been on a journey within my faith that has led me ever closer to our Creator. The scales have fallen from my eyes, and I now see what is causing all the strife and turmoil in the world at large. I know it is due to the abandonment of God by most within this world, and especially those that live within the United States of America.

Most do not even know what “sanctification” is or truly means. I know, because I was one of them.

When I read the words of a man that has been dead for nearly four hundred years and seeing that his thoughts echoed my own. I came to the realization that God’s promise is never ending, never changing. Only humanity forgets this and must learn it all over again. Time and time again. As the Israelites learned to their dismay, over and over.

Comprehending that in the 1600’s people were struggling with the same issues we are today. That his teachings helped become the core of the Puritan’s religious beliefs. A group that led to factions like the Quakers, which led one of these Quakers to be given a land grant by the British king. Which allowed this Quaker to form the colony that came to be known as the state of Pennsylvania. His faith that from his beliefs became that colonies constitution, which led to the lion share of what is now the Constitution of the United States.

This trail should make people reawaken to the need to seek out sanctification by returning to the laws within the Bible and obeying them. Not in a legalistic way like the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches, but truly following and living all the commandments in the Bible. In faith and love of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. To once again treat them, not as suggestions, but what they are: laws, we are to adhere to and follow to the best of our abilities.

God Bless.