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Blog for Podcast #92 (The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth) Part 1

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

Intro

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

Discussion

One of the greatest challenges I have encountered, in having people accept the truth of the Word of God, is the fact that people cling to what has been handed down from one generation to the next. Which is to show how successful one can be and how they can gather wealth unto themselves and pass it on to the next generation. They honestly believe with all their hearts that they are living and acting in a way that is seen as good and right before the Lord.

In today’s message and study. We will examine what the Bible says about having wealth. To do this we will start in the first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

So, I am here to do as the Bible says to do. To teach those that have wealth how they are to become closer unto their Savior Jesus Christ. To that we must go deeper into these verses. Verse by verse. To start this, we will go to the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:17 – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

The first thing we are to look at is the phrase: “rich in this world.”

World – G3568 & G165

G3568 – nun – now, the present, this time

G165 – aión – an age, the world, a specific period, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age

Therefore, a more accurate translation would be rich in this temporal reality we now live in.

Those that have wealth are to do the following with their wealth:

First: That they be not highminded.

Highmindeed – G5309 – hupsélophroneó – to be lofty in mind, that is, arrogant, proud

Arrogant – unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people. Per Cambridge Dictionary

Second: not to trust in your earthly wealth, but to trust in God. For God gives us all that is required to be happy.

There are those that take “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” to mean possessions and material objects. But that goes against the words of Jesus Christ Himself:

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

It simply means God will give us all that is required to be happy in this world and in the eternity yet to come.

1 Timothy 6:18 – That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

In this verse there are four more directives. Accordingly, the next would the:

Third: That they do good

Good – G14 – agathoergeó – do good deed, to work good.

In simpler terms do good works as shown in James 2:14-26, for faith alone is nothing.

Fourth: that since you are rich in worldly wealth you should be just as rich in good works. Because you have the worldly wealth to be able to give more, to do more works than those that do not have earthly wealth.

Here people will protest and complain. For their wealth is tied up in their house, their car, their clothing. Etc.

That is just the point. Let us look at proverbs 30:

Proverbs 30:7-9 – O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

You are living in too big of a house. You are diving too expensive of a car, and your clothes are more than is required by someone who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. For who truly cares about their looks in this world?

Matthew 6:28-32 – “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

So, you equate yourself to unbelievers by protesting what is being said here. What does that make you then?

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 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

You have just openly declared either verbally or in your own thoughts that you are the lukewarm.

That is why following this teaching if you have worldly wealth is so important…. So let us continue.

Fifth – ready to distribute

Distribute – G2130 – eumetadotos – willingly sharing, ready to impart, generous

This means that you are to live modestly so that at a moments notice you can access your worldly wealth and be able to give to those in need at that very moment. So, the fancy house must go, the fancy car must go. And go get your clothes at a thrift store or Walmart.

Sixth: willing to communicate – G2843 – koinónikos – willing to share, sociable, ready to communicate, beneficent.

Willing to share means willing to share the Word of God. The overall meaning is that you are easy to approach and talk to. The opposite of highminded. You are not haughty and think yourself greater than anyone else.

Philippians 2:1-5 – Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Why do all this? That is what verse 19 addresses.

1 Timothy 6:19 – Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We are not to keep our “treasures” here on earth, but in the presence of God. If you have been cursed with earthly wealth. And you desire to be with God in His service for all eternity. Use that wealth to help the needy, the poor, the hungry. Those hit by a natural disaster or are refuges from evil acts performed by others in this world that think they are better than their fellow humans.

Earlier in this chapter of 1 Timothy Paul was talking about those that cause division within the Body of Christ. One of the reasons given for them doing this was because they sought after becoming wealthy here on earth. This is what is said about that mentality:

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

For people craving to have earthly wealth have wandered from the true faith and brought upon themselves great sorrows.

Verse 10 in the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Erred – G635 – apoplanaó – to lead astray, seduce

Faith – G4102 – pistis – persuasion, that is, credence, moral confection (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God), faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

Or as Jesus Christ said:

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Money becomes the god of those that seek it. Not our Creator through Christ Jesus. Even though they may believe otherwise. These are the facts of the Bible. But also remember this from the Bible as well:

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Seeking and hording wealth puts people upon the highway and the wide gate. It is up to you how you wish to spend eternity. I have done as the Holy Spirit has directed me to do. It is now up to you that listened to do what you must do.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #91 (Within a generation)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

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

Discussion

Matthew 24:32-35 – “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

How long is a generation?

Per a paper but forth by Donn Devine on the International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki. A generation is 33 years. (https://isogg.org/wiki/How_long_is_a_generation%3F_Science_provides_an_answer)

You think it is a coincidence that Jesus went upon the cross when he was 33? I personally don’t.

But what is it Christ Jesus said to look for and to know that within 33 years he would return?

Matthew 24:4-14 – Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

What else is said about what to look for to know we are in the end-times?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

In a past three-part series “The many faces of the selfish god.” I go into an in-depth study of these verses. Therefore, I will not go deeper here.

Timothy was also told this about the last days before the return of Christ in 1 Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:1-4 – Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

 Now look at the world about you in your own life, on the TV. Those that live in your neighborhood, your city, town or village.

One of the greatest failings within the Body of Christ as been the desire to love too much. People see sin within those they interact with in all forms. But what is the command given to Timothy in verse five of 2 Timothy 3?

“Stay away from people like that.”

Yet most do not follow this directive. They allow people to not only stay in their lives but in their churches as well. Defying the Word of God. People believe they have the power within them to change the behavior of people about them. That is the greatest mistake any human can make.

We have no power to change anyone. All we do have is the ability to spread the Word of God and to live a righteous lifestyle which is to follow the commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:15-16 – And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

When we don’t separate ourselves from those that live in sin are we not covering the light in a basket?

Are we not making the salt useless?

Are we not ask God’s anger to be aimed at us?

Ephesians 5:1-11 – Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.

If someone is not producing what is good, right and true then they do not have the Holy Spirit within them.

1 John 2:1-6 – My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Many out there say that Jesus’ only commandment was to love, which is not true. Those that do this fall into those of verse four of the verses that were just read. For the commandments are all the commandments given unto us since the time of Moses as long as they pass the litmus test commandments restated to us by Christ Jesus. What is this?

Matthew 5:17-20 – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

And the litmus test commandments that Christ restated:

Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

But I have gotten offtrack.

When the sins shown in 1 Timothy 4:1-4 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are all seen we know that we are in the last times, the end times.

Do not people shun certain types of foods? Are there not Vegans and Vegetarians?

Have people fallen into to following false teachings? A prime example would be Joel Olsteen, who teaches to seek after worldly wealth which is totally opposite the teachings of Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:19-24.

Do people care more for their money and themselves? Do they not seek to have the biggest the best and the most expensive? A fancy house, clothes, possessions, a car?

Are they not boastful and proud? Thinking themselves better than other humans and showing off to those about them?

Do many these days ridicule God?

Are many in this present generation ungrateful to their parents as well as disobedient to them?

Do they consider nothing sacred?

Do not many belittle other, yet their own lives are filled with nothing but disorder?

Is that which is good seen as evil by most?

I could keep going, but I believe I have made my point.

When the exact moment the generation started the count down to the return of Christ within 33 years I cannot say. But all the signs we are told to look for are amongst us now. None can question this truth.

Christ Jesus is soon to arrive. It is now you must fix your life with Him. For if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are in reality not alive.

Yes, you breath, yes you wake up every day. But that is not the promised life that is offered by God through the death of His Son and resurrection on the third day.

The promised life is eternal life that is yet to come after this life you now live. The promised reward is not found in this life but in the one that will last forever. Why reward someone for something that will last a few decades? When they can have billions upon billion upon billions of years to appreciate the reward that God will give unto all that listen and obey what is within the Bible.

I will end this message with these words for the second letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:16-4:5 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #90 (Who tells you how to spread the Word of God)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, 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

In today’s message I wish to discuss spiritual gifts. Not what they are, for there are lessons on those everywhere. Today’s message is how to treat your gift. First off, we need to lay the groundwork.

John 12:25-26 – Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

Why I start here is because too many ask for guidance from humans and not from God. Do you ask your employer what your assigned task is, or do you ask other employees? Those employees could be slackers and good for nothing and they may take advantage of you. Who gets in trouble in this situation, the slacker or you? Odds are in favor you.

So why ask fellow humans what God wishes for you to do with your spiritual gift. Humans? Many of whom listen to false teachers and embrace false doctrine.

You must treat your spiritual gift as you treat the Word of God. You must never take the word of others when it comes to the Word of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17- 22 – Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

1 John 4:1-6 – Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

The key element in these last verses is the placement of the of Holy Ghost within a follower of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, when seeking how to use our spiritual gifts given unto us by the Holy Spirit. Should we not ask for guidance from the Source?

The answer is obvious: Yes, we should.

However, millions do not do this. They look to their human counterparts for answers and direction. Many don’t even read the Bible. Taking the word of people. People they see as better than them to lead and guide them.

And they wonder how any can be asleep. Because they themselves are asleep.

Matthew 25:8-9 – Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

The foolish bridesmaids are those that ask others how to use their oil. But note how those that were wise responded. They told them they could not share theirs, but to go and buy more.

The answer they were referring to was in reading the Bible and coming to know more about how our Savior Jesus Christ thinks and works. Then to allow the Holy Ghost, the oil in the lamps to fill us with understanding and insight into how we are to use our spiritual gifts for the glory of Christ and His Father.

This can only happen by coming to know the Word of God not just by reading it, but by truly and deeply studying it. All the way to the meaning of the words within the Bible as they were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Once someone studies the Bible, in this way, they can reach a true understanding of the Scriptures.

Then and only then will they come to know the will of God and understand how to share their spiritual gifts. Thus, as I usually say. Do not take my word for it, nor any other persons. Find the answer in the Bible for yourself. All must be tested against the Word of God.

The day I write this is the day that has been assigned our day to acknowledge the birth of our Savior Christ Jesus. Today someone sent a long post denying the Word of Christ Himself. Believing they are right in the sight of God through His Son.

Their denial of God through Christ is the denial that there will be a rapture marks them as scoffers of God.

2 Peter 3:3-5 – Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.

They are like those that outright deny God and say nothing has changed forgetting that Jesus Himself described a rapture in His Olivet Discourse.

Matthew 24:36-42 – “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

The Lord’s return will come as a thief in the night. No one will know it is coming. However, we are told that of climatic events that will devastate the globe in the book of Tribulation. Neither are wrong both are right.  Yet Christ setting foot upon the Mount of Olives does not occur until after these calamities. This is not as a thief in the night.

The flood was sudden and unexpected, and we are told that when He returns people will be marrying and living life normally. You cannot live a normal live if the sun and the moon are darkened. Which cause all to fear. You see the contradictions.

None who truly know the Scriptures doubt there will be a rapture. They argue over when the rapture will occur. Many believe there will be a pre-rapture that will take all that profess to being “Christian” will be removed. Yet, if they read Revelation most that stand before God. Those that are counted within the billions standing before the throne of God died during the tribulation. They died before the Christ stood upon Mount Olive, splitting it in two. No, they died after He returned as a thief in the night. Those that are the lukewarm repenting of their sins for being left behind. While those that witnessed His sudden return and denied Him before that occurred. Now profess to all that would hear them that Christ did return as a thief in the night. The lukewarm and those that newly accepted are filled with the Holy Spirit. The living presence of God on earth. All that are filled with the Holy Ghost die. For it is made clear that these uncountable, these billion will die. They must die. For it is the Holy Spirit which holds back the revealing of the antichrist.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 – For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.

Revelation makes it clear that the desecration of the third Temple occurs at the midpoint of the tribulation. At the point when the 144,000 Jews are sealed. At the point when the billions stand before the throne of God. There will still be three and a half years in the time of the darkened sun, moon and stars. All caused by the destruction of the city of Babylon in one day. As shown in chapter 18 of Revelation. That city being known as the United States of America to those that live today. Destroyed by the eruption of the super volcano Yellowstone, a tool of God. A tool with the power and ability to darken the sun the moon and the stars.

To cause the billions especially the lukewarm to repent there must be a sudden and unexpected event. This can only be accounted for by Christ returning as a thief in the night. Christ told us a parable about this yet must don’t understand.

Matthew 25:1-13 – “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. And another warning to keep watch.

Why watch if it is not to be as a thief in the night.

Any who deny the words of Christ deny Him and in so doing deny God and thus make themselves the lukewarm and those counted amongst the foolish bridesmaids.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #89 (Tattoos: The Mark of the Lukewarm and a holiday response)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, 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

Romans 12:1-2 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

Leviticus 19:28 – “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the LORD.

I have started today’s message with Scripture. I have done this for a reason. For there are many out there that are not happy with the title of this podcast. They are also not happy with the use of Leviticus. I will address this last point first with the word of Jesus Christ Himself:

John 14:15 – “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

And:

Matthew 5:17-20 – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Since Leviticus is a commandment does it pass the litmus test also given unto us by Jesus Christ?

Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Does this show love to others by tattooing? No. It shows glory to that person.

Does tattooing show love to God with all their mind, heart and soul? No, it does not, for they are seeking after the approval by those of the world, not God.

Then they are in sin and thus a mark of pride and ego. Therefore, it could even be called a precursor of the mark of the Beast.

James 4:4-12 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. 11 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. 12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

I read these last verses of James 4 for a reason. For there are those out there accusing me of judging them. However, they are in error. This is why:

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

And how is this accomplished?

2 Timothy 4:1-5 – I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

Verse 2 in the KJV:

2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

I am His servant, and I am simply reproving, rebuking and exhorting with longsuffering and the Scripture. For I am guided by His Holy Spirit. If you have anger and you believe you are directing it at me. You are in actuality angry at He who is guiding me. My Savior Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. For when people follow their own desires they are doing so in ego and pride, which they wish to reflect to the world they wish to please. For the only “world” they should seek to please if they call themselves “Christian” is in heaven before the throne of God. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Now to the next part of this message:

This last holiday seasons. I read and read message after message. Most saying things about the blessings God has given you.

Finally, a message came through at a Bible study group where I work. All it stated was God’s love and the blessings He gives you.

I was overwhelmed with the need to make a reply. This is how I responded:

Yes, we are to be thankful for all the blessings God has granted us.

As we head into this holiday season, we need to remember what true blessings from God truly are.

They are not the presents under the tree or in the driveway.

It is the fact that God gave His only Son to die for our sins. And we are to accept Christ as our Savior.

In Romans 2 we “Christians” are given this warning:

Romans 2:1-11 – 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. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 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? 5 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. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 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. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 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. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

God has no favorites.  If you seek after worldly possessions and what appeals to the world like tattoos you have turned away from God. (1 John 2:15-17)

You have turned your back upon God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Think and ponder

This response triggered one of my coworkers and someone I truly do count as a friend.

I have studied the Bible over and over.

The true Gospel tells us that even after we accept Christ as our Savior we can falter and fall away. We are told that those that teach messages that do not convict the soul. That only teach of love. Are pleasing the people.

Galatians 1:6-10 – 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 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 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. 9 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. 10 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.

So, these people have turned away from God that only seek to please people. But why do they seek to please people and not God?

We return once again to Matthew 6:

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

And once again:

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

They have embraced the darkness and excuse sin.

Ephesians 5:3-9 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

As I end today’s message my wish to all is to think of where they stand with Christ Jesus at this very moment. For what if this moment was when the trumpet blast calling the dead into the sky takes place. Are you ready to join Christ in the sky above and then be taken to the wedding feast? At this very moment?

Ponder and think

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #88 (A new level)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, 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

Last week with the release of “The Harsh Message” I entered into a new level of my podcasts. Most of my podcasts up until then had been Bible studies. The showing of the True Word of God for those willing to take the time to listen or read them. All taken from the Bible. All deliberately done for the true meanings found within the Scripture for those willing to truly study the Bible as we are instructed to do by God Himself. Because of His love for all of us humans that walk upon this planet. Few listened. Not only to these podcasts, but to the Bible itself.sina

Now, I will reduce my studies to actually giving messages mostly. Will people be willing to listen? I don’t know. What I do know is that it is not me I wish to glorify, but God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Not many knows my true name, and that is as it should be. For we are not here to glorify ourselves, but our Creator God through Jesus Christ.

I, at times, personally do not feel worthy to be the teacher of His Holy Word, but that is the calling I have been given.  There is something that needs to be placed into the light. Is any who seek glory. Any who give their names and say they are doing this or that for the sake of Jesus Christ. To me, personally, I believe they are seeking to steal the limelight from the only being worthy of being worshipped. That being is the one who humbled Himself so greatly that He not only put on the skin of a mortal but died a death that is seen as most vile. This death that is seen this way throughout the world from cultures that had never heard of God or of His Son Jesus Christ until these nations came into contact with those cultures that had heard of them. Yet they still saw that being hanged or strung up upon a tree the ultimate sin.

Do you actually think this was by chance? That they think the same type of death is seen as so demeaning and the ultimate insult to the person it is happening to? This was by design. The design of the Creator of this universe and the new universe yet to come.

Recently I released a list of what is truth within the Bible. A thing that many wish to deny and not hear. Many out there wish to continue to live their lives as they feel is important to how they wish to feel. They seek to live in comfort. They seek to continue to think of what is important to them and those they choose to let into their lives.

Simply the world revolves about them.

That is opposite the teachings of the Bible.

However, many that do this. Call themselves “Christian.”

Yet the Bible tells us to imitate Christ. To humble ourselves. To place all others before ourselves. To do this the desires of the person should become unimportant to themselves. Their focus should be on pleasing first God through Jesus Christ, then all others.

Philippians chapter two says this:

Philippians 2:3-8 – Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 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, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

When Christ calls upon us to follow Him in His service. He tells us to surrender all.  This is seen in the story of the young rich man seen in Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31 and Luke 18:18-30. This is also explained to the large crowd that followed Christ in Luke 14:25-33.

How many that are reading or listening to this right now can actually say they have surrendered all?

I know the answer. I see the answer everyday, or any time I enter into the buildings called “churches.”

I see Mercedes, BMWs, and many other expensive vehicles. As well as fancy clothes and adornments. Yet they protest and complain I that am in the wrong and they are in the right.

But does it not go completely opposite of what Jesus Christ Himself said.

“Oh, but that was a different age. That does not apply to us.” Comes the words from many out there.

They don’t even realize they just denied Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:32-33 – “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

“I didn’t deny Christ” they scream and shout in anger.

I will quote from the story of the young rich man.

Mark 10:23-31 – Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

Two key statements that bear repeating:

“Yes, and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution.”

And the 2nd:

“But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

Simple translation: the rich will be poor, and the poor will be rich in Godly treasures.

So, Jesus Christ makes it very clear to not seek after worldly possessions and riches, yet millions professing to be “Christian” do just that. What is another name for that?

Oh yea, Hypocrites.

What does the Bible call hypocrites?

James 4:4 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

Consequently, they are the enemy of God, all because they seek after the world as seen in 1 John 2:

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

This is what labels those that keep or seek after worldly wealth and possession: hypocrites. And thus, their denial of Jesus Christ.

I did not say this. I am no one. I serve God. I am guided by the Holy Ghost, and I write what He guides me to write and speak. I am a voice in the wilderness. Crying out to cause you to awaken to the truth.

Therefore, if what I am guided to say is not me. Then it is the Holy Spirit saying this. Not me and I seek no glory or reward for making people feel uncomfortable. If they suffer discomfort, it is the Holy Spirit saying that what they are hearing is the truth being stated here. For it is just that. For it comes from the only truth. The Word of God.

Christ makes it very clear. You wish to follow Him. You must give everything away. Not seek after more and more of the world, but to reject the world. To seek after that which only the Father through His Holy Son can give us.

And where are these rewards?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

How can they be ready to share with others if they are driving most of their money or living in most of their money. How can they share with a hundred people in need a 72’ screen TV? Or cloth a thousand with their $150 each pair of a rack of shoes in their closet.

As long as they live in luxuries on this earth, they store no treasures in heaven, they have shown they hate God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Christ is soon to return. Which side of the wedding feast door do you wish to be standing upon? Matthew 25:1-13.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #87 (A harsh message)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Dreams, 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

This is going to be a difficult message today. Not a study, a message. As I have stated before and as per my handle. I am a dreamer of dreams per Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17 – ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

I am an old man and I have been having dreams from God for decades. At times they can be harsh, and this is one of those times. Most likely many will be offended by what is to follow, but I have prayed and sought verification and received it before actual doing what I am doing now.

First and foremost, as the first four words of the afore mentioned verse must be said again.

“In the last days.”

This must become something that must be accepted by those that continue to listen or read what is to follow. Paul prophesied this to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

For clarity’s sake I will restate verse 5 in the KJV:

2 Timothy 3:5 – Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

We will return to this later. But now we must make it clear that there will be a rapture. One that Jesus Christ Himself predicted:

Matthew 24:36-44 – “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Key elements that are stated here from the Olivet discourse.

  • No human or angel knows when Christ will return. Only God knows.
  • The behavior of the people will be like they were when Noah was building the Ark.
  • Genesis 6:5 – The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.
  • The clear image of a rapture event is described by Jesus.
  • Matthew 24:40-41 – “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.”

So, any that have said that the rapture has occurred in any form, or that there will be no rapture, at the time these words are being written down, are false teachers and are cursed per Galatians 1:6-9. The behavior shown in 2 Timothy 3 is considered evil for it shows the behavior of those people just before the return of Jesus Christ and thus are like the days of Noah.

Now to the next level of this message.

It must be made perfectly clear that the mentality of most that have walked upon this earth since before Christ Jesus took the form of a man to walk amongst humanity has truly never changed. Even with the influence of the Bible in effect at this time. Why? Because of this prediction from Daniel:

Daniel 7:23 – Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path.”

This mentality of the Roman empire is what caused the Crusades. It is what caused the conquest of the Americas. One of the key elements that this beast has placed upon the minds of people throughout the centuries is the need to be rich and to establish a legacy. To have their name continue throughout the centuries. Be it through offspring or a place in history.

A key element of this statement about legacy was first shown with Caesar. This man’s name became the name all those that followed him in rule of the Roman Empire adopted.

Per the Bible what does it say about names and history of this world.

Revelation 2:17 – “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

Isaiah 65:17 – “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.

So, any seeking a “legacy” is stating that they are greater than God and deserve to have their name remembered above His and for all time.

Another key element. The seeking of riches.

Christ said this about worldly treasures:

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

The darkness being referred to here is the darkness that comes from this beast prophesied in Daniel.

But what else does the Bible say about money:

1 Timothy 6:3-10 – Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

And this:

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

And:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

“True life” is the eternal life that is yet to come. Therefore, any who seek after wealth do not know the Bible. For it is made clear that we are to get rid of all wealth if it has been cursed upon us. This wealth is a test to see if we love God or if we love money. Most fail this test. The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we should do our best to get rid of any money that goes above and beyond that needed to live a basic lifestyle.

This discussion of money now leads us to the harsh part of this message. Due to the fact that for centuries people have sought after riches here on earth they are in actuality worshipping that money, thus hating God and His Son Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ made that very clear in Matthew 6:24:

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Then if God is not “blessing” them with riches and telling them they are “Christian” and going to heaven. Who is?

2 Corinthians 4:4 – 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.

If you doubt this look at the wording used in Luke 4:

Luke 4:5-8 – Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7 I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” 8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’”

“I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please.”

Wealth and riches are Satan’s to do with as he pleases.

Yet millions who call themselves “Christian” and live in wealth. And how do they act?

2 Timothy 3:2 – For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

“For people will love only themselves and their money”

Then they must sell off their possessions and wealth if they wish to truly serve Jesus. But will they?

Three times this very subject is described in three of the gospels. It is the story of the young rich man, who lived a “Christian” aka religious life. But what was his response?

 Mark 10:21-22 – Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

And Christ’s explanation He gave to the disciples?

Mark 10:25 – In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Christ also says this:

Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

And this:

John 14:15 – “If you love me, obey my commandments.

And later in John 15 after stating those that are unfruitful Christians will be cast into the fire Jesus Christ says this:

John 15:10-12 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

And how did Christ Jesus show His love?

He humbled Himself to the point of dying the dishonorable death upon the cross for His love for us.

To love others is to guarantee they do not suffer. This is done by giving most of our worldly riches away and living only with what meets our needs. If all that call themselves “Christian” actual did this. There would be no suffering in this world at this time.

Most currently believe they are on the narrow path, but they hold onto and horde their wealth and their possessions. They believe with all their heart they will experience the rapture. Most at this time will have an experience when the rapture does occur. But it will be as a witness to the event. Not a participant.

How can I say this?

Revelation 7:9-10 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language.”

These are those that will hold onto their riches or be seeking after it and believe they are going into heaven and now live. As well as those that had originally rejected God and His Son but will then accept the reality of God and turn to His Son. Again, how can this be said:

Revelation 7:13-14 – Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.

“These are the ones who died in the great tribulation.”

This is the great revival. Yet they must pay the price for this revival by refusing the mark of the antichrist and accepting martyrdom. They must cause their own blood to be spilled upon the ground for their acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is their salvation and know that they must suffer greatly. All because they first refused to obey His commandments to love others as they love themselves. They will do this because they witnessed those few that had truly followed the rough and narrow path and left them behind. As those that had been true to God meet His Son in the clouds above as they go to partake of the wedding feast.

Matthew 25:10-12 – “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

And the only way Christ will know them is for them to spread the truth of the Word of God and to die the martyr’s death for His glory and His alone.

The Bible shows most will reject what has been presented here today. However, I have still done as I have been led to do by the Holy Spirit. Will I too be a witness to the rapture or a participant only time will give us that answer.

Think and ponder your own life and fate, and I will seek to do the same in mine. I will honor God through His Son my Savior Jesus Christ and follow and do what the Holy Spirit tells me to do. For the time is near for Christ to return, and this message is one of the final warnings.

Matthew 25:6 – “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

Amen.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #86 (The right side of the green)

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

There are times when I hear people say that they are glad they woke up this morning. They also say that they are glad they are on the right side of the grass. So, they are celebrating the fact that they are living in this temporal plain of existence. They desire to be within this short one hundred years God has given us to decide where it is we truly wish to exist. Here or in the promised eternal life that we are yet to encounter. The Bible says this about the mentality of those that are upon the right path towards God through Jesus Christ and thus toward eternity.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 – For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

“While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.”

Let this sink in a bit.

When someone welcomes the fact that they awaken to a new day they are not thinking in a manner consistence to the teachings of the Bible. In fact, they are thinking opposite.

As the verses say we do not seek an earthly death to happen quickly. For we know that as long as we live, we have a task to perform for God through our Savior Jesus Christ. Or that we are not living our lives correct. More and more I am coming to the conclusion it is the latter of these two options.

For most live their lives seeking their worldly rewards instead of their heavenly rewards which is counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

When comparing these verses to the first verses we started today with. When someone gladly awakens they are actually in darkness. For we as the children of God are to now live in light.

Ephesians 5:1-21 – Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.”

Carefully determining what pleases God is to seek to not only live our lives righteously, but to help other to see. For many live in darkness and are unaware of it as was witnessed by the wording Jesus Christ uses.

“But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”

The reason we know we are living in the age of the lukewarm Christian is the mere fact that those that profess to being “Christian” seek after and or live in luxuries and do not seek to help others to find their way to God through Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

Two key statements were made here. So, we will look at these two in the KJV.

First:

2 Timothy 3:2 – For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

And second:

2 Timothy 3:5 – Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

The implication here is that these are people that go into the buildings called churches. For they see themselves as godly, but their actions and behavior state otherwise. For they seek only to gather their own riches unto themselves and ridicule what actually is instructed to us by God. These are the lukewarm. And this is what Jesus Christ said about them:

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

We are told to not associate with these, which is one of the major factors of why I do not go to the buildings called “churches.” For most within them live the lives of the lukewarm. Not seeking to please God, but themselves instead. This is the mentality of those that are glad to awaken to a new day in this temporal plain of existence, that is like the blink of an eye to what we are promised by God Himself when it comes to the life we are to live.

What is the most sad about this, is that we are all promised eternal bodies. Actual physical bodies as was shown in 2 Corinthians 5. For those that go down the narrow and difficult path. The narrow gate will lead to eternal life in the service of our Creator the Lord God. However, for those that deny God as will as those that believe they are living for God when in reality they are living for themselves. Will be on the highway to damnation and will find their earthly rewards added up to nothing but to stand before the Great White Throne Judgement saying:

Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

Now as I have shown in previous podcasts none can truly prophesies, cast out demons, or perform miracles without having been saved. Yet Jesus Christ will deny them. I have shown how they turned their backs upon Christ and returned to the world and their first and true love – themselves. These are amongst those that welcome a new day here in this temporal realm.  These are the ones that do not store up their treasures in heaven per Matthew 6:19-24.

For as was shown from the first verses we covered today from 2 Corinthians 5. Those that truly are in the service of God desire to be in His presence, and only tolerate their earthly tents, which are their aging bodies.

They know that God either still has a task for them to fulfill or that in some way they are still living in sin. Therefore, they must strive to learn what it is they need to do to fix their lives in order to please God.

To most at this time that live in sin, it is the fact that they horde their earthly treasures unto themselves and so not give it to those in need, as was explained to the young rich man (Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30).

Whenever something within the Bible is stated two or three times it is a witness against the reader of the Bible.

2 Corinthians 13:1 – This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”).

Three times we see Jesus Christ tell those that seek to keep their riches and possessions that it will be impossible for them to enter into heaven, unless they surrender their wealth. And then seek to be truly one of His disciples.

When this is done. We will not wake up saying thank you to God for another day in this temporal realm of existence. But praying what can I do for you today dear Lord God and Father of my Savior Jesus Christ. For it appears I have not yet earned my eternal house in your presence and must continue to live in this ragged tent.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #85 (The Biblical teaching of the mask and also what foods to eat)

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

There has been a debate going on for some time now about how those that call themselves “Christians” should respond to wearing a mask. In my own opinion I concluded to follow my faith in the Lord. But that is a human outlook. This is something that has still bothered me, but God led me to the final answer to this issue in what else but where everything is addressed, from the Word of God. This is the teaching that any that are pastors or ministers should have taught months ago.

These are the verses I was led to:

1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” 27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

First off let us look at verse twenty-three in the KJV, for this is one of the times where I believe the NLT has gone too far in its translation. Why I say this is that most modern translation do not include all or expand in what is being said. The NLT is not the only new translation that does this, but it is not the worst. The worst and so should not be read is the New International Verse or NIV. This translation has over 50 errors within it that cause people to think and belief differently than what the KJV has taught for centuries and so falls under the curse of Galatians 1:6-9.

But semi back on topic:

1 Corinthians 10:23 – All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

When taken in context with the KJV verse. It shows we are to stay within the boundaries of the Biblical laws that pass the litmus test of Matthew 22:37-40:

Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Now let me paraphrase this in the mask issue.

Since we put our trust and faith in God through Jesus Christ our Savior. We can do anything within the law, and since a mandate is not a law, we do not need or are required to wear a mask. For the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, including viruses. If you enter a place and out of their fear demands you wear a mask, wear a mask for their sake. It does not matter to you but to them. So, either way you are glorifying God for you know it has no meaning to you since you are a child of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

This is the bottom line as I see it. Those that fear the virus fear death itself. However, if you know you are one with Christ and a servant of God you have no fear of death. Then why do they fear death?

The answer is simple. They fear to stand in the presence of God. This goes to Christ’s teaching of where is your treasures stored.

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Most in the temporal realm we live in store their treasures here. As a result, they fear to lose them. For they know there is no treasures stored in heaven. This means one of two things. They are either not saved or their thinking they are but have not been storing their treasures in the right place. As a result, they fear death.

None who truly know and understand the Bible and have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior fear death.

None.

They are ready to stand before God’s throne at any moment and accept the fact that when the call comes, which will most likely be death is something they await. If the call does not come, they know they still have a mission to fulfill for God here upon this earth. Be it fixing something in their own lives or by helping others to come to accept Christ as their Savior. They seek out to find what it is they are to do that falls within the teachings of the Bible and so seek to do the will of God. Aided by the Holy Spirit.

Any who fear death, fear God, and so are not in the right place with God.

This does not mean to seek to kill yourself if you believe you are right with God. This also does not mean to celebrate the fact that you awaken to a new day here in this temporal realm of existence. All that means is that God is still using you if you have no fear of death. However, if there is that fear in your life you need to fix your own relationship with Jesus Christ.

This fear of death goes with food as well. Which is the original context of these verses that we began this Bible study with today. Those that insist upon Organic food. That are Vegan, or Vegetarian. Or whatever other choices out there that deny you some part of God’s creation to use as sustenance are living in sin if they call themselves “Christian” as well. Why do I say this? Because they are fulfilling prophecy that shows that we are in the end-times.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 – Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

“For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.”

This goes not only for food but viruses as well.

As is shown here though these people have turned their backs upon the true Word of God, if they had been born again, which is shown can and will happen. As is witnessed here:

2 Peter 2:20-22 – And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

No one can “turn away from the true faith,” unless they are first a child of God through accepting Christ as their Savior. And it is made clear that these teachings that say you cannot eat this or you cannot eat that come from deceptive spirits and from demons. Those things that fell from heaven with Satan. Let us look at verse two of 1 Timothy in the KJV:

1 Timothy 4:2 – Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Conscience – G4893 – suneidésis – co-perception, that is, moral consciousness.

Seared with a hot iron – G2743 – kautériazó – to brand (cauterize), that is by implication to render unsensitive.

Part of being one with Jesus Christ is having empathy for others. The loss of this empathy is a sign of a loss of salvation, which will lead to haughtiness. This again leads us to a prophetic statement made to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

We are told to avoid people that behave in this manner. But we are told again to avoid a certain type of people.

Titus 3:9-11 – Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 – When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

One of the greatest failings of the Christian community has been the removal of those that live in sin and are kept within the group. Their love for the human that is living in sin. Their desire to try and fix them. The thing is, we cannot fix others. The only person that we can “fix” is ourselves by striving to have a relationship with Jesus Christ through coming to know and understand the Bible.

Another aspect that is a contributing factor in today’s society is money. For these Christian communities go to buildings called “churches.” Where there is a need for money to keep this building. The need to pay taxes on it and the land. The need to pay salaries. It has been this way for centuries. This is why those that openly sin are not removed. Because those that live in sin gain in worldly rewards. Rewards that in most cases take the shape of money.

I had already mentioned the first part of our worldly treasures for Matthew 6 but let us continue.

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

What else does it say about money in the Christian community. I will continue in 1 Timothy chapter six:

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV)

It is these treasures here on earth that causes people to fear death. For they have lost their way and say they are following God, but in reality, they are not. They have placed all their treasures here in this temporal realm that only lasts in a blink in the eye compared to the reality we are promised.

Yes, we are promised an eternity in living bodies in a new universe on a new earth.

Revelation 21:1 – And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

1 Corinthians 15:53-54 – For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

But to put on the immortal we must surrender the earthly the corruptible, but most forget this and return to that which makes them happy and content here in this corrupted realm we live within.

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

This fear of food and the fear of a virus has revealed to the world those that fear death and thus fear eternity. Why?

Because the eternity they fear may be that which they fear the most. Which is why they live in fear and desire to live for only a few decades instead of desiring to live for multiple millennia. For the Bible makes it very clear that most will go down the wide and easy path instead of the narrow and difficult one.

Those that do not fear death are most likely those that are walking the narrow path.

Ponder and think,

God Bless

Blog for podcast #84 (The eye of the needle [a look at the rapture])

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

Today I wish to look at the Rapture. Just for clarification’s sake I will say this and get it over with. There has not been a rapture at the time this is written. So those that say there has been, in any form, are teaching a false gospel. There will be a rapture, and again for the sake of making things clear I believe there will be multiple raptures, for there is evidence of this within the Bible. So, I am what is called a person that believes in the theory of a partial-rapture.

A thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 – For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

Revelation 16:15 – “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

No human will ever be told when our Lord Jesus Christ will return. Several generations have come and gone awaiting His return, but it has not yet happened. But we are told to be always ready and to live our lives as if it were to happen at any moment. As is seen in last verse which was just said.

The clothes referred to in verse fifteen of the sixteenth chapter of Revelation. Are not tangible clothes, but the white robes of salvation, as is witnessed in the letter to Sardis:

Revelation 3:4 – “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.”

This is exemplified in the last letter to the churches, which in reality describes the state of mind of most that profess to being “Christian” at this very moment:

Revelation 3:15-20 – “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

“You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”

The eye of the needle

Jesus Christ made if very clear how we are to approach Him and be prepared for His return in these lukewarm times we now live within. Yet most refuse to acknowledge this order.

Luke 14:25-33 – A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ 31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

“So, you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.”

As I said this last sentence most out there that are now living a lukewarm life and do not believe that Jesus Christ is being literal about this, but He is. For this is not the only time we are told by Him to do this. First off, we need to establish an important point.

2 Corinthians 13:1 – This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”).

Consequently, when the Bible states something two to three or more times. It is the truth and must be followed. I have just shown you once where it states we are to get rid of our worldly goods. Now I will show two more times.

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Mark 10:17-22 – As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 22 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus Christ has made it very clear that we are to get rid of our worldly possessions once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Yet most in this world that profess to being “Christian.” Especially those in what is called “wealthy countries,” live their lives in luxuries. Refusing to get rid of their wealth. Therefore, they are living their lives contrary to what Jesus Christ Himself has told them to do. They are walking away from Him in sadness like the young rich man.

As a result, they are not clothed in white robes, but are in actuality naked.

Returning to Mark 10 Jesus goes on to explain something few actually see from this encounter with the young rich man:

Mark 10:23-31 – Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

What needs to be keyed in upon in these verses is this:

“In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

What was a camel used for in the time when Jesus Christ first walked upon this temporal plain of existence?

The answer: they were used to transport merchandise. They were used to transport worldly possession, wealth and luxuries.

We also need to understand one other point. Is the “eye of the needle.”

This was an actual gate in the walls into Jerusalem. The camel had to have the merchandise removed from its back and then would be made to get onto its knees and then was forced by the camel drivers through the small opening in the wall.

Where else is something narrow and small?

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

For only a few, like the twelve disciples, will be willing to surrender everything. Which leads us to the next part of today’s study.

The sounding of a trumpet.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

As you can see it is more than just a sounding of a trumpet. What is most important is that it will be a sound that is heard all over the world at that exact same time. None will be able to deny it occurs. Then those who were victorious and were awake at the moment this happens will be gone from the face of this earth. (Matthew 24:37-44; Luke 17:26-37)

Most believe that they will be included within these numbers. However, that is the furthest thing from the truth. This first coming of Jesus Christ, will as was shown earlier. Be like a thief in the night. Most will be unprepared and will be standing spiritual naked before God, and so will be left standing here upon the earth. In shock and bewilderment. That they, who were so righteous in their own eyes, were not taken into the heaven to be with who they thought was their Savior. This first rapture will lead to the next, which will be three and a half years later and will consist of billions of people from all over the globe. How do I know this?

Revelation 7:9-14 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. 12 They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.

These are the once that were left behind. Even of these there will be those that still reject Jesus Christ and will accept the mark and the chip.

 Revelation 13:16-17 – And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Many who would rather have their luxuries will take the mark and be lost forever. However, there will be those that had rejected God that will now turn to Him and accept the death of the martyrs and will stand before the throne of God at the middle of the tribulation at the second rapture. Then there will be a third rapture which is promised to the Jewish people just before Jesus Christ returns to set foot upon the Mount of Olives once again. (Daniel 12:1-3) For once the last martyr dies the antichrist will be allowed to fully be revealed for the last human being with the Holy Spirit within them will be dead, which will cause the second rapture to occur. For the Holy Spirit must be removed from the earth. (2 Thessalonians 2:7) That can only be done by the removal of any who have the Holy Spirit within them.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #79 (I do not take the words of men but the I listen to the words of God.)

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Intro

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

Discussion

In a recent exchange I had on Facebook where I post links to my podcasts. The person stated a list of names of all these important people within religion and how their point of view should not be doubted or questioned.

My reply to him was simple. I do not place my belief in anything any humans say. I listen only to the words of Jesus Christ. I then pointed out this verse:

2 Corinthians 13:1 – This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”).

Which has its foundation here:

Deuteronomy 19:15 – “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

I then stated that I had shown three times Jesus Christ Himself stated salvation can be lost. (John 15:1-6; Matthew 7:21-23 and 25:1-13.

I could also have stated Revelation 3:1-6 and 3:15-16.

That is nearly double the required witness needed from the words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself to end any argument. However, it is still argued.

Why?

Because people do not wish to end their own “godhood.” They do not wish to surrender to the Scriptures.

Proverbs 30:1-9 – The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. 2 I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. 4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! 5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.  6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. 7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Two key elements emerge in these verses. The most important:

“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.”

The second:

“First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.”

Let us explore this second point further before we return to the more important verses.

So let us look at verse 8 in the KJV:

Proverbs 30:8 – Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Vanity – H7723 – shav – in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive); literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjectively), uselessness (as deceptive; objectively; also adverbially in vain) uses include false (-ly), lying, vain, vanity, emptiness.

  1. Guile – insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception; duplicity. – Dictionary.com

Convenient – H2706 – choq – something prescribed or owed, necessary.

Do not seek after things that will cause a person to be vain. Possessions, and those possessions that go well beyond a need like just enough to cover our nakedness and shelter us from the weather. but also, not to lie. Not to be rich for being rich will cause people to deny God. Only seek enough to meet a person’s needs.

Therefore, people do not wish to accept that salvation can be lost. Because then they would have to acknowledge God. Why? Because they do not wish to surrender their vanity. Their expensive home that is too big for them. That is filled with the possessions that are idols to their true god… themselves.

They embrace the lie of once saved always saved for they do not wish to accept that they of all people would be rejected by God.

Vanity – the fact that you are too interested in your appearance or achievements per Cambridge dictionary.

So let us now move on to the more important verses this time in the KJV:

Proverbs 30:5-6 – Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

So as shown in the verses from Matthew, John, and Revelation. Then those that insist upon once saved always saved, have added to the word’s of God.

Let us now turn once again to Galatians:

 Galatians 1:6-10 – 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 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 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. 9 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. 10 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.

Those that teach the doctrine of once saved always saved are seeking to win the approval of people not God. and so have cursed themselves:

“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.”

Now I know this was Paul who wrote these words, but what words did Peter teach. Someone who walked and talked in person with Jesus:

2 Peter 2:1-9 – But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. 4 For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. 5 And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. 6 Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. 7 But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

Just so we understand each other let us read verse one of this chapter in the KJV:

2 Peter 2:1 -But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Peter verifies the words of Jesus Christ. That those that were born again and had accepted Christ as their Savior. Turned their backs upon Him to teach false doctrines. For all they were after was money for their own idolatry, and so they have deceived many into following their twisted versions of the Bible to be cursed by God Himself.

Again, this is not me saying this. This is the Bible saying it.

Already people will be throwing out verse after verse of God’s undying love for all. I have never questions these scriptures ever. Yet how many have read the book of Hosea.

Hosea 1:2 – When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the LORD and worshiping other gods.”

Hosea 3:1 – Then the LORD said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the LORD still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.”

Hosea 4:1-4 – Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel! The LORD has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. 2 You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere—one murder after another. 3 That is why your land is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away. Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea are disappearing. 4 “Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! My complaint, you priests, is with you.

Hosea 9:1-2 – O people of Israel, do not rejoice as other nations do. For you have been unfaithful to your God, hiring yourselves out like prostitutes, worshiping other gods on every threshing floor. 2 So now your harvests will be too small to feed you. There will be no grapes for making new wine.

Hosea 10:1-2 – How prosperous Israel is—a luxuriant vine loaded with fruit. But the richer the people get, the more pagan altars they build. The more bountiful their harvests, the more beautiful their sacred pillars. 2 The hearts of the people are fickle; they are guilty and must be punished. The LORD will break down their altars and smash their sacred pillars.

Hosea 11:1-2 – “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. 2 But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols.

Hosea 12:2-10 – Now the LORD is bringing charges against Judah. He is about to punish Jacob for all his deceitful ways, and pay him back for all he has done. 3 Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. 4 Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him— 5 the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, the LORD is his name! 6 So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him. 7 But no, the people are like crafty merchants selling from dishonest scales—they love to cheat. 8 Israel boasts, “I am rich! I’ve made a fortune all by myself! No one has caught me cheating! My record is spotless!” 9 “But I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt. And I will make you live in tents again, as you do each year at the Festival of Shelters. 10 I sent my prophets to warn you with many visions and parables.”

There will be those that protest to these verses. Saying they are for the Jewish people only. I counter with this. Do you not call yourselves “Christian?” Then are you not children of God? if you are not children of God then who are you the children of? Baal?

If you say you are of Christ, then you are a child of God. You too can be fickle and cheat and lie and be cut off and punished. You are not better than the Jewish people.

Romans 2:9-11 – There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 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. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

The entire Bible is for all to read, study and learn of God. To know how to live a truly Christian life. Which means to only live within our needs and not our wants. Once we meet our needs, we are to give the rest away to those in dire straits.

There should be no poverty in a Christian nation. There should be no hunger in a Christian nation. There should be no one rich in a Christian nation. There should be no need for a government to dictate how people should use their money in a Christian nation. For those that are Christian and are fully following the Word of God will give most of their wealth away:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

This is why I do not take the words of men over that of God. This is why I study the Bible. This why you should not take my word for it, but to study the Bible for yourselves. To see who is telling the truth and who is adding to the Word of God for their own worldly legacy and glory.

Isaiah 65:17 – “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.

For to seek after anything here on this earth and to create a legacy for yourself is not to be a child of God but truly a child of Baal. Then as Baal, they will be forgotten. God Bless