lukewarm

Blog for Podcast #159 (The Blind) Part 2 Conclusion

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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 do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Today we continue our examination of the blind. To begin this journey, we must look more into what the Bible says about those that display blindness.

1 John 2:7-17 NKJV – Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

Let us examine what constitutes hating one’s brother:

Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV – These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

  1. A proud look otherwise known as haughtiness. – Those that look down upon others. Who believes they are better than others. No matter their social standing, creed or race.
  2. A lying tongue. – Any who practices any type of deceit.
  3. Hands that shed innocent blood – Those that cause the death of any child, be they born or unborn. This includes those that condone and support this bloodshed.
  4. A heart that devises wicked plans – Those that cheat and steal anything from people’s property to their governments. Those that cause wars and sicknesses that are created in a lab. Or has secret plans for world domination or of controlling people they see as lesser than themselves.
  5. Feet that are swift in running to evil – Those that embrace what is un-natural and do so without question. Those that accept anything that goes against God, and they do so energetically and with enthusiasm.
  6. A false witness who tells lies – Any who falsely accuses other of sin or crime when that person has done no wrong.
  7. One who sows discord among brethren – Those that teach a false gospel that divides and causes friction within believers of the one True God.

All this is earmarks of blindness. This is shown not only within those that deny God but is also seen within those that profess to being followers of Christ. Yet the moment they do this they show all the world whom they truly worship and follow and it isn’t the Son of God.

When the Glorified Jesus Christ appeared to John on the isle of Patmos, He dictated seven letters. Designed to awaken the people that said they are His followers. However, they had lost their way for the most part, and He wanted to get their attention. As I have shown in the past and verified by scholars these letters are not just concurrent, but also chronological. The last letter for the most part representing those that now profess to being “Christian.” To being followers of the Son of God. However, that is not how they are portrayed in this letter. Nonetheless, this is a true image of most that do go by this moniker at this very moment.

Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV – “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Let me key in on the verses that proves that most that now call themselves “Christian” are the lukewarm:

“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.”

Those that keep their big house or multiple homes and seek bigger and full of unneeded possessions. Those that drive around in expensive vehicles. Those that horde most of their wealth unto themselves. Showing the world that they are so-called “rich” and that they are “wealthy.” Since they are surrounded by more wants than needs, they deem that they are in need of nothing.

However, Christ made if very clear their true condition in the sight of not only Him but His Father our creator: God. That they are wretched, they are miserable. That they are naked and poor in heavenly rewards. All because they are blind to the Truth that is right before them in the Word of God.

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

They prove their blindness by saying this does not apply to them. They are exempt, they are special. Those commands made by Christ do not affect them. They can keep “their” wealth. They can keep their luxuries. Because they are chosen, they are special. In reality they are haughty for believing these lies. Proving they are blind.

The Bible says this about what we are to be content with:

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.

Therefore, any not content with this are blind to the Truth. However, God allows them a chance to fix their relationship with Him.

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

Be eager to fix your relationship to God through Jesus Christ and turn your life around. Downsize quickly. Sell off those idols to yourselves called possessions that are a want and not a need. Then do what else is said in the Bible.

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.

This can only be accomplished by living off the least and keeping the most available for God’s use. For you are a steward of His property, which you have none of. Anything you have is due to God. Not yourself. That is why we live off the least and use the majority for God, which is good and true stewardship.

Yet, what I have just said will be scoffed at, laughed at, and ignored. All because this hasn’t been taught. This isn’t how those professing to be “Christian” have lived in the past. That is called living a tradition not living by the Word of God. Christ said this about that:

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

As I have shown in the verses I presented earlier. This is not the teachings of the Bible. This is not the teachings of Jesus Christ. His teachings are to live off the least and use most for the glory of God. As well spreading the Word of God to the World. Those teaching that we can keep our possessions are in fact teaching a false gospel. What does the Bible say about those that teach these types of traditions.

 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.

Those that do not tell you to downsize once you accept Christ as your Savior teach a people pleasing message and so have made themselves cursed. How many have died throughout the centuries believing they were one with God through Jesus Christ. However, they lived for and kept most of their earthly wealth and possessions. Totally counter to the True Gospel. How many will awaken not in the sky above before Jesus Christ, but before the Great White Throne. Where these things will take place as foretold by Jesus Christ Himself:

Matthew 7:21-22 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!’

Why they are the lawless is because the Bible says to live off the least. The Bible says to use any earthly wealth that goes beyond our needs is for God’s glory alone. For the spreading of His Word to the world. For caring for those in need. They are the lawless and the blind because they refuse to accept these Truths. They say this is not the truth, thus calling Jesus Christ a liar. Meaning they have denied Him to the world.

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

Thus, confirming their blindness. There is precious little time to zealously repent of your sins. You MUST act NOW! This moment, this hour, this day. For the next day, the next hour, the next moment may be too late. Downsize now.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #67 (End times within the Body of Christ)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

I have been reluctant to accept the truth of what I now know I must accept as fact. In previous podcasts I have described who are the lukewarm. I have done studies on the behavior of those about you to show that we are nearing the return of our Savior Jesus Christ.

But what is this fact that I have been reluctant to accept. I will show it from the Bible.

In the letter that James wrote. His emphasis was on the behavior of and to the rich over those that truly needed to be looked after. Now I must say this once again. The letters that make up most of the New Testament is a manual on how we as Christians should seek to behave. Not only to God, but to all humanity be they a child of God or those that denied Him.

James 4:1-4 – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

This letter is not talking to those that had not accepted Christ. It is to those that had become saved. That were filled with the Holy Spirit. Yet what is the questions that is asked in verses one and two of chapter four. They are behaving like they are of the world. Which is made clear in verse four, which we will visit again in the KJV:

James 4:4 – Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Yet they were saved. But James calls them the enemy of God. How can this be?

Because salvation can be lost as I have shown in other studies.

Someone argues: “They were never saved!”

Romans 10:9-10 – If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

That statement of protest is shown here to be a false teaching. For if someone says with all their heart and soul that they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior they are saved.

Then these people turned away from Christ. They abandoned their salvation. So those that teach once saved always saved is also teaching a false doctrine.

By teaching this falsehood they cause this to happen:

1 John 2:7-17 – Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. 8 Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. 9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. 10 Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 12 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14 I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. 15 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. 16 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. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Note how John frames this section of the letter He wrote. He says he is writing to the young and old in Christ. So, these are the saved, then he goes on to say this. I will use the KJV here:

1 John 2:15-17 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Now remember John was a disciple of Christ. One of the Twelve. He personally knew Jesus Christ and saw Him before and after the cross. As well as saw Jesus ascend into Heaven. And he is telling those that are saved not to love the world.

But if they are saved why worry about this?

Because John was there when Christ taught John 15:1-10 and John knew that salvation can be taken away by those that return to the world. Just as Peter knew this as well:

2 Peter 2:20-22 – And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

Therefore, if two of the disciples verified what Jesus Christ Himself stated. Then salvation can be taken away and as Peter said it would have been better if they had never known the way of righteousness. Now understand it is not God rejecting people. God will never turn away any. God loves all of humanity. Even those that reject Him out right. It is the people loving the things of the world. Choosing the world over Christ. They themselves are ending their salvation.

This is the state of most within the Body of Christ at this time. They are the living example of the last letter of the seven churches in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 3:14-22 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

“You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”

Does this not go back to 1 John?

“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.”

Yes, it does. And as was pointed out John was writing to those that were born again. To those that called themselves Christian.

We are not to seek after the things of the world. Yet millions that say they are “Christian” do just that. They are being a living example that the Bible is true and faithful. That Jesus Christ is soon to return.

The call is being shouted out. Christ is soon to return. Those that say they are Christian must abandon the things of the world. Be it houses, clothing, tattoos. Any luxuries or conveniences or comforts. We are not to store up money but to give most of it away. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Matthew 6:19-34)

However most that even hear this message will scoff at this and ignore these words. Because they are right with the Lord, in their own eyes.

But I have just shown they are not. I have just shown from John, from Peter they are not.

I will end today’s lesson with the rest of what John said in 1 John after his warning to not seek after those things of the world:

1 John 2:18-29 – Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 19 These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. 20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. 21 So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. 22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. 25 And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. 26 I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. 27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #139 (Abiding in Christ)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

Case in point:

John 15:1-6 NKJV – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

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

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

What does it mean to “abide”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I had an encounter today to verify this.

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

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

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

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

What does the Bible say?

 1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV – If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

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

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

“Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

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

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

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

But to get back on track.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #135 (The Warning to Laodicea)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

33 years!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And how will we know it is to begin?

Christ gives us what to look for there as well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 John 2:15-16 NKJV – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

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

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

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

God Bless

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

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

Intro

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

Discussion

The other day someone posted in social media this statement:

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

My reply was this:

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

This is a lesson in free-will.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christ told us the answer Himself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There your heart aka your love will be.

Let us return to 1 Timothy chapter 6:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV – Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“Ready to give, willing to share.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James 5:1-3 NLT – Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.

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

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

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

Let me restate that last part once again:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #129 (Self-control)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

Why word this verse in such a way?

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

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

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

 Matthew 5:17-20 NKJV – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now just ponder those phrases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV – Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #125 (A different look at the letter to Sardis)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Conspiracy, 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

Now why is the first thing the Glorified Jesus Christ did when He had John write what would become the book of Revelation was to write to seven churches in what is now Turkey?

For the simple fact that those that profess to being “Christian” at this time comprise every aspect of those that were apart of these communities in the 90s A.D. Right this very moment people behave in the same manner as those people did that comprised these seven groups.

As has been established in past podcasts those that have studies the Scriptures also have concluded that these seven letters are chronological (Podcast #6 The Chronological Order of the letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation). Meaning the last letter, which is the letter to Laodicea, which tells us of the lukewarm Christian, is the time we now live within.

That being said. Reading these letters and having a heartfelt look into our own lives and lifestyles and seeing if we fall into any behaviors within these letters. In Podcast #102 I go through a teaching that I was directed by the Holy Spirit to pursue. That teaching still applies. However, that does not change that you can get more from these letters. Why?

John 14:26 NKJV – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

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.

The Holy Spirit teaches us and expands our horizons. I believe the closer we get to being a reflection of Jesus Christ the more insight into the real Truth God Himself grants us.

Now why have I gone to such trouble to get to this point. Because I have been led to discuss a different angle to the fifth letter. The letter to Sardis.

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

This one letter actually crosses the lines of many denominations and beliefs within Christendom. In another podcast I singled out one at that time. However, this time I was led to say this covers all that choose to call Jesus Christ their Savior.

Within every single building that calls itself a “church.” Within every community that profess to follow Jesus. Within in every group that studies the Bible at work, in school or in a park. What is said within this letter is something to understand for all that are listening or reading this.

“”I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

Many have said they are alive in Christ. Yet they do not follow the Spirit. In Galatians we are taught what are the fruit of the Spirit:

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

Living this way is not easy. For there are many trials given unto us that causes us to break from attaining living this way. Many however do not even get to that level. I have encountered many professing to be a child of God through Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the fruit they bear is visible for all to see. For what is seen is the ways of the flesh as is described earlier in Galatians:

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

What amazes me the most is when I encounter the majority that display the flesh and not the Spirit yet insist, they are one with Jesus Christ. To the point of calling me a hypocrite.

Now why point out these verses from Galatians?

Key elements that rear their heads when I encounter those that live in the flesh, yet insist they are dedicated followers of Jesus Christ. they show hatred, contention, and outburst of wrath.

We can also turn to these verses:

1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV – If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

When those that attack the True Gospel when given to them by other humans they show an attitude of haughtiness. Yet the mere fact that they attack the Word of God. Direct quotes from the Bible itself shows that they have no knowledge of the Word or Him who is the Word. However, they insist upon arguing to the point of nitpicking words from the Bible itself. Their goal and intent to be the victor to be shown right, to be shown righteous. Yet all they have accomplished is those things which divide the people. Which explains why there are so many denominations within Christendom.

What are 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.”

Is this accomplished by seeking to prove who is correct when the Bible is the only thing that is when not taken out of context or used piecemeal. Several of these misconceptions have been addressed by me in the past. Not to prove I am right, but that the Bible is, because I am trying to follow the greatest commandments.

“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.”

Even though per the Bible many that profess to being “Christian.” God through His eternal and undying love for all of humanity, still offers redemption if all people do is to return to the teachings of the Bible and repent.

In the book of Hosea, we are taught of the fickle behavior of all humans. We are also taught of God’s undying and unending love. There are those within Christendom that say this is evidence that we cannot loose our salvation. However, as the book of Hosea teaches us as well as Christ Himself in John 15:1-6 this is the furthest thing from the truth.

Many that profess to being “Christian” go about living in and of the world yet know some aspect of God and knowledge of the Bible. This is what is being referred to here in these verses. However, this is where the greatest peril lies as well as is witnessed in Hebrews:

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

it is due to their lackluster knowledge of God and His Word that causes them to fall short. Which in turn can result in Christ saying to them that they are not known to 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!’

For Christ made in clear in Matthew 12 that evil cannot cast out demons. So those that say they cast out demons and performed miracles and even prophesied did just that because they were at that time a part of the Vine and known to Him. For these are His fruits. That He abided in them and they in Him. Yet they turned their backs upon God because humans are fickle.

This letter is their warning to return to Him.

I was in this spot myself in 2013. I know without any doubt that when I went through my year of Job that if I did not repent and return to Him, I would have been cast off to wither further and destine to be burned. However, due to what was shown in Hebrews chapter six too many are blind to this truth and as was mentioned earlier display their true loyalties to the flesh instead of the Spirit.

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

Many do not understand one of the key elements written in the Book of Revelation is what I have just quoted once again.

That key element is these Words:

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

let us look at it from a different angle.

He who does not overcome shall be left naked and I will blot out his name from the Book of Life.

Time is running out. Jesus Christ is soon to return. The rapture will occur for Christ Himself said there would be a time when people would simply disappear from the face of the earth. However, it is also made clear that most that expect to go in the rapture will be left behind. for most that accept salvation or repent do not leave before the tribulation but during the tribulation.

Revelation 7:9-14 NKJV – After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

These are the ones that will suffer pain, hunger and torture. These are the one that will most likely be beheaded. Is this what you desire to experience? Or do you desire to meet Christ in the clouds at His return? It is up to you. Accept the Truth and downsize and turn to God. Or keep living in and of the world and be called the “lukewarm” who Christ will vomit from His Body.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #123 (The Covetous)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

We have to come to a full understanding of what is about to be taught here today. The letters of the New Testament. That form the majority of it. Are the instruction manual of how those that profess to being “Christian” are to live their lives.

Within these letters time and again there are warnings of behavior. Just like any other instruction manual out there these warnings are needed reading and required to be followed. Like for example:

“You must make sure there is no electrical power going to the device or you could be electrocuted.”

These are the warnings found in letters within the New Testament. Why have warnings? Because it is made clear that those that practice these behaviors will not be welcome into heaven.

Now there are those that call this untrue, a lie. These are those that have embraced teachings like “once saved always saved.”

What they need to understand that once they call any part of the Bible a lie they just proved where they stand with God Himself because they have just denied Jesus Christ to the world.

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

How can they be “saved” once Jesus has denied them?

The answer is simple. They aren’t.

Now while those experiencing a hissy fit at this moment and so are once again proving they are living by the flesh and not the Spirit.

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.

We, however, will continue with today’s lesson. Which comes from Ephesians chapter 5:

Ephesians 5:5 NKJV – For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

I will restate this in the KJV:

Ephesians 5:5 KJV – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

“Nor covetous man, who is an idolater”

Most misconstrue what constitutes idolatry. They believe it is worshipping a stone idol. When in reality the true definition was just given them from the Bible itself.

Covetous man – G4123 – pleonektés – a covetous or avaricious person; one desirous of having more, eager for gain.

Those that live this lifestyle form the majority that profess to being “Christian” at this time. Many of which embrace the false teaching of “once saved always saved.” Most that live this way attend church regularly. Yet as was just mentioned earlier, by living this lifestyle they are in fact denying Jesus Christ. Who in turn has made it clear that He has denied them to His Father.

Simply they are living a lie, and who is the father of 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.

Please note from where these Words spoken by Christ came from. He was speaking to the Jewish community that said He was possessed by a demon for the Truth being spoken by Him. This is how those now speak to individuals like me that are teaching the True Word of God.

Those that seek after possessions, property. After status. Are in fact idolaters. I will restate Ephesian 5:5 once again:

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

What does Jesus Christ call these people?

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—

Please awaken to the Truth! Those that are modern day idolators are in fact the “lukewarm.”

Revelation 3:18-21 NKJV – 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.

What is it we are instructed to do when we find ourselves surround by those that live in sin?

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!

Leave those buildings called “churches” which condone and allow people to live in idolatry. Especially those that have huge congregations. Turn to the Bible and not just read it, but study it. Dig deep into the meaning of the words written down upon those pages and come to have a personal relationship with the Creator of everything.

When we truly understand the teachings of Jesus Christ. We seek not to become more prosperous but just the opposite. We seek to downsize. To shed the world and gain and seek after treasures in heaven.

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

Many do not understand what is being taught in verses 22 and 23. This is actually a teaching of where someone stands in the understanding of their salvation.

Many say they are filled with the light. Especially those that have embrace the false doctrine of “once saved always saved.” They do not understand that their eyes are unhealth and blind and live in darkness. They themselves see light, but when in fact it is darkness. The more they seek after prestige here in this world they sink deeper and deeper into darkness. Take the Pharisees as a prime example:

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

“For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

As I have discussed in my podcast #114 something that is abominable is on par with the antichrist.

Does anyone truly wish to be comparable to the antichrist?

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.

Therefore, those listening that still seek after what is best, expensive and glamorous need to take a step back and really look into where they wish to spend eternity. For it is made clear that they are not welcome in heaven. I didn’t say this. The Bible said it. As for those that question these Words. Let us look at Romans 2. A chapter specifically aimed at those that profess to being “Christian.”

Romans 2:1-11 NKJV – Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “WILL RENDER TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.

Those that embrace the teaching of “once saved always saved” are starting that they have favor with God. That they are special and exempt. Let us re-read the last verse in a different translation:

Romans 2:8-11 NLT – 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.

Any who think they are special and exempt show a type of covetousness. For since they are favored, exempt they can live their lives however they see fit. Indulging in that which Christ Himself said not to seek after or partake of. So, they willingly and gladly enter into to sin for they are going to heaven no matter what. However, as has been shown here in this lesson that is the furthest thing from the truth.

Christ despises those who live in covetousness and profess to being “Christian.” For in reality they are living and walking exactly as the Pharisees did. They willingly and gladly wish to be known as worse than those that openly deny God. For that is how the lukewarm are seen and know. That is why the world laughs at and hates God, because they see how those that are hypocrites live and see in their eyes that God is not real. Not realizing they are not seeing God, but covetous humans seeking to please themselves and not whom they profess to follow. All the time following their own lust and desires leading them deeper and deeper into darkness.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #114 (Abomination)

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

Abomination

This word in the Greek is only seen six times in the New Testament. Two of these times was used by Christ to describe the antichrist in the books of Matthew and Mark. It is used twice in the book of Revelation as part of the description of the world religion which worships the antichrist.

Why I stated with these four examples of this word is because I wanted for you the listener and reader to understand the use of this word as something to be seen as extremely bad.

Many times, throughout past podcasts I have used one of the other two verses that uses this Greek word. I will get to that shorty, but I want this to sink in a bit.

In two uses it is used as a description of the antichrist and the other two part of the description of the one world religion that will worship the antichrist. Just think about that. This being and this group are the antithesis of Jesus Christ and those that follow Christ. Those that are called “Christian.”

So let us now look at these verses once again that I have used in the past:

Luke 16:14-15 – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 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.

When Christ talked to the Pharisees, he labeled them as what they were:

“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 Pharisees justified themselves to men not God.

Justify – G1344 – dikaioó – render, (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent, be righteous, to show to be righteous, declare righteous

Simply they made the Jewish people believe they were “holy” by feigning righteousness. Then he says what?

“For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

What is highly esteemed among men?

Again, I turn to verses I have used more than once:

1 John 2:15-16 – 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. 16 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.

“Craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.”

Physical pleasure is not just limited to sex, but an adrenaline rush which is achieved through various means. Like participating in or watching sporting events, as well as video games and other entertainment like movies and television.

A craving for everything we see goes to seeking after beauty in all its forms. Form clothing to how people look and even tattoos. As well as face-lifts and seeking after eternal youth. Pride in achievements is seeking after success and prestige. While pride in possessions is seeking after the best, biggest and most luxurious.

What many don’t think about is that one of the worst places that participate in this is within churches. In fact, churches themselves do the same thing. The bigger the better when that is actually per the verses of 1 John a sin. Accordingly, seeking after bigger churches is pursing that which the world esteems.

Simply they are now equal to the Pharisees.

Right now, there are those listening that are protesting what I just stated. The mere fact that they are is verification that I have just stated fact. What does Jesus say about this?

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Most that profess to being “Christian” believe this is in reference to those that deny Christ. However, when you look at the full context of Matthew 7. Especially the verses that directly follow these:

Matthew 7:15-23 – “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

In the first half Christ is describing what to look for in false teachers, then He goes on to describe those that believed with all their hearts and actions that they were one with Christ. Yet He will say He never knew them.

I have shown multiple times those ending verses and explained that none can cast out demons unless they were once born again. Yet now they are denied by Christ.

Why is this?

It is because they have made themselves an abomination to Christ. They have turned themselves into the lukewarm.

Revelation 3:15-18 – “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.

Christ is giving them an out. He is asking them to repent. To abandon their riches and to seek after that which comes from Him. That which can only be received by leaving that which the world esteems to that which God esteems.

Mark 10:21 – Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Any who seek after wealth and riches are an abomination. They are on the same level as the antichrist and those that willingly follow after the riches of the world. Why do you think they are seen as worse than those that outright deny Christ? Why are they spit from His body?

Because they are an abomination. On par with those that are opposite of God, of Christ. This is why they are spit out.

Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Spue – G1692 – emeó – to vomit

  1. Vomit – to spew forth

Those that are the lukewarm are equal to those that follow the antichrist. They are no longer worthy to be in the presence of God or in the Body of Christ. They are detestable, seen as something that is willingly to show anger and hate for that which is true and righteous.

 1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

“From such withdraw yourself.”

Why say this? Because they are seen as evil. They are seen as an abomination.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #111 (Only 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 do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

2 Timothy 3:12-17 – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Why start today’s podcast with these verses?

It is very simple.

It is extremely important that people that profess to being true followers of Jesus Christ read the Bible and take no words given by men, for men are fickle. They think only of themselves and so do not mention things within the Bible which makes them uncomfortable or reduce their paychecks. Like salvation can be lost as a prime example. Another is those that look to a man in robes and say he is the only person that talks to God. Then sit in a confessional and confess to sins they continue to commit, never truly seeking repentance.

Time is running out.

Why do I say this?

2 Timothy 3:1-9 – But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 – Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Matthew 6:31-32 – “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Now I want those reading or listening to this message to look about them. Not just in the cities, towns or villages you live in but look within the church you attend if you still do. Look in the parking lot and how people drive and what they drive as they go to church and leave it. How they dress and what they choose to eat. You may be surprised if you just take the time to look about you. I mean really read these verses and look.

As the last verses that were just read, plus the fact that Jesus Christ said many times to sell off our possessions as well as to seek nothing here on earth. Then those that seek after the world are living in sin. However most reject this. Here is two verifications:

1 John 2:15-16 – 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. 16 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.

Luke 16:14-17 – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 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. 16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

For centuries people have sought after the approval of their fellow humans. Humans who look to wealth and prestige, yet this is seen by God as abominable. Yet millions profess that they are His true followers, however they daily defy God in an abominable way. Seeking after wealth. Seeking after comfort. Seeking after status and prestige. Seeking after BMWs. Seeking after Lexus’. Seeking after jewelry. Seeking after the best and most expensive clothing. Just like those that deny God, that reject that Christ died for them upon the cross.

This is why knowing the Bible is so important. Because the Bible makes it clear that if you are a true follower of Christ, you will seek less of the things this world offers and seek only after that which is pleasing to God. Any who show lavishness or seek after it are in fact spitting in the face of their Savior.

The other day I saw a meme of these women in church. All dressed in white with expensive and lavish hats upon their heads. Looks of superiority written upon their faces. All I saw was modern day Pharisees.

The Puritan made efforts to live the right way. However, there is evidence that this was a failure. Why? Because humans are by nature corrupt. They seek to make themselves feel good. They seek to make themselves happy.

Why? Because they do not know the Bible. They do not understand what is within it.

As we go through this last generation. The generation that can truly be labeled Biblically the “lukewarm,” we will look to the last letter to the seven churches once again.

Revelation 3:14-22 – “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: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 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— 18 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. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 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. 21 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. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ “

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

This is one of the main ways you can identify the lukewarm. What is said Christ does to the lukewarm? He spits them from His Body. They loss their salvation. Why? Because they are seen as worse than those that outright deny God. They are seen as worse than heathens, then Atheist.

This is why those that deny God laugh at God. This is why Atheist exist. Because those that profess to be His followers deny Him so openly by seeking after the pleasures and the rewards of this world.

Learn the Bible. come to know the Bible. Truly study the Bible. Then live the Bible.

Sell off your worldly possessions and use that money to help those in true need. Help them to see the true blessings that come from those that sacrifice all for His glory. Seeking after their treasures not here on this earth, but in the new earth this is going to come after the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ.

Learn the Bible and stand up to those that question the Word of God. For when they question you because of what the Bible says they are in fact questioning God Himself. When they question, they show that their understanding of God is faulty. Their understanding of what is written within the Bible is their assumptions and/or their denial of the Truth. But when you stand up to them to not cause issues if you can. Address the truth then let it go. It is not your job to convenience it is your job to tell the truth. Once the truth is out there and they still question what is written within the Bible they have shown their true self.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

It is now their job to read the Bible and learn it for themselves if they so desire. Your job as a Christian?

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

“Against such there is no law.”

Now what does this mean?

Matthew 5:17-19 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 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. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

When we live as we are told in Galatians five, we work within the Law of Moses, so it does not affect any who do. Jesus Christ has made it clear that we are to stay within those laws not removed by Christ going to the cross.

I know millions that profess to followers Christ. Yet they say the Laws of Moses are dead. Yet Jesus makes it clear that the laws of Moses are alive and well.

With Jesus Christ soon to return for those that are ready for Him. This means knowing the Bible and following what is taught within it.

God Bless