sin

Blog for Podcast #211 (All Evil Never comes from God

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

Mark 7:20-23 NKJV – And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

I started today with these verses for a reason. Too many times I hear “Why did God do this or that.” Or I hear “Why did God permit this or that to happen.”

You, the listener or reader, must understand. These evil events were caused by those not working with or for God. These evil things came from the people that did them. They did them because they are not servants of God but His enemy. No matter what they may proclaim with their mouths, their actions. Their works show all whom they worship, and it is not the Creator of the universe.

When a nation turns from God. God, who places those that lead it into power. He will allow those that practice evil to rule. This is to punish those within this nation for them turning their backs to God.

Romans 13:1 NKJV – Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Daniel 2:21 NKJV – And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Daniel 4:17 NLT – For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses—even to the lowliest of people.”

Most don’t know or understand this. Nor in fact do they wish to understand. God foretold how people would act and behave.

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!

All that is listed in these verses is considered evil. It shows that it does not come from God, but in the denial of God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

Most in this world have been taught that God promotes evil by the mere fact that it exists. However, if you study the Bible, not just read it. You will come to understand that it is the denial of God and the teaches found within the Bible that causes and creates evil. This is shown in the book of James.

James 3:13-4:10 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. Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

“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.”

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Note how these verses I focused upon has one theme. Caring only for what is pleasing to the self at this moment. Christ taught a different message.

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.

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

Selfishness is the main theme of what is highly esteemed by humanity. The seeking after a large house or multiple houses. Fancy clothing, multiple vehicles. Travel and expensive living. All are seeking after one’s own pleasures.

The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words to Timothy:

 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.

Then a few verses later these words are spoken to those that consider themselves rich with earthly wealth:

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

This is the true path to holiness. Away from evil. This is why in three gospels this is said about earthly possessions:

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.”

To escape evil, we must live a needs-only existence. If it is not needed it must be gotten rid of.

Example: You marry and have children. You require a large home to allow the children to grow and have their own space to grow. They leave your home. You now have empty rooms filled with items gathering dust. They are no longer needed.

Most keep them and seek more. This is evil, this is sin. We are taught by Jesus Christ Himself to be content with food and clothing. Therefore, the large house is no longer needed. It must go. The majority refuses to do this, which is denial of Jesus Christ 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.

Evil is keeping our earthly wealth to ourselves. For we are to share it with those in need. This is witnessed by the homelessness we see about us. Many will say that it is the responsibility of those that govern us. It is not. It is our duty as followers of Christ.

If every person that professes to being a follower of Christ would live a needs-only existence and use the rest of their money as instructed in 1 Timothy, there would be no homeless. Period.

Yet there are homeless people all due to selfishness which is evil. For it causes all that is evil, and it comes from one place. The human heart.

Time is quickly running out. Temptations are attacking those that follow Christ. Trying to pull them away from their salvation.

2 Peter 2:12-22 NKJV – But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Repent and downsize quickly.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #209 (Who are False Teachers)

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

Jude 1:3-13 NKJV – Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

These verses describe those that have become unbelievers. Those that teach about ways to make themselves rich. That think only of themselves. Part of the evidence that they are evil is by the fact that they attack those in power.

“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.”

Why is doing this a sin?

Daniel 2:21 NKJV – And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Daniel 4:17 NKJV – ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’

Titus 3:1-2 NKJV – Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

When people speak evil of people in power even if they are visibly living in sin, we are to not speak evil of them. In fact, we are to actually pray for them. WE are to do this because God placed them there. Therefore, it is God that is being insulted.

So, those in power are placed there by God. Even those that do evil. Also, we are to speak evil of no one. Now understand this. God does not cause evil. God did not cause Hitler. God did not cause the Holocaust.

Matthew 15:19 NKJV – For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

All evil comes from humans. It is born from selfishness. It is born from greed. It is born from thinking you are better than others.

A true leader places all others before themselves.

Matthew 20:25-28 NKJV – But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

This applies to anyone. Be they a leader of a government to a leader in a group. The moment someone thinks that their position, their title makes them greater than those they are to govern. Makes them evil.

But, back on topic.

The false teachers walk and dine with those that profess to be of the faith. They teach them that materialism is good. That keeping most of our earthly wealth is sin. Yes, give your 10% and you have done good.  But is it actually live on 10% and use the 90% for the glory of God. Live a needs-only lifestyle. Sell all your possessions and give to the poor. Then take up your cross and spread the Word of God. This is taught in three of the gospels.

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.”

You can say you follow God all you want. However, if you don’t downsize you have not taken up your cross and followed Christ. Thus, this qualifies those that do this as false teachers as well.

Why are they false teachers?

Because of these words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself:

“take up the cross and follow Me.”

Taking up the cross is to teach the Word of God. To spread the Word of God. Therefore, those that do not downsize and spread the gospel ARE false teachers. They bury their talent.

Matthew 25:26-30 NKJV – “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

This shows verification of the spirit as per 1 John:

1 John 4:1-6 NKJV – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Now let’s clarify what is of the world? That is mentioned earlier in this very letter.

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.

1 John 2:15-16 AMP Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

I use these two translations for a reason. Because they spell out what is of the world. Pleasures of the flesh, pride in how we succeed within this life. Our possessions and the hoarding of them. This is why Christ said this:

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

Their heart is not with God but in and of the world. Which turns them into what?

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.

False teachers are enemies of God. This is why most of the book of Jude was written. For in the last days the world would be full of false teachers and hypocrites. These false teachers seek after and teach others to seek after what is highly esteemed amongst men.

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

As I have taught before. The word “abomination” is only shown six times in the NT. Four of these times it is specifically describing the antichrist and those that follow him.

That being said. That those teach and follow false teachings are followers of the antichrist. This is why they are destine to damnation.

God Bless

Bog for Podcast #208 (The Narrow Path)

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

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus back to talk to his family. This is Abraham’s reply:

Luke 16:29-31 NKJV – Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ “

“Neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

This parable taught by Christ preceded Himself being risen from the dead. Why He taught this was to show that once He was risen. Those that have sought after money. Those that seek to be rich would never listen to what is taught within the Word of God. This has been seen as true. For most would rather keep their earthly wealth and even seek after more. Bringing the reality to these verses:

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

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.

Most don’t understand that by keeping and seeking after money they chose to follow what is earthly over what is heavenly. Most can’t even conceive of an eternal existence. They just seek after earthly comforts and pleasures. Most don’t even spread the Good News. This in turn brings in another parable:

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

“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness.”

Most qualify for this title of “unprofitable servant.” Because they bury their talent. They covet their salvation and refuse to share it with anyone.

They proudly profess their personal salvation. They refuse to share how others can become a servant of Christ. Also, very few give away their earthly wealth. So few that you never hear of it for decades if not centuries. This is why Jesus Christ said this:

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

What is required to enter the narrow gate IS difficult. It is difficult to downsize. It is difficult to live a needs-only existence as instructed by the Bible itself:

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.

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

This verse teaches a needs-only existence. Yet, how many the moment they accept Christ as their Savior downsize?

I know of none. In fact, I didn’t myself until I thoroughly studied the Word of God for myself. Then it took years to downsize properly once I entered into a needs-only lifestyle. That is why I know it is difficult because I have lived it personally.

Does this guarantee to me that I am on the narrow path through the narrow gate? I will only know that answer to that on the day I awaken in the presence of God. For as I have shown in past studies of the Word of God none can know for sure they are going to heaven. Any that say they are, are saying they are living without sin. In addition they have called Jesus Christ Himself a liar.

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

This is also a part of the difficult journey. The path to eternity.

Jesus Christ makes it very clear in all His teaching what is required to take the narrow path. The key element. Follow His teachings. This is seen in the sermon on the mount. This is found within all His teachings. With key elements like not praying in public. Spreading the Word of God. Living a needs-only lifestyle. What is most important of all is not living a lawless lifestyle.

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

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!’

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

Those that teach people that it is by faith alone, that they are OSAS, teach lawlessness. They teach people to break the least of the commandments. They teach people to take the wide path and enter into the wide gate. They don’t teach salvation, but damnation. They willingly ignore the difficult path and avoid the narrow gate.

Why?

Because it is too difficult for them. It is too hard for them.

They don’t want to surrender their comforts, their homes, their pleasures. Because they cannot nor do they understand the concept of eternity.

They can’t see past 100 years. That is why they ignore the narrow path. That is why they refuse to enter into the narrow gate.

Jesus promises treasures in heaven. That we are to seek after our eternal rewards. Treasures that will last for billions upon billions upon billions of years.

100 v 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

It is like the odds of Jesus Christ fulfilling all the prophecies foretold within the OT. Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies. Therefore, heavenly rewards that will last for billions of years are true as well. But here is the rub.

Gold has so much value in the new earth that it is used to make roads. It has the same value as asphalt.

Revelation 21:21 NKJV – The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Therefore, our riches are not materials or possessions. It will be something greater and more glorious than any will ever know. That is until we enter our immortal body and begin to live our immortal life.

Seeking after the narrow and difficult path is just that. But most start down the path and find it too demanding. They do as the Spirit inspired Peter to say in his second letter.

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

They would rather live in this world and embrace possessions. To live a needs-only existence is beyond what they have been told and taught what is required to live their earthly existence. Because to them this is all there is. For there is no eternity. However, they don’t realize the moment they deny eternity they deny their Savior Jesus Christ and so in turn they deny their own salvation.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #206 (The Darkness that Most Pursue)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

Just because you say you are “Christian” does not guarantee your place in heaven. Yet, this is how most think and believe. They have thought this way for centuries. Yes, centuries.

How do I know this? Because most that make this declaration do not follow the teachings found within the Bible. This is why Jesus Christ Himself said these Words:

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

And then this a bit later:

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!’

People ignore the most important part of this verse:

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

Most that call themselves “Christan” practice lawlessness, especially those that believe in faith alone and OSAS. Now, why do I say this. Again, we turn to the Bible and one sentence:

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

“So faith without works is dead.”

This is explained earlier in these verses:

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

Notice a key statement in these verses:

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!”

Those that live by faith alone and OSAS believe in one God. However, unlike demons, they celebrate, they cheer the presence of the Holy Spirit being within them. This is the essential prove that those that live by faith alone and even adhere to the OSAS manmade doctrine have existed for centuries. Even to the point that they are taught about within the Bible itself.

You think this was by chance? The answer is no. God knew that this would be the mentality of all that professed to being identified as followers of Jesus Christ. This is why the Holy Spirit led those that wrote the NT to teach and warn those that follow Jesus to separate themselves from the world.

However, most never even leave the world. They chose to seek after what is offered by the world. They befriend the world. This is why these verses are found within the Bible:

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.

Matthew 6:19-24 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. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one 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.”

Again, we have a key statement made in these verses that people ignore:

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

“If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.”

Most that live by faith alone and follow the OSAS man-made doctrine do not live in the light but believe that they do. Since they have befriended the world, they are enemies of God. Therefore, the more they align themselves with the world the more into the darkness they are. Which makes this verse become real, which in turn brings the reality to this verse:

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

The majority that teaches and follow faith alone and OSAS are unprofitable, because they believe they are not required to do as Christ teaches. This in turn makes them unprofitable which leads them into the outer darkness. Whose depth is so deep that it will cause weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Unfortunately, most reject what has just been said here. They laugh, they scoff, they deride and belittle.

Luke 16:13-17 NKJV – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

Any who ignore the commandments are saying Christ is a liar. Because here, Jesus Himself makes it clear that not only are the laws still in effect, but also that it goes from just being only for the Tribes of Israel to all of humanity. This is not the only time that Christ makes it clear that the laws are still active:

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

Those that reject the laws taught within the Bible, which also includes Christ’s command to downsize.

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

This is emphasized by what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say to Timothy:

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.

They suffer sorrows because they chase after and cling to money, which is why later on this is said in the first book of Timothy:

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.

Over 99% of those that profess to being “Christian” say that downsizing is not required by them. However, in three gospels it is made clear that we must get rid of our earthly wealth.

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

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

This command is meant for all that have earthly wealth and many possessions. Most ignore this law, which must be followed. Therefore, they do as is shown in the next verse:

Mark 10:22 NKJV – But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

He went away from Jesus Christ. He walked away from salvation.

This is why the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to say this:

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

Most don’t realize that the vomit, the mire is worldly possessions and money. Which they gladly return to over their eternal life through Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #205 (Those That Say They Know for Sure They are Going to Heaven)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

The other day someone said that due to not teaching that they are sure they are going to heaven they left a certain religion.

I have to say this. Any who says they are 100% sure they are going to heaven have just called Jesus Christ Himself a liar. For when someone says they are certain they are going to heaven they are saying they have no sin within them. This is what the Bible says about those that say they have no sin within them:

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

Therefore, any who say they are certain they are going to heaven do not know the Truth of the Word of God, and it is not in them. Since it is not in them, are they even really saved? That is something they need to debate with themselves.

This type of belief comes from those that believe in faith alone is all you need. However, it is made clear within the Bible that faith alone means eternal death.

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

Therefore, those that seek after faith alone seek after eternal death. That is why the letters of the NT time again offer warnings. Warnings not to live in sin. These letters were aimed at people that accepted and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They were saved, yet they were and are warned, over and over.

This means no one can say they know for sure they are going to heaven. This is why we are to fear God, yet those that seek faith alone celebrate God in ways they actually insult their Creator.

Psalms 111:10 NKJV – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 14:27 NKJV – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

When people say they are sure they are going to heaven, they have no fear of God. Therefore, they show they despise the wisdom found within the Word of God and wish to be snared within the trap of eternal death and damnation.

The moment someone laughs at what has been said here brings the reality to Proverbs 1:7. It also brings the reality to these verses from the letter to the 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.

By laughing they are showing hatred and causing contention. If they became or become angry, they are showing an outburst of wrath and so are causing dissension. By insisting they are right over the Word of God they are announcing to all they are heretics. All this means they are working from the flesh and not from the Spirit. As a result, the question can be asked: are they saved? This is why Peter was led to write these words:

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

People can become saved and then lose their salvation. Jesus Christ made this very clear in John 15:

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.

As has been shown when doing a deep dive study of these verses. None can be on the Vine unless they are saved.  Abiding in Christ means a life of works through faith. Those that do not perform works and live by faith alone show they do not bear fruit. As a result they are removed from the vine. AKA, they lose their salvation and are cast into the lake of fire. This is verified by one of Jesus Christ’s parables:

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

The unprofitable servant equals not bearing fruit. In both cases the one that was saved is no longer and is cast into damnation.

The Bible makes it very clear that the false teaching of OSAS is a lie and those that follow it are not following Christ, but the father of lies. Therefore, the faith alone belief is asking for removal from the Body of Christ. The mere fact that they stay within the and of the world is proof that they do not follow God.

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.

Jesus Christ said this about being materialistic:

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.

Therefore, the fact that they still seek after large houses and fancy cars and clothes shows they are not enemies with the world, but of God and in turn His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, they are surrendering their eternal life for eternal death. This is why these words are given to those that have earthly wealth:

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

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”

Rich in good works.

Which brings us right back to the second chapter of James:

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

For we will be judged not by how much faith we have, but by our faith through our works. This is spelled out in Romans 2:

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.

Just for the record. Those that believe they are definitely going to heaven are saying that God shows partiality, which again makes the Word of God a lie. So, which is it. The Bible is telling the Truth or what you believe is the truth.

Any who calls the Word of God a lie calls Jesus a liar, which brings us full circle back to the verses of 1 John 1:

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

Therefore, is Jesus Christ a liar? Then repent and start living a life with works through faith. By following the laws which were not removed by Christ going to the cross.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #203 (From Who do People Truly Receive Their Earthly Riches)

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 biggest lies ever put forth by the father of all lies is that humanity should seek after earthly rewards. That receiving earthly success and riches shows you have favor from God.

Jesus Christ Himself said this:

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

Those who receive earthly treasures keep their focus upon these treasures and their source. The Bible makes it clear that if it is earthly, it is not from God in any way shape or form.

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.

There has been an increase in those that are saying they could not achieve their earthly goals and rewards if it were not from God. As we have just shown a personal achievement through sprots is not from God. That people’s success in worldly activities and achievements is not from God.

Yet many go on and keep saying “I could not have done this without God.”

Who is actually rewarding them?

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.

So, Satan rewards people with earthly rewards and success.

Their place in celebrity. Their place in sports, which distracts people away from God. Is all given and designed by the father of all lies. For it takes away our focus from what?

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.”

Any who receive earthly rewards. The more they receive. The further from God they are. No matter who they may say allowed them to have their success it is earthly and goes against as was shown a bit ago Jesus Christ and thus God’s teaches. It comes from who has governance over this temporal realm.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Most are blind to the real Truth. Why? Because they have been sold a bill of goods which states they show their real worth to God by becoming wealthy, which is again opposite the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:17-22 NKJV – Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ ‘DO NOT MURDER,’ ‘DO NOT STEAL,’ ‘DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.'” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

This behavior shown by the young rich man is how most that now profess to being “Christian” now live. They continue to seek after wealth. They refuse to do as Christ Himself commanded. Why?

Because God is not their Lord for they have made friends with who?

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.

All who receive earthly success and rewards have sold themselves to Satan and it is him they are worshipping. It is him who is their god. That is why they are God’s enemies.

Let me ask you the listener and reader this question:

Who gives rewards to their enemies? Not tribute, reward.

Let’s define these two words.

Tribute – a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.

Reward – something given or received in return or recompense for service, merit, hardship, etc.

Since God is the enemy. Those that say they receive rewards and success from God are in reality saying God is giving them tribute not giving them rewards. For God is their enemy since they are living in and for the world.

Those that celebrate when someone has earthly success and wealth and say it is due to God. Call God a liar. Only one being celebrates 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.

These words were spoken to those people that professed to being children of Abraham, of being of the tribe of Israel.

Today, these verses would be aimed at those that profess to being “Christian.” Those that profess to being followers of Jesus Christ. However, their very actions and behavior like praising earthly rewards, which is totally opposite the teachings of Christ and God, shows they are worshiping lies and in turn their true father is Satan for he is the father of all lies.

Most don’t follow Christ. Because if they did, they wouldn’t seek after the world. Seeking possessions. Seeking after achievements that lead to earthly fame. This does not come from God the Father. As we have established by the Word of God itself these earthly rewards are from the only being allowed to give these rewards. Once again it is Satan.

What is required has been made clear by Christ when He told the young rich man to sell all his property. All that ask Christ to be their Savior are required to downsize. To live a minimalist lifestyle.

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.

A little later in this letter. Those that have earthly wealth are told this:

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

Again, most refuse to do this command. In their eyes it is not required of them, but it is required, especially if someone professes to being a child of God. For we are to be content with having basic needs and nothing else as was read earlier from the Bible. It is an act of works through faith as instructed to us in James chapter two.

James 2:18-20 NKJV – But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Therefore, in an act through faith we must downsize and then use the most of our earthly wealth to help those in need and to spread the Word of God.

What happens to those that refuse to teach the Word of God?

Matthew 25:24-30 NKJV – “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

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

Start to learn the Bible for yourself. Learn that all you have been taught is mostly likely lies. Then repent truly turn to God through Jesus Christ. For time is quickly running out.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #202 (Moral Compass)

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

Dostoevsky made this statement: “If there is no God, everything is permitted.”

Most live their lives within a moral mentality. The Bible said this in Romans:

Romans 2:12-16 NKJV – For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

It is very clear that most, even those that use the name “Christian” do not know the Word of God. Accordingly, the moral compass they follow is not found in the Bible, but from their own sense of morality.

Their morality was influenced by their family, their peers, and the world about them. It is due to this that most bring the truth to the statement: “If there is no God, everything is permitted.”

They live lives as if they are special and on a journey that will lead to heaven. The Bible makes it clear that is the furthest thing from the Truth.

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

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

In both letters one phrase is seen in both: “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Therefore, if they think and believe they are going to heaven, the Bible makes it clear they are not.

Many will challenge this. Many don’t understand how the Bible itself works.

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.

Every word that is found within the Bible is the voice of God. Consequently, this is God saying clearly to those that live in these sins is not welcome into heaven. Their personal morality may not excuse them and so they will have to stand before the Great White Throne.

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.

A bit later in Revelation this is made clear:

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

The Bible makes it clear that many who think themselves righteous and under the umbrella of salvation through Christ, are not.

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

As I have discussed many, many times. Those that do not follow the teachings found within the Bible as well as those commandments not removed by the cross are living in lawlessness. Part of living in lawlessness is also in what keeps people’s interest.

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

What else does the Word of God say about those that chase after worldly rewards:

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.

“Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

If someone is an enemy of God, how can they be welcomed into heaven? Therefore, those that chase after worldly possessions are not welcome into heaven. Why? Because they have chosen to befriend the world, thus making themselves enemies of God.

Due to a false moral compass most live earthly lives, not Godly lives. Believing their moral compass is true when it is a lie. A death sentence for eternity.

This earthly existence is a blink in the eye compared to billions upon billions upon billions of years. Most for centuries have chosen the blink instead of eternity. This is why Christ said this:

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

Why is the narrow way difficult? Because it must be measured by God’s moral compass. God’s moral compass is the Word of God, and it is made clear that we must follow it and teach it to others.

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

“Whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Whoever teaches the law and the prophets shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Why? Because Jesus didn’t destroy the laws and the prophets. He fulfilled their teaches. For it is made clear by Jesus Himself:

“Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Most, especially those that believe in faith alone, are screaming in outrage and hatred right not. Bring the Truth of the Word of God to their behavior. Therefore, we will once again hear these words from the Bible:

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.

The fact they are having an outburst of wrath, that they are showing hatred. That they are being contentious. This makes them heretics. Haters of God. Haters of Jesus Christ. Haters of humanity itself.

Enemies of God!

Destine for destruction. Destine to damnation. Destine to the second death.

That is unless they repent and change their ways by downsizing and living a minimalistic lifestyle. Then Spread the Word of God.

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.”

This is told to us three times in three separate gospels. This means we all must do this. Most refuse. Most would rather seek after the world than to surrender their earthly treasures. Must choose damnation.

Why?

Because their moral compass was pointing at them and not God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #199 (Selling the Soul)

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

Intro

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

Discussion

Selling the soul.

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

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

This is why these words appear in the second letter of Peter:

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

Christ makes it clear that most choose the wide path:

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

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where does all this lead.

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

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

Matthew 25:29-30 NKJV – ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

They will face the White Throne Judgment:

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #197 (The Battle Not to Be Haughty)

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

We are all warned:

Romans 11:17-21 NKJV – And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.

“Do not be haughty but fear.”

He warns us of this in many ways and many times. It is a warning because we can fall into this trap more than once. It hardens our hearts and makes it impossible to truly improve our relationship with Christ. It is one of the struggles that we are forced to endure due to having free-will. It is the reason we are to seek sanctification. It is why we are told to always seek to become a reflection of Christ. We do not automatically become His reflection. We must strive, struggle, and search our souls to become sanctified.

What does it mean to “sanctify?”

Sanctify – G37 – hagiazó – make holy, treat as holy, set apart as holy, hallow, purify, consecrate, venerate.

  1. Hallow – to make something holy.
  2. Purify – to remove immoral thoughts or acts from something.
  3. Consecrate – to officially make something holy and suitable to be used for religious ceremonies.
  4. Venerate – to honor or very much respect a person or thing.

All of these definitions show actions. Actions are works. To seek after sanctification is a works-oriented endeavor filled with faith and belief in our Savior Jesus Christ. It is something that is ongoing and never-ending until the day we leave this temporal plain of existence. Always seeking to be like Jesus Christ is the true signifying of faith through works.

James 2:18 NKJV – But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

As we journey through our trials and tribulation to be like our Savior, we will have events that will cause us to have difficulties. I have encountered haughtiness within myself more than once as an example.

I guess I get this way by accident as I try and help people to see the Truth. However, God does things in my life to get my attention. To awaken me to my arrogance. It usually works before things get drastic. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes I must suffer. I must feel the pruning of my branch and let me tell you it hurts. Not physically, but emotionally. As most trials are. Within ourselves for we must come to confront our flaws. Because we will always have flaws. For this is made very clear within the Word of God.

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

This wording shows that this a clear statement to any that calls themselves a follower of Christ. They still sin. It also makes it clear that we must confess our sins unto God through Jesus Christ. Again, an action of works unto God through faith. It also states clearly that any who says they do not sin does not have the Holy Spirit within them.

We must also remember this spoken in Hebrews:

Hebrews 10:26-29 NKJV – For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

In treating Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation as common is an act of arrogance. What constitutes commonality?

Common – unholy thing – G2839 – koinos – profane; dirty, unclean, unwashed.

Making Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross unclean is not just achieved through arrogance in attitude but taking your salvation for granted. This is shown in those that say things like:

“I can achieve anything for God is within me!”

The moment these words enter into someone’s mind they soil the Holy Ghost. For once we have the Holy Spirit within us, we must strive to keep ourselves free of sin and not seeking after those things of the world. This is why this is said in 1 John:

1 John 2:15-17 NLT – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Any who pursue worldly possessions and how they look to others in this world if they have the Holy Spirit within them have made it unclean, dirty……. common. This is why this is said in 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.” 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.

Those that taint the Holy Spirit, and thus defile it, are seen as an abomination in the sight of God. This is obvious to those that actually have the Holy Ghost within them. For those that do know, by His presence within them, that they are best served by ending sin. Yet there are times we err, for humans are always corrupt even after becoming temples of the Holy Spirit. As witnessed by this verse:

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

When people challenge the Bible, they show arrogance and self-serving pride. This is why we must study the Word of God for ourselves. For as long as we allow others to tell us what is in the Word of God, we are open to making the Holy Spirit unholy. What does the Bible say on these lines:

Matthew 12:31 NKJV – “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

Now you start to see why fighting haughtiness is so important.

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

“Let each esteem others better than himself.”

All humanity is equal. But we as servants of Christ are to see others as better than ourselves. Not to the point of bowing down and worshipping other humans, but in seeking to help them achieve salvation. Helping humanity to seek to be seen by God is why Christ Himself humbled Himself:

Philippians 2:5-8 NLT – You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

An attitude of humility is what we are told we must do and have. Yet many celebrate and are jubilant that they are filled with the Holy Spirit. This, as was mentioned earlier, defiles and dishonors the Holy Ghost. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and thus condemning those that habitually practice this behavior.

There are those that challenge this Truth. When they do so they think themselves better than God. They show themselves to be prideful and in turn arrogant.

Proverbs 16:18-20 NKJV – Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

Time is running out. Time for this type of behavior must end in all that act this way. For it is made clear that they will not make the first Rapture.

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—

This is why Christ says this next:

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 into him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

To overcome requires humility, amongst other things, by seeking to emulate our Savior Jesus Christ. Repent now if you profess to being a child of God. Ask Christ into your life if you have not already done so. For the first Rapture is very near.

God Bless

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

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

Intro

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

Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

               Abated – to become less strong.

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

Another key part that is misunderstood is:

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

A rod is used to discipline as verified in Proverbs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is anything REALLY worth this price?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And from such people turn away!”

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

Ourselves or God.

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

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

God Bless