Blog for Podcast #146 (How should Someone who follows Christ actually Live)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

Acts 2:44-45 NKJV – Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

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

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

How many at this very moment are saying “Who is the Lord?”

When we accept salvation, we are to leave the old world behind. Seek to be opposite the way we lived and what we sought after when we accepted the narrow and difficult path.

You know it is called “difficult” and it is “narrow” for a reason. When leaving our old lives behind. We are to repent, which means to no longer live or behave as we once did. What most don’t understand, or embrace is how they live is included in this change. This is seen straight from the Bible in the last verses we heard a bit ago from Proverbs. I will restate the core element of those verses.

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

Any who seek more are not following Christ. Period.

Understand. Don’t go saying they were never saved in the first place. Those that say this are judging, which is again a sin against God. Christ makes it clear that if we accept Him as our Savior we are to seek to be like Jesus Christ. Living a simple lifestyle with having our basic needs met. Spreading the Word of God. Then if we are given more then what is necessary, we are to use all the extra for God. It is called stewardship. Those that horde this extra wealth for themselves are considered bad stewards and again living in sin. This is why these words were written down by Peter:

2 Peter 2:20-22 NKJV – For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

The vomit and the mire is living in the old life which is the world. Meaning those that keep and still seek after bigger, better and luxurious are wallowing through the mire and vomit. Why I say this is found here:

Luke 16:13-15 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

As I have established in past podcasts. The Greek word meaning “abomination” is used only six times in the New Testament. Four of those times it is used in the description of the antichrist and the apostate church which follows the antichrist. This is how those that pursue money and all it buys are seen to God. On the same level as the antichrist. Think on that as we continue.

How are we to live for God through Jesus Christ.

Romans 14:7-12 NLT – For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.

Which includes explaining why people kept their fancy and expensive items and homes instead of using their money to spread the Word of God. To help those in need. Gathering unto themselves treasures in heaven not on earth.

James 1:27 NKJV – Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Isaiah 1:17 NKJV – Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

We are to give most our earthly wealth away to those in dire straits. For since we have God within us and we have our needs met then we are blessed. For if we choose to be those that are called an abomination in the sight of God we must accept what is to come.

Malachi 3:5 NKJV – And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien—Because they do not fear Me,” Says the LORD of hosts.

However, Christ made it clear to us how most would act and respond to the Truth.

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

Many refuse to accept these verses are speaking about them.  Because they are saved, they are born again. They are filled with the Holy Spirit. They forget that a few verses later that Christ says this as well:

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

Again, people will protest. They insist this does not apply to them. They will insist these are not the Christians Christ is referring to here. As I have established per the Words of Christ Himself in Matthew 12 only those that are followers of Christ can cast out demons. Therefore, those that said these words at the Great White Throne Judgement were at one time born again. However due to their lust for worldly rewards they turned their backs upon God. Refusing to abide upon the Vine and became the lukewarm.

James 3:14-16 NKJV – But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

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

Revelation 3:15-19 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Understand that you are upon the path to death and that you may not be victorious and have your name blotted out of the Book of Life.

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

Time is running out. You must take action now to repent. You must sell off all your possessions and truly follow Christ.

Mark 10:17-25 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

“One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

Do this now. Downsize. Move into an apartment or a RV. Sell off all the items you do not require to live day to day. Then give to those in need. Fix your relationship with Christ now. Learn the Bible for yourself and then spread the Word of God. This is your task if you profess to being a child of God. If you deny this or laugh at these words you are denying God you are mocking God. Woe unto those that do not heed these warnings. For Christ is soon to return, and if you reject these warnings. Don’t be surprised if God rejects you upon the return of His Son.

God Bless.

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

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

Why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But what was the epiphany?

It was this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why push this point. I will explain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why?

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

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

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

God Bless

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

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christ said this:

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

Consequently, if the Bible says:

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

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

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

God Bless.

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

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

“Most ‘Christians’ are going to hell.”

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

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

and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I replied with one verse.

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

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

Her reply went like this:

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

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

My reply to her was to the point.

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

“All Scripture.”

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

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

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

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

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

and

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

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

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

And what does Christ say about those that deny Him?

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

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

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

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

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

“Cast out demons in Your name.”

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

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

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

What did Jesus Christ teach about abiding in Him:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But understand this:

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

God Bless

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

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

James 4:1-4 – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

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

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

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

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

Someone argues: “They were never saved!”

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

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

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

By teaching this falsehood they cause this to happen:

1 John 2:7-17 – Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. 8 Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. 9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. 10 Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 12 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14 I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

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

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

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

But if they are saved why worry about this?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does this not go back to 1 John?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #142 (God Speaks in Dreams)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But to get back on track.

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

Why?

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

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

And what is the fate of liars?

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

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

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

And:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The wearing of grey:

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

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

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

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

I will give two prime examples.

The first to “abide.”

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

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

The second “edifying.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #141 (A Teaching about Tongues)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, , , , , , 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 is a need to address an understanding of 1 Corinthians 14.

Why seek understanding of this chapter in the Bible?

I have come across those that have turned this teaching into a false doctrine that is leading many not into salvation, but damnation.

An additional clarifier: I have spoken in tongues when I was born again in 1984. I felt the pouring of the Holy Spirit fill me and I then began to speak in this divine language that very moment. Yet I did not nor do I do as those that have turned this into a false teaching.

So now let us begin this study:

1 Corinthians 14:1-2 NKJV – Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.”

I centered in on this part for starts for a reason. When speaking in tongues it is a direct line of commination with God, which in essence is a type of prayer. So how are we taught by Christ to pray? I did a full podcast on this teaching in Podcast #103, but to summarize we are not to pray in public. Therefore, speaking in tongues should also be done in private.

Matthew 6:5-8 NKJV – “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

However, as shown here in 1 Corinthians 14 there is an exception. That of giving “prophecy.” As we go through this chapter we will see that there are ground rules required to give true verification that what is being given is truly from and for God. But that will be seen later so let us continue:

1 Corinthians 14:3-5 NKJV – But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Here is the next important part of the teaching:

“I wish you all spoke with tongues.”

This means that we should seek to speak in tongues, but not all do. In the false doctrine being taught they state that ALL must speak in tongues. This is what labels this false teaching as just that: false. For look at this from the Bible about spiritual gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NKJV – Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Now here is another point that needs to be made, well actually two but we will address each in order:

“To another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

the first of the two points is the statement “different kinds of tongues” to get some insight into that we must look to Pentecost:

Acts 2:1-7 NKJV – When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

Mainly we see that speaking in tongues can be in languages that are spoken throughout the world, yet in normal circumstances the person speaking it has no knowledge of the language they speak when led by the Holy Spirit.

Next, we need to look at the word in the Greek:

 1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV – For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Unknown tongue – G1100 – glossa – the tongue, by implication a language

               a – language – a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar

Simple put truly speaking in the “unknown” tongue is still an actual language. Comprising of words and sentences.

I attendant a “church” that emphasized the need to speak in “tongues.” I went three times and heard the exact same sounds being made each and every time. Each time I heard it the more and more uneasy I felt.

In my private prayer life, where time to time I enter into speaking in tongues. It is usually different every time. Not always, but usually, for I do not have the same issues pressing upon me. Also, I can tell there are complete words and sentences being spoken.

the second point that is if there is prophecy it must have an interpretation. For without interpretation those present are not edified.

what does it mean to edify?

edifying – G3619 – oikodomé – confirmation, spiritual advancement

It is a confirmed message that help those present come closer to God. To be “confirmed” means it must work within the teaching that were given to all by Jesus Christ.

An example: if a message says you will become more finically solid soon. This is not a confirmed message for Christ teaches this:

Luke 16:13-15 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Since seeking after wealth is seen as an abomination in the sight of God this would be a false interpretation and so is not confirmed, nor is it truly edifying.

In the verses that follow we are given why it is important that we seek to have interpretation if tongues are spoken:

1 Corinthians 14:6-19 NKJV – But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Who is speaking in tongue is important to?

1 Corinthians 14:20-25 NKJV – Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: “WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES AND OTHER LIPS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE; AND YET, FOR ALL THAT, THEY WILL NOT HEAR ME,” says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

This also emphasizes that speaking in tongues in public gets no true edification. Yet true prophecy, with true interpretation can cause someone coming into to a place receiving true prophecy will in most likelihood repent.

This also shows that true prophecy as shown earlier will cause spiritual growth. Therefore if people interpreting do not give a message of conviction. Are they truly giving something inspired by the Holy Spirit?

1 Corinthians 14:26-30 NKJV – How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.

These verses show how prophecy and interpretation are to work in a gathering of people. It is shown that it will not always be the same person every single time. That there must be more than one to and at the maximum three that speak in prophecy. If this criteria is not met we are to keep it to ourselves and not share it with others. We are to be silent.

For if it does not cause those listening to grow closer to God. It is not an edifying message. A truly “edifying” message may cause some to feel conviction. It may cause others to repent of their sins. It may cause others to accept Christ as their Savior. It will not make you feel good or make you think you are living right with God if you are going against the teachings given by Christ and His disciples in the New Testament. For true edification causes people to grow closer to Christ and become a true reflection of He who died upon the cross for our sins.

We are nearly out of time to commit ourselves to Jesus Christ and seek to become His true servants. Soon the Tribulation will begin and those that missed the first calling will have to suffer the torment and tortures of true and complete persecution at the hands of those that take the mark of Satan. Refuse the mark even if it means you must face starvation and die in pain. It is best to die this death than to face all eternity in the eternal and second death that is yet to be fully revealed. For Christ is quickly returning and only those that truly choose the difficult path will find eternal life.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #140 (The Children)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

Psalms 127:3 NKJV – Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Luke 17:2 NKJV – It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

I started with these two verses for a reason. There are elements at work in this world that are seeking to destroy the lives of innocence. But who takes the major blame in this issue? The ones seeking to corrupt or those that allow it to take place? To whom does the millstone need to be tied to?

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV – Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:4 NKJV – And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NKJV – You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

The true answer? Both should have the millstone tied to them. For both have offended the children.

A child should never be exposed to those sins which dominate the minds of adults.

Matthew 15:19 NKJV – For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

They should experience a true and safe childhood. A childhood that includes learning the Bible and coming to understand the ways of the Lord. How to live a modest life. Not just in dress, but in livelihood as well. Always placing God first in all things and in all ways.

Since the removal of God from schools in 1962 multiple generations have been corrupted due to the failing of the parent to train their children as instructed within the Bible. There will be those that say they have. Yet they live in wealth and luxuries, which are opposite the teachings of the Bible. (Matthew 6:19-21) There will be those that say they sent their children to religious schools, not willing to see that they sent there not to learn of God, but how to act and live haughty. Again, counter to the teachings of the Bible for all these fancy expensive schools do is to teach a child to think greater of themselves than any should.

Proverbs 21:4 NLT – Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.

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

However, this has not been truly and fully taught for decades. Most now believe and think that great riches make and show who is a true “Christian.” But this is what we are told to teach our children:

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

We are also to teach them this:

Mark 10:17-25 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

What is even more important was to teach this lesson:

Matthew 22:34-40 NKJV – But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

But no this is not taught to the children. Now people try to make them think they are not who they are. They sew confusion and destruction.

1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV – For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

How many children are confused and bewildered. Not just by their normal growing pains, but by also those that feed lies into their minds. Causing many a youth to seek death rather than live with the confusion. All because none truly taught them of the Creator of all.

I once was watching the movie “Samson and Delilah” and a young man entered the room with my youngest son and he asked what I was watching. I said the name and he replied with a questioning look. “Never heard of them.” Was his statement.

How many have grown with no knowledge at all of God and the teachings found within the Bible? How many have now made it clear that there are no Christian nations left in this world? Only modern civilizations filled with luxuries and comforts. Like fables of old. Like Atlantis, ancient China. Civilization tainted by lusts for greed and lusts of the flesh. All because the children were not taught as we are told to teach them. That this life we now live is not the true life to seek after, but only the proving ground to see if we are worthy of entering into that true and eternal life.

This is the truth. If they have no knowledge of those within the Bible and the lessons those people learned the hard way. What horrors they may have to endure to come into the realization that God is real, and Jesus Christ was as well. That He truly died upon the cross and on the third day rose from the dead to allow us all the ability to live for all eternity.

How many Sci-fi books have they read and movies as well as TV shows have they watched that taught of ascension into a higher being.

Yet they know nothing of the only Truth that has taught this very thing for centuries and is not a fable or a fairy tale but is a real and honest Truth.

All that is required is to ask Jesus Christ to be their Savior and to follow simple commandments by treating all other as they themselves desire to be treated.

That they read the Bible and come to understand that things people now do are not how they should live. For our greatest rewards are not found here in this temporal existence but in the eternity ahead of all of humanity.

That if they reject Christ and His Father that they will still live for all eternity but not in a new a perfect body, but in a body that will suffer in pain and anguish for just as long as those that are loyal to God.

We are to teach these children and get them to understand that it is not God punishing them, but themselves. For all are born in sin and must pay the prices for their sin.

That is why it is called “salvation.” For they are being saved from suffering for all eternity for their actions and thoughts. That it is due to being born in corruption that all are destine to this damnation and that it is only through accepting Christ as their Savior that they avoid this curse.

It is also making them to understand that just asking Christ to be their Savior is not enough. They must show their faith by living their belief. Living a simple live and not seeking after wealth and comforts. But living with the least of their income and giving the most to help in the spreading of the Word of God. For that is taught in these verses:

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

As well as these verses a little later in this chapter:

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

Time is running out. We must save as many children as possible. For those that have been tainted by adult sins will have to stay and suffer with the rest. They will not have the maturity to understand and will most likely choose the mark over Christ. This will be the ultimate betrayal to Christ to all those that should be in innocence to suffer the agony of the Lake of Fire for billions upon billions upon billions of year.

Bring them to God or start to prey for the millstone. For that is the fate that is coming for all the goats that choose to follow the antichrist.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #139 (Abiding in Christ)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

Case in point:

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

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

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

What does it mean to “abide”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I had an encounter today to verify this.

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

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

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

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

What does the Bible say?

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

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

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

“Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

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

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

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

But to get back on track.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #138 (Rejection)

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Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And what is this, Truth?

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless 

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