life

Blog for Podcast #199 (Selling the Soul)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Selling the soul.

It is much easier than most want to say or accept. It is written about even though not clearly stated in the NT. First, we must accept these facts about salvation.

Romans 10:13 NKJV – For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.”

This is why these words appear in the second letter 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.”

Christ makes it clear that most choose the wide 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.

They pick the wide path, thus selling their souls because of the comforts found within this world that do not belong to God.

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

The fact that they sold their souls comes from those that receive worldly possessions, wealth and comforts. For all this is given to those that follow this one being who has control 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.

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.

As was witnessed from the Word of God from Jesus Christ Himself. It says that to live for God through Christ as taught within and by the Bible is difficult. The Bible makes it clear that those that worship the world and themselves are not going to the kingdom of heaven. This means they have sold their souls to the world and he who controls it. Their sins become visible for all to see.

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.

If at any time they professed to being “Christian” they have sold their souls and now no longer welcome in heaven. For they allowed the flesh to win over following the Spirit as shown a few verses earlier:

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.

Most believe they are going to heaven. However, the Bible makes it clear that they are not welcome there. Therefore, they have sold their souls and don’t wish to hear or accept this truth.

However, Christ makes it very clear that many that said they knew Him will not be known by Him.

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

As I have taught in the past none can cast out demons unless they are born again. Nevertheless, they practice lawlessness because they have sold their souls. Their earthly comforts are more important to them than living an eternal life. Most can’t even grasp this concept. It is beyond their understanding mainly due to not knowing the Word of God.

Time and again it is shown and taught that we must know the Word of God. To know the Word is done through studying it not just reading it. Each person is responsible for learning it for themselves. It is a responsibility because if they don’t, they will sell their souls without realizing it.

Then we come to those that know without question that they are selling their souls. They know that if they make a certain choice they will not be welcomed before God but chose to live with the pain of the worm eating their flesh and the fire burning what is left of their skin. However, they still willingly chose damnation.

Many popes have chosen this path. Many pastor, ministers and priests have done the same. The higher demand to tell the truth of the Word of God the higher the temptation. The more it is they make it an open decision and choose to commit a sin. Knowing they are going to damnation yet still they make this willing decision.

Why do they turn from God? I can’t answer that. Only that person can answer that. Only you can answer that question for yourself if you willing know that you are entering into a sin that will lead to damnation.

What is known is this. The more earthly treasures in someone’s possession the more evidence shows they have sold their souls no matter what they may say and insist is opposite this Truth. This why Jesus Christ Himself insisted that we seek after no earthly treasures.

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.

This is why we are told and encouraged to live a needs only existence:

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.

These many sorrows include eternal damnation. They will also notice that even with all these earthly comforts something is missing. Their desire to be happy will never truly be met. Money. The lust for it has caused murder, wars and other sorrows. Sorrows that occurred for thousands of years.

As we come to the end of this era. We find more and more that have sold their souls so completely that they openly parade who they worship. Those people that call themselves “celebrities” openly dress and admit that they follow and worship the being in control of this temporal plain.

They try to have others join them. This has gone on since Peter wrote this in 2 Peter:

2 Peter 2:15-19 NKJV – They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

Where does all this lead.

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

Then those that think they are saved yet do nothing for God. Jesus Christ said this:

Matthew 25:29-30 NKJV – ‘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.’

They will face the White Throne Judgment:

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

Time Is quickly coming to an end. Many will see that they are not heading to the kingdom of heaven. They will know this because they will find themselves left behind. They can redeem themselves and many will. However, others will be more interested in their earthly pleasures and comforts. This will lead them to taking the mark of the beast and undying worms and burning flames resulting in gnashing of teeth.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #198 (Challenging Those that say They are Christian however deny the Bible)

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Intro

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

Discussion

People need to come to a realization that will upset them, but we need to bring it into the light. Saying the words “I am a Christian,” or “I believe in Jesus Christ,” doesn’t guarantee you a place in heaven.

Were you saved? Per the Bible yes you were. Are you still saved? That is the question isn’t.

I will now approach this from a different angle.

I was talking to someone the other day and he mentioned how someone said that they were a Christian, but refused to accept what is found within the Bible. Now let that sink in a bit.

Now that it has hopefully sunk in let’s look to the Word of God:

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.

God placed the words into people’s heads and then they picked up a pen and wrote it down on parchment. These pages or parchment was turned into the Tanach. Into letters, that were then formed into the book called the Bible. In essence the Bible is God, is Jesus Christ and so if someone denies the Bible, they deny God, they deny Jesus Christ.

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

If Christ has denied them to God, then they are not Christian. They are not welcome in the kingdom of heaven.

This is why Paul writes this to the Galatians because they had turned their backs upon the True Gospel:

Galatians 5:4-26 AMP – If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God’s gracious favor and unmerited blessing). For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit’s [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope. For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church]. [For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter but will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty. But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the cross has ceased to be a stumbling block and is made meaningless (done away). I wish those who unsettle and confuse you would [go all the way and] cut themselves off! For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. [Lev. 19:18.] But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

I used the amplified for a reason. Because many get confused with these verses. Many assume that it is through faith alone with how these verses are written. However, let me put forth these verses once again:

“But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).”

In the next verses we have this said:

“For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.”

Most that say they are “Christian” yet deny the Bible and what is taught within it. Live for and by their flesh. This is why this is said next:

“Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

I know many that say they are “Christian” yet time and again they indulge in these behaviors. However, note the end of the verse:

“Those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This means they are not Christian no matter how much they profess or protest. I didn’t say it. The book they deny and refuse to follow says. Why? Because it is Words given by God for all of humanity to follow.

Yes, follow. Do. Take action to adhere to. Otherwise known as “works.”

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

This all fits in with what is taught in Galatians. Again, this is something most do not want to hear. This is why Jesus said this:

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

Why it is difficult is because we have to actually do what is taught within the Word of God. Which is why each individual person is required to study the Word of God for themselves. Not read, study. For as was shown earlier they can come to understand what is actually taught within the Bible and come to follow and honor their Creator.

They must also come to the realization that it is not God they worship as their god, but themselves as their own god. The god that allows them to live their lives as they see fit, which is opposite what is taught within the Word of God. In fact, what is clearly stated within the Bible:

Galatians 5:14 NKJV – For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? It is very simple. How you desire to be treated by all others you treat others that way. You don’t like to be treated like garbage you don’t treat others like garbage. You don’t like to be looked down upon, you don’t look down upon others. You don’t want someone to treat you like they are superior to you, don’t act superior to others.

This is why when you truly strive to reflect the Holy Spirit you will live and act in this manner:

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

Living this way is not easy. Trust me. I know this from personal experience. Striving to seek satisfaction is not easy. It is a lifelong journey. Full of ups and downs. Trials and tribulations. Which is why Daivd wrote this Psalm:

Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV – A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Also, when you say this prayer, you say it inside if you are in public or say it behind closed doors. For that is what we are told to do by Christ Himself.

Matthew 6:5-6 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.

Truly seek to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Not in name only as most do now, but someone who lives as the Word of God teaches them to do. Time is quickly running out to change your ways for Jesus Christ is soon to return.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #196 (The Valley of the Shadow of Death)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV – A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

What I just read is a prayer and a song that is one of the most misused verses from the Word of God.

Most associate it with death of the body. The ending of life in this temporal existence. This is the furthest thing from the Truth. This has to do with daily life. This has to do with actually hitting rock bottom when we are confronted with a sin within us.

How do I know if this is true? For I had been struggling through my own valley of death recently.

The pretext of this prayer/song is established in the very first sentence.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Want – H2637 – be lacking, decrease, make lower, (cause to) fail. Be abated.

               Abated – to become less strong.

Daivid was asking God to keep him strong in his faith.

Another key part that is misunderstood is:

“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

A rod is used to discipline as verified in Proverbs:

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

While the staff is used to attack those things which threaten to kill our souls.

This is a prayer to help us when we reach the bottom. This is a prayer to help bring us out of the valley to glorify and worship our Lord God through our Savior Jesus Christ. For this is a prayer to lead us away from sin, which all will encounter even after becoming born-again.

The rod punishes us for turning away from our Savior. This is why Jesus Christ says this:

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

The rod is calling us to zealously repent. To quickly leave the sin behind and look to the face of our Savior and remember it is He that is to be glorified and He alone.

I wish to change directions here. For as I said this is partly about the journey through the valley of death I have personally encountered.

I asked myself is it worth spending all eternity in the Pit of Fire?

Now I recently heard this question posed to people partying at some event somewhere. One person gleefully shouted out yes it was worth that price.

Let’s look at the verses that describe the Pit of Fire:

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

Matthew 25:30 NKJV – And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Now think on this imagery for a moment. Undying worms that eat upon your flesh. Giving you constant internal pain. Fire burning your outer flesh that makes you unrecognizable. Additionally, from accounts from people that have suffered burns in fires. It is said to be extremely painful.

Now add to this, that this pain never ends. It is ongoing and continual day after day. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. For billions, upon billions, upon billions of years.

Is anything REALLY worth this price?

That is for those reading or listening to decide for themselves.

I personally decided that no it is not worth this price. I would rather be the least in heaven than the most in the pit of fire.

However, most people these days seek after the pit of fire and not a place in heaven. What is worst of all is many of these profess that they are “Christian.”

Revelation 3:14-17 NKJV – “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

Recently someone said to me that I have no moral high ground. I never did, nor ever will as long I walk and live in this temporal existence. I deserve nor seek after any place of superiority over anyone. None can say they are better than anyone else. God made that clear to those that called themselves “Christians” in Rome:

Romans 2:1-11 AMP – THEREFORE YOU have no excuse or defense or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. [But] we know that the judgment (adverse verdict, sentence) of God falls justly and in accordance with truth upon those who practice such things. And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment and elude His sentence and adverse verdict? Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)? But by your callous stubbornness and impenitence of heart you are storing up wrath and indignation for yourself on the day of wrath and indignation, when God’s righteous judgment (just doom) will be revealed. For He will render to every man according to his works [justly, as his deeds deserve]: [Ps. 62:12.] To those who by patient persistence in well-doing [springing from piety] seek [unseen but sure] glory and honor and [the eternal blessedness of] immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and self-willed and disobedient to the Truth but responsive to wickedness, there will be indignation and wrath. [And] there will be tribulation and anguish and calamity and constraint for every soul of man who [habitually] does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile). But glory and honor and [heart] peace shall be awarded to everyone who [habitually] does good, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile). For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]. [Deut. 10:17; II Chron. 19:7.]

All fall short, and I claim no partiality from God. I just want to Glorify Him. For only He is worthy. All I desire is to leave the valley of death. I wish to not lose my salvation and be worthy to stand before God and worship Him. Not before the Great White Throne.

More are heading to stand before the Great White Throne than they think or believe. Many more aren’t even on this path. They are not even welcome in the Kingdom of God at all. They are destined to the pit of fire by their own hands and action. For they have been warned but refuse to heed the warnings. For we are in the days of Noah.

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!’

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.

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

“And from such people turn away!”

Never have these words been more revealing to me than now. I must turn away from those that I call family. For a line has been drawn. Our free-will choices are coming to a head. We must choose whom we wish to worship.

Ourselves or God.

I wish to choose to God. I will only know if I succeed when that 2nd trumpet blast is heard all over the globe. If I am here or standing before Him in the sky above. Still in my corruptible or in my incorruptible. Still in my mortality or I am in my immortality.

I pray to be in the immortality, for then I know I will not encounter billions of years of torment in the pit of fire.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #192 (Some Hard 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

Several years ago, I made a blog post entitled “The Hard Truth.” This ended up in three posts, because as usual those that embrace the false doctrines of OSAS and all you need is faith challenged what was posted. So. Let us begin this retrospect.

Day 1

Most that attempt to read or listen to this won’t like it. However, it is not my mission to make you comfortable, but it is to challenge all willing to listen to improve their standing with God.

Right here someone will scoff, saying that we are not required to increase this standing. That God loves us as we are. Then you have just made the Bible moot, and the crucifixion a waste of time.

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

So, what does it mean to “let him deny himself….”

Let him deny – G533– aparneomai – to deny, looking back to what was originally refused; “strongly reject” (especially the source). That is, utterly refusing to recognize the original source involved. Can imply “ignore, disown, or repudiate”

Now as we live our lives all of us make plans and have desires. Many of these desires are focused upon one thing. Us.

The desires for wealth, for luxuries, for leisure. These are all things that become something to not continue to seek after, but to, if not totally reject, lower its import in our lives.

Why?

Because you are hanging on to your life, and Jesus Christ made it clear, doing so will lead to you losing your soul, not saving it. This is fortified by 2 Peter 2:

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.”

Humanity will always seek after the here, the now. Yet Christ made it clear that we are not to do this.

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.

To store up treasures is seeking to have more money than you need to live. This is not what Christ tells us how to live. We are not to seek after a comfortable life, but a life that will sustain our existence till we are called unto the next life. To seek after fancy clothing, and fancy vehicles are things that are able to be eaten by moths and rust away. Fancy possessions that others would seek to steal are of the world and not needed by those that truly seek to follow Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:16-24 NKJV – By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 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? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

“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?” 

The answer is: It does not. Therefore, if God’s love is not in this person are they still of the vine of Jesus Christ?

John 15:1-8 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 abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Many think they are a part of the Vine. Yet due to not following the commandments of the Bible are not bearing fruit upon the Vine. God Himself cuts them from the Vine and they are burnt within the fire. They are no longer apart of Jesus Christ, they are no longer saved, but are of the world. They are cast into the fire of damnation by their own actions and desires for worldly wealth and possessions. The very things they are required to give unto their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, then unto those of the rest of humanity that are in need. They, however, keep and horde it for themselves.

This is how most that call themselves “Christian” are today, and they are blind unto the Truth, and it is truly something to weep about. For they are the lukewarm and spit out of the Body of Christ.

Revelation 3:15-22 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Follow the commandments of the Bible as commanded by Jesus Christ Himself. Live modestly, do not break the laws of man that do not go against the Bible and change those that do. Stop seeking after the here, the now, the contemporary. Seek after the eternal life that we are promised by Jesus Christ and not after the riches of the world. For as long as you do, you seek to lose your salvation, by your own hand.

Day 2

In yesterday’s post I spelled out the need to follow the commandments in the Bible and showed with the Bible the foundation for this belief. I received a response by someone challenging the Word of God.

Part of my response to one challenge was as follows:

“Due to how my post was received yesterday someone used a quote from John MacArthur:

‘I cannot be saved by keeping the law, and I will not be sanctified by ignoring the law.’

“Just following the commandments alone cannot save you. I completely agree.”

He goes on to say this important statement: “I will not be sanctified by ignoring the law.”

What does this mean?

It is very simple. Everything I discussed in yesterday’s post fits perfectly with this.

Only through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior can we be saved. However once saved and to grow in our sanctification we must follow the commandments, as Jesus Christ Himself said we must do.

As was witnessed by the response I received, most do not wish to grow in their sanctification. They would rather live their lives as they deem to be enough. This again is counter to the teachings of the Bible, as I have been trying to point out for years.

There is only one destination with this type of mentality, and it is a place that most think they will never encounter, yet as I have made clear this is the furthest thing from the truth. Thus, why these articles have been entitled “The Hard Truth.”

Ponder and think readers, ponder and think.

Day 3

Today’s society is a culture that in reality no longer qualifies as the word “society.”

Society as defined in the Cambridge dictionary as: people considered as a group, or a group of people who live together in a particular social system.

Today in the United States as well as in Europe, in addition to other countries throughout the world, people may live in the same geographical regions, but they no longer follow the same social system.

A social system or social structure is described as: the internal institutionalized relationships built up by persons living within a group (such as a family or community) especially with regard to the hierarchical organization of status and to the rules and principles regulating behavior per the Marion- Webster dictionary.

What is lacking in today’s society is the “principles regulating behavior.”

What were these principles?

They are what is referred to as ethics.

The defining ethical code that originally controlled and governed these nations was Christianity. Christianity works from the Bible. Within the Bible are a list of rules and regulations that are called commandments. Yet most have decided these commandments are antiquated and useless so as a result nations around the world are falling into chaos and disorder, which results in the beginning sentence of this days post.

Jesus Christ said this about the commandments and laws:

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.

“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.”

So, the commandments for the most part are still in effect. This does not mean we are to stone people for their sins. That was taken out of our hands by Jesus Himself hanging upon the cross. However, we are to follow those commandments or laws as they were defined by Jesus and His apostles within the New Testament, and if they were not listed in the New Testament we were to refer to how they were originally addressed for the most part in the Old Testament. Especially those that deal with personal interaction with others within a society.

Most in today’s world diminish the commandments and their meanings especially within the “societies” we live within. This is witnessed daily as people speed down the roads and highways going faster than the posted speed limit. This is just one minor example of how the commandments of the Bible have become irrelevant. But what did Jesus say was the result of doing this?

“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.”

You are making of yourself to be the “least in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Yet millions if not billions do this very thing and think nothing of it. In fact, they go about saying that those that say you should follow the commandments are teaching “legalism.”

Yet the true meaning of legalism is to go about performing rituals without knowing or even caring why these rituals are done. A very visual example of this is found within the Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church.

However, why do these two churches now have these rituals? Both of these churches date back to the beginnings of Christianity. So, in some way they recognize the need to follow the commandments, even though they have lost their way.

Following the commandments does not require nor is legalism. It required love of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:15-21 NKJV – “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Jesus knows that we cannot do this fully on our own, which is why being filled with the Holy Spirit is something we should seek after. For it will help us to fulfil and follow the commandments. For Jesus makes it clear that we must accept the commandments and obey them.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” (KJV)

He that hath – echo – I have, hold, possess

Possess – to have or own something, or to have a particular quality.

We are to not just accept but to take as our own the commandments that are within the Bible. To live them and reflect them. Yet most reject this. Most per Jesus Himself are saying that they do not love Him, but in fact love themselves more. They refuse ownership of the commandments and choose to live their lives as they see fit to live it.

They embrace chaos over order and as a result we have the world we now live within. For all evil comes from humanity, while all love and peace comes from God.

So, this is the end of the look into the past. Those with an ear will hear. While those that still embrace the World will not take ownership and openly reject God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #191 (The Sin within Us)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

One of the greatest challenges that face all of humanity be they saved or unsaved is the struggle with sin. When we become saved, we have an ally. Many think this ally is a catch all. They are no longer responsible for how they now live. This goes counter to what is taught within the Bible.

Case in point:

In the first chapter of Romans, it describes those that reject the reality of God. Then we come to the second chapter of Romans. This chapter is addressed to those that call themselves “Christian.” Let’s look at what is said:

I will look at this in two parts:

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

“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”

This makes it clear that there is still sin within us even after receiving salvation. This is made even more clear in Corinthians:

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

Many that think they have no sin within them see themselves as favored by God. So, they hold on stubbornly to the sin or sins within them. Thus, walking further and further away from their salvation. which is why it states this:

“You are storing up terrible punishment for yourself.”

Those that see themselves as favored, and in turn call the words shown in verse eleven a lie. They cannot understand that they bring the truth to these words spoken by Christ.

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!’

It is a daily challenge to overcome the sin we struggle with. In my personal experience several sins that plagued me died upon my salvation. Yet others stayed. Some slowly left. Others left in another moment of striving, struggles and prayer. It is called sanctification.

Let me share with you a blog post I wrote on this journey we all must take in our salvation:

A study of the book “The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification” By Walter Marshall – part one

As I grow in my faith and dare I say “sanctification.” I have been led by the spirit to take a more in-depth look into this part of being a Christian. My research led me to the book written by Marshall which was published in 1692. He was a Puritan and suffered persecution by the Church of England when they demanded that only certain teachings be done. He and several other ministers refused to sign the “Book of Common Prayer” and as a result he lost his parishes on Black Bartholomew’s Day in 1662.

After his own struggles with faith and belief as well as fought the hard fight against those teachings that are called Antinomianism. That being the belief that faith alone is all you need to be saved. As well as Neonomianism, which is the legalistic following of the Bible. He reached the point of writing the book entitled above.

Direction # 1 – That we may acceptably perform the duties of Holiness and Righteousness required in the Law, our first works is, to learn the powerful and effectual Means whereby we may attain to so great an End.

What struck me the most was his approach to the greatest commandment, which is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. He states that if you love God, you will be willing to sacrifice all, to the point of even abandoning your own desires and wishes. You would follow to the best of your ability all the commandments within the Bible. For as he puts it, are a guideline to the second greatest commandment of love thy neighbor. For by practicing and obeying all the commandments that deal with social interaction and behavior you show your love towards God.

Even I fall short in this department. Why?

Because in today’s society and culture we no longer follow the majority of, as Marshall puts it, the Laws of the Bible. This is not totally our own fault, but those of our parents and their parents. This is something that does not happen overnight, over a few years, but over decades and through generations.

To correct this is to first acknowledge there is a problem with not just how the Bible is taught, but read. Most in today’s society have an Antinomianism, or faith alone, understanding of the Bible. This as a result is a key factor in the disintegration of social and cultural behavior in Europe and the United States.

Can it be corrected on the whole?

From the way the Bible is written, I would say no. However, for those willing to listen. For those willing to understand that by accepting this path towards sanctification they are in essence signing their own death warrant upon this temporal life we now live.

Is this a drastic statement?

Most definitely, but we must come to that understanding.

Look to what happened to Walter Marshall when He refused to sign the conformity requirements that the Church of England forced upon their clergy in 1652. His life for a short time was shattered. However, he did find a new parish and continued in the good works towards his own sanctification.

As we come into this age that is actually described within the Bible as the signs of the soon return of Jesus Christ. We must accept that by adopting to truly seek after sanctification. By following the commandments, which are in reality laws given to those willing to listen, by God and through His Son Jesus Christ. We face the fact that society on whole will reject us to the point of martyrdom, as is written within the Bible.

John MacArthur said, and I paraphrase, that to live the commandments and not accept Jesus, will not lead to salvation. However, once we are saved we cannot ignore the commandments if we seek after sanctification.

Yet, as mentioned above, most do not even attempt to follow just the Ten Commandments let alone all we truly are required which are in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which have not been made void by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. There are many laws that deal with everyday life and interaction with others. Most have in actuality been turned into human laws in most Christian based nations. However, the majority now take them for granted or are totally ignored.

Few people attempt to gain sanctification. Mostly due to not being aware that it is something that is required of all when accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. I myself was under this same misunderstanding for decades. As a result, I drifted further and further away from God and my Savior, Jesus.

It took God literally destroying my life in 2013. Since that “year of Job,” as I call it, returning to God through Jesus Christ as been a goal that has taken me down a road, I never thought I would ever see in my lifetime. A life with true happiness, due to God’s blessing as I endeavor to travel down the narrow and least traveled path towards Him.

I have been on a journey within my faith that has led me ever closer to our Creator. The scales have fallen from my eyes, and I now see what is causing all the strife and turmoil in the world at large. I know it is due to the abandonment of God by most within this world, and especially those that live within the United States of America.

Most do not even know what “sanctification” is or truly means. I know, because I was one of them.

When I read the words of a man that has been dead for nearly four hundred years and seeing that his thoughts echoed my own. I came to the realization that God’s promise is never ending, never changing. Only humanity forgets this and must learn it all over again. Time and time again. As the Israelites learned to their dismay, over and over.

Comprehending that in the 1600’s people were struggling with the same issues we are today. That his teachings helped become the core of the Puritan’s religious beliefs. A group that led to factions like the Quakers, which led one of these Quakers to be given a land grant by the British king. Which allowed this Quaker to form the colony that came to be known as the state of Pennsylvania. His faith that from his beliefs became that colonies constitution, which led to the lion share of what is now the Constitution of the United States.

This trail should make people reawaken to the need to seek out sanctification by returning to the laws within the Bible and obeying them. Not in a legalistic way like the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches, but truly following and living all the commandments in the Bible. In faith and love of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. To once again treat them, not as suggestions, but what they are: laws, we are to adhere to and follow to the best of our abilities.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #188 (Calling Jesus a Liar) Part 2: Conclusion

bible, 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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

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.”

Jesus in another gospel explained how we show our love toward God:

Luke 14:25-33 NKJV – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

To love God with all our heart, soul and mind we must place everyone, including ourselves humbly below God. Thus, the reference to hating one another. It is not true hatred as many that do not study the Word of God throw out. It is simply that we are not to continue being focused upon this temporal reality and those within it directly. Does this mean to forget them and thus outright hate them all together: NO!

Christ also discusses the cost. Most skip this. Don’t understand it, or care what it says. This means those behaving in this manner do not place God at the center with all their heart, soul and mind. Why I say this is because they are dismissing the teachings of their Savior. This means they are placing their focus here upon the earth, and not in God through Jesus Christ.

This plays out time and again, especially in this time. Most have not counted the cost of their discipleship. They lay the foundation, they have accepted Jeus Christ as their Savior. Then they do nothing else. Making “Christianity” a farce, something to be mocked, which is exactly what is occurring.

This is why Christ had John write this letter and it does pertain to most that profess to being “Christian” at this time:

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

I wish to change direction here, because I have been led to come at this from a different angle.

A couple of weeks back I did a podcast called “The Judas Effect” (Podcast #186). In the very beginning I show verses where we see that Judas was called clean and that he cast out demons and healed the sick. He was chosen by Christ to be called an apostle. However, millions if not billions say he was not saved nor was he a follower of Christ. Simply they called Jesus Christ Himself a liar. Which is the theme of these last two podcasts. The insistence that they are right and God Himself is wrong.

Judas was of the twelve, this means he was amongst the first to legitimately be classified as a “Christian.” This means that he abandoned his salvation for mere earthly money. He chose the world above God and thus was damned to fire, just as Christ tried to warn him about in John 15 about abiding in Him.

Abiding in Christ is accomplished through works in faith to Him as is verified in James:

James 2:17-20 NKJV – Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

To be called foolish should make people truly pounder their believe in the OSAS man-made doctrine. To hear that demons believe in God, and they tremble in fear. Yet those that strongly adhere to OSAS laugh in the face of the Truth. They laugh. They laugh!

They believe with all their hearts that Jesus Christ is a lair, and they laugh in the face of God Himself. Why? Because they are going to heaven, and it is the Bible that says so. They believe in certain verses. They nitpick the Word of God to fulfill their passionate belief that they have favoritism over all others. That they are select, special, exempt from judgement.

Those that called themselves “Christian” experienced this before. It was addressed in a letter that is now a book within the NT. Let’s hear what was said to these fellow “Christians” that believed they were special and exempt from damnation:

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

Those that call themselves followers of Christ have no excuse to continue to disobey the commandments given by Jesus Christ Himself. They have no excuse to defile the Holy Spirit that may be within them. It is made clear that God will punish all who continue in sin. It is made very clear God shows favoritism to none. Any who insists upon living in sin will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.

These verses are aimed at those that follow the people pleasing message of OSAS. For that is exactly what it is: a people pleaser. For it allows them to live their lives as they desire. As they wish. Which is why those that teach it. Those that insist upon perverting the True Word of God for their glory and not God’s shows that they are focused not upon their eternal life yet to be, but upon their temporal pleasures and rewards they can gain now. This is why they are cursed by God to damnation. Yet they laugh at this Truth, because to question their lie they have lived all their earthly lives within would mean they must accept the earthly pain that is required to accept who is the author of all Truth: Jesus Christ the Son of God.

It is a lie that not only they now embrace, but their predecessors had embraced and gone to the grave believing. They must come to terms that not only they, but their parents, their grandparents and all those before them. Those that embraced and followed these lies are not in heaven, but in the grave awaiting their appearance before the Great White Throne. Waiting to see if they have enough works to reward them a favored place in heaven, or are they destine to the second death of eternal damnation.

Those that laughed and scoffed at the Truth. Those that look about and seek to live in the pleasantries of this temporal existence, make themselves an abomination in the sight of God.

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

Once Christ humbled Himself to appear in human form and He spoke His teachings. All became servants to the laws, and answerable to the laws. Only those that follow the laws in their hearts due to the presence of the Holy Spirit within are not answerable to the law. However, those that continue to live in sin and insist they are. Do so because the laws no longer exists again calls Jesus Christ Himself a liar.

Since our Savior is not a liar. This makes them the liars, and what is the fate of any who lie?

Revelation 21:6-8 NKJV – And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 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.”

To overcome is an action, an act of works through faith. The believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we strive not to defile and tarnish the Holy Spirit within us. Yet there are times we do, but we seek forgiveness. We seek to end the sin within us. We strive not to repeat that which will defile what God has blessed us with.

Time is nearly up. The first rapture is due any moment. Don’t find yourselves left behind. For that will occur to more, and more every single day. For they are not learning the Truth of the Word of God but are being taught the people pleasing message which allows them to think they are one with God, but in reality, they are destine to a crueler fate in this earthly existence. For that is the choice they have chosen to follow. For it makes them happy and joyous,… now. Comfortable in their sins because the lie they have embraced will allow them into heaven. In their eyes, which is the furthest thing from the Truth. I truly pity those that can’t accept the Truth that is right before them in the Word of God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #187 (Calling Jesus a Liar)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, , , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

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

Discussion

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!’

Those that reject the laws not removed by the cross. Those that say it is by faith alone. Those that say we are saved by grace, and we can never lose our salvation are those who are referenced in these verses.

Why?

Because they have called their Savior a liar. They have compared Jesus Christ to the father of all lies. Yes, this is a harsh statement. It needs to be harsh. It needs to cause anger. It needs to cause discomfort. It needs to make people think and say to themselves: “Could I be wrong?”

By the way. The answer to that question is: yes, those that believe they cannot lose their salvation are wrong. Why this can be said is because Jesus Christ said it Himself. One of these times was heard at the beginning of this podcast. For none can cast out demons unless they were truly followers of Jesus. Here is another example from the Word of God, for those that say they have no sin within them.

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

This comes from the one disciple that died of natural causes. One of the ones that was most loved by Christ Himself.

One of the greatest times Jesus states salvation can be lost is found in the gospel written by John, however they are the Words spoken by our Savior:

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.

When people truly study these verses, they find that the only way to be a part of the vine who is our Savior Jesus Christ is by accepting Him as their personal Savior. Otherwise known as saved, born again.

We also come to the conclusion that to abide in Christ is an action, otherwise known as works. You abide by seeking to be a reflection of Christ. You abide by following His commands:

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

Christ also said this:

Luke 14:26-27 NKJV – “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

And this:

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.”

To abide in Christ is to downsize, to not place yourself first in any aspect and to follow those laws which were not removed by Christ going to the cross. We are also to spread the Word of God and bring others to Christ.

Now, note. I have just given direct quotes from Jesus Christ. This means we are to do this if we desire to abide in the Vine. These are works. These are commands by Christ. Which verifies we must have works through faith, which is abiding in our Savior.

Those that call Jesus a liar denies all that has just been stated. Why? Because it isn’t clearly stated in the Bible and they take the word of others over these direct Words spoken by Jesus Christ who gave these commands. Which means they do not abide in the Vine. What is made clear in John 15?

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

Those that were saved, were born again. Are removed from the Vine and cast out to wither. Then they are cast into the fire, which is hell.

So, is Jesus a liar? The Bible says He is not. Then those that believe in OSAS are what then? Believers in a lie. Who tells lies?

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

And they call him “Jesus.” They go to a building called a “church” once a week. The rest of the week they live their lives as they see fit. They seek after riches. They wear fancy clothes. They drive fancy vehicles. What does Jesus Christ say about these people:

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

Unless they are zealous and repent, they are vomited out of the Body of Christ. Again, verification that salvation can be lost. The lukewarm. Those that sing praises about their Savior, who isn’t your Savior. They say they can do anything here on earth, which is actually true. For Satan said this to Jesus Christ:

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.

This is why they prosper here in this world, because they have swallowed the lie fully and completely and never challenge it for they are “saved.” They are “one with their Savior.”

Their savior… Satan, the father of all lies. Who continues to blind them to the truth making this verse truth:

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 do not believe that salvation can be lost. They refuse to be a disciple of Christ and return to their sins. However, here is the thing. They were saved originally:

John 3:16-17 NKJV – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 Again, we turn to the Truth of these verses:

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.”

Multiple times the Truth of the Word of God has come out in this podcast. None match the OSAS teaching. When you think upon how and what is promoted in that man-made philosophy. It can be called a people pleasing message. What Truth does the Bible teach us about those that change the gospel into 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.

So those that teach a people pleasing message are cursed? Could it be because they do not follow Jesus Christ but Satan? I will leave that for those reading or listening to decide.

What is important is that it is time to face the Truth. Accept the Words spoken by our Savior Jesus Christ. Seek to truly follow the commandments which were never removed by the cross. No tattoos, debt management that cycles every seven years. Dressing modestly. Keeping most of your earthly wealth ready to help those in need and living a modest lifestyle. This is all manifested in 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.”

If you truly sought to make God at the center of your life you would be sickened to sin. Yet we all sin, even after we receive salvation. However, we feel guilty, we become uncomfortable. We become repentant.

Those that call Jesus a liar don’t feel repentance. In fact, they seek to sin. They prove this in how they live and seek to live. Even to the point of believing they follow God, when their works reflect the world, which brings us to these verses:

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.

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

Now what is important is what follows this verse:

James 4:5-7 NKJV – 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.

Respecting the Holy Spirit within us causes us to be humble. While those that call Christ a liar are proud, which is why we are told to resist the devil.

Stop calling Jesus Christ a liar and seek after salvation. True salvation in the name of Jesus Christ. For Christ will remove you from the vine. It won’t happen immediately, but it will happen. It is done in degrees from where you stand in the Body. If you teach people pleasing messages it will happen quickly, but if you are just His servant it can take decades.

Time is quickly running out. The first Rapture draws rapidly near. Stop calling Jesus a lair and place that blame where it belongs, upon the father of all lies.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #186 (The Judas Effect)

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

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

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

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

Christ said he was clean. Aka saved.

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.

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

What is highly esteemed among men?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What was Christ answer to this belief?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless

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

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 to do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The answer is: you shouldn’t.

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

I will now continue with today’s study.

We are taught this in 1 Timothy:

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

“To keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

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

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.

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

Physical pleasure? Yes.

A craving in everything people see? Yes

Pride in their in achievements? Yes

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Revelation 3:15-22 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ “

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

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

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

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

Luke 14:25-33 NKJV – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

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

“Therefore be zealous and repent.”

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #183 (Misconceptions of Salvation)

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Intro

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

Discussion

The misconception of what has been defined as salvation has brought us to a point in this temporal existence to a nearly complete lack of people actually achieving true salvation.

Most believe they can just say they have chosen to follow Christ, yet they show very little change in how they behave and live their daily lives.

When it comes to salvation, repentance is required of the person receiving said salvation.

Repentance. What does that truly mean?

To repent involves turning from your sin. Basically, to do a one-eighty degree turn. It means you stop doing that sin. This is not what is being taught if taught at all though. Many go about living their lives doing as they wish. Usually contrary to the Bible, otherwise known as living in sin. Yet many go to church on Sunday and feel that their mere effort to show up at church is enough to redeem them in the eyes of God.

Well…….

Ummm…..

That ain’t how it works.

That is no repentance. To be blunt that is not even salvation.

To live a selfish life is totally opposite the teaching of the Bible. In true fact it is an abomination in the sight of God.

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.

We are taught within the Bible to place God first and foremost and to do so every single day, not just Sunday.

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.”

We are told to be humble and not to try and show ourselves as better than anyone else.

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

Yet Billions live lives of self-ambition and or conceit and millions of them call themselves “Christian,” again this is not repentance.

True repentance is a shattering of your very personality you have lived with before you asked Jesus into your life, yet many do exactly the same thing they did before they asked Him in. Some do change, but then something happens and they return to their old way of life. I know this for a fact because this happened to me, so don’t say that isn’t true when having lived it I know that it is true. On top of which the Bible says this:

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 inte 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.”

True repentance is painful, hard and something you beg and plead for God to take it from you. Gee, where have I seen that take place in the Bible? Oh, yea in an orchard just before the Pharisee’s men came to arrest Christ. Christ has been where you are, but He did not take the out He was given for His love of humankind and His selfless act was the greatest gift of all. What He accepted can easily be taken from you but can still be emotionally painful and agonizing. In some cases you will be asked to leave that which you love, a person, money, and a lifestyle. It will hurt and it will take time for this pain to pass but it is something that must be done. But remember you cannot do it alone nor can you. For Christ Himself will help you through it. Studying the Bible will help you through it. Talking with those that have been though it can help you through it and praying can help you through it.

True love hurts and only through a true love of God and Christ will you ever get to truly understand that pain and why it is needed.

It is due to this misunderstanding of salvation that many that profess with full believe that they are followers of Christ. Yet, they live and promote sin. They live as the world does and believe they are not required to change. Yet that is not what the Word of God teaches.

The Bible makes it clear we are to downsize. This is not a misconception this is a command from Jesus Christ:

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

1 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.

Those that keep their earthly riches do not show repentance. They continue to live as in the world, which marks them as friends of the world.

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

If you truly seek salvation you MUST accept the discomfort that is required. This means downsizing and not seeking after earthly wealth and all that goes with that imagery.

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.

Time is quickly running out to show that you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. Stop being like the lukewarm. For their fate is sealed in damnation.

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

Repent if you thought you had salvation. Then truly seek it by striving to live a sanctified life.

God Bless