Blog for podcast #3

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , One comment

Intro

((Due to an error on my part. I state this ((teaching to His disciples was after His ((crucifixion. This is not accurate. It was ((before. However it does not take away from ((the message. It just sbows I am only human.

Welcome to today’s podcast. I am Dreamwalker1960.
Due to some feedback announcing the Strong’s reference numbers was confusing folks so I will still have them but they can be seen in my blog dreamwalker1960.com
Today we expand upon who is a lukewarm in John 15.
John 15:1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

The breakdown
Verse 1: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (KJV)
I – G1473 – ego – a primary pronoun of the first person. I (only expressed when emphatic.) [Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 2010] {Strong’s}
a – emphatic – done or said in a strong way and without any doubt [Cambridge Dictionary] {CD}
Here is where we need to go deeper though. For John, especially when quoting Jesus, there is a more profound and powerful imagery that comes out. With the simple word “I” Jesus shows His resurrected form. In these teachings that are given they do not follow the normal syntax. They reach to a new level like saying: “He is light. But He is the true and proper light which alone deserves this name.” [Theological Dictionary of the New Testament] {TDNT}
The true – G228 – alethinos – truthful – “true” which denotes the sense of real, ideal, genuine. [Strong’s]
In this deep look we see here Jesus saying “the true” He is not just speaking of “true” or “genuine.” He is actually saying “divine.” [TDNT]
a – divine – connected with a god or like a god. [CD]
Just in these 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.
Father – G3962 – pater – a nourisher, protector, upholder; of the nearest ancestor. [Strong’s]
In the deeper study within TDNT it is showing us the “harmony of the Father and the Son.” Of the two working together for the good of those that are on the vine which is Jesus. {book V p. 999 – 1001}
The husbandman – G1092 – georgos – a land-worker, i.e. farmer, a vinedresser [Strong’s]
a – vinedresser – a person who cultivates and prunes grapevines [Dictionary.com]
Verse 2 – Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (KJV)
Every – G3956 – pas- all things [Strong’s]
To quote the TDNT:
“The uniqueness of the NT view is that here all ideas of totality relate to a specific history of creation and salvation. As compared with the OT, the NT is distinguished especially by a richer soteriology.”
Soteriology – theology dealing with salvation as effected by Jesus Christ.
Branch – G2814 – klema – a limb or shoot [Strong’s]
a – shoot – the first part of a plant to appear above the ground as it develops from a seed, or any new growth on an already existing plant [CD]
b – limb – a large branch of a tree [CD]
Shoot, young twig, branch, shoot of the vine [TDNT]
So this means “Every branch both young and old upon the vine which is Jesus Christ,” as the next words state.
In – G1722 – en
“The ‘en’ of Fellowship in John. Exclusively in John’s Gospel and 1 John. We have a distinctive ‘en’ of religious fellowship.” [TDNT]
Meaning a free will relationship between the branch (humanity), the Vine (Jesus Christ), and the Vinedresser (God).
Beareth – G5342 – phero – bear, bring forth [Strong’s]
Fruit – G2590 – karpos – of works or deeds [Strong’s]
“This power is fellowship with Christ.” [TDNT]
a – fellowship – a friendly feeling that exists between people who have a shared interest or are doing something as a group [CD]
He taketh away – G172 – airo – to take up or away; to take away what is attached to anything, to remove [Strong’s]
It is here that we come to an issue. In the many commentaries I read they go with the definition of “lift up,” which doesn’t make any sense. It doesn’t even flow with the words of the Bible itself. When they translated the Bible to English in the early 1600s and then finalized it in 1611 they agreed upon the wording “he taketh away,” not “he lifteth up.” Those that made these commentaries made it sound as if they were lifting up to God those committing sin. This is contrary to the teachings within the Bible. We do not raise up the sin, we raise up ourselves to the altar seeking the removal of sin. Jesus Himself knew that this day would occur. So he repeats Himself in verse six and clarifies His meaning with more detail, which we will get to later. If their intent to say that the unfruitful are seeking forgiveness and wish to receive forgiveness and then to try to bear fruit. There can be some merit to that. However Jesus made Himself clear on this matter elsewhere in the Bible as well.
Revelation 3:15 “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!”
In John, Jesus states that God Himself will remove the branch that does not bear fruit. Not all branches that do not bear fruit laying upon the ground, but are a part of the vine itself.
Here in Revelation the Glorified Christ is making it clear that he will spit those out that are lukewarm. Using Christ’s words in John those that bear fruit would compare to those that are hot in the Revelation. So those that are cold in Revelation equates to those that deny Jesus altogether and live in sin. So that would mean that those that are lukewarm would be those that acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Savior and so are a branch upon the vine, or were attached to the vine that is Jesus Christ. However, they bear no fruit and so are living in sin. So God takes them away in John and Christ spits them out in Revelation. Thus removing them from His fellowship cutting them from the vine. For very few fall upon the ground. Most stay on the vine unless they are cut off from it.
He purgeth – G2508 – kathairo – to cleanse, to prune, to expiate – purge
a – cleanse – to make something completely clean
b – expiate – to show that you are sorry for bad behavior by doing something or accepting punishment
c – purge – to make someone or something free of something evil or harmful.
That – G2443 – hina – in order that [Strong’s]
More – G4119 – pleion – more in quality, number or quality [Strong’s]
Verse 3 – Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Now – G2235 – ede – at (or by) this time [Strong’s]
Ye – G5210 – hymeis – yourself, you [Strong’s]
Clean – G2513 – katharos – free from impure admixture, without blemish, spotless [Strong’s]
“In both John and 1 John the question of the full purity of Christians is discussed. It is affirmed absolutely in theory in John 15:3.” [TDNT]
Through – G1223 – dia – denoting the channel of an act [Strong’s]
The word – G3056 -logos – the teachings of Jesus to the disciples that eventually became the gospels.
“But the person who receives and keeps” the teachings of Christ (the word) is now clean [TDNT in quotations]
I have spoken – G2980 – laleo – the use of this word was to show that Jesus was like a parent talking to His children, at that point the disciples. But in turn to us at went on to the present.
Verse 4 – Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (KJV)
Abide – G3306 – meno – remain, dwell, continue [Strong’s]
“…… God abides in Christ. Believers abide in Christ, and Christ in them. God abides in believers, and believers in God. The eschatological promise of salvation becomes immediate possession in virtue of this statement in the present tense.” [TDNT book IV pg. 576]
Cannot – ou(G3756), dynamai(G1410)
a: ou – also [Strong’s]
b: dynamai – to be able or possible, can, cannot, to be able to have power [Strong’s]
Bear – G5342 – phero – to bear, carry, being moved, borne along [Strong’s]
“The term has the special sense of bearing fruit…… the vine with branches that bear fruit.” [TDNT]
Of – G575 – apo – off, away (from something near) [Strong’s]
Except – G3362 – ean me – unless, except [Strong’s]
It abide – G3306 – meno – to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) [Strong’s] See meno above for TDNT
No more – oude(G3761), houto(G3779)
a: oude – nor however, neither, nor, not even
b: houto – in this way
Verse 5 – I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV)
And I – G2504 – kago – from kai and ego: likewise me
Much – G4183 – polys – much, many, great, abundant
Without – G5565 – choris – separately or apart from [Strong’s]
Me – G1700 – emou – of me, mine, my [Strong’s]
Do – G4160 – poieo – to make or do [Strong’s]
The use of this word “poieo” had it usage done primarily to the actions, works and miracles of Jesus Christ. [TDNT] The use here stating that only with Jesus in and with you can you do holy works.
Nothing – ou(G3756), oudeis(G3762)
a: oudeis – not even one, none, nobody, nothing [Strong’s]
“…for without me ye can do nothing.” Without having Jesus within you. You cannot bear fruit.
verse 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. (KJV)
A man – G5100 – tis – some or any person or object [Strong’s]
Me – G1698 – emoi – to me [Strong’s]
He is cast – G906 – ballo – to throw [Strong’s]
“To throw” or “to cast,” “to cast off fruit. ‘Often in the NT “ballo” is used in different ways in connection with the thought of judgement, partly as a committal to the element which exercises it. Partly of expulsion from the community of salvation, when used with “exo.” [TDNT]
Forth – G1854 – exo – out [Strong’s]
As – G5613 – hos – in that manner [Strong’s]
And – G2532 – kai – and, also, even, so, then, too. [Strong’s]
Is withered – G3583 – xeraino – to desiccate, to shrivel [Strong’s]
Men gather – G4863 – synago – sunago – to lead together, collect or convene, to entertain [Strong’s]
Them into – G1519 -eis – to or into [Strong’s]
The fire – G4442 – pyr – pur – fire [Strong’s]
A judgement [TDNT]
They are burned – G2545 – kaio – to set on fire, consume [Strong’s]
With the TDNT the emphasis of this word is keyed to self-burning. Voluntarily giving oneself over to be burned.
The main takeaways from the translation of this verse is if you accept Christ as your Savior and you choose not to follow his teaching and live a truly Christian life. You instead choose to live in the world of man which entertains you. You are broken off from the Divine Vine that is Christ and you are cast willingly into the fires of judgement. Which agrees with Revelation 3:15-16.
This also shows that we must actively and with full knowledge follow the teachings within the Bible and if it is called a sin in the Bible and we are told not to live in this fashion. Then that is what we MUST do as our part of this relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not a one-sided relationship. We have an active part within it, which we need to do or we voluntary to lose our salvation and to be removed from Jesus and His Heavenly Father. This is verified in the next verse.
Verse 7 – If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV)
Verse 8 – Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (KJV)
Herein – en(G1722), touto(G5129)
a: touto – to (in, with, or by) this (person or thing) [Strong’s]
Glorified – G1392 – doxazo – to render (or esteem) glorious [Strong’s]
Shall ye be – G1096 – ginomai – to cause to be, to become [Strong’s]
Disciples – G3701 – mathetes – a learner [Strong’s]
Summary
One important factor that needs to be made here. When Christ is giving this lesson to the disciples. He has been resurrected. This is after the crucifixion. So to see Jesus as the Divine Vine gives true meaning to that imagery.
He makes it clear that to be a part of Him upon this vine you are one with Him. So you are saved. So to be able to be on the vine you have had to be grafted onto the vine. Meaning to be saved. So again we see that those that are on the vine can stop bearing fruit. You can only not bear fruit when Jesus is not a part of you. If you were saved but Jesus is not a part of you then what are you? You are the lukewarm. And as seen in Revelation 3 you are seen as worse than those that that deny God altogether.
So as has been shown in this podcast and the previous one the lukewarm were a part of the body. They were saved. As can be seen here God Himself cuts these people from the vine and gives them over to humanity. And then ultimately due to these peoples own desires and intentions are cast willingly into the fires of judgement.
In my next podcast we will look at Mathew 7 to see how people are influenced to turn willingly away from Jesus and the salvation He offers unto us all.
Again go to dreamwalker1960.com to see my blog post for this podcast.
God bless

Blog for podcast #2

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

Welcome to today’s podcast. I am Dreamwalker1960.
Today we will start on our journey to awaken the lukewarm to the reality of the Bible and the importance to have a daily if not hourly relationship with God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
We start in Galatians. Why There? For this is when we truly see the lukewarm already showing their true form.
The lesson
Galatians 1:6- 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 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
8 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. 9 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.

The breakdown
Verse 6 from the KJV – I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel
Marvel – G2296 – thaumazo – to wonder, to admire [Strong’s]
It is used here in a literary from to express surprise [TDNT]
I actual take the use of the word to not just surprise but a type of sarcasm. He is bewildered and shocked that they would surrender their salvation so easily.
Soon – G5030 – Tacheos – briefly, speedily, rapidly [Strong’s]
So quickly they turn from God.
Removed – G3346 – metatithemi – to transfer, transport, exchange, change sides, pervert [Strong’s]
To turn from, to fall away, to become apostate [TDNT]
Apostate – someone who has given up their religion or left a political party [Cambridge dictionary]
Him that called – G2564 – kaleo – to call
The grace – G5485 – charis – graciousness; the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life [Strong’s]
Christ – Christos
Another – G2087 – heteros – other or different [Strong’s]
Gospel – G2098 – enangelion – a good message, i.e. the gospel [Strong’s]
The implication is clear in this one verse. These people were saved and given salvation in the name of Jesus Christ from God. They were given grace.
“Grace” is a word I hear a lot of. Too many once they receive “Grace” think they are good to go. They are saved. They are fine. They can live their lives as they so seem fit to do so.
This one verse brings the lie to their words. This one verse shows they are lukewarm, and that the lukewarm have existed even in Paul’s time upon this earth. Again we hit upon a future podcast, but we shall continue.
There are many interpretations as to what is meant by another gospel. For that time it was aimed at false apostles. Claiming to represent Jesus and God. My view is that it was aimed for those that live in this time as well, but in a context that fits in today’s body of Christ. Again I will show in another lesson how God includes the time we now live within. But due to this belief “another gospel” has many meanings today. The most important of these is the watered down gospel that is being spoken in the buildings called “churches.” Why? To make money. For if you let people know that they are lukewarm they will not attend these “churches,” because they do not wish to hear that they are living in sin, and so these building will not exist without this false gospel. Moses made it clear in Deuteronomy 4 that we are not to add to nor take away from what is taught in the Bible. Yet most have never heard the verses I am going to address in my teachings unto you my listeners.
Verse 7 from the KJV – Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Trouble – G5015 – tarasso – to stir or agitate (roil water) [Strong’s]
A: roil – to (cause to) move quickly in a twisting circular movement [Cambridge Dictionary]
Pervert – G3344 – metastrepho – to turn across, i.e. transmute or corrupt
a: transmute – to change from one nature, substance, form, or condition into another; transform. [Dictionary.com]
b: corrupt – to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
My translation – There is no other Gospel, but there are some that would twist you and would corrupt the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Verse 8 from the KJV – But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Angel – G32 – angelos – aggelos – (to bring tidings; a messenger; especially an “angel” [Strong’s]
Heaven – G3772 – ouranos – the sky; by extension heaven (as the abode of God) [Strong’s]
Preach any other gospel – G2097 – euangelizo – euaggelizo – from 2095 (eu, neutral of a primary eus (good); well) and 32 (angelos – see above) to announce good new (“evangelize”) especially the gospel [Strong’s]
Accursed – G331 – anathema – from 394 (anatithemai, to set forth {for oneself} i.e. propound); a (religious) ban or excommunicated (thing or person) [Strong’s]
a: accursed – being under or as if under a curse [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
a1: curse – exclude from a church or a religious community [Vocabulary.com]
b: excommunicate – 1. to cut off from communion with a church or exclude from the sacraments of a church by ecclesiastical sentence. 2. to exclude or expel from membership or participation in any group, association, etc.
Paul makes it clear that if anyone even themselves or an angelic being preaches another gospel that being is removed from Jesus and thus God.
Verse 9 of the KJV – As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Any other – G3844 – para – near, i.e. from beside, at (or in) the vicinity of (object or subject) [Strong’s]
Here Paul re-emphasis that if you are given a good news that is not the exact teachings from the letters or personally from the disciples or the Tanakh that person is cursed.
So when people remove items or change them in the bible which has been done 58 times in the NIV bible that version of the bible is actually cursed and those that changed are as well. Or when they say they have received a gospel or teaching from a glowing angelic form they have received a cursed teaching which has happened two times that I am aware of.
NIV examples –
Philippians 3:21
KJV says, “Vile bodies.” NIV says, “lowly bodies.” These words have different meanings. Vile means sinful and lowly means humble.
Ephesians 5:9
KJV says “Fruit of the Spirit.” NIV says, “Fruit of the light.”
Galatians 4:7
KJV says “servant,” and not “slave,” as translated in the NIV.
A servant has the choice of leaving his master and a slave does not have a choice.
The importance of this translation is that we have a choice of serving Christ or of deserting Him, whereas, a slave does not have that choice.

This is why it is so important to:
1) Study not just read the Bible yourself
2) Do not take the word of others without verification from the Bible
3) Make sure what you are hearing is taken in context from the Bible
May times people take verses from the Bible and use them incorrectly because they are not using them in context.
One of the most misused is do not judge. The main teaching of this is in Matthew 7.
They just throw out the first verse of this teaching “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”
Yet it actually ends in context in verse 5
““Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”
In the Greek the speck is more accurately translated as a splinter of wood. So we are speaking of a splinter and a log, both made of wood. This means the same sin.
Jesus is telling us to address our own sins which are the same but greater than the other persons. Fix our own sin, then once that is done and we are without this sin we can then help the other person.
This deals with hypocrisy. Not judging one another.
Summary
The lukewarm are those that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and have received the grace of salvation from God. But are turned away from God for they listen to a gospel that is not true and accurate to the Old Testament and New Testament as given by God, Jesus and the disciples. So THEY believe they ARE saved. Yet they live their live in sin.
The good news though is that if they come to realize this and to truly seek after God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. They can fix this issue.
Many live under the impression that they accept God in the name of Jesus that is all there is to it. They don’t have to do anything else. That is the total opposite of what needs to take place.
They need to seek after God daily not just on Sunday. But every single day. It is an active relationship that God desires from us all. Where we pray to Him many times a day. That we seek to obey the laws of the land that do not go against the laws within the Bible. That we strive not to commit anything that is called a sin within the Bible. We live a daily life in and for God, in the Name of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Next podcast we look at John 15 Jesus the Vine those who and do not bear fruit. God bless.
see link below for podcast

Blog post to go with Podcast #1 for Dreamwalker1960

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

I am Dreamwalker1960. Yes I know this is a handle and not a real name. Why? Because I am not the focal point of my podcasts or my blog post. What is important is Jesus Christ and what He did for all of us upon the cross.
But why Dream walker? Well that has everything to do with this verse within the Bible:
Acts 2:17 – ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
Well since I was born in 1960 you can guess that I am an old man and I have dreamt dreams that I know came from God.
I was born again in 1984 and filled with the Holy Spirit. At that time I was called to minister to the youth of the middle and late 1980’s. However due to multiple things that took place I failed to follow through with this ministry.
As I grew in my faith I came to a point to start a new ministry. Making Christian based comic books. I even has the financial backing for this one lined up, but again falters and allowed this ministry to fail.
During these times I married, became a father, divorced and married once again.
Then as I moved further and further away from God. I entered into what I have dubbed as “my year of Job.” Here I was divorced once again, evicted from my home. Lost most of my personal possessions and strived to raise a ten year old boy and work all on my own.
During this I came to my rock bottom and had to make my choice. Acknowledge and serve God or deny Him and live of the world. I chose God and started the Dreamwalker1960 blog. Since then I have posted well over 700 post. Most dealing with the Bible.
In time as I was doing this I came to understand the next level of my calling. To address my blog to what is called the “lukewarm” of Revelation 3:15 and 16.
Rev. 3:15 – “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!
Who are the Hot?
The hot are those that actively seek to have a relationship with God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who are the cold?
The cold are those that deny there even is a God and prefer to live their lives as they see fit.
Then the lukewarm is a combination of these two extremes
A person that believes in God and that His Son is the Lord Jesus. They even profess to be “Christian” yet they deny the teachings of the Bible and live their lives as if there is no God.
These are the lukewarm.
I will go a step further in this definition. I will say they are those that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and have turned their backs upon Him.
Now here many will say that once you are saved you cannot lose your salvation. That is why I have making my podcast and posting to this blog. For it is my ministry to show those that said the previous statement to come to an understanding within the Bible itself that will show that is not true.
I will break down the scripture to its base languages. First by using the New Living Translation for those that can’t handle Old English and then I will break down each verse and most words of these verse to their original language. That being Greek, Hebrew and in some instances Aramaic. I will do this with the Strong’s concordance.
For example: kingdom
In the Greek is 932 or G932, G – meaning Greek
In the Hebrew it is 4438 or H4438, H being Hebrew
Then at times I will delve even deeper by going to look at the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. When using this dictionary the men that worked on these books look at how the word was used when it was originally written down. Even to how the word was perceived to the culture that was not interested in seeking after God or the word of Jesus.
For those that wish to study a long will need the follow:
First and foremost if you have a NIV Bible —- THROW IT AWAY!! I am not joking, get rid of it.
I cannot implore this enough. Again something we will discuss in the next podcast.
At the very least if you cannot handle Old English get the New Living Translation (NTL)
However if you really wish to learn the Bible you need a King James Version. Not a New king James the KJV.
Why? The closer you are to the original source language the closer you are to truly understanding the Bible.
Along those lines you need a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. This will get you closer to a better understanding for as I mentioned before it gets you into the Hebrew, the Greek and even in some cases the Aramaic. These were the original languages used in the writing down of the Bible.
Why Hebrew? Many don’t understand why the Jewish people are so important. The Old Testament comes from the Tanakh which is the name of the entire Biblical teachings of the Jewish people. They are the first chosen of God and should be honored and respected.
Through God, Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jesus came from the Jewish People and through His Sacrifice upon the cross allowed sin to be removed from us, if we ask for it. The first Christians were Jewish. Today they are called Messianic Jews. Then the gentiles were invited into the fold. So if the Jews are the child of God, we Christians are His grandchildren.
Why Greek? The answer to this was shown in the Reformation started by Martin Luther. The Catholic Church which used and uses Latin had corrupted the Bible. So their versions of the Bible had become tainted with false teachings like for example “purgatory,” which can be found nowhere in the Bible. It was when Martin Luther started coming into contact with the original manuscripts that were written in Hebrew and Greek that his epiphany took place. You see Constantinople fell to the Muslims in 1453. It was in this city that the original manuscripts in these two languages were stored. The monks and priest that had kept them saw the coming fall of the Byzantine Empire and so fled with these documents into the west. It was in 1517 that Martin Luther posted his “95 Theses.” So you see how coming into contact with the true teachings, in their original language, is so very important and can change not only your life, but the world.
So it is here that we will leave off this podcast and I hope for you to listen to more of my podcasts as I release them.
God be with you.

podcast linked below this article

An in-depth look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Timothy 4:1-2

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

2 Timothy 3: 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)
2 Timothy 4: 1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (NLT)
This in actuality is a part of the letter that Paul wrote to Timothy that are connected. I have no understanding as to why it was divided by those that assigned chapters and verses to the Bible when this division of the Bible was created.
16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV)
All – pas – all, any, every, the whole {Strong’s concordance} [Strong’s]
Scripture – graphe – a document i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it) [Strong’s]
From the breakdown of the word “graphe” in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament [TDNT]. Paul’s usage of the words “All scripture” was to show the gentiles that had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. That all the writings of Holy Scripture which included what we now call the Old Testament were important to Christianity as well. For at that time it was not called the Old Testament, but the Tanakh.
Is given by inspiration of God – theopneustos – from theos (God) and pneo (to breathe hard); divinely breathed [Strong’s]
“It is thus evident that the author is differentiating the writings ordained by God’s authority from other, secular works.” [TDNT]
Paul when giving these instruction to Timothy, which as you go through 2 Timothy you see and understand. That there were false teachings going about in the Christian communities. Thus he was showing that when you bring the teachings of the letters which would one day become the New Testament. That when you combined these letters with the Tanakh. All would see that the true teachings of God would join together in Holy harmony. This was also showing the young Christian groups that the Tanakh was also a part of their teaching and something to embrace and to learn from. Not just the letters that were circulating throughout their communities.
Is profitable – ophelimos – helpful or serviceable, i.e. advantageous [Strong’s]
Doctrine – didaskalia – instruction (the function or the information; that which is taught) [Strong’s]
Reproof – elegcho – proof, conviction [Strong’s]
“’Proof’,’ means of proof’ with a view to convincing and refuting” [TDNT]
Correction – epanorthosis – a straightening up again [Strong’s]
“In 2 Timothy 3:16 we are told that Scripture can teach us how the believer may attain to salvation. Since Scripture originates from God’s Word, it is profitable for teaching, for the conviction of the sinner, and for instruction in righteousness. There is obviously a planned sequence in this list of nouns. If between the conviction of the sinner and his instruction in righteousness there is a reference to “epanorthosis,” this can only mean that the convicted sinner receives the restoration, i.e., the amendment in conversion {unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15)}, which only God can give. Hence here, too, there is an eschatological determination of “epanorthosis.” Though, in accordance with the general structure of the Pastorals, we have a stronger orientation to ethical outworking.” [TDNT]
Eschatology – a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Instruction – paideia – education or training [Strong’s]
Righteousness – dikaiosyne, dikaiosune – equity, justification [Strong’s]
a: equity – 1) the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality; 2) something that is fair and just [Dictionary.com]
“The concept of law exercised so strong an influence on the understanding of all social relationships that even theological reflection on the fellowship established between God and man (humanity) was decisively affected by it. One may say that law is the basis of the view of God in the OT in so far as it is proved especially by the usage of the OT. The concept of law is expressed by a series of terms which are used not merely for the relations of God to man and man to God, but also for the conduct of both God and man as determined by these relations. If vital religious relationships and interconnexions are regulated by a religious norm. It is obvious that this norm is valid for all social relationships, and therefore that law fashions the ethical norm.” [TDNT; Vol. II page 174]
“The reference here is to right conduct or a godly walk.” [TDNT; Vol. II page 210]
An important note to place here:
“World-class scholar Bruce Metzger said that compared with other ancient documents, there is an unprecedented number of New Testament manuscripts and that they can be dated extremely close to the original writings. The modern New Testament is 99.5 percent free of textual discrepancies, with no major Christian doctrines in doubt. The criteria used by the early church to determine which books should be considered authoritative have ensured that we possess the best record about Jesus.” [The Case for Christ pg, 280]
This however does not apply to the NIV Bible, which has changed or removed several important elements from the text. This Bible if used should be replaced with either the KJV or a NLT as soon as possible.

Verse 17 – That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
The man – Anthropos – man-faced i.e. a human being [Strong’s]
Of God – theos – a diety, God [Strong’s]
Perfect – artios – complete [Strong’s]
“At 2 Timothy 3:17 ‘artios’ is used in a sense to denote what is right or proper, and more particularly what is becoming to a Christian, obviously with a moral accent…..” [TDNT; Vol. I pg. 476]
Thoroughly furnished – exartizo – to finish out; to equip fully [Strong’s]
“…. ‘exartizo’ means to bring to a suitable state for Christian moral action.” [TDNT; Vol. 1 pg. 476]
Works – ergon – from a primary “ergo” (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation) act. [Strong‘s]
2 Timothy 4:1 – I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (KJV)
Charge – diamartyromai – from “dia” denoting the channel of an act; through; and “martureo” to be a witness, i.e. testify. – to attest or protest earnestly or hortatively [Strong’s]
a: hortatively – urging to some course of conduct or action [the Free Dictionay.com]
Before – enopion – in the face of {Strong’s]
The Lord – kyrios – supreme in authority, i.e. controller [Strong’s]
Jesus – iesous – of Hebrew origin Yehowshuwa – from Yhovah from hayah, to exist; and yasha, to be open, wide or free i.e. to be safe, to free to succor – Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader. [Strong’s] It must be also noted that Jesus’ name was very common at this time frame which fits into Isaiah 53.
Christ – christos – from chrio, through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil i.e. to consecrate to an office or religious office. – anointed i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. [Strong’s]
“Paul senses a distinction between Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus. When he uses the former the original thought is that of the man Jesus whom God raises up and to whom He accords the dignity and position of the Christ, the Messianic deliverer. Conversely, when he uses the latter the original thought is that of the pre-existent Christ who has revealed Himself in a man, in Jesus of Nazareth.” [TDNT; vol. IX page 541 note 321]
Judge – krino – to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially) [Strong’s]
Quick – zao – to live [Strong’s]
The dead – nekros – dead [Strong’s]
Appearing – epiphaneia – a manifestation [Strong’s]
a: manifestation – The definition of a manifestation is the proof of the reality of something, often a site or a smell. [Your dictionary.com]
“’Epiphaneia’ is used in the NT only as a religious term, mostly for the future eschatological appearing of Christ.” [TDNT; Vol. 9 pg. 10]
Kingdom – basileia – royalty, i.e. rule or realm [Strong’s]
Verse 2 – Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Preach – kerysso – to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) [Strong’s]
The word – logos – the teachings of Jesus to the disciples that eventually became the gospels.
Be instant – ephistemi – from “epi” (of time, place, order), and histemi – to stand; to stand upon, i.e. be present [Strong’s]
In season – eukairos – opportunely [Strong’s]
Out of season – akairos – inopportunely [Strong’s]
“exercise your office, deal with members of the community who need your official help when in your judgement it is your duty to do so, whether it be convenient for them (or for you?), or not.” [TDNT; vol. III pg. 462]
Reprove – elegcho – see above
Rebuke – epitimao – from “epi” (of time, place, order), and “timao” to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish. [Strong’s]
a: censure – strong criticism or disapproval [Cambridge dictionary]
b: admonish – to tell someone that they have done something wrong [Cambridge dictionary]
Mathew 18:15 – “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”
Exhort – parakaleo – from “para” – near, i.e. from beside, at, the vicinity of; and “kaleo” – to call; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
a: invoke – to request help from someone, especially a god, when you want to improve a situation [Cambridge dictionary]
b: imploration – earnest supplication [Merriam-Webster dictionary]
b1: earnest – characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind [Merriam-Webster dictionary]
b2: supplication – Think of a supplication as sort of a prayer, a request for help from a deity. The word carries a sense of awe and adoration with it, suggesting something tentative, even servile, a respectful appeal to a higher power. [Vocabulary.com]
c: hortation – The act of exhorting, inciting, or giving advice; exhortation [your dictionary.com]
d: consolation – something that makes someone who is sad or disappointed feel better [Cambridge dictionary]
Longsuffering – makrothymia – forbearance [Strong’s]
a: forbearance – the quality of being patient and being able to forgive someone or control yourself in a difficult situation [Cambridge dictionary]
Doctrine – didache – instruction (the act or the matter) [Strong’s]
In summation of this study we find that it is important to read and know that Bible. This will lead us to a righteous live in the sight of the Lord. We are also to help one another when they stumble or do not follow the teachings of the Word and stray off course. We are to in some case to expect to be insulted, berated and yelled at. However, we are called to stay calm, but not surrender. To push forward with the love of God within us to help those that have turned away from God and their Savior Jesus Christ. To help them understand that a sin is a sin and to live in this sin will lead ultimately to the judgement by Jesus Christ Himself upon His return to this reality. Where this will lead is another topic for another time.

How scientist discount God, but how science proves He is.

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This is not going to be a thesis paper with supporting documentation. It is simply one man’s observation of the facts presented to the world.
For example: The big bang.
This to me is one of the ultimate proves of God. An explosion of mass at a central location that radiates outward and results in a huge universe of billions of galaxies with millions of stars within each. Sure sounds like creation to me.
Now look at the behemoth in Job. A tail upon the creature is described as being like a Lebanon cedar. For the longest time many could not say that, this “behemoth” was in fact a dinosaur since for years they had tails from dinosaurs dragging the ground. Then scientist figured out that their tails actually went straight back and looks like the trunk of a cedar tree, long straight and tappers to a point. Moreover, Lebanon cedars were huge, used as pillars and masts. So again, science confirms the Bible and thus confirms God. Just think on that for a bit.

The prodigal child, a deep dive into some parables from Jesus Christ (part five)

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The eldest son
There is many facets to the eldest son that can be addressed here as he is a reflection of those that have been loyal to God all the time. The religious leaders that were here listening to Jesus tell this parable is one facet. Those within churches that see people come into their churches that look and act different then they do. These are just two facets.
The religious leaders saw Jesus Christ as a threat to their command of the Israeli people. Thus their anger and hatred toward Him. The fact that Christ was causing people to come to God as they never did with those in religious power. That sinners would go to Him and then leave from Him no longer sinning thus becoming the younger son. Being dead and now alive once again. The religious leaders in their own minds saw themselves as being loyal to God, even though there was mounting evidence that this was the furthest thing from the truth.
In many churches today people form a group and see those that come into their churches as invaders. So they make it hard for these intruders to fit in or grow in their belief in Jesus Christ and His Father.
These are all aspects of the eldest son.
What the father says is clear and to the point.
Luke 15:31 – “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
Simply there is no need to be jealous or envious. For you are a part of the body of Christ, and when someone comes to realize that truth. That God is the Creator of ALL. That they have come home through accepting Jesus as their Savior is a time of joy and celebration. For they were dead and now they are alive and will for all eternity.
This is something that is open to all that are willing to see the truth. Be they now Atheist, Muslim, Buddhist, or even think they are Christian. All they need do is not live their lives in the here and the now, but to look to the eternal life that is yet to come. To stop living in the temporal and plan to exist for billions upon billions of years in the embrace of God, through His Son Jesus Christ our Savior.