Jesus

Blog for Podcast #137 (Truths)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

Truth

In recent weeks certain truths from a social media platform have come to the surface. Including the banning from this platform a president of this United States when he was in office. Just because they didn’t want to hear him any longer, because in their own words he never violated their rules.

Shutting down facts and truths because you don’t want to accept them is a form of lying.

“Lie” is define as to say or write something that is not true in order to deceive someone.

We can go a step further with the word “omission:” – the act of not including something or someone that should have been included, or something or someone that has not been included that should have been.

Why mention lies and omissions?

When it come to those that seek to truly follow Jesus Christ. It is a place that they live within. Of having what they say be called a lie. Of having those that don’t wish to hear the real Truth lie about those saying it. To being removed from them and omitted from their lives.

These recent revelations about this social media platform are just a simple example that the entire world is now seeing. It is something those that truly seek to follow Jesus Christ have experienced since they decided to take the narrow and difficult path.

But again, why mention lies and omissions?

Revelation 21:8 NKJV – But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

I will tell you. Those that block the truth. Those that call Truth a “lie” and a lie the “truth.”

Romans 1:18-25 NKJV – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

This all happened before. But not to this degree. This time the entire world is involved. Calling lies the truth just so they can live in a sense of peace of mind that their choices have no ramification.

And what are the visible signs we are to look for that people seek after their own wants and desires and deny the very existence of God and His Son our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:26-32 NLT – That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

Does any of this sound familiar? If you don’t think so you haven’t been paying attention to the world about you.

What is really sad though is that those in the Christian community are following suit with those in Rome when this letter was written. Let us look to what was said there:

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

This is the behavior of many within the Christian community. There are those that live in the same sin shown in the first chapter. Many live their lives just as those within the world live their lives. Those that have to have a bigger and fancier house, a new car every few years and the best clothes. All this is worldly as shown here:

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.

What many don’t realize that within the verses from the second chapter of Romans. It is being made clear that any who abandon the teachings found within the Bible and profess to being “Christian” judge themselves for they should know better. That they have made a place for themselves not in a place of happy reward with Christ but in sorrow as they stand before the Great White Throne. Many will challenge and argue this. The mere fact that they did just verify this lesson as Truth.

Galatians 5:19-21 NLT – When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

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.

Most churches for decades have not been teaching the Truth. They fear being spurned. Why? Because they need money to keep them in business.

This is what is the reality of their situation, their Truth:

 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.

Most who stand upon the dais show the world who they are truly being:

2 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV – But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

These destructive ways are designed to make the ways they live more comfortable. Thus, they make it so those that listen to them live the same way. Which in turn causes them to live even more comfortably. The thing is the more comfortable they are here in this existence the more they pass judgement upon themselves. Which is why it is so swiftly. The more richly they live in this temporal existence the further from redemption they are.

As to those that listen to them, that is for them to figure out for themselves by actually reading the Bible for themselves. Consequently coming to know the Truth found within it.

However, sadly, most will not for Christ Himself made this very clear.

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.

“And there are many who go in by it.”

Now there will be those that say they are on the narrow path. Yet they still live in their big homes. They keep buying new cars and still go to the store and get the latest fashions. Which is exactly as the world does.

Luke 16:13-15 NLT – “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.” The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.

Luke 16:15 NKJV – 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.

Six times the word “abomination” is used in the New Testament. Four of those times it is in reference to the antichrist and those that follow that person. So, Jesus Christ was saying that seeking after and loving money was on the same level as worshipping the antichrist. And this was to religious people He said these things.

Ponder upon that for a moment.

So here we are. Another day closer to the very soon return of Jesus Christ. Very soon something will take place that will make people realize that they have made a horrible mistake. A mistake so bad that you will have to make a choice of serving the antichrist or serving God through His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All because you didn’t read the Bible for yourself and learn the real and complete Truth.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #136 (Long-suffering)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

There are those in social media that say a lot of the right things when it comes to true Christianity. However, there are times when they do things that are not in line with truly following Jesus Christ. They come across as haughty, or even cruel in their wording.

Now one of the fruits that shows we are working with the Holy Spirit is “longsuffering:”

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.

Longsuffering – G3115 – makrothumia – that is (objectively) forbearance, (subjectively) fortitude, patience

  1. forbearance – the quality of being patient and being able to forgive someone or control yourself in a difficult situation

Where does this ability originate with following the Holy Ghost?

The answer is simple: love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-10 NKJV – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

Now I want to make this very clear at this point. This is not the people pleasing “love” I am referring too, but the love that is not afraid to follow the directive given to us through Scripture.

Revelation 3:19 NKJV – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

2 Timothy 3:16-4:2 NKJV – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

When following the love given unto us through the Holy Spirit, we strive to convince people that what they think is true is false. We rebuke them in a way that is not insulting or demeaning. Then we exhort them to turn from their path to follow the truth that can only be found when someone genuinely studies the Bible to verify what is the real Truth which is Christ Jesus.

When someone belittles someone else and degrades someone they are not acting in love, but in an attitude of superiority.

Romans 11:11-25 NKJV – I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

1 Corinthians 4:1-16 NKJV – Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

As we can see from these verses in Romans and 1 Corinthians. If we are loyal to Christ, we will never think ourselves greater than anyone else. In fact, we should look at ourselves as less than others. Not only less than the Jewish people, but even less than those that persecute and harass us.

We should always seek after humility and never attempt to take pride in anything. For only God is worthy of receiving glory, not us mere humans.

James 4:6-10 NKJV – But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

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

Romans 12:16 NKJV – Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV – Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Philippians 2:3 NKJV – Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

We can only truly reach the hearts of those that mock and attack us if they do not feel assaulted on our part of the conversation.

In many instances those that are attacking us may believe with all their hearts they are loyal to Christ. They call themselves “Christian.” Yet the fruit they bear shows who their true master to be.

If they attack and mock we see that they have lost their way or may never have truly found it. Look at those in Galatia:

 Galatians 1:6-7 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.

They had accepted Christ. They had been born again. Yet they started to listen to what was causing them to turn away so soon?

Galatians 1:10 NLT – Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

The only way to seek after God’s approval is to help people to see that they have turned away from Him if they have. To show people that their actions do not bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit but of the flesh and in doing so they may have made it so they will not inherit the Kingdom of God but opened themselves up to entering into damnation.

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.

John 15:5-6 NKJV – “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.

This is why it is so important not to be harsh or belittle. For in reality what does that say about those that do this?

The answer is simple. They are not acting with the Holy Ghost, but from the flesh. It may be said that in time they to may find themselves removed from Vine who is the Lord Jesus Christ. Which means their name most likely has been removed from the Book of Life.

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.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #135 (The Warning to Laodicea)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

In chapter four of Colossians in verses 13-16 the city of Laodicea is mentioned four times. Why was this city impressed upon the mind of Paul so much?

Now I must say I do not agree with those that challenge the authorship of this letter. I truly believe it was Paul who wrote this letter. Mayhaps not by his own hand, but his dictation since he was imprisoned at the time. Also since there was no mention of the earthquake which devastated Colosse and Laodicea, it places this letter to have been written in the late 50s A.D.

This means that 30 to 33 years before the city was mentioned as the last city of the seven cities in Revelation. It was already entering into sin, and it was a burden upon the heart of Paul to try and get them to turn from their ways. Ways which were leading them to damnation. To being vomited out of the Body of Christ.

33 years!

Studies have shown that one generation lasts 33 years. So nearly one generation before The Glorified Christ stated He would vomit them from His Body. Paul was given the need to teach them the Truth from various angles.

Colossians 4:12 NKJV – Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Epaphras appears to have been given a specific burden upon his heart for this city.

Colossians 4:13 NKJV – For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

Luke and Demas were sent to this city to speak from the house of Nymphas, which served as the church for Laodicea.

In the sixteenth verse Luke and Demas are instructed to not only to teach the True Gospel in the church but in the streets of the city as well.

It was a warning cry to those within this city to repent.

A warning cry to abandon their riches. To abandon their comforts.

A warning that I believe was not listened to by those within this city. For in 60 A.D. the city was devastated by an earthquake.

Yet, they didn’t listen. For they were so rich that they rebuilt their city and returned to their ways of living in lavishness and luxuries. Counter to the teachings of Christ Himself.

Which is how they earned their place in enmity for all that follow the True teachings of Christ.

Enmity because they defied God. They were warned by three witnesses to end their ways. They in essence had become Sodom and Gamora. Which is why they are seen as worse than those that outright deny God. An entire generation corrupted.

Now those that are the lukewarm infect most of those that profess to being “Christian.” How many of the few are bearing witness? Maybe this is why these words are spoken?

Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV – “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

What are we to look for that within one generation, which will bring the return of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:3-31 NKJV – Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. “Therefore when you see the ‘ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place”  (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Now what people don’t understand. What people don’t conceive of is that when Christ returns is at the end of this generation. At the end of 33 years. At the end of the tribulation which is to last seven years. That means that in the 26th year of the generation that will be witness to the events listed in these verses that is when it will all begin.

And how will we know it is to begin?

Christ gives us what to look for there as well.

Matthew 24:36-51 NKJV – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Here is something else, especially those who are walking the path of the lukewarm don’t wish to see or acknowledge. We that profess to being His disciples, His children, His Body.

We are stewards of His household. Any earthly wealth we are given is not for us to use for ourselves for our wants and desires. They are given to us to help spread the Truth, the Way and the Light. We are to live with the least of this wealth to be able to use the most of this wealth for His glory.

This is the opposite of how those that are the lukewarm see their earthly wealth, which is why they are seen as the same as those that were in the cities that surrounded and included Sodom and Gomorra.

This is why they are vomited from the Body of Christ. For their very presence pollutes those seeking the Truth. One factor that must be totally understood is at this very moment the majority of those that profess to being a follower of Christ are in fact the lukewarm.

They profess to loving Christ. However, they refuse to downsize. They refuse to live in the least and keep the most for Christ. They keep the most for themselves and use the least if any for Christ. They think that their ten percent tithe they give to a business is all that is required to show their faith for God.

1 John 3:17 NKJV – But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

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.

James 3:13-18 NKJV – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

We are to do our best for and only for Christ. We are to bear our cross and leave the things of the world behind.

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.”

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #134 (Those who Betray with a Kiss)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

The other day someone posted in social media this statement:

“Judas was not just a disciple of Jesus; he was the money keeper of the twelve.”

My reply was this:

It may be true that he was the money keeper. However, any that hear the call of Christ are His disciples.

This is a lesson in free-will.

Even after seeing all the miracles and even bringing others to Christ and baptizing them. Judas chose the world over Jesus and betrayed Him in an action of love.

Judas chose to abandon his salvation for riches. As most now do. Keeping their fancy houses and fancy cars and clothes. Christ makes it clear:

Matthew 6:24 NLT – “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.

Judas chose money and then when it was too late realized his error and hung himself.

Very soon many will awaken to the truth. I wonder how many will choose to kill themselves than to fix their relationship with God through Christ and get rid of their worldly possessions.

I sat and prayed and thought on this further. For to me it did say a lot but at the same time felt incomplete.

Then the inspiration of the Holy Spirit led me to a key element in what I had stated.

“Judas chose the world over Jesus and betrayed Him in an action of love.”

How many truly believe they love Christ, yet they have chosen to betray Him? All the time professing their love for Him.

Christ told us the answer Himself.

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.

The narrow path is difficult because people do not believe they must surrender their earthly possessions and property.

However, as mentioned in my reply in social media there is only two choices. To follow God through Christ or worship money and all it gives you.

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.

“For which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness.”

When these words were inspired by God and written down on parchment. At that time, it is truly “some have strayed.”

Now though. Now we are in the time of the “lukewarm.” Which means that most that now profess to loving Christ have betrayed Him with a kiss. Just for money.

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—

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.’”

Most that profess to being “Christian” at this time live in fancy houses. They have expensive cars and wear fancy clothes. Keeping most of their wealth for their own wants and desires. All the time professing their “undying” love for He who died upon a cross for their sins. That they may stand before the throne of God in white garments. However, due to their love for money that is not their fate. Their kiss upon His cheek nothing more than a great betrayal on par with that of Judas. They hang themselves in ropes of their own making. Made of gold and fancy cloth.

Christ made it clear what we are to do with earthly wealth and possessions.

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.

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

There your heart aka your love will be.

Let us return to 1 Timothy chapter 6:

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.

“Ready to give, willing to share.”

But how is this accomplished if all their wealth is tied up in a huge house, a fancy car, in fancy clothing, invested in stocks, bonds and 401ks?

The answer is simple. It is impossible. Thus, they openly betray Jesus Christ every single moment of every single day. All because their wants and desires, that will last only a few decades, are greater than their desire to live in the service of God for billions upon billions of years.

This is how the Pharisees thought as well for this is witnessed in Luke:

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

As I have discussed in the past the Greek word which translates to “abomination,” is used only six times in the New Testament. Four of those times it describes the antichrist and those that follow that person.

This is how God perceives those that seek after comfort and luxuries. This is how God sees those that can be called the “lukewarm.” This is those that are rich in this temporal existence we now live within.

This is why it is so important that people that profess to being a follower of Christ downsize and follow the teachings of the Bible. For it is made clear that if they do not do this, then God is not in them and will use their earthly wealth to pass judgement upon them.

1 John 3:17 NKJV – But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

James 5:1-3 NLT – Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 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.

What many do not understand or mayhaps wish to hear. Is where the desire to accumulate wealth for oneself comes from.

James 3:13-18 NKJV – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”

Let me restate that last part once again:

“This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”

Those that seek after earthly luxuries follow demonic desires. This is why this is said in 1 John chapter 2:

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.

It is due to demonic influences that those who seek after earthly wealth and all that comes with it are not in the service of God but of Satan.

This shows that they are not headed to stand before the throne of God in robes of white. They are to stand before the Great White Throne Judgement. Which is why Christ says this:

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!’

Then once these Words are spoken they will realize that their names which at one time, may have been written down in the Book of Life, has been blotted out by Christ Jesus. Then they are to take their place in the second death for all eternity.

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.

God Bless

“I asked Jesus into my heart so I am going to heaven!”

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These words are spoken by many. The sad thing is, it is the furthest thing from the truth.
You see, most do not understand what it means to accept true “Christianity.”
This is why this was written in 2 Peter:
20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”
Now what does it mean to “then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again?” It is self-explanatory. They get saved. Say those words in this title and then just go back to living their lives as they have always lived them, in sin.
And it is here that someone will protest: “But, I am saved, and you can’t take that from me!”
I am not, you are. Yes, you, yourself are taking your own salvation from yourself. For no one else can. Do you read the Bible and come to learn the true meaning of turning and following Jesus Christ? Do you know that if you cling tightly to a sin and refuse to reject it, it is that very sin that is your god and master? Not, Jesus or His Father.
A prime, and today, a very visible example of this: Those who live in Homosexuality, be they male or female. They claim to be “Christian,” and some even rise up to a place of power within places that call themselves “churches.” Yet this is what the Bible says about those that live in this sin.
1 Corinthians 6:9 – Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
If they will not make it into heaven, and then the eternal life that is beyond heaven. Then they are not “Christian.” This is stated clearly within the Bible. But, as I said this is a very visible example. As you look at the verse above you also see listed other sins. Greedy people, thieves, abusers, those that worship idols like sports, music and movie celebrities. These are just examples. There are others sins with this same promise in other books. Why they are not all listed together is due to those that were most prevalent in these cities the letters were written to. However, one which was usually listed was homosexuality. I am sorry, but these are the facts taught within the Bible, and try as hard as you wish to change this, the Word of God is unchangeable. For, as many wish to now believe, the Bible even though penned by humans, was not written by humans.
2 Timothy 3:14 – But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
We are required to repent:
Matthew 4:17 – From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Repent – metanoeo – “think differently after,” “after a change of mind”; to repent (literally, “think differently afterwards”).
If someone asks Jesus into their heart and to be their Savior, then they will think differently. They will call a sin a sin, No matter what sin it is. Then when they commit this sin themselves, they will feel remorse, sorrow and they will hurt emotionally inside. They will do their best to turn from this sin. They will strive to overcome its control over them. They will pray for forgiveness, they will plead for God for help to tear that sin from within them.
How do I know this? For this is how I feel when I sin.
No one is perfect. We all will sin. I personally will only belief I have done right when I stand before the Throne of God and I am wearing white robes. Until then I strive to follow the teachings of the Bible. To do as the Bible commands me to do, which is to write this blog as my ministry (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
I wish all to get into heaven and then enter into the eternal life. However, for this to happen. People need to come to the realization, that you just can’t say the words of this title and think all is fine and great. Then they will stand before God in white robes as well. That is why they need to think for themselves and not take the word of other humans, even my words. They must study the Bible and come to terms with those verse that list sins and make it clear that those that partake of these sins are not welcome in the eternal life that is soon to come.
I pray you take my words to heart and come to a true understanding and acceptance that God and His Son are real and that the Word of God is set in stone and cannot be change, just because humans wish it to change. With true repentance come great sorrow and pain. This pain comes from learning it is not our will, but Gods that must be done. That we are not the center of our lives, but it is God that is the center. That it is God that we must obey and follow, no matter the cost to us personally.

Blog for Podcast #133 (And the Sun and Moon will Darken)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

Joel 2:28-32 NKJV – “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

Revelation 6:12-17 NKJV – I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Mark 13:24-27 NKJV – “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

I read these verses for a reason. Now we must understand something. There are other verses about the sun and moon darkening. However, we must also understand that there are two separate events. One in the seals and the other in the trumpets.

These are two separate events. The seal is before the sealing of the 144,000 and the uncountable clad in white before the Throne of God. The Trumpet is after these events take place.

The three I have read today have all the earmarks of taking place during the seal event. A long those lines we must now look at events that take place in chapter eighteen of Revelation.

Revelation 18:1-24 NKJV – After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’ “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”

The key statements in this chapter are these:

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!”

At one time this “city” was great in the sight of heaven, but now it is fallen.

What would be something that is seen as “great” in heaven? A “city” that followed and worshiped God and the teachings within the Bible. A place that called itself followers of the Son of God: Jesus Christ.

”For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”

What place has it come to light that those in places of power of committed horrendous acts to become wealthy and have control over the masses. Acts that can be considered “fornication.” What place is seen as the richest with earthly wealth all over the world to the point that millions flock to it illegally. Where merchants that produce products and ship products have become billionaires.

Has the flicker of recognition, of understanding finally awoken within those listening or reading this?

The City of Babylon is the United States of America.

A nation founded to allow the free worship of God in the correct manner. Where the Pilgrims fled from Europe to escape the religious tyranny of not only the corrupted Catholic Church, but also the church created to allow a ruler to enter into sin: the Church of England. The place that would be called the one true place to worship the True God, which is why it was once seen as great for this very reason, for the Glory of God.

But now those that profess to being “Christian” care more for their wealth, for their comforts, for their luxuries. More than they care for who they profess to worship, when in reality they worship the whore known as the “City of Babylon.” Could this be why they are vomited from the Body of Christ in Revelations 3:14-22.

This is why the next key statement is made:

“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.”

This is a command to leave wealth and luxuries behind. This is a command to sell off that which the world desires and seeks after God. This is why Christ said this to the young rich man:

Mark 10:21 NKJV – 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.”

To take up the cross you must live in as little of the world as possible and to spread the Word of God for all to seek after salvation and repentance.

Yet most will ignore this, will reject this. They will reject this truth because they are more content with the here and now than with the eternity promised to us all that are willing to surrender the self and turn it all over to God.

This leads us to the promised plagues and why I started today’s lesson with the verses about the sun and moon dimming.

”Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.”

In the judgement that will fall upon the United States of America death, mourning and famine will begin in one single day. Fire will erupt throughout the nation that was once called great. What will cause it will cause all the earth to shake, even to the opposite side of the planet.

What can totally wipe out a nation thousands of miles across?

Well for one thing it won’t be fully wiped out. But what will be left will cause those left in the ruins to morn and to suffer famine. Why? Because crops will no longer be able to even be planted. In essence the United States, the City of Babylon will no longer exist in a form that will allow it to exert any form of influence within the world any longer.

Also, the event that will cause this will make it appear like the sky itself is rolling up like a scroll. Going from blue to darkness most likely in a cloud like form moving from one side of the horizon to the other on a global scale.

As you review chapter 18 you come to see other statements that reflect the city’s resemblance to the U.S. will become even more clear.

But back to what could cause thousands of miles of a nation to become useless lands in one day?

The answer: A super volcano that is becoming more and more active. The destroyer of the United States will be Yellowstone.

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.”

Repent, downsize and spread the Word of God. Do it now, not tomorrow. For Christ’s return is nigh.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #132 (The Murderous Teachers)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

It is time.

It is time to shout the Truth, but most will reject it, just as Jesus Christ said it would be.

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 truly sad is the “many” believe with all their hearts they are on the difficult way. But why is this?

Because they think they are hearing the Truth, when in fact they are listening to lies.

Case in point:

Galatians 1:6-7 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

“To a different gospel, which is not another.”

Many don’t grasp what is being said here. So let us look at it from a different angle.

Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV – And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

They will use the Word of God and even confess that Jesus is the Christ, but they will leave out what is required to find eternal life. As a result, those that do this are cursed.

Galatians 1:8-9 NKJV – 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.

But what is causing them to be cursed?

Galatians 1:10 NLT – Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Those that are cursed are teaching a false gospel that is designed to make people feel pleased with how they now and how the wish to live. In luxuries and comforts here in this temporal existence, when Christ makes it clear that we are to store nothing here in this reality at all.

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.

If their heart is here in the world, then they are not with God.

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.

If they are of this world, then who do they truly worship?

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.

Now right now there will be those that are angry and fuming at what has just been stated here. All I can say is thank you for providing a living verification that what has just been said is coming from the Truth.

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.

But, to get back on track.

Who is truly at fault for this?

2 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV – But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

So those that do this are cursed as well as the fact that they are destroyed quickly. Also note that they even deny the Lord who bought them.

Therefore, those that live in this manner were once upon the Vine who is Jesus Christ. However, they have now been swiftly removed from the Vine.

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.

Thus, those that teach false doctrine are cursed, quickly removed from the Vine of salvation, and are cast in the fires of damnation.

But why is this punishment so harsh?

Revelation 21:8 NKJV – But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

When we are born again it is then that we begin to seek to have eternal life. Yet if we do not accept the Truth and do not abide in Christ by seeking to become a reflection of Jesus Christ. We are removed from the Vine and suffer the second death.

If it is due to listening to those that teach a people pleasing message that includes words like “God,” “Jesus,” “love” and “salvation.” Then those that teach these lies are in fact murderers.

For what does Christ say in love?

Revelation 3:15-19 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.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.”

To repent is to go the opposite direction of what someone was doing with remorse. Therefore, if someone sought after bigger, better, fancier. Then they are to go for smaller, lesser, and cheaper.

Yet those in places of power within the buildings called “churches” do not say or do this.

I once was at a men’s conference, and I was set with the associate pastor of the building called a “church” I was again trying to see if they are truly seeking after Christ. During the ensuing discussion I stated that it was wrong to seek after a huge house. I could visibly see the embracement on the young pastor face. He then confessed to just investing into a million-dollar home for purposes of entertaining. This and some haughty behavior by others at this conference was the straw that broke the camels back for this building and so I came to my final conclusion that the buildings called “churches” were nothing by dressed up social clubs. And those that ran them did not seek to help people find enteral life, but eternal death.

Thus, labeling those that stand upon the dais or behind the pulpit murderers if they teach only to please those that listen to their words. Accordingly, explaining why they are cursed and so quickly censured by God. The richer they are. The more of the world they themselves worship and the more destruction they have heaped upon their souls for all eternity.

It is time to leave the buildings called “churches” that do not call a sin a sin and teach of repentance and rejection of the world and all it offers.

For we are to be “zealous.” What does this mean?

zealous – G2206 – zéloó – affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, I am eager for, am eager to possess.

Especially now there is a need to be zealous for what is promised by God through the teachings of Jesus Christ. We should be earnestly seeking to become a true reflection of Christ by living a simple life. Fervently seeking to follow all the laws as commanded by Christ Himself who came not to destroy by fulfill them.

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

Matthew 5:17-20 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. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

We are told not to listen to people pleasing messages. We are also told that if we encounter it, we are to leave those that not only listen to it but teach it.

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.

Leave now and seek the Lord your God through learning fully the Bible and be obedient to His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

Blog for podcast #131 (A parable for those that seek after their Rewards here on Earth)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

I recently encountered someone that insisted that God will reward them here in this temporal existence. Now for those that have listened to or read my podcasts you know that the Scriptures themselves shows us that this is the furthest thing from the Truth.

Let us look at this in the way that Christ Himself started to teach when those of Israel refused to acknowledge Him as who He is: the Messiah, the Son of God.

An owner of much land had two servants. One servant insisted that he be rewarded daily for his work. The other servant said to the landowner reward me when you see fit. Just please provide me with my daily rations and clothes to cover my nakedness.

The first servant became wealthy from his rewards given unto him by the landowner. One day he came to the landowner demanding more rewards to the point of wanting land from the landowner. And he said to the landowner that he himself would govern his own affairs and become his own landowner with the land given to him by his master.

The landowner gave the first servant a small part of his land and within a few seasons it was a waste and useless. Nothing would grow upon it and the first servant used all his wealth in an effort to fix the land once again and soon after died of starvation.

The second servant continued to work for the landowner. The landowner saw how the second servant honored who truly owned the land and how he treated all within it with respect as to who it belonged to. He saw how this servant nurtured all that was needed to cultivate the land and each year there was a greater harvest.

One day the landowner came to this servant and said to him. I have watched how you care for what belongs to me. So, I have decided to reward you by making you my son. All that is mine shall be yours for as long as you live. All will call you my beloved child and will obey your commands as if they were given by me: your father.

Just so those listening or reading understand. Those that seek for their rewards now. Here in this temporal realm are the first servant. The second servant keeps their eyes upon their eternal rewards that are promised us when Christ Himself returns.

You see Christ makes it clear that all will be rewarded when He returns.

Matthew 16:24-27 NKJV – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 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.

“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.”

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself.”

Let’s break down what it means to “deny himself.”

Deny – G533 – aparneomai – I deny, disown, repudiate (either another person or myself), disregard, to deny utterly, abstain

  1. repudiate – to refuse to accept something or someone as true, good, or reasonable

When denying oneself when taking what was just defined into mind. We come to one conclusion. We ask nothing for ourselves and seek only to glorify Jesus Christ.

This means not asking for money, for a fancy home, for fancy clothes. We see this in the Lord’s prayer as well.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

This is all we are to ever ask for. For that is all that we need.

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.

When people pray for earthly rewards, they are ignoring what is the true great gain. All we should seek after is our daily bread and to cloth our nakedness. That is made clear in these verses. Those that ignore this do not deny themselves. They seek to glorify themselves.

When they say that that they pray to God, and He rewards them with earthly rewards. They are acting counter to the Words of Christ Jesus Himself.

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

Yet who is giving them these rewards which go counter to the teachings within the Bible itself?

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.

Since these things are evidence of the world and do not belong to our Father: God. Who do they belong to?

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.

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.

Satan is their god, and it is he who is rewarding them. The father of lies pretending to be the Son of God.  Giving them rewards which can be destroyed or stolen.

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.

Who they are worshipping is not the Savior Christ Jesus, but he who seeks to kill all and have them share in his ultimate misery.

Revelation 20:10 NKJV – The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

For those that truly seek to follow Christ they must do what is ordered by Christ Himself:

Luke 14:26-27 NKJV – “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.

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

However, none that seek after worldly rewards wish to hear this. They reject that they must give up everything. Yet Christ made this very clear.

Mark 10:17-31 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. 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.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

“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.”

Time and again Christ Himself says to get rid of the self and what the self desires and lust after. They insist that they can be wealthy here in this life and still be a servant to God through Jesus Christ.

Christ has a name for those that think this way. They are called the “lukewarm.”

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

“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.”

Do you truly wish to be vomited out of the Body of Christ? Do you truly wish to be cast into the Pit of fire for billions upon billions of years? Just because you wish to have a few comforts here in this life that last at maximum just over one hundred years.

This is the reality of this. This is how you show you believe there is truly a God that created everything, or it is just a fable, and you can do as you wish and please. But in a nice way because you say with your lips that you are a follower of Christ, but your heart lusts after what will please your fleshy need now.

There is no longer any time to play these stupid games with where you will spend eternity. Christ is very soon to return and if you don’t change right this very moment and repent you will suffer horribly and by chance for billions upon billions upon billions of years. All because you want what you want now. It is you that have chosen your fate and so you will be rewarded by Christ Himself accordingly.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #130 (Is it Christianity?)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

The Christianity that Jesus Christ taught. The one that promises eternal life for all that follow Him and His teaches, for the most part, does not exist.

Yes, you heard me correctly. It does not exist.

What people embrace as what is called “Christianity” is a false veneer to the Truth Jesus Christ sought for all humanity to live.

Most of humanity seeks after money. For they need money to get a house, a new means of transportation. Yet Jesus Christ said this:

 Matthew 6:24 NLT – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

This is a black and white statement.

It is God or it is money. The majority goes with money. I know this to be true. I see it every single day and even did so myself. However, I have made my choice. I went with God.

I downsized over several years and now all I own is in a small RV and an open-air trailer for my motorcylce.

This is how it should be for all that seek after God through Jesus Christ for that is what He wants for all that seek after 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.

I run into those that say the words: “I am a Christian.” A majority, especially those that are high within the hierarchy of the buildings called “churches” behave in a haughty and self-serving mentality.

I worked with a man that professed to being “Christian,” but his focus was upon making a million dollars in his 401k. It made it and then a few days later one of the recent stock market crashes occured and he lost over $200k in one day.

Extremely rarely have I heard or seen people take their earthly wealth and give it freely to all others that are in need, in pain or suffering. In fact, it is so rare I cannot name a single person in recent history that has given most of their wealth away for the glory of God.

This is the earmark that what people call “Christianity” currently are living a lie. And who is the father of all 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.

Who was Jesus speaking to when he said these words?

He was speaking to those that came to the temple to supposedly worship God. However, in the preceding verses to the one just spoken Christ explains to those present that they do not follow His Father for if they did, they would see Him as what He was: the Messiah.

These people are the descendants of those taken out of Egypt. These are those that profess to being Jewish.

This is how it is now. How those people lived is how those that profess to being “Christian,” for the majority, now live and act. Their father is not the Father of Jesus Christ. They are their own witnesses to whom they worship in how they live.

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.

Who is in control of this world at this time?

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.

What fruits are born by those that live of the world?

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.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NKJV – Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

As I have taught in past podcast many misunderstand what is idolatry. Many think it is the worship of statues.

Ephesians 5:5 NLT – You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

“For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”

What else is said in Ephesians:

Ephesians 5:3-4 NKJV – But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Right now, covetousness runs rampant within those that profess to being “Christian.”

I worked with a man who professed to me that he was a “Christian.” However, he did all he could to get as much money for the job as possible. He was known by many as an overtime-whore.

What was he worshipping? For it was not Jesus Christ.

In Acts we are given an example of how we were to live:

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.

“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.”

I personally know of none that live this way. Yet, this is how we should be living and seeking to live.

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.”

It can be done. I have done it and am living my best in this fashion. Even though I was late in my life to come to this Truth. As a result, I cannot fully fulfill that which God demands, but still I will strive to do my very best to be His disciple.

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.

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

How many disciples are counted in the Bible? It is not a “great multitude,” but only twelve.  

Are you downsizing? Are you considering downsizing now?

If not, then who truly is your father?

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

Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV – “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “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.”

The time to repent is now. Not tomorrow, for tomorrow will be too late.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #129 (Self-control)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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.

Why word this verse in such a way?

Because what is of the most importance is said last not first. Because these letters were read aloud to those gathered to hear them. Most forget what is said first, but if it is last it sticks with you and remains upon your mind.

When we live by and with the Holy Spirit, for we become a temple for the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) When we follow all that is shown to be the fruits we work within the perimeters of the laws of Moses.

At this point there are those that are protesting what has just been said. Proclaiming that the laws are of the “old covenant.”

 Matthew 5:17-20 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. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

But how can our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees?

By having self-control, which requires us to behave in the manner described in Galatians five. We can also in this chapter see how we are not to behave and in so doing apply self-control.

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.

I have witnessed and even experienced some of the works of the flesh that many don’t realize they are doing when they accept Christ as their Savior. They aren’t the outright sins like adultery and fornication. They are contention, outburst of wrath and dissension. This is exemplified by those that just a few moments ago were protesting what I had just stated from the Word of God. That was a lack of self-control and shows that those that did act in this fashion were not working from the Spirit but from the flesh.

So, two questions need to be asked. The first why is “self-control” on the list of behavior that shows spiritual fruit. The second. Why is it listed last?

Once again, when something is of great import when it comes to the letters that form what has become the New Testament it is written last. Why? Because these letters were read aloud to many at once. For the book that is now the Bible did not exist for hundreds of years. Therefore, the last thing spoken is usually the thing most remembered.

Now that we have addressed the last question. Let’s address the first.

How is self-control defined? It is the ability to control your emotions and actions.

Why do we need to control our emotions and actions? Why? We’re saved. We’re children of God.

Because on God’s side of the relationship we are loved and welcomed. It is our side of the relationship that is the issue.

I challenge all listening to read the book of Hosea. Look at it as if they are the wife of Hosea. Then you will understand.

I once had someone say to me. “Why would God remove His grace from us once it is given?”

The answer is simple. God doesn’t. We do.

Because most do not practice self-control. They live in this fantasy that they can never loss their salvation. While all the time they slide further and further away from God. Bearing no true fruit for God. Because they do not control their emotions and their action.

They don’t read the Bible and learn what is required on their part of the relationship. They just assume that they can continue to live their lives as they have already, just a bit cleaner. They don’t understand the true definition of the word “repent.”

In the King James, which is the closest English version available to the original Hebrew and Greek, the word appears a total of 43 times, most of which are in the New Testament. Within that part of the Bible, it is the same word except for three times. Twice in 2 Colossians and once in Hebrews.

Twenty times in the New Testament the word used for “repent” is:

Metanoeo – to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance; I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God) [expanded definition].

In the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament thirty-eight pages is devoted to this word, I will not spend that much time upon it. In the primary definition of the word metanoeo, which is a compound word from “meta” and “noieo,” in the TDNT two main definition are given. In the first these phrases stick out “to change one’s mind,” “to adopt another view,” “to change one’s feelings” and “to change one’s resolve or purpose.”

Now just ponder those phrases.

Your mind is changed from what it once was, causing you to adopt another view of life, which causes your feelings to change, giving you a new resolve and purpose in life. This implicates that you thought wrongly, your view of your life was incorrect. You had feelings that you no longer wish to pursue and so with a new resolve and purpose you seek to change and no longer live your life in such a manner.

Here are the key phrases from the second definition of the word “repent” “if the change of mind derives from recognition that the earlier view was foolish, improper, or evil, there arises the sense ‘to regret,’ ‘to feel remorse,’ ‘to rue.’” “If I had known better I would have acted otherwise.”

Later into the thirty-eight pages it specifically addresses Jesus’ view and meaning of the word repent. It spends nearly three pages discussing this viewpoint and boils down to this:
He took John the Baptist’s meaning of the word and expanded upon it. To quote: “But Jesus does not merely repeat the call of the Baptist. He modifies and transcends it by making conversion a fundamental requirement… To call to conversion is the purpose of His sending.”

Therefore, repentance is the true sign that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, and when you feel true repentance you feel regret, remorse and you feel bitter sorrow over the sins you have committed. This allows you to stop living in these sins.

If you do not feel regret, if you do not feel remorse, if you do not feel sorrow, then you are not repentant. You have not experienced the word “repent.”

Now for the other word as was mentioned in Colossians and Hebrews:
Metamelomai – I change my mind (generally for the better), repent, regret in Strong’s. In the TDNT the word means “to experience remorse.”

Remorse – in the Merriam-Webster definition of this word is “a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs”

Consequently, this once again points to a past way of living. A past way of thinking. So again, I say if you live within a sin and feel no need to end this sin then it is your master. It is your king. It is the sin that is in control of your life. You may say the words “but I am a Christian,” but if you have not been truly born again (John 3:3), you will never feel true repentance and so are not one with God. You are living within a lukewarm life of more saying you are “Christian” but living of and within the world, within the sin and so per Revelation 3:15-16 you shall be spit out of the Body, by Christ Himself.

This is where the need for self-control comes from. This is why self-control is so vital. Without self-control we are as fickle as the wife of Hosea. For that is how all of humanity is. Saved or unsaved. For their focus is not upon that which pleases God but on that which gives them the greatest joy at that very moment. Without self-control we fall prey to that which our flesh desires more than what God desires.

Most that profess to being “Christian” live their lives not reflecting God, nor His Son Jesus Christ. They manifest that which is greatest in their lives.

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.

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.

It is through practicing self-control that we don’t store our earthly wealth here in this temporal realm, but we give it away freely. We don’t seek after that which is of the world or is pleasing to the world.

Yet how many that call themselves “Christian” live in fancy homes and have thousands if not millions in their bank accounts. All stored there for their own wants and desires. Which shows a total lack of self-control. For if they had control over their lust for money they wouldn’t have sought after the large house and lavish lifestyle they live within. Going about parading their wealth for all to see with their noses up in the air thinking they are superior to others.

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.

They are so focused due to true lack of self-control upon the here and now. Totally ignoring where they wish to reside in their eternal life that is yet to come. They have been told that they can have their wealth and their eternal life, which is a lie. For it is made clear that they must choose through self-control where they wish to spend eternity. For all the world sees what they have chosen and in so doing so bring a lie to not only who they are but to Jesus Christ. This is why, due to lack of self-control that millions will not stand before the Throne in robes of white, but as a defendant in the Great White Throne Judgement. Most will be shocked to find that Christ Himself removed their names from the Book of Life.

God Bless