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Blog for Podcast #125 (A different look at the letter to Sardis)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Conspiracy, 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

Now why is the first thing the Glorified Jesus Christ did when He had John write what would become the book of Revelation was to write to seven churches in what is now Turkey?

For the simple fact that those that profess to being “Christian” at this time comprise every aspect of those that were apart of these communities in the 90s A.D. Right this very moment people behave in the same manner as those people did that comprised these seven groups.

As has been established in past podcasts those that have studies the Scriptures also have concluded that these seven letters are chronological (Podcast #6 The Chronological Order of the letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation). Meaning the last letter, which is the letter to Laodicea, which tells us of the lukewarm Christian, is the time we now live within.

That being said. Reading these letters and having a heartfelt look into our own lives and lifestyles and seeing if we fall into any behaviors within these letters. In Podcast #102 I go through a teaching that I was directed by the Holy Spirit to pursue. That teaching still applies. However, that does not change that you can get more from these letters. Why?

John 14:26 NKJV – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

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

The Holy Spirit teaches us and expands our horizons. I believe the closer we get to being a reflection of Jesus Christ the more insight into the real Truth God Himself grants us.

Now why have I gone to such trouble to get to this point. Because I have been led to discuss a different angle to the fifth letter. The letter to Sardis.

Revelation 3:1-6 NKJV – “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘

This one letter actually crosses the lines of many denominations and beliefs within Christendom. In another podcast I singled out one at that time. However, this time I was led to say this covers all that choose to call Jesus Christ their Savior.

Within every single building that calls itself a “church.” Within every community that profess to follow Jesus. Within in every group that studies the Bible at work, in school or in a park. What is said within this letter is something to understand for all that are listening or reading this.

“”I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

Many have said they are alive in Christ. Yet they do not follow the Spirit. In Galatians we are taught what are the fruit of the Spirit:

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

Living this way is not easy. For there are many trials given unto us that causes us to break from attaining living this way. Many however do not even get to that level. I have encountered many professing to be a child of God through Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the fruit they bear is visible for all to see. For what is seen is the ways of the flesh as is described earlier in Galatians:

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

What amazes me the most is when I encounter the majority that display the flesh and not the Spirit yet insist, they are one with Jesus Christ. To the point of calling me a hypocrite.

Now why point out these verses from Galatians?

Key elements that rear their heads when I encounter those that live in the flesh, yet insist they are dedicated followers of Jesus Christ. they show hatred, contention, and outburst of wrath.

We can also turn to these verses:

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

When those that attack the True Gospel when given to them by other humans they show an attitude of haughtiness. Yet the mere fact that they attack the Word of God. Direct quotes from the Bible itself shows that they have no knowledge of the Word or Him who is the Word. However, they insist upon arguing to the point of nitpicking words from the Bible itself. Their goal and intent to be the victor to be shown right, to be shown righteous. Yet all they have accomplished is those things which divide the people. Which explains why there are so many denominations within Christendom.

What are the greatest commandments?

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

Is this accomplished by seeking to prove who is correct when the Bible is the only thing that is when not taken out of context or used piecemeal. Several of these misconceptions have been addressed by me in the past. Not to prove I am right, but that the Bible is, because I am trying to follow the greatest commandments.

“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.”

Even though per the Bible many that profess to being “Christian.” God through His eternal and undying love for all of humanity, still offers redemption if all people do is to return to the teachings of the Bible and repent.

In the book of Hosea, we are taught of the fickle behavior of all humans. We are also taught of God’s undying and unending love. There are those within Christendom that say this is evidence that we cannot loose our salvation. However, as the book of Hosea teaches us as well as Christ Himself in John 15:1-6 this is the furthest thing from the truth.

Many that profess to being “Christian” go about living in and of the world yet know some aspect of God and knowledge of the Bible. This is what is being referred to here in these verses. However, this is where the greatest peril lies as well as is witnessed in Hebrews:

Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV – For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

it is due to their lackluster knowledge of God and His Word that causes them to fall short. Which in turn can result in Christ saying to them that they are not known to Him

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

For Christ made in clear in Matthew 12 that evil cannot cast out demons. So those that say they cast out demons and performed miracles and even prophesied did just that because they were at that time a part of the Vine and known to Him. For these are His fruits. That He abided in them and they in Him. Yet they turned their backs upon God because humans are fickle.

This letter is their warning to return to Him.

I was in this spot myself in 2013. I know without any doubt that when I went through my year of Job that if I did not repent and return to Him, I would have been cast off to wither further and destine to be burned. However, due to what was shown in Hebrews chapter six too many are blind to this truth and as was mentioned earlier display their true loyalties to the flesh instead of the Spirit.

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

Many do not understand one of the key elements written in the Book of Revelation is what I have just quoted once again.

That key element is these Words:

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

let us look at it from a different angle.

He who does not overcome shall be left naked and I will blot out his name from the Book of Life.

Time is running out. Jesus Christ is soon to return. The rapture will occur for Christ Himself said there would be a time when people would simply disappear from the face of the earth. However, it is also made clear that most that expect to go in the rapture will be left behind. for most that accept salvation or repent do not leave before the tribulation but during the tribulation.

Revelation 7:9-14 NKJV – After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

These are the ones that will suffer pain, hunger and torture. These are the one that will most likely be beheaded. Is this what you desire to experience? Or do you desire to meet Christ in the clouds at His return? It is up to you. Accept the Truth and downsize and turn to God. Or keep living in and of the world and be called the “lukewarm” who Christ will vomit from His Body.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #124 (What is Opinion?)

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

Opinion.

Everybody has one. But what is an “opinion.” Well let’s go to the basics, how is this word defined.

per Cambridge dictionary it is: a thought or belief about something or someone

  1. thought – the act of thinking about or considering something, an idea or opinion, or a set of ideas about a particular subject
  2. belief – something that you believe
  3. belief also means – the feeling of being certain that something exists or is true.

The thing is when it comes to the word “opinion” it is the first definition that applies.

One of the things that people do though is that they look to the Bible and say it is nothing but opinion and so in turn they apply how they believe things should be. This is one of the worst things a person can do when it comes to the Bible. This is where the need to use the second definition of the word “belief” and apply it.

Case in point:

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

I turned first to these verses within the Bible for what is to follow.

In a recent discussion I had on the internet the verse that is to follow was questioned and opinionated upon:

Proverbs 13:24 NKJV – He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

When taking this verse in concert with the previous verses we can come to only one conclusion. Spanking our children is something that must be done to instill discipline. This is a command from God. Then it must be followed. If we do not do this, we are saying we hate our children.

But why does it mean we hate them?

When spanking a child, they suffer pain and anguish. This in turn, when done in limits that are not excessive, causes them to know that what they have done is wrong. It also associates pain with this prohibited behavior. This tells them that when placed in context with the Bible that entering into sin will cause pain. Which in fact it ultimately will.

Isaiah 66:24 NKJV – “And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.

Do you not think that worms eating your flesh will not be painful? In addition being burned is one of the worst sensations to ever encounter due to the damage done to the nerves. This pain will go on every single day, of every month of every year for billions upon billions of years.

This is what it means that those that do not spank hate their children. For odds increase exponentially that since they did not associate pain with sin they will willingly enter into sin and thus are more likely not to accept salvation offered by Jesus Christ and end up for eternity in the Pit of Fire described in Isaiah chapter 66.

Right now, many that have read or listened to this are upset and angry of what has just been stated here. That is their opinion. An opinion that goes counter to the command given by God within the Bible.

Which is greater? Their opinion or the Bible. I will requote the verse from 2 Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT – 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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The Bible is to teach those that profess to be His disciples to do what is right. What is right is what is written in the Bible. Therefore, if the Bible says to spank your child is right and is what is required of us to do.

Any who counter this. Any who deny this. Any who insist this is abuse. Have just crossed a line they need to reconsider. For their opinion goes against the Word of God, which is the Bible. And who is the Word?

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

When someone’s opinion goes against the Word. They openly deny He who is the Word and so they in turn can be denied by Him who is the Word.

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

But why is this? Because they place their opinion over the Word of God. Those that place their opinion over the Word of God place more value upon the person they have this opinion from. Consequently, their god in not the Word of God who is Jesus Christ, but what they value most in this world.

Themselves.

This is the true value of opinion when not taking the teachings of Jesus Christ into account. Any opinion that does not walk hand in hand with what is written within the Bible, it walks in darkness. This is why it is so vitally important that people read the Bible for themselves. To be able to verify that what someone is opining about is accurate and true. This allows them to know that they are receiving a teaching of the True Gospel and can avoid being cursed.

Galatians 1:6-10 NKJV – I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

This is the true value of “opinion.” Opinion opens the door to false teachings which will lead people not to salvation, but the damnation described earlier in the Pit of Fire. Opinion will lead to being cursed by God and not blessed by Him.

The reason for this as was mentioned earlier. Opinion comes from the person placing themselves before God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. It is made clear in these verses spoken by Christ Himself where our priorities are to be if we wish to be called “Christian.”

Luke 14:25-27 NKJV – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

When offering an opinion that does not fit like a puzzle piece with the teachings found within the Bible. It says that you love your own life and not hate it as we are commanded by Christ Himself to do. This is the true meaning of these verses in the Gospel of Luke.

Yet how many that refer to themselves as “Christian” offer opinions that go against the Bible?

That is simple to answer for once again we can turn to the Bible for an answer:

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

How is the word “explanation” defined?

explanation – the details or reasons that someone gives to make something clear or easy to understand. This is not opinion. For as was shown “opinion” has to do with how someone believes something to be or is, as was shown earlier.

These podcasts of mine are formed of both opinion and explanation. For I belief God, and wish all that hear or read these podcasts to do the same. This is why I use multiple translations of the Bible as well. For I have studied the Word of God and the translations I use stand up to be the True Word of God. You will also note that I never use the NIV, for that version has proven to be accursed per Galatians 1:6-10. For it has been perverted into a people pleasing work and does not stand up to the study of the Word of God.

This is why it is so important to you listening or reading this to do the same. Come to know the Word of God intimately. For that is what we are called to do. All of us.

I have had encounters with those that have read the Bible. However, their actions and behavior does not conform to what is taught within the pages of this most important book. There have even been those that deny God Himself and in those cases, they know more about the Word then those that profess to being “Christian.”

I had an encounter with a Jewish woman, who still claimed this title. Yet denied God. She time and again told me to get rid of my earthly riches, not knowing that I had just lost most of my earthly possessions not less then a month before that.

What this tells me now as I look at it now is that God was using this woman to tell me not to seek after earthly possessions once again. As so many actually do after experiencing the same loss of worldly goods as I had. I actually believe I had already learned this deep down. For when God brought my wife into my life, which is another story in itself, I had a love seat setting in the middle of my living room with a big screen TV against the wall and I was content with that.

But to get back on track.

Study the Word of God. Not just read it. Study the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic that the Bible is written in. Also realize that it is Greek and not Latin for the New Testament. This in itself again speaks volumes. For only the Greek which came out of Constantinople due to fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. This is why the Reformation began in 1517 due to the True Gospel coming into the hands of Martin Luther. Because he studied the True Word of God.

This is why you must not take the word of any humans over the Word of God, for odds are it is their opinion and not an explanation of it.

For time is running out and Christ is soon to return. Repent and do as instructed in the last letter to the churches in the book of Revelation:

Revelation 3:18-22 NKJV – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ “

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.”

chasten equals spanks.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #123 (The Covetous)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

We have to come to a full understanding of what is about to be taught here today. The letters of the New Testament. That form the majority of it. Are the instruction manual of how those that profess to being “Christian” are to live their lives.

Within these letters time and again there are warnings of behavior. Just like any other instruction manual out there these warnings are needed reading and required to be followed. Like for example:

“You must make sure there is no electrical power going to the device or you could be electrocuted.”

These are the warnings found in letters within the New Testament. Why have warnings? Because it is made clear that those that practice these behaviors will not be welcome into heaven.

Now there are those that call this untrue, a lie. These are those that have embraced teachings like “once saved always saved.”

What they need to understand that once they call any part of the Bible a lie they just proved where they stand with God Himself because they have just denied Jesus Christ to the world.

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

How can they be “saved” once Jesus has denied them?

The answer is simple. They aren’t.

Now while those experiencing a hissy fit at this moment and so are once again proving they are living by the flesh and not the Spirit.

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

We, however, will continue with today’s lesson. Which comes from Ephesians chapter 5:

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

I will restate this in the KJV:

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

“Nor covetous man, who is an idolater”

Most misconstrue what constitutes idolatry. They believe it is worshipping a stone idol. When in reality the true definition was just given them from the Bible itself.

Covetous man – G4123 – pleonektés – a covetous or avaricious person; one desirous of having more, eager for gain.

Those that live this lifestyle form the majority that profess to being “Christian” at this time. Many of which embrace the false teaching of “once saved always saved.” Most that live this way attend church regularly. Yet as was just mentioned earlier, by living this lifestyle they are in fact denying Jesus Christ. Who in turn has made it clear that He has denied them to His Father.

Simply they are living a lie, and who is the father of lies?

John 8:44 NKJV – You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Please note from where these Words spoken by Christ came from. He was speaking to the Jewish community that said He was possessed by a demon for the Truth being spoken by Him. This is how those now speak to individuals like me that are teaching the True Word of God.

Those that seek after possessions, property. After status. Are in fact idolaters. I will restate Ephesian 5:5 once again:

Ephesians 5:5 NLT – 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.

What does Jesus Christ call these people?

Revelation 3:15-17 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

Please awaken to the Truth! Those that are modern day idolators are in fact the “lukewarm.”

Revelation 3:18-21 NKJV – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

What is it we are instructed to do when we find ourselves surround by those that live in sin?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV – But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Leave those buildings called “churches” which condone and allow people to live in idolatry. Especially those that have huge congregations. Turn to the Bible and not just read it, but study it. Dig deep into the meaning of the words written down upon those pages and come to have a personal relationship with the Creator of everything.

When we truly understand the teachings of Jesus Christ. We seek not to become more prosperous but just the opposite. We seek to downsize. To shed the world and gain and seek after treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-24 NLT – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 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! “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.

Many do not understand what is being taught in verses 22 and 23. This is actually a teaching of where someone stands in the understanding of their salvation.

Many say they are filled with the light. Especially those that have embrace the false doctrine of “once saved always saved.” They do not understand that their eyes are unhealth and blind and live in darkness. They themselves see light, but when in fact it is darkness. The more they seek after prestige here in this world they sink deeper and deeper into darkness. Take the Pharisees as a prime example:

 Luke 16:14-15 NKJV – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

“For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

As I have discussed in my podcast #114 something that is abominable is on par with the antichrist.

Does anyone truly wish to be comparable to the antichrist?

What is highly esteemed among men?

1 John 2:15-16 NLT – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

Therefore, those listening that still seek after what is best, expensive and glamorous need to take a step back and really look into where they wish to spend eternity. For it is made clear that they are not welcome in heaven. I didn’t say this. The Bible said it. As for those that question these Words. Let us look at Romans 2. A chapter specifically aimed at those that profess to being “Christian.”

Romans 2:1-11 NKJV – Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “WILL RENDER TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.

Those that embrace the teaching of “once saved always saved” are starting that they have favor with God. That they are special and exempt. Let us re-read the last verse in a different translation:

Romans 2:8-11 NLT – But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Any who think they are special and exempt show a type of covetousness. For since they are favored, exempt they can live their lives however they see fit. Indulging in that which Christ Himself said not to seek after or partake of. So, they willingly and gladly enter into to sin for they are going to heaven no matter what. However, as has been shown here in this lesson that is the furthest thing from the truth.

Christ despises those who live in covetousness and profess to being “Christian.” For in reality they are living and walking exactly as the Pharisees did. They willingly and gladly wish to be known as worse than those that openly deny God. For that is how the lukewarm are seen and know. That is why the world laughs at and hates God, because they see how those that are hypocrites live and see in their eyes that God is not real. Not realizing they are not seeing God, but covetous humans seeking to please themselves and not whom they profess to follow. All the time following their own lust and desires leading them deeper and deeper into darkness.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #122 (Faith without Works is Dead)

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 was recently drawn back to one of my blog post I made in 2017. Within it I discuss the breakdown and meaning of the words within verse James 2:20. Today I will read this post into today’s podcast and then expound upon it further.

That is what I have been led to address. It is said twice in James the same wording is used both times in the Greek. So here it goes:

James 2:20 NKJV – But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Faith – pistis – faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

In the pure Greek meaning of the word “pistis” it has the actual and passive sense of “trusting” and “worthy of trust.”

Paul placed “pistis” or “faith” at the core of theology. We must remember that Paul was originally a Pharisee and had persecuted early Christians before his encounter with the risen Jesus. To quote from the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) –

“Primarily, it is acceptance of the kerygma, i.e. subjection to the way of salvation ordained by God and opened up in Christ.”

Trust me “kerygma” threw me for a loop also, so we need to understand that as well:

Kerygma (from the Greek word κήρυγμα kérugma) which is a Greek word used in the New Testament for “preaching” (see Luke 4:18-19, Romans 10:14, Matthew 3:1). It is related to the Greek verb κηρύσσω kērússō meaning, literally, “to cry or proclaim as a herald” and used in the sense of “to proclaim, announce, preach”.

So, to Paul this was the key element of his teachings. Pure faith and belief in God and that His Son is Jesus Christ.

Works – labor, action, deed

a) Labor – Noun – work, especially hard physical work. Verb – work hard; make great effort

b) Action – the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim; a thing done; an act

c) Deed – an action that is performed intentionally or consciously

I wish to look more deeply in the word “action” especially the “process of doing something” and “an act.”

When you hear the wording “process of doing something” you think of an endeavor. Something that takes a great deal of time to accomplish.

Now “an act” that is where I really which to delve:

One of the meanings of act is defined as “behave in the way specified.”

But where is a type of behavior specified for Christians? The answer is the Bible. So, our labor, our actions, and our deeds must work within the specified nature of the Bible.

Therefore, faith in God through His Son Jesus leads us to follow the teachings of Christ and His disciples, which is the Bible. Meaning we must follow and adhere to what is written within these letters and that we are to repent of our sins and strife to become a true reflection of Jesus Christ.

If we do not follow the Bible than it is “dead.”

Dead – nekros – (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. Per the TDNT in this particular case it could infer “lifeless” or “lifelessness.”

Lifelessness – 1. Having no life; inanimate; 2. Having lost life; dead; 3. Not inhabited by living beings or capable of sustaining life.

So, even though you are walking about and have faith, but do not follow the teaching of the Bible and call that which is a sin a sin and refrain from it you are incapable of eternal life and so are dead in the eyes of God.

That is where the original blog post ended. From here on I will expand upon what was originally inspired by the Holy Spirit five year ago.

Many that profess to being “Christian” go about their daily lives doing the things that most within this temporal exist do. They go to work. Make a paycheck and spend it upon a home, car and clothes. As well as the necessities. They seek after what all seek after. Keeping a majority of their income unto their own wants and desires just like all others do. Then once a week by chance they go to a building called a “church.” Sing a few hymns say a few prayers and then with all their heart believe and think they are fine and dandy with the Lord Almighty.

They do this week in and week out. Totally unaware that their actions, their works are dead and carry no value unto the Lord that their faith tells them they are loyal to. That they are dead in the sight of God for they have not sought after Him but the world.

1 John 2:15-17 NKJV – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

These verses make it extremely clear. That those that live their lives as was previously described they are truly dead in the sight of God. No matter what they wish to profess with their faith and belief in God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

As I have shown and taught in multiple past podcasts. The actions required known as “works” in James chapter two. Is to live a simple lifestyle. To keep a majority of our earthly wealth at the ready to help those in need. The poor, the hungry, those caught in natural disasters. Living our lives solely for the glory of God through the teachings found within the Bible. This equates to life in the sight of the Lord.

Not rituals like those performed by the Catholic church for example. Rituals and works are two completely different things.

Works done through faith in the belief of Jesus Christ means to seek to emulate our Savior and to live as we are taught to live within the Bible.

Matthew 6:19-24 NLT – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 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! “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.

If you desire to serve God. Sell the big useless space house for a small house or condo. And not an expensive condo in an exclusive community either. Like the Villages in Florida for example. Sell off and just get rid of those useless items cluttering up your house for they are nothing but idols to your own vanity. Get rid of the Golf clubs and box seats at football or basketball. For sports are the modern gladiators and are those things that appeal to gentiles not servants of God. So, if the church you attend celebrates the super bowl it is not a place of God but of heathen worship. Get rid of the BMW or the Raptor and get a used car or truck by Nissan or Ford. Don’t be saying I can’t retire until I get a million dollars in your 401k, and don’t be seeking to make a 401k that large in the first place. For the majority of what we have is not for our use but God’s.

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

The most evident witness to a lukewarm I personally witnessed was a person driving a Lexus with “I Love Jesus” stickers plastered upon the back of it. And what has Christ promised to do to the lukewarm?

Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

John 15:6 NKJV – If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

When Christ speaks of fire and burning, He is making reference to one thing:

Isaiah 66:24 NKJV – “And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.

Do not presume that you are exempt that you cannot loss your salvation. These are the words given to those that professed to being “Christian” in Rome:

Romans 2:6-11 NLT – He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

As I have established in passed podcast any who believe they cannot lose their salvation believe they are favored by God. But as was just shown within the Bible God has no favorites.

Just because someone professes to being “Christian” does not make them favored or special. In fact they are the lukewarm if they live their lives like the rest of the world does and so are seen as worse than those that are cold and out right deny God. This is how Christ saw the Pharisees as is witnessed in these verses:

Luke 16:14-17 NKJV – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

As shown in podcast #114 those that are called an “abomination” equate to being on the same level as the antichrist and those that follow that person.

Is this how you wish to be known for all eternity within the Pit of Fire? Or do you wish to be a true disciple of Christ Jesus?

Time is running. Action is required on your part. For you have a say in your salvation. Where you wish to abide is in your hands, but you must act quickly for Christ is soon to return.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #121 (Den of Thieves)

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

Too many listens to the basics in their faith. The writer of Hebrews wrote this:

Hebrews 5:8-14; 6:1-6 NKJV – though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 6:1 -Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Are those listening at the point of no return? Are they so filled with their own self-righteousness that they cleave to milk and refuse the solid nourishment of the Word of God?

That is not for me to say, but you to consider as we continue with today’s Bible study.

What I myself have seen and noted is how the message in many of the buildings called “churches.” You will see the same topics covered on a schedule according to what time of year it is in the world about. They all mostly end with an altar call to those willing to accept Christ as their Savior. This equates to milk.

Many say that Sunday School is for the growth in the knowledge of God through the Word. Yet they too are limited to repeating the same topics or go chapter by chapter what is within the Bible. However, they never truly explore import topics within these classes for fear they may scare someone away from the Truth. Again milk.

The true meaning of what Christ said is beyond many within the buildings called “churches” because they have never heard it or taught it. Why? Because many that stand in the dais want to keep the pews full to bring in the money required just to keep the maintenance of the building going. Simply they aren’t a place for God, but a business.

What did Christ do about this?

Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV – Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a ‘DEN OF THIEVES.'”

I have seen examples of this in many buildings that call themselves “churches.” Little bookstores in the lobby of these buildings. Special classes where you pay money to attend. These are the actions of a “den of thieves” not followers of Christ.

When preachers do not tell you to repent. When they do not tell you to downsize and not be looking for bigger and better, they work from their own pocketbook and not for God and so are thieves and you are going to their den.

Den – G4693 – spélaion – a cave, a den, a hideout

Den – the home of particular types of wild animal

Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Luke 16:14-15 NKJV – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Romans 16:17-18 NKJV – Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

I must tell you a story. An event I myself lived. One of the things I have learned to do is to interview ministers of the churches I try to attend. I have done this several times. I will give you two instances.

In the first the pastor insisted that all is grey. Which equates to all even those that are followers of Christ are lukewarm and none can change this.

In the second I specifically asked the man if he believed in “once saved always saved.” He said yes. Even when I read and showed him John 15:1-6. He insisted you cannot lose you salvation contrary to these verses. I will now restate these verses. Words from Jesus Christ Himself:

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

As I have established in the study of these verses in Podcast #3. That only those that have received salvation can be a part of the Vine. Those that challenge this. That deny this truth. Deny He who said them.

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

As a result, in essence. This pastor. This leader of a building called a “church” denied His Savior Jesus Christ. This is the result of feeding milk to the masses and not the meat of the Word of God.

Here is the meat of the Bible. What is to follow was written to those in Rome that professed to being followers of Christ. They had just read the behavior of those that deny God and were led into homosexual sin against their creator whom they deny.

Romans 2:1-11 NLT – You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

One of the greatest verses within the Bible is this last verse I just read to you so I will re-read it once again.

“For God does not show favoritism.”

When people say they cannot loss their salvation they are saying that they are a favorite of God. That they are special and unique. Better than any other human being.

Romans 12:3 NKJV – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Now to get the focus back to those that stand upon the dais I will read this.

Ephesians 4:17-19 NKJV – This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

There are those out there that do not say this. But that is what we are instructed to do within the Bible. For the Bible is the Word of God and when you ask Jesus into your life you are binding yourself to these words.

Then why do those in the pulpits and stand upon the dais not say these words? Are they not the representative of God? Actually, no they are not. They are a representative of those that appointed these people the leaders. When you accept Jesus as your Savior you yourself become a representative of God. It is your responsibility to make sure what you are hearing is the Truth of the Bible. Yes, the Bible does say this:

Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV – And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

If those you have chosen to lead you do not bring unity in our faith and true knowledge of God’s Son so that we can stand a pure reflection of Jesus Christ Himself, are they serving God or themselves? The answer is they are serving themselves.

There is more to Ephesians chapter 4 then what I read earlier. So, I will continue:

Ephesians 4:20-24 NKJV – But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

What I find is that many now days try not to acknowledge the statement that the gentiles have given themselves “over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Now there are those that call themselves “Christian” and do these very same things themselves. As was just shown above we are to come into unity and seek after being a true reflection of Jesus Christ. Jesus the one and only perfect being ever to walk this planet. If people live in lustful pleasures and impurity, they are nowhere near that reflection.

We are told that we must leave our sins behind. We can no longer live in the sinful lives that so many cherish more than God. For by doing so they are not “Christian,” but a gentile, a sinner, and something that is not welcome in heaven.

Ephesians 4:30-32 NKJV – And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Why I do this podcast is because time is running out. It is time to wake up. Stop going through the motions. You cannot continue to go into the den of wolves and expect to live. And I don’t mean live here, but eternally. For Jesus Christ is soon to return and you really wish to not have had Him blot out your name from the Book of Life.

God Bless.             

Blog for Podcast #120 (Those that listen to fables and myths)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

I have been trying to help a young lady in her early journey into Christendom. I did not have face to face contact with her, which may have helped, but I didn’t, and it didn’t.

I could see she was hot for the truth and the ways of the Bible, but I also saw that she was being toss to and fro by many different and varying viewpoints. She eventually succumbs to the onslaught of all the false teachings flowing throughout the world at this time.

I could see her being tossed back and forth. This way and that. I truly tried to help her by giving her the Bible, the Truth.

I saw one major flaw that I could not overcome. Why? Because it was not mine to correct, but hers, which is why she eventually fell.

She could never truly surrender the self. She had to maintain control. It was her way or the highway.

In her last comments to me she embraced a dogma that called for abandoning all of humanity if it didn’t match her skin color. Due to past crimes and lies told by those of the lighter skin color. I believe the core of this belief comes from the woman that desired to test Solomon’s great wisdom and witness his wealth. That woman being the Queen of Sheba.

Many imply, and there was even a movie made about an illicit relationship between them. Yet the Bible doesn’t say anything like this occurred. However, many within the black community say it did take place and thus makes them the true Jewish line. So, they base their place in history and place with God within an action of sin. Which God would not condone or allow or support.

This is just one example of the fables and myths that people create to have their way with the will of God. With how they wish things to be satisfied in their wishes and desires to have what they desire most in this world. A ticket to eternal life.

Nevertheless, this is the furthest thing from true salvation. True eternal life. True belief in God doesn’t use the crimes of religion as an excuse not to follow the teachings within the Bible. True belief in God doesn’t segregate one color of skin from another.

There is a key verse within the Bible that shows how many chose the path of true salvation:

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

Why is the road to hell so broad?

Because most take the easy way. They take the easy excuses not to do what is within the Bible. Why?

Because they wish to dress fancy. They wish to live richly. They wish to feel special. They wish to feel better than others. They desire that they themselves are unique and marvelous.

In Podcast #65 I discuss those that are haughty. Listen to that if you wish details. However, I will key in on some important verses:

Romans 12:16 Amplified Classic – Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.

Proverbs 3:7 NKJV – Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Why they seek after fables and myths is because first off, they have not read the Bible for themselves. Secondly, they desire to be in control of their own lives. They do not wish to surrender all to God.

It is to these people that the letter to Galatians exist. The first topic of the letter is how quickly they have abandoned their salvation and what will occur to those that teach fables and myths:

Galatians 1:6-10 NKJV – I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

What is the saddest thing of all is how many listens to false gospels. How many listens to fables and myths. It is far more than one would consider or accept. This explains why we are in the age of the lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22). We are in the end of times before the return of our Savior Jesus Christ. As is seen in what was foretold:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV – But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Yet most don’t see this or even realize. Again why? Because they do not read the Bible for themselves as was stated earlier.

Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life.

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

This is the only way to holy eternal life.

Now why do I add the word “holy” in the last sentence?

Because all will have eternal life. Just those that accept Christ as their Savior and strive to be an image of Him will see holiness. But the key is to being an image of Christ is to truly seek to live as He commands within the Bible.

This means living modestly. If we have wealth to keep a majority at hand to help those in need and not to please our own wants and desires. That means no fancy home or two homes. That means no fancy cars or trucks. That means no fancy clothes. Which falls right in line with the words of Jesus Christ Himself:

Matthew 6:19-24 NKJV – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Aka – money

Many believe with all their hearts they are walking in light. Yet they aren’t. they are in darkness. Not realizing just how dark things are for them, because what they believe to be light is darkness.

But who lives in darkness?

Ephesians 5:1-16 NKJV – Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Most that believe they are “Christian” actually walk in darkness, in sin. The true definition of a lukewarm. And they wonder why people are saying it is nearly time for Jesus Christ to return.

Nevertheless, they don’t do anything about it. In turn going further into the darkness. Acting as if they are one with Christ yet they go further and further away from Him. This results in the loss of their salvation. Even though they insist that they are fine, and they are a wonderous servant of God through Jesus Christ.

One of the things I have learned as I strive to follow our Savior. I see that most out there that profess to being servants of God, are in actuality servants of themselves. Striving to be wealthy. To have the best of everything. In total and complete opposition to the Word of God.

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

The return of Jesus Christ is soon to occur. It is time to make yourself right with God. Follow the Bible and stop seeking after wealth and personal comfort and satisfaction in the here and now. Seek after your treasures in heaven by getting rid of your treasures here in this world.

Seek after the True Gospel and stop listening to fables and myths.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #119 (Fear of God)

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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

Fear.

Why mention fear?

In the Old Testament it is used thirty-five times. Here are some important examples that should cause many to think and ponder:

Proverbs 14:27 – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 15:33 – The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

Proverbs 22:4 – By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.

Yet many reject these words. They say things like: “That is the old covenant.” The implication is that it has no bearing upon their lives any longer. They celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit within. Saying things like it impowers them. it allows them to be special and to seek after all they desire here in this temporal realm while proclaiming to the world that they are “Christian.”

Yet when you think upon it in the light given to us by Jesus Christ. Fear should still be within in us. Why? Because we do have the Holy Ghost within us.

What does it say about this aspect in the New Testament?

Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Now as I stated earlier many celebrate this, but when they do, they do not understand what is really within them. They carry Christ within them.

1 John 2:1-6 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

And why should they do this? Out of fear of God, for by so fearing they desire to honor God. Thus, seeking to emulate their Savior Jesus Christ.

When someone does not fear God what is the result?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Romans 3:18 – “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”

Which comes from Psalms.

Psalms 36:1 – To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the Servant of the LORD. An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

Those who celebrate the presence of the Holy Ghost within them show no fear of God. What does that mean? Well per Psalms they are disobedient to God. They are in essence wicked. Yet, they themselves believe they are holy, they are consecrated. They feel empowered to seek after what glorifies them, for they have God within them. Thus, showing no fear of defiling the Holy Spirit within them if they have been so blessed.

Going back to 1 John 2 I will re-read verse 4:

“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Understand this:

Matthew 5:17-19 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Those that throw out “that is the old covenant” also have no fear of God. For in their eyes there are no commandments to follow any longer. Yet Christ in these verses of Matthew made it clear that the laws would not end until the Great White Throne judgement. For that is when the laws shall be fulfilled.

Many scoffs and laugh when they read or hear things like this. Why? Because they consider this to be not true. Unreal. For they are in perfect harmony with God as they live in their expensive homes. Driving their expensive cars and trucks. Dressed in their luxurious clothes. All because they are chosen and special to God through Jesus Christ. For He is within them.

Luke 16:14-17 – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

Expensive homes as well as cars and trucks. Luxurious clothing. These are what is highly esteemed among men. So those that seek after these are per Jesus Christ are an abomination in the sight of God.

Does this not scare you? Does this not give you fear?

If it doesn’t …….. well I got nothing.

Here’s the thing.

Revelation 20:11-15 – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

“But my name is written in the Book of Like.” Someone just said.

Is it?

Matthew 7:13-23 – “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Revelation 3:1-6 – “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

“I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life.”

Listen to that wording of that sentence. It says Christ can remove names from the Book of Life for those that do not overcome, that are not victorious. This speaks of our involvement in our salvation. That we have a duty to perform to God through Jesus Christ with the aid of the Holy Spirit, which resides within us.

Going back to Proverbs 14 I will restate that verse:

Proverbs 14:27 – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

What is death to those that profess to being “Christian?”

Being cut off from God, from eternal life and our promised rewards that we are to store before the Throne of God. To be cast into the pit of fire and to suffer the second and eternal death.

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

Isaiah 66:24 – “And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.

Are you striving to be victorious over the desires of your flesh? Are you seeking to place treasures into heaven and not here on earth? Are you seeking less of the world and all that it offers humanity?

If not, you may not be seen as an overcomer and so will not make the first resurrection.

This is something to fear. For then you must count upon your trial before the Great White Throne alone and if you name was wiped out of the Book of Life then you will experience the second and eternal death with worms and gnashing of teeth.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #36 (The True Gospel)

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Intro

Welcome again to another Bible study podcast. I am Dreamwalker1960. Once again, as a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also, you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify and PlayerFM.

Discussion

Many times, I have referred to the first chapter of Galatians. Specifically verses six through nine:

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.

But I leave out one of the most important verses. That being the tenth:

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

This one verse says volumes. For many throughout the centuries HAVE sought to please people and not God.

“I’m not trying to win the approval of people”

Let’s look at this verse in the KJV:

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

To please – G700 – aresko – (through the idea of exciting emotion): to be agreeable (or by implication to seek to be so)

This tells us the false good news is constructed of words mentioning God and Jesus but aimed at pleasing the listener. To make them feel good.

This is the message that most buildings that call themselves “churches” feed to humanity. The key element in these pleasing messages is the word “love.”

Now let me make this perfectly clear. God does love ALL of humanity. Why else would He send us His own Son to serve as the sacrifice to allow us the window to be able to stand sinless before our Creator?

Remember the anguish Abraham endured when God told him he must sacrifice Isaac?

This is the anguish that God Himself suffered except more so, because unlike Isaac, Jesus Christ died. He died a Holy and Pure sacrifice. And due to this He rose again upon the third day. Having fulfilled His calling. The ransom paid for all humanity to be given the ability through Him to enter in the presence of God.

Yet it is here that those that teach the false gospel end their teaching. They leave out the next part of the message, which Paul is referring to when he says he is not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

Again, we will look to verses that I continue to go to when trying to show the true and faithful message of the Gospel:

John 15:1-6 “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. – 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.

Within these verses is the true meaning of the True Gospel. Jesus says He is the only true way into heaven. Once someone accepts Him as their Savior, they become joined to Him.

He illustrates the entire requirements to being one with Him, and makes it clear the results if someone does not stay within the true Gospel.

The very first thing He makes clear in this description is that if someone does not stay true to the Bible and thus produce fruit God Himself will end their salvation. Those that say they can never loss their salvation is teaching a false gospel and as is shown in Galatians are cursed. This is shown time and again throughout the Bible. A prime example of bearing fruit is seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) the servant who buried their talent bore no fruit and was cast into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This verifies that salvation can be lost.

The next thing Jesus makes clear is that those that stay true to the Gospel will suffer, as is shown through pruning. Why? So that they will learn and thus make it so that they will in turn spread the true Gospel out unto the world thus bearing more fruit. He shows us that the message He gives unto us. The entire message prunes us making us ready to serve God though our Savior with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus makes it clear we must stay true to Him and His teaching.

“Remain in me and I will remain in you.”

He also makes it clear that we cannot produce fruit if we do not remain within His full and complete teachings. When He says something is a sin. It is something we cannot continue to live within.

Yet those that teach the false good news. Say someone can live in their sin no matter what and God will love them even if they keep them. Yet this is counter to the teaching of the vine. This is clarified in verse 10 of John 15:

“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”

The core of these commandments is the Ten Commandments, but the rest of the commandments are seen in Deuteronomy and Leviticus.

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

So, if it is called a sin and we must not live in sin than we must abandon sin. ANY SIN!!

Another false gospel that more follow than they realize is finding wealth and prosperity here on earth. We are told not to store our wealth here on earth where it will rot and decay. But to store our treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-20) This has a twofold effect on people, both of which become self-serving and not God serving. Because people seek to satisfy their own wants and desires, they ignore their neighbors which is against the second greatest command. To treat others as we would treat ourselves. (Matthew 22:39) How can we seek to treat others to the luxuries we seek if we do not have enough wealth to accomplish our own lusts and desires here on earth?

We are told to live a modest life. (1 Timothy 6:6-10) If we make excessive wealth it is not ours to spend upon ourselves. It was given to us by God, and it is His, not ours. We should live a simple life. And once we have a surplus that should go to others in need. This is how the early church lived their lives. (Acts 2:43-47) As time went by this message got perverted and changed by the selfishness of humanity. Thus, defying our Creator and going against the teaching of the true Gospel. Which in turn makes those that practice this lifestyle to be cursed. For many do this that have the Holy Spirit within them, and they defy the Spirit which tells them to live their lives per Biblical standards. Which is storing up heavenly treasures and not earthly ones.

It was impressed upon me, again, this morning, as I wrote this, that Christ’s first and soon return is far more near than many realize. It still may be years away; however, it could be this very moment or the next that the horn will blast.

This horn will be heard everywhere. For it will not be of this dimension, but of God’s heavenly dimension. It will be heard through walls; it will be heard in airplanes. It will be heard underground. Wherever there is a human it will be heard. This first blast of this trumpet will be for the dead. This gives those alive the ability to stop what they are doing and pray to God they are included in the next blast. For when that one blasts those that are ready will vanish from this earth to meet Jesus Christ in the air and be given their new and immortal bodies. Bodies that will last for billions upon billions of years. All our selfish wants, desires and thoughts will be at an end, and all that will matter is how can we serve our Creator God, through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

The true Gospel teaches to reject the self. (Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24; 2 Corinthians 5:15) If we insist on keeping sin in our lives, we are insisting that we are greater than God.

The key is to removing sin. We may find it emotionally painful.  But if we are truly seeking salvation, we must learn to let go of that which in many cases brings us earthly pleasure, comfort and even satisfaction. We must come to the realization that this life we now live is fleeting. (James 4:14) At the most we may live a few decades over one hundred. However, we were meant to live thousands of years originally. Ultimately, we are destined through truly accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, to live billions of years. Why hold on so tightly to this life in which sin is greater than our Creator. God knew us before we were even convinced in the womb. (Galatians 1:15; Jeremiah 1:5) Can you grasp that concept? We have an active part in this relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That means we must seek to remove sins that bring us pleasure. All sins come from one place. Our hearts. (Matthew 15:19-20)  For we wish to satisfy our own wants and desires. Not God’s. We must abandon our own desires and strive not to please ourselves but God. This is hard on our own if not impossible. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans  6:23) Only through accepting Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit can we begin the painful struggle to end placing ourselves above God.

True love hurts. Trying to draw closer to God in our love for Him hurts. To spare the rod is to hate the child, to paraphrase the proverb. (Proverbs 13:24) Since our Heavenly Father does not hate us. He requires us to go through emotional pain that many time we feel would destroy us. This pain is us letting go of what we want and desire and accepting what God wants from us, which is to become righteous and holy. To be worthy to wear the white robes of salvation. Having passed through the blood Jesus Christ shed for us that last day of His earthly life. (Hebrews 10:9-18)

However, we are not worthy of this sanctification unless we are willing to surrender to Him all of our heart, mind, body and soul, unto our Creator through Jesus Christ the Messiah, our Savior.  Then allow ourselves to be baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. Amen

God Bless

Only Jesus

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Due to issues with my computer I will be republishing one of my most listened to podcast Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. In today’s study, I will do something I rarely do. Name, names. As a reminder though, you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also, you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify and PlayerFM. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Now this is a topic that many have heard before. But it is one that needs to be heard many times in many cases for people to listen to and hopefully finally acknowledge. This is also one of the many sticking points that cause numerous others to say there is no God and there is no Jesus. Why? Because they wish to be their own gods. The person fully in control of their own lives.

John 14:6 – Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

How this one statement can cause so many to react with such a violent reaction. Yet that is the way of it. This is what Peter had to say about those that at one time had known the ways of Jesus Christ, yet they wished to be their own masters:

2 Peter 2:1-2 – 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.

Let us look at this last verse more closely 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.

Pernicious ways – G684 – apóleia – destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin, damnable (-ation); perdition, waste

Shall be evil spoken of – G987 – blasphémeó – to slander, to speak lightly or profanely of sacred things.

Many that deny the existence of God and Jesus Christ use examples of false teachings from those that profess to being “Christian.” However, what they teach does not follow the Bible and thus do not follow God or His Son.

Now I will do something I rarely do. Name, names. From 1974 to 1989 Americans were bombarded with the fantastic showmanship of Jim Baker and his wife Tammy Faye Baker. This showmanship gave birth to the PLT club (Praise The Lord club). Which resulted in a show modeled after the Tonight Show which ultimately led to a theme park. All of this if you truly understand the Bible is not what those that truly seek a Christian lifestyle seek to live like. All this behavior caused people to be self-focused and thus world focused. Which is totally opposite the teachings within the Bible. This “ministry” was exposed as a con which resulted in Mr. Baker being arrested and sent to prison for five years.

This is a prime example of a false teacher. I have no doubt that at some point in his early life Mr. Baker was saved and born again. Yet he allowed the world and money to ultimately become his true god. As a result, millions of people were conned out of their hard-earned money. In some cases, those wishing to retire at his theme park. This shattered many. Also in the same time frame was Jimmy Swaggart who also suffered in a sexual scandal as did Jim Baker. Both shattered the belief of millions causing them to move further away from God and thus causing an increase in those that say God is not real.

As you can tell I am not a fan of televangelists. Nor am I a fan of mega-churches. I will not deny this, as you can tell.

Why?

Because they became a business.

What is a business?

A particular company that buys and sells goods and services per Cambridge dictionary.

Sells goods and services.

To sell is to give something to someone else in return for money, also per Cambridge.

This is how it is for most churches. The larger it is, the more this applies. There are even those that specialize in it.

Matthew 6:24 – “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.

Yet this is what these places have chosen for their masters. They use the facade of God to gather their true master. Worldly riches, wealth, and property. A prime example of this is Joel Osteen. Whose wealth is proudly stated by himself as being more than $100,000,000. All of it given to him by his “ministry.” A business formed upon teaching others to get wealthy here on this earth and not in heaven. Again, opposite the teachings of the Bible.

Matthew 6:19-21 – “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.

So, Osteen is proud that his riches are of the world and not of heaven. Which verifies he is another of these false teachers Peter is referring to as is shown here:

2 Peter 2:3 – 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.

This extreme example is why I am no fan of televangelists or mega-churches. Neither truly gives a person the needed fellowship with fellow Christians, but most importantly with Jesus Christ. Nor do they learn the true message within the Bible. In addition, they are not even told to seek a true relationship with God through His Son by learning. Truly learning what is within the Bible. Not by just reading but by studying the gospel.

2 Timothy 2:15 – Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. [The Amplified Bible (classic)]

It is verses like this that we should be learning. Yet I have never heard any teaching that included it. Which includes those teachings which says we are not to store up treasures on earth, but in heaven. As well as the fact that we can only get into heaven through Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:5 – For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

John 10:9 – Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

So, if we truly study the Bible and come to know the truth within it. We can all come to one conclusion. That there is a God that created the universe that we now live within. With this understanding we can see the power of our Creator. The genius of a God able to create something so complex yet with similarities to other aspects of creation. Like how when mapping the universe, it is like the neural pathways of the human brain. Such coincidences are impossible, this verifies that God does exist.

So, if God is real. Since there is true historical evidence of Jesus beyond the Bible. Then the resurrection is real as well. So is our salvation. For all of humanity it is real. All someone has to do is accept that truth and ask Jesus Christ into their lives as their Savior.

Then they need to learn the Bible. Not just read it. Learn it! Learn the truth of what is taught within it.

They should also seek to be baptized. Not sprinkled. Submerged underwater thus symbolizing being buried. And then rising again. Born anew in the name of Jesus Christ. Then you must seek out for the filling of the Holy Spirit who was sent to us by God in the name of Jesus Christ.

John 14:26 KJV – But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

All must be done in and for Jesus. For only He is worthy of our adoration. Having taken our place upon the cross. Having suffered the brutal beating and whipping that we deserved and not Him. To have nails pierced through His limbs. Instead of us suffering that agony. Yet He willingly surrendered what so many clings to in this temporal world. Our life. Jesus Christ surrendered His life so that all who ask Him to be their Savior will have an enteral life that will last billions upon billions of years. Not just a mere one hundred at the most. But an eternal life.

Yet there are many out there that deny any of this as truth. As fact. Why? Because they wish to be their own master of their destiny. A destiny that will end the moment they die without accepting Christ as their Savior. This world does offer delights and pleasures that seem to be amazing. Yet once a person achieves a goal. Is there not a realization when this happens? There is a void. A sense of letdown, if not loneliness. This is because this person was not seeking after the true goal of true satisfaction.

True satisfaction can never truly be found in this fleeting existence. All is ever temporary here in this mundane existence. As it should be.

For our true goal should be to seek after the everlasting. People try to be everlasting by trying to become a part of history. However, very few remember people from the past. It is shown within the Bible that all manmade history will be forgotten anyway.

Isaiah 65:17 – For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

If you truly wish to become eternal seeking after He who offers it to all. For all will receive it. Many though will find the eternity they are given will be filled with nothing but eternal suffering. That is because they did not seek after the true eternity that only comes from Jesus Christ. For He is the only way to the true and complete eternal life that is worth seeking after.

God Bless