Christian

Blog for Podcast #21 (The Bitter Pill)

October 13, 2020bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, bitter, Christian, God, Jesusdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960.

This is a fair warning. Today’s message is going to make many of those who listen uncomfortable, upset and even angry. I challenge those that get this way to stick through to the end.

Discussion

Proverbs 13:24 – He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early. (Amplified Bible classic)

I started this message with this Bible verse for a reason. Many are raising their children today without spanking them. As a result they become spoiled, selfish, arrogant and self-serving. However, this is not just about how a child is raised. This is about how the Bible is being taught to those that come into the buildings called “churches.”

Many go into these buildings and they are given a sugarcoated image of salvation. They are given teachings that make them happy and joyous. Then people on the dais say come down and kneel down here and ask Jesus into your heart and into your life. So they do come down and ask Jesus Christ into their hearts. Not realizing that they were just given a participation trophy.

What is worse of all is that Jesus does come into their lives. Jesus never turns His back upon any who ask for Him to come into their lives. Then people falter and fall away. People say, “Well then they were never truly saved.”

Those that say this, just called God a liar. God through His Son who died upon the cross for all never turns His back on any who ask for Him to come into their lives. So God and Jesus Christ are there for any and all. If they come to Him with a sincere heart He will answer and be there for them.

What is at fault is the sugarcoating. This sugarcoating coating is described in one major Christian sect as “once saved always saved.”

Now I wish to make this perfectly clear. Jesus Christ died for all humanity upon the cross. Christ suffered the whip which tore His skin to shreds and destroyed His muscles to the point that His ribcage was exposed. He bore all of this for all of us, even those that will never accept Him.

The ones that hurt Christ and His Father the most though are those that accept Him and then go about their lives as if Christ is not a part of it.

1 Corinthians 6:19 -20 – Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

A Few weeks back I had an encounter on my Facebook page, which I have established for this podcast. In this exchange the person showed that he only believed in the manmade doctrine of “once saved always saved.” He assumed that I did not read several verses that he offered up to show that this doctrine was the true way into heaven. I countered with the words of Jesus Christ Himself from John 15 verses 1-6.

He laughed at the words of Christ.

He laughed at God.

I often wondered why the Glorified Christ would spit out the lukewarm of Revelation 3:16. To be spit out gives a strong meaning as if it is so distasteful you almost feel like vomiting, so you spit it out as quickly as possible. I no longer speculate as to why anymore.

Why am I so harsh?

Because we are in the end times. We are in the last days and Christ is soon to return. There is no time for sugarcoating. It is time to take the bitter pill and swallow or perish.

Matthew 25:1 – 12 – “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids (or virgins) who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’”

The “Kingdom of Heaven” is those that have asked Jesus Christ to become their Savior. Christ due to His love for all of humanity accepts them. So those that accept Him become a part of the Bride which is the true church. They are washed clean and become as virgins to sin.

The oil is the Holy Spirit. We can only keep the Holy Spirit within us is if we honor our body which is a vessel for the Holy Ghost, as mentioned before. We can only honor it by keeping it clean. Free of sin thus a virgin.

Time and again we are told within the Bible to honor God, to not sin, to have self-control. All the letters that form the New Testament say this in some form or another after the book of Acts.

These letter are the instruction manuals for those that have turned their bodies into the property of God. They are the ways we are to treat that which belongs to God, who is the Holy of Holies. We are the vessel of the Holy Spirit.

Do you grasp the meaning of that?

Our bodies which are called corruptible. Have been turned into a holding tank for something that is incorruptible. However we are told we cannot be given an incorruptible body until we are called into the heavens to be with Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:53 – For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

If we are corruptible, which means immoral. How can we contain something that is moral, something that is pure, and something that is holy?

We are tasked through the New Testament to seek after holiness, also known as righteousness. We are told to gain self-control. We are instructed to turn away from sin.

Those that embrace the belief of “once saved always saved,” do not seek after self-control. They say: “I am good to go. I can do as I please because I have Jesus Christ in me.”

They believe they can curse and live in sin. They think they can live their lives as they deem is right. Never considering the will and desires of their Creator. Defiling the Holy Spirit within them.

1 Corinthians 3:16 -17 – Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Since we are corruptible. We must make an active effort to keep our temple clean and pure so it can hold the Holy Ghost within it. That is why when the foolish bridesmaids ask for the wise ones to share their oil. The wise ones reply there is only enough for themselves. For their filling of the Holy Ghost is exclusive to themselves and not to others. You cannot surrender unto others what is given unto you by God.

Now there will be those that challenge what I have said here. There will be those that again say that these people were not saved in the first place. There will be other that say and will still insist that they are saved and welcome to come into heaven. I am a servant to God. These are not my words. I am merely a messenger. A tool being manipulated by the Holy Ghost.

The implication within the parable of the ten virgins. Is that half of those that call themselves “Christian.” Those that belief they live a Christian life. Will find themselves still here upon the earth, when the trumpet blows calling the rest into the sky to meet Jesus Christ.

At the end of the parable Jesus say “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

This is said by Christ earlier in Matthew.

Chapter 7 Verses 21 – 23 – Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

They prophesied, they cast out devils and they did wonderful works. (Mark 16:18; John 14:11-13) None of this is doable without the Holy Spirit being within the corruptible. Yet they allowed that which is corruptible to dominate and control, to diminish and extinguish that which is holy. As a result Christ denies them entry into heaven at the rapture saying “I know you not.” Or as shown here in chapter seven: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Their oil is lacking. Their lamp has burned out. The Holy Ghost has left, because it cannot be in that which is sullied. The branch is broken off of the Vine that is Jesus Christ and is cast into the fire.

They were saved, they were a part of the Vine. You cannot be of the Vine if you are not saved.

John 15:4 – 6 – 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.

We are called to action here. We are tasked to keep Christ within us. We ae told to live a righteous life. To keep ourselves free of sin. For when we embrace sin we allow ourselves to wither become useless to Jesus Christ. So as is stated earlier in John 15 God Himself removes us from our salvation which is found within the Vine which is Jesus Christ.

So there is no such thing as “once saved always saved.” For as is shown in verse 6 those that do not remain within a righteous live is removed from Jesus Christ. As is shown in the KJV they are gathered up by men, otherwise known as the world. So they return to where they came from. The world of sin, which leads to the fire where they are burnt.

2 Peter 2:20 -22 – For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

God Bless

Blog of Podcast #20 (Those who wish to lead must serve)

October 6, 2020bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Christian, God, Jesus, lead, leaderdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Welcome again to another Bible Study and I am Dreamwalker1960

In last week Podcast I mentioned Matthew 20:25-28. Due to the length of last week’s study I could not look deeper into those verses. So today that is what we will do.

Discussion

Matthew 20:25-28 – “But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

In these verses two things are established. How those that are of the world rule over people, and how Christ wishes Christians to rule over themselves. When looking at those in places of power today we can see that many live in the former role and not the latter role. This tells us a lot, and is why this study is important to come to an understanding with.

First and foremost. These are the words of Jesus Christ Himself. He knows that this is how it will be from the way it is then to the way it is now. So people can say they are “Christian.” However, if they flaunt their authority and lord it over those that are under their influence then they are of the world and so cannot be called “Christian,” even if they say they are.

James 4:4 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

Now that we have established this line in the sand. We can now continue with this Bible study.

Let us go verse by verse in the KJV:

Verse 25 – But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Exercise dominion – G2634 – katakyrieuo – to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate [Strong’s]

Subjugate – to defeat people or a country and rule them in a way that allows them no freedom [Cambridge Dictionary]

Exercise authority – G2715 – katexousiazo – to have (wield) full privilege over [Strong’s]

Privilege – an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or because they are rich

So those of the world because they are in a place of authority and are rich wish to rule over those they see as below them and to rule over them by taking away their freedoms. Because they see themselves as better than them for the mere fact they are rich and are in power. Does any of this sound familiar?

Verse 26 – But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Great – G3173 – megas – big [Strong’s]

Minister – G1249 – diakonos – an attendant, i.e. a waiter (at table or in other menial duties) [Strong’s]

Verse 27 – And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Chief – G4413 – protos – foremost (in time, place, order or importance) [Strong’s]

Servant – G1401 – doulos – a slave (literally or figuratively, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency) [Strong’s]

Subserviency – Subordinate in capacity or function.

So those within a Christian based group or government that seek to lead must see themselves not as master or leader. They must see themselves has the servant to those they are place in over. The people’s needs come before their own wants or desires.

As has been previously established in the preceding podcasts we are in the era of the lukewarm church. Also, as shown in previous broadcasts we are in the latter part of this era. Which again brings us to 2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

Now, when you combine verse 25 of Matthew 20 with these verses we can start to establish a clear image of those in places of power, be it in the government, news media and even entertainment, that conform to what is shown in these verses.

Jesus establishes a way for us to approach those that fit into this description. First and foremost, we are to turn away from these people from the world and to separate ourselves from them. This includes inviting them into your household upon the television screen and social media platforms. This also means that if it is within your power to make it possible to not allow them form attaining a place of power. In the United States of America that is called the election process. If they are in power, you vote them out of office. Or not allow them to get into office when there is evidence that they fit within those described in 2 Timothy 3.

Now since the mainstream media at this time does fit within the parameters for 2 Timothy. How are you to seek out a true image of who falls within these verses in the government and entertainment. You seek out alternate sources of information. I myself turn to YouTube. Where I have found multiple alternative sources. Also never accept anything anyone says without investigating it yourselves.

I have left behind most modern areas of entertainment. I do not partake of sports, or watch TV series or modern movies for the most part. Instead I watch movies that are decades old. I also read a lot. I am not here to influence what or how you watch, or who you vote for. Expect where the Bible itself says you are to do so. And yes the Bible does tell you how to vote or watch TV.

If you are to remove yourself form those that lord their power over you and act in ways listed in 2 Timothy 3. Then you should not vote or support any that fall into this category.

But here is your dilemma.

The main stream media (MSM), have shown themselves as something to turn away form as mentioned before in my series “the many faces of the selfish god.” So if they cannot be trust to give you the truth, that would imply that they lie. If they are liars then what are they lying about?

I leave that for you to figure out.

Understand this. All I am doing here is teaching the truth that is found within the Bible. There are those that are showing themselves to be of the world, and as Christians we are to not become involved with those that follow after the lusts for worldly wealth and power. For they are placing and seeking their treasures here upon the earth. Where we as Christians are told to establish our riches in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21)

We as Christian do not live in and for the world but for God through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. So we must follow what the Bible say about such things as to who is to lead.

As shown in Matthew 20 if they are truly Christian they will act as a servant to the people. However, we cannot count upon that alone. We have to come to an understanding of important factors that can cause things to go per the plan of God. Plans that in turn allow certain leaders to come to power. (Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1)

A prime example of this is Adolf Hitler. He truly qualified as the “lowliest of men.” However, God placed him in power over Germany. As a result World War II and the great Holocaust occurred. Nevertheless, a fulfillment of prophecy took place because he came to power. That was the return of the nation of Israel to the world of men. (Ezekiel 39:27)

Does this mean, if it is in our power to peacefully remove those that lead with the mentality of the world within them. We should do so? Most definitely. The one nation that undeniably has this ability is the United States of America. However since those of the world will do anything in their power to maintain control due to their lusts and desires we must be weary that they will lie and cheat to accomplish their wants. Then if they cannot get their way they will go to extremes to ensure that they will return to power if they are not removed in such a way that will prevent this from occurring.

Nevertheless, we must be willing as the children of God to accept what is, when it comes to situations like this. For God’s plan is beyond our understanding and the return of Jesus Christ is near.

God Bless

Blog for podcast #18 (When a myth is not a myth)

September 22, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, Christian, fact, God, Jesus, lukewarm, myth, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro
Welcome to another podcast as we try to come to an understanding of what is within the Bible. Once again this is Dreamwalker1960
Discussion
A myth occurs 150 years after an event was fact. That is what scholars say. A prime example has been seen in this realm very recently. There are those that say Abraham Lincoln was a racist. There are those that say he was a member of the Democrat Party. Both of these things are a myth. He was a member of the Republican Party and it was due to his efforts that slavery was ended. You cannot be a racist if you wish to have all people treated the same thus his desire to end slavery. As a result a Democrat named John Wilkes Booth shot him in the back of the head at close range.
Now why bring up this point about myths?
What causes them?
First and foremost. Those that were alive when the events occurred or when the person lived to counter the “myth,” are no longer around to dispute the fantasy made within it.
Again, why bring this up?
The first solid evidence of the letters that would become the New Testament date to around eighteen years after the crucifixion of Jesus upon the cross. Many people were still alive to verify or deny what is written within the first five gospels of the New Testament due to this fact.
None came forward to deny what is within them.
Archeologist have found and verified several of the locations mentioned in these books.
Historian have found written documentation of the existence of Jesus called Christ outside of the Bible. An example of this is the historian Josephus.
This adds up to saying that Jesus is not a myth, nor is what He did a myth. He did rise from the dead and was seen by many for up to forty days after His resurrection. The day of His resurrection He walked with two of His followers who didn’t even realize it was Him due to God’s design. (Mark 16:12; Luke 24:13-31)
Here is the challenge to us that live in this time of turmoil. A time that shows the fulfillment of prophecy given by Jesus as well as His disciples. We see about us that the behavior of people as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are all about us. We see many about us saying that come in the name of Christ, but instead of teaching the Bible they tell you to seek after riches here in this life we now live. Which is opposite the teachings of Christ Himself who said to place our treasures in the realm that is beyond this life we now live. (Matthew 6:19-21)
It is in these times that Christ said he would spew from Him those that lived in both the world and in the church, known as the lukewarm.
So since Jesus Christ is not a myth, even though unseen at this time. Does this mean we can live our lives separate from what the Bible teaches? The answer is no.
We must turn away from the world and all that it offers and to seek after God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches us how to live our lives. It tells us what is a sin and to leave all sin behind us.
If you cannot turn from what is called a sin yet parade about as if you are of the Bride. Than you are counted amongst the “lukewarm.”
Since we have an active role in where we stand or don’t with God. It is our duty if we truly profess to be Christian to end all sin in our lives. Sins that will in many cases cause us personal anguish. We will have to endure emotional pain, and we will cry. However we must endure this pain if we are to see the promised reward of enteral life.
A few years ago someone whom I call a friend, tried to tell me that the world is not black and white, but it is grey. Now you have to understand why I mention this. This person was the pastor of the church I was attending. To have the spiritual leader of a church say the world is grey is truly sad. It is also another reason I have a distrust of the buildings called “churches.”
Earlier I mentioned Matthew chapter 6. Let me continue from that chapter just a few verses later then I a mentioned a bit ago.
Verse 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.”
Our life as Christians is a black and white existence. We cannot cling onto a sin and at the same time attempt to cling to God. The one thing Jesus disliked the most when He walked amongst us was the hypocrisy he encountered. Especially form those that professed to be the spiritual leaders of Israel. When you live in hypocrisy you are within the realm of the lukewarm.
As I have established in my earlier lesson on the chronological order of the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. We now live in the time of the lukewarm church. We are in the last letter and so are at the end of the church era. This signals that we are in the end times as I showed with my lessons on 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (The Many Faces of the Selfish god).
It is now that we must become more steadfast and more rigid in our beliefs. But not to the point that we would cause those seeking salvation to turn away from God.
Many, especially those under 40 have no true understanding of God or His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. They have been told that God and Jesus are fairytales. That They are a myth. As I have established above. Jesus was no myth. So what is told within the first five books of the New Testament are not a fiction, but historical fact.
Jesus is the Son of God who did walk the earth two thousand years ago. At this time if we look back upon those two thousand years, He would be 20. In ten more years He would begin His ministry which would ultimately lead to His crucifixion and then resurrection three days later.
Jesus never committed any sin. Ever. And was a virgin and pure. Spotless.
Many will scoff at this. They will say none can do that. If He were only human you would be right. No human can go sin free. However, Jesus was not nor even was human. He was God made flesh. To bear witness to the sinful nature of humanity. His flesh was made homely on purpose so those that looked upon Him would scoff and deny His words.(Isaiah 53:2) Just as those that are listening or reading this are scoffing. For they do not understand these concepts I am trying to get them to understand.
The only way we can enter into an eternal life. A life that will last billions upon billions of years is by accepting the reality of what you have been told is not a myth. No one waited 150 years to tell these stories about Jesus. Which would mean they would have been written in approximately 180 A.D. to 210 A.D. We have examples of written parchments dating from 50 A.D. and onward. The book of Revelation the last book of the Bible is said to have been written in the 90s A.D. well before the time when a myth would be written. What is even more important is that it was written by someone who actually walked and talked with Jesus before and after His death and resurrection.
Do you start to understand the import of that last sentence?
Someone who could deny the Bible finished the Bible 60 years after Jesus left. Always professing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and went to the cross for all of our sins and for everyone’s sins. (1 John 1:1-3) That is why it is important to turn away from sin and to seek after a righteous life in the name of Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast # 17 (Who Causes the turmoil in our lives? [Part 2 Conclusion])

September 15, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Lifebible, Bible study, Christian, God, Jesus, lukewarm, turmoildreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro
This is Dreamwalker1960 and welcome to another podcast about the Bible.
Today we continue our look into who causes the turmoil in our lives.
Discussion
James 1:12-15 – God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Temptation comes from our own desire.
In the KJV it says “lusts.” – G1939 – epithymia – a longing (especially for what is forbidden) desire, lust (after) [Strong’s]
We are tempted by our own weakness. Our corrupt body we are stuck with until we die or are taken into the sky and given an incorruptible body in its stead.
This is what we must learn to have self-control over. This is our part in this relationship with God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Why did James write these words if we don’t have to do anything but just become saved?
This is one of the things many don’t understand.
These letters that form the New Testament were sent to people who had become saved. They were part of the body of Christ. They were counted amongst those that are called the bride.
Many today do not understand this simple concept with the Bible. They believe they can live their lives as they see fit just because one day they said “Jesus is my Savior.” Then went about their lives as if nothing changed except going to church on Sunday and singing a few songs.
We have an active part to play in our relationship with God and His Son.
Because if we do not seek to be righteous then we will falter and fail and as the verse itself states die once again in the sight of the Lord.
“These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
We are told that we will be put through tough times. We are told that if there is no discipline then we are not worthy of the effort. If you go through life and experience no trials or tribulations are you truly saved?
If we go through trials it is for our ultimate good that we go through these times. We are told to rejoice for in being placed through these trials we know that we are counted amongst those that in time will inherit the eternal life that is yet to come. If someone does not suffer these tribulations then we are told these people are not counted amongst those that will inherit eternity with God and His Son Jesus Christ.
We are told that after the Great White Throne Judgment as shown in Rev. 20:11-15. There will be a new universe as seen in Rev. 21. What does this mean to us? Only God knows the answer to that question. I do know without any doubt that we will not be limited to an existence just found upon this new earth. The fate of being placed in one location is known for a group of people. For it is the fate of those that are to live their eternal life in the Pit of Fire. Yes I said “their eternal life.” For all humanity will have an eternal life. It will just be in one of two distinct ways. Those that are the children of God will not have the fate of those that reject God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. So those that experienced the death mentioned in verse 15 will be experiencing only a spiritual death that will lead them ultimately to the Pit of Fire. Their holding place at this time, for those that have left this life, is known as hell.
We are all given free will. We are all given the opportunity to accept God and His Son. No one is rejected from the chance to choose to accept or deny God. However, there are those that never known of this choice. Those that are of that group will be judged upon their earthly behavior, because they never knew or heard of God or His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Unlike most that live in the world today who have heard of God. For all have within them a sense of what is good or bad. This sense is magnified once we accept Christ. For we are given insight by God through His Son and the filling of the Holy Ghost, as well as what is taught within the Bible. Those that never knew of God or His Son will have their actions be their defense. If they lived a good life they will be welcomed into the family of God. If they lived an evil life, they will join those that reject the Creator of all. And as I said a few moments ago that does not include most that live in today’s world. For only a small amount of people that live in isolated areas of the world qualify as never having heard of God or His Son our Savior.
But I have gotten off track.
It is our lusts that causes us to take our eyes off of Christ. It is our lack of self-control that causes the turmoil in our lives. It is our unwillingness to accept these facts that if left alone we will fall from our salvation and lead us away from God and His Son toward the darkness of the world and then spiritual death.
What we need to understand and address is that we must accept that if the Bible says something is a sin it is a sin. It is something that we must turn away from to become righteous and holy. We must have a repentant heart, mind and soul. We must be willing to accept pain and sorrow in many cases if we are to reject sin.
Sin is temporal. It may give us a momentary time of exhilaration. That euphoria it causes doesn’t stay with us constantly. However, the fact that we sought after it and desire it more than we desire God does stay with us. Will we be able to rid ourselves of all sin? No. Nevertheless, we must strive and even struggle to purge sin from our lives. If this means we must leave a type of lifestyle that we enjoy in this earthly realm then that is what we must do.
Depending upon the type of sin we have within us that turns us away from God and our Savior, His Son, Jesus Christ. It may require extreme measures on our part. As an example alcoholism. Many if not all that suffer from this sin enter into Alcoholics Anonymous and go through this 12 step program to help them to gain self-control of this sin.
There are other sins where people have formed a relationship with another human. The pain required to end this sin in that moment can feel extremely painful and will bring you to tears. However, it is a line that must be crossed if we are to seek after true salvation. If we are to pursue righteousness.
Remember this one important fact. That Jesus Christ will be there for you. All you need do is ask, and to seek for Him in your heart, mind and soul as well as the pages of the Bible.
The very fact that Jesus allowed Himself to be arrest. The fact that Jesus spoke little when He was on trial. The fact that Jesus took the lashes to his back that tore His skin. Causing Him to bleed out so much that He could not carry His own cross out of Jerusalem. The fact that He went up onto the cross and died upon it. All of this was due to His love for all of humanity. If Jesus was so willing to endure so much pain and torture. How you can doubt Him or His Father?

God Bless

Bolg for Podcast #10

July 28, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, Christian, God, Jesus, lifestyle, lukewarmdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Welcome to the tenth podcast as I reach my first milestone in podcasting. Thanks once again for joining me. You can read today’s broadcast and all my previous ones as well at dreamwalker1960.com.
Today we will look into today’s world and how most have a misunderstanding of wealth. I apologies if this broadcast runs a bit long but the topic needs the time given to it.

Discussion
First off we need to look again to Laodicea and what we established about this city. It was a city of commerce placed at the crossroads of major trade routes. They were so wealth that a few decades before they were mentioned in the book of Revelation, which was written in the last decade of the first century. This city was devastated by an earthquake. Yet due to their wealth they needed no outside money to rebuild the city.
Now we look at the world today. The majority of it’s wealth is due to worldwide commerce. A wealth on a global scale that is unequal to any other time in history. As an example in 1900 the average annual income for a carpenter was around just over $1000 per year. In 2018 the average was $47000 per year. Now I know there has been inflation and other factors to make this $47000 appear to not be much. But let’s just look at the pure numbers themselves. Going from $1000 per year to $47000 per year in just over one hundred years. Just look at this from the perspective of the carpenter of 1900. Earning 47 years of his annual salary in one year. This simple comparison shows how wealth has increased over forty times in just over one hundred years. The discussion is not about the other factors that apply to this income. It is the pure cash itself to show how much wealth is in the world today.
My point?
Is that the city of Laodicea and the world today are and were both cash rich aka wealthy. Which helps to identify the time we now live within as the era of the lukewarm.
Now the other day I had a discussion about my earlier podcast entitled: “You are a ‘lukewarm’ if……..” Again you can read that at dreamwalker1960.com or listen to it in your history where ever you are accessing this podcast. In this discussion the point came up about my mention of the need for a couple or a single person to have need for a large home or mansion to live in.
In those podcasts I address the young rich man and Christ reply to the disciples about how difficult it is for a rich person to get into heaven. Due to this discussion I see the need to expand on the information given to us in the Bible itself.
1 John 3:17 – If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
Let’s look at it in the King James.
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
This world’s – G2889 – kosmos – orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration, by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense including it inhabitance literarily or figuratively) [Strong’s]
Good – G979 – bios – life, i.e. (literarily) the present state of existence, by implication the means of livelihood. [Strong’s]
To paraphrase the TDNT. The use of the word “kosmos” was something that was just coming into existence in the first century. Its use in the Bible was mainly done by John who wrote the books of John, 1 John, 2 John and Revelation. It’s reference here was pointed toward Strong’s word of “decoration.” Simply adornments of the body and of the home. What we call luxuries. However, his point was that these decorations were not the treasures of heaven but of the world.
To state this verse in its basic terms if someone who calls themselves “Christian” yet have the riches of the world however sees his or her fellow Christian in need financially and does nothing for them then how can God truly be in them.
Is this not a description of a “lukewarm.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
This verse describes how those given worldly wealth should use that wealth if they call themselves “Christian.” So let’s look at this in the KJV.
Verse 17 – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Them that are rich – G4145 – plousios – wealthy; figuratively abounding with [Strong’s}
World – G165 – aion – an age by extension perpetuity by implication the world [Strong’s]
Highminded – G5309 – hypselophroneo – to be lofty in mind, arrogant [Strong’s]
a – arrogant – unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people:
There is so much to unwrap just in this one verse. First off if you are rich. It is not you who made you so. God has given you everything.
Now let’s look at this from the point that I started this discussion with. That we now live within a rich era. Most people in general live a life that is full of earthly riches. Which in turn has led many to a mentality that their way is the right way. That they know better how others should live. So they make it their business to get into that other people’s business. This is high-mindedness.
We are also not to trust in worldly wealth. We are to look to God and enjoy what he has given us. However, we now need to go on to the next verse where we are given exact points on how those that are rich are to live their wealthy lives.
Verse 18 – That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
That they do good – G14 – agathoergeo- to work good, do good [Strong’s]
That they be rich – G4147 – plouteo – to be (or become) wealthy [Strong’s]
Good – G2570 – kalos – beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. valuable or virtuous [Strong’s]
a – virtuous – having good moral qualities and behavior:
Works – G2041 – ergon – (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act [Strong’s]
In the TDNT they spend seventeen and a half pages discussing the word “works.” Its usage in the old and new Testaments. It’s meaning in Jewish society in Old Testament times and Greco-Roman times. It’s meaning to Plato and Aristotle. How Philo applied it and how Paul meant it to be used in the letters he wrote. What I boiled it down to is this. There are acts. Like paying taxes and there are works like helping your fellow human being in coming to the Lord God through Jesus Christ.
We all perform “acts.” And many today consider them to be “works.” The word “works” should always be considered doing something for the glory of God. Is God glorified when you pay your taxes? No He is not. Here is my point going back to 1 John 3:17. A Christian with money sees a fellow Christian in tough times. The one with money says: “Well this is why I pay taxes they should just go on welfare.” That is an act, it is also high-mindedness. Another Christian with money sees their fellow disciple in Christ in dire straits and gives them money enough to pay their bills feed their family and get them by until they can get on their feet once again. That is works. As is witnessed by the next part of verse 18.
Ready to distribute – G1511, G2130 – einai, eumetadotos
Einai – present in; to exist
Eumetadotos – good at imparting, i.e. liberal
a – imparting – to grant a share of, bestow
a1 – bestow – to give something as an honor or present
b – liberal – Given, used, or occurring in generous amounts.
Willing to communicate – G2843 – koinonikos – communicative, (pecuniarily) liberal
a – pecuniarly – in terms of money, financially
b – liberal – giving generously
So what are the points that have been established in this verse:
1) They do work that is good toward the will of God.
2) That they seek to be virtuous and thus valuable to God
3) They be ready to give willingly and generously of their money that has been given to them by God at a moment’s notice
4) That they make it known verbally that they are ready to be generous to those within the Christian community and showing no restraint in how much they are willing to give.
How is it possible to achieve these four points if most people’s money is tied up in a huge house, a fancy car or cars, maybe two homes or other things of the world?
It isn’t.
This is how Jesus saw this issue.
Luke 12:13-21 – Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
This is why James says this in James 5
Verses 1-6 – Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. 4 For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you.
This echoes what Christ said in Matthew 6:19-21, but in a sterner manner.
The world we now live within is filled with worldly riches which has distracted many away from God. Seeking after one’s own personal desires and wants is counter to what is taught in 1 Timothy 6. The majority of wealth per these verses should be managed in such fashion that the majority of it is set to be used for those within the body of Christ. This is witnessed in Mark 12
Verses 41-44 – Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
This gives you the true image of how those that profess to be “Christian” should be handling their money for God. The majority should be set aside for God and for use by body of Christ.
Simply those that say a person should tithe ten percent of their wealth to the church is wrong. It should be a majority of whatever their income is to be set aside for those within the Body of Christ and it is to be managed by the person that earned it. All the while they live off the least amount possible of their income. Then when someone within the Body of Christ has dire need this majority share it is able to be gotten into quickly and able to be given freely without any concern if its return for it is a gift. Not by the giver but from God.
However this is not how those that live in today’s world can accept this philosophy. Why? Because they have never been taught the correct way to be a true child of God. All are guilty of this. All are sinners in this aspect of their lives. That includes me. All we can do is strife to correct this error.
For due to these riches our true focal point is not God, but ourselves. We have all broken the first commandment.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
Which is why Jesus Christ said:
“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.” Mathew 6:24

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #9

July 21, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Dreams, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, Christian, God, Jesus, white robesdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Into

Welcome to another broadcast and I am Dreamwalker1960. Once again you can read today’s podcast at dreamwalker1960.com. You can also listen to it on YouTube. Please like and subscribe.
Discussion

Today will be the toughest Bible study I am most likely to ever record. In addition and also tough to talk about. Will be one of the dreams I believe I was given from God in accordance to Acts 2:17. Which also serves as verification that we are living in the end times.
If you have been following my teachings. You will remember the offer the Glorified Jesus Christ made to the church of Laodicea. To surrender the gold of the earth for heavenly gold. As well as covering their nakedness with garments of white.
Why do I mention this?
Well there is other places where there is a mention of white garments or robes in Revelation. Here is one of them:
Revelation 7:9 – 10 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
Many do not understand what is going one here.
I have been studying the end time prophecies most of my life. I realize there are multiple views on this. However, of all the commentaries I have read. Then through analyzing these studies by looking into the Greek. I have found the John Walvoord Prophecy Commentaries to be the one that follows a true logical formula to not only the book of Revelation but as well as the books of Mathew, Daniel as well as First and Second Thessalonians.
As a result of my own studies and taking into account the Walvoord commentaries. I have come to the following belief. And Yes I say “belief,” because I do realize many will not accept what I am going to say.
There are multiple raptures throughout the Tribulation period. As a result there are going to be a lot of people that are going to find themselves not in heaven standing before the Throne of God after the first rapture, but still here upon this earth.
This is actually fortified by the verses I just read, which I feel is a depiction of the second rapture, which occurs in the middle of the Tribulation.
Why I say this is due to the preceding verses in which the elect of the Tribulation receive the seal of God. These are named as members of the tribes of Israel. There is no way around this description. It clearly names 12,000 from each tribe of Israel and shows that these are the true 144,000 and that they are Israelites otherwise known as Jews. This is done just before or while the altar to the last Temple is defiled by the antichrist. Why they are sealed is something to be handled at other time.
Right now we are concerned about the number uncountable standing before the Throne of God in verse nine wearing white robes.
Six times there is a reference to white robes, linen or garments in the book of Revelation. The first is when Christ ask the seventh church to wear them (Rev. 3:18). The second refers to the twenty-four elders (Rev. 4:4). The third time they are given to the martyrs below the altar (Rev. 6:11). The fourth and fifth deal with the multitude before the throne (Rev. 7:9 and 13). And the sixth deals with what the armies that follow Christ upon His return to earth wear (Rev.19:14).
Now the majority of times white clothing is mentioned a theme is established.
Revelation 6:9-11 – When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. 10 They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.
Revelation 7:13-14 – Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.
The theme is that of martyrdom. In chapter six those under the altar ask why they must wait and their answer is that not all the martyrs are accounted for. While in verse 7:14 we are told they are all the martyred. This too adds a chronological order to the book of Revelation. So those that stand before the Throne of God are all that is left of those upon the earth that turn to Jesus Christ after the first rapture, which takes place between the last verse of Chapter 3 and the first verse of Chapter 4. During the ensuing time of tribulation when the events of Mark 13:9-13 occur is what leads to the last of the martyrs enduring to the end.
This tells us that those left upon the earth after the first rapture are those that live in sin and Israel.
This must be said. There is a clear understanding of those that are counted amongst them are the “lukewarm.” They will not be in the first rapture, for they have been spit out of the body of Jesus Christ per His own words.
Now the question that needs to be asked is this:
Will all those that are the lukewarm then become martyrs?
That is not in my job description as teacher. I am not a prophet.
Can I speculate? Yes I can.
Doing so I will say that there will be those that will feel betrayed by God. Mainly due to a lack of true understanding of the Bible or its teachings within it. However it is not God who has done the betraying. It is they who have done so. Many will decide to receive the mark of Satan and accept the chip into the hand. So they can continue to live their lives in the worldly lusts they desire more than the eternal salvation offered to all. They will do this as those others that are lukewarm awaken to the errors of their ways and turn again to salvation and offer themselves up to the teaching of the gospel so those willing to hear will hear and turn to God through the blood of Jesus Christ. And they will willingly surrender to their fates as martyrs, for they know that in a short time they will at the very least be under the altar and at the most be counted among the uncountable as they stand before the Throne of God in a truly very short time. For they will know without any question or doubt that they are at the beginning of the Tribulation. And it best to die a martyr than to receive the mark or accept the chip.
This brings me to one of my dreams I was given in the late 1980s. In this dream I found myself in chains, which not only held my hands and feet but led to those in front and behind me. All in these chains were glad in grey. Which I now take to identify that we are lukewarm. Neither hot or white for God through Jesus Christ. Nor cold or black for those living in sin.
We were herded into a Walmart. Its shelves rifled and cleaned out. Those herding us were barley glad yet covered in tattoos. They laughed and mocked us as they pushed us to the back of the store, which had become our jail. A monument to our desires to have the riches of the world instead of the riches of salvation, as they moved us toward the back, to be held in this store as if mocking us for our stupidity.
It must be said that in the late 1980s tattoos were around, but they had not become as prevalent as they are today.
One of these people driving us stood upon the now empty racks. Jeering us as his lashed us with the wipe in his hands. As he yelled his insults at us a cheer came up from the back of the line. As I looked back I saw a boy no more than twelve come into view at the end of the isle. He was filthy and the beginning of tattoos was evident upon his skin. A huge grin spread across his face and his eyes were filled with a type of insanity. Just looking upon him sent chills into me. Then I noticed what he was carrying in one of his hands as he thrust it over his head.
Within his hand was a severed head of a woman, as he held it up by her blonde hair. Those herding us began to yell and cheer with delight at the sight of this. I went into shock as once again they began to move us to the back of the store.
Once we were at the back of the store we were given cots to lay upon. Showing us they we were not worth of the luxuries of this world. Then one by one those with me were taken to door at the back of the store. Then my time came and I went through these doors. What happened next I have no idea for at that moment all went black and it was that way from some time until I awoke from my dream. Something that has never occurred before or since in any of my dreams.
Now with that imagery upon your mind. I come to what we can do to change this from becoming a reality to those willing to listen. That being we must all diligently begin to study the Bible. As a foundation I give you these verses.
Acts 17:11 – 12 – And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.
In the KJV of verse 11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
And searched – G350 – anakrino – to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine [Strong’s]
The paraphrased interpretation of this word in the TDNT gives this impression:
That these people came at what was said by Paul and Silas with doubt. However they were so determined to find the truth that they found what these two men had said to be THAT TRUTH. So as a result they became saved and accept Jesus Christ as the true Messiah and their Savior.
My point?
That the people did not accept the words given to them without question as many do these days. They went to the scriptures.
The scriptures – G1124 – graphe – a document, i.e. holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it) [Strong’s]
The only complete scriptures at this time was the Tanakh. It is this they searched through and found within, what we call the Old Testament, the Truth. It is not merely the fact that they found the truth. It is that they thoroughly searched.
We are not to take the words given to us a fact, just because it comes from someone who has been given a type of authority over us. Which goes back to the time I mentioned when the Methodist Minister said the book of Revelation was a fairy tale.
We are to not just read the Bible but we are to research the Bible. I use the Strong’s Concordance and the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. This is something we ALL should be using.
We should not just accept what a Minister, Pastor, politician, professor or new broadcaster tells us. We should never take anything on face value. Not even me. A few episode back I had said the message about Jesus being the vine was after His Resurrection. That was wrong, and I corrected it as soon as possible.
This goes to my point. I made a mistake. Why? Because I am human.
We should always verify for ourselves what is given to us. This is our duty as Christians. To seek out and find the truth and to show what is true to the world. Then if they doubt us they can research for themselves and they may come to the truth themselves.
This is how you end the lukewarm, which is my ultimate goal. For they will know the truth of the Gospel and realize they are living in sin and end it by not just seeking for the truth but who is the TRUTH. That being the true image of Jesus Christ our Savior and Messiah.
God Bless

The Seven Churches (Part 8) – The letter to Laodicea

June 30, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Christian, churches, God, Jesus, Laodicea, Revelation, sevendreamwalker1960 View all 8 comments

re-post
The City is Laodicea was found on the road to Colossae some forty miles southeast of Philadelphia. The city had become wealthy under Roman rule and were known for their production of wool garments. They were so wealthy in fact that after an earthquake in 60 A.D. the city had rebuilt itself off its own resources. There had been references to the existence of the church up into the fourteenth century, but now the city is nothing but ruins. Paul mentioned Laodicea in his letter to Colossae.

Revelation 3:14 – And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: “The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.”

CHRIST THE ETERNAL AND FAITHFUL WITNESS: Christ called Himself the “Amen” which mean “so be it,” something He used frequently during His time when He walked amongst us. As Dr. Walvoord states it: “As a title for Christ it indicates His sovereignty and the certainty of the fulfillment of His promises.”
He also called Himself the faithful and true Witness, which tells us that he see all and knows all. Within our minds and in our actions and when the time comes and those that do not understand why they are standing before the Great White Throne instead of in the audience looking upon the judgment that is soon to follow will then simply look upon the Glorified Jesus and they will instantly know the answer without even having to ask the question.

Revelation 3:15-16 – “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Christ does not mince words with those that lived in Laodicea. It made it clear and plain. Without works and faith together you are dead and a bitter taste unto God and must be cast out of the Body.
James 2 (KJV) – 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Christ makes it very clear he would rather you be cold or against God then to be lukewarm. But what are works? The key to works is found within the two new commandments given to us by Christ:
Matthew 22(KJV) – 34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Revelation 3:17-18 – “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”

This is also today’s church which has been seduced by the luxuries of this soft and pampering world we now live within. Even now the children revolt against their elders. Thinking they know better than those that have been in this world longer. They have been so spoiled that they wish to have everything just handed over to them. This is selfishness to the extreme. This is the total opposite of placing God first and treating all those about you as you would wish to be treated yourself. The golden rule is dead and it was killed by those that wished to kick God totally out of the world. Well now as violence is on the increase. Different social groups begin to self-segregate, refusing in interact with none but their “own.”

Revelation 3:19 – “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent”

Christ here makes it clear that those HE LOVES he will “reprove and discipline.” So the next time you feel like accusing someone, especially someone who appears to be a Christian, of “judging,” remember it may not be.
2 Timothy 4(KJV) – 4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
We are as Christians are instructed by the Bible to reprove, rebuke and to exhort and any that calls this “judging” are wishing to stay lukewarm and desire to be spit out of the Body of Christ.

Revelation 3:20-22 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Seven Churches (Part 7) – The letter to Philadelphia

June 30, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Christian, churches, God, Jesus, Philadelphia, Revelation, sevendreamwalker1960 One comment

re-post
The city of Philadelphia now known as Alasehir has existed for a long time even though located in a region that suffered from earthquakes. It is twenty-eight miles southeast of Sardis.

Revelation 3:7 – And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: “The words of the Holy One, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.”

CHRIST THE HOLY SOVEREIGN: Jesus being the son of God and who walked amongst us to know us and then took our sins was given the keys of David upon His arrival in heaven. Between the time of His crucifixion and His resurrection Christ went into the hell itself and took the keys of death and hell. He is the holder of the keys and all actions go through Him. Any door of opportunities are opened and closed by Him. Biblically this is also associated with Isaiah 22:22 in reference to Eliakim the son of Hilkiah who was placed in charge of the kings treasure. As Dr. Walvoord says in his commentary: “The Philadelphia church, surrounded by paganism and wickedness, needed the assurance Christ gives that He has to power to bring about His sovereign will.”

Revelation 3:8-9 – “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is about to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie – behold. I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.”

Dr. Walvoord believes the image of an open door is in reference to opportunities for the witness of the gospel and to spread the word of that Jesus is the Messiah. Of all the options he listed this one makes the most sense. I do not agree with his opinion of the fallen away Jews though. Christ and God have never let their desire and love for the Jewish people fade. This does not mean that the Jewish people have done the same for Him. It has been twenty-five years since the destruction of the Temple by the Roman army. It is my personal believe that these Jews fell away in their true faith of God and had started to embrace the world about them since in their eyes God had abandoned them. Then to have the Christians of their city professing the Son of God and the Messiah made the Jewish congregation turn to wrath not only out of hearing a group profess of a true Messiah but also out of their falling away from their believe in God and their own guilt was a factor as well.

Revelation 3:10-11 – “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

To me this praise given to the church of Philadelphia supports my above statement. For in prophecy the Jewish nation is not given this promise that the Christians are given. We are offered the Rapture while the Jewish nation is to stay upon the earth during the Tribulation to come.
Historically for the church as a whole this period of praise, worship, and ability to spread the gospel took place between the 1500s till the middle of the 1960s. After this the time of the great falling away started to take place and in my opinion was celebrated at Woodstock by Satan in 1969.

Revelation 3:12-13 – “The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from My God out of heaven and My own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To those that overcome and live a faithful life to Christ are promised glorious rewards in this closing. They who have an ear, let them hear.

The Seven Churches (Part 6) – The letter to Sardis

June 30, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Christian, churches, God, Jesus, Revelation, Sardis, sevendreamwalker1960 One comment

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Sardis the capitol of the country Lydia was located fifty miles east of Smyrna and thirty miles southeast of Thyatira. It was also located on the main trade caravan route. Much of the wealth for this city came from textiles, dyes and jewelry. Found near each other are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and a Christian Church.

Revelation 3:1 – And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: “The words of Him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

CHRIST THE POSSESSOR OF THE SPIRIT: This is the first of two letters that have no commendation. Instead it goes straight into a rebuke. Here Christ is in possession of the seven spirits of God, the same which were shown before the throne of God in the first chapter of Revelation. This is a reference to the sevenfold character of the Holy Spirit as described in Isaiah 11:2-5. He also holds the seven stars which are the angels of the seven churches. This is to show Sardis that He has the power to judge them in righteousness.

Revelation 3:2-3 – “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”

Even though most were seen as dead to Christ, there were those that still has a spark of the life of Christ within them. His admonishment in these verses is to cause them to awaken from their decline unto death like the rest of those about them. Wealth and luxuries were all about them. The world was pleasing to look upon and so they felt contentment and peace. This wealth allowed them to live a life where the actions of faith were seen and heard, but the fruits they bore were dead and rotten.
It is also amazing how the hand of God works. For though this letter was written to the church of Sardis in the mid 90s A.D. God had planted His message to this church hundreds of years before. First in 549 B.C. when Cyrus the king of Persia conquered the city and again in 214 B.C. when Antiochus the Great conquered Sardis in the exact same way. It was at night and it was where the guards were not looking.
For the church as a whole this reflects the point in history between the time of the first discovery of the Americas (or rediscovery, however you wish to view that), till the time of the landing of the Puritans at Plymouth Rock. Within this time events like the later part of the inquisition were still in practice as well as the formation of the Church of England. Both of which were dead, but from them rose the Quakers and the Puritans.

Revelation 3:4-6 – “Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. 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.”

Here is a critical part of the Bible. Something many do not wish to hear or accept. For to do so would mean that they have to change their lives. That they need to awaken for the slumber unto to death.
The sentence is setup for what is to follow within these three verses. “Yet you have still a few names in Sardis,” is directly set to work with “and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.”
The other setup is “people who have not soiled their garments, and they walk in white,” which connects to “the one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments.”
Why is this important? To the first point. The way the sentence is worded at the beginning “yet you still have,” this implies that at one time their names were in the book of life. They had been saved, they had been known, they had been seen by God. So to the next point. They had white garments and they then soiled them and fell into death as a result.
John 15:1-2 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
2 Peter 2: 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
So per the Bible the man-made doctrine of “once saved always saved” is just that man-made, a lie, a falsehood. Designed to put those not willing to hear to sleep unto death in the eyes of God. As was stated earlier to the church of Sardis we are to stay ever vigilant by learning the word of God, but staying true to the teachings of the Bible and not allowing in those things that are called sins, or allowing the luxuries of a soft and pampered life to overwhelm us and send us into a sleep we will never awaken from.

The Seven Churches (Part 5) – The letter to Thyatira

June 30, 2020bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Christian, churches, God, Jesus, Revelation, seven, Thyatiradreamwalker1960 One comment

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The city of Thyatira is about forty miles southeast of Pergamum in a rich agricultural area. It was known for the making of purple dye. How the church of this community come into existence is unknown. What is known is that a woman named Lydia was brought to Christ by Paul in Acts 16.

Revelation 2:18 – And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: “The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.”

CHRIST THE HOLY ONE: Here Jesus introduces Himself as the “Son of God” instead of what He usually called Himself the “Son of man.” Since in every church how He describes Himself is part of the message to each church, how he depicts Himself is important. Here He is stating clearly that is the only way to God.
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
As Dr. Walvoord puts it: “The church of Thyatira was tolerating a departure from the true worship of Christ that was so serious that He responded with burning indignation and purifying judgment.”

Revelation 2:19 – “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.”

COMMENDATION: None of the preceding churches were commended for their love of Christ, but this church is. Those that are loyal to God within this church truly are, but….

Revelation 2:20-23 – “But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am He who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”

It is doubtful that the woman’s name was actually “Jezebel” it was a reference to the wife of Ahab of 1 Kings 16 who was known for her subtle corruption, immorality, and idolatry. This same influence has welcomed its way into this church and was corrupting it in the worst way possible. Jesus said He would cause her to fall ill and those that follow her practices into great tribulation.
Dr. Wolvoord found it notable that “adultery” was specifically called out against this church, since other churches has encountered “sexual immorality” as he states this: “is indicated, a reference to the violation of the marriage vow. Those in Thyatira who had sinned in this way had not only violated the moral law of God, but had sinned against their covenant relationship with God that bound them to inward as well as outward purity.”
This church is seen in the overall church throughout the Middle Ages. In this time Catholicism worshipped the mother of Jesus Christ and began placing statues everywhere. This is idolatry and also tries to approach God through someone that cannot and should not be used to gain access to God. Also in this time period took place such great events as the Plague, The Crusades, and various other hardships that devastated the population of humanity. From within this also came the Protestant Reformation which were those that saw the corruption within the Catholic Church and so separated themselves from it.
Dr. Wolvoord stated it this way: “The idolatry being tolerated in Thyatira also foreshadows the departure from the scriptural doctrine of the finished sacrifice of Christ. In the Middle Ages the false teaching of the continual sacrifice of Christ was advocated, transforming the observation of the elements of the Lord’s Supper into another sacrifice of Christ. This fundamental error of the church in the Middle Ages has been corrected in modern Protestantism by the recognition of the bread and the cup as symbols, but not the sacrifice itself, which Christ performed once and for all on the cross of Calvary, In contrast to the false doctrine exalting the Virgin Mary, Christ introduces Himself to the church of Thyatira as the Son of God, The One to whom alone we owe our redemption and in whose hands our final judgment rests.”
As I stated in part 1 of this series that the doctor was not a fan of Catholicism, but he himself was blind to the erroneous teaching of “once saved always saved,” which in itself is leading to the great apostasy and will be witnessed later in the letters that follow.

Revelation 2:24-25 – “But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold the teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come.”

Here is the first time in all the letters that a group is singled out within a local church as being true to Christ and He encouraged them to continue to do so. This also shows that the idea that these churches do truly reflect the church as a whole throughout the centuries could be fact. Since as mentioned above the Reformation took place, separating those that saw the corruption within the Catholic Church and like Martin Luther who started it, left that church behind. Here also is made mention for the first time of Jesus return to earth in His second coming.

Revelation 2:26-29 – “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
In this closing Jesus promises those that overcome will be shepherds unto the nations that exist after His return and as God gave Him authority, He shall pass that authority on to those that prevail.