Sanctification

Blog for Podcast #222 (The Challenge)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

As we move through this life we now live within. We are torn this way and that. Throughout our lives once we cross the threshold of the age of consent, these factors that tear at our souls increase. Multiple factors attack our conscience. All designed to distract us from Who we are to truly seek after. God through Jesus Christ.

We are pulled by our emotions. We are pulled by our family, our friends, our education. By religion. By our jobs. All distract us from God through Jesus Christ.

Most never find the True balance. Most think they find it. But what they find is acceptance within the world. This is the opposite of what they should have found. For the world is opposite of God. They are enemies. The Bible makes it clear.

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

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

The challenge is to abandon all that we have learned that is not found in the Bible. This for the most part never occurs for anyone. I know this because for decade I followed the wide path without truly realizing. As I finally listened to God in 2013. I finally starter to learn to seek sanctification.

For those that don’t understand this last word. I will try and help you understand. Sanctification is an ongoing and continual process to seek to remove all sin from within us through prayer and study. Also know that none can remove all sin from within us. However, we can peel them away like the skin of an onion. This is sanctification.

Sanctification can only be accomplished when the one seeking it strives to please God and not themselves. This is also known as “works.” Any who seek to please the self lives in sin.

Romans 2:8 NKJV – but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,

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.”

Understand this sentence is more complex than one would think. Especially the last part of it. Most in today’s world use religion as an excuse to not only fucus upon themselves, but to keep their earthly wealth for their owe glory and satisfaction. They boast that God rewarded them this is a lie against the Truth.

Note: I said religion.

A religion is a man-made group that seeks to parade about as if they are better than those about them. This causes them to be haughty and not just self-serving but self-glorifying. All of this is a sin in the sight of God. Therefore, most religions serve Satan not God. This is verified practically every Sunday when all you hear are speeches that cause those listening to feel reassured about their own self-worth. This why Jesus said this in the book of Luke:

Luke 16:13-15 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money as well as possesions.” 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.

Our true challenge is to stop thinking of the self, which includes seeking after those things that many esteem. The closest we are to think of the self is that we are to treat others as we would treat ourselves.

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.”

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” That means if you buy an expensive vehicle you must buy everyone an expensive vehicle. Now we all know this is an impossibility. Then how do you offset this?

The answer? We live a needs-only lifestyle. By living with the cheapest and the least. We follow the teachings of the Bible and are able to help those in need and to spread the Word of God.

When people think they can live as they want and think they are going to heaven. They become the lukewarm the moment they do this. Rejecting any chance of salvation. In truth they are seen as worse than those that openly deny God. This is why they are vomited out of the Body of Christ.

Revelation 3:15-19 NKJV – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

I have been giving multiple teachings about what is found within the Bible. The fact that most live their lives as they always have. Shows most have not studied the Word of God for themselves and they take the words of man over the Word of God.

Why they listen to the words of man over the Word of God is simple. The words of man say the name “Jesus” mention God. However, they teach that the self is all. That God is in them and they are all powerful and they can accomplish anything. This in turn causes them to chase after worldly rewards. This in turn causes them to get these rewards from the being that has the power to reward in this world.

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

Must hate to hear this. Because they don’t wish to answer the challenge God offers all through Jesus Christ. They refuse the challenge because to answer it they would have to stop living as they have lived to date, plus it would also bring into doubt how those before them have lived their lives. This is a sad reality, but it is the Truth.

Most will stand before the Great White Throne Judgement other than to appear before the Glorified Christ in the heavens above at the first rapture. However, this is the real Truth. Upsetting as it may be.

Too many have decided upon a people pleasing message than to accept the Truth of the Word of God. Cursing themselves.

Galatians 1:6-10 AMP – I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel. Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not]. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).

Notice how the first part of these verses is stated.

“I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him.”

They get saved and then quickly turn away from their salvation. Turning “renegade.”

Renegade – a person who deserts a party or cause for another.

Desert – to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return.

Now note the last verse.

“Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).”

“If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ.”

Those that make people happy and thus themselves popular per these verses are cursed to eternal damnation. This is how most that call themselves ministers, pastor, priest now qualify. The large the church the more guilty.

They abandoned the challenge to follow God. For their own esteem to other humans. They willfully chose to be an abomination in the sight of God.

It is time to repent and learn to follow and accept what is written within the Word of God. It is time to stop thinking of self-glorification and reward. It is time to downsize and use our excess earthly wealth to help others and to spread the True Gospel. This is the challenge that MUST be accomplished. NOW!!

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #191 (The Sin within Us)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

Case in point:

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

I will look at this in two parts:

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

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

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

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

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

“You are storing up terrible punishment for yourself.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even I fall short in this department. Why?

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

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

Can it be corrected on the whole?

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

Is this a drastic statement?

Most definitely, but we must come to that understanding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless.

Sanctification Trail 2

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , Leave a comment

A study of “Gospel mystery of the Sanctification” by Walter Marshall part 2

Even then. Someone saw the true message within the Bible. That our relationship with God was one that needs constant attention on our side of the relationship.
God, and Jesus made it clear. On their part of the relationship they would never abandon us or, for a point of fact, anyone. It is the human. It is you. It is me. It is those that deny Him. It is those that turn from Him. It is those that hate Him.
As for those that call themselves “Christian.” A majority need an awakening. Those that are “Sunday Christians,” which means they go to church, sing a song, say a pray. Then the rest the week they live their life as they see fit.

Direction 2: Several endowments and qualifications are necessary to enable us for the immediate practice of the law. Particularly we must have an inclination and propensity of our hearts thereunto; and therefore we must be well persuaded of our reconciliation with God, and of our future enjoyment of the everlasting heavenly happenings, and of sufficient strength both to will and perform all duties acceptably, until we come to the enjoyment of that happiness.

In this Direction, and the following explanation given by Marshall, is his insight into how the love relationship truly is. This is spelled out in the book of Hosea. God’s love is eternal, everlasting and given to all equally. And yes I mean ALL of humanity.
It is human beings that are fickle and cruel. It is humanity that flirts with God and then the moment something arises that stimulates their lust and desires they run to it no matter the cost. Marshall explains that it has always been this way since the time of Adam and Eve. I must say that I totally agree with this conclusion.
We must also come to an understanding that even though we seek after and ask for salvation from Jesus Christ. We are still within a corrupt and sinful body that will strive to be fickle whenever it gets the chance. This is why he emphasis the need to follow the laws within the Bible. For by striving to know and understand these laws when the temptation to be fickle arises once again within our corruption we can strive with the help of Jesus Christ to overcome this desire, this lust. Because we will see it for what it is and turn to pray for assistance and guidance.
He also makes it clear that we must be inclined to do this. We must seek to follow the teachings of the Bible out of a true love for God, His Son and the Word of God.
He also makes it clear that our true happiness is not in this temporal world we now occupy, but in the everlasting and eternal that is yet to be. He understood from his point of view that it would be heavenly.
As we come into the end of the age of the Gentiles. We must take the next step and come to realize that it is not a heavenly happiness but an eternal life. A life that will feel and be seen as we now do. With the expectation of it being in an incorruptible body that will last for all eternity in the service of God.

The Sanctification Trail

Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , One comment

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

As I grow in my faith and dare I say “sanctification.” I have been led by the spirit to take a more in-depth look into this part of being a Christian. My research led me to the book written by Marshall and published in 1692. He was a Puritan and suffered persecution by the Church of England when they demanded that only certain teachings be done. He and several other ministers refused to sign the “Book of Common Prayer” and as a result he lost his parishes on Black Bartholomew’s Day in 1662.
After his own struggles with faith and belief as well as fought the hard fight against those teachings that are called Antinomianism. That being the belief that faith alone is all you need to be saved. As well as Neonomianism, which is the legalistic following of the Bible. He reached the point to write the book entitled above.
Direction # 1 – That we may acceptably perform the duties of Holiness and Righteousness required in the Law, our first works is, to learn the powerful and effectual Means whereby we may attain to so great an End.
What struck me the most was his approach to the greatest commandment, which is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. He states that if you love God you will be willing to sacrifice all, to the point of even abandoning your own desires and wishes. You would follow to the best of your ability all the commandments within the Bible. For as he puts it, are a guideline to the second greatest commandment of love thy neighbor. For by practicing and obeying all the commandments that deal with social interaction and behavior you show your love towards God.
Even I fall short in this department. Why?
Because in today’s society and culture we no longer follow the majority of, as Marshall puts it, the Laws of the Bible. This is not totally our own faults, but those of our parents and their parents. This is something that does not happen overnight, over a few years, but over decades and through generations.
To correct this is to first acknowledge there is a problem with not just how the Bible is taught, but read. Most in today’s society have an Antinomianism understanding of the Bible. This as a result is a key factor in the disintegration of social and cultural behavior in Europe and the United States.
Can it be corrected on whole?
From the way the Bible is written, I would say no. However, for those willing to listen. For those willing to understand that by accepting this path towards sanctification they are in essence signing their own death warrant upon this temporal life we now live.
Is this a drastic statement?
Most definitely, but we must come to that understanding.
Look to what happened to Walter Marshall when He refused to sign the conformity requirements that the Church of England forced upon their clergy in 1652. His life for a short time was shattered. However, he did find a new parish and continued in the good works towards his own sanctification.
As we come into this age that is actually described within the Bible as the signs of the soon return of Jesus Christ. We must accept that by adopting to truly seek after sanctification. By following the commandments, which are in reality laws given to those willing to listen, by God and through His Son Jesus Christ. We face the fact that society on whole will reject us to the point of martyrdom, as is written within the Bible.
John MacArthur said, and I paraphrase, that to live the commandments and not accept Jesus, will not lead to salvation. However, once we are saved we cannot ignore the commandments if we seek after sanctification.
Yet, as mentioned above, most do not even attempt to follow just the Ten Commandments let alone all we truly are required which are in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which have not been made void by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. There are many laws that deal with everyday life and interaction with others. Most have in actuality been turned into human laws in most Christian based nations. However, the majority now takes them for granted or are totally ignored.
Few attempt to gain sanctification. Mostly due to not being aware that it is something that is required of all when accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. I myself was under this same misunderstanding for decades. As a result I drifted further and further away from God and my Savior, Jesus.
It took God literally destroying my life in 2013. Since that “year of Job,” as I call it, returning to God through Jesus Christ as been a goal that has taken me down a road I never thought I would ever see in my lifetime. A life with true happiness, due to God’s blessing as I endeavor to travel down the narrow and least traveled path towards Him.
I have been on a journey within my faith that has led me ever closer to our Creator. The scales have fallen from my eyes and I now see what is causing all the strife and turmoil in the world at large. I know it is due to the abandonment of God by most within this world, and especially those that live within the United States of America.
Most do not even know what “sanctification” is or truly means. I know, because I was one of them.
When I read the words of a man that has been dead for nearly four hundred years and seeing that his thoughts echoed my own. I came to the realization that God’s promise is never ending, never changing. Only humanity forgets this and must learn it all over again. Time and time again. As the Israelites learned to their dismay, over and over.
Comprehending that in the 1600’s people were struggling with the same issues we are today. That his teachings helped become the core of the Puritan’s religious beliefs. A group that led to factions like the Quakers, which led one of these Quakers to be given a land grant by the British king. Which allowed this Quaker to form the colony that came to be known as the state of Pennsylvania. His faith that from his beliefs became that colonies constitution, which led to the lion share of what is now the Constitution of the United States.
This trail should make people reawaken to the need to seek out sanctification by returning to the laws within the Bible and obeying them. Not in a legalistic way like the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Church, but truly following and living all the commandments in the Bible. In faith and love of God and His son the Lord Jesus Christ. To once again treat them, not as suggestions, but what they are: laws, we are to adhere to and follow to the best of our abilities.