truth

Blog for Podcast #136 (Long-suffering)

January 18, 2023bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, God, Jesus, life, longsuffering, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

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

Discussion

There are those in social media that say a lot of the right things when it comes to true Christianity. However, there are times when they do things that are not in line with truly following Jesus Christ. They come across as haughty, or even cruel in their wording.

Now one of the fruits that shows we are working with the Holy Spirit is “longsuffering:”

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

Longsuffering – G3115 – makrothumia – that is (objectively) forbearance, (subjectively) fortitude, patience

forbearance – the quality of being patient and being able to forgive someone or control yourself in a difficult situation

Where does this ability originate with following the Holy Ghost?

The answer is simple: love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-10 NKJV – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

Now I want to make this very clear at this point. This is not the people pleasing “love” I am referring too, but the love that is not afraid to follow the directive given to us through Scripture.

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

2 Timothy 3:16-4:2 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. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

When following the love given unto us through the Holy Spirit, we strive to convince people that what they think is true is false. We rebuke them in a way that is not insulting or demeaning. Then we exhort them to turn from their path to follow the truth that can only be found when someone genuinely studies the Bible to verify what is the real Truth which is Christ Jesus.

When someone belittles someone else and degrades someone they are not acting in love, but in an attitude of superiority.

Romans 11:11-25 NKJV – I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 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. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

1 Corinthians 4:1-16 NKJV – Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

As we can see from these verses in Romans and 1 Corinthians. If we are loyal to Christ, we will never think ourselves greater than anyone else. In fact, we should look at ourselves as less than others. Not only less than the Jewish people, but even less than those that persecute and harass us.

We should always seek after humility and never attempt to take pride in anything. For only God is worthy of receiving glory, not us mere humans.

James 4:6-10 NKJV – 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.

Romans 12:3 NKJV – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

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

Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV – Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

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.

We can only truly reach the hearts of those that mock and attack us if they do not feel assaulted on our part of the conversation.

In many instances those that are attacking us may believe with all their hearts they are loyal to Christ. They call themselves “Christian.” Yet the fruit they bear shows who their true master to be.

If they attack and mock we see that they have lost their way or may never have truly found it. Look at those in Galatia:

Galatians 1:6-7 NKJV – I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

They had accepted Christ. They had been born again. Yet they started to listen to what was causing them to turn away so soon?

Galatians 1:10 NLT – Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

The only way to seek after God’s approval is to help people to see that they have turned away from Him if they have. To show people that their actions do not bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit but of the flesh and in doing so they may have made it so they will not inherit the Kingdom of God but opened themselves up to entering into damnation.

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.

John 15:5-6 NKJV – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

This is why it is so important not to be harsh or belittle. For in reality what does that say about those that do this?

The answer is simple. They are not acting with the Holy Ghost, but from the flesh. It may be said that in time they to may find themselves removed from Vine who is the Lord Jesus Christ. Which means their name most likely has been removed from the Book of Life.

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #132 (The Murderous Teachers)

December 21, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Bible study, false teachers, God, Jesus, life, murder, teacher, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

It is time.

It is time to shout the Truth, but most will reject it, just as Jesus Christ said it would be.

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 truly sad is the “many” believe with all their hearts they are on the difficult way. But why is this?

Because they think they are hearing the Truth, when in fact they are listening to lies.

Case in point:

“To a different gospel, which is not another.”

Many don’t grasp what is being said here. So let us look at it from a different angle.

Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV – And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

They will use the Word of God and even confess that Jesus is the Christ, but they will leave out what is required to find eternal life. As a result, those that do this are cursed.

Galatians 1:8-9 NKJV – But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

But what is causing them to be cursed?

Galatians 1:10 NLT – Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Those that are cursed are teaching a false gospel that is designed to make people feel pleased with how they now and how the wish to live. In luxuries and comforts here in this temporal existence, when Christ makes it clear that we are to store nothing here in this reality at all.

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.

If their heart is here in the world, then they are not with 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.

If they are of this world, then who do they truly worship?

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.

Now right now there will be those that are angry and fuming at what has just been stated here. All I can say is thank you for providing a living verification that what has just been said is coming from the Truth.

But, to get back on track.

Who is truly at fault for this?

2 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV – But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

So those that do this are cursed as well as the fact that they are destroyed quickly. Also note that they even deny the Lord who bought them.

Therefore, those that live in this manner were once upon the Vine who is Jesus Christ. However, they have now been swiftly removed from the Vine.

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.

Thus, those that teach false doctrine are cursed, quickly removed from the Vine of salvation, and are cast in the fires of damnation.

But why is this punishment so harsh?

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.”

When we are born again it is then that we begin to seek to have eternal life. Yet if we do not accept the Truth and do not abide in Christ by seeking to become a reflection of Jesus Christ. We are removed from the Vine and suffer the second death.

If it is due to listening to those that teach a people pleasing message that includes words like “God,” “Jesus,” “love” and “salvation.” Then those that teach these lies are in fact murderers.

For what does Christ say in love?

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

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

To repent is to go the opposite direction of what someone was doing with remorse. Therefore, if someone sought after bigger, better, fancier. Then they are to go for smaller, lesser, and cheaper.

Yet those in places of power within the buildings called “churches” do not say or do this.

I once was at a men’s conference, and I was set with the associate pastor of the building called a “church” I was again trying to see if they are truly seeking after Christ. During the ensuing discussion I stated that it was wrong to seek after a huge house. I could visibly see the embracement on the young pastor face. He then confessed to just investing into a million-dollar home for purposes of entertaining. This and some haughty behavior by others at this conference was the straw that broke the camels back for this building and so I came to my final conclusion that the buildings called “churches” were nothing by dressed up social clubs. And those that ran them did not seek to help people find enteral life, but eternal death.

Thus, labeling those that stand upon the dais or behind the pulpit murderers if they teach only to please those that listen to their words. Accordingly, explaining why they are cursed and so quickly censured by God. The richer they are. The more of the world they themselves worship and the more destruction they have heaped upon their souls for all eternity.

It is time to leave the buildings called “churches” that do not call a sin a sin and teach of repentance and rejection of the world and all it offers.

For we are to be “zealous.” What does this mean?

zealous – G2206 – zéloó – affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, I am eager for, am eager to possess.

Especially now there is a need to be zealous for what is promised by God through the teachings of Jesus Christ. We should be earnestly seeking to become a true reflection of Christ by living a simple life. Fervently seeking to follow all the laws as commanded by Christ Himself who came not to destroy but fulfill them.

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

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

We are told not to listen to people pleasing messages. We are also told that if we encounter it, we are to leave those that not only listen to it but teach it.

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

Leave now and seek the Lord your God through learning fully the Bible and be obedient to His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #126 (I will no longer debate)

November 9, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, debate, end-times, God, Jesus, rapture, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

God impressed upon me through the Holy Spirit to write this podcast. For I am through debating people about the Word of God, the Bible.

Case-in-point:

On Facebook a woman placed her opinion that there would be no pre-tribulation rapture.

Now I must add that I understand where she is coming from. This is aimed at the multitude out there that call themselves “Christian” and are expecting to be taken away before the tribulation occurs. However, they live in and of the world. But I will address this later, so I can get back on track.

Within the thread that followed her post there were those that insisted upon all of Christendom being removed before the Tribulation. There were also those that denied any raptures at all. These two extremes are both incorrect.

I provided what I have learned from studying the Bible. Which is that there will be multiple raptures and I provided some Bible verses to back it up. This is getting to the core of why I am done debating people. For the lady that made the post challenged the verse I used as a witness for a pre-tribulation rapture stating that was solely for those that were already dead being risen. Here is that verse:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NKJV – But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

She reprinted these verses insisting this had only to do with those that had already died, but cap-locking the key statements about the dead. Which I agree most of it does. However, what does the seventeenth verse say?

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NLT – Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

I gave all the verses because too many take things out of context, which has led many astray. As you can see even when that is done people will see only that which they wish to see. Which is saddening.

It is examples like this which is why I will no longer enter into debates. Why?

“Even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

For the example I started with today. What has Jesus Christ said?

Matthew 24:36-42 NKJV – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

Consequently, Jesus Christ foretold of a rapture. Any who say there will be no rapture just called Christ a liar and in so doing denied the Son of God and have sealed their fate for themselves.

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

What else did Jesus say?

Luke 21:34-36 NKJV – “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass.”

This clearly foretells of a pre-tribulation rapture. It also lays out the condition required to be counted worthy. Christ also tells us who will be worthy.

What this means is that the pre-tribulation rapture will be small. No more the a few million people out of the billions which now profess to being called “Christian.”

This is the Truth within the Bible. It is the Word of God and not up for debate or speculation. Nor arguments which goes against the words spoken by Christ Himself.

This is why it is a waste of time to debate. All we need do is give the Truth through the Word of God itself. Why?

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.

When people chose to debate the Bible, they debate the Word of God and who is the Word of God?

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

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

This sentence speaks volumes, when it comes to those that chose to debate and argue against the Bible. We see that their priorities are not on that which they believe, but where their hearts are focused upon.

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

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

Many believe they are right with the Lord God through Jesus Christ. Yet they live in darkness because their heart is not focused upon what will give glory to God, but upon what will look nice in their dinning room, or that new bedspread in the guest bedroom that by chance may be used once a decade. Or who are the opening players in some sporting event in the coming week.

Therefore, they are confounded when it comes to understanding the Bible. For they are not listening to the Holy Ghost, but to the world about them. For their hearts are focused here in this temporal realm when it should be focused upon the holy realm they desire to enter into.

They live in darkness and so are perplexed by what is written within the Bible because they do not study it for themselves, but take the word of others whom they believe is better and closer to God than they are. They delegate their responsibility to God to these other imperfect humans in place of He who died upon the cross for them.

This is why I will no longer debate with other. For they have surrendered their salvation for their own wants and desires of this temporal existence. But what is worse many don’t even realize that they have.

This is one reason I hear so many now denying that which Christ Himself described and foretold. Or say it must be this certain way and no other way can be right.

Now I know I am in no way perfect. However, when I read the Bible I do not see one rapture but many. The one promised to those that are faithful and true, the pre-tribulation rapture. The one that occurs when the Holy Spirit is remove from the face of the earth, the mid-tribulation rapture. Then once they are gone the antichrist will be fully revealed. Why? Because it is made clear that it is the Holy Ghost’s presence that is holding back the revealing of the antichrist. So, any who serve as a Temple of the Holy Spirit must be removed as well. Then there is the description of a rapture in the book of Daniel, but it takes place just before Jesus Christ returns, the pre-wrath rapture. this is in the twelve chapter of this book which was written in Hebrew. a clear sign that it was meant for the Jewish people to learn and listen too. These are three different discrptions. How can they be speaking of the same event? Simply they can’t.

Since all scripture is inspired by God as was mentioned earlier why do so many argue and debate this? Because they are living in darkness and so are confounded to what is the Truth. That is an issue that they themselves must address with God for their own sakes. My job is to teach and evangelize. It is their job to verify what has been taught by turning to the Scriptures. Then if it stands in agreement with the Word then they are to seek to correct what is wrong in their lives as I seek to correct what is wrong in mine.

I will not debate for one other reason, and that reason is the most concerning. For time is running out and Jesus will come at any moment as a thief in the night. It could be right now, tomorrow, next week or even next year. It may even be a few years from now. For none will know the time of His return so we must be ready. How can we be ready if we debate and argue over words within the Bible. All that shows is that those that do this live in sin and in many ways do not truly seek the eternal life to come but the momentary rewards that are found in this fleeting reality that will not be remembered ever again.

God Bless

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

November 2, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Conspiracy, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, end-times, God, Jesus, life, lukewarm, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now why point out these verses from Galatians?

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

We can also turn to these verses:

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

What are the greatest commandments?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This letter is their warning to return to Him.

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

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

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

That key element is these Words:

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

let us look at it from a different angle.

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

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

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

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

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #124 (What is Opinion?)

October 26, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, God, Jesus, life, opinion, sin, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Opinion.

Everybody has one. But what is an “opinion.” Well let’s go to the basics, how is this word defined.

per Cambridge dictionary it is: a thought or belief about something or someone

thought – the act of thinking about or considering something, an idea or opinion, or a set of ideas about a particular subject
belief – something that you believe
belief also means – the feeling of being certain that something exists or is true.

The thing is when it comes to the word “opinion” it is the first definition that applies.

One of the things that people do though is that they look to the Bible and say it is nothing but opinion and so in turn they apply how they believe things should be. This is one of the worst things a person can do when it comes to the Bible. This is where the need to use the second definition of the word “belief” and apply it.

Case in point:

I turned first to these verses within the Bible for what is to follow.

In a recent discussion I had on the internet the verse that is to follow was questioned and opinionated upon:

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

When taking this verse in concert with the previous verses we can come to only one conclusion. Spanking our children is something that must be done to instill discipline. This is a command from God. Then it must be followed. If we do not do this, we are saying we hate our children.

But why does it mean we hate them?

When spanking a child, they suffer pain and anguish. This in turn, when done in limits that are not excessive, causes them to know that what they have done is wrong. It also associates pain with this prohibited behavior. This tells them that when placed in context with the Bible that entering into sin will cause pain. Which in fact it ultimately will.

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.

Do you not think that worms eating your flesh will not be painful? In addition being burned is one of the worst sensations to ever encounter due to the damage done to the nerves. This pain will go on every single day, of every month of every year for billions upon billions of years.

This is what it means that those that do not spank hate their children. For odds increase exponentially that since they did not associate pain with sin they will willingly enter into sin and thus are more likely not to accept salvation offered by Jesus Christ and end up for eternity in the Pit of Fire described in Isaiah chapter 66.

Right now, many that have read or listened to this are upset and angry of what has just been stated here. That is their opinion. An opinion that goes counter to the command given by God within the Bible.

Which is greater? Their opinion or the Bible. I will requote the verse from 2 Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The Bible is to teach those that profess to be His disciples to do what is right. What is right is what is written in the Bible. Therefore, if the Bible says to spank your child is right and is what is required of us to do.

Any who counter this. Any who deny this. Any who insist this is abuse. Have just crossed a line they need to reconsider. For their opinion goes against the Word of God, which is the Bible. And who is the Word?

When someone’s opinion goes against the Word. They openly deny He who is the Word and so they in turn can be denied by Him who is the Word.

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

But why is this? Because they place their opinion over the Word of God. Those that place their opinion over the Word of God place more value upon the person they have this opinion from. Consequently, their god in not the Word of God who is Jesus Christ, but what they value most in this world.

Themselves.

This is the true value of opinion when not taking the teachings of Jesus Christ into account. Any opinion that does not walk hand in hand with what is written within the Bible, it walks in darkness. This is why it is so vitally important that people read the Bible for themselves. To be able to verify that what someone is opining about is accurate and true. This allows them to know that they are receiving a teaching of the True Gospel and can avoid being cursed.

Galatians 1:6-10 NKJV – I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

This is the true value of “opinion.” Opinion opens the door to false teachings which will lead people not to salvation, but the damnation described earlier in the Pit of Fire. Opinion will lead to being cursed by God and not blessed by Him.

The reason for this as was mentioned earlier. Opinion comes from the person placing themselves before God and His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. It is made clear in these verses spoken by Christ Himself where our priorities are to be if we wish to be called “Christian.”

Luke 14:25-27 NKJV – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

When offering an opinion that does not fit like a puzzle piece with the teachings found within the Bible. It says that you love your own life and not hate it as we are commanded by Christ Himself to do. This is the true meaning of these verses in the Gospel of Luke.

Yet how many that refer to themselves as “Christian” offer opinions that go against the Bible?

That is simple to answer for once again we can turn to the Bible for an answer:

How is the word “explanation” defined?

explanation – the details or reasons that someone gives to make something clear or easy to understand. This is not opinion. For as was shown “opinion” has to do with how someone believes something to be or is, as was shown earlier.

These podcasts of mine are formed of both opinion and explanation. For I belief God, and wish all that hear or read these podcasts to do the same. This is why I use multiple translations of the Bible as well. For I have studied the Word of God and the translations I use stand up to be the True Word of God. You will also note that I never use the NIV, for that version has proven to be accursed per Galatians 1:6-10. For it has been perverted into a people pleasing work and does not stand up to the study of the Word of God.

This is why it is so important to you listening or reading this to do the same. Come to know the Word of God intimately. For that is what we are called to do. All of us.

I have had encounters with those that have read the Bible. However, their actions and behavior does not conform to what is taught within the pages of this most important book. There have even been those that deny God Himself and in those cases, they know more about the Word then those that profess to being “Christian.”

I had an encounter with a Jewish woman, who still claimed this title. Yet denied God. She time and again told me to get rid of my earthly riches, not knowing that I had just lost most of my earthly possessions not less then a month before that.

What this tells me now as I look at it now is that God was using this woman to tell me not to seek after earthly possessions once again. As so many actually do after experiencing the same loss of worldly goods as I had. I actually believe I had already learned this deep down. For when God brought my wife into my life, which is another story in itself, I had a love seat setting in the middle of my living room with a big screen TV against the wall and I was content with that.

But to get back on track.

Study the Word of God. Not just read it. Study the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic that the Bible is written in. Also realize that it is Greek and not Latin for the New Testament. This in itself again speaks volumes. For only the Greek which came out of Constantinople due to fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. This is why the Reformation began in 1517 due to the True Gospel coming into the hands of Martin Luther. Because he studied the True Word of God.

This is why you must not take the word of any humans over the Word of God, for odds are it is their opinion and not an explanation of it.

For time is running out and Christ is soon to return. Repent and do as instructed in the last letter to the churches in the book of Revelation:

Revelation 3:18-22 NKJV – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ “

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.”

chasten equals spanks.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #121 (Den of Thieves)

October 5, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, faith, God, Jesus, life, sin, thieves, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Too many listens to the basics in their faith. The writer of Hebrews wrote this:

Hebrews 5:8-14; 6:1-6 NKJV – though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 6:1 -Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Are those listening at the point of no return? Are they so filled with their own self-righteousness that they cleave to milk and refuse the solid nourishment of the Word of God?

That is not for me to say, but you to consider as we continue with today’s Bible study.

What I myself have seen and noted is how the message in many of the buildings called “churches.” You will see the same topics covered on a schedule according to what time of year it is in the world about. They all mostly end with an altar call to those willing to accept Christ as their Savior. This equates to milk.

Many say that Sunday School is for the growth in the knowledge of God through the Word. Yet they too are limited to repeating the same topics or go chapter by chapter what is within the Bible. However, they never truly explore import topics within these classes for fear they may scare someone away from the Truth. Again milk.

The true meaning of what Christ said is beyond many within the buildings called “churches” because they have never heard it or taught it. Why? Because many that stand in the dais want to keep the pews full to bring in the money required just to keep the maintenance of the building going. Simply they aren’t a place for God, but a business.

What did Christ do about this?

Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV – Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a ‘DEN OF THIEVES.'”

I have seen examples of this in many buildings that call themselves “churches.” Little bookstores in the lobby of these buildings. Special classes where you pay money to attend. These are the actions of a “den of thieves” not followers of Christ.

When preachers do not tell you to repent. When they do not tell you to downsize and not be looking for bigger and better, they work from their own pocketbook and not for God and so are thieves and you are going to their den.

Den – G4693 – spélaion – a cave, a den, a hideout

Den – the home of particular types of wild animal

Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

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

Romans 16:17-18 NKJV – Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

I must tell you a story. An event I myself lived. One of the things I have learned to do is to interview ministers of the churches I try to attend. I have done this several times. I will give you two instances.

In the first the pastor insisted that all is grey. Which equates to all even those that are followers of Christ are lukewarm and none can change this.

In the second I specifically asked the man if he believed in “once saved always saved.” He said yes. Even when I read and showed him John 15:1-6. He insisted you cannot lose you salvation contrary to these verses. I will now restate these verses. Words from Jesus Christ Himself:

As I have established in the study of these verses in Podcast #3. That only those that have received salvation can be a part of the Vine. Those that challenge this. That deny this truth. Deny He who said them.

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

As a result, in essence. This pastor. This leader of a building called a “church” denied His Savior Jesus Christ. This is the result of feeding milk to the masses and not the meat of the Word of God.

Here is the meat of the Bible. What is to follow was written to those in Rome that professed to being followers of Christ. They had just read the behavior of those that deny God and were led into homosexual sin against their creator whom they deny.

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

One of the greatest verses within the Bible is this last verse I just read to you so I will re-read it once again.

“For God does not show favoritism.”

When people say they cannot loss their salvation they are saying that they are a favorite of God. That they are special and unique. Better than any other human being.

Now to get the focus back to those that stand upon the dais I will read this.

Ephesians 4:17-19 NKJV – This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

There are those out there that do not say this. But that is what we are instructed to do within the Bible. For the Bible is the Word of God and when you ask Jesus into your life you are binding yourself to these words.

Then why do those in the pulpits and stand upon the dais not say these words? Are they not the representative of God? Actually, no they are not. They are a representative of those that appointed these people the leaders. When you accept Jesus as your Savior you yourself become a representative of God. It is your responsibility to make sure what you are hearing is the Truth of the Bible. Yes, the Bible does say this:

Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV – And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

If those you have chosen to lead you do not bring unity in our faith and true knowledge of God’s Son so that we can stand a pure reflection of Jesus Christ Himself, are they serving God or themselves? The answer is they are serving themselves.

There is more to Ephesians chapter 4 then what I read earlier. So, I will continue:

Ephesians 4:20-24 NKJV – But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

What I find is that many now days try not to acknowledge the statement that the gentiles have given themselves “over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Now there are those that call themselves “Christian” and do these very same things themselves. As was just shown above we are to come into unity and seek after being a true reflection of Jesus Christ. Jesus the one and only perfect being ever to walk this planet. If people live in lustful pleasures and impurity, they are nowhere near that reflection.

We are told that we must leave our sins behind. We can no longer live in the sinful lives that so many cherish more than God. For by doing so they are not “Christian,” but a gentile, a sinner, and something that is not welcome in heaven.

Ephesians 4:30-32 NKJV – And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Why I do this podcast is because time is running out. It is time to wake up. Stop going through the motions. You cannot continue to go into the den of wolves and expect to live. And I don’t mean live here, but eternally. For Jesus Christ is soon to return and you really wish to not have had Him blot out your name from the Book of Life.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #118 (Purveyors of chaos)

August 31, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughtsbible, Bible study, chaos, God, Jesus, life, order, sin, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Those that seek to please the self. Those that believe that they are an example to humanity. Those that believe they are better than anyone else are all purveyors of chaos. The Bible says this about these types of people:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

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

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 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.

Matthew 15:18-19 – But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

All that is listed here is chaos.

Chaos can take many forms. In the entertainment industry like movies and TV shows, it is usually depicted as wars or some type of conflict. In reality it can be more subtle, more deceiving.

The actual definition of “chaos” is this: a state of disorder and confusion.

In today’s world we are in a time of disorder and confusion on multiple levels. In some cases, there is violence, but most of the disorder and confusion comes from everyday life itself.

The effects of order and chaos do correspond like a pendulum swinging from one side to the other. It has now swung to the side of chaos. So now we must deal with its effects and outcome of the damage that will come from it.

There are those that say chaos is good. Then there are those that know the truth and understand that chaos is always bad, and the degree to which the pendulum is allowed to swing deeper into the side of chaos demands an equal and opposite reaction of order to return the swing to go back the other way. However, even though the swing may appear equal the human cost is always greater when leaving chaos, when leaving evil. Let me explain.
The last time the swing into chaos went too far it cost over 60 million deaths, which was about 3% of the 1940 world population. Then the swing of the pendulum went into the order side.

Here is a contrast to note. For the swing of the pendulum to swing away from order and back into chaos does not necessarily require deaths to cause it, but the minds of humanity to reject order. This started and took place in the 1960s. Now the Vietnam War was going on this time and an approximate total deaths of 1,313,000 took place in that war. That was not a major factor in the change of people minds against order. Those that started the pendulum swing to chaos desired and even lusted for chaos, for sin. Not only in their hearts but their minds as well as they experimented with drugs like LSD and heroin.

They felt enslaved to order. They in their minds wished to have freedom from what they saw as constrains of order. Why this took place was a failing of those that were teaching order. From teaching the doctrines from which order resides, the Bible. For they themselves in most cases didn’t understand the teachings of the Bible. Those teaching the Bible had become legalistic, demanding order be followed, but to follow God is not something that can be demanded. It is something that is voluntary.

But understand what is meant by “legalistic.” Legalism is living the law and following the law, but not being true to the law. That is not having a repentance. Not truly desiring to be faithful to God nor His Son. That is legalism, that is being Legalistic.

What is truly sad though is due to all the chaos we now live within. Those that seek after it and truly desire it for themselves have turned into that which they themselves hated. They have become legalist of chaos. Desiring to control all by demanding that all embrace the chaos and accept it as the truth and all to ending all. Yet as has been shown the swing away from chaos back toward to order usually results in more deaths than it takes to swing from order toward chaos.

What I see in this is that through the love of Christ. He desires us to stay within the constraints of a type of order, not one dictated in legalism, but in a heartfelt desire to be obedient to all the teachings within the Bible, including those laws not replaced by Christ going to the cross. Christ desires that within an order that followed and given with love that can lead to an eternal life that has more to offer than this world we now live within could ever offer. To follow the teachings of the Bible can seem confining, but that is a test of our love and our devotion to our Savior.

Is that really so much to ask of us? I honestly don’t think so.

What is to follow is how to live within order, and if we do so we live within the laws of Moses as well.

Romans 12:9-18 – Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

This is true and complete order. The furthest swing of the pendulum toward order. Yet now as stated we are at the opposite side of the swing, and the blade has gone further than ever before toward chaos. With that in mind. What will be the death toll required to have the swing head back toward order, toward Christ, toward God?

The last time was 60 million.

The Bible tells us the cost, the toll required for this next mandatory swing. It is just not what many think. Most think it is during the great disaster predicted during the tribulation. To some part that is very true, but it is not totally true.

The key is found in 2 Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 – For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

Now why is this? First off, we must understand that the “He” who is taken out of the way is the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Once we have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we are a Holy Temple unto God. That, which dwells within us cannot leave us if we stay true to God. Consequently, when the Holy Spirit is taken away all that have the temple within them are taken out of the way as well.

It has another name: a rapture.

Revelation 7:9-14 – After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Many scholars have debated this for centuries. Yet none can come to Christ without the Holy Spirit, per the words of Christ Himself:

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

If the Holy Spirit is not present, because He must be removed to allow the antichrist to be revealed, none can be saved after the midpoint of the tribulation. This must be something that is considered.

If this is factual and accurate then these “uncountable” otherwise known as billions could be considered part of the cost required. Then those others that happen during the devastation that follows are also part of that cost.

Simply it will cost billions of lives to cause the swing of the pendulum to go back to order, toward righteousness. What many don’t think about or realize is the true cost. The true deaths required in the price of being under chaos.

Death of the soul. Death that will last all eternity. Death that will include many that think they are destine to eternity.

Read the Bible for yourself. Learn the Bible for yourself. Live what is taught within the Bible for yourself.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #117 (Baptism)

August 24, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbaptism, bible, Bible study, God, Jesus, life, sin, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

Recently I encountered those that wish to deny the need for baptism. Their excuses ranged from varying aspects. However, when I confronted them with the Word of Jesus Christ Himself, I was bewildered by their rebuttal.

First off, we will show the verse that is the Words of Christ:

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Their excuse they used is that “born of water” is in reference to being born period. The water of the womb.

I did through research upon this topic. First off let’s look at the word “water.”

Water – G5204 – hudór – water

It just means water. Plain and simple water.

Now here is something that needs to be understood. During my research of this word in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. These elements were found about this word.

There was a strong emphasis on the fact that the world was destroyed in a flood.
Water is extremely valued in the middle east.
Its main importance within the letters written by John was that of cleansing.

In the several pages dedicated to the word “water.” Covering its base meanings. Its emphasis throughout the region, as well as how the Jewish people thought of it in the Old Testament and New. One thing never once occurred. That of birth of the human child and the breaking of the water from the womb.

Those that listen to this myth forget an important thing:

1 Corinthians -15:50-53 – Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

With these verses in mind this completely negates those that say the “water” referred to in John 3 is what happens to all humanity at the time they enter this temporal realm of existence.

The actual meaning has more to do with cleansing and destruction of that which is evil for that which is able to become a vessel for the Holy Spirit. Something that shouldn’t be defiled, for it has been washed clean.

Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

This is one of the main reasons why baptism is a requirement per Jesus Christ in John 3:5. Not only of death and rebirth, but of physical and spiritual cleansing to allow the person the ability to be the vessel of the Holy Spirit.

This brings us to the baptism of Jesus Christ Himself. For even though Jesus was born of a virgin and never commit any sin. His human body was still corrupt, which required the need for a baptism, a cleansing.

Matthew 3:13-17 – Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

This statement is enough to verify what I stated before the verses describing Christ baptism. This was only able to be accomplished through baptism. Note the next verses:

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

In the KJV:

Matthew 3:16 – And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Straightway – G2117 – euthus – at once, forthwith, immediately.

Two things that need to be shown here.

He came straight out of the water immediately. This shows full emersion baptism.
He is cleansed and worthy to once again be filled with what which was originally His, the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost.

This cleansing is a requirement to allow us to be the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Which fully explains the words of Jesus Christ Himself in John 3:5. Earlier I read from Romans 12. I will restate it at this time because it shows the import of why we should fear to sin.

Why are we commanded to behave in such a way?

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

Due to our corruption which was shown in 1 Corinthians 15 as staying that way until we go into the presence of Christ at the Rapture if we are so fortunate. We will still sin to some degree since we are not the One who was sinless.

We should all strive to remove all sin from our lives as best we can. Through prayer, supplication, and study of the Word of God. Ever determined not to sin in any form. For when we do so we desecrate a Temple of the Holy Spirit. Out of fear of God we should always steer away from sin as best we can.

“The thief upon the cross was not baptized.” Comes the excuses once again.

How do you know this? There is nothing in the Bible that tells the history of the thief. Here are factors that need to be considered.

All agree that all three, Christ and the two thieves, were led to Golgotha. Christ was in the lead. The main person to be crucified that day. Blood still flowed from Christ onto the ground, and the two thieves walked through His blood. Something few even think about. But this is only a theory and no more should be thought upon it, which I will explain why shortly.

Then we have the story of Peter calling Jesus the Son of God.

Matthew 16:16-17 – Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Could the thief have been so blessed?

I have no true answers to this issue. What I know is that Jesus said this man for saying Christ was innocent was welcomed in heaven. That is all that is important. Those that apply this to baptism are more likely making excuse to sin then to follow Christ. Here I will leave this. For I am only striving to spread the True Word of God, and that is all that is shown within the Word. Any who wish to expand upon it or apply things not written within the Bible are making myths and fairytales.

1 Timothy 4:6-7 – If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 – I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Those that say the “water” in John 3:5 is a woman giving birth have created a fable and those that believe and teach it should be turned away from. For they desire to live in the sins we are instructed to leave behind defiling the Temples of the Holy Spirit.

Turn from sin and turn to God through Jesus Christ. If you have not been baptized do so and seek to end all sin within you as you live here on earth. Seek out full emersion baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and remember that once you do so that once you enter into sin once again, which will occur. You defile the Holy Spirit and seek damnation if you do not repent of your sins.

For Christ is soon to return and time is running short.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #116 (Enemies of God)

August 17, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, enemy, God, Jesus, life, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

James 4:4 – 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.

These people to which James was referring were not those that deny God. Those that openly sin, saying they welcome following their own lusts and desires that will lead them to damnation.

This verse was aimed at those within the church. Those that at one time professed and may actually have been grafted into the Vine that is our Lord Jesus Christ. However, now they no longer bear fruit.

Adulterers – G3432 – moichos – apostate, adulterer

Apostate – someone who has given up their religion
Apostasy – an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith

I want to key in on following and obeying. Why is that? The answer comes from Matthew:

Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

When following, when obeying. We are staying true to these two commandments which come from the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18) This explains why verse 40 exists. It is reaffirming what Christ stated in chapter five of Matthew:

Matthew 5:17-19 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Many that profess to being “Christian” have destroyed the laws of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. They use the excuses like for example that these laws are under the old covenant. Yet Christ says this about that mentality:

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

Therefore, Jesus Christ makes it very clear that the laws that were not removed by Him going to the cross. That is making sacrifices. Are still active and true if they do not violate that second commandment.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Would you enslave yourself? The answer is no. Subsequently, slavery is against the laws of Moses. Even though they were originally in them.

But back on track.

So, following and obeying all the teachings within the Bible that pass the litmus test of Matthew 22:37-40 shows not only yourself, but the world about you that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, and so are not an enemy of God.

Yet there are those that will deny this, will argue, and complain that what was just stated is the Truth. This is the first indicator as to identifying who are the enemies of God.

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

This leads us to the next clues as to who are the enemies of God. For within these verses are descriptions that leads us to the verses that are to follow:

I want you the listener and reader to note an important verse that precedes these verses:

Galatians 5:18 – But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

This is a clear statement. That if we behave in the following manner:

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

We work within the laws of Moses. Yet if we live in the sins lists that come from the flesh. Those that live this way are answerable to the laws of Moses, which affirms what Jesus Christ Himself said, that the laws are not destroyed, just fulfilled. Then those that chose to ignore the laws and do not follow or obey them can be considered enemies of God.

What other evidence is there of who are those that are the enemy of God?

These verses when taken in concert with the first verse we discussed today says volumes. Therefore, let us repeat it:

James 4:4 – 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.

So those that seek after wealth, fancy houses, new cars. Bigger and better. They are actually enemies of God. No matter what they say their affiliation is. For their true love is their want for what will get them what they truly desire.

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

“You will be devoted to one and despise the other.”

It is a plain statement.

If you are devoted to God, you will not desire what money gives you. You will despise luxuries. You will not seek after bigger, better fancier.

You will downsize. If you have wealth, it will be given to charities in need. To people in need.

Most will reject this. Most will scoff at this. Most will be in bewilderment and shocked.

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

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

Yes, I used these verses on purpose. Does it make those that want to reject this, scoff at this and are shocked by this stop.

It should. This is not me speaking these are not my words. This is the Bible. This is God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

It amazes me how people wish to reject the Bible just because what is being said goes against how they were raised and told their entire lives. That would imply that all they have learned and been told is a lie. That their parents, their pastor or minister had it all wrong.

If the Bible says one thing yet all you do goes to the opposite than what is the truth?

The Bible or how you have lived?

People say they are “Christian” yet reject that which goes against what they desire what they are devoted to. This causes conflict within people. For centuries they have been told that to succeed is to gain that which is within this world. However, this is opposite of that which the Bible tells us to seek after.

Matthew 6:19 -21 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Where your treasure is makes you a follower of Christ or an enemy of God. it is just that simple. It is black and white. Hot and cold. Sheep or goats. There is no middle ground. There never has been. People can’t keep chasing after both. They all must chose a side, and they must now do something about it.

Why?

Because Christ is soon to come and what follows that first appearance is something all wish to avoid, but most will not.

Why?

Because they chose to be God’s enemy instead of Christ’s follower.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #115 (money vs God)

August 10, 2022bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationshipbible, Bible study, God, Jesus, life, money, truthdreamwalker1960 Leave a comment

Intro

Discussion

The other day I ran into a new excuse as to why to keep one’s wealth. Before I get into that. I will concede this fact. That in today’s society and system we live within, it makes all slaves to our incomes.

However, this does not excuse those that come to a true awareness of the teachings within the Bible. Now as to the excuse. The person used these verses to be encouraged by using more of their wealth for themselves then for God.

1 Timothy 5:8 – But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Provide – G4306 – pronoeó – to foresee, look out for beforehand

Now just so we are all on the same page. All should agree that if you start a family they need to be cared for. However, we must also agree with what Christ Himself said:

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

Most now days ignore these words from Jesus Christ, now I understand one more excuse for it.

We have to work by degrees. We must balance our lives even more so than at any time in the past. Mainly because of how the need for money has come to be the master of the world system. Which has entrapped not only humanity but Christendom. Because of this they have forgotten these important verses that I keep being forced to go back to time and again:

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

This is why there is a need for balance, for moderation from those that profess to being “Christian.” Living within our financial boundaries. Not seeking after that which is beyond our control.

A trend I myself was guilty of was purchasing a new car every four to five years. This put me in a financial bind, which led to another bind then another. Entrapping me, enslaving me to money. This cycle continued for decades. Why?

Because I was not following the Bible. I was not following God.

Finally, I did start to listen. I kept a car for a decade, removed Credit Card debt. Bought items that were cheaper, but kept my family cared for. If I financed, I made it short term if possible and paid it off before I pursued something new that was actually needed. Not wanted, needed.

I grew up in a household that sought after bigger, better, finer. They too professed to being “Christian” yet did what 1 John 2 told us not to do. I had fallen into the trap that so many that now profess to being “Christian” now do.

Why?

Because I did not know the Bible as well as I should. I have changed that part of it. I studied the Bible like I have never done before. Which in turn has given me insight into how we are to pursue our lives here in this temporal realm of existence.

I followed that important teaching that shows I wish to be a follower of Christ.

Luke 14:25-32 – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

The cost of discipleship. The true cost is to stop seeking after the world. Stop seeking after that which the world prizes. Not to focus on our wants and desires. To live solely on what is required to make it to the next day but take no more. Not comforts, not luxuries. Not earthly entertainments.

Did I get rid of it all? No. I do not live as a monk of the days of old, but I live a modest and unassuming life. I live in an RV full-time with my wife and my dog.

Do I think all should live this way?

That is not for me to say. Each person must come to their place within the Body of Christ if they truly seek to be His disciple. However, we have the story of the young rich man. Told in three different gospels. Yet most reject what is being said within it.

The young man follows the teachings of the Bible. He follows all the commandments. So do many that profess to being Christian today. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ said this was not enough. More was required to truly be called a disciple of His:

Mark 10:21 – 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.”

Most do not do this. They believe it has no place in their life. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. For what is it that the young rich man did?

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

He turned his back upon Jesus Christ. Millions do this very same thing every day. Nonetheless they on the other hand still believe they are right with God and His Son. Yet Christ makes it clear that they are not welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven:

Mark 10:23 – Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

Why? Because they must have their comforts, they must have their luxuries, they must have their money. I return to Matthew chapter six once again:

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

They are saying otherwise, they are saying it is not black and white. Not hot and cold. What does this make them then?

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

They are spit from the Body of Christ. They have turned their backs upon their salvation and chosen the world over God. They have chosen money over God. However, they still go to church. They still sing hymns and with all their hearts believe they are saved. Believe they are going to heaven.

What is the final things Christ says about this issue about riches?

Mark 10:29-31 – “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

A key statement is made here:

“Along with persecution”

If people do not live in persecution. If they are not attacked for what they believe or say about the Word of God or how they live for Christ. Then they are not walking the path of salvation, but of comfort and leisure and point of fact money. They are on the wide path and not the narrow one.

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

So, their god is not the Creator of this universe, but that which gives them satisfaction here in this fleeting existence we all must endure until we are called into the presence of God.

There are only two ways this calling can be accomplished. One way is in robes of white. The are other is to be standing before the Great White Throne in shock and bewilderment. For most believed they are truly “Christian.” Yet they will find themselves standing there anyway, defending themselves and seeing if their name has remained in the Book of Life or if it was removed by Jesus Christ Himself.

Revelation 3:1-6 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. 4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. 6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

God Bless