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Confessions of a screwed up middle aged man: The straw that broke the camel’s back

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I had mentioned in another post an encounter I had with someone that had twisted the Bible to suite his own image of the world and thus his believe in God. What I had left out was that it was someone that attended the church I had called home for over three years. I also left out that one of the church leaders was a part of the conversation and had witnessed the same misuse of the Bible. I mentioned this later to the church leader and he gave me an excuse for the man’s misuse of the Bible. I must also add that he did nothing in the conversation to support my endeavor to help correct this man’s misstep as I approached it with love wishing to help the man grow in his faith in the correct manner. Today I read Galatians 1:7-10 and I felt compelled to write this post. Here are the verses:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Later that week in another venue the same man that had misquoted the Bible I assume, feeling empowered but the lack of support I was given by the church leadership, found it necessary to belittle and degrade me in another issue. Since I could not count on those in church leadership to support me I decided to pray and think upon what it is I should do. I took three days to think and pray upon it and reached my point where I felt God wanted me to go. I contacted the church leader and informed him that I would be resigning my membership for my church home I had loved so much.
Now why did I do this? It was not the church I had come to three years ago. Somewhere along the lines it become more important to appease then to confront. It became more important to entertain then to aspire to reach God.
I was married for the last time in this church and I so wanted to be there and help the church achieve new and wondrous goals, but that is not the church I had come to three years ago. I do not even know what to say.

Confrontation – A key element of the New Testament – yet today the ultimate sin

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The definition of the “Confrontation” is as follows – per Oxford Dictionary: 1. The bringing of persons face to face; esp. for examination and eliciting of the truth. 2. The action of bringing face to face, or together, for comparison.
Many times Christ Himself had confrontations with the Pharisees, scribes and even the rich. Another prime example is why Paul left Titus in Crete (see the book of Titus). This is the New Testament. This is the Bible. To promote change not only in the person but the world about them. Yet today when you try and show the Bible to someone and it is conflicting with their image of the world then you are a “judge” and you are “judging someone.”
Judge – the closest that fits is – 3. a person qualified to pass a critical judgment: a good judge of horses.
Judging – 8. to form a judgment or opinion of; decide upon critically: You can’t judge a book by its cover. 9. to decide or settle authoritatively; adjudge: The censor judged the book obscene and forbade its sale. 10. to infer, think, or hold as an opinion; conclude about or assess: He judged her to be correct.
But many people are not “judging” people they are confronting them “for examination and eliciting of the truth.” And what is the “Truth?” That is the Bible.
People when made to feel uncomfortable when confronted with the truth have stated running to this word “judging” as a scapegoat tool to shut down the conversation, because they fear to hear the facts. They fear to stand within the confrontation, for they fear that they will be shown to be the one lacking in truth.
The Bible spells out clearly what is good and what is bad. It is found within the entire book that is called the Bible. Yet when someone points out the truth found within it that someone is now evil, now a pariah for even suggesting that someone is not living per the Bible.
Yet the Bible itself said that there will be those given the task to evangelize, to pastor, to teach.
An ”evangelist” is: 1. a Protestant minister or layperson who serves as an itinerant or special preacher, especially a revivalist. 2. a preacher of the gospel.
A “pastor” is: 1. a minister or priest in charge of a church. 2. a person having spiritual care of a number of persons.
And a “teacher” is: 1. a person who teaches or instructs, especially as a profession; instructor.
I myself have been called by God to be a teacher of the Bible and I know without a doubt that the Bible is full of confrontations. Being human no one is always right, but those that stick to having the Bible as a foundation of where they are speaking from is more correct then wrong. If you do not like what someone says see if what they say is Biblically correct before you throw out the scapegoat word, and confront them where they are confronting you as an equal.

Jesus in the Temple an important debate

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Jesus speaking to the Pharisees and scribes in the temple. It is important to understand the exchange here. Key elements are shown that all that call themselves “Christian” should see without being told what is transpires here. Can you see the importance?

John 8:31 (KJV) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Those seeking riches that call themselves “Christian”

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It is something that just astounds me. Those that listen to others that try and tell them that “Through God you can become wealthy.” This is not what the Bible teaches. In fact Christ said this about being rich:
Mark 10: 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
So if it is harder to enter into heaven, why do so many seek to run away from God? The answer is symbol, they really don’t know Him because they have not read the Bible. They listen to these false prophets that say God will grant you riches all you have to do is tell Him to give it to you.
Humans are not the boss or master of God. We are His servants. We are His tools. We are not meant to have wealth here, for our reward is promised us in our eternal life, which is not going to be spent lounging about on some cloud by the way, but exploring all of God creations doing tasks that He has set before us to fulfill.
So the next time someone says they can promise to make you rich, remember that if you do listen, you will be further away from God.

The Holy Ghost

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I still remember the day I was bathed in the Holy Spirit. It is something I will never forget. I have felt that touch a few times since but none was as filling or rewarding as that first time. It is then that I knew without a doubt that God was real. It is then without a doubt that I knew Jesus was real and still alive yet in a different plain of reality know as Heaven with His Father. It is then that I knew Elijah and Enoch were real and still alive. Still awaiting their time that is to come that they are to be the witness against all that will be left alive after the last Christian dies halfway through the Tribulation that is to come.
It is due to this filling that I have not fallen away from God. It is due to its presence within my life that I have returned to the path that Jesus set before me to follow. A life where I know I must stay true to the Bible as it is written that tells us all is black and white and there is nothing but death for those that insist upon staying within the grey (Rev. 3: 15-16). A filling that tells me there will be those that were once children of God but have fallen away (2 Peter 2:18-22).
I know that the tingling sensation I felt that day was enough to lead me into a true discovery of the Bible. To know that I must read, must study it. Not in new version written by men of recent times but of those other men filled with the Holy Spirit themselves. Knowing that having this common sharing of this holy touch from the trinity of God placed me spiritually beside them. No longer parted by centuries of this corrupt world but brought together by a common link. A holy link tight directly to God though His Son the Lord Jesus Christ my friend and Lord.
Does this make me better than anyone else? By all means no, but what it does do is cause me to be fiery in my speech to cause those that read my words to think, to wonder and yes even desire to experience the same joy and satisfaction that has been bestowed upon me through this blessed out pouring of God’s eternal love. I beg of you to seek it out. Read the Bible, go to church and do not fall for the propaganda from those that deny there is a God. For they are not only lying to you but mostly to themselves, and for many it is to be a costly lie that will haunt them forever.

Heaven the holding ground

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In 1 Peter 1:4 at the end of the verse it says “reserved in heaven for you.”
For those that have not read it Peter is referring to our live eternal that we were promised through Christ sacrifice for us upon the cross.
In particular I want to draw your attention to the word “reserved” of the King James Version of this verse. The actually meaning of the word in the Greek is to hold, preserve, and watch. Many have this image though not studying the Bible themselves that Heaven is all there is beyond this life we now live, but that is not what is promised us. Look at the first part of the verse: “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” The main thing I wish you to note is the statement “that fadeth not away.” It will last forever, but its time is not yet revealed to any and they are held over in Heaven until such time as God finishes what He is going to do with those upon this planet.
We know that we shall be in clean of our sins. We know we will live forever. Yet people even within Christendom go about as if this life, this short life is all that we are promised. Yet that is not what the Bible teaches. If people would truly read the Bible then they would learn what is true and what is real. All I can do is encourage them to do so, but it is up to them to do it.

Confessions of a screwed up middle aged man: The unheard voice

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A day has passed since I talked to someone. A realization, an euphony, an insight from on high. My brother had mentioned it to me last week, but to actually encounter it just astonishes me.
Someone who believes that they are of the fold but their interpretation of the word and the own actions say otherwise. I tried to give guidance and teach them, but they were locked into their stance. Is he not of the fold? I honestly do not think so, but that is not for me to say, only God and the Bible can answer that with certainty. What I have done is planted a seed. A seed that will not bear fruit till a time of God’s choosing. A time I fear may be very trying from this person and the world, but will allow him to be called blessed if he follows through and learns.
I waivered in my faith in the past. I allowed those within the religious dogmas to cause me to falter from the path God had placed upon me. He has given that burden to someone else now, but God has given me a new task. A task that will cause me to be ignored by most, shunned by others and truly hated by even more. It is a burden I gladly accept.
I will write more posts. Many that have looked at my posts in the past may ignore me and even block me, but I will still write more post. I have been given a burden to call to those that slumber. That think they are awake, but they are in a dream of their own making. A dream in which they feel and believe they are one with God and of God, but it is just a dream.
Some will awaken from their dream when they read my words. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday they just may awaken. For I do not do this for my vain glory but for the glorification of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. I will continue to teach the true meaning of the Bible as it is shown to us in the Greek and Hebrew which is the closest available at this time to the original inspiration of the words by God to those that penned them. Showing that many current translations of the Bible are not truly translations, but commentaries by those that wish to change to Bible to where it allows them to live in sin and not feel the sting of sorrow and remorse from guilt.
This is the mission, this is the goal that God through His Son Jesus that I have been set to follow and fulfill.
A voice in the electronic highway known as the internet. A simple voice blowing in the wind that time to time someone hears, understands and grows. Yet most time I will be nothing more than an unheard voice in the wilderness.

A study of 2 Timothy 3:16

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The actual King James Version of this is as follows:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Now I must say as I was preparing for this by looking into the original Greek that all humans make errors. In a previous post I had stated that This letter was not “scripture” at the time it was written (You can’t cherry pick God), but as you look the meaning of the Greek you come to realize that anything that meets the criteria set forth in this verse can be considered “scripture” for it is given unto the writer through the Holy Spirit. So I admit I was wrong and will do better in the future.
What is truly important beyond that fact that is given to any through the Holy Spirit is these criteria items:
It is for doctrine which actually means for instruction meaning to give those that have read it the ability to teach it unto others.
It is for reproof or evidence you can use to show someone they have not been following the teaching of God. I wish to stick on this one for a moment. Several times I have done this very thing. Used this book the Bible as a foundation to show that someone has erred in their ways and choices. They have allowed themselves to fall into a misguided lifestyle thinking they are one with God but the Bible itself says otherwise. So I challenge them I show them the proof and the say I am judging them. I tell them it is not me judging them but the word of God. Yet still I am the scapegoat that has judged them and they turn from me vindicated that they are in the right when it is not me that is right and especially not them, but the Bible is right and correct and proof that they are in the wrong and not following the teaching of Christ or His Father.
This leads right into the next word “correction” meaning to fix your ways to match that of the Bible it is here that many fail to do so especially those that have labeled the person actually trying to help them as a “judge.”
For truly what is the Bible? It is an instruction manual in righteousness designed to embed character into us through moral facts presented within the Bible.
As I have said more than once if it is called a sin in the Bible then it is a sin and you need to work on trying to stop it.
“All” in the Greek is “pas” meaning to including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
“Scripture” is “gramma” which is a writing, i.e. a letter, note, epistle, book.
“Is given by ispiration of God” is “theopneustos” which means it is divinely breathed in.
“And” is kai – is apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:–and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
“Is profitable” ophelimos which is helpful or serviceable
“For” is pros – which is a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward
“Doctrine” is “didaskalia” or instruction.
“Reproof” – “elegchos” or proof, conviction:–evidence.
“Correction” is “epanorthosis” which is a straightening up again, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (reformation):– correction.
“Instruction” or “paideia” meaning to give tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction:–chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.
“In” – “en” – a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of; “in,”
“Righteousness” – “dikaiosune” – equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:–righteousness

Assistance in finding the Greek words and their meaning was thanks to “Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance” you can find it online.

You can’t cherry pick God

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Due to recent events I feel drawn to revisit this understanding of how to use a Bible. In 2 Timothy 3:16 it states that ALL scripture is inspired by God and is good for the development of those that wish to know and be one with God.
First let’s look at the 2 Timothy itself. When this was written it is just a letter sent out to those that called themselves “Christian.” It was not scripture then as it is now considered; in fact you can say that for the entire New Testament until it was formally called that by the commission of King James. So when this letter was written what was the scripture it was referring to? That would be the Old Testament. Jesus clearly states that he did not come to replace scripture but to fulfill it. If you do not read the Old Testament you do not know what it is He has come to fulfill. So all of the Old Testament is relevant and needs to be read and studied.
Now the entire Bible is considered scripture so it is now just as important to consider all part of it old and new.
I will tell you an event that happened in my life and I hope it brings the point home. I was eighteen and a Methodist church had opened directly behind my parents’ home which I was living in. So I said to myself what the heck I will give it a try. I go in and I try to adjust myself to the formal procedures that you must follow during one of their services. I thought to myself ok I can adjust to this, but I wasn’t fully comfortable having been raised in churches that weren’t so formal in their procedures. Then the minister started to talk. One of the first words out of his mouth was that that book of Revelation was a fairy tale. My jaw dropped. I knew 2 Timothy 3:16 and to hear a church leader say that a book in the Bible was just a story, a lie, I couldn’t believe my own ears. This belief on his part totally destroyed the need to even know this verse in the Bible. So why was he even in the pulpit? His job wasn’t needed per him so why even be there. Needless to say I never went back, but I wish I had the courage I now have and had gotten up and walked out of there the moment I heard him say that.
The thing is this minister is not alone out there, may-hap people that listened to him passed on these false teachings to others and a cascade effect has transpired to the resulting misunderstanding many that think themselves to be “Christian” now have of the Bible. They go to church hear someone in the pulpit mention this verse or that verse and they feel they are good to go for the week, or until such time as they decide to go back.
Well this is not how it was meant to be. We are required to know the entire Bible not this verse or that verse, which in turn can be misinterpret or stated out of context. We are required to know it so we can reprove those that do not teach the Bible correctly. Do we do this for all to hear? No we do not. For it even tells us in the Bible how to tell someone they are in error. We pull them aside and quietly try to straighten them out on the correct interpretation of the scripture. If they do not listen them we are to go with another person and if that fails we are to go to the elders of the church and get them to help fix the issue.
But now even these days that may not work, for many elders are afraid to confront their members that are in error. Afraid they may leave and take their money with them. This is not how it was meant to be. If God wishes the church to exist then it will. So the church leadership should do just that lead and yes confront the person that is in error for if they are allowed to continue in their error it can spread like a plague throughout the congregation and then it is nothing but a church in action not spirit and is dead to God.
It is important that all study the Bible and have a true understanding of what is written within it. Will we all have it memorized? No, but we will have a working knowledge of the scriptures that will carry us throughout our journey, growing ever stronger in our belief and love for God and His son the Lord Jesus Christ

There is a difference between seeking freedom and seeking the freedom to sin

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Here is one of those things that people do not realize. Having the freedom to openly sin actually takes your freedom away from you. While seeking after true freedom can be costly not only in blood and treasure but requires all to adhere to a group of principles because it was so costly, but due to this is more worthy to receive once it is gotten. This lesson was learned by those that fought in World War II. The hardships they went through in some cases are to horrifying to comp template, but we must remember them. We must understand what it costs to have true freedom. For without understanding the cost this true freedom starts to turn into the freedom to sin which now plagues this nation as well as others.
I dread the day when many will finally come to realize the truth. It in many cases it will itself be more horrifying to comp template