Blog for Podcast #82 (A look at 1 Timothy)

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

A few weeks back I did a podcast about the laws within the Bible. In that study I showed mostly from Jesus Christ Himself that we are still to follow those laws within the Bible that pass the litmus test of the greatest commandments. Those being:

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

Today I turned to Paul’s first letter to Timothy and how the Lord Jesus Christ impressed upon him how to see the laws of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus:

1 Timothy 1:3-11 – When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. 8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.

This is the foundation of the laws that govern nations in Europe and the Americas, as well as some parts of Asia. In addition Australia. As we all know though not all the laws that should have been carried forward into this state laws did not make the cut. It took centuries for slavery to be ended, yet it should have been one of the first to die out.

Why? Because of those that falsely taught the Bible. As the first chapter of 1 Timothy concludes Paul names two people that has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and had also been filled with the Holy Spirit. However, Paul states that he had cut them out of the church of Christ:

1 Timothy 1:18-20 – Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

Throughout this letter we are instructed in how those that seek to follow Jesus Christ should live and behave. Be they a leader in the church or a deacon. It is how all should seek to live their lives if they call themselves “Christian.”

In the fourth chapter it speaks of the end times and how many that believe they are “Christian” will act:

1 Timothy 4:1-5 – Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

They “will turn away from the true faith.” This means they knew the “true faith.” Marriage is on the decrease in the world today and there are those that say we are not eat certain food. Vegetarians, Vegans as well as those that say we must eat only Organic foods.

Then there are those that are into physical fitness. Paul wrote this:

1 Timothy 4:8 – “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

This is why it is so important to not just read the Bible but study it. Never take any humans words about what is in the Bible. I include myself in this statement. For all humans are flaws and able to sin and make mistakes, even in the understanding of the scriptures. This is why all must approach to seek the true knowledge of God with the help of the Holy Spirit, who will grant discernment to those that diligently seek the truth of the Bible. By prayer and study of the Bible, and to verify what they hear from the mouths of humans.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

In the last verse of chapter four. Paul tells this to Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:16- Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

How can you stay true to what is right?

The answer is simple. Attempting to live our lives as Jesus Christ instructed:

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

Do not seek after the world and all it offers. Do not seek wealth, or a fancy home. Do not seek after the latest fashion nor those that celebrate or flaunt their worldly standing.

Again, study the Bible and seek to live a righteous and holy life. This echoed in Chapter five of I Timothy. Yet we must approach this fifth chapter with understanding of the world in which they lived within at that time.

A prime example:

1 Timothy 5:23 – Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.

Water was not purified at this time. So, this was to prevent dysentery and other illnesses that could be conveyed through unclean water. This is why you studying the Word of God is so important.

In the last chapter of this first letter to Timothy. Paul points out those that have turned their backs upon their salvation and seek only to please themselves and their worldly desires. He states that they will quibble and argue the very wording of the Bible, which is again why it is so important that each and every person come to study the Scriptures for themselves:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast # 81 (Which “God” do you really worship?)

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

In the title of this podcast, I used the word “god” in quotation marks. Why? Because there are two “gods” being worshiped at this time. To understand the answer to that question we turn to the Bible:

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 – Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

“Satan, who is the god of this world.”

Here are verses that deal with those that look to the world:

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

There are those out there that seek after the things this world offers, and they call themselves “Christian.” They pray to receive “rewards” here on earth, and they are “blessed” with these items.

Their true “god” is giving them what they seek and want. All the time the are walking away form the light of Jesus Christ and into the darkness of damnation. For their “god” is not the Creator of the universe, but he who fell to earth to corrupt those that do not wish to hear the truth.

Let us look at this from a different angle.

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

These are those that teach the false gospel. The gospel that causes those that say they are “Christian,” but in reality, they truly are not. This is the “gospel” that offers “rewards” here on earth and condones sinful behavior. All because they are “loved by God.”

Let us take a closer look at these verses, starting with the KJV of them:

2 Peter 2:1 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

First let us look at this part of the first verse of this chapter:

“Even denying the Lord that bought them.”

Lord – G1203 – despotés – (husband); an absolute ruler, Lord, master.

To those that know the Bible. There is only one “absolute ruler.” That being God and those that call themselves truly “Christian,” know God through our Savior the Son of God: Jesus Christ. So, the absolute ruler is Christ.

Therefore, these false teachers, at one point were followers of Jesus Christ and so could truly call themselves true “Christians.” Yet they now deny Christ. They have turned their backs upon Him. What is it they turned towards?

2 Peter 2:3 – And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

“And through covetousness.”

Covetousness – G4124 – pleonexia – avarice, that is, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion.

Shalt they with feigned – G4112 – plastos – moulded, that is (by implication) artificial, or figuratively (fictious) false.

  1. Moulded – to make a soft substance have a particular shape.

Meaning to mold the True Gospel into something that is pleasing to those listening. Like saying that there is only love in the Bible. Never showing you the wrath of God’s anger towards those that chose to embrace the world, as is noted in the first verse for these false teachers:

“And bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

What many do not realize, is the moment they prosper here on earth. They are at that very moment building up this “swift destruction,” which is witnessed by them receiving worldly “rewards.”

For they are being “rewarded” by their true “god,” who is the master of the domain where they receive their “rewards.” If it is here on earth that they are receiving these “rewards,” then their lord is Satan. If they are storing their treasures in heaven, then their Lord is God through our Savior Jesus Christ.

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

This wording is stating that money is Satan, and as such any who truly call themselves “Christian” will despise money for who it truly represents.

Now let us look at the second verse of 2 Peter 2 in the KJV:

2 Peter 2:2 – And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Many – G4183 – polus – many, mostly, largely.

  1. Mostly – in large degree or amount

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Verse thirteen shows the free-will of humanity, and why it is made clear that people willingly go to the fires of damnation.

Matthew 7:13 – Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

“And many there be which go in thereat.”

Thereat – G1223 and G846 –

G1223 – dia – through, on account of, because of

G846 – autos – self, he she it, own

“Many will go through it spiritually on their own;” is the implication when studying the phrase with both Strong’s Concordance and TDNT.

Once again, the word “many” appears. Why is this so important to zero in on?

Because most that call themselves “Christian” believe they are taking the narrow path and entering that small gate, which leads them into heaven. However, this is not the case at all if they have been paying attention to this study.

Where is it you are receiving your “rewards?”

Are you struggling here on this earth? Do you find it difficult to make any headway here in this temporal realm of existence?

If your answer is yes, then you most likely fall into the group that is entering the narrow gate.

If your answer is no, and you have money to spare. Have luxuries like a large house, fancy cars. Expensive furniture. You enjoy playing golf. In addition, you look down upon other and think yourself special and beyond harm. Then you are on the wide path, which does not lead to heaven, but to hell.

For your “god” is not the Creator of the universe. But he who was placed in control of this temporal plain of existence. Placed here to test all of humanity and to see who would turn towards the true God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

Or to look to themselves. To seek to please themselves. To give pleasure and satisfaction to themselves.

I will end this study with the 1 John chapter 2 once again. Where the verses before these made it clear that John was talking to both the new and old born-again Christian. Filled with the Holy Spirit and professed to be children of God though Jesus Christ:

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

So, who is your “god?”

The Lord God our Creator?

Or the one He cast down from heaven to be the god of this world we now live within?

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #80 (The curse of money)

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 will begin this study with two times money is an issue with Jesus Christ. The first:

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

And the second:

Mark 10:17-31 – As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

It is the end of this second that I wish people to really look at and think upon. Those that are rich think themselves great and rewarded. But as is shown in the first verses. Those that store up their treasures here on earth do not think about their treasures in heaven. What else is said about the seeking after the things of this world?

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Therefore, if money is of the world. Who is in charge in this world?

2 Corinthians 4:4 – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

This is why money is a curse and it is something that should not be sought after by anyone, especially those that profess to be “Christian.” For they are not worshipping our Creator God through Jesus Christ, but the great deceiver himself whom they have given power to by seeking after worldly rewards.

As shown in the first verses read in today’s study Christians are not to store any treasures here on earth. As is verified here:

Acts 2:44-45 – And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

And exemplified here:

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

That is why being covetous is seen as a sin and is used 30 times in the New Testament alone as “covet,” (16) ”covetous,” (4) and “covetousness.” (10)

Covet -G1937 – epithumeó – I long for, lust after, set the heart upon.

Covetous -G4123 – pleonektés – an avaricious person; one desirous of having more.

Covetousness – G4124 –  pleonexia – avarice, aggression, desire for advantage.

The Bible makes it very clear. That those that seek after riches will not be allowed into heaven.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

For those that just need to see or hear it in the KJV:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

However, millions that call themselves “Christian” do and continually seek after worldly wealth and possessions.

Why?

Because their parents did and so since they can so can they. For they too called themselves “Christian.”

It is true. That for generations people have sought to amass wealth and worldly possessions and still belief with all their heart that they were “Christian.”

It is this mentality that has been seen for over two thousand years. In fact, it is a sin that has been seen since Kane killed Abel. It was this mentality that kept and to be honest still keeps people in slavery. It is this mentality that was a factor in the Crusades. It was this mentality that sent the Spanish into the Americas. Where they slaughtered entire civilizations. All in the name of Christendom, but in reality, was covetousness. The desire to have more and more riches and property. Entire wars were fought for the love of money. Murders are committed because of greed.

1 Timothy 6:3-10 – Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

So those right now that wish to quibble over this study need to stop in sudden shock that they wish to do so. For they are a living example of those described in verse four and five of the sixth chapter of 1 Timothy.

So let me repeat those verses in the KJV

1 Timothy 6:4-5 – He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

But we that seek to follow the true teachings of the Word of God, must do as instructed in the KJV of these verses.

“From such withdraw thyself.”

We are ordered by the Word of God to not associate with those that live a life contrary to the teachings within the Bible. For as was shown they will cause there to be jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. Which can and has been shown if you look back throughout the centuries, great strife and horrors all over the world itself. All because people have turned from the true teachings of the Scriptures. They have instead embarrassed the world; we now live within. Instead of seeking to store up those treasures, which are precious unto God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

They seek the pleasures and rewards of a mere one hundred years of life over the billions upon billions of years of eternal life promised to all that seek to please God first and themselves last.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast # 83 (Those who they know God but would rather live in sin)

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

In my podcast “The laws within the Bible.” A person on Facebook came back with stating that Galatians 2 removed the need to follow the commandments. I explained that if they had bothered to listen to the podcast, they would have heard my explanation about that chapter.

However here I will use the Bible to answer this:

1 John 2:4 – If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.

Once again, we see from someone that knew Jesus Christ in person, that the commandments are to be followed as long as they pass the litmus test of the greatest commandments:

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

John continues with this:

1 John 2:9-11 – 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.

Later John says this:

1 John 3:6-10 – Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is. 7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

What is it to live righteously?

James 1:19-27 – Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

How does the world corrupt you?

1 John 2:15-16 – 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.

Therefore, seeking after wealth, status, legacy. Seeking after a fancy house, a fancy car, fancy clothing. This is living in sin and thus not a righteous life. Seeking after anything, shows that the you care more for this world than for the eternal life to come, thus revealing you love the world more than God.

1 John 2:17 – And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

“But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

As we heard from James earlier:

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”

When someone seeks for their own glory ignoring those in need and in dire straits. They are in darkness. They are in sin. They have embraced the world. Then who is of the world?

2 Corinthians 4:4 – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Getting what you want. What you desire. What you lust for. What you crave. Completely falls in line with 1 John 2:15-17. So, you yearn for Satan who is the god of the world.

Who is it that rewards you then with riches, with all you desire here in this temporal realm of existence?

Satan.

All he is offering is this measly one hundred years of existence, compared to that which God offers us.

“But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

How long is forever?

It is billions upon billions upon billions of years.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 – For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

God Bless

Blog for podcast #78 (Colosse)

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

In most of my podcasts I have shown how many in this world. Especially in the United States. May not be as secure with their salvation as they think. Few have listened, most have scoff, mocked and ridiculed. Today I have been led to take a different approach. Today we will look into the letter written to Colosse:

Colossians 3:1-11 – Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

These verses instruct us to learn about God through Jesus Christ. The only way to learn is by studying the Bible. Not just reading it. Studying it. This means to get to the core of the teachings as they were given to those people that had accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and had been filled with the Holy Spirit. We are to leave the things of the world behind. Not thinking upon the things of this world, but upon our eternal life that is to come when Christ is fully revealed to the entire world once more.

Once again, we find a listing of sins that are not to remain within those that profess to be followers of Christ. Let us look at these in the KJV:

Colossians 3:5 – Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Fornication – G4202 – porneia – harlotry (including adultery and incest) figuratively idolatry; whoredom.

  1. Harlotry – prostitution

Uncleanness – G167 – akatharsia – impurity, physically or morally

inordinate affection – G3806 – pathos – a passion (especially concupiscence), (inordinate) affection, lust; suffering, emotion, depraved passion

  1. Inordinate – much more than usual or expected

Concupiscence – G1939 – epithumia – a longing (especially for what is forbidden), desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust.

And once again we encounter “covetousness.”

Covetousness – G4124 – pleonexia – avarice, that is, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion, greediness, aggression, desire for advantage

  • Avarice – an extremely strong wish to get or keep money or possessions

A further listing of sins is shown in verse eight and nine. Once again, we go to the KJV;

Colossians 3:8-9 – But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Anger – G3709 – orgé – properly desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by analogy) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence) by implication punishment: indignation, vengeance; Impulse.

Wrath – G2372 –  thumos – passion (as if breathing hard), fierceness, indignation, an outburst of passion.

Malice – G2549 – kakia – badness, that is, (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity or (passively) trouble: evil, naughtiness. In Bible Hub it is listed this way: (a) evil (i.e. trouble, labor, misfortune), (b) wickedness, (c) vicious disposition, malice, spite. (basically criminal behavior)

Blasphemy – G988 – blasphémia – vilification (especially against God); abusive or scurrilous language.

filthy communication -G148 – aischrologia – vile conversation, filthy speech, foul language.

These actions and behaviors are those of the world, not those that have committed themselves to Christ. As is pointed out in these verses to the Christians in Colosse.

As the letter continues those that have accepted Christ as their Savior are told how they should behave and act:

Colossians 3:12-17 – Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 6 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

As can be seen in these verses of this letter to the Christians of this community. Once again echo those of other teachings throughout the New Testament. To leave the world behind. Not to seek after anything that gives personal pleasures here on earth.

Nevertheless turning back to the first section we looked at today I wish to key in on how the wording to these people was presented.

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you”

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth”

Mortify – G3498 – nekros – to deaden, to subdue.

This shows we have a responsibility to end the lusts of our flesh that seek after the sins listed. We do this through seeking after the knowledge found within the Bible. So, we can try through prayer and supplication as well as study. To try and live our lives like a true follower of Jesus Christ.

By not looking for rewards and riches here on earth, but to store them up in heaven where they belong.

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

Let us continue the third chapter of Colossians:

Colossians 3:18-25 – Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Now before we continue, I wish to rephrase a couple of verses to be more in line with today’s world:

Employees, obey your employers in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Employer you truly are serving is Christ.

Now with that outta the way. We are told how to act as followers of Jesus Christ.

The letter also states:

“But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.”

This shows that we can be cut off from God, as I have shown multiple times in my podcast and blog posts. If you do not live a Christian life, but live in, of and for the world you are doing wrong and will receive the reward you have earned for yourself. As Peter words it:

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.”

Many have returned to their vomit and mud and believe with all their hearts they are one with God through Jesus Christ. Yet they will awaken one day to find themselves standing on the wrong side of a Great White Throne saying:

Matthew 7:22 – On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

Ponder and think

God Bless

Blog for podcast #77 (How to return towards God)

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

If you have been following any of my podcasts or blog posts. You understand where I am coming from in how people relate to the world instead of God. More so than many realize.

For a starting point people need to accept that there is a need to hit the restart button on how they worship our Lord God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. The best place to do this is with scripture:

Acts 2:42-47 – All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Some of this will be hard to do in today’s society but an effort must be made to make an attempt to do these things. Also, some aspects will be a very hard pill to sallow for many out there. Mainly because they do not wish to let go of the world.

One point that needs to be pointed out is reference to the Temple. These are the people that lived in Jerusalem, and this is THE Temple, which was destroyed in 70 A.D. This is not a statement that we must go to a building and then call it a church.

A build is a possession. A building takes money to maintain. Therefore, in my eyes. The bigger the building the bigger the possession, the bigger the sin against God. Can you meet in a small building? That is up to you. But I would leave anything called a “church” that is big and especially one that is called “mega.” A prime example of this is the “church” made by the false teacher Joel Osteen. Who brags about how much worldly wealth he has, which is totally against the teachings of Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:19-24. Accordingly, I embrace verse forty-five.

“They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.”

If you are so desirous to “own” a place to live. Get a condo and I don’t mean an expensive one, but the cheaper the better. I live in an RV myself. For it provides the needs. It gives me shelter from the weather. I store what clothes I need to cover my nakedness and I prepare my food and eat within it. It meets all my needs, and was provided to me by God, through listening to His Holy Spirit.

This is the first and greatest stumbling block that must be overcome. It is the willingness to let go of the world and all it offers. For as stated in Matthew 6 we are not to store up our treasures here on earth. Yet most that profess to being “Christian” do. As a result, most are living in rejection of the teachings of Jesus Christ. In doing so they are living in sin.

The mere fact that this just upset many who call themselves “Christian” is verification that we are living in the times of the lukewarm Christian. So once again as a reminder we will return to this letter to see this:

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.”

When a person holds onto their money and seek after all they want. Like a big house. A fancy car. Retirement plans. They are not doing God’s will. As a result, to Jesus Christ they are “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”

Since those that refuse to let go of their possessions, and thus refuse to let go of the world. What will be the result?

Jesus Christ says: “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”

Then the time will come when those that cling to the world will most likely be one of these:

“Matthew 7:22-23 – On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

And yes, that is the Great White Throne Judgment Day and so they will have missed out upon the rapture or raptures, depending upon your view on that point.

Therefore, downsizing should be everyone’s foremost priority once they embrace salvation from Jesus Christ and accept being a Christian.

The next step:

“Met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.”

Meeting in homes for the Lord’s Supper. This is communion. The taking of the Body and the Blood through the wine and the unleavened bread. This is Meeting to the Amish. This is going to church.

Praying at the Temple was an act of showing their faith in Jesus Christ to the world. While meeting in homes was the true worship of their Savior. This is witnessed by the taking of communion. It was also not done in public view. This is one aspect of why I no longer support the need for buildings called “churches.”

Matthew 6:5 – 8 – “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

Once done with Meeting, they share their evening meal with each other in “great joy and generosity.” The generosity was in the form of a pot-luck dinner. Sharing all they had within the Christian community to each other and to those in need as well.

This is something that has become a thing only done for special events. Yet they did it daily. For the community lived close to each other. So, they could help each other in their faith and understanding of God through their Savior Jesus Christ.

As a result of this lifestyle and all living in this manner. God blessed them with what could be called a great revival, which many in today’s Christian community now seek after and believe will happen.

However, since we are in the days of the lukewarm Christian. I do not see this revival occurring until it is too late.

What do I mean it will be too late? For that we must return to the book of Revelation:

Revelation 7:9-10 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

What does these verses have to do with a great revival? Everything.

Revelation 7:13-17 – Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. 15 “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. 16 They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. 17 For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

They will be the true revival, but at the cost of their own lives. For they had missed out upon the promised rapture and were not watchful and ready for the soon return of Jesus Christ our Savior. Who promises to return like a thief in the night for those that are not watchful.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 – For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

Revelation 16:15 – “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

Matthew 24:36-51 – “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. 45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

When you live the life of the lukewarm Christian you are “beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk.”

So, I say again as is stated in the book of Acts:

“They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.”

For by doing so you fulfill Matthew 6:19-24.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #76 (Favorites)

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

From time to time I will see someone say: “What is your favorite Bible verse?” or “Who is your favorite person in the Bible?” or “What is your favorite book in the Bible?” or “What is your favorite Testament?”

I can never answer these questions.

For to have a “favorite” means you are ignoring other parts of the Bible. Especially those part of the Bible of the which make you uncomfortable. It is these sore parts that need to be read and understood, because it is these parts of the Bible that God needs you to learn and understand.

Now as to the second question I stated. Someone will say Jesus Christ. I would be one of these. However, Christ is not a person and so does not qualify truly as an answer to this question. Those that qualify as “persons” within the Bible are human beings. That is like saying David is a favorite but saying this leaves you open to failure. For did not David commit a sin so great in God’s eyes that He punished all of Israel just because their king committed adultery and murder? Someone will state: “No I meant the child David.” You cannot take the child without accepting the adult this person becomes. Did David repent of his sins? Yes, he did, but his direct descendants were cursed due to his actions and behavior.

Now you see why there is no answer to questions like these.

Those humans within the Bible, especially those within the Old Testament, are role models. Examples of behavior of how to act or not to act. No more and no less. Consequently, there can never be a favorite. That is like saying there is a favorite testament.

Again, there is no answer to this question. For we should never ignore any part of the Bible. The entire Book, which is the Bible, is there for a reason.

Now here someone will protest that the Bible was put together by a group of men. True, but did they not pray for guidance from God through Jesus Christ when forming it? The answer to that question is yes. But we can go further than that:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Therefore, to have a favorite part of the Bible is to defy God. What else does the Bible say about favoritism?

James 2:1-13 – My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. 12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

These verses lead to how should we as “Christians” behave one to the other. For this too deals with having “favorites” in many ways. So now let us look at the fifth chapter of 1 Timothy:

1 Timothy 5:1–2 – Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 2 Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

continuing:

1 Timothy 5:24-25 – Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.

When treating others with respect and kindness. You are treating them as you would treat yourself, as we are commanded by Jesus Christ

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

Now let us also look at the book of James once again:

James 3:13-18 – If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”

When you are one with Christ and the Holy Spirit is present in your life. There is no favoritism of any type. You accept the teachings of the entire Bible and face them head on and come to understand that there will be those that believe they are one with Christ. However, their lifestyle says the opposite. For that we look to Ephesians:

Ephesians 5:1-21 – Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

So, we shouldn’t seek after “favorites” either. For when we do, we are not seeking after God through Jesus Christ our Savior. We are seeking after excuses not to correct our lives so we can continue to live in sin. As shown in the verses we just read. That is excusing sin. Thus, seeking not after God’s blessing but His wrath instead.

What is to follow is another aspect of favoritism that should cause people to think.

1 John 4:7-8 – Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” 27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

1 Peter 1:13-17 – So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

1 John 3:7-10 – Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

These verses describe how we should act and live for only one being deserves our “favoritism.” That is God through His Son Jesus Christ Our Savior. We should learn the entire Bible so we can learn how to act and behave as His true children. Living a life not in this world and those things that appeal to our eyes and our touch here on earth. (1 John 2:15-17) But we seek to love and help all to come to know the truth. That is done by showing our favor to our Savior Christ by living righteous and holy lives that cause those of this world to seek after this joy and happiness as well.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #75 (Sardis)

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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

I have looked at the seven letters in the book of Revelation before in past podcasts and blog posts, but God wishes me to do a more detailed look at the letter to Sardis. Now as I have shown in these podcasts and blog studies. The letters are not just concurrent. Which means we can find every example of these seven churches in the behavior and actions of those that profess to being “Christian,” at this very moment. But that they are also chronological. Which means that the majority of those that call themselves “Christian” behave in the manner shown in order from the first letter to the seventh. The last letter is that of the lukewarm, which is the time we now live within.

Then why bother looking at the fifth letter if we are living in the times of the last letter of the lukewarm Christian? As stated afore there are examples of all the churches going on at this very moment. I must also add this though. When looking at the behavior of the lukewarm Christian, does it not reflect that of the dead Christian of the letter to Sardis.

And yes, you heard me right. I said the “Dead Christian.”

For these letters to the seven “CHURCHES” reflect Christianity not those that deny Christ. Therefore, we are seeing the behavior of those that profess to call themselves “Christian.” How do they do this? They go to church. They say they believe in Jesus Christ and that He is their Savior. They even tithe 10% of their income. And do many things for the “church.”

Now let’s look at the entire letter to Sardis:

Revelation 3:1-6 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. 4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. 6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

What is the very first thing that the Glorified Jesus Christ says to these “Christians?”

““I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.”

So let us now deal with this rejection that these people that believed they were right with God encountered from the KJV of this verse:

Revelation 3:1 – And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

In today’s world those that fully profess to being the name “Christian.” They believe that this name says it all. That their name is written in the Book of Like. That they are one with Christ and are His tools and in His service. That by just saying the name of our Savior is enough to protect and carry them on into heaven.

However, Jesus Christ makes it clear that this is not the truth. In fact, they are dead. Not physically dead, but spiritual dead.

Most do not wish to hear this. Most reject that this is even possible. Yet, this letter was dictated by Jesus Christ Himself. There are those that deny any part of the Bible that is not the Gospels. They reject the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

We have an entire Bible made of both the Old and the New Testament. It is not just the New and it is not just the Old. When these two books became one book they became “Scripture.” Also note that the New Testament is not just the Gospels and the book of Acts. It also includes letters by Paul, James, Peter and John. Consequently, to deny any part of the Bible is to deny God Himself. Now you can see that with this one example of what is and what is not “Scripture.” Shows that there are those that can be considered “dead” to the Glorified Jesus Christ.

What are other examples of those that can be seen as “dead” to Christ?

1 John 2:15-16 – 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.

Now when you read the first part of this second chapter from the first letter of John. You see that he is addressing those that are old and new to the belief that they are “Christians.” Therefore, these two verses are directly aimed at those that profess to being “Christian.”

Yet, they seek after wealth, luxuries. They seek after activities that give them physical pleasure. Like sporting activities and even sex. They seek after and take pride in the worldly achievements. As well as seek after fancy cars, big houses and all the decorations that fill and adorn these objects. And in each one of these actions, they take a step into the world. They move further and further away from God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Until they finally get to a point where they are cut from the branch of the Holy Vine who is Jesus Christ. Causing them to be dead unto Him.

John 15:1-2 – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.

You cannot be a part of the vine unless you are born again. Unless you are what can truly be called a “Christian.”

Let us move on to the KJV of verse 2:

Revelation 3:2 – Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Be watchful and to awaken have the same meaning. It is the guard watching the city at night. Not to fall asleep. To be vigilant.

Vigilant is defined as: always being careful to notice things, especially possible danger per Cambridge Dictionary.

Christ is telling people there is a chance to redeem themselves in His eyes which will correct their path towards death and be able to be seen as worthy to stand before God. As is made clear in verse three:

Revelation 3:3 – Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.”

Repent – G3340 – metanoeó – I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God.  per Bible Hub.

Stating that these people have turned their backs upon God and are going away from Him not toward Him. So, they are called upon to repent of their behavior and return to the true path of being a true “Christian.”

This is done by rejecting the world. Not to seek after wealth, fancy homes, and comforts here on earth, but to seek after their treasures in heaven.

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

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 we are instructed to give most of our wealth away. So those that give a whole 10% as tithe have it backwards. They should keep 10% to meet their needs and give 90% away.

Throughout the years as I have grown in my faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior, I have had God taking my worldly possessions away from me more than once. The biggest and greatest of these lessons occurred in what I call my year of Job. In 2013 I had reached the point where I could either be dead to Christ or alive to Him. I lost most of my possessions amongst other events that year that made me face God one again and be His disciple. I now live a life of needs only. I do not seek after things of this world that go beyond a need requirement. For I seek to have my treasures in heaven not here on earth.

Now let us look at verses 4 and 5:

Revelation 3:4-5 – Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

It is made very clear here. That there are those that do not seek after the world; that are seen as worthy to stand before God. The implication is made clear. Those that repent and stop seeking after the world will be called overcomers and they too will once again be allowed to wear white robes.

But it is also made very clear. That those that continue to pursue the world will have their names removed from the Book of Life to be called dead and worth only of going where those that refuse to be one with Christ go:

John 15:6 – If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

To wither is to be dead and those that die spiritually will be cast into the fires of damnation.

Ponder upon this study and think hard about your own lives.

God Bless.