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Blog for Podcast #72 (Do not seek after the things within the world)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

1 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.

I have referred to these verses more than once, and I have been led to dig into these verses to cause people to think and analyze how they are living their lives at this very moment. For when you think upon these teaches you can see they go deeply into how many are acting and responding to not only within their own homes, but due to external factors as well.

Let us start this exploration with the amplified classic version of the Bible:

15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

Let us now go verse by verse in the KJV and break it down into the Greek where needed.

1 John 2:15 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

World – G2889 – Kosmos – Bible Hub it is shown in this way: the world, universe; worldly affairs; the inhabitants of the world; adornment.

Worldly affairs, and those that populate it. These are the things that distract us from God. However, people do not seem to realize this. Humans cause sin. Humans cause crime.

Matthew 15:18-20 – But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 20 These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

All that affects the world about us is due to people living in sin. That is why we are being told to not remain in the world we have left behind.

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

“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.”

I wish to do a bit of sidestep here and look at verse 5 of chapter 5 of Ephesians:

Ephesians 5:5 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Covetous man – G4123 – pleonexia – holding (desiring) more, that is, eager for gain; covetousness, avarice.

Okay, now to get back to 1 John.

Love – G25 and G26 –

G25- agapaó – to love (in a social or moral sense); wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem.

G26 – agape – affection or benevolence; good will, esteem

The first “love” is for the world and the things within it. The second “love” mentioned here is for how our love should be towards God through His Son Jesus Christ. As you can see “agape” love is meant to be all encompassing. This is seen in the greatest commandments given to us by Christ Himself:

Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”  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.”

This shows that our focus must be upon God and what His Son told us within the Bible on how we are to live our lives.

So let us now move on to verse 16:

1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Flesh – G4561 – sarx – flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred; the body as opposed the to soul (spirit), or as the symbol of what is external.

Eyes – G3788 – ophthalmos – the eye; the mind’s eye; figuratively envy (from the jealous side glance)

Pride – G212 – alazoneia – boasting, show, arrogant display, ostentation; self-confidence

Life – G979 – bios – manner of life; livelihood; the present state of existence.

The implication is made very clear here. Whenever someone seeks after anything that gives them pleasure here in this temporal realm, we now live within. They do not seek after pleasing God, but themselves as so are not trying to be one with God, but themselves. For their true god is themselves.

Therefore, if someone seeks after wealth, a fancy car or home. Fancy clothing, tattoos of any sort. They are seeking to appease their own wants and desires. Christ makes it clear in Matthew 6 what it is He wishes us to seek after:

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.

We are also told that if God does curses us with money, we are not to horrid it but to give most of it away:

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

Why seek to have worldly status and praise when calling yourself “Christian?” This is not what we are told to do many times within the Bible. For this mere hundred years we live upon this earth is not our true life. This is not our legacy. Giving all glory and praise to God through His Son Jesus Christ is our true legacy.

It is serving God by giving away what we do not need to live day to day. It is helping those in need. That is our legacy. For this will cause a great treasure to be gathering in the presence of God Himself. Who will bless us with not one hundred years of life, but billions upon billions of years of life. Living as we do now. Seeing as we see now.

Yet millions who profess to being “Christian” would rather have their earthly treasures and desire met. Not caring for the true future, but instead trying to promote their own legacy which as verse 17 says:

Will “fading away, along with everything that people crave.”

God Bless

Blog for podcast #71 (Salvation is not guaranteed part 3 conclusion)

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.

Two weeks ago, I turned one of my popular blogs into a podcast. Last week you heard my rebuttal to someone that replied to that post. Today I wish to rebut new complaints made when I aired the podcast on this Bible study.

Discussion

I will start this rebuttal with the words of Jesus Christ once again.

Why? Because there are those out there that deny parts of the Bible just because it is not quotes from Jesus Christ. Which is sad, for the letters that are between the book of Acts and before the book of Revelation are the owner’s manual for those that profess to being “Christian.” Therefore, to ignore these letters is to not know how to live a truly Christian lifestyle. But anyway, on with the words of Christ:

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

Now as is established in John 15:4:

“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.”

“You cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”

So those in Matthew 7 that state that they prophesied in His name. Did just that for they were apart of the Vine. If they say they cast out demons in His name. They did just that, for evil cannot cast out evil. (Matthew 12:22-30) If they say they performed many miracles in His name. then they were a part of the Vine of Jesus Christ.

However now they are not welcome into heaven. How can this be?

Because they turned their backs upon God and His Son Jesus Christ. And as I have shown in one of my early podcasts the statement “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” Is a statement of Jewish legalist wording, meaning those that have turned their back upon Christ are not those that He had originally wrote in the in the Book of Life. So, their names have been blotted out of the Book of Life for they were not victorious. Allowing the world to be their god.

Revelation 3:1-6 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. 4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 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. 6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

What is it they are to awaken to?

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.

For they preferred the comforts of luxury. They sought after worldly rewards like large houses and days upon the golf courses. Watching sporting events and wasting their money away upon their wants and desires. Instead of doing as they were commanded by the Word of God to give most of their wealth away. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

And for those that insist upon hearing it from Jesus Christ, I give you these words:

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.

Seeking after luxuries. Seeking after a fancy car. Seeking after fancy clothes. All of this is living in the world and so is living in sin. And so does not bear fruit and you will be removed from the Vine. Who is Jesus Christ and you will be cast into the fires of damnation:

John 15:5-6 – I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If these words upset you and make you angry. Do not aim it at me, but at yourself. For if you are angry and wish to attack me remember this:

Matthew 5:10-12 – God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

I am the one being persecuted here, by your anger. Think upon that and the verses that have just been read.

I do these podcasts out of a calling from Jesus Christ my Savior. I do them not to please myself, but to please God through His Son Jesus Christ my Savior. For the true Gospel must get out into the world.

The true Gospel says to not to love money for if you seek after money, you do not seek after God. It says to not seek after anything in the world but to place all upon God. If he curses you with money, you are to give most of it away and keep only enough to meet your needs.

A need is not a fancy car but a basic car, or a used car. A need is not fancy clothes but enough to cover your nakedness. A shelter is not a huge house, but a place where to can cook your food, eat it and then sleep at night. These are needs. God says He will meet our needs.

If you seek after the world you seek after sin. If do not follow what Christ says must be followed you live in sin. If you seek the sin more that you seek God through Jesus Christ, you will in time be removed from the Vine.

How do I know this? Because in 2013 God placed me through trials and tribulations. To either follow Him or follow the world. I chose God.

I know without any doubt that I would have had my branch cut from the vine which is Jesus Christ if I had not done as God instructed me. I started my blog, which is now a part of my ministry along with the podcast.

I reach the entire globe with these posts and podcasts. Some are listening. Some are learning the true gospel. Most scoff, mock and laugh. Thinking they are perfect and protected. All because they call themselves “Christian.” Yet they live in and for the world.

Revelation 3:14-22 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

““I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”

“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”

If you truly seek to be one with God. You will not break the laws God has given us and Jesus Christ made clear we are to follow. This is not legalism, this is what Jesus Christ said he came to fulfill and so we are commanded multiple times by Him to follow them.

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

Yet millions daily break the speed limit, seek after wealth and luxury. Wear fancy clothes, as well as seek after religious tattoos. Seek after personal comforts and rewards from those here on earth. Instead of seeking after if from God through Jesus Christ our Savior.

All that do this live in sin and in time, may find themselves cut off from the Vine who is Jesus Christ. And they will be knocking upon heavens door and Christ will reply to them:

I never knew you!

God Bless

Blog for podcast #70 (Salvation is not guaranteed part 2)

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.

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

Discussion

This is a reply I received to my blog which I have now turned into a podcast. This is the continuation of last week’s podcast.

“While I agree that the ‘once saved always saved’ theology does not take into account freewill, I also see John saying that he was writing so that believers could know that they are saved. That said, I get annoyed when I see Leviticus 19 quoted as a command to not have tattoos. Why is it we get to pick and choose which commands in that chapter apply to contemporary society? Do you wear clothing that is mixed? Do you know of anyone in Industrial nations who pay their workers daily instead of paying the wages earned out that day? How about the inference that concubines are okay? Or just scales for that matter? Where do we go to determine fair value of goods in relation to the dollar when the dollar itself no longer has backing other than what public opinion sees its value as? The tattoo reference was so that Israel did not mark their bodies as the pagans around them did to worship their pagan Gods. It is the only place in scripture where it is written. Outside of that Jesus will have tattoos on His thighs at His return, right?

“And lastly, yes, there are tons of laws, rules, precepts and commands. Jesus addressed this with the Pharisees multiple times. Obey, but obey because you are in love with God in such a way that you desire to honor Him through doing His commamds. Paul encouraged believers not to be a stumbling block to one another as we work out pur own salvation with fear and trembling. Paul at meat that was sacrificed to idols, or at the least he thought it was okay. It was a direct violation of the laws you desire to be followed. But he goes on to say that he refrains from doing so when it would cause a weaker believer to stumble in their faith.

“Love is the answer, not legalistic obedience. If you are convicted about driving the speed limit then drive the sleed limit. But give Grace to others as they work out their own salvation. Tell them about Paul’s rationale in obeying government authority but don’t try to be the Holy Spirit for them. Peter was faithful in preaching the message but he also fell back on the laws and Paul called Him out for it. But still, preach and give grace as we all are depraved and worthy of death, whether we obey the speed limit or not.”

I feel it is important to make this rebuttal in a more visible manner due to its import upon the topic at hand. I will go through the response this brother in Christ gave to yesterday’s post one point at a time.

I will start with your being upset due to the Leviticus view of tattoos.

You actually answer your own argument. It is a way of separation from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). As I stated, there are those that feel through their tattoos they are venerating their faith and belief in God. However, most that tattoo their bodies do not follow this and furthermost of these get it done as a sign of rebellion. But what is it they are rebelling against? Could it be this?

Romans 12:1-3 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

My own personal view upon tattoos comes from a different source. I know that I am a teacher as is governed by Ephesians 4. However, I know that I also fall within the purview of Acts 2:17:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

I am a dreamer. Thus, my name dreamwalker1960.

Now why I mention this:

In a dream I had in the late 1980’s it showed those that were of the lukewarm before the Rapture, but it is a dream set within a post-Rapture timeframe. These lukewarm were all dressed in grey jumpsuits. Chained together like a chain gang. They were being moved in a single file line toward the back of a now ransacked and empty store. You could tell this by the empty and battered shelves and the tattered advertising hanging from the ceiling.

Those forcing the chained people to the rear of the store all had one thing in common. They were all tattooed. This included a twelve your old boy who came running into the area carrying the severed head of a woman by her messed up blonde hair. All those that were covered in the artwork upon their bodies cheered and celebrated.

So to me personally, especially now some thirty years after this dream took place. Seeing tattoos on a massive increase within the population. Mainly due to not knowing God or the teachings within the Bible. I find this increase a sign of the coming Tribulation.

Back to the point that was made of separation between Israel and the pagan nations about them. As I pointed out in Romans we are told to separate ourselves from the world as well.

Matthew 5:14-16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Is not good works following the teachings of the Bible? The answer is yes.

Part of this separation is by honoring and following, when not superseded by the teachings within the New Testament, those commandments within the Old Testament, as we are instructed to by Jesus Christ.

I have found that if something is not addressed by Jesus or the apostles in their letters it should be adhered too if it is within reason. Tattoos are not directly mentioned in the New Testament, but does fall within what is required of us within Romans 12 and 1 John 2:15-17 and so should be maintained as a sign of separation.

This works into the question that was asked of what applies to contemporary society. This is why reading and coming to understanding the Bible is vital. Especially in this day and age with the onslaught to destroy Christianity and the teachings of the Bible. A sign of which is shown by the increasing popularity of tattooing.

Now does it mention the requirement for clothing in the New Testament? In a way it does:

Matthew 6:28-34 – And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

We are to live our lives in moderation. For God will provide our needs. Does this mean we are not to work? No it does not. We are not to waste money upon that which we simply need to cover our nakedness. Seeking after luxuries be they clothing, transportation or even our housing is against Biblical teachings both in the Old and New Testaments.

As to wages. We are required to work within Ephesians 6:5-9. The master being our employer, we the slaves. It is due to government regulations which we are to follow under Titus 3:1 and Romans 13:1-5. These regulations state that we are to be paid weekly, bi-weekly and even monthly.

Concubines is covered in the New Testament that a man take only one wife.

As to the fair value of goods. At this time most nations have regulations on how goods are priced. More and more items are being regulated by the government and so a true fair value cannot be seen due to government’s intrusion into the free market. So simply to say a true fair market society for the most part is non-existent.

Obeying the commandments, I agree is an act of love toward God. Thus, an act of free-will and a coming to understand those that help to separate us from the world. Hence, heading us towards a true reflection of Jesus Christ is a major factor of this love. As I stated, God’s love is eternal. However, as exemplified by Hosea, humanities love is fickle and requires renewing and refreshing in various areas and at various times. This is why we are instructed this in 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 longsuffering 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.

Now it is implied that I am a “stumbling block.” If this is not the case, sorry for misreading. However, here is how I perceive what a stumbling block is.

It is not those that point out the sin and then show you why it is a sin. Then suggest you change your ways. Thus, making you become a better reflection of Christ, which is as I see my ministry to be following, and verified by the verses just stated, which you are implying is me acting as “the Holy Spirit.” This is the furthest thing from the truth as is shown above and is required for all Christians to help their brethren grow.

A stumbling block is when people say, “sure go get a tattoo,” which is a conformity to the world. It is when you do not acknowledge that God established a nation’s government and they would prefer to speed about, breaking the speed limit, and if you are not speeding as they do. They come behind you, tailgating you and flashing their lights at you as if you are doing something wrong. Trying to force you to conform to their behavior.

Faith alone, which is love alone is dead. It is an equal balance of both faith and works (James 2:14-26). Works not being legalism but following the teachings of Jesus Christ which also includes following the commandments. Mistaking following the commandments as legalism is one of the major flaws in today’s society. Works alone without the love for God, which is legalism is dead as well.

As to obeying or choosing not to obey the speed limit, shows your desire through your love toward God as to how you see His Son and the teachings of the Bible. As a result, disobeying the speed limits is clearly stated as disobeying God and thus bears no fruit for God and in time may lead to being removed from the vine that is Jesus Christ, and thus cast into the fire. Obeying the speed limit is one of the easiest ways to show your love for God, and serves as a training tool to help you grow in other works through love for Jesus Christ.

Therefore, it is up to you how you wish to live your life. Seeking after your own reward and satisfaction within this temporal plain of existence we live within. Seeking after wealth, and luxuries and only seeking to please your own desires. Or do you seek to follow the Bible. Placing God at the center of your life thus following the speed limit and not getting tattoos. As well as living a life not surrounded by leisure and luxury. But to give most of your money to those in need.

It is up to you how you wish to live out your eternal life that is yet to come. For this life we now live is how our placement in that eternal life is to be determined. By doing works, which are the commandments and teachings within the Bible and doing so out of love for our Savior and His Father we honor and give praise to God in all His glory. This will head us toward an eternal life of joy in the service of God. The other route of seeking only to please yourself, of only thinking God loves you no matter how you live, or outright rejecting God will lead to eternal damnation.

Our goal as Christians is to reflect Jesus Christ not ourselves and is only accomplished through equal portions of faith and works.

God Bless

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

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

Intro

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

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 #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