life

Blog for Podcast #156 (Free-will)

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

This is one of those things that people just don’t truly understand.

When God created Adam, He placed within this human the ability to use “free-will.” This has been passed down to all humanity. It is the ability to use our minds to decide on our own what we wish to do.

When Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of what is right and what is wrong. It was a test of the very gift given by God to His most important creation of all through His Son. God knew that both Eve and then Adam would fail. God knew that great trials and tribulations that would follow for the billions of lives that were to exist from that moment that he decided to make humanity until the time of the Great White Throne Judgment.

Yet God was still pleased that He created us. God still loved and currently still does love us. It is His desire that each person come to have a personal relationship with Him and His Son. Here is the thing that people wish to ignore due to having “free-will.” Many have convinced themselves that once they are saved and have entered into this personal relation with God and His Son that “free-will” is suddenly gone. It no longer has any affect upon their lives.

Here is the one thing that Catholicism did get right, but their manner of dealing with it actually compounded the problem instead of truly trying to address it through the need of going to confession. By going to confession actually makes people feel they can continue to live in their sin and have no need to be truly repentant.

To be truly repentant means the person must leave the sin behind completely. Is this easy? In most cases no it is not. Why? Because of free-will. Humanity due to the gift of free-will must deal with this gift which at times can be a curse on a daily basis.

Since the gift of free-will never leaves us we daily make choices that affect how we do things. It is though reading the Bible and learning the way that God truly wishes us to live that we teach ourselves a type of discipline in how to control our free-will. This is called self-control. That is why there is reference within the Bible of many that are one with God that then turn their backs upon God due to free-will. Look at David for example. Someone that as a child was beloved by God for his love and his faith in the Creator of all. He becomes the first king of Israel to totally unite the twelve tribes. However, he turned his back upon God and through his free-will lusted after his neighbor’s wife. For the terrace to where Bathsheba bathed could be seen from the palace which was right next door. David then committed murder to hide his sin of adultery. Yet was he not at one time in harmony with God? Did not God bless him and give him the insight as a mere child into how to slay the Nephilim Goliath.

This is the acts of free-will and they can happen after someone is in a true relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. As is witnessed in John 15 a person can be of the vine of Jesus Christ. Saved, born-again, yet they can turn their back upon God and bear no fruit in their salvation. God Himself will break off that person’s branch from Jesus and give it back to humanity which will then cast them into the fire which is a simple of the pit of fire where all go that do not truly follow Jesus Christ.

David realized his sins and repented of them as best he could. Bathsheba also repented and from them came Solomon who built the first great temple to God. And from David’s line ultimately came the ultimate salvation which is Jesus Christ.

Free-will is our ally and at the same time it is our enemy due to all knowing what is right and wrong from that fruit that Eve and Adam ate so long ago. Without the knowledge and the teachings of the Bible we are to be tested by our own free-will. How we overcome these tests that our free-will puts us through daily is our ultimate test of our faith and belief in our Creator and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. This is reinforced with the following verses.

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

Just because we have asked Jesus into our hearts does not mean we can do as we wish and however we wish to live our lives. If we do this we will quickly fall back into the world and our selfish and self-centered desires and wishes. This is why David and his sins as king affected all of Israel. How does our ignoring free-will and the consequences it is causing any better? What ripples are we causing by not following the teachings within the Bible? That is obvious if you listen to the news and look about you at things that are effecting our lives.

This is all the results of free-will and not learning to following the teachings of Jesus Christ that is the Bible.

Matthew 7:21-27 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!’ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

I have had a burden on my heart since writing these precious words our Savior spoke nearly two thousand years ago, when I first wrote this as a blog in 2016. What I was drawn too was verse 22:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

Now in particular it is the question of “and in thy name have cast out devils?”

I am reminded of when Christ Himself was accused of being the devil. His answer was this:

Matthew 12:24-28 NKJV – Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

So here is the key to my point. These people in all honesty will stand before Christ and ask this question of Him and He will respond:

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

When we are one with God through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, He Himself made it clear, that we will be able to do anything in His name even to the point of moving a mountain. Consequently, if these people in all honestly in their hearts say that they prophesied in His name, if they cast out devils in His name and did wondrous works in His name per Matthew 12 they did. Why? For they were against Satan when they did it. They were one with God through Christ’s salvation.

Now once again I draw your attention to John 15 and in particular these verses.

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.

It is made clear in these verses these key points:

First, Jesus Christ in the “true vine”

Second, God His father, is the “husbandman.” Which means he is the one who controls the growth of the vine, His Son, and the Body of Christ which are those that profess He is their Savior and they are born again.

Third is the warning that “every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away.” It does not go to the glory but the warning. Why? To place the emphasis upon the fact that we can be removed. Remember this is Jesus Christ Himself speaking to his disciples. They are His personally chosen and yet He makes it clear that there is a cost for not staying one with Him. Did not Judas learn this?

Fourth is the counsel for those that are faithful and do bear fruit, but with the understanding that by doing so there will be times of trials and tribulation. Why? Not only to strength those that are bearing fruit for God, but also to see if you can handle the pressures that come with this great responsibility. When we show we can overcome and stay faithful unto Christ, God rewards us by causing us to bear even more fruit for His glory than before.

Fifth is the statement of purification and that is reached through knowing the words of Jesus Christ, which is the Bible. This also implies that if you do not maintain insight into Christ through the Bible you can become unclean.

Sixth the statement of commitment. “Abide in me, and I in you.”

Abide – meno – I remain, abide, stay, wait.

Stay in Christ, this implies that we can leave Him, which is a statement of free-will. Christ has made it clear that He would never leave us (Matthew 28:18-20), He never states we cannot choose to leave Him, but as this statement from Him shows it is possible. But He also makes clear in Matthew 28 that we must do this by “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

Seventh is why we must stay with Christ. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” It makes it clear that we can ONLY bear fruit if we keep Christ constantly and continually within us every day. Not just on Sunday but 24/7/365. Yet this is not what most do that state they are “Christian.” In verse five Jesus re-emphasizes just how important that we continually keep Him within us constantly and shows that without Him there is no fruit. In fact, he states clearly that without Him in our lives we can do nothing that is precious unto Him.

Finally, Jesus once again returns to the warning. He starts with a warning, and He ends with a warning. This makes it plainly clear that we can loss our connection with Him as is unmistakably spelled out in verse six.

“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

This returns full circle to Matthew 7:22-23:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Therefore, there are those that were saved. They were born again. They let Jesus Christ abide in them. Then through their free-will they decided that the world was a better place for them. They left the word of God behind. They chose to follow creation over the Creator. They chose to follow and be happier with the temporal than the eternal.

Hence even though Jesus loves us and wishes us to stay with Him. People in their free-will can and do reject God and they do not realize it for they will be expecting to get into heaven and will confess the fruits that they once bore for Jesus, but He will turn to them and say:

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #155 (Adulterers)

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

Who are the adulterers of the book of James?

This is not referring to just those that commit adultery upon their spouse, even though, technically they are included. It is those that say that they have asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior. It is those that then instead of being a loyal bride to the Holy Bridegroom, which is who Jesus is. They turn their backs upon Him and seek after those things that they can see about them.

He tells us not to seek after things of the world. For they shall rust away and be eaten by moths or stolen by thieves.

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.

Nonetheless, this is exactly what they do seek after. They seek after wealth, and fame. They seek after the bigger, the better, and the shinier. They turn themselves into adulterers, cheating upon their Savior and rejecting those promised and cherished rewards that will come when we no longer live for up to a hundred years. But when we live for billions, upon billions of years.

This is the one concept most in the world have forgotten, that we are all to be eternal beings. We are all promised to live for billions of years. Most, however, reject this thesis. They claim that all there is, is this poultry one hundred years. And so, they seek after that which turns them into adulterers.

The Bible makes it clear. If you seek after riches, it can most likely be impossible to enter the eternal live that is to come.

Matthew 19:23-24 NKJV – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, 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.”

We are to reject the lusts and desires of pleasing ourselves, but to humble ourselves and worship He who died upon the cross. Allowing us the ability to be seen by His Father, our Creator.

The desires of the self must die. Placing ourselves at the center of our concerns must die. For if we do not do this, we are promised to die a second time. To be dead eternally in the sight of God. Even though physically we will still be alive, but in such anguish and misery that we will have no time to know or think of anything else but that agony we will be experiencing if we do not end being adulterers to He that has called us to be His bride.

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.”

Repent of your sin. Turn your backs upon them and never return to them. For if you do not, God Himself will break you form the vine of the bridegroom and allow you to be cast into the fire (John 15:1-6).

James 4:1-10 NKJV – Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 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.

Why do people insist upon making themselves into adulterers? Because they believe it is all about themselves. They are selfish and self-serving. They believe the world revolves about them, when this is the furthest thing from the truth.

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.

This is why they pray incorrectly. They pray for more wealth. They pray for comfort. They pray for earthly rewards. They pray for everything except that which God requires of them. The Bible teaches to seek after less and if given wealth to give it to those in need not ourselves. We are told not to seek after the things of the world. We are told we will not live in true and complete comfort, except that comfort that comes from true and complete devotion to God.

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.

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.

1 John 2:15-17 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. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Do you think you are one with God through Jesus Christ just because you call yourself a “Christian” and go into a building called a “church” once a week. This is the land of the “Sunday Christian” the “rice Christian.”

Just so you understand that second reference. A “rice Christian” is referring to what missionaries in China called those that went to a Christian mission because they were paid to go there with rice. Sadly this was  done and the priest or pastor that encouraged or endorsed this can be called a false teacher. So, due to this their fate has already been determined.

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.

Accordingly, a rice Christian is someone who receives earthly rewards in return for saying they follow Christ. Now think upon that a moment. Think about those that have said they turn to Christ and then seek after expensive homes, cars or trucks. That seek after enough wealth to buy fancy clothes to become members of golf courses. Live in exclusive gated communities, while all the time professing they are “Christians.”

This is what makes them adulterers. Therefore, since they are committing adultery against Jesus Christ Himself. Then they more than any other adulterer have earned their place in that judgement that Christ Himself will pass upon them.

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.

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

What many do not understand is that true dedication to following Jesus Christ is not what has been taught for centuries. Yes, you heard that correctly: hundreds of years.

More generations have gone to the grave in a false understanding of what is required to be a follower of Christ. Yet those that lived the simple lives in rural areas came closest to true servitude to Christ’s teaches if they strived to follow them. This is witnesses here within the Bible:

Luke 21:1-4 NKJV – And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

Why say this? It is explained to Timothy this way:

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.

Those that horde their wealth unto themselves do not willing give all their wealth unto those in need.

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?

 Yet most have been taught to live in this manner. For generations most seek to be wealthy and pass on this wealth to their offspring. All of which is a sin. Which labels all that seek to show and flaunt their wealth to be condoning sin instead of seeking to be disciples of Christ if they profess to the world they are “Christians.” Thus, they are adulterers and in fact hypocrites. To the point that this is said to the Pharisees that lived in this manner:

Luke 16:13-15 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” 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 pointed out before. The Greek word of “abomination” is only used six times in the NT. Four of those times it describes the antichrist and those that follow and worship that person. What does that make these adulterers?

Repent and downsize NOW!

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #154 (“Why”)

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
Why.
I have started to use this word more. Why? Because I keep encountering those that profess to being follower of Jesus Christ and that they follow His teachings. Yet, when confronted with things that go counter to how they do things. These people obfuscate, they argue, they complain.
Now you have to further understand the reason I am using the word “why” more. You see I use the Word of God. Most times I use the Word’s spoken by Jesus Christ Himself. Yet, people argue and say this is not so. This is not right. They say things like this when the Bible shows what they have been doing and what they have been taught cannot be found in the Scriptures.
Case in point. How we are to pray.
Frist:
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV – pray without ceasing,
Second:
Matthew 6:5-8 NKJV – “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Simply we are to pray constantly, but we are to not let others know we are doing so. Those that pray at restaurants, those that pray openly for all to see or even read, per Jesus Christ have been given their rewards.
People get incensed by this. They say this only applies to those that are hypocrites. Not understanding that if they insist upon praying for all to see they become hypocrites per the Words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself. When someone challenges the Words spoken by Christ Himself, they say they know better than Him, they know better than God.
I wish to look at the word “hypocrite.”
hypocrite – hupokrités – dissembler, pretender
a) dissembler – someone who hides their real feelings or intentions, or hides the true facts.
When someone disagrees with a direct command given by Jesus Christ, they are hiding the true facts. Not only from other, but from themselves and so they become a hypocrite.
As to our example I used earlier from the sermon on the mount. I will restate it, however first I will show something else Christ said.
John 14:15 NKJV – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Now when giving the sermon on the mount there are several times Jesus gives out commandments that He has stated we are to follow. How we are to pray is one of them. Therefore, once again I will restate it:
Matthew 6:5-15 NKJV – “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
You can tell by the wording this is a commandment. Yet people challenge this. Once again, I return to the word of the day. Why?
Because they have been taught otherwise, they have been told they can spread the knowledge of God by praying in public. Making a show of their belief. Yet Jesus Christ made it clear. They have been given their reward, which shows it is earthly not heavenly.
If they really sought after rewards that were promised by God they would make their continual prayers in their heads and behind closed doors. They would work within the perimeters directed by our Lord and Savior and not question or challenge it just because what they have been taught does not follow what has been commanded by Him.
Why?
Because once they challenge it they show disobedience to God. They show who they are obedient too. Jesus ran into this same mentality when He walked amongst us, and how did He reply to this:
John 8:39-47 NKJV They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 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. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
Again, people will challenge this. Why? because this was not them. It was the Jewish people living in disobedience. However, there is one thing I have learned. That any who challenge the Truth given by Christ become those that do not see who He truly is. They become blind to the Truth and so they become the follows of the father of all lies. Right now someone just got upset by what was just stated here. I will remind them of what the Bible says about that type of reaction.
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.
Does their reaction not appear as hatred of the Truth? Are they not showing contention with the Word of God? Have they not reacted in an outburst of wrath? Do they not to seek to distance themselves from this message causing dissension within them? Then they are acting from the flesh and following he who governs the flesh opening the door to them not being welcomed in the kingdom of God. Thus, verifying all that has been stated here.
So, it has been established by what has been shown in this podcast as to the reason I have started this lesson with the word “why.”
Now, we can turn to the word “what.”
What can we do to address these issues?
First off people must come to an acceptance that they can be doing things that are seen a wrong in the eyes of God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. They can do this by actually studying the Bible for themselves. When people allow others to tell them what the Bible says that is the open door to false teachings. I have said it more than once. I will say it again. Do not take my word for it. Learn it yourself. Always verify.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NKJV – Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Anything that does not fall in-line with the Word of God is evil it is just that simple. That is why it is so important to know the Bible for ourselves. That is why when people decide to not follow the Word because of tradition is equal to following false teachings. Taking the doctrines of humans over the Truth of God.
Matthew 15:1-9 NKJV – Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’; and, ‘HE WHO CURSES FATHER OR MOTHER, LET HIM BE PUT TO DEATH.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘THESE PEOPLE DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. AND IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ “
Yes, Christ was speaking to the Pharisees and scribes, but the mentality that existed when Christ walked amongst us has now come to those that profess to being “Christian” at this very time. Those Words spoken by Him then now apply to most that profess to follow Him now, however they have abandoned or more accurately never learned the Truth.
Haven’t people noticed how many denominations have appeared in the last three hundred years including many cults that also sprang into existence in the 1830s and 40s. Not counting the cults. How many actually follow the Truth within the Bible?
Do you know that only 2% of today’s churches within the United States actually teach the Truth. Actually teaching the need for repentance. That actually teach what is required to take the journey of the narrow and difficult path. Only 2%. That means the other 98% teach evil, under the façade of Christianity, for they are not in line with the Word of God. This is all part of the great deception. The deception that tells them they can keep their wealth and their fancy lifestyle. While all the time they are one with God, when this is the furthest thing from the Truth. They have abandoned Christ for their own wants and desire which does not come from God as shown in 1 John 2:15-16. This verifies what I am saying is the Truth. Yet most don’t want to hear this. They wish to live in their lie not realizing they listen to and worship the father of all lies.
“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.”
Think and ponder what has been said today.
God Bless

Blog for Podcast #152 (The Lawless)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Memories, 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

A few weeks back I had an encounter with a person on social media. In this encounter the person insisted that they were walking in the light of Christ. However, they felt it was not their duty to spread the Word of God. In fact, this person stated out right that the laws Christ Himself said would not end until the Great White Throne Judgement were no longer in effect. I showed this person the Words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself. Still, He was right and the Words spoken by our Savior were not true. What does Jesus Christ say?

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

“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.”

When someone denies the existence of the commandments, they teach that we are to break them, so those that do this are seen as least in the kingdom of heaven.

This person also said it was not their duty to spread the Good News. Christ said this about that:

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

As I have shown in past podcasts this is not about gaining wealth, but about helping people to find salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. When this person said it was not their duty to help others to find this salvation, they became the servant that buried their talent, their salvation. They were determined to keep their “salvation” just for themselves and everyone else had to find their own way to God without this person’s help. This person would not judge those that had not found God. Simply stated He knew where the Lord sowed His seeds and so instead of helping these seeds to grow this person hid their salvation away. What was their reward in the end?

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

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Where else in the Bible do we see this description? That is explained in another parable that Jesus is asked to explain. So, He does:

Matthew 13:36-43 NKJV – Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

So, this makes it clear that those that experience weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth are in hell. But’ there is something else that comes into perspective in these verses as well. It is this statement:

“They will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness.”

The word “lawlessness” is used another time in Matthew as well:

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!’

What does it mean to practice lawlessness?

Lawlessness is shown as “iniquity” in the KJV in both places. Therefore, we will examine this word:

Iniquity – anomia – lawlessness, disobedience, sin, illegality, that is, violation of the law, unrighteousness.

But, if there is no laws, no commandments how can they be violated?

Jesus Christ also said this:

 Luke 16:16-17 NKJV – “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

“Pressing into” as I have shown in the past this mean all are forced into the law and the prophets. Therefore, any who state there are no longer any laws or commandments are in fact living and teaching other to break the laws and the commandments. So, their destination is not in heaven but where?

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.”

This is supported when the person I was talking about at the beginning of today’s study rejected the Word’s spoken by Jesus Christ Himself.

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.

“Even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness.”

This brings me to these verses found in Hebrews:

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

They have assigned for themselves their own fate. It is something that should cause anyone to feel discomfort and even a bit of fear that they may slide away from the Holy gifts they were so freely given. Paul wrote this about the laws and his own torment that he himself experienced. What is to follow should give all pause if they do not feel uncomfortable in how they live. For Paul an apostle chosen by Jesus Christ Himself felt he was not worthy of his calling as is seen in the verses that follow:

Romans 7:7-25 NKJV – What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

It is very clear that the laws, the commandments are still in effect. Any who say otherwise are in fact denying their Savior and thus their own salvation. They wear a façade of holiness, but is that all it is. The thing is God will allow them to repent to return to Him. It makes that very clear in Revelation 3:1-6, which is where I will end today’s study at.

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #151 (Those that Teach Tradition instead of the Truth)

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

As we come ever closer to the return of Jesus Christ. I see more and more how the Jewish people in the time our Savior walked amongst us being reflected in those that profess to being so called “Christians” at this very time.

Any time Christ scolds the Pharisees and or the Jewish people. It can be said that whenever there is any condemnation of the Jewish nation in the Bible, it now applies on wholesale to those that profess to follow Him, yet they only do this through what can be called lip service.

Matthew 15:1-9 NKJV – Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’; and, ‘HE WHO CURSES FATHER OR MOTHER, LET HIM BE PUT TO DEATH.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘THESE PEOPLE DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. AND IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ “

I wish to zero in on something else here other than the last two verses.

“Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?”

Tradition – G3862 – paradosis – precept, ordinance, an instruction, a handing down or over

  1. precept – a rule for action or behavior, especially obtained from moral thought.

“Obtained from moral thought.”

Note that wording. Not from the Bible but from moral thought. AKA from the minds of humans. This is how many that profess to being of one denomination or another exists. They do not follow the true commandments but traditions. That is why those that insist on going into buildings once a week at the least. Sing a few songs and say a few prayers then leave in their fancy expensive vehicles of the world and go to their wastefully huge houses of the world. Filled with their worldly possessions which professes to the world that they are idolators. Then they return to their daily lives in and part of the world. This was said by Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 23:9-17 NKJV – My heart within me is broken Because of the prophets; All my bones shake. I am like a drunken man, And like a man whom wine has overcome, Because of the LORD, And because of His holy words. For the land is full of adulterers; For because of a curse the land mourns. The pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up. Their course of life is evil, And their might is not right. “For both prophet and priest are profane; Yes, in My house I have found their wickedness,” says the LORD. “Therefore their way shall be to them Like slippery ways; In the darkness they shall be driven on And fall in them; For I will bring disaster on them, The year of their punishment,” says the LORD. “And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: They prophesied by Baal And caused My people Israel to err. Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem: They commit adultery and walk in lies; They also strengthen the hands of evildoers, So that no one turns back from his wickedness. All of them are like Sodom to Me, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah. “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: ‘Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, And make them drink the water of gall; For from the prophets of Jerusalem Profaneness has gone out into all the land.’ ” Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD. They continually say to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD has said, “You shall have peace” ‘; And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come upon you.’ “

Is this not now how most that stand upon the dais now act and behave? Is not the time for the soon return of our Savior near? Do any remember the small one-chapter book in the Bible entitled “Jude?” Well Let us look at what was said there.

Jude 1:3-16 NKJV – Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.

Those spoken of here are those that fill the majority of the complement that profess to being called not only “Christian,” but also leaders of these various denominations that plague the community that calls itself followers of Jesus Christ. The buildings called churches are a dead wasteland that must be abandoned now.

They teach you to only give 10% and to keep the rest for yourselves. Yet the Bible teaches this:

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.

and this:

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.

Yet churches teach people to be haughty and to trust in uncertain riches. Not to personally do good works in faith. Yet the Bible says this about what is seen as the perfect religion.

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

How many help those in need or seek to?

How many know what it truly means to be “unspotted from the world?” When people seek to have and keep items of the world, they show who they worship.

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.

Those that go to churches crave physical pleasures like going to Super Bowl parties and watching sporting events or participating in them. They seek after earthly beauty in all its forms be it how people look through clothes or makeup or the lack of clothing. They take pride in their own goals in life and take pride in seeking after spending God’s money on ever more expensive possessions in any form they take.

Now why did I just say, “God’s money?”

Let us go proverbs to start.

Proverbs 30:7-9 NKJV – Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.

Any who does not teach true stewardship of what God had given unto you. Like living a life in which we only seek to meet our needs and anything above and beyond that is God’s and for His service and His service alone teach sin.

Any who teach and support sin do not serve God nor His Son, but their god is the god of this world.

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.

For they have accepted the ruler of this world as their savior, and he rewards them as he was given power to do.

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.

And they accept his gifts willingly with greed and joy reflected within their eyes.

Seek true redemption. Seek true repentance.

Downsize now and quickly and then start to help the homeless, those in true need. Live off the least and give the most to God not a church, GOD! For time is running out. Christ is soon to come as a thieve in the night. The night we are now deep within. For sin runs rampant and what is evil is seen as good and what is holy is seen as evil. All because most that profess to being “Christian” deny their Savior, and in turn He denies them (Matthew 10:33).

These words were written on the day Christ left the tomb. There is no lie within them. Too many believe they follow Christ when they truly worship Satan. Woe unto those that deny these words, for the first rapture draws ever near, and they will find themselves left behind. Many say this is as it should be. Why? Because they do not follow the Truth nor God. Woe unto those that say there is no rapture for they show who they worship, and it is just as our Savior Jesus Christ said it would be for He said these Words:

Luke 21:29-36 NKJV – Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #147 (A Difficult burden I was reluctant to Teach)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

I have been putting this off. I have hinted at it in the past, but I felt it was not time. Last night I received a dream once again. Per Acts 2:17 I am a dreamer of dreams, thus the name of these podcasts. God wishes me to now address this issue that I have been so reluctant to pursue.

To begin this, I will do a breakdown of two verses found in Matthew chapter seven:

Matthew 7:13-14 KJV – Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Enter – G1525 – eiserchomai – I go in, come in.

strait – G4728 – stenos – narrow

wide – G4116 – platus – broad, street

destruction – G684 – apóleia – ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin; damnable, die, perdition, pernicious.

leadeth – G520 – apagó – I lead, carry, take away; met, bring.

few – G3641 – oligos – little, small, short, brief(ly).

find – G2147 – heuriskó – I find, learn, discover, especially after searching, get, obtain, perceive, see.

When looking at this break down of these key words within these two verses, we return to what I have been teaching for years. That each person that seeks salvation from Jesus Christ has an active role in this relationship. Many seek, but few search. This is reflected from these words from the second book of Peter:

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

That is why so many wear the façade Christianity. In their own eyes they profess true and complete faith to God through Jesus Christ. But in reality, that is not whom they are truly worshipping. Which is why this is said to those in Galatia which are teaching a people pleasing message:

 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.

But to return to the core of this message. I go to the next link in the chain.

Luke 21:29-36 NKJV – Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Here is a strong link in this chain. First, we have the parable of the fig tree which is a warning to look for the soon return of Jesus Christ. Then we have the warning to stay alert and to keep the faith and follow the commands. Then if we are faithful to Jesus Christ and we pray we might be counted worthy to escape what is to follow. We are taken out of it.

Yet there are those that to their own shame deny these words spoken by Him whom they profess to follow clearly stating that we can avoid the trials within the tribulation. They, however, say this is not what is said in these Words. They just denied their Savior and opened themselves up to being denied by Him to His Father (Matthew 10:33). Yet since they denied the first of course they deny the second as well.

Too many have written off the pretribulation rapture. Too many deny the Word spoken by Him who is the Word. But then that is how we started today’s message isn’t? The many taking the wide road and only a few willing to take the narrow path.

It is because they know in their hearts, they will not be welcomed in the first rapture that they insist it does not exist at all. They embrace the torment and the pain that is to come. The starvation and the torture over seeking after God through pure faith and works as we are all called to do by our Savior Jesus Christ. They welcome the beheading and to be called a martyr. All this instead of simply following the commands found within the Bible and selling off all their worldly goods.

We also have another angle to look at this issue. What does the Bible say about those that believe over seeing?

John 20:24-29 NKJV – Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Don’t they understand that once the Tribulation begins, they are seeing God at work. They are seeing Christ, but those that sought after Christ before His return and made themselves ready are blessed in His sight and so are taken away from what is to befall all those that in essence or in actuality denied Him.

Don’t they understand that Christ came to save all from damnation? Yet they walk in damnation wearing the disguise of “Christianity” awaiting the day to remove that mask and either truly decide to follow Christ or wear the mark. Less blessed than they were before the tribulation came into being.

All because they wished to live in comforts here and now.

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

Seeking worldly rewards here and now.

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.

Not helping those in need as all are told to do.

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?

As well as spreading the Word of God to help others find salvation before the tragedies that are soon to befall all.

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in my name, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

From personal experience I know that this is how most that profess to being “Christian” actually live and behave. They refuse to do any of these things that is required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ our Savior. Yet they live in a false pride that they are this great and wonderful people that do so many wondrous and great deeds.

All of this mentality has gotten us to this point. This false image of “Christianity.” This apostate church. To the point that brings us to the end of the gentile era. This era of slaughter and conquest in the false “God” but it wasn’t that God they did it for but the god that is in control of this realm 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.

Yet the lie was so complete that they believed with all their hearts that it was their Creator they followed when in reality it was not.

This is witnessed with those that stand before the public and profess their undying faith as a “Christian.” Yet in the previous or next words seek the death and destruction of others. Especially those that are small and defensively. Known like all are known by God before they even enter the womb. Before the sperm enters the egg.

Here is the sad but shocking truth.  Those that wish to embrace horror. Those that wish to embrace pain. Those that wish to embrace starvation. Don’t see God nor His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. They don’t have faith for they have not believed without seeing. All they have thought was believe in following God most likely was worship of themselves. A worship that has been occurring for nearly two thousand years. Humanity worshipping man-made religions. Resulting in wars and destruction of entire civilizations.

The only reason God is known. The only reason Jesus is known. Is because throughout the centuries some truly took the narrow and difficult path. Like Martin Luther who challenged the Catholic Church head on. Most are forgotten by humans. Erased from history for their lives went counter to those that wrote history. Then a few others are known like William Tyndale who used the original Hebrew and Greek as a reference instead of supporting Latin translations. In fact, it was due to this fact that he translated them into English is what caused his arrest and then death.

It is these few that truly took the narrow and difficult path. It is these few that carried forward the true faith and believe in God through His Son Jesus Christ. It is these few that make it possible for humanity to make it to the next stage in God’s eternal plan. A plan that is beyond our understanding.

Now though too many say there will not be a pretribulation rapture. Totally counter to what Jesus Christ Himself said would occur. Counter to Christ returning as a thief in the night.

Why I say this is two times during the tribulation the sun will darken. One time when the City of Babylon is destroyed in one day. The other when Wormwood hits the earth. How can Christ come as a thief in the night when all will see these two events if they are still alive upon this planet.

The answer is simple. He can’t. He must come before and when He does is when the tribulation will begin.

Enough denial. Enough arguing. Enough accepting lies. Fix your relationship with God through Jesus Christ NOW!

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #146 (How should Someone who follows Christ actually Live)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Dreams, 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

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.

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.

Acts 2:44-45 NKJV – 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.

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?

Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT – O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

How many at this very moment are saying “Who is the Lord?”

When we accept salvation, we are to leave the old world behind. Seek to be opposite the way we lived and what we sought after when we accepted the narrow and difficult path.

You know it is called “difficult” and it is “narrow” for a reason. When leaving our old lives behind. We are to repent, which means to no longer live or behave as we once did. What most don’t understand, or embrace is how they live is included in this change. This is seen straight from the Bible in the last verses we heard a bit ago from Proverbs. I will restate the core element of those verses.

“First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.”

Any who seek more are not following Christ. Period.

Understand. Don’t go saying they were never saved in the first place. Those that say this are judging, which is again a sin against God. Christ makes it clear that if we accept Him as our Savior we are to seek to be like Jesus Christ. Living a simple lifestyle with having our basic needs met. Spreading the Word of God. Then if we are given more then what is necessary, we are to use all the extra for God. It is called stewardship. Those that horde this extra wealth for themselves are considered bad stewards and again living in sin. This is why these words were written down by Peter:

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

The vomit and the mire is living in the old life which is the world. Meaning those that keep and still seek after bigger, better and luxurious are wallowing through the mire and vomit. Why I say this is found here:

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

As I have established in past podcasts. The Greek word meaning “abomination” is used only six times in the New Testament. Four of those times it is used in the description of the antichrist and the apostate church which follows the antichrist. This is how those that pursue money and all it buys are seen to God. On the same level as the antichrist. Think on that as we continue.

How are we to live for God through Jesus Christ.

Romans 14:7-12 NLT – For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.

Which includes explaining why people kept their fancy and expensive items and homes instead of using their money to spread the Word of God. To help those in need. Gathering unto themselves treasures in heaven not on earth.

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

Isaiah 1:17 NKJV – Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

We are to give most our earthly wealth away to those in dire straits. For since we have God within us and we have our needs met then we are blessed. For if we choose to be those that are called an abomination in the sight of God we must accept what is to come.

Malachi 3:5 NKJV – And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien—Because they do not fear Me,” Says the LORD of hosts.

However, Christ made it clear to us how most would act and respond to the Truth.

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.

Many refuse to accept these verses are speaking about them.  Because they are saved, they are born again. They are filled with the Holy Spirit. They forget that a few verses later that Christ says this as well:

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!’

Again, people will protest. They insist this does not apply to them. They will insist these are not the Christians Christ is referring to here. As I have established per the Words of Christ Himself in Matthew 12 only those that are followers of Christ can cast out demons. Therefore, those that said these words at the Great White Throne Judgement were at one time born again. However due to their lust for worldly rewards they turned their backs upon God. Refusing to abide upon the Vine and became the lukewarm.

James 3:14-16 NKJV – 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.

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.

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.

Understand that you are upon the path to death and that you may not be victorious and have your name blotted out of the Book of Life.

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.

Time is running out. You must take action now to repent. You must sell off all your possessions and truly follow Christ.

Mark 10:17-25 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.”

“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.”

Do this now. Downsize. Move into an apartment or a RV. Sell off all the items you do not require to live day to day. Then give to those in need. Fix your relationship with Christ now. Learn the Bible for yourself and then spread the Word of God. This is your task if you profess to being a child of God. If you deny this or laugh at these words you are denying God you are mocking God. Woe unto those that do not heed these warnings. For Christ is soon to return, and if you reject these warnings. Don’t be surprised if God rejects you upon the return of His Son.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #144 (The Storm of Selective Faith Part 2)

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

In the last podcast I was discussing how many have decided to embrace a type of selective hearing. I mentioned in particular a woman that showed herself to be working in love and kindness. Yet she denied teachings found within the Bible because how one of the letters that now is a book within the New Testament was addressed. I once again return to scripture that per her slant upon the teachings found within the Bible would be limited to only ministers and pastors. Why I say this is because Timothy was the head of the church in Ephesus. This is reinforced by the fact that the two letter to Timothy and the letter to Titus are called the “Pastoral Epistles.” However, here is the verse:

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

This means that everything that now comprises the Bible is scripture and is for all that profess Christ as their Savior to study and come to learn. To understand that it doesn’t matter to whom the letters were originally meant for. They are now something we must learn and embrace for our betterment.

Once someone says that this is ours and this is not ours adds to creating a false gospel, a false teaching.

Deuteronomy 4:2 NKJV – You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Galatians 1:6-10 NLT – I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. 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.

Christ makes it totally clear where a person’s love is when they chose to have selective reading of the scriptures:

John 14:23-24 NKJV – Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

These Words spoken by Christ tie right back in with those for 2 Timothy so I will say them one again:

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

One of the biggest elements that fills the minds of those who choose to ignore all scripture is that they wish to believe that just because they believe they are set for true and complete salvation.

James 2:19 NKJV – You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

Those that embrace faith alone are stating they are on the same level as demons. Could this be the reason why this is said?

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

It is here that we must once again come into an understanding of what “works” is. They are not rituals, but how we live our lives every single day as we strive to be a living example unto the world.

Titus 2:7-8 NKJV – in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Timothy 4:11-13 NKJV – These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

This is works going hand and hand with faith. Living the life as a child of God. Day in and day out. Following all of Gods teachings.

In the last eight years of my life God as place several people before me from all aspects. Believers and non-believers. Pastors, deacons, evangelists and your everyday person who professed to being “Christian.”

I have talked to them. Worked with them. Dined with them. Befriended them. Even Confronted them.

I came to a sad conclusion. Most were stuck in their belief and mentality of how God worked and worked with them. Most were off the mark. Some of these by only a slight degree others to the point of cultic believes that were totally counter to what is written within the Bible. Most showed their desire to chase after money more than God. Many knew more about sports than the Bible.

As to those that were non-believers, they found me an enigma. I didn’t fit their mold of what they expected someone who professing to be a “Christian” to behave and act toward them. I had a “trans” person talk to me one day as we walked to a co-worker’s anniversary party. I was friendly and cordial. The next day the person didn’t come in and was out of work for several months. Read into that what you want.

My greatest disappointment came from those that professed to being followers of Christ. They showed more of the flesh than of the Spirit they professed to follow.

Galatians 5:19-23 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 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Those that professed to being children of God were hurt and astonished by what they believed and is the Truth found within the Bible. Their actions and reactions showing more ignorance of the Word of God than some of the non-believers. They believed things in some cases that didn’t even exist within the Bible. So, this begs the question. Are they really follows of Christ? Because their believes can’t be found within the Bible but in their own image of what is found within that image.

Isaiah 29:13 NKJV – Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

What they think is the Biblical, is Godly. What they believe comes from Jesus Christ isn’t. They hear all is love. All are welcome into heaven as long as they commit  to Him and of course give their 10% tithe. This by the way is not Christianity. This is religion wearing a façade of Christianity. it is this religion that says that all that is required is faith.

2 Peter 2:1-14 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. For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.

Within these verses we come to understand that God through His Son will not just Save people but judge them.

2 Timothy 4:1 KJV – 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:

John 12:44-50 NKJV – Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Now when we return to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we need to come to an understanding for “all scripture.” I wish to shed a bit of light of this from another book in the New Testament:

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

Christ is the Word, and the Word is all scripture. Not certain books within the Bible, but the entire Bible. Therefore, when someone rejects part of the Bible, they are fully rejecting He who is the Word.

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

Christ said this:

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

Consequently, if the Bible says:

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

Even though written by James it is actually Christ speaking through the Holy Spirit. Telling all that those that live by faith alone are dead. However, those that follow all the teachings given within the Bible, which includes all the commandments that pass the litmus test of Matthew 22:37-40 are works that we should strive to fulfill and complete to the best of our ability.

it is time to embrace the entire Bible and follow all the teachings within it. To be the light unto the world. Living a life that shows us to be a reflection of Christ and in no way a reflection of the world. What is truly and completely sad is most that reflect more of the world than Christ profess to being “Christian.” They are the lukewarm per Revelation 3:14-16. That Christ already sees them as dead per Revelation 3:1-5. Yet in both these letters He gives them an out. That they must repent. As seen in the last letter of the seven churches this means to get rid of worldly wealth and to seek true obedience to the Word of God. Time is nearly up. There is not more time to have a long journey of sanctification. It must happen now and must happen quickly or face eternal damnation.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #143 (The Storm of Selective Faith Part 1)

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 on social media a person posted a meme that said this:

“Most ‘Christians’ are going to hell.”

This caused quite a storm in the comments below it. The verses referenced in this meme were:

Matthew 7:21 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.

and

Luke 6:46 NKJV – “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

I learned long ago that those that protested against this meme showed one thing. I have referenced these verses in the past, but I see I must do so again:

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.

You see those that countered this meme showed hatred. They experienced an outburst of wrath. They were causing dissension.  So, in essence they pronounced to all where they were not with God through Jesus Christ and that they were on the broad road and not the narrow path.

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.

Which I may add gives further support from the Word of God for the meme that started this tempest of complaints.

Now there was one slight outlier to this situation. This person didn’t truly argue, but the evidence she presented was aimed at pure faith.

I replied with one verse.

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

Her response to this was truly depressing to me to say the least.

Her reply went like this:

“You do see who James was talking to here in this letter correct? ‘James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.’ this was aimed for the twelve tribes of Israel.”

This response is how many, especially those that embrace the false teaching of “once saved always saved” think and believe. They cut themselves off from those Scriptures which shows that salvation can be lost and as a result will lead to the Lake of fire. Which again gives verification to the meme that started this entire whirlwind of complaints. It also cuts them off from teaches which instructs them to not horde or keep their worldly wealth to themselves.

My reply to her was to the point.

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

“All Scripture.”

This means that people cannot say that this part of the Bible was aimed at this group or that group. If we accept Christ as our Savior and we choose to follow His teachings and those of His chosen apostles. Then we must follow all that is found within the Bible especially if it causes us discomfort.

For those that deny that we are required to follow all the commandments given within the Bible that were not removed by the cross and pass the litmus test of the greatest commandments:

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

When they say things like “it is by faith alone.” they are saying that Christ came to destroy the commandments, but Christ said this:

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

and

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

So those that deny the teachings of Christ have in essence denied Him for He is the Word of God:

John 1:1 NKJV – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

And what does Christ say about those that deny Him?

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

Therefore, if Christ has denied them to His Father. Our Lord and Creator: God. Then are we not cut off from Him?

The answer is simple and goes to one of the verses referenced in the meme:

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!’

As I have presented before. One of the key elements found in these verses are these words:

“Cast out demons in Your name.”

This is Christ reply for this found later in the book of Matthew:

Matthew 12:24-30 NKJV – Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Since they cast out demons, they were at one point “Christian.” Yet now they are not known to Christ. AKA they are no longer “Christian.”

What did Jesus Christ teach about abiding in Him:

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.

If you want full details about what it means to abide in Christ look to podcast #139. A key element that must be made clear though is that a person cannot be upon the True Vine unless they are born again. Also as shown in these verses if a person does not bear fruit AKA “works” like following all the teachings given by Christ and His apostles then they do not bear fruit and will be removed and allowed to enter into the Lake of Fire. This is witnessed in the fifth letter in the book of Revelation:

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.

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

Let me further translate this part of the verses I just re-read.

If you do not overcome AKA follow the teachings of Christ Jesus. He WILL blot out AKA remove that person’s name from the Book of Life. And what is the fate of those whose names are not found within the Book of Life?

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

Which returns us to where we began today’s podcast:

Most of those that profess to being “Christian” are going to hell. I am not judging. I am stating facts. I am quoting the Bible, which was inspired by God.

But understand this:

Only one person can cause someone to go to hell once they have accepted Christ as their Savior, and that is themselves. When you deny any part of the teachings of Christ or when you laugh AKA mock the Word of God you are causing yourself to most likely not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In that case there is only one other destination. The lake of fire AKA hell.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #139 (Abiding in Christ)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

One of the greatest sorrows that exists in today’s community that labels itself as “Christian,” is that within it there are so many that deny the Words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself.

Case in point:

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.

This is a lesson about salvation. For Christ also said this just earlier:

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

What does it mean to “abide”

abide – G3306 – menó – to stay, remain, continue, dwell, endure

  1. dwell – to live in a place or in a particular way
    1. particular – distinguished or different from others or from the ordinary; noteworthy; marked; unusual.
  2. endure – to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful.

As you can tell from these definition to “abide” is a complex word when it comes to following Jesus Christ. It is a word that truly needs to be understood. This is why studying the Word of God is so important. Not just reading it. For many read and due to a lack of understanding end up behaving in such a way that shows they do not abide in Him.

To remain in Him means to also to stay in the Word of God. It also means to take that Word in context. To believe that those that chose not to abide can be removed from the Vine who is Jesus Christ.

Early in my podcasts I did a study of the verses from John 15. I will not torture you with asking to listen to that. Therefore, I will bring out key facts from that study.

Point in case – Just in the four words (“I am the vine”) Jesus is showing that He is the true and divine vine, and no other can come to God except through being a branch upon His vine.

Simply only those that are upon the vine had accepted salvation. So, in all truth they are born again and attempt to abide in the teachings found within the Bible.

To become grafted onto the Vine, we must allow ourselves to be nurtured and at times pruned.

What does the word “prune” mean? In the KJV it is listed as “purgeth.”

 He purgeth – G2508 – kathairo – to cleanse, to prune, to expiate – purge

  1.  cleanse – to make something completely clean
  2. expiate – to show that you are sorry for bad behavior by doing something or accepting punishment
  3.  purge – to make someone or something free of something evil or harmful.
  4.  prune – to cut off unwanted branches from a tree, bush, or other plant.

This is a verification that those that are upon the Vine are saved, born again. Have received salvation.

With this insight in mind, we come to another level of understanding when we look at the word “abide.” That we are in fellowship with God through our Savior who is the Vine Jesus Christ.

By keeping Christ in us through the Holy Spirit and following the teachings given to us through the Bible we abide in Him as per His statement in these verses. We also see that God is also part of the relationship since He is the Vinedresser and when He finds those that are a part of the Vine and refuse to abide in Christ. It shows that they bear no fruit, and so are cut from the Vine by He who is the Vinedresser.

The Vinedresser otherwise known as God not only removes those that do not abide in His Son, the Vine. He also prunes or should I say cleanses those that do abide in His Son. Putting them through trails and tribulations as well as persecution. For part of the evidence that someone truly abides in Christ they suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 NKJV – But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Understand this. Especially now is those that truly seek after God will be persecuted.

I had an encounter today to verify this.

He posted a meme with one verse in it stating: “What does this mean?” in question to that verse.

I commented that when taken in context you would see the answer plainly and then provided the verses that went with the verse and it did answer the question.

The person replied to me that I was correct. Then for some reason he went off and stated that this is the issue he had with those that stated salvation can be lost.

I brought forward the verses in today’s study. I also gave a bit of personal testimony. The person’s reply was to say I wasn’t saved nor ever had been and that I needed to seek out God. He also made it impossible for me to continue to have a discussion with Him.

What does the Bible say?

 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.

The person’s attitude was one of superiority otherwise known as haughtiness. What does the Bible say about this?

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.

“Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

This is a direct statement to seek true knowledge from the Scriptures and to pray that the Holy Spirit gives you discernment to the Truth of God.

I must confess that early in my faith I did fall prey to this weakness within humanity, but once I realized it and sought after true knowledge and understanding. It mainly comes from the Holy Spirit, but when mixed with a true understanding of the words as they were meant to be understood when they were first placed upon parchment adds to this understanding.

Also, when taking this verse into consideration we must understand that when those that take their own wisdom over that of God’s. Who are they placing first? The answer is simple. They are taking their understanding over that of God’s through the Holy Spirit and in so doing they are not honoring and worshipping God, but themselves.

But to get back on track.

We now understand that abiding in Christ is to reflect Christ. To live as Christ did. Simply and entrenched within the Word of God. Stiving to bear the fruits given by the Holy Spirit:

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

Ephesians 5:9 NKJV – (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)

Philippians 1:9-11 NKJV – And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

With this knowledge we are to help others come to Christ through the great commission:

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in my name, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

This is what bears fruit and honors God through Christ. It is not self-serving like those that teach the false and man-made doctrine of once saved always saved. Because that teaching does not work within the perimeters of abiding within Christ.

When abiding with Christ we suffer. We endure. While those that teach this false teaching of once saved always saved glorify the individual. Portraying themselves as if they are a god on earth. They glorify the presence of the Holy Spirit filling them as if it were an empowerment to seek after luxuries and rewards upon this earth. When we should feel fear. Fear that we would offend God in some form. For having the Holy Spirit within us and then sinning in essence blasphemes the Holy Ghost which is the only unforgivable sin. (Matthew 12:31-32) This may explain why the person that persecuted me by accusing me of not following the teachings of Christ, of him behaving in a haughty manner. The teaching within the Bible tells us to be humble to place others before ourselves. So that we can communicate with them in a loving manner so that they will accept true salvation. Seeking to honor God and to seek not earthly rewards, but rewards that we will receive in our eternal life yet to come.

Time is running out. We no longer have decades to fix our relationship with Christ. We have to get it right from the beginning. There is no time for false teachings. For those that embraced them will find themselves still here to suffer persecution that is on par with those that are suffering in Africa and the Middle East. Except it will be in every single nation across this globe. The mark or Christ. Live for a few years more or live an eternal life.

Don’t misunderstand. When we begin living eternally it will feel like now, be like now. The only difference will be in the service of God or in the Lake of fire. Honoring God upon the Throne or suffering in eternal agony. Both eternal, both in bodies that never die.

God Bless