Relationship

Blog for Podcast #145 (Study the Word and some Epiphanies)

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

1 Peter 4:17-19 NKJV – For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “IF THE RIGHTEOUS ONE IS SCARCELY SAVED, WHERE WILL THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER APPEAR?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

God will weed out those that do not follow His commandments in the last days before His return. They will enter into trails and tribulation like they have never seen before. Many, especially those that profess their believe and faith in Christ will be amongst them.

Those testing the ones that are truly faithful to God will insist they are right. That what they say is the truth. However, it will not stand up to Scripture. One of the biggest weeding tools will be the events that surround the tribulation period.

Why?

Because many will not accept the literality of the Bible. They will turn it into myths and fables and embrace them.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV – I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Always stick to the literal nature of Scripture. When you don’t you open yourself up to false teachings for you in essence add to and or take away from Scripture. Especially those that deal with the tribulation.

Revelation 22:18-19 NKJV – For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

How many grasp the implications of these verses? How many show their lack of understanding the Word of God which is the Bible. How many have taught false teachings about the coming tribulation period and what will occur within it? Causing many to embrace myths and fables.

It is important that each person that accepts Christ as their Savior learn the Bible for themselves. Not just read. Study and learn it. Why?

Because humans are corrupt. We are always corrupt and will remain so until we meet Christ in the clouds, for those that have proven themselves worthy in His eyes.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 NKJV – Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.”

Even when we accept salvation we struggle with sin unto the end. This is why we must remain vigilant. The only true way of being so is to study the Word of God. Truly study it. Dig deep into the Word and come to truly understand what is written there.

Along these lines of studying the Word of God I encountered an epiphany as I was writing this podcast and I was studying the Bible. Some podcasts ago, to be specific podcast #135, I talked about the warning given to those of the city of Laodicea. That they were warned, then an earthquake struck that city. Then they rebuilt it and returned to their sins.

But what was the epiphany?

It was this.

1906 April 18th at 5:12 AM the city of San Francisco was destroyed in an earthquake and then a fire. The city was drenched in sin and lavish wealth and luxuries. You could say that sin ran rampant throughout the city.

This city was rebuilt and grew in prosperity to the point that a bridge was built stating it was the gate way to wealth and luxury once again. Then once again it began to decline into sinfulness. Becoming the focal point of “free love” in the 1960s and the abandonment from the morals taught within the Bible. Since the 60s it declined even further into sin. From the sins in this city, it has spread into the entire state of California. Then a woman came into a place of power and shoved the immorality of this city she lived in upon the rest of the nation with the help from the platform “Twitter.” Causing the debauchery of this city to be pushed not only across the entire nation but globally. The city’s true depraved behavior has in some form influenced the entire nation of the United States of America. All due to a few pushing their lusts and desires as well as avarice upon those across this nation unaware that it was only the actions, thoughts and behavior of a few. Not the majority.

However, the majority cannot be let off the hook. For most professed to being followers of Christ. Yet their lack of truly understanding of the Word of God allowed them to be fooled into embracing sin. Supporting sin. Indulging sin. Causing the entire nation to become polluted in the mire of self-worship and self-indulgence. Sins that were seen within the Bible and made clear that those that live this way will not be allowed to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

San Francisco was the modern Laodicea. Now it is too late for redemption. For The United States has turned itself into the City of Babylon from the eighteen chapter of the book of Revelation. Which fulfills prophecy.

There is no praying for the United States of America. The United States is now prophecy coming into fulfillment. Praying for the nation to fully return to God is not being loyal to God. What is required is to bring the remnant to God. Yes, pray for the people of the nation, but not the nation itself for it is lost as was foretold by the book of Revelation.

Teach the children of God. Turn them away from what has power over this nation and will continue to have until prophecy is fully completed.

Revelation 18:2-3 NKJV – And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”

This is what controls the United States. Therefore, we must all become Epaphras, Luke and Demas. Spreading the Word of God in the churches and the streets. We are already in the last generation that will see all the judgements be fulfilled upon those who live upon this planet.

Teach the True Word of God. Fully spreading the Gospel to all the states of this once proud nation that has forgotten where it came from and for Who.

Along this line of epiphanies an additional one occurred a bit later and is something that I will not say is truth. However, I truly feel it is something that does need to be contemplated. Too many forget the other half of Jesus Christ and what it means to all of us.

Yes, He is the Son of God. Yes, He is God. I will never deny or question this.

He walked with humans. He ate food and went to the bathroom. He was carried in the womb of a woman. Yes, He was conceived with the Holy Spirit, but it was still a human egg in a human’s ovaries.

Why push this point. I will explain.

A while back I saw that someone made a movie in which the child “Jesus” performed miracles. This is found nowhere in the Bible. We have to come to an understanding about the human half of Jesus.

Romans 5:12-19 NKJV – Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

It was due to Jesus being conceived with the Holy Spirit is what enabled Him to live thirty years without falling into temptation. Because He was still human. His mother was born in corruption as was all of humanity. It is due to the Holy Spirit he had more knowledge of the Scripture than the Sadducees and Pharisees, which caused them to be in awe of Him when He was just a child. This is all we hear of these thirty years. For that is all that is important. We know that all other humans sinned. Yet Jesus never did. This was all due to His conception. For the Holy Spirit is not in Him for these years. This IS made clear in the Bible.

Matthew 3:13-17 NKJV – Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

So, from the point of His conception in the womb until His baptism the Holy Spirit was not in His life. However, He was sinless. Something no one else with a human body had accomplished. This was due to how He was conceived. The rest was His nature that existed within His human body. This is one of the factors which causes the voice of God to be heard saying this:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

How can God be pleased in Him now, when at this point He has only now been baptized? It is because He got to this point sinless and overcame the nature temptations that all humans encounter.

However, when you say things like this people seem to throw hissy fits. They say Jesus was always and is always God. Yet he never performed any miracles before His baptism. The Holy Spirit did not enter Him until His baptism.

When you take the verses from Romans into consideration. We can see that there is credence to what I just said. Because Christ was sent to redeem all of the human race by the fact that He was sinless.

Now when mentioning temptation people will refer to the forty days in the desert that follows His baptism. This is a different temptation and is on an entirely different level and type. This is the devil himself tempting the Son of God in His full power that is given unto Him through the Holy Spirit being fully within Him.

But, I need to backtrack to a point I made a few moments before. It comes with understanding Christ making it thirty years without sinning in a human body. A corrupt body. Again, someone will be throwing a hissy fit here. First off by you getting upset you are letting the flesh win and not the Holy Spirit if you are a follower of Christ. Please stop and listen. This is important because it deals with our corrupt nature which ALL humanity is born with including Jesus through His mother Mary. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit it is an opening within our existence to be like Jesus Christ who lived thirty years without committing a single sin period. He accomplished it and due to doing so God His Father acclaimed Him.

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

God wishes to say this to us all. However, most wish to ignore this. They wish to see Jesus as Holy His entire life. This I believe defeats the task Christ came to fulfill. To be able to forgive every sin upon the cross He had to know the temptations of sin by having a corrupt body. It is only when the Holy Spirit returns to Him that His ministry as the coming of the kingdom of God begins. It is here upon His baptism that grace truly begins and the fact that He made it to this point sinless in what was corrupt and now made holy by the presence of the Holy Ghost within Him. This give all glory to God our Creator His Father as it should be.

Why?

Because if Jesus Christ could endure temptation. Once we are born again and baptized ourselves. We have no excuse to allow sin to endure within us. For we have a part in our salvation. If we do not abide in Him. He will not abide in us.

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

Time is nearly up. We must all fix our relationships with the Creator of all through Jesus Christ

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #144 (The Storm of Selective Faith Part 2)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

In the last podcast I was discussing how many have decided to embrace a type of selective hearing. I mentioned in particular a woman that showed herself to be working in love and kindness. Yet she denied teachings found within the Bible because how one of the letters that now is a book within the New Testament was addressed. I once again return to scripture that per her slant upon the teachings found within the Bible would be limited to only ministers and pastors. Why I say this is because Timothy was the head of the church in Ephesus. This is reinforced by the fact that the two letter to Timothy and the letter to Titus are called the “Pastoral Epistles.” However, here is the verse:

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

This means that everything that now comprises the Bible is scripture and is for all that profess Christ as their Savior to study and come to learn. To understand that it doesn’t matter to whom the letters were originally meant for. They are now something we must learn and embrace for our betterment.

Once someone says that this is ours and this is not ours adds to creating a false gospel, a false teaching.

Deuteronomy 4:2 NKJV – You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

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

Christ makes it totally clear where a person’s love is when they chose to have selective reading of the scriptures:

John 14:23-24 NKJV – Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

These Words spoken by Christ tie right back in with those for 2 Timothy so I will say them one again:

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

One of the biggest elements that fills the minds of those who choose to ignore all scripture is that they wish to believe that just because they believe they are set for true and complete salvation.

James 2:19 NKJV – You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

Those that embrace faith alone are stating they are on the same level as demons. Could this be the reason why this is said?

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

It is here that we must once again come into an understanding of what “works” is. They are not rituals, but how we live our lives every single day as we strive to be a living example unto the world.

Titus 2:7-8 NKJV – in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Timothy 4:11-13 NKJV – These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

This is works going hand and hand with faith. Living the life as a child of God. Day in and day out. Following all of Gods teachings.

In the last eight years of my life God as place several people before me from all aspects. Believers and non-believers. Pastors, deacons, evangelists and your everyday person who professed to being “Christian.”

I have talked to them. Worked with them. Dined with them. Befriended them. Even Confronted them.

I came to a sad conclusion. Most were stuck in their belief and mentality of how God worked and worked with them. Most were off the mark. Some of these by only a slight degree others to the point of cultic believes that were totally counter to what is written within the Bible. Most showed their desire to chase after money more than God. Many knew more about sports than the Bible.

As to those that were non-believers, they found me an enigma. I didn’t fit their mold of what they expected someone who professing to be a “Christian” to behave and act toward them. I had a “trans” person talk to me one day as we walked to a co-worker’s anniversary party. I was friendly and cordial. The next day the person didn’t come in and was out of work for several months. Read into that what you want.

My greatest disappointment came from those that professed to being followers of Christ. They showed more of the flesh than of the Spirit they professed to follow.

Galatians 5:19-23 NKJV – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Those that professed to being children of God were hurt and astonished by what they believed and is the Truth found within the Bible. Their actions and reactions showing more ignorance of the Word of God than some of the non-believers. They believed things in some cases that didn’t even exist within the Bible. So, this begs the question. Are they really follows of Christ? Because their believes can’t be found within the Bible but in their own image of what is found within that image.

Isaiah 29:13 NKJV – Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

What they think is the Biblical, is Godly. What they believe comes from Jesus Christ isn’t. They hear all is love. All are welcome into heaven as long as they commit  to Him and of course give their 10% tithe. This by the way is not Christianity. This is religion wearing a façade of Christianity. it is this religion that says that all that is required is faith.

2 Peter 2:1-14 NKJV – But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.

Within these verses we come to understand that God through His Son will not just Save people but judge them.

2 Timothy 4:1 KJV – I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

John 12:44-50 NKJV – Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Now when we return to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we need to come to an understanding for “all scripture.” I wish to shed a bit of light of this from another book in the New Testament:

John 1:1-5 NKJV – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Christ is the Word, and the Word is all scripture. Not certain books within the Bible, but the entire Bible. Therefore, when someone rejects part of the Bible, they are fully rejecting He who is the Word.

Matthew 10:32-33 NKJV – “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Christ said this:

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

Consequently, if the Bible says:

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

Even though written by James it is actually Christ speaking through the Holy Spirit. Telling all that those that live by faith alone are dead. However, those that follow all the teachings given within the Bible, which includes all the commandments that pass the litmus test of Matthew 22:37-40 are works that we should strive to fulfill and complete to the best of our ability.

it is time to embrace the entire Bible and follow all the teachings within it. To be the light unto the world. Living a life that shows us to be a reflection of Christ and in no way a reflection of the world. What is truly and completely sad is most that reflect more of the world than Christ profess to being “Christian.” They are the lukewarm per Revelation 3:14-16. That Christ already sees them as dead per Revelation 3:1-5. Yet in both these letters He gives them an out. That they must repent. As seen in the last letter of the seven churches this means to get rid of worldly wealth and to seek true obedience to the Word of God. Time is nearly up. There is not more time to have a long journey of sanctification. It must happen now and must happen quickly or face eternal damnation.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #143 (The Storm of Selective Faith Part 1)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

The other day on social media a person posted a meme that said this:

“Most ‘Christians’ are going to hell.”

This caused quite a storm in the comments below it. The verses referenced in this meme were:

Matthew 7:21 NKJV – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

and

Luke 6:46 NKJV – “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

I learned long ago that those that protested against this meme showed one thing. I have referenced these verses in the past, but I see I must do so again:

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

You see those that countered this meme showed hatred. They experienced an outburst of wrath. They were causing dissension.  So, in essence they pronounced to all where they were not with God through Jesus Christ and that they were on the broad road and not the narrow path.

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

Which I may add gives further support from the Word of God for the meme that started this tempest of complaints.

Now there was one slight outlier to this situation. This person didn’t truly argue, but the evidence she presented was aimed at pure faith.

I replied with one verse.

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

Her response to this was truly depressing to me to say the least.

Her reply went like this:

“You do see who James was talking to here in this letter correct? ‘James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.’ this was aimed for the twelve tribes of Israel.”

This response is how many, especially those that embrace the false teaching of “once saved always saved” think and believe. They cut themselves off from those Scriptures which shows that salvation can be lost and as a result will lead to the Lake of fire. Which again gives verification to the meme that started this entire whirlwind of complaints. It also cuts them off from teaches which instructs them to not horde or keep their worldly wealth to themselves.

My reply to her was to the point.

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

“All Scripture.”

This means that people cannot say that this part of the Bible was aimed at this group or that group. If we accept Christ as our Savior and we choose to follow His teachings and those of His chosen apostles. Then we must follow all that is found within the Bible especially if it causes us discomfort.

For those that deny that we are required to follow all the commandments given within the Bible that were not removed by the cross and pass the litmus test of the greatest commandments:

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

When they say things like “it is by faith alone.” they are saying that Christ came to destroy the commandments, but Christ said this:

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

and

Matthew 5:17-19 NKJV – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

So those that deny the teachings of Christ have in essence denied Him for He is the Word of God:

John 1:1 NKJV – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

And what does Christ say about those that deny Him?

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

Therefore, if Christ has denied them to His Father. Our Lord and Creator: God. Then are we not cut off from Him?

The answer is simple and goes to one of the verses referenced in the meme:

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

As I have presented before. One of the key elements found in these verses are these words:

“Cast out demons in Your name.”

This is Christ reply for this found later in the book of Matthew:

Matthew 12:24-30 NKJV – Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Since they cast out demons, they were at one point “Christian.” Yet now they are not known to Christ. AKA they are no longer “Christian.”

What did Jesus Christ teach about abiding in Him:

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

If you want full details about what it means to abide in Christ look to podcast #139. A key element that must be made clear though is that a person cannot be upon the True Vine unless they are born again. Also as shown in these verses if a person does not bear fruit AKA “works” like following all the teachings given by Christ and His apostles then they do not bear fruit and will be removed and allowed to enter into the Lake of Fire. This is witnessed in the fifth letter in the book of Revelation:

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

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life”

Let me further translate this part of the verses I just re-read.

If you do not overcome AKA follow the teachings of Christ Jesus. He WILL blot out AKA remove that person’s name from the Book of Life. And what is the fate of those whose names are not found within the Book of Life?

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

Which returns us to where we began today’s podcast:

Most of those that profess to being “Christian” are going to hell. I am not judging. I am stating facts. I am quoting the Bible, which was inspired by God.

But understand this:

Only one person can cause someone to go to hell once they have accepted Christ as their Savior, and that is themselves. When you deny any part of the teachings of Christ or when you laugh AKA mock the Word of God you are causing yourself to most likely not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In that case there is only one other destination. The lake of fire AKA hell.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #67 (End times within the Body of Christ)

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

I have been reluctant to accept the truth of what I now know I must accept as fact. In previous podcast I have described who are the lukewarm. I have done studies on the behavior of those about you to show that we are nearing the return of our Savior Jesus Christ.

But what is this fact that I have been reluctant to accept. I will show it from the Bible.

In the letter that James wrote. His emphasis was on the behavior of and to the rich over those that truly needed to be looked after. Now I must say this once again. The letters that make up most of the New Testament is a manual on how we as Christians should seek to behave. Not only to God, but to all humanity be they a child of God or those that denied Him.

James 4:1-4 – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. 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.

This letter is not talking to those that had not accepted Christ. It is to those that had become saved. That were filled with the Holy Spirit. Yet what is the questions that is asked in verses one and two of chapter four. They are behaving like they are of the world. Which is made clear in verse four, which we will visit again in the KJV:

James 4:4 – Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Yet they were saved. But James calls them the enemy of God. How can this be?

Because salvation can be lost as I have shown in other studies.

Someone argues: “They were never saved!”

Romans 10:9-10 – If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

That statement of protest is shown here to be a false teaching. For if someone says with all their heart and soul that they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior they are saved.

Then these people turned away from Christ. They abandoned their salvation. So those that teach once saved always saved is also teaching a false doctrine.

By teaching this falsehood they cause this to happen:

1 John 2:7-17 – Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. 8 Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. 9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. 10 Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 12 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14 I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. 15 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. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Note how John frames this section of the letter He wrote. He says he is writing to the young and old in Christ. So, these are the saved, then he goes on to say this. I will use the KJV here:

1 John 2:15-17 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Now remember John was a disciple of Christ. One of the Twelve. He personally knew Jesus Christ and saw Him before and after the cross. As well as saw Jesus ascend into Heaven. And he is telling those that are saved not to love the world.

But if they are saved why worry about this?

Because John was there when Christ taught John 15:1-10 and John knew that salvation can be taken away by those that return to the world. Just as Peter knew this as well:

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.”

Therefore, if two of the disciples verified what Jesus Christ Himself stated. Then salvation can be taken away and as Peter said it would have been better if they had never known the way of righteousness. Now understand it is not God rejecting people. God will never turn away any. God loves all of humanity. Even those that reject Him out right. It is the people loving the things of the world. Choosing the world over Christ. They themselves are ending their salvation.

This is the state of most within the Body of Christ at this time. They are the living example of the last letter of the seven churches in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 3:14-22 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation: 15 “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. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

“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.”

Does this not go back to 1 John?

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

Yes, it does. And as was pointed out John was writing to those that were born again. To those that called themselves Christian.

We are not to seek after the things of the world. Yet millions that say they are “Christian” do just that. They are being a living example that the Bible is true and faithful. That Jesus Christ is soon to return.

The call is being shouted out. Christ is soon to return. Those that say they are Christian must abandon the things of the world. Be it houses, clothing, tattoos. Any luxuries or conveniences or comforts. We are not to store up money but to give most of it away. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Matthew 6:19-34)

However most that even hear this message will scoff at this and ignore these words. Because they are right with the Lord, in their own eyes.

But I have just shown they are not. I have just shown from John, from Peter they are not.

I will end today’s lesson with the rest of what John said in 1 John after his warning to not seek after those things of the world:

1 John 2:18-29 – Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 19 These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. 20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. 21 So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. 22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. 25 And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. 26 I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. 27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #142 (God Speaks in Dreams)

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

Job 33:14-16 NKJV – For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.

Learning to understand how God talks to us is one of the most difficult things people need to learn and come to realize. His main mode of communication come from the Bible itself as witnessed with these verses here:

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

However, as witnessed with the verses I started today’s study with we see that God uses dreams as well. Also, in these ends of days there will be those that experience visions.

Acts 2:17-21 NKJV – ‘AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAYS GOD, THAT I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH; YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS. AND ON MY MENSERVANTS AND ON MY MAIDSERVANTS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS; AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY. I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE AND SIGNS IN THE EARTH BENEATH: BLOOD AND FIRE AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND AWESOME DAY OF THE LORD. AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.’

Which was foretold in the book of Joel chapter two verses twenty-eight through thirty-two.

When I was born again in 1984, I was given dreams by God that foretold of event that would transpire in the time we are now entering into. Since I am now in my sixties. Even though most of my dreams occurred in the eighties and nineties. I believed even then that I fulfilled these verses stating that “your old men shall dream dreams.”

But to get back on track.

Many now, mostly old men to keep inline with scripture are experiencing dreams. Yet they do not act upon them.

Why?

Because they are not aware that it is God speaking to them. Most people are illiterate when it comes to understanding how the Lord speaks to us. Mainly because they neglect that first area they should be reading to come to this knowledge. As said before and I will again. Reading the Bible. For how else can they come to not only grasping this information given to them from God. But also verifying that it does come form Him. For if it does not fall within what is already written inside the Bible it is not truly from God. For God does not contradict Himself.

Proverbs 30:5-6 NKJV – Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

And what is the fate of liars?

Revelation 21:8 NKJV – But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

So, for example, if someone says you can be rich in worldly wealth, they have lied to you. for this is what the Bible teaches:

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

And:

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

At this time, I wish to relate to you a dream I had in the late 1980s which goes in line with the teachings I have just shown from the Bible and you can see how it falls in line with the Word of God.

I found myself inside of a store, but the racks and shelves were ransacked. I was in chains and in a line. In front of me and behind were others, they all wore a grey jumper. I looked down and found myself to be wearing the same.

Several half-naked people that were mostly tattooed and pierced were directing us. One stood upon the top of the shelves shout and laughing as he lashed out with a whip. As it snapped, I heard him say:

“Where is your God now? Why doesn’t He come and get you?” He said things like this repeatedly as he herded the line toward the back of the store. Soon after a twelve-year-old boy, tattooed as the others, came running down one of the hallways made by the shelves. He stopped, as he laughed and held up by the hair the head of a woman and all those that were herding those in chains roared with laughter.

Once we reached our goal, I saw a line of cots set against the back wall and we, those chained together, were placed into these cots. After a time one by one the cots to my left were emptied, then it was my time. They made me get up and walk through a door at the back of the store. All went black.

Revelation 20:4 NKJV – And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Special note:  Again, I wish to state that I had this dream in the late 1980s. At that time tattoos had not become as prevalent as they are today. In addition, I had never heard of any other type of piercing then in the ear.

As to other aspects of this dream that can be scripturally verified.

The wearing of grey:

Revelation 3:15-21 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Being cold can be seen as being the color black. Being hot can be seen as the color white. Which means being lukewarm can be seen as the color grey.

Leviticus 19:28 NKJV – You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.

Again, I return to the main thing that needs to be not just read but studied is the Bible. Come to truly understand what words mean in the Bible to avoid misinterpretations.

I will give two prime examples.

The first to “abide.”

abide – G3306 – menó – to stay, remain, continue, dwell, endure

  1. dwell – to live in a place or in a particular way
    1. particular – distinguished or different from others or from the ordinary; noteworthy; marked; unusual.
  2. endure – to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful.

The second “edifying.”

edifying – G3619 – the act of building; spiritual advancement; concretely

  1. spiritual advancement – means to move closer to God in understanding of the Word of God
  2. concretely – in a clear and definite way, or in a form that can be seen or felt

Many take “edifying” to mean for one’s benefit, to uplift, which is technically correct. But they misinterpret what the true “benefit,” the true “uplifting” is. Most apply it to a personal gain of some type, or emotional cheering up, but when it comes to seeking to be closer to God, we must remember the teachings from Christ Jesus:

Psalms 103:1-5 NKJV – A Psalm Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Romans 12:1-8 NKJV – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

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

As you can see in the verses that were just read we see elements of both abiding and edifying within them. But we must also remember that to truly abide in God through Christ we must suffer as well, for if we do not suffer for His sake, we are not truly abiding in Him:

Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Seek to learn how God is speaking to you. Verify anything you receive and make sure it fits what is truly taught by the Bible. If it is, expect to be persecuted for it. If you have missed the first returning of Christ, seek to be beheaded for His glory and refuse the mark of the beast.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #139 (Abiding in Christ)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

One of the greatest sorrows that exists in today’s community that labels itself as “Christian,” is that within it there are so many that deny the Words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself.

Case in point:

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

This is a lesson about salvation. For Christ also said this just earlier:

John 14:6 NKJV – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

What does it mean to “abide”

abide – G3306 – menó – to stay, remain, continue, dwell, endure

  1. dwell – to live in a place or in a particular way
    1. particular – distinguished or different from others or from the ordinary; noteworthy; marked; unusual.
  2. endure – to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful.

As you can tell from these definition to “abide” is a complex word when it comes to following Jesus Christ. It is a word that truly needs to be understood. This is why studying the Word of God is so important. Not just reading it. For many read and due to a lack of understanding end up behaving in such a way that shows they do not abide in Him.

To remain in Him means to also to stay in the Word of God. It also means to take that Word in context. To believe that those that chose not to abide can be removed from the Vine who is Jesus Christ.

Early in my podcasts I did a study of the verses from John 15. I will not torture you with asking to listen to that. Therefore, I will bring out key facts from that study.

Point in case – Just in the four words (“I am the vine”) Jesus is showing that He is the true and divine vine, and no other can come to God except through being a branch upon His vine.

Simply only those that are upon the vine had accepted salvation. So, in all truth they are born again and attempt to abide in the teachings found within the Bible.

To become grafted onto the Vine, we must allow ourselves to be nurtured and at times pruned.

What does the word “prune” mean? In the KJV it is listed as “purgeth.”

 He purgeth – G2508 – kathairo – to cleanse, to prune, to expiate – purge

  1.  cleanse – to make something completely clean
  2. expiate – to show that you are sorry for bad behavior by doing something or accepting punishment
  3.  purge – to make someone or something free of something evil or harmful.
  4.  prune – to cut off unwanted branches from a tree, bush, or other plant.

This is a verification that those that are upon the Vine are saved, born again. Have received salvation.

With this insight in mind, we come to another level of understanding when we look at the word “abide.” That we are in fellowship with God through our Savior who is the Vine Jesus Christ.

By keeping Christ in us through the Holy Spirit and following the teachings given to us through the Bible we abide in Him as per His statement in these verses. We also see that God is also part of the relationship since He is the Vinedresser and when He finds those that are a part of the Vine and refuse to abide in Christ. It shows that they bear no fruit, and so are cut from the Vine by He who is the Vinedresser.

The Vinedresser otherwise known as God not only removes those that do not abide in His Son, the Vine. He also prunes or should I say cleanses those that do abide in His Son. Putting them through trails and tribulations as well as persecution. For part of the evidence that someone truly abides in Christ they suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 NKJV – But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Understand this. Especially now is those that truly seek after God will be persecuted.

I had an encounter today to verify this.

He posted a meme with one verse in it stating: “What does this mean?” in question to that verse.

I commented that when taken in context you would see the answer plainly and then provided the verses that went with the verse and it did answer the question.

The person replied to me that I was correct. Then for some reason he went off and stated that this is the issue he had with those that stated salvation can be lost.

I brought forward the verses in today’s study. I also gave a bit of personal testimony. The person’s reply was to say I wasn’t saved nor ever had been and that I needed to seek out God. He also made it impossible for me to continue to have a discussion with Him.

What does the Bible say?

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

The person’s attitude was one of superiority otherwise known as haughtiness. What does the Bible say about this?

Romans 12:16 NKJV – Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

“Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

This is a direct statement to seek true knowledge from the Scriptures and to pray that the Holy Spirit gives you discernment to the Truth of God.

I must confess that early in my faith I did fall prey to this weakness within humanity, but once I realized it and sought after true knowledge and understanding. It mainly comes from the Holy Spirit, but when mixed with a true understanding of the words as they were meant to be understood when they were first placed upon parchment adds to this understanding.

Also, when taking this verse into consideration we must understand that when those that take their own wisdom over that of God’s. Who are they placing first? The answer is simple. They are taking their understanding over that of God’s through the Holy Spirit and in so doing they are not honoring and worshipping God, but themselves.

But to get back on track.

We now understand that abiding in Christ is to reflect Christ. To live as Christ did. Simply and entrenched within the Word of God. Stiving to bear the fruits given by the Holy Spirit:

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

Ephesians 5:9 NKJV – (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)

Philippians 1:9-11 NKJV – And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

With this knowledge we are to help others come to Christ through the great commission:

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in my name, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

This is what bears fruit and honors God through Christ. It is not self-serving like those that teach the false and man-made doctrine of once saved always saved. Because that teaching does not work within the perimeters of abiding within Christ.

When abiding with Christ we suffer. We endure. While those that teach this false teaching of once saved always saved glorify the individual. Portraying themselves as if they are a god on earth. They glorify the presence of the Holy Spirit filling them as if it were an empowerment to seek after luxuries and rewards upon this earth. When we should feel fear. Fear that we would offend God in some form. For having the Holy Spirit within us and then sinning in essence blasphemes the Holy Ghost which is the only unforgivable sin. (Matthew 12:31-32) This may explain why the person that persecuted me by accusing me of not following the teachings of Christ, of him behaving in a haughty manner. The teaching within the Bible tells us to be humble to place others before ourselves. So that we can communicate with them in a loving manner so that they will accept true salvation. Seeking to honor God and to seek not earthly rewards, but rewards that we will receive in our eternal life yet to come.

Time is running out. We no longer have decades to fix our relationship with Christ. We have to get it right from the beginning. There is no time for false teachings. For those that embraced them will find themselves still here to suffer persecution that is on par with those that are suffering in Africa and the Middle East. Except it will be in every single nation across this globe. The mark or Christ. Live for a few years more or live an eternal life.

Don’t misunderstand. When we begin living eternally it will feel like now, be like now. The only difference will be in the service of God or in the Lake of fire. Honoring God upon the Throne or suffering in eternal agony. Both eternal, both in bodies that never die.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #138 (Rejection)

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

Mark 6:1-6 NKJV – Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

Luke 4:16-30 NKJV – So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR; HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED; TO PROCLAIM THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ” Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

I know firsthand what could have been going through Jesus’ mind when those that watched Him grow into manhood rejected Him.

I have tried to talk to my relations and those that worked with me. I have watched and listened as they remember the old me. The me that existed during my years of drinking milk. Not the solid food that comes with time from the study of the Word.

My relations are the worst, because they also remember the me that existed before entering into repentance. The me that had not taken up the cross. Had not started down the long and arduous journey of seeking sanctification.

As for taking up the cross. There have been different times as I learned different lessons upon the difficult and narrow path. Each time I take up the cross. Each time it is heavier, but I have learned it gets lighter when there is understanding given by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

What those that knew the old me don’t see or understand. That the person they assume me to be does not exist. That person died June 24th, 1984, but not fully. Pieces of the old me tries to return or die slowly.

I know of two times a particular sin that was attacking me died. Each sin different, each sin a sin that would guarantee my place in the lake of fire. Yet I know without question that it died for it has not plagued me since.

In one of the steps I took towards God through Jesus Christ. I came across a book published in 1692. It was entitled “The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification” by Walter Marshall. One of the things that astonished me the most is how much those seeking Christ today were exactly the same as those seeking after Christ then.

It is also through this that I came to respect those that founded the group that became known as the “Puritans.” The ones that fled to help in the establishment of the United States. When they landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

Marshall though was not amongst these for his troubles had to do with his struggles with the Church of England which made another of its steps to remove the true teachings of the Bible away from those that came into their churches. He refused to sign the Book of Homilies of 1662, which resulted in his parish being removed from him. His persecutions were along these lines.

We all should be experiencing some form of persecution. Be it rejection by our families or our co-workers. If we are not, are we truly following Christ? The answer is simple:

Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 NKJV – But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

John 15:18-24 NKJV – “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.

When those we love reject the Truth. Reject what we have to say for their sakes is painful. We question if our actions have hardened their hearts or was it something else. We know part of it was due to the old self that we use to be, but we are shocked that they refuse to see the new person before them.

In Christ we became new beings for we became born again. Sometimes it is immediate. Others it is a long and painful journey. The latter is more often, especially in today’s society. A society that per the Bible itself are not seeking after God but seeking after the world and he who runs it.

1 John 2:15-17 NLT – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Luke 4:5-7 NKJV – Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.”

it is due to a lack of understanding of the Word of God. That is why it is so important to actually read the Bible for ourselves. Not taking the word of others. I even said this to my relations. I said “since you don’t believe me read the Bible for yourself.”

One came back at me saying the Bible was not the one written when the letters that became the New Testament were written. This is not the truth.

Of all the ancient documents in existence. The Bible is the only one to have thousands of copies in multiple languages. * When this is taken into account, and they are reviewed and verified. Only 2% of the Bible has changed in some form. That means it is the most accurate book in existence that is thousands of years old. How is this possible if God is not real.

Another excuse is that it was changed by the Catholic Church. My reply was the version of the New Testament we read is not Latin, but Greek. * What caused the Reformation to begin was due to the fact that it was the Greek copies of the Bible coming into Europe after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. That is why we use the Greek versions of the New Testament and not Latin. For the Latin was too corrupted to even be considered worthy by most scholars including Matin Luther. Which led to his posting of the 95 theses in 1517. Before 1611 it was illegal to even read the Bible for ourselves. As many that were martyred for doing so found out. All because those in power, mainly the Catholic Church, didn’t want the real Truth to come to light.

And what is this, Truth?

That we are not to seek after worldly rewards of any type. That if we are given earthly wealth, we are not to use it for our glory, but God’s and God’s alone.

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

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

The greatest “wealth” a person should seek for on this earth is to seek after being a true reflection of Christ Jesus. To be satisfied to be fed, clothed and sheltered from the weather. All else is vain glory. You know that the word “vain” means “empty.”

False-Christs have now appeared. Major steps have been fulfilled to start the construction of the third and last temple. Very very soon Jesus Christ will appear and call those that are truly ready into the sky. Leaving most that thought they were following Christ behind. They will look up and see this happening in bewilderment and sorrow. Where is it you wish to be on that day? Do you wish to be with Christ at the wedding feast or on the outside of the door. Pounding upon it screaming “Let us in!” Only to hear Jesus Christ reply:

“Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

God Bless 

* At this time there are over 5000 copies of the Bible, or the letters that form it, in Greek dating back to 50 to 60AD. There are over 10000 in Latin and Aramaic. However, these two language variations have many human faults within them. Which is why the Greek is used.

Blog for Podcast #137 (Truths)

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

Truth

In recent weeks certain truths from a social media platform have come to the surface. Including the banning from this platform a president of this United States when he was in office. Just because they didn’t want to hear him any longer, because in their own words he never violated their rules.

Shutting down facts and truths because you don’t want to accept them is a form of lying.

“Lie” is define as to say or write something that is not true in order to deceive someone.

We can go a step further with the word “omission:” – the act of not including something or someone that should have been included, or something or someone that has not been included that should have been.

Why mention lies and omissions?

When it come to those that seek to truly follow Jesus Christ. It is a place that they live within. Of having what they say be called a lie. Of having those that don’t wish to hear the real Truth lie about those saying it. To being removed from them and omitted from their lives.

These recent revelations about this social media platform are just a simple example that the entire world is now seeing. It is something those that truly seek to follow Jesus Christ have experienced since they decided to take the narrow and difficult path.

But again, why mention lies and omissions?

Revelation 21:8 NKJV – But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

I will tell you. Those that block the truth. Those that call Truth a “lie” and a lie the “truth.”

Romans 1:18-25 NKJV – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

This all happened before. But not to this degree. This time the entire world is involved. Calling lies the truth just so they can live in a sense of peace of mind that their choices have no ramification.

And what are the visible signs we are to look for that people seek after their own wants and desires and deny the very existence of God and His Son our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:26-32 NLT – That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

Does any of this sound familiar? If you don’t think so you haven’t been paying attention to the world about you.

What is really sad though is that those in the Christian community are following suit with those in Rome when this letter was written. Let us look to what was said there:

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

This is the behavior of many within the Christian community. There are those that live in the same sin shown in the first chapter. Many live their lives just as those within the world live their lives. Those that have to have a bigger and fancier house, a new car every few years and the best clothes. All this is worldly as shown here:

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

What many don’t realize that within the verses from the second chapter of Romans. It is being made clear that any who abandon the teachings found within the Bible and profess to being “Christian” judge themselves for they should know better. That they have made a place for themselves not in a place of happy reward with Christ but in sorrow as they stand before the Great White Throne. Many will challenge and argue this. The mere fact that they did just verify this lesson as Truth.

Galatians 5:19-21 NLT – When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

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

Most churches for decades have not been teaching the Truth. They fear being spurned. Why? Because they need money to keep them in business.

This is what is the reality of their situation, their Truth:

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

Most who stand upon the dais show the world who they are truly being:

2 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV – But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

These destructive ways are designed to make the ways they live more comfortable. Thus, they make it so those that listen to them live the same way. Which in turn causes them to live even more comfortably. The thing is the more comfortable they are here in this existence the more they pass judgement upon themselves. Which is why it is so swiftly. The more richly they live in this temporal existence the further from redemption they are.

As to those that listen to them, that is for them to figure out for themselves by actually reading the Bible for themselves. Consequently coming to know the Truth found within it.

However, sadly, most will not for Christ Himself made this very clear.

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

“And there are many who go in by it.”

Now there will be those that say they are on the narrow path. Yet they still live in their big homes. They keep buying new cars and still go to the store and get the latest fashions. Which is exactly as the world does.

Luke 16:13-15 NLT – “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 Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.

Luke 16:15 NKJV – And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Six times the word “abomination” is used in the New Testament. Four of those times it is in reference to the antichrist and those that follow that person. So, Jesus Christ was saying that seeking after and loving money was on the same level as worshipping the antichrist. And this was to religious people He said these things.

Ponder upon that for a moment.

So here we are. Another day closer to the very soon return of Jesus Christ. Very soon something will take place that will make people realize that they have made a horrible mistake. A mistake so bad that you will have to make a choice of serving the antichrist or serving God through His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All because you didn’t read the Bible for yourself and learn the real and complete Truth.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #136 (Long-suffering)

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 those in social media that say a lot of the right things when it comes to true Christianity. However, there are times when they do things that are not in line with truly following Jesus Christ. They come across as haughty, or even cruel in their wording.

Now one of the fruits that shows we are working with the Holy Spirit is “longsuffering:”

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

Longsuffering – G3115 – makrothumia – that is (objectively) forbearance, (subjectively) fortitude, patience

  1. forbearance – the quality of being patient and being able to forgive someone or control yourself in a difficult situation

Where does this ability originate with following the Holy Ghost?

The answer is simple: love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-10 NKJV – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

Now I want to make this very clear at this point. This is not the people pleasing “love” I am referring too, but the love that is not afraid to follow the directive given to us through Scripture.

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

2 Timothy 3:16-4:2 NKJV – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

When following the love given unto us through the Holy Spirit, we strive to convince people that what they think is true is false. We rebuke them in a way that is not insulting or demeaning. Then we exhort them to turn from their path to follow the truth that can only be found when someone genuinely studies the Bible to verify what is the real Truth which is Christ Jesus.

When someone belittles someone else and degrades someone they are not acting in love, but in an attitude of superiority.

Romans 11:11-25 NKJV – I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

1 Corinthians 4:1-16 NKJV – Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

As we can see from these verses in Romans and 1 Corinthians. If we are loyal to Christ, we will never think ourselves greater than anyone else. In fact, we should look at ourselves as less than others. Not only less than the Jewish people, but even less than those that persecute and harass us.

We should always seek after humility and never attempt to take pride in anything. For only God is worthy of receiving glory, not us mere humans.

James 4:6-10 NKJV – But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Romans 12:3 NKJV – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Romans 12:16 NKJV – Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV – Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

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

We can only truly reach the hearts of those that mock and attack us if they do not feel assaulted on our part of the conversation.

In many instances those that are attacking us may believe with all their hearts they are loyal to Christ. They call themselves “Christian.” Yet the fruit they bear shows who their true master to be.

If they attack and mock we see that they have lost their way or may never have truly found it. Look at those in Galatia:

 Galatians 1:6-7 NKJV – I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

They had accepted Christ. They had been born again. Yet they started to listen to what was causing them to turn away so soon?

Galatians 1:10 NLT – 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.

The only way to seek after God’s approval is to help people to see that they have turned away from Him if they have. To show people that their actions do not bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit but of the flesh and in doing so they may have made it so they will not inherit the Kingdom of God but opened themselves up to entering into damnation.

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

John 15:5-6 NKJV – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

This is why it is so important not to be harsh or belittle. For in reality what does that say about those that do this?

The answer is simple. They are not acting with the Holy Ghost, but from the flesh. It may be said that in time they to may find themselves removed from Vine who is the Lord Jesus Christ. Which means their name most likely has been removed from the Book of Life.

Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #135 (The Warning to Laodicea)

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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 chapter four of Colossians in verses 13-16 the city of Laodicea is mentioned four times. Why was this city impressed upon the mind of Paul so much?

Now I must say I do not agree with those that challenge the authorship of this letter. I truly believe it was Paul who wrote this letter. Mayhaps not by his own hand, but his dictation since he was imprisoned at the time. Also since there was no mention of the earthquake which devastated Colosse and Laodicea, it places this letter to have been written in the late 50s A.D.

This means that 30 to 33 years before the city was mentioned as the last city of the seven cities in Revelation. It was already entering into sin, and it was a burden upon the heart of Paul to try and get them to turn from their ways. Ways which were leading them to damnation. To being vomited out of the Body of Christ.

33 years!

Studies have shown that one generation lasts 33 years. So nearly one generation before The Glorified Christ stated He would vomit them from His Body. Paul was given the need to teach them the Truth from various angles.

Colossians 4:12 NKJV – Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Epaphras appears to have been given a specific burden upon his heart for this city.

Colossians 4:13 NKJV – For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

Luke and Demas were sent to this city to speak from the house of Nymphas, which served as the church for Laodicea.

In the sixteenth verse Luke and Demas are instructed to not only to teach the True Gospel in the church but in the streets of the city as well.

It was a warning cry to those within this city to repent.

A warning cry to abandon their riches. To abandon their comforts.

A warning that I believe was not listened to by those within this city. For in 60 A.D. the city was devastated by an earthquake.

Yet, they didn’t listen. For they were so rich that they rebuilt their city and returned to their ways of living in lavishness and luxuries. Counter to the teachings of Christ Himself.

Which is how they earned their place in enmity for all that follow the True teachings of Christ.

Enmity because they defied God. They were warned by three witnesses to end their ways. They in essence had become Sodom and Gamora. Which is why they are seen as worse than those that outright deny God. An entire generation corrupted.

Now those that are the lukewarm infect most of those that profess to being “Christian.” How many of the few are bearing witness? Maybe this is why these words are spoken?

Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV – “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

What are we to look for that within one generation, which will bring the return of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:3-31 NKJV – Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. “Therefore when you see the ‘ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place”  (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Now what people don’t understand. What people don’t conceive of is that when Christ returns is at the end of this generation. At the end of 33 years. At the end of the tribulation which is to last seven years. That means that in the 26th year of the generation that will be witness to the events listed in these verses that is when it will all begin.

And how will we know it is to begin?

Christ gives us what to look for there as well.

Matthew 24:36-51 NKJV – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Here is something else, especially those who are walking the path of the lukewarm don’t wish to see or acknowledge. We that profess to being His disciples, His children, His Body.

We are stewards of His household. Any earthly wealth we are given is not for us to use for ourselves for our wants and desires. They are given to us to help spread the Truth, the Way and the Light. We are to live with the least of this wealth to be able to use the most of this wealth for His glory.

This is the opposite of how those that are the lukewarm see their earthly wealth, which is why they are seen as the same as those that were in the cities that surrounded and included Sodom and Gomorra.

This is why they are vomited from the Body of Christ. For their very presence pollutes those seeking the Truth. One factor that must be totally understood is at this very moment the majority of those that profess to being a follower of Christ are in fact the lukewarm.

They profess to loving Christ. However, they refuse to downsize. They refuse to live in the least and keep the most for Christ. They keep the most for themselves and use the least if any for Christ. They think that their ten percent tithe they give to a business is all that is required to show their faith for God.

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

1 John 2:15-16 NKJV – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

James 3:13-18 NKJV – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

We are to do our best for and only for Christ. We are to bear our cross and leave the things of the world behind.

Mark 10:17-21 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

God Bless