Relationship

Blog For Podcast #69 (Salvation is not guaranteed part 1)

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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.

Here is another of my popular blog post that I am now making into a podcast:

Discussion

Now once you get done laughing and are still here reading or in this case listening. Allow me to explain the title of article, and since the best place to start this is with the words of Jesus Christ Himself:

Revelation 3:5 – All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Now some of you will be saying. What does this have to do with not being assured of one’s salvation? EVERYTHING! Let’s look at the King James:

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

“and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,”

First off note the phrasing of the sentence. It implies that Jesus has the power to add and remove the names that are listed within the Book of Life. “I will not blot out.”

Now let’s break this down further.

Blot out – G1813 – exaleipho – to rub (smear) out, i.e. completely remove (wipe away); obliterate; remove totally from a previous state with the outcome of being blotted out (erased).

To be erased they must have their name placed within it to begin with. Now let’s again turn to the words of Jesus.

John 15:1-8 – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”

“Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.”

“Anyone who does not remain in me.” This identifies one of the focal points of God’s gift given to all of humanity. That being free-will. It states that we have a choice in our relationship with Christ and through Him, God. It is a true inter-relationship in which each person has a say. However, Jesus will remain loyal, on His part, yet humans do show what is most important to themselves. This goes to teachings within the Bible that states it not all works, as well as not all faith, but an equal measure of both. This is what allows us to bear fruit upon our branch. However, if we go outside of this balance then we no longer bear fruit. Also, if we turn away from what the Bible teaches, especially those given by Jesus Christ Himself, then we no longer bear fruit.

This guidance made by Jesus Christ Himself in one of His private teachings to the apostles makes it clear. If you no longer have an interactive relationship with Him, then you wither and die. At this point God Himself removes you from His Son, and you are cast into the fire. The implication of the word “fire” is as one would expect the fires of hades.

Hence, if you are of the vine of Christ, you are saved. Your name is written in the Book of Life. Then your branch is broken off from the vine, from Christ. You are no longer a part of the body. Your name is removed from the Book of Life. So, as you can see, Salvation is not guaranteed.

What is needed by all that wish to be within the vine or to remain within the vine is to learn the Bible and to not just say “I am Christian,” but to live a Christian life and lifestyle. Not just through their words, but their actions. From obeying the speed limit to living not within wealth and luxury, but in moderation. Saving the majority of your wealth and then to give to those in need before yourself. This world, this temporal plain of existence we now live within is not where our minds should be focused, but on God and the eternal life that is to come. (1 John 2:15-17)

This is a topic that is extremely hard for most to even try to accept and attempt to understand. This is due to the fact that most have never been taught this and have only heard of the edification of God’s love for them and that is it.

I will say this. On God’s part, He will never abandon us, see the book of Hosea. However, it is a two-sided relationship, just like any marriage. Both must be willing participants. It is we humans that are the problem due to free-will. It is our actions that cause this issue. It is us that causes salvation to be lost.

So how is it we can correct this? To get into this. I will once again use the words of Jesus Himself, for we must come to an understanding of Christ’s role in this marriage.

Matthew 5:17-19 – Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The main thing that ended upon the cross was the requirement to sacrifice animals, and have burnt offerings upon the altar. Let’s see what else Jesus said:

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

But what is it we are to follow that is from Him?

Matthew 19:17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”

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

All of the commandments were not just the Ten Commandments, or as they should have been taught from this moment Jesus spoke these two, thus making them Twelve Commandments. They were the entire book of Deuteronomy and now due to Christ dying upon the cross some part of Levitcus.

As I stated before, Jesus removed the need for sacrificing upon an altar to God. However, Jesus is making it clear that the lifestyle taught within the latter part of Exodus, within Leviticus and the book of Deuteronomy are still to be practiced. However most at this time refuse to accept and live this way. Thinking that Jesus actually came to abolish the law and the teaching of the prophets. Yet as I pointed out that is the complete opposite, yet millions live their lives as if that were the case.

A prime and very visible example of this is tattoos, the painting of the skin. It is seen as defiling the gift of God, your body.

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

It is also addressed here:

1 John 2:15-17 – 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.

However, within recent decades as the teachings within the Old Testament are ignored and forgotten. The very things that Christ said He came to fulfill and told us in His own words to follow. Mainly due to those in political power creating laws that forced God out of the school, which has caused this “art form” to be on a dramatic climb. More and more paint their bodies in direct contradiction to the teachings of the Bible. Some even think this “art form” reflects their faith and belief in God. This is due to the denial of the truth within the Bible.

Not only do people deny the law and the commandments they also deny the teachings within the New Testament as well. Again, another prime and very visible example:

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

Now this states we are to obey the laws of the nation, and state we live within. As long as they do not go counter to laws within the Bible. The prime and very visible example to which I was referring. Driving on the highways and byways that get us from one place to another every single day of our lives. When a speed limit states we are to go 55 mile per hour. As Christians we are to go 55. Yet you see extremely few that do this, and some of those that do not obey the laws ride up the rears of those attempting to follow the law tailgating them and flashing their lights at them as they attempt to go 55. All of which is against the laws of the land and thus against the teachings within the Bible.

This is why when people live their lives in this manner their salvation is not guaranteed, yet they think they are saved. Nevertheless, their very behavior and actions moves them further and further away from God. They bear no fruit for God, and so stand the chance of being removed from the Vine which is Jesus Christ and cast into the fire of damnation. (John 15:1-10)

The only way to correct this is to live our lives as they are taught within the New Testament and the Old Testament, and accept that it is by both faith and works that will help us be Christ like. The works being that we live our lives the way the Bible tells us to live them. (James 2:14- 26)

Next week we will continue this topic as I address a reply I received in releasing the original blog post.

God Bless

Block for Podcast #68 (Pharisees)

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 many out there who have become reliant upon this belief that a person cannot lose their salvation. As has been shown throughout several of my podcasts this is not a true doctrine. For Christ Himself makes it clear in John 15:1-10, Matthew 7:21-23, and 25:1-13 salvation can be lost.

Right this moment several are railing against what I have just said.

They need to calm down and think a moment.

I have pointed to three times Jesus said it is possible. Not me. Jesus Christ. So, who is it they are anger with? It is not me. I didn’t say this. Our Savior said it.

I will let that sink in a second.

When you show the words from Jesus Christ Himself, and they still wish to challenge and argue. What does this make those that insist upon doing this?

Pharisees.

In Matthew 23 Jesus confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees about their behavior. How they had changed or made laws to make themselves look important and make it hard for others to come to stand before God. They had created and follow a false teaching.

What does Peter say about false teachers?

2 Peter 2:1-3 – But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

Let us look at this in the KJV:
2 Peter 2:1-3 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

“Even denying the Lord that bought them.”

Therefore, these people knew salvation through Jesus Christ. They turned against the Word of God to preach what was pleasing to their ears. Just as the Pharisees did.

It is here that someone says: “Well they were never saved in the first place.”

Again, the words of a Pharisee.

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.

Once anyone does this they are saved. Do they fall prey to those within 2 Peter chapter two?

2 Peter 2:12-22 – These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. 13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. 14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. 15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong. 16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice. 17 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 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.”

As you can tell the answer is yes.

But whose fault is it that this happens?

The babe in Christ or those that are mature in the Lord?

       1 Peter 2:1-12 – So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

2 Timothy 2:14-26 – Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. 15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. 19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

The answer is both.

Those with the knowledge should help those lacking in the Word of God to know what the True Gospel is. And as noted not to get into arguments over details. However, those that are young in the Lord should be willing to listen. They should as well verify on their own by reading the Bible for themselves. For when you study the Bible you are learning what God desires for all that call themselves “Christian.” That is why it is so important to truly study the Bible. Thus, by learning the Scriptures yourself you will not be dependent upon the flowable humans. Many of which embrace false teachings and due to not studying the Bible for themselves are not aware of it.

2 Timothy2:15 – Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (Amplified Classic)

Our duties to God through Jesus Christ is to know the Bible. All the Bible.

I have encountered those that say the letters that occur after the book of Acts and before the book of Tribulation are not the scripture. I say this:

2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Just think on these words for a moment.

This came from one of these letters. It shows us, just as the verse from the same letter did earlier. That we have an active responsibility in our relationship with God through Christ.

That not only the rest of the Bible, but these letters are useful to teach us how to be a reflection of Jesus Christ and how we are to live our lives. Through our behavior and actions towards others. These are work and deeds referred to in James 2:14-26.

This is how we do not end up being Pharisees, otherwise known as hypocrites. Also known as the lukewarm of Revelation 3:15-16.

Therefore, seek out the Lord by learning the Bible. Not by just reading it but studying it. So, you will know the true meaning of what is written within it.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #65 (The Haughty)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

In recent days I have tried to expand my ministry, by reaching out to some groups on Facebook that state they are for my fellow Christians. Which forums I will not say, for I find it best not to do so. What I found there in some cases shocked and saddened me at the same time.

Yes, there were many that did seem to be seeking true fellowship with other Christians. However, there was a minority that made me decide to make this podcast.

So let us begin:

Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. (Amplified Bible Classic)

As you can see here the word “haughty” has three words that describe it here. We will look at all four so people can start to understand the issue.

Haughty – in the Greek there are seven different words that equate to being haughty. (G5187; G5246; G5448; G5252; G5244; G5229 and G5308.) What the various definitions boil down to is: Disdainfully or contemptuously proud; arrogant and overbearing.

a: disdainfully – in a way that shows that someone does not like someone or something and thinks that they do not deserve interest or respect.

b: arrogant – unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people.

c: overbearing – too confident and too determined to tell other people what to do, in a way that is unpleasant.

Snobbish – snob – a person who respects and likes only people who are of a high social class, and/or a person who has extremely high standards who is not satisfied by the things that ordinary people like.

High-minded – having very high moral standards of behavior.

Exclusive – excluding others from participation.

As I think back through my life I remember how “Christians” were portrayed in many movies and TV shows, especially in the most recent decades. The descriptions shown above met this imagery portrayed in these mediums.

But if you listened to what I said at the beginning of this study. I stated that those I encountered that behaved in this manner were in the minority.

There are two things that is sad about this. First off that those that made these scripts actually think that true Christians behave in this manner. Second is that those that do beave in this manner actually believe they are right with God.

The last part of the twelfth chapter of Romans deals with showing how we are to behave within the body of Christ:

Romans 12:9-21 – Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

The theme? To care and love for one another and to consider all to be your equal. But the question comes up. What does God think about those that think they are greater than others?

James 4:5-6 – Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 3:34 – The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. (The scorner [mocker] is proud and haughty)

Scorner – scorn – a very strong feeling of no respect for someone or something that you think is stupid or has no value.

Mocker – To treat with ridicule or contempt; deride.

a: deride – to laugh at someone or something in a way that shows you think they are stupid or of no value.

God is against those that deride, scorn and mock others. So, if God is against this what does this make those that behave in this manner?

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

The key verse we are discussing today though is the second verse so we will look at it in the Amplified Classic:

“For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.”

Scoffing – scoff – an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt

               a: derision – If you treat someone or something with derision, you express contempt for them.

               b: contempt – lack of respect or reverence for something or someone.

So, these people belittle others. Thinking themselves as greater. Verse five ends with this command”

“Stay away from people like that!”

Therefore, when these are encountered, we are told by the Bible to cut these people out of the Body of Christ. Which makes them the enemy of God.

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

Consequently, these that are an enemy of God are in actuality of the world. If they are of the world then it could be said they are not bearing fruit upon the Vine who is Jesus Christ.

John 15:1-10 – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

We must also remember that Jesus Christ said that there were two commandments that are the greatest of them all:

Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

The second is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Would you ridicule yourself? Would you scoff at yourself? Would you seek to make a mockery of your own life? Would you have contempt for yourself?

Proverbs says this:

Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

And what is this fall to which is being referred here?

Hebrews 6:4-6 – For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.

Those that believe that they are greater. That they are perfect. That they are better. Are leading themselves to their own destruction. For the only person able to remove a person from God is themselves. And part of that journey is by being haughty.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #63(God’s Time)

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

When I post my podcast. I place a link to it on Facebook. As you may know, you can advertise here as well, which I do. Well one of these times someone asked why they are being contacted by the ad. My reply?

“……… people may be performing the actions. But God does the targeting. Maybe he is trying to get your attention?”

They replied with this:

“You seem to have forgotten that a person paid for this ad to target me. Someone’s imaginary friend didn’t pay for it.”

My final reply was this:

“………. To be accurate the targeted audience was “Bible” and “Bible study (Christian)” Due to your response I return to my reply ‘people may be performing the actions. But God does the targeting. Maybe he is trying to get your attention?’ So, since you do not include yourself in this group. My ‘imaginary friend’ targeted you and IS trying to get your attention. Have a good day.”

This is the Bible verse I was led to:

2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

It has nearly been two thousand years since the stone was removed from the tomb and Jesus Christ walked out of it fully healed save for the nail holes in His wrist and angles. As well as the wound in His side where the spear was pushed into Him to verify that He was dead upon the cross only a few days earlier.

As I have shown in other studies on this podcast that the Bible is true history. Since it is true history. It verifies that Jesus Christ is real and thus God is real and the Creator of everything.

So, when by chance “my imaginary friend” causes someone to read something about Him it is not an accident. For as the verse shows God does not wish anyone to destroy themselves through living in sin. Also, that we are all under His timetable. Not our own.

If for some strange reason you find yourself confronted with something from someone’s imaginary friend. That happens to speak of not living in sin. Of living an eternal life. It is not by chance or mistake or accident. It is God trying to show you He is real. It is God wishing for you to seek salvation. It is God talking to those that belief in Him. However, they are not living a righteous life. They need to fix their relationship with He who deserves our loyalty and worship.

To those that have listened to people that insist they are in the right. Yet they deny the existence of God. Saying that belief in God is a belief in a myth. Scholars have established that a myth does not begin until one hundred and fifty years after a person dies. Why? Because no one is around that lived when the person the myth is created about is around to counter said myth. While the letters that became the New Testament started to appear in under twenty years after the crucifixion and resurrection. Many could have countered the letters, but none could. Not even the Pharisees or Romans. So, my imaginary friend is not imaginary, but real.

Colossians 1:15 – 20 – Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Yes, it is through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice that all of humanity has a chance at salvation. However, they must know of Him. They need to listen to themselves and not what others tell them. They need to study the Bible and learn for themselves what it is to seek after salvation. As well as eternal life. Not for our children’s, children’s, children. But for everyone that is alive now. Something those that call God and His Son a myth cannot offer.

Why? Because they live the myth. The fiction.

1 Timothy 1:4 – Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.

Colossians 2:8 – Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

As you can see from these verses God has always known that there were and would be those that only lived for the here and now. For this temporal world of existence. They would call things they could not accept or see a myth, a fantasy. They do their best to diminish and disqualify things that show the events found within the Bible to have happened. To have been real events called history.

Jesus Christ told us that when it was near time for His return those that believe in calling the truth a myth would grow. We are also told that in this time would be the time of the last letter given to the seven churches in the second and third chapter of the book of Revelation. Most of those that are called the “church” would be seeking after worldly wealth, leisure, and pleasure. Called the “lukewarm” and seen as worse than those that believe in myth more than truth.

It is due to this that those that deny God. That defy God grow and have such control over all. It is due to this that we know we are in the end times. It is due to this. When the truth is finally revealed uncountable amounts of people will acknowledge that God is real and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and willing die to stand before the throne and He who sets upon it.

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

It is their removal from the world that will allow the antichrist to finally be revealed and desecrates the Holy of Holies in the third temple that has yet to be built.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 – For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.

Those of the world have released stories. Have released myths, fantasies. In these stories they take from the story of reality, the Bible. When it is darkest, when it is midnight, it is then that the light of salvation will return. It is then that Jesus Christ will return.

We are living in the night now. For as I mentioned before the signs of the end times. The signs that we are in the darkness. The signs that we are approaching midnight are all about us. Both within and outside the church.

God will address those outside the church. However, it is up to those that profess to being of the Body are required to help address those that call themselves Christian. I do this through my blog and these podcasts. It is up to you the listener to acknowledge and help or change your ways.

I mentioned the last letter in the book of Revelation as the warning to those that live in this time of darkness. I will now read it. So, you can hear. So, you can hear the words of the Glorified Jesus Christ:

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 new 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.”

Let us look at the KJV of verse nineteen:

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

Christ makes it clear that He loves those within this current church. He makes it clear that due to this love He will rebuke and chasten us if we have not listened.

Rebuke means to admonish, convict, convince, to show the errors we live within.

Chasten means to train up to educate through punishment and discipline.

So do as the Glorified Jesus Christ commands you to do. Have the strong desire to fix the errors of your ways and leave the riches of the world behind for the riches that can only be found in the presence of God. The riches that will cleanse your dirtied garment clean once again. By bowing to your Savior and begging forgiveness for not following the true path of salvation. Surrender those things of the world for those things Jesus Christ tells us to seek after in these verses. The purification of our souls which is the purified Gold. To be clothed white again in our salvation before it is torn from us and taken for ever away from us. Then be filled with the ointment which is the Holy Spirit which allows those that receive it the ability to see the truth.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #61 (Those who turned away from God)

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

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Today’s message will not even be acknowledged by many who listen or read this.

Why? 

Mainly because they think they are right with God. But this is the furthest thing from the truth. They are in actuality the lukewarm. (Revelation 3:15-16)

In Hebrews chapter six the writer of this letter says this about the basics of the teachings of laws and rules of the ability to follow God:

Hebrews 6:1-3 – So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

However, the person then goes to say this:

Hebrews 6:4-6 – For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.

Let that statement sink in.

For it verifies that someone can loss their salvation.  When taken in conjunction with the previous verses… as it should be anyway. We gain insight as to why they have lost their salvation and have become unable to see it or return to God.

Per their perception they are still within their salvation. Yet they live of, and within the world. Thus, becoming the lukewarm, and then being spued out of the Body of Christ. (Revelation 3:15-16)

Now I know many will challenge what I have just stated. I understand that. That is the issue with what caused the verses in Hebrews to be written on the first place. Many have truly experienced salvation. Many believe they are all set for eternity.  Yet, as Hebrews, John 15 and verses in Matthew show this is not how it truly is. 

Now I am going to read from 2 peter the second chapter.  There are two references here.

The first:

2 Peter 2:1-3 – But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. 

The key statement in these verses:

“And even deny the Master who bought them.”

In the KJV is says:

“Even denying the Lord that bought them.”

Once again verifying that salvation can be lost.

Now to look at the second set of verses in this chapter:

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.”

Now again someone will protest with statements like: “Well they were never saved in the first place.”

Those who say these words have just committed a grievous sin.

Romans 10:9-13 – 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. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

As Paul continues after these verses that shows if someone asks, they are saved. He talks about how Israel rejected the truth. As a result, the nation of Israel was removed from the world. Yet, once again Israel exists. Why? Due to God’s promises to Abraham. But that is a different discussion. What is important to this topic is that there are those out there that belief Israel is no longer under that promise and have been cut off. That is the furthest thing from the truth. They just have a longer and harder road to travel than Christendom must follow. Those that say Israel has no part to play in God’s plan are teaching a false gospel.

But back on topic.

Any who asks Jesus to be their Savior is saved. Yet, they are like newborn babes. Vulnerable to listening to false and misleading teachings. Teachings that make them think that they can live their lives as they always have and still be welcomed into heaven.

True Christians cannot be a part of the world. I know this full well for I have lived the road downward. But only through God’s love for me was I finally able to awaken to the truth. God had to slap me down to make me awaken. I had lost most of my possessions and even lived in a hotel room with my ten-year-old son.

But I finally listened to God.

As a result, I started my blog which has led me to making podcasts. Ever growing in my calling as a teacher of the Word of God.

The Word must be taught completely and accurately. People must come to know that they must change how they live. No longer seeking after money. For money is the world. Jesus makes it clear you cannot serve two masters. It must be God or money.

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

The moment someone keeps after money yet professes to being “Christian” they have become the lukewarm. Who as a result, are seen as worse than those that deny God.

Get that imagery into your head.

Someone who openly says they hate God. Say for example someone that worships the Devil and kills animals on an altar are seen as greater than those that say they are “Christian” and live in luxury. Because luxuries are for glory in and of the world. Not from God. (1 John 2:15-17)

It is made clear by Jesus Christ. We should only seek after treasure in heaven. Any wealth that is given us beyond the basics needs is ALL God’s. And is to be used for His glory not our legacy or our comforts and leisure.

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

In past studies it has been established that God prefers us not to seek after the things of the world. However, in verse eight the implication is just the opposite. More verses say to seek after God’s realm than humanities. That is even seen here when taking all these verses together in a fashion. As fortified by 1 John 3:17

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?”

True enrichment is not worldly wealth but blessings from God. Not stored here on earth but in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-24) It is made clear that worldly wealth known as money is another god. That is why it is important to shed the excess to those that are in need. As is made clear in 2 Corinthians seeking after what is righteous is more important than holding on to that of the world. This is accomplished by doing as these verses state to give freely of the excess given unto us by God for His glory. For that is the true and only purpose of anyone given more than they need.

I will end with these verses for you the listener and reader to ponder:

James 5:1-3 – Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #59 (Riches)

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 Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

In this time, we now live in. A time that is shown to be of the last letter to the churches that the Glorified Jesus Christ dictated to John. (Revelation 3:14-22) For what would become the book of Revelation. We are shown that most in the church would be lukewarm. Singing and praising God and His Son Jesus Christ. Yet, living more for the world and its luxuries and pleasures than really and truly honoring God. We need to look at the letter that James wrote, for within are lessons for those that call themselves “Christian” in today’s religious environment.

James 1:2-11 – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.

In these verses is a key element that needs to be given its due merit. So, I will restate these verses in the KJV:

James 1:5-8 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Many do not understand why God does not answer their prayers. This is why. They ask for things of the world and not of those things which God requires from us all. Loyalty to Him and to Him alone. So when asking for wisdom. It should be asking for true wisdom, which grants us insight to His teachings.

Wisdom – insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence.

When asking for wisdom from God. He will give it to those that ask in a great amount and without reprimand. There is a caveat though. When the person asks for this wisdom it must be in full dedication to God Himself and not influenced or tainted by worldly wants or lusts.

Colossians 3:1-6 – Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

We cannot receive this wisdom if you seek after any of those sins shown in the third chapter of Colossians in the fifth verse.

Returning to James we see one of these sins listed once again, but in a different aspect:

James 1:9-11 – Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Greed and having riches can be said to be one and the same. For having riches can be distracting for those that have wealth. It will make them look to the world and thus be distracted from who they should truly be focused upon: God. It is made clear in James that those with money should feel humility for God actually see them as less than those that are poor.

Most that profess to “Christian” in today’s world though seem to be or seek after riches. Why do they seek to be seen as less in God’s eyes than those that are poor? Yet that is how many do act and behave that call themselves “Christian.”

This in essence verifies that those that profess to be “Christian” are ignoring the teachings of the Bible and would rather gather worldly treasures rather than heavenly ones.

Revelation 3:17-19 – 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.

Let us take a better look at verse nineteen in the KJV on what many in today’s world need to do:

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

The Glorified Christ states clearly that those that seek riches should reject it and turn whole heartedly toward God. To repent of their sin of not seeking for treasures in His house instead of their own.

Will these words be heard?

I have no answer. That is not for me say. That is for those that finally acknowledge they are truly lukewarm, and that they, in Christ eyes, are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. All due to seeking after wealth, leisure and comforts here on this earth.

James 1:12-18 – God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.”

When someone sins. It is their own doing for their own wants and desires.

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”

When someone worships the world they break the commandments given to Moses:

Exodus 20:3-4 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

A house that is bigger than what you need to shelter from the elements is a graven image. A car that costs as much as a small house is a graven image.

1 John 2:15-17 – 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.

This is a very clear statement. Yet millions ignore it in today’s Church. Millions that call themselves “Christian” seeking after wealth, possessions. They have cravings for everything they see like expensive cars, clothing. They are actually taught to seek after pride in their achievements. All the while being told they are a good Christian. When as this verse makes clear that is the opposite of the truth.

Matthew 6:19-34 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

If someone sees themselves truly as “Christian” then they must do as Christ said. I will end this message with the word of Jesus Christ once again:

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #57 ( A study of the verses about Judging one another)

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 Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Since I first published this post as a blog in October of 2017 this has been one of the most looked at of all my posts. So I have decided to make it into a podcast, since I have a feeling there will be those in future podcasts accusing me of doing this very thing.

So let us begin today’s podcast:

Discussion

The verses that are shown within the Bible that deals with judging another. Is what millions go about saying to one another when someone confronts another with their misdeeds, and they presume they are being judged by that other person.

Why pursue studying of these verses about judging?

Because those that throw out this one verse in reply have not studied all the verses related to it. They take them out of context. Plus, do not understand the full teachings within the entire Bible. At this time all I can say is those that throw out this one verse in reply are not going to be happy with the results of this study.

Matthew 7:1-5 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Now let’s take a more contemporary look at this teaching, then we will actually take a deeper look at the actual verses.

So, in this hypothetical world we have a team of men setting down at a workplace. Someone approaches and says, “Why are you setting when those men are working?” Referring to some of the co-workers that were still doing their assigned tasks.

One of the men turns to the person, and replies.

“We have finished all of our given duties, and as it is, we have new duties we plan on starting shortly. Why do you ask this?”

“Well, this man from another team saw you sitting and doing nothing.” Was the persons reply.

The team of men look to where the person that had made the comment was working. The person was nowhere to be found and most of his work was not done. They looked for the person, that had made the comment and who was in need to complete his own jobs. They found him talking to others pointing again to those that were setting.

They approach the man and ask him.

“Why do you accuse us of not doing our work, when our work is not complete? We looked to where you should be to talk to you and found you missing and your work nowhere near to being done.

The man grew angry and accused them once again of being lazy and failing to help those in need of help. The team of men turned and walked away.

This is the heart of this teaching that Jesus was speaking of when it comes to judging. It shows that those that judge are in fact hypocrites, and have no need to be accusing others of doing a wrong when they themselves commit the sin they are accusing the other of doing.

So let us look in this teaching in its entire context. Now the biggest issue people have to come to understand is the comparison Jesus uses to the issue of judging. The mote and the beam.

Mote – G2595 – karphos – a small particle (a splinter of straw or wood); “a dry stalk; a chip of wood;” something dry and light; a “chip or splinter, of the same material with the beam”

Beam – G1385 – dokos – a large beam (joist) of wood; “a beam of timber;” – “a log on which planks in the house rest (as in the papyri); joist, rafter, plank; a pole sticking out grotesquely;” (figuratively) a huge log (like a plank used in a house) that completely obstructs someone’s vision.

Jesus making this comparison is not by chance. It is specific and pointed out for a reason.

Do not try and take the splitter out of someone else’s eye when you have a beam of wood within your own eye. This means the sins are the same exact sins, as was demonstrated in the situation above. The man accusing those sitting down and resting after completely their work, of having a splinter. Had not done his own work and so had a beam within his eye.

Thus, the statement by Jesus: “You hypocrite!”

Judging deals only with hypocrisy, and is shown as such as the sentence continues:

“First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

So here Jesus is telling us to first cast out our own sins. Now it is here that people will start to say that Jesus is referring to all sin. Then why the mote and the beam? Why have a particular comparison?

All sin. We are all individuals and so sin in different ways. Yet many that choose not to sin through accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. With His help cast off sins. Not all sins, for we live within corrupted bodies. However, we can cast enough sin from us to live a righteous life with the help of the Holy Spirit. Allowing us to be light into the darkness, which is sin. That is why we have these verses to follow within the Bible:

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

Now let us look at this in the KJV:

2 Timothy 4:1-5 – I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Reprove – G1651 – elegcho – to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

Rebuke – G2008 – epitimao – assign value as is fitting the situation, building on the situation to correct (re-direct).

Exhort – G3870 – parakaleo – (a) I send for, summon, invite, (b) I beseech, entreat, beg, (c) I exhort, admonish, (d) I comfort, encourage, console; (“personally make a call”) refers to believers offering up evidence that stands up in God’s court.

As you can see, when you accept Jesus Christ and then cast out the beam that is within your own eye. We are then taught to help others by showing them with the Bible that it is something that should not be done. To show them that the beam can be taken out. Then to encourage them to remove their own splinter. Why? Because the person talking to them had removed the beam from their own eye with the help of Jesus Christ.

So, the team of workers are free to say for instance to the man in our example: “You must finish your own work, before you can accuse us of not work.”

Now remove the word “work” and replace it with a particular sin. As long as you are not doing this sin yourself and show evidence it is a sin within the Bible. You are not guilty of judging but trying to help someone not to sin.

However, we must realize that not all are willing to accept the truth and so in turn will throw out that they are being judged. In a way they are, but not by those saying they are sinning. But by the Word of God, so as the verse makes clear in 2 Timothy:

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.”

Those that reprove, rebuke, and exhort are not judges, but advocates for the one sinning. They are being their legal defense team. Trying to help them not have this particular sin between themselves and Jesus Christ as He sets upon the Throne of Judgment. Because they themselves, with the aid of Jesus Christ have put this particular sin behind them.

It must also be noted that if we purify ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit, and at times our fellows in the Body of Christ. That we will be worthy to be accepted into heaven upon the first resurrection:

Revelation 20:4-6 – Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or in their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.

To these that are in the first resurrection will not stand before the Great White Throne Judgement. It must also be noted that they will be in the billions. For there is a direct correlation between these verses and the verses of the seventh chapter of this book within the Bible:

Revelation 7:9-17 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. 12 They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. 15 “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. 16 They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. 17 For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

They die during the first part of the tribulation for refusing to deny that Jesus Christ is their Savior and refusing to take the mark of Satan. They will have helped their fellow Christians to come to the truth of their ways of life. Helping them to end the sins within these lives so that they may be made holy in the presence of God. Worthy of wearing the white garments of salvation and accepting their death at the hands of those that rejected God and are accusing those they kill of judging them.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #55 (Misunderstandings and misconceptions)

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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 Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM to listen to this message. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

One of the greatest misunderstandings within Christianity and in fact all of humanity is the knowledge that God’s part of the relationship is complete and eternal. The other part of the relationship. Our part is the problem. This is the mistake.

People lean on the first part of the relationship. They place all upon it. However, most ignore the other part. They assume all is fine due to the first part and do nothing on their part in the relationship. It has been this way before Jesus was born and after He ascended.

Time and again the words “self-control” are seen in the New Testament. This points to the latter part of the relationship. Time and again there are verses that show we can lose our relationship with God.  Nevertheless, people turn to the former part of the relationship saying they are fine and okay with God. All because it states that God’s love is eternal. The Bible clearly states that God’s love is this way. None can argue this. None should.

Due to this though people ignore verses that state we can be separated from God. The most important of this is found in John 15:

John 15:1-10 – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

Please note the first two verses. The “my Father,” is God. It clearly states that “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit.” This is a clear statement of separation from God. Done by who? God Himself. Also when asking for anything it must be within Gold’s plan. Earthly wealth and possessions are not in God’s plan for all of this earth will be destroyed. (Isaiah 65:17)

As this chapter continues, we are given a construct that cannot be challenged or denied. Jesus makes it clear that He is the Vine. And if you are saved you are a branch upon this vine. It someone does not follow the laws given within the Bible they are cut from the vine and are cast into the fire.

Another misconception that needs to be addressed comes from those that wish to deny God. Those that are in this group say thinks like: “Why would God allow this to happen?” or “All the terrible things that have occurred was due to Christianity!”

First, I must direct you back to the first misunderstanding. This is the key to it all. People lean on this belief that they can do anything in the name of God. Even ignoring the laws within the Bible. Believing all the time that just because God’s love for all of humanity will cover their sins. No matter how great or more accurately how horrifying their sins are.

Just because someone says they are acting upon their “faith” or in their “god.” For those listening I just used a small “g” for god not a capital “G,” just for the record.

Does not mean they are acting within the confines of “Christianity.” In fact, if someone actually knew the Bible, they would know that acts which destroy are not acts of “Christianity” at all. They are the behavior and actions of humans doing what they wish to do for their own betterment within this short temporal existence we all now live within. Which is directly opposite the true teachings found within the Bible.

The Crusades were not of or commanded by God, but of men seeking wealth greed and riches. The conquest of the South and North American continents was also due to this very lust for treasures here on earth as well as leaving a legacy behind for all of humanity to remember their names. Any who seek after things of this world in the name of a religion are not doing so for their faith but for themselves. Many will say that it is due to Christianity that 30 million people are dead. I can counter with saying nearly 200 million are dead due to people not following a religion, but their own social justice morals known as Socialism. We can play at word games like this all day long.

What is important is coming to understand that a human’s actions that go counter to the teaching that are found within the Bible. Even though they profess to being “Christian.” Does not and never will make them Christian, but what they truly are. Heathens and the basest of humanity. Those that only live for their own wants, lusts, and desires. Those that in reality do not live to serve God, but themselves. Using God as an excuse to justify their own sins in their own eyes. Yet all the time relishing what they do for it makes them feel superior and greater for they are the ones in the right, in their eyes.

Another misconception is that we should seek after wealth here in this temporal reality. This again is the furthest thing from the teachings of the Bible. The other day I was instructed in a dream to once again emphasize the importance that if we profess to being a follower of Jesus Christ that we should shed our worldly possessions from our lives as quickly as possible. Why? Because something is going to happen soon that most are truly not prepared for. The return of Jesus Christ.

As I have discussed in one of my earliest of Bible studies. The letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation are also chronological. That being said. The last letter specifically addresses those that seek after wealth. It is made clear that the Glorified Jesus Christ wishes us to realize that those that seek after riches here on earth are actually counted amongst the “lukewarm.” Another name of someone that is lukewarm is a hypocrite. Christ despises hypocrisy.

He made it clear that those that are lukewarm are spit out from His Body. For they are seen as worse than those that deny and hate Him openly. Can you see that comparison? Someone who openly flaunts their sins for all the world to see. Is seen as higher in God’s eyes than someone who is of the lukewarm.

Yet millions live their lives in this very manner and truly believe they are one with God though Jesus Christ. This is how the Pharisees lived and believed as well. And what did they do when they were confronted with the Son of God? They crucified Him, and you wonder why Christianity is looked down upon. All due to those that are in reality the lukewarm.

So, what must be done to correct these misunderstandings? These misconceptions.

First and foremost. To acknowledge that all that do these things are living in sin and not living truly for God and the teachings within the Bible, but for themselves and their own selfish wants and desires.

Next, they must seek true repentance. To repent means to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the improvement of one’s life. Meaning to cast out sin. All sin from our lives. Yet we must accept that we live in sin or be like those mentions in Hebrews chapter 6.

Hebrews 6:4-6 – For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.

Many will scoff at my words saying they are fine with God for they have known the blessings of His salvation, not realizing they themselves have rejected Him, after having found Him and replacing Him for the things of the world instead. I will let Peter speak now:

2 Peter 3:1-18 – This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. 3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Accept that we can loss our salvation for this is found within the Bible. Accept that people pervert the Word of God for their own glory and lusts for the world for there is prove of this within the Bible. Accept that we are not on this earth to seek after wealth and legacy here in this temporal plain of existence for we are told to shun it within the Bible.

Accept that we are to turn to Jesus Christ as our Savior and to follow ALL the teachings that are found within the Bible that will lead us to our ultimate goal. A goal that is not found here on earth, but first in heaven then finally in the new heavens and earth that is to come. Which we will live within as we live now, but sin free and for billions upon billions of years.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #54 (The mistake of “Faith alone.”)

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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 Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM to listen to this message. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

In 1953 a Biopic was released about Martin Luther. When it comes to movies about this man. It is the best out there, in my opinion.

Why?

Because it also addressed the mentality of not only those in power, but the reaction of the common people as well as those in scholarly pursuit of the truth.

At a crucial point in the movie. What they portray as the culmination of his studies and determination. They announce this one statement.

“It is through faith ALONE!”

Now it is here that I have issue. The worst of all is that this is stated four hundred years after Martin Luther is implied to have stated this.

I understand where Luther is coming from if he did state this. For at the time he makes this proclamation. The duty of Christians to perform works had been perverted beyond that required within the Bible. This was done by those in power of the Catholic Church, which was the only allowed church. Who were more interested in money than the true teachings within the Bible. The selling of “indulgences” and the worshipping of “relics,” were the “works” forced upon those that were kept in ignorance of the true teachings of the Bible. Those in power desiring to control and manipulate the masses to their whims and wishes. Therefore, Martin Luther, making the declaration that is it “through faith alone,” makes total and complete sense.

However here is the problem with this.

There are many out there that say things like: “I believe in God,” “I have accepted Jesus as my Savior” or “I know I am going to heaven.”

These are all statements of faith. A belief in the one and only God, the Creator of the Universe.

We are in a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. We have a responsibility in this relationship. That is why we are call “stewards.”

What is the definition of a “steward?”

The best definition of this is found at dictionary.com: a person who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants.

Stewardship is accomplished by doing works.

But didn’t I just say that works were a problem during the time of Martin Luther? Yes, I did. But I also said faith alone is an issue.

James 2:14-26 – What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

“Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”

Works are not that which is forced upon you by those within power of a denomination. They are the action you feel led to do by your faith in God.

“How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

Our good deeds are not something that is for the world to see or even know about.

Matthew 6:1-4 – “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Many do this in many ways and think all is well with them. Note though how Jesus described those that do this and especially where:

“Don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity!”

Think upon this description hard and long.

Hebrews 10:24 – Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

How is this accomplished? That answer is given in the second chapter of Titus:

Titus 2:1-15 – As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Truly being “Christian” is a lifestyle choice. To live in virtue and to do the will and teachings of God takes all of what is shown within these verses. Not just part, but all. That is why I said it is a “lifestyle.”

A lifestyle is defined as – “someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of people usually do.”

“People usually do,” is action, is works. So, we are told to do works. We are told to live with both faith and works.

Works that show honor to God. That reflect the teachings of the Bible. Especially those given unto us by our Savior Jesus Christ. We are told to have “self-control.” To live wisely and worthy of respect. To treat our boss with loyalty. A key statement is made in verse twelve:

“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,” by not living godlessly or seeking after worldly pleasures. However, millions that profess to being “Christian” live godlessly and seek after worldly pleasures. Believing that they are right with God all because of faith alone.

Many are taught that it is through faith alone. As I have shown in the verses in this study this is a lie. A false teaching. Cleaver words meant to deceive and blind those that are not willing to have the self-control required to seek after God through Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible.

When living with both faith and works we end sin within our lives with self-control and the grace of God through our Savior Jesus Christ. Who gives us righteousness. (Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 1:30) Especially those sins that the Bible clearly states are transgressions which will not allow entry into the presence of the Creator of the Universe.

Only those that are the true followers of Jesus Christ and the teachings within the Bible will stand before the throne of God. Yet many will think they are followers, nevertheless Jesus Christ will look upon them and in Jewish legalism state that He never knew them.

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

Why?

Mainly because they did not pursue both faith and works but relied upon faith alone. Continuing to live their lives according to their true gods: Themselves and their sins.

God Bless

Extremely Urgent that this be read

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I am a dreamer of dreams per Acts 2:17.

I had a dream last night in which I instructed to tell those that call themselves “Christian” and are willing to listen to sell at least half of their worldly possessions, property, and wealth as soon as possible. (Luke 18:24-34; Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-23)

Matthew 6:19-24 -Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Please forward to all those that you love and cherish!