faith

Bog for Podcast #208 (The Narrow Path)

June 1, 2024bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, Christian, faith, God, Jesus, life, narrow path, sin, truthdreamwalker1960 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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus back to talk to his family. This is Abraham’s reply:

Luke 16:29-31 NKJV – Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ “

“Neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

This parable taught by Christ preceded Himself being risen from the dead. Why He taught this was to show that once He was risen. Those that have sought after money. Those that seek to be rich would never listen to what is taught within the Word of God. This has been seen as true. For most would rather keep their earthly wealth and even seek after more. Bringing the reality to these verses:

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

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

Most don’t understand that by keeping and seeking after money they chose to follow what is earthly over what is heavenly. Most can’t even conceive of an eternal existence. They just seek after earthly comforts and pleasures. Most don’t even spread the Good News. This in turn brings in another parable:

Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV – “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness.”

Most qualify for this title of “unprofitable servant.” Because they bury their talent. They covet their salvation and refuse to share it with anyone.

They proudly profess their personal salvation. They refuse to share how others can become a servant of Christ. Also, very few give away their earthly wealth. So few that you never hear of it for decades if not centuries. This is why Jesus Christ said this:

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.

What is required to enter the narrow gate IS difficult. It is difficult to downsize. It is difficult to live a needs-only existence as instructed by the Bible itself:

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV – Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

“Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

This verse teaches a needs-only existence. Yet, how many the moment they accept Christ as their Savior downsize?

I know of none. In fact, I didn’t myself until I thoroughly studied the Word of God for myself. Then it took years to downsize properly once I entered into a needs-only lifestyle. That is why I know it is difficult because I have lived it personally.

Does this guarantee to me that I am on the narrow path through the narrow gate? I will only know that answer to that on the day I awaken in the presence of God. For as I have shown in past studies of the Word of God none can know for sure they are going to heaven. Any that say they are, are saying they are living without sin. In addition they have called Jesus Christ Himself a liar.

1 John 1:8-10 NKJV – If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

This is also a part of the difficult journey. The path to eternity.

Jesus Christ makes it very clear in all His teaching what is required to take the narrow path. The key element. Follow His teachings. This is seen in the sermon on the mount. This is found within all His teachings. With key elements like not praying in public. Spreading the Word of God. Living a needs-only lifestyle. What is most important of all is not living a lawless lifestyle.

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

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!’

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

Those that teach people that it is by faith alone, that they are OSAS, teach lawlessness. They teach people to break the least of the commandments. They teach people to take the wide path and enter into the wide gate. They don’t teach salvation, but damnation. They willingly ignore the difficult path and avoid the narrow gate.

Why?

Because it is too difficult for them. It is too hard for them.

They don’t want to surrender their comforts, their homes, their pleasures. Because they cannot nor do they understand the concept of eternity.

They can’t see past 100 years. That is why they ignore the narrow path. That is why they refuse to enter into the narrow gate.

Jesus promises treasures in heaven. That we are to seek after our eternal rewards. Treasures that will last for billions upon billions upon billions of years.

100 v 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

It is like the odds of Jesus Christ fulfilling all the prophecies foretold within the OT. Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies. Therefore, heavenly rewards that will last for billions of years are true as well. But here is the rub.

Gold has so much value in the new earth that it is used to make roads. It has the same value as asphalt.

Revelation 21:21 NKJV – The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Therefore, our riches are not materials or possessions. It will be something greater and more glorious than any will ever know. That is until we enter our immortal body and begin to live our immortal life.

Seeking after the narrow and difficult path is just that. But most start down the path and find it too demanding. They do as the Spirit inspired Peter to say in his second letter.

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

They would rather live in this world and embrace possessions. To live a needs-only existence is beyond what they have been told and taught what is required to live their earthly existence. Because to them this is all there is. For there is no eternity. However, they don’t realize the moment they deny eternity they deny their Savior Jesus Christ and so in turn they deny their own salvation.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #205 (Those That Say They Know for Sure They are Going to Heaven)

May 11, 2024bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Bible study, Christian, faith, God, Jesus, liar, life, sin, truth, worksdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

The other day someone said that due to not teaching that they are sure they are going to heaven they left a certain religion.

I have to say this. Any who says they are 100% sure they are going to heaven have just called Jesus Christ Himself a liar. For when someone says they are certain they are going to heaven they are saying they have no sin within them. This is what the Bible says about those that say they have no sin within them:

Therefore, any who say they are certain they are going to heaven do not know the Truth of the Word of God, and it is not in them. Since it is not in them, are they even really saved? That is something they need to debate with themselves.

This type of belief comes from those that believe in faith alone is all you need. However, it is made clear within the Bible that faith alone means eternal death.

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

Therefore, those that seek after faith alone seek after eternal death. That is why the letters of the NT time again offer warnings. Warnings not to live in sin. These letters were aimed at people that accepted and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They were saved, yet they were and are warned, over and over.

This means no one can say they know for sure they are going to heaven. This is why we are to fear God, yet those that seek faith alone celebrate God in ways they actually insult their Creator.

Psalms 111:10 NKJV – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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

When people say they are sure they are going to heaven, they have no fear of God. Therefore, they show they despise the wisdom found within the Word of God and wish to be snared within the trap of eternal death and damnation.

The moment someone laughs at what has been said here brings the reality to Proverbs 1:7. It also brings the reality to these verses from the letter to the 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.

By laughing they are showing hatred and causing contention. If they became or become angry, they are showing an outburst of wrath and so are causing dissension. By insisting they are right over the Word of God they are announcing to all they are heretics. All this means they are working from the flesh and not from the Spirit. As a result, the question can be asked: are they saved? This is why Peter was led to write these words:

People can become saved and then lose their salvation. Jesus Christ made this very clear in John 15:

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 has been shown when doing a deep dive study of these verses. None can be on the Vine unless they are saved. Abiding in Christ means a life of works through faith. Those that do not perform works and live by faith alone show they do not bear fruit. As a result they are removed from the vine. AKA, they lose their salvation and are cast into the lake of fire. This is verified by one of Jesus Christ’s parables:

The unprofitable servant equals not bearing fruit. In both cases the one that was saved is no longer and is cast into damnation.

The Bible makes it very clear that the false teaching of OSAS is a lie and those that follow it are not following Christ, but the father of lies. Therefore, the faith alone belief is asking for removal from the Body of Christ. The mere fact that they stay within the and of the world is proof that they do not follow God.

James 4:4 NKJV – Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Jesus Christ said this about being materialistic:

Therefore, the fact that they still seek after large houses and fancy cars and clothes shows they are not enemies with the world, but of God and in turn His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, they are surrendering their eternal life for eternal death. This is why these words are given to those that have earthly wealth:

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.

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”

Rich in good works.

Which brings us right back to the second chapter of James:

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

For we will be judged not by how much faith we have, but by our faith through our works. This is spelled out in Romans 2:

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.

Just for the record. Those that believe they are definitely going to heaven are saying that God shows partiality, which again makes the Word of God a lie. So, which is it. The Bible is telling the Truth or what you believe is the truth.

Any who calls the Word of God a lie calls Jesus a liar, which brings us full circle back to the verses of 1 John 1:

Therefore, is Jesus Christ a liar? Then repent and start living a life with works through faith. By following the laws which were not removed by Christ going to the cross.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #204 (Time is running out)

May 4, 2024bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Bible study, faith, God, Jesus, life, time, worksdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Time.

Time is the one thing that is no longer an important element in seeking true fellowship with God through the only way into heaven: Jesus Christ the Son of God. Time was once a factor. A factor mostly squandered by most of humanity.

Most throughout the centuries have shown that time is not a friend to faith and belief in God, but an enemy to be feared. Time allows people to wander away and become entangled by what is seen, felt, heard and experienced within this temporal plain of existence. Most fall prey to time. The Bible makes it clear that what is offered by the world does not come from God in anyway shape or form.

1 John 2:15-16 AMP – Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

Most seek after the earth, which includes those that profess to being “Christian.” As I have established in podcast #201, this makes them not followers of God through Jesus Christ, but His enemies, those destine not to heavenly salvation, but eternal damnation.

One of the elements that allowed them to end up God’s enemies was and is time. An element that is worldly in its very essence of existence. Time works against all humanity from the moment we take our first breath. This is why we are instructed to teach our children in their youth of the Word of God.

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

Why it is so important to train them in the Word of God from youth is because time has always been our enemy. It allows us to be enticed and distracted from who is to be the center of our life. Be it earthly or heavenly.

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.”

Most, because of time, turn to the items of the world for comfort, for pleasure, for status. Who has been given the power to hand out these things?

Luke 4:6 NKJV – And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

“For this has been delivered to me.”

Delivered – G3860 – paradidómi – to hand over, to give or deliver over, to betray, yield up, entrust.

“And I give it to whomever I wish.”

We must hear one more verse.

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

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

Therefore, any earthly rewards come from only one source, and it is not God. This is why this was said in three different gospels because it was that important that this be done.

Mark 10:17-21 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

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

The reason it must be gotten rid of is because it comes from Satan himself. For our treasures are not found here in this temporal existence but in our eternity yet to come. The Christian reality is not found here in this world in any way, shape or form.

This was demonstrated by how time effected how the chosen children of God acted and behave. It was spelled out within the pages of the OT. The further from an event in the passage of time and more sin was seen and displayed by the tribes of Israel. They would be saved by God. They would be loyal to God. They would turn away from God. They would be punished by God. Over and over a repeated cycle throughout time.

Most that profess to being “Christian” have ignored or forgotten, or more accurately never learned this truth. Why? Because of time.

Most have never learned the Word of God. They may have read the Bible, but they have never truly studied the Word of God. Especially in this day and age when people speed about this way and that. Too busy or too distracted by the world. Just as designed, for time is how they measure their actions and most are a poor allocator of this measured of a day, of a week, of a month, of a year.

Those of the Christian faith drifted away from God within thirty years after Christ departed. This is shown within the Word of God itself. They have been drifting further and further away ever since. The moment people started seeking the worldly over eternity they showed they left the Word of God behind all due to time. How most live in this world is of and for the world. No matter what they may profess with their mouths. It is their actions which are the true measure of a person. For it is our actions, our works, which we will be judged upon when the time comes.

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”: (His works) 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.

Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV – 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. 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. 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. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

One of the biggest pieces of evidence that someone worships the world and he who is its master are those that say all that is required is faith alone. For they are saying their actions, their deeds, their works are not required to gain them entrance into heaven. This as you have just heard in these last two quotes from the Word of God shows that those that insist and believe this are living a lie. For whom they worship is the father of all lies. This is witnessed by how anger they get when this truth is brought into the light. For it shows that they do not work from the Spirit but from the flesh.

They are destined not to inherit the kingdom of God for the work from the flesh which is of the world and in this time. It is these works of sin they do not wish to surrender that leads them further and further away from God. Just as it led the tribes of Israel away from God. To the point that they denied the Son of God Himself. The thing is. They are denying Him as well by saying that it is not works but through faith.

Time is very quickly running out. Time to awaken to the Truth and repent must be pursued now, which is why the Glorified Jesus Christ had John write this letter:

Revelation 3:15-22 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. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Repent NOW. For your time is nearly up to fix your place with God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #203 (From Who do People Truly Receive Their Earthly Riches)

April 27, 2024bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, earthly, faith, God, Jesus, life, possessions, sin, truth, wealthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

One of the biggest lies ever put forth by the father of all lies is that humanity should seek after earthly rewards. That receiving earthly success and riches shows you have favor from God.

Jesus Christ Himself said this:

Those who receive earthly treasures keep their focus upon these treasures and their source. The Bible makes it clear that if it is earthly, it is not from God in any way shape or form.

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.

There has been an increase in those that are saying they could not achieve their earthly goals and rewards if it were not from God. As we have just shown a personal achievement through sprots is not from God. That people’s success in worldly activities and achievements is not from God.

Yet many go on and keep saying “I could not have done this without God.”

Who is actually rewarding them?

Luke 4:6 NKJV – And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

So, Satan rewards people with earthly rewards and success.

Their place in celebrity. Their place in sports, which distracts people away from God. Is all given and designed by the father of all lies. For it takes away our focus from what?

Any who receive earthly rewards. The more they receive. The further from God they are. No matter who they may say allowed them to have their success it is earthly and goes against as was shown a bit ago Jesus Christ and thus God’s teaches. It comes from who has governance over this temporal realm.

Most are blind to the real Truth. Why? Because they have been sold a bill of goods which states they show their real worth to God by becoming wealthy, which is again opposite the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:17-22 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

This behavior shown by the young rich man is how most that now profess to being “Christian” now live. They continue to seek after wealth. They refuse to do as Christ Himself commanded. Why?

Because God is not their Lord for they have made friends with who?

James 4:4 NKJV – Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

All who receive earthly success and rewards have sold themselves to Satan and it is him they are worshipping. It is him who is their god. That is why they are God’s enemies.

Let me ask you the listener and reader this question:

Who gives rewards to their enemies? Not tribute, reward.

Let’s define these two words.

Tribute – a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.

Reward – something given or received in return or recompense for service, merit, hardship, etc.

Since God is the enemy. Those that say they receive rewards and success from God are in reality saying God is giving them tribute not giving them rewards. For God is their enemy since they are living in and for the world.

Those that celebrate when someone has earthly success and wealth and say it is due to God. Call God a liar. Only one being celebrates 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.

These words were spoken to those people that professed to being children of Abraham, of being of the tribe of Israel.

Today, these verses would be aimed at those that profess to being “Christian.” Those that profess to being followers of Jesus Christ. However, their very actions and behavior like praising earthly rewards, which is totally opposite the teachings of Christ and God, shows they are worshiping lies and in turn their true father is Satan for he is the father of all lies.

Most don’t follow Christ. Because if they did, they wouldn’t seek after the world. Seeking possessions. Seeking after achievements that lead to earthly fame. This does not come from God the Father. As we have established by the Word of God itself these earthly rewards are from the only being allowed to give these rewards. Once again it is Satan.

What is required has been made clear by Christ when He told the young rich man to sell all his property. All that ask Christ to be their Savior are required to downsize. To live a minimalist lifestyle.

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

A little later in this letter. Those that have earthly wealth are told this:

Again, most refuse to do this command. In their eyes it is not required of them, but it is required, especially if someone professes to being a child of God. For we are to be content with having basic needs and nothing else as was read earlier from the Bible. It is an act of works through faith as instructed to us in James chapter two.

James 2:18-20 NKJV – But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Therefore, in an act through faith we must downsize and then use the most of our earthly wealth to help those in need and to spread the Word of God.

What happens to those that refuse to teach the Word of God?

Matthew 25:24-30 NKJV – “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Start to learn the Bible for yourself. Learn that all you have been taught is mostly likely lies. Then repent truly turn to God through Jesus Christ. For time is quickly running out.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #200 (Understanding that Being a Christian is Not What Most Think)

April 6, 2024bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, faith, God, Jesus, life, truth, worksdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Most assume that all they have to do and say is that they believe in Jesus Christ, and they will enter into heaven. This is the furthest thing from the Truth.

“Whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

“Whoever does and teaches them.”

1 Peter 2:1-5 NKJV – Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

And how are these “spiritual sacrifices” manifested?

To answer that we should look at what is not acceptable to God.

Therefore, when we strive to reflect God through the Holy Spirit what should we be manifesting?

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.

Most don’t realize that even though we seek after being a reflection of Jesus Christ, which is only accomplished through works by faith as taught in the second chapter of James.

James 2:14-26 NKJV – What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I know most, especially those that call themselves “Christian” refuse to accept this Truth.

Here is the thing. Just so you understand look at what is said earlier in Galatians chapter five:

Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV – I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

This means if we are led by the flesh we are under the law,

Our life is a constant struggle between our flesh and our Spirituality. Between those items of the world which entice and attract us to this temporal existence. While struggling to be a reflection of Christ so we can spend eternity in the service of God.

It is the things; It is the people of this world that distracts most that seek to follow Christ. It proves that the verses of Galatians chapter five to be true. Going one way then the other. A constant and on-going struggle within our minds.

It is something that we all struggle with. Any who deny this are fooling themselves and this is even addressed in the Bible.

This is also something that many who wish to deny the existence of God use as an excuse not to pursue Godliness. Because Christians mess up. They slip and stumble. The moment they do this is fuel in the fire for those that wish to continue to live in sin. They use it as an excuse to continue to live their lives as they see fit. All because the Christian messed up.

Those Christians that do mess up do something that should cause confusion to those that wish to continue in sin. The Christian confesses their sins. Openly. They also ask for forgiveness from anyone involved, especially God. For as is shown in 1 John God through Christ will forgive us if we are sincere and also do our best not to continue in sin.

Seeking sanctification is a lifetime journey. It required the person professing to be a servant of Christ to seek to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Again, works through faith in God through Jesus Christ. This again is where most refuse to go. For this type of lifestyle is too much to bear. Why? Because as the saying goes they wish to have their cake and eat it too.

However, it is made clear, they are not welcome in the kingdom of heaven.

“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

Those who practice lawlessness are those that refuse to follow the teachings and those commandments not removed by Christ going to the cross. Once again, something most don’t want to hear or accept. Especially from those that say it is by faith alone.

They refuse to acknowledge this Truth because it would mean all they have been taught and how they have lived was based upon a lie. Well, that is because that is exactly what it is. A lie. This is why Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to write this:

Why I use this verse because if you truly believe in Jesus Christ you are saved. However, as shown in these verses you can loss said salvation.

Roman 10:1-13 AMP – BRETHREN, [with all] my heart’s desire and goodwill for [Israel], I long and pray to God that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a [certain] zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowledge. For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the Law [the limit at which it ceases to be, for the Law leads up to Him Who is the fulfillment of its types, and in Him the purpose which it was designed to accomplish is fulfilled. That is, the purpose of the Law is fulfilled in Him] as the means of righteousness (right relationship to God) for everyone who trusts in and adheres to and relies on Him. For Moses writes that the man who [can] practice the righteousness (perfect conformity to God’s will) which is based on the Law [with all its intricate demands] shall live by it. [Lev. 18:5.] But the righteousness based on faith [imputed by God and bringing right relationship with Him] says, Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into Heaven? that is, to bring Christ down; Or who will descend into the abyss? that is, to bring Christ up from the dead [as if we could be saved by our own efforts]. [Deut. 30:12, 13.] But what does it say? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, [Deut. 30:14.] Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. [Ps. 34:22; Isa. 28:16; 49:23; Jer. 17:7.] [No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith]. For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]

This part of Romans is directed at the Tribes of Israel. However, most use it as an excuse not to follow the laws. This is not directed at those that profess to being Christian, but those that are the descendants of Abraham. Yes, I said this twice for a reason, because we have to make people understand that insisting that all they need is faith alone makes the Word of God itself a lie. However, there is Truth found within that applies to all when it comes to accepting Christ as our Savior.

Those that use it as an excuse not to follow the laws that are still present within the teachings of Christ and the Bible become the lawless and show that they chose to willingly surrender their salvation due to wishing to be in and of the world than to be a servant of Jesus Christ.

Time is very quickly running out. If there has already been a mass disappearance of people you must suffer the rejection and torment of the world which will be emotional and physical unto an earthly death.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #194 (Are there Works in the Book of Acts)

February 24, 2024bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Bible study, Book of Acts, faith, God, Jesus, sin, truth, worksdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Recently I encountered someone who insisted that within the book the “Acts of the Apostles” there were no teachings about “works” within it. Well, let’s look at what has been sectioned into the second chapter of this book:

Acts 2:42-47 NKJV – And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Let’s look at this from another translation to expand upon what is stated here:

Acts 2:42-47 AMP – And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers). And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death].

“And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people.”

Sold their possessions.
Distributed the money amongst all according to their need.
They assembled in the temple with a united purpose.
They performed the Lord’s Supper.
Partook of their food with gladness, simplicity and a generous heart.
Constantly praising God.
Being in favor and goodwill with all people.

These seven items listed were and are “works.” This is also how all that profess to being “Christian” should still seek after. Most don’t. Which is why Jesus Christ said this:

And a bit later also said this:

Those seven actions are behavior that are considered “works” – “laws” – “commandments.” Things which most deny and thus must be done and followed or they are taking the wide path and not the narrow.

Yes. I did say the word “must.” Additionally, we see that Luke did mention “works” in the book of Acts. Therefore, any who say that it is by “faith alone” teach opposite what is shown in these verses. For these people lived by works in faith in the book of Acts.

Now why did I say that last sentence once again. What does the word “acts” define as?

Act – something that someone does.

Which also means “works.” Therefore, this book could legitimately be called the “Works of the Apostles.” Meaning this entire book shows and teaches “works.” Indicating those that decided upon naming this letter by the name given were in fact emphasizing that Jesus Christ taught those that followed Him must live their lives in both faith and works. Therefore, those that teach the people pleasing messages like faith alone, teach death.

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

It just amazes me how people wish to overlook the simplicity of the Truth taught and in plain sight in the Word of God. They complicate and convolute the Truth of the Word of God just so they can live within their sins. That is why “faith alone” is so important to them, because it allows them to live in sin, which as you read through the book of Acts, we see time and again those that repent and end living in their sins. For that is what is required by all.

Five times the word “repent” and six time the word “repentance” appears in the book of Acts. What does it mean to repent?

Repent – G3340 – metanoeó – change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God.) To think differently or afterwards, reconsider morally.

What follows is what the TDNT says about the this:

In the teaching of Jesus according to the Synoptists “repent” is again the imperative which is indissolubly bound up with the indicative of the message of the “kingdom” (Mk. 1:15; Mt. 4:17). But Jesus does not merely repeat the call of John the Baptist. He modifies and transcends it by making conversion a fundamental requirement which necessarily follows from the present reality of the eschatological “kingdom” in His own person (→ I, 588 f.). To call to conversion is the purpose of His sending (Lk. 5:32). His preaching of conversion far surpasses even the most powerful of such preaching before (Mt. 12:39 ff. par.: Jonah).

So, within the TDNT we see the word “conversion” used multiple times. Therefore, let us define this word.

Conversion – the process of converting something from one thing to another.

Converting – convert – to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character.

What this boils down to is a new being. A new creation. However, we must remember this important fact taught in 1 Corinthians:

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

Even though we are a new beings once we are born-again, we are not perfect, nor will we be until we stand before Jesus Christ.

With all this in mind we come to the understanding that “repentance” is the creation of a new being that occupies the same physical body. However, their soul and spirit are a new creation, that must strive to follow the teachings found within the Word of God. Yet, we must strive and learn to avoid sin, for we will always be plagued by it.

The act of repentance can also be called a “work.” For to repent to be converted is an action word. So, let me restate this once again. The entire book called the “Acts of the Apostles” is showing continual and ongoing actions of works for the glory of God. Any who says the Bible does not teach works through faith are not teaching the Word of God, but a people pleasing message. They are then cursing themselves:

Galatians 1:6-12 AMP – I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel. Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not]. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah). For I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made known by me is not man’s gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

We too can receive a revelation from Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit. I know this, for this is how these podcasts are written and presented to the world at large.

However, time is quickly running out. The adversary has increased his attacks against all that strive to overcome. For he is growing desperate and wishes to take as many with him as possible. Even those that have done their best to be the good and loyal servants of their Creator through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

We must do as we are commanded within the Word of God to sperate ourselves for those that would lead us away from our Savior.

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.

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!

For they are of the world and the world is dead.

Turn from them now. Place God at the center of your life… forget the world about you, for if God is not within it……. It is dead as are those that stay within it.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #193 (By Their Works)

February 17, 2024bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, faith, God, Jesus, truth, worksdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

One of the biggest problems with faith alone beliefs, other than the fact that they call Jesus Christ a liar, is they say that works are in no way required to allow them into heaven. Now why did I say they made Jesus Himself a liar. Well let’s hear from the only way into heaven:

Matthew 16:27 NKJV – For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

“Then He will reward each according to his works.”

There is somewhere else this is stated:

Revelation 20:11-13 NKJV – 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. 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. 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.

“And they were judged, each one according to his works.”

Therefore, let us look to James now:

“So faith without works is dead also.”

This is why faith alone is dead. Why it is dead is because it is a people pleasing message. This is discussed in Galatians:

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.

Notice the wording in these verses. Many in Galita turned away from their grace, their salvation, to listen to a people pleasing message. This is their work, which they will be judged. Those that teach these false messages. Their works causes them to be cursed.

Jesus tells us that we are to follow His commandments.

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

That is an action and so is considered “works.”

The struggle to overcome our sinful natures even after we are born again is “works.” For we are to ever seek to be a True reflection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

There are times when this is not easy. This is what is taught within the book of Job.

However, we are getting off track a bit.

In the first verses I showed that when Christ first returns, He will then reward those that are loyal to Him. The second verses I show that once His thousand years is finished the Great White Throne Judgement. Here Christ will judge those that did not make the raptures and they will be judged by how they lived their lives, which is their works.

We have Words spoken by our Savior about what to expect. He clearly states a person’s “works” will be the only thing He will use as a gauge to receive rewards. Then we have verses talking about His judgement over humanity that failed to align themselves with God. They are judged per their works, again the only requirement “works.”

Most that profess to being “Christian” do not want to hear this word. For that would mean they have been living a lie. Well, they have been. This is proven by their earthly rewards which they receive with joy and glee.

Luke 4:6 NKJV – And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

1 John 2:15-16 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.

By this time many will be going nuts about how this podcast has been pointing to “works.” They will be screaming it is not “works” alone.

Well, you know what I totally agree, and so does the Bible. Therefore, I will say those verses that are in agreement once again:

“Faith without works is dead.” This means that it requires both faith with works, which is taught by Jesus Christ over and over again. Having faith and going hand in hand with following Christ’s teachings and following the laws not removed by the cross. These are works. This behavior leads to rewards.

Those that ignore “works” are stating that they have a special place with God. They have favoritism.

Romans 2:5-11 NLT – 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.

Note the key verse in this teaching written by Paul to the Romans:

“He will judge everyone according to what they have done.”

He will judge everyone according to their “works.”

I recently had an encounter with someone that tried to throw the weight of the Truth off themselves by saying “Does Paul teach works?” I said:” yes.” As you just read or heard Paul did teach the need for “works.” Any who say otherwise call the Bible itself a lie. Any who call the Bible a lie work for the father of all lies. No matter what they believe in themselves. This is because they have closed their eyes and ears to the Truth because they wish to hear the pleasing message they have embraced.

Yes, you heard that correctly, pleasing message. What is taught about people pleasing messages? Once again I will repeat this as well:

Paul marveled that they turned away so soon from Him who called them in the grace of Christ. They abandoned their grace, they turned away from their salvation. Turning away from grace is an act, an action. “Works.”

Time is running out. Repent, do works in faith.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #190 (The Misconception of Grace)

January 27, 2024bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, Commandments, faith, God, Grace, Jesus, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Misunderstanding the use of verses that contain the word “grace” within them. That is today’s topic.

One of the biggest of these verses is Romans 11:6. Why this particular one is one of the biggest is because it is taken totally out of context. Listen to it in context:

Romans 11:1-10 NKJV – I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “LORD, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS AND TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY SEEK MY LIFE”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I HAVE RESERVED FOR MYSELF SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written: “GOD HAS GIVEN THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SEE AND EARS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HEAR, TO THIS VERY DAY.” And David says: “LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RECOMPENSE TO THEM. LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED, SO THAT THEY DO NOT SEE, AND BOW DOWN THEIR BACK ALWAYS.”

As you just heard or read this is specifically aimed at what has been done to the tribes of Israel for rejecting Jesus as their Messiah.

Let’s look at another example:

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NKJV – Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Now let’s look once again where the topic is those that are the tribes of Israel.

Galatians 2:11-21 NKJV – Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Here again we have a discussion about the tribes of Israel. In verse twenty-one the people again misuse this verse to give themselves permission to live in sin. The Bible does not contradict itself ever. Those that twist the Bible to suit their want to sin are the ones that cause the opposition. This verse is just stating that we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior not just follow the law by itself. This is explained in James:

“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

“I will show you my faith by my works.”

Christ said this in John fourteen:

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

His commandments are the laws which were not removed by Christ going to the cross. This is not all the laws, for Jesus also said this:

The laws will not be fulfilled until the Great White Throne Judgment. Does not a judgement require laws to be able to accomplish a verdict? The answer is yes.

Any who says there is no laws, no commandments show they desire to receive a negative verdict from the judgement. It is as simple as that. What is this ruling?

Now here many will be in an uproar. Why? Because of their dependence upon grace without works has been shown to be heading them towards the lake of fire. Let us now fortify this:

“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.”

This clearly states that people received grace and then rejected it to seek after listening to a people pleasing gospel formed from the True Gospel. Simply, they turn their backs upon their salvation so they can continue to live in the sins they do not wish to abandon. They do this because it pleases them. So that they can continue to live in their sins and still think they are one with Christ.

This is why the Glorified Christ said this:

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—

They are vomited from the Body of Christ, which is why those that teach the people pleasing gospel of faith alone are cursed. For they have led millions to being vomited from the Body and unless they repent NOW they will be cast into the lake of fire. Which will occur when the commandments finally come to an end at the Great White Throne Judgement.

As stated in James we show our grace we have received by our works. How we live and strive to follow Our Savior Jesus Christ by doing as he said we are to do… follow His commandments. The greatest of these is:

“On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #186 (The Judas Effect)

December 30, 2023bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, faith, God, Jesus, Judas, life, money, truth, wealthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Just so we all understand from the start. Judas was chosen by Christ. Aka saved.

Judas was sent out to teach the Truth. He cast out to demon and healed the sick:

Mark 6:7-13 NKJV – And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Christ said he was clean. Aka saved.

What else do we learn from the verses we just heard in addition to the fact that Judas was clean when he heard this message? The answer: He stopped abiding in the Vine who is Jesus Christ. These verses, in other words, were a warning to Judas to not stop abiding in Jesus, which he eventually did. He chose to abandon his salvation. Aka he was no longer saved. Which millions eventually do, for humans are fickle as was made clear in Hosea.

Hosea 1:2 NKJV – When the LORD began to speak by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the LORD.”

For those that call themselves “Christian” have committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord. This is why Peter said this:

Any who says they cannot lose their salvation are saying they no longer sin.

Millions actually call Jesus Christ a liar and are equal to Judas. They have taken their thirty silver and say they are one with Christ and have no need of anything.

Their earthly riches. Their earthly wealth is their thirty silver. Accordingly, like Judas, they are vomited from the Body of Christ. The are removed from the Vine and cast into the fire.

Christ makes it a very clear division. It is cold or hot. It is black or white. It is God or money.

What is highly esteemed among men?

They seek after and are rewarded with these things that never came from the Father. Never came from Jesus. They no longer abide in Christ.

What is required to show you desire to abide in the Vine who is Jesus Christ?

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

Note: the young rich man followed the commandments. He put on the show that he was following God, for we are all called to follow the commandments if we love Christ.

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

To show our devotion to God through Jesus Christ we are to downsize, for this is a commandment from Christ Himself. Yet, millions ignore this command, for it is not meant for them. They are allowed to keep their thirty silver. They are allowed to be the lukewarm and keep their riches and wealth.

What was Christ answer to this belief?

Mark 10:23-25 NKJV – Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

This is the Judas effect. They can keep their riches. For they are not the young rich man. However, they ignore the Wording of these verses.

“How hard it is for those who trust in riches.”

“Those” is reference to any who seek after and keep earthly wealth. For they trust in their riches more than they trust in God through Jesus Christ.

Any who seeks after the huge house, the fancy clothes, and expensive vehicles show where their loyalties lie. Which is why it will be hard for them to enter into the kingdom of God. They would rather keep their thirty silver than to throw it away so they can enter freely into the presence of God. This is why Christ says this in Luke:

Luke 14:33 NKJV – So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Any seeking after wealth pursues to be Judas. They seek to no longer abide in Christ willingly, because their comfort, their status, their possessions are something that they can see and hold on to. For they don’t see their Savior, and since they cannot see Him, abiding in Him is not of any value to them. Their eternal life offers no dividends to them now. For their focus is not upon their eternal life, but their temporal life, which means they are fixated upon their death. Not temporal, but eternal. For the mentality of those that pursue their Savior follow a different path:

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NKJV – For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”

To be well pleasing to Him is to follow His commandments, which includes downsizing as well as praying in private, never publicly.

As we quickly approach the soon return of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is extremely important to come to understand that we must follow the commands given us by Jesus. Any who refuses these Truths. Any who refuse they can lose their salvation wish to be someone who has taken the thirty silver and sold Christ unto death in their own souls.

However, God through His eternal love for all humanity. Offers us all a chance to repent of our sins and to return to Him. If we accept the Truth and return to Him, if we accepted Him as our Savior, then we will willingly and with vigor seek to be with Him. We do this by submitting to His teachings within the Bible.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #185 (How you show all where your heart is in this Christmas Season)

December 23, 2023bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, Christmas, faith, gifts, God, Jesus, life, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This can be measured every Christmas Eve when people look under their tree. If all you can see is boxes or objects and not the tree skirt. You are seeing where your heart is focused, and it is not upon God. This measurement is amplified by the fact that Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Most show their true desires and affiliation with these gifts. For they show all the world where the focus of these people is located. It is not upon God.

Now I wish to come at this from another angle. Let’s look to 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 NKJV – For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

“For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.”

Those that profess to truly following Christ do not desire to be here on this earth, but in the presence of God. So why seek after gifts under the tree?

The answer is: you shouldn’t.

This should make many feel uncomfortable at this time. However, most will scoff and laugh at what has just been said. For those doing so I refer you to my past podcast #181 (Stop Scoffing if you say you are Christian).

I will now continue with today’s study.

We are taught this in 1 Timothy:

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

Therefore, you should see more tree skirt than you see presents under the tree.

What should be done with all the rest of the money?

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

Something important was said in James 1:27 so I will restate it:

“To keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

This brings us back to presents once again with these verses:

When we look at all the decorations, all the parties and all the presents what do we see in these verses?

Physical pleasure? Yes.

A craving in everything people see? Yes

Pride in their in achievements? Yes

As for possessions. I think nothing is worth saying in this issue sense it is so obvious.

What this boils down to is everything people now celebrate does not celebrate only the Son of God but also God who is the Father as is clearly stated in these verses:

“These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”

They do not celebrate Christ; they celebrate the world and he who is the father of it.

Which explains why Santa wears red and people celebrate it and enjoy doing so. All in the name of the season. Note I didn’t say in the name of Jesus. For they have left Jesus behind long ago.

Once again anger raises its head from the readers and listeners. So, let’s turn to the Word of God:

First, we have idolatry, then we move on to hatred as well as contentions. We have outbursts of wrath. Because of self-ambitions people seek after more and greater things. What is one thing most do at this time of the year? They have parties which is revelries.

Now, since we have now established you are of the world and celebrate the world and not Christ’s birth. Let us be honest and face the truths of these sins against the Father. So let us look at the last letter in the Book of Revelation.

We are looking to this letter for a simple reason. Redemption, repentance. Repentance from the sin of seeking after presents for yourself and your loved ones. All the while you ignore the poor, the orphaned. Those in dire straits. Sitting in your fancy houses and driving your fancy cars. All the while asking to be vomited out of the Body of Christ instead of seeking to gather your treasures in heaven at the foot of the throne of God.

“Therefore be zealous and repent.” Give those presents to the poor and save one each for your family. Does this cause you and your family emotional pain? This is as it should be. For we all must suffer for the greater good of all humanity.

For the true meaning of the birth of Christ has been forgotten. That He came into this world for the salvation of all. So, they can stand before God without sin.

Yet billions now deny God, and billions more worship false images of what they think is God, but it is not. It is this number because most have denied their calling to discipleship. They seek the thought of salvation but deny their duties to it.

Luke 14:25-33 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. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

“Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

“Therefore be zealous and repent.”

For time is running out. The first Rapture is due very shortly. Seek to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and worship God and not the presents under a tree decorated like a pile of treasure, which is absent from before the throne of God.

God Bless