Month: March 2024

Blog for Podcast #199 (Selling the Soul)

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

Selling the soul.

It is much easier than most want to say or accept. It is written about even though not clearly stated in the NT. First, we must accept these facts about salvation.

Romans 10:13 NKJV – For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.”

This is why these words appear in the second letter of Peter:

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.”

Christ makes it clear that most choose the wide path:

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.

They pick the wide path, thus selling their souls because of the comforts found within this world that do not belong to God.

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.

The fact that they sold their souls comes from those that receive worldly possessions, wealth and comforts. For all this is given to those that follow this one being who has control of this world.

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.

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.

As was witnessed from the Word of God from Jesus Christ Himself. It says that to live for God through Christ as taught within and by the Bible is difficult. The Bible makes it clear that those that worship the world and themselves are not going to the kingdom of heaven. This means they have sold their souls to the world and he who controls it. Their sins become visible for all to see.

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.

If at any time they professed to being “Christian” they have sold their souls and now no longer welcome in heaven. For they allowed the flesh to win over following the Spirit as shown a few verses earlier:

Galatians 5:16-18 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.

Most believe they are going to heaven. However, the Bible makes it clear that they are not welcome there. Therefore, they have sold their souls and don’t wish to hear or accept this truth.

However, Christ makes it very clear that many that said they knew Him will not be known by Him.

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!’

As I have taught in the past none can cast out demons unless they are born again. Nevertheless, they practice lawlessness because they have sold their souls. Their earthly comforts are more important to them than living an eternal life. Most can’t even grasp this concept. It is beyond their understanding mainly due to not knowing the Word of God.

Time and again it is shown and taught that we must know the Word of God. To know the Word is done through studying it not just reading it. Each person is responsible for learning it for themselves. It is a responsibility because if they don’t, they will sell their souls without realizing it.

Then we come to those that know without question that they are selling their souls. They know that if they make a certain choice they will not be welcomed before God but chose to live with the pain of the worm eating their flesh and the fire burning what is left of their skin. However, they still willingly chose damnation.

Many popes have chosen this path. Many pastor, ministers and priests have done the same. The higher demand to tell the truth of the Word of God the higher the temptation. The more it is they make it an open decision and choose to commit a sin. Knowing they are going to damnation yet still they make this willing decision.

Why do they turn from God? I can’t answer that. Only that person can answer that. Only you can answer that question for yourself if you willing know that you are entering into a sin that will lead to damnation.

What is known is this. The more earthly treasures in someone’s possession the more evidence shows they have sold their souls no matter what they may say and insist is opposite this Truth. This why Jesus Christ Himself insisted that we seek after no earthly treasures.

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.

This is why we are told and encouraged to live a needs only existence:

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.

These many sorrows include eternal damnation. They will also notice that even with all these earthly comforts something is missing. Their desire to be happy will never truly be met. Money. The lust for it has caused murder, wars and other sorrows. Sorrows that occurred for thousands of years.

As we come to the end of this era. We find more and more that have sold their souls so completely that they openly parade who they worship. Those people that call themselves “celebrities” openly dress and admit that they follow and worship the being in control of this temporal plain.

They try to have others join them. This has gone on since Peter wrote this in 2 Peter:

2 Peter 2:15-19 NKJV – They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

Where does all this lead.

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

Then those that think they are saved yet do nothing for God. Jesus Christ said this:

Matthew 25:29-30 NKJV – ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

They will face the White Throne Judgment:

Revelation 20:11-15 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. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Time Is quickly coming to an end. Many will see that they are not heading to the kingdom of heaven. They will know this because they will find themselves left behind. They can redeem themselves and many will. However, others will be more interested in their earthly pleasures and comforts. This will lead them to taking the mark of the beast and undying worms and burning flames resulting in gnashing of teeth.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #198 (Challenging Those that say They are Christian however deny the Bible)

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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

People need to come to a realization that will upset them, but we need to bring it into the light. Saying the words “I am a Christian,” or “I believe in Jesus Christ,” doesn’t guarantee you a place in heaven.

Were you saved? Per the Bible yes you were. Are you still saved? That is the question isn’t.

I will now approach this from a different angle.

I was talking to someone the other day and he mentioned how someone said that they were a Christian, but refused to accept what is found within the Bible. Now let that sink in a bit.

Now that it has hopefully sunk in let’s look to the Word of God:

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

God placed the words into people’s heads and then they picked up a pen and wrote it down on parchment. These pages or parchment was turned into the Tanach. Into letters, that were then formed into the book called the Bible. In essence the Bible is God, is Jesus Christ and so if someone denies the Bible, they deny God, they deny Jesus Christ.

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

If Christ has denied them to God, then they are not Christian. They are not welcome in the kingdom of heaven.

This is why Paul writes this to the Galatians because they had turned their backs upon the True Gospel:

Galatians 5:4-26 AMP – If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God’s gracious favor and unmerited blessing). For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit’s [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope. For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church]. [For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter but will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty. But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the cross has ceased to be a stumbling block and is made meaningless (done away). I wish those who unsettle and confuse you would [go all the way and] cut themselves off! For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. [Lev. 19:18.] But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

I used the amplified for a reason. Because many get confused with these verses. Many assume that it is through faith alone with how these verses are written. However, let me put forth these verses once again:

“But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).”

In the next verses we have this said:

“For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.”

Most that say they are “Christian” yet deny the Bible and what is taught within it. Live for and by their flesh. This is why this is said next:

“Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

I know many that say they are “Christian” yet time and again they indulge in these behaviors. However, note the end of the verse:

“Those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This means they are not Christian no matter how much they profess or protest. I didn’t say it. The book they deny and refuse to follow says. Why? Because it is Words given by God for all of humanity to follow.

Yes, follow. Do. Take action to adhere to. Otherwise known as “works.”

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

This all fits in with what is taught in Galatians. Again, this is something most do not want to hear. This is why Jesus 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.

Why it is difficult is because we have to actually do what is taught within the Word of God. Which is why each individual person is required to study the Word of God for themselves. Not read, study. For as was shown earlier they can come to understand what is actually taught within the Bible and come to follow and honor their Creator.

They must also come to the realization that it is not God they worship as their god, but themselves as their own god. The god that allows them to live their lives as they see fit, which is opposite what is taught within the Word of God. In fact, what is clearly stated within the Bible:

Galatians 5:14 NKJV – For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? It is very simple. How you desire to be treated by all others you treat others that way. You don’t like to be treated like garbage you don’t treat others like garbage. You don’t like to be looked down upon, you don’t look down upon others. You don’t want someone to treat you like they are superior to you, don’t act superior to others.

This is why when you truly strive to reflect the Holy Spirit you will live and act in this manner:

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

Living this way is not easy. Trust me. I know this from personal experience. Striving to seek satisfaction is not easy. It is a lifelong journey. Full of ups and downs. Trials and tribulations. Which is why Daivd wrote this Psalm:

Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV – A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Also, when you say this prayer, you say it inside if you are in public or say it behind closed doors. For that is what we are told to do by Christ Himself.

Matthew 6:5-6 NKJV – “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Truly seek to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Not in name only as most do now, but someone who lives as the Word of God teaches them to do. Time is quickly running out to change your ways for Jesus Christ is soon to return.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #197 (The Battle Not to Be Haughty)

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

We are all warned:

Romans 11:17-21 NKJV – And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.

“Do not be haughty but fear.”

He warns us of this in many ways and many times. It is a warning because we can fall into this trap more than once. It hardens our hearts and makes it impossible to truly improve our relationship with Christ. It is one of the struggles that we are forced to endure due to having free-will. It is the reason we are to seek sanctification. It is why we are told to always seek to become a reflection of Christ. We do not automatically become His reflection. We must strive, struggle, and search our souls to become sanctified.

What does it mean to “sanctify?”

Sanctify – G37 – hagiazó – make holy, treat as holy, set apart as holy, hallow, purify, consecrate, venerate.

  1. Hallow – to make something holy.
  2. Purify – to remove immoral thoughts or acts from something.
  3. Consecrate – to officially make something holy and suitable to be used for religious ceremonies.
  4. Venerate – to honor or very much respect a person or thing.

All of these definitions show actions. Actions are works. To seek after sanctification is a works-oriented endeavor filled with faith and belief in our Savior Jesus Christ. It is something that is ongoing and never-ending until the day we leave this temporal plain of existence. Always seeking to be like Jesus Christ is the true signifying of faith through works.

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.

As we journey through our trials and tribulation to be like our Savior, we will have events that will cause us to have difficulties. I have encountered haughtiness within myself more than once as an example.

I guess I get this way by accident as I try and help people to see the Truth. However, God does things in my life to get my attention. To awaken me to my arrogance. It usually works before things get drastic. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes I must suffer. I must feel the pruning of my branch and let me tell you it hurts. Not physically, but emotionally. As most trials are. Within ourselves for we must come to confront our flaws. Because we will always have flaws. For this is made very clear within the Word of God.

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.

This wording shows that this a clear statement to any that calls themselves a follower of Christ. They still sin. It also makes it clear that we must confess our sins unto God through Jesus Christ. Again, an action of works unto God through faith. It also states clearly that any who says they do not sin does not have the Holy Spirit within them.

We must also remember this spoken in Hebrews:

Hebrews 10:26-29 NKJV – For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

In treating Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation as common is an act of arrogance. What constitutes commonality?

Common – unholy thing – G2839 – koinos – profane; dirty, unclean, unwashed.

Making Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross unclean is not just achieved through arrogance in attitude but taking your salvation for granted. This is shown in those that say things like:

“I can achieve anything for God is within me!”

The moment these words enter into someone’s mind they soil the Holy Ghost. For once we have the Holy Spirit within us, we must strive to keep ourselves free of sin and not seeking after those things of the world. This is why this is said in 1 John:

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.

Any who pursue worldly possessions and how they look to others in this world if they have the Holy Spirit within them have made it unclean, dirty……. common. This is why this is said in Luke:

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.

Those that taint the Holy Spirit, and thus defile it, are seen as an abomination in the sight of God. This is obvious to those that actually have the Holy Ghost within them. For those that do know, by His presence within them, that they are best served by ending sin. Yet there are times we err, for humans are always corrupt even after becoming temples of the Holy Spirit. As witnessed by this verse:

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

When people challenge the Bible, they show arrogance and self-serving pride. This is why we must study the Word of God for ourselves. For as long as we allow others to tell us what is in the Word of God, we are open to making the Holy Spirit unholy. What does the Bible say on these lines:

Matthew 12:31 NKJV – “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

Now you start to see why fighting haughtiness is so important.

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.

“Let each esteem others better than himself.”

All humanity is equal. But we as servants of Christ are to see others as better than ourselves. Not to the point of bowing down and worshipping other humans, but in seeking to help them achieve salvation. Helping humanity to seek to be seen by God is why Christ Himself humbled Himself:

Philippians 2:5-8 NLT – You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

An attitude of humility is what we are told we must do and have. Yet many celebrate and are jubilant that they are filled with the Holy Spirit. This, as was mentioned earlier, defiles and dishonors the Holy Ghost. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and thus condemning those that habitually practice this behavior.

There are those that challenge this Truth. When they do so they think themselves better than God. They show themselves to be prideful and in turn arrogant.

Proverbs 16:18-20 NKJV – Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

Time is running out. Time for this type of behavior must end in all that act this way. For it is made clear that they will not make the first Rapture.

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—

This is why Christ says this next:

Revelation 3:18-21 NKJV – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into 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.

To overcome requires humility, amongst other things, by seeking to emulate our Savior Jesus Christ. Repent now if you profess to being a child of God. Ask Christ into your life if you have not already done so. For the first Rapture is very near.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #196 (The Valley of the Shadow of Death)

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

Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV – A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

What I just read is a prayer and a song that is one of the most misused verses from the Word of God.

Most associate it with death of the body. The ending of life in this temporal existence. This is the furthest thing from the Truth. This has to do with daily life. This has to do with actually hitting rock bottom when we are confronted with a sin within us.

How do I know if this is true? For I had been struggling through my own valley of death recently.

The pretext of this prayer/song is established in the very first sentence.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Want – H2637 – be lacking, decrease, make lower, (cause to) fail. Be abated.

               Abated – to become less strong.

Daivid was asking God to keep him strong in his faith.

Another key part that is misunderstood is:

“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

A rod is used to discipline as verified in Proverbs:

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

While the staff is used to attack those things which threaten to kill our souls.

This is a prayer to help us when we reach the bottom. This is a prayer to help bring us out of the valley to glorify and worship our Lord God through our Savior Jesus Christ. For this is a prayer to lead us away from sin, which all will encounter even after becoming born-again.

The rod punishes us for turning away from our Savior. This is why Jesus Christ says this:

Revelation 3:19 NKJV – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

The rod is calling us to zealously repent. To quickly leave the sin behind and look to the face of our Savior and remember it is He that is to be glorified and He alone.

I wish to change directions here. For as I said this is partly about the journey through the valley of death I have personally encountered.

I asked myself is it worth spending all eternity in the Pit of Fire?

Now I recently heard this question posed to people partying at some event somewhere. One person gleefully shouted out yes it was worth that price.

Let’s look at the verses that describe the Pit of Fire:

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

Matthew 25:30 NKJV – And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Now think on this imagery for a moment. Undying worms that eat upon your flesh. Giving you constant internal pain. Fire burning your outer flesh that makes you unrecognizable. Additionally, from accounts from people that have suffered burns in fires. It is said to be extremely painful.

Now add to this, that this pain never ends. It is ongoing and continual day after day. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. For billions, upon billions, upon billions of years.

Is anything REALLY worth this price?

That is for those reading or listening to decide for themselves.

I personally decided that no it is not worth this price. I would rather be the least in heaven than the most in the pit of fire.

However, most people these days seek after the pit of fire and not a place in heaven. What is worst of all is many of these profess that they are “Christian.”

Revelation 3:14-17 NKJV – “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “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—

Recently someone said to me that I have no moral high ground. I never did, nor ever will as long I walk and live in this temporal existence. I deserve nor seek after any place of superiority over anyone. None can say they are better than anyone else. God made that clear to those that called themselves “Christians” in Rome:

Romans 2:1-11 AMP – THEREFORE YOU have no excuse or defense or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. [But] we know that the judgment (adverse verdict, sentence) of God falls justly and in accordance with truth upon those who practice such things. And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment and elude His sentence and adverse verdict? Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)? But by your callous stubbornness and impenitence of heart you are storing up wrath and indignation for yourself on the day of wrath and indignation, when God’s righteous judgment (just doom) will be revealed. For He will render to every man according to his works [justly, as his deeds deserve]: [Ps. 62:12.] To those who by patient persistence in well-doing [springing from piety] seek [unseen but sure] glory and honor and [the eternal blessedness of] immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and self-willed and disobedient to the Truth but responsive to wickedness, there will be indignation and wrath. [And] there will be tribulation and anguish and calamity and constraint for every soul of man who [habitually] does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile). But glory and honor and [heart] peace shall be awarded to everyone who [habitually] does good, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile). For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]. [Deut. 10:17; II Chron. 19:7.]

All fall short, and I claim no partiality from God. I just want to Glorify Him. For only He is worthy. All I desire is to leave the valley of death. I wish to not lose my salvation and be worthy to stand before God and worship Him. Not before the Great White Throne.

More are heading to stand before the Great White Throne than they think or believe. Many more aren’t even on this path. They are not even welcome in the Kingdom of God at all. They are destined to the pit of fire by their own hands and action. For they have been warned but refuse to heed the warnings. For we are in the days of Noah.

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!’

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NKJV – Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom 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.

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!

“And from such people turn away!”

Never have these words been more revealing to me than now. I must turn away from those that I call family. For a line has been drawn. Our free-will choices are coming to a head. We must choose whom we wish to worship.

Ourselves or God.

I wish to choose to God. I will only know if I succeed when that 2nd trumpet blast is heard all over the globe. If I am here or standing before Him in the sky above. Still in my corruptible or in my incorruptible. Still in my mortality or I am in my immortality.

I pray to be in the immortality, for then I know I will not encounter billions of years of torment in the pit of fire.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #195 (The Love-fest)

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

Time to time I dig up one of my old blog posts. This is one of those times. This one is how people present the love of Jesus Christ.

Message after message from the dais in the buildings called “churches” is “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus loves you as you are.”

It is true that yes both Jesus and His Father love you, but here is the problem with these messages, especially the latter one.

Because of this love if you come to Jesus as you are, He will accept you, but if you truly ask Jesus Christ into your life, you will learn that “as you are” in all cases is not enough to maintain your salvation.

Many at this point will scoff and bluster but it is true.

1 John 3:6-10 NKJV – Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV – For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 John 2:3-6 NKJV – Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

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.

What you have read or just heard did not come from me. These are the Bible. This is what those on the dais should be telling you. They should say, yes God loves you, but once Jesus is TRULY in you sin will bring great inner conflict at times, remorse and sorrow at the least, if you continue to live in any sin. Will we be able to shed all sin? No, for we are imperfect beings. But major sins will be a burden upon us to cast away.

Any that say “Jesus will love you exactly as you are forever” is a liar and they have shown who they truly follow, and it is not Jesus Christ.

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

Any parent that does not spank their child when they have done wrong hates them and wishes them to be dead. Dead as in not alive with the love of Jesus Christ and have the ability through His salvation to live an eternal life.

Now spankings come in many forms. Not just a hit on the rear end. It is also to be verbally scolded when you do wrong and sins are wrong, ALL sin. If you are not admonished, then they truly do not desire you to have eternal joy and happiness. This is what this means that they hate you.

This also goes to teaching people the Bible. If you do not do as the Bible says to teach them all that is within the Bible. To tell them that if they live in sin they will never be welcomed into heaven, then those that do not teach the Bible or teach the Bible correctly have only one goal in mind. To have you join them in the pit of fire in eternal agony and pain as worms eat upon your undying flesh as it is lashed with fire.

Many misuse the word “love” this way. This caused me to write another posting:

There is a big misconception going about that needs to be addressed. In one of my previous posts “The hippie Jesus is alive and well but the true Christ is hard to find.” I tried to point out that love is not all happiness and joy and all is right with the world.

First, we must remember that in proverbs it states that if a parent truly loves their child they would not spare the rod. I.e. spank them. Yet in today’s society that is something that is evil and taboo. It is amazing how what is right and good is suddenly the opposite. Big sign of troubles coming to this world, yet most will just laugh it off and stop reading or listening here just because I worded my sentence that way.

True love from a parent is not easy. They suffer as much as the child when they are forced to punish them, do you think God is any less upset?

When you allow a sin to grow. All those that allow it to grow actually say they hate the world and those they allow to sin. Now I am not saying go out and force people not to sin. That will never happen and then I would be the fanatic some of you already think I am.

A new awakening is now taking place. The world is now drawing the lines between those that will choose God and those that will choose sin. This line is not a straight line as many would assume but it cuts throughout groups that though themselves to be churches and those that have always thought they were not. It cuts across races, creeds and sexes.

What you need to understand is that those that are truly “Loved” by God avoid sin, for they have felt the guilt and discomfort sin brings into their lives. Those that deny God’s love embrace sin and embrace those that embrace sin. Once again, the world is returning to black and white, sinner and saint, bad and good. Which side of the line do you stand upon?

If you stand with God and place Him first, you have only one choice. Reject the sin and accept God.

Matthew 12:30 NKJV – He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

One of the greatest verses to me personally about love is found in Revelation.

Revelation 3:19 NKJV – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Rebuke – G1651 – elegchó – to expose, convict, admonish.

Chasten – G3811 – paideuó – discipline (by punishment), educate, train, correct, learn.

If those upon the dais and behind the pulpit only teach love and nothing else. They are not teaching love; they are teaching hate. For they hate and wish all to join them in the second death.

Any who continually says love, love, love. Despise and truly wish you to experience eternal damnation.

If they truly love you, they will strive to tell you that to live in sin is bad. They will strive to help you to follow the laws found and taught within the Word of God.

Along these lines. Those that push not to fear also are teaching those that listen to live in sin. For this breeds pride and a haughty attitude. What does the Bible tell us when this occurs?

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

By fearing God, we hate evil, pride and arrogance. Yet I know of many that take extreme pride to the point of arrogance. For having the Lord within them makes them gods on earth and they can achieve anything they desire here on earth.

By thinking they can receive and achieve anything here on earth this shows one thing. They are not worshipping God through Jesus Christ. Then who are they worshipping?

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.

Any who receives earthly rewards are receiving their rewards from the father of all lies himself and it is he they worship. For they are rewarded with earthly treasures.

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 people teach messages like this. This is love. For they are striving to rebuke and chasten those listening or reading with the Truth of the Word of God.

So, what is the fate of those that do nothing but teach love, love, love and you can receive anything through God being within you?

Galatians 1:6-10 NLT – I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

They are twice over cursed. Cursed to damnation. Repent for time is running out.

God Bless