With all the importance traditional Christianity places on Easter one would think that it's observance was commanded by God. After all it is supposed to be the day that Christ had risen.
Doing a biblical word search on Easter only one scripture came up in the King James Version. Act 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. A closer look shows that this is a mistranslation of the word Passover. Other translations corrected this error. RVS: Act 12:4 And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.
Scripture shows that Christ's Apostles even after His death and resurrection observed Passover. In 1Corinthians we see the Apostle Paul giving instructions of how the Christians at Corinth were to observe the Passover and not Easter. 1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
So where did we get Easter come from? A quick search shows that it came to us from Pagan origins. This was a day used to honor their goddess Ishtar or Eostre.:Origin and Traditions - Long before Easter became the holiday it is today, the spring festival was celebrated by the people around the world. Although associated with the sun and the Vernal Equinox, the celebration was originally based on the lunar calendar. The name Easter is derived from the Saxon Eostre (which is synonymous with the name of the Phoenician Goddess of the Moon, Astarte), a Germanic goddess of spring and the deity who measured time.
So okay it is Pagan but we don't worship pagan gods we just use this day to worship our God. The problem is God warns us not to serve Him this way.
Deu 12:29 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest in to possess them, and thou possessest them, and dwellest in their land;
Deu 12:30 take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
Some will argue that these are Old Testiment scriptures and are only ment for the Jews. Rom 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: Gal 3:28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female: for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.
The bottom line is: Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Friday, March 2, 2007
Now For The Good News
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
These days of war will be stopped by the return of Jesus Christ. He will put an end to the mighty armies that come against Him. Zec 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Zec 14:3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
Satan will be taken captive and locked away. Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Christ shall rule: Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Zec 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Under Christ's rule mankind will experience true peace,(not just the absence of war) prosperity, and health. It will be a joyous time.Jer 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
Jer 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
Jer 31:14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.
This is only the beginning.
These days of war will be stopped by the return of Jesus Christ. He will put an end to the mighty armies that come against Him. Zec 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Zec 14:3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
Satan will be taken captive and locked away. Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Christ shall rule: Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Zec 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Under Christ's rule mankind will experience true peace,(not just the absence of war) prosperity, and health. It will be a joyous time.Jer 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
Jer 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
Jer 31:14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.
This is only the beginning.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Good News- Bad News
The bad news first. Events in the Middle East are leading to World War III. How do I know? Prophecies written thousands of years ago speak of it. Dan 11:40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
The king of the South is Iran. It's nuclear program is perceived as a threat by a German led European Conglomerate (the King of the North). 2007/2/11 Merkel: Iran nuke program must be halted - By DAVID RISING, Associated Press Writer - MUNICH, Germany - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday that the international community is determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. As it is written this King of the North will come against Iran in a blitz attack that will end the radical Muslim push. But things won't end there. Dan 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land,(modern day Israel) and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
Dan 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
Dan 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
Then this war will escalate. Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north (China and Russia) shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
It shall be the greatest time of trouble mankind has ever seen. Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
The king of the South is Iran. It's nuclear program is perceived as a threat by a German led European Conglomerate (the King of the North). 2007/2/11 Merkel: Iran nuke program must be halted - By DAVID RISING, Associated Press Writer - MUNICH, Germany - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday that the international community is determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. As it is written this King of the North will come against Iran in a blitz attack that will end the radical Muslim push. But things won't end there. Dan 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land,(modern day Israel) and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
Dan 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
Dan 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
Then this war will escalate. Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north (China and Russia) shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
It shall be the greatest time of trouble mankind has ever seen. Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
It Is A Fearful Thing
It is better to live one's life as though there is a God and find out there is none than to live ones life as though there is no God and find out that there is one. For as scripture says: Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The other day on the news I heard our President asking God to bless this nation. In keeping with a promise God made to Abraham this nation was blessed to the point of becoming the greatest nation upon the face of this earth. Our economic, industrial, military, and food producing might was second to none. All one has to do is listen to the world news to know that this is no longer so. If anything, our nation is being cursed by the Living God. Deu 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.
Deu 28:16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.
Deu 28:17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneadingtrough.
Deu 28:18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, the increase of thy kine, and the young of thy flock.
Deu 28:19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Deu 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, discomfiture, and rebuke, in all that thou puttest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the evil of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
I am certain that many will consider these scriptures not as prophecy but as the ranting and raving fiction of some ancient, ignorant, supersticious writer. Although if they watch current events in the light of these scriptures they may change their minds. After all as it says in Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The other day on the news I heard our President asking God to bless this nation. In keeping with a promise God made to Abraham this nation was blessed to the point of becoming the greatest nation upon the face of this earth. Our economic, industrial, military, and food producing might was second to none. All one has to do is listen to the world news to know that this is no longer so. If anything, our nation is being cursed by the Living God. Deu 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.
Deu 28:16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.
Deu 28:17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneadingtrough.
Deu 28:18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, the increase of thy kine, and the young of thy flock.
Deu 28:19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Deu 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, discomfiture, and rebuke, in all that thou puttest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the evil of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
I am certain that many will consider these scriptures not as prophecy but as the ranting and raving fiction of some ancient, ignorant, supersticious writer. Although if they watch current events in the light of these scriptures they may change their minds. After all as it says in Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Gospel That Jesus Brought
There is a lot written about the Gospel. There is the Gospel according Luke and the Gospel according to Mark, John and Matthew. There are Gospels about Christ and then there is the Gospel of Christ.
The word Gospel simply means good news or glad tidings. Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom. Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Mat 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Mar 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Jesus preached a gospel of the kingdom of God not a gospel about himself. There are some who believe that this kingdom that Christ preached is in heaven. Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
The word "of" in the phrase kingdom of heaven denotes ownership not a place. It is God's kingdom. It is to be a world ruling government, a kingdom, with Jesus as King of kings. Rev 19:16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with judgment and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall perform this.
The word Gospel simply means good news or glad tidings. Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom. Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Mat 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Mar 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Jesus preached a gospel of the kingdom of God not a gospel about himself. There are some who believe that this kingdom that Christ preached is in heaven. Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
The word "of" in the phrase kingdom of heaven denotes ownership not a place. It is God's kingdom. It is to be a world ruling government, a kingdom, with Jesus as King of kings. Rev 19:16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with judgment and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall perform this.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Doing My Father's Will
This morning it came to me that it is only by seeking and doing my Father's will that life is worth living. There is great joy and accomplishment in doing so. Self seeking takes the joy out of life. It's like a drunk or drug addict you spend your days and your energies looking for your next fix. The aging process makes life a hopeless downward spiral. For most this life is one great struggle just to survive. If the Great God didn't have such a wonderful plan for us this life would be nothing more that one futile struggle to appease our lusts that ends in death.
Now that Satan has been cast down to this earth human life on this planet has become even more precarious. He is an angry wild beast just rampaging through people's lives tearing them apart.
Increasingly people are being motivated by fear and anger. There is no peace. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.
Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
At best there is only the absence of war. Lives are cut short, wasted on either helping or preventing someone getting something that doesn't belong to them. Much of the planet's resources are use up making instruments of destruction. Many of us know where all this warring is taking the world but think that it won't happen if we don't talk about it.
The sad reality is that it is only a matter of time. Man denies that the cause of our problems is spiritual and is proving that he is unable to solve these problems. Our only hope is a strong hand from somewhere.
Just over two thousand years ago there was one who brought us the message that there will be a strong hand coming that will solve this world's problems. This message got the messenger killed. It seems that we are so caught up in our self destructive ways that we don't even want to hear the solution. Our time is running out. If someone doesn't stop us we will destroy human life from the planet. The good news is that we will not be allowed to do so although we will come close to it by the time we are through. Peace, prosperity, and health will be forced on this world. Mat 24:22 And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened
Now that Satan has been cast down to this earth human life on this planet has become even more precarious. He is an angry wild beast just rampaging through people's lives tearing them apart.
Increasingly people are being motivated by fear and anger. There is no peace. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.
Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
At best there is only the absence of war. Lives are cut short, wasted on either helping or preventing someone getting something that doesn't belong to them. Much of the planet's resources are use up making instruments of destruction. Many of us know where all this warring is taking the world but think that it won't happen if we don't talk about it.
The sad reality is that it is only a matter of time. Man denies that the cause of our problems is spiritual and is proving that he is unable to solve these problems. Our only hope is a strong hand from somewhere.
Just over two thousand years ago there was one who brought us the message that there will be a strong hand coming that will solve this world's problems. This message got the messenger killed. It seems that we are so caught up in our self destructive ways that we don't even want to hear the solution. Our time is running out. If someone doesn't stop us we will destroy human life from the planet. The good news is that we will not be allowed to do so although we will come close to it by the time we are through. Peace, prosperity, and health will be forced on this world. Mat 24:22 And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened
Thursday, February 15, 2007
What Is Truth and Who Decides?
We are bombarded by so-called scientific studies coming out on both sides of issues. One that comes to mind is coffee. One study shows that it is bad for you another shows it is good for you. The good or bad of coffee can change from week to week depending on who pays for the latest "scientific study".
In our technological and scientific advanced society truth has become very fluid. Today's lies will, with enough advertising and publicity, become tomorrow's truths. Truth has become whatever a large enough group says it is. Like situations ethics truth has become a matter of time and place. This making of truth out of lies and lies out of truth has permeated all aspects of our lives.
Our government institutes regulations condoning lies. The example that comes to mind is food product labels. A product can be labeled as all beef and contain a percentage of pork. Our courts have ruled that a political candidate can openly lie about the opposition and it is considered a free speech right. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements that proclaim half truths and out and out false claims. It seems that our whole society is based upon falsehoods, some of which we treasure and vehemently defend, Santa Claus for one.
All these deceits and out and out lies are making life painfully difficult and in some cases actually killing us. We have drifted so far from truth that we no longer have any clear idea of what it is and why it is important.
Many of us consider ourselves religious and worshipers of God yet give no real thought to what is truth. Scripture tells us that we must bring truth into our worship of God. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
What is truth? God's word is truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Truth is something to be obeyed. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, God's commandments are truth. Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. God's law is truth. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
We must decide, will we allow God's word instruct us in the truth of how to worship God or will we continue in our own traditions? Jesus tells us that following our own religious traditions will not do.
Mar 7:7 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Mar 7:8 Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.
In our technological and scientific advanced society truth has become very fluid. Today's lies will, with enough advertising and publicity, become tomorrow's truths. Truth has become whatever a large enough group says it is. Like situations ethics truth has become a matter of time and place. This making of truth out of lies and lies out of truth has permeated all aspects of our lives.
Our government institutes regulations condoning lies. The example that comes to mind is food product labels. A product can be labeled as all beef and contain a percentage of pork. Our courts have ruled that a political candidate can openly lie about the opposition and it is considered a free speech right. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements that proclaim half truths and out and out false claims. It seems that our whole society is based upon falsehoods, some of which we treasure and vehemently defend, Santa Claus for one.
All these deceits and out and out lies are making life painfully difficult and in some cases actually killing us. We have drifted so far from truth that we no longer have any clear idea of what it is and why it is important.
Many of us consider ourselves religious and worshipers of God yet give no real thought to what is truth. Scripture tells us that we must bring truth into our worship of God. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
What is truth? God's word is truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Truth is something to be obeyed. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, God's commandments are truth. Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. God's law is truth. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
We must decide, will we allow God's word instruct us in the truth of how to worship God or will we continue in our own traditions? Jesus tells us that following our own religious traditions will not do.
Mar 7:7 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Mar 7:8 Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Proof Of God
There are those who dismiss the Holy Bible as nothing more than a collection of old wive's tales. The ramblings of an uneducated backward people. Many who do so also are seeking proof of God. There quest is hopeless since they cannot see evidence of a Creator in nature because of their belief in the now popular teachings of the theory of evolution. The proof of God is in the pages of the bible. It is the only writings that claim to be inspired by the Creator. 2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, This same God challenges us to prove His existence. 1 Thes 5:21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good;
Within the pages of this inspired book God reveals Himself.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
God declares that prophecy is proof of His existence. His existence will be revealed in a very dramatic way within our lifetime. The Israelite nations, Israel, and the other English speaking nations will experience a painful and rapid decline culminating in a terrible defeat at the hands of a Germany led European conglomerate. That's the bad news. Now the good news is that in just about three and a half years after this dreadful defeat God will once again establish us as a world power under the direct ruler ship of the returned Jesus Christ. So you see, undisputable proof of God's existence is coming soon.
Within the pages of this inspired book God reveals Himself.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
God declares that prophecy is proof of His existence. His existence will be revealed in a very dramatic way within our lifetime. The Israelite nations, Israel, and the other English speaking nations will experience a painful and rapid decline culminating in a terrible defeat at the hands of a Germany led European conglomerate. That's the bad news. Now the good news is that in just about three and a half years after this dreadful defeat God will once again establish us as a world power under the direct ruler ship of the returned Jesus Christ. So you see, undisputable proof of God's existence is coming soon.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
God Is Not A Co-Pilot
It has been my experience that while many claim to want God in their lives they do not want God to tell them how to live their lives. They are looking for more of a Co-pilot. One where they decide the course and call on God for help to get there. The thing is God doesn't work that way. He will not play second fiddle to anyone or any thing in our lives. He will not be a god of our creation. We are His creation. He decides what is write or what is wrong. He gives us the free will to decide whether we will do right or do wrong.
Deu 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Deu 5:33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live,
Deu 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Deu 5:33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live,
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Coming - The End Of War
Our society exerts many forms of pressure to keep us in line. Peer pressure in one of the strongest. It forces us to conform and chastises us when we don't. Another is economic, it pressures us to live within the confines of the money or credit available to us. I am painfully aware that this economic system of ours is the taskmaster of our enslavement. There is no true freedom in our present world system. It presses down heavily on people crushing them under it's weight. Our chains of bondage are built with links of fear. We don't do because we are afraid to and we do because we are afraid not to. We are puppets with invisible strings which gives us the illusion that we are free. We are aided in this by our education, religion and entertainment systems. We are blinded to any alternative and there is only two ways out. One is death and the other is by an act of our Creator when He calls us to take part in the preparation for the new way of life that is coming. One that is going to replace six thousand years of systems created by man under the influence of Satan, the god of this world who has blinded men's minds. 2Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ
The way of life that man has established is filled with pain and suffering. War and disease kills and maim's us. We must fight for what we want or to keep what we have. Oh, it's not always called war. It is most often call competition. We are forced to compete for almost everything. We compete for the affection of those we are attracted to. We compete for jobs and promotions. We even have to compete to get the education we need to compete. We are told that competition is a trait of a free society. Competition is a form of war. A war to acquire or achieve what we want. In this war we are led around by our lustful and greedy desires like a carrot on a stick drives a donkey forward. Because we lack any alternative we believe that this is good and that it is true freedom. It is not the freedom that Jesus spoke of when he said that "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
Happily the days are coming when a new system will govern this world. Isa 2:4 And he shall judge between the nations, and shall reprove many peoples: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
The way of life that man has established is filled with pain and suffering. War and disease kills and maim's us. We must fight for what we want or to keep what we have. Oh, it's not always called war. It is most often call competition. We are forced to compete for almost everything. We compete for the affection of those we are attracted to. We compete for jobs and promotions. We even have to compete to get the education we need to compete. We are told that competition is a trait of a free society. Competition is a form of war. A war to acquire or achieve what we want. In this war we are led around by our lustful and greedy desires like a carrot on a stick drives a donkey forward. Because we lack any alternative we believe that this is good and that it is true freedom. It is not the freedom that Jesus spoke of when he said that "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
Happily the days are coming when a new system will govern this world. Isa 2:4 And he shall judge between the nations, and shall reprove many peoples: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Who Will Save Us?
Who will save us from ourselves? We are on a course that is leading to self-destruction. The values that hold our society together are being abandoned. It is only a matter of time before we degenerate into anarchy where everyone does what is right in his own eyes. The rule of law is now used by the powerful and the unscrupulous for gain rather than to provide justice. We have become the society spoken of in scripture. Isa 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
Isa 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
Isa 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
We like to think that we are a good and prosperous people. We are self deceived. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The time is approaching when our enemies will over run this nation. Already they are pushing at us and draining away our God given wealth and resources.
The time is approaching when the following prophecy will come to past.
Isa 1:7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
History will show that every society that has degenerated into immorality ends in ruins. What's to stop it from happening to us?
Isa 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
Isa 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
We like to think that we are a good and prosperous people. We are self deceived. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The time is approaching when our enemies will over run this nation. Already they are pushing at us and draining away our God given wealth and resources.
The time is approaching when the following prophecy will come to past.
Isa 1:7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
History will show that every society that has degenerated into immorality ends in ruins. What's to stop it from happening to us?
Sunday, February 4, 2007
More On The Commandments
Is the law only binding on the Jews?
Rom 2:11 for there is no respect of persons with God.
Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned under law shall be judged by law;
What did the Apostle Paul have to say about the commandments?
Rom 2:13 for not the hearers of a law are just before God, but the doers of a law shall be justified:
The Law gives us knowledge of what sin is.
1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Law not voided by faith
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Is the Law evil?
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
The law is spiritual. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
A Royal Law:
Jam 2:8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:
Jam 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Jam 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jam 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
To know Christ we must keep the commandments.
1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Grace is not a license to sin.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Rom 2:11 for there is no respect of persons with God.
Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned under law shall be judged by law;
What did the Apostle Paul have to say about the commandments?
Rom 2:13 for not the hearers of a law are just before God, but the doers of a law shall be justified:
The Law gives us knowledge of what sin is.
1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Law not voided by faith
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Is the Law evil?
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
The law is spiritual. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
A Royal Law:
Jam 2:8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:
Jam 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Jam 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jam 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
To know Christ we must keep the commandments.
1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Grace is not a license to sin.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Doing Away With The Law Of God
There are some Christian denominations that teach that Christ came to do away with the law of God. The commandments they say were nailed to the cross. They teach that the commandments are a burden and some even go as far as saying that the law is evil. Others teach that we are to keep the commandments. Who is right?
What did Christ say about the law? Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
If I am to take Christ at His word. Heaven and earth are still here so not one dotting of an I or crossing of a T has passed from the law.
If He came to do away with His Father's commandments why did he tell one who asked Him directly what one had to do to gain eternal life? Mat 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Here was the perfect opportunity to say all you have to do is believe in me.
As near as I can see He didn't say anything about doing away with the commandments in fact He expanded them. Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Christ even went as far as saying that those who teach that the law of God is done away with are actually worshipping Him in vain.
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
If I am to believe Christ and not men He did not come to do away with the commandments.
What did Christ say about the law? Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
If I am to take Christ at His word. Heaven and earth are still here so not one dotting of an I or crossing of a T has passed from the law.
If He came to do away with His Father's commandments why did he tell one who asked Him directly what one had to do to gain eternal life? Mat 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Here was the perfect opportunity to say all you have to do is believe in me.
As near as I can see He didn't say anything about doing away with the commandments in fact He expanded them. Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Christ even went as far as saying that those who teach that the law of God is done away with are actually worshipping Him in vain.
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
If I am to believe Christ and not men He did not come to do away with the commandments.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Satan, The God Of This World
I ran across an interesting scripture in 2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
This god of our world's system is deceiving people about the good news Christ brought. To put a name to this god we need only look in the book of Revelation. In Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Satan the Devil deceives the whole world. Now that's interesting because a deceived person doesn't know he is deceived.
So here we have the bible telling us that Satan is the god of this world. It is his world. That certainly explains why so many evil and painful things happen as well as the present condition of society.
Under Satan's inspiration and deception mankind has built our society, it's governments, education system and religions. This world is Satan's world. He is a hateful god. His system is driven by greed, competition and strife. In simple words his society is built on the get way of life.
The bible tells us of another God, a loving God and speaks of another world one that is going to be established in the future. It will not be Satan's world. Satan will be put in a place of restraint because if allowed, Satan will once again bring this earth to a condition where it would not be able to sustain life.
The good news that Christ brought is that Satan is not going to be allowed to destroy all life on this planet and that a new society will flourish. One built on the give way of life.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
This god of our world's system is deceiving people about the good news Christ brought. To put a name to this god we need only look in the book of Revelation. In Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Satan the Devil deceives the whole world. Now that's interesting because a deceived person doesn't know he is deceived.
So here we have the bible telling us that Satan is the god of this world. It is his world. That certainly explains why so many evil and painful things happen as well as the present condition of society.
Under Satan's inspiration and deception mankind has built our society, it's governments, education system and religions. This world is Satan's world. He is a hateful god. His system is driven by greed, competition and strife. In simple words his society is built on the get way of life.
The bible tells us of another God, a loving God and speaks of another world one that is going to be established in the future. It will not be Satan's world. Satan will be put in a place of restraint because if allowed, Satan will once again bring this earth to a condition where it would not be able to sustain life.
The good news that Christ brought is that Satan is not going to be allowed to destroy all life on this planet and that a new society will flourish. One built on the give way of life.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
What Is Truth and Who Decides?
We are bombarded by so-called scientific studies coming out on both sides of issues. One that comes to mind is coffee. One study shows that it is bad for you another shows it is good for you. The good or bad of coffee can change from week to week depending on who pays for the latest "scientific study".
In our technological and scientific advanced society truth has become very fluid. Today's lies will, with enough advertising and publicity, become tomorrow's truths. Truth has become whatever a large enough group says it is. Like situations ethics truth has become a matter of time and place. This making of truth out of lies and lies out of truth has permeated all aspects of our lives.
Our government institutes regulations condoning lies. The example that comes to mind is food product labels. A product can be labeled as all beef and contain a percentage of pork. Our courts have ruled that a political candidate can openly lie about the opposition and it is considered a free speech right. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements that proclaim half truths and out and out false claims. It seems that our whole society is based upon falsehoods, some of which we treasure and vehemently defend, Santa Claus for one.
All these deceits and out and out lies are making life painfully difficult and in some cases actually killing us. We have drifted so far from truth that we no longer have any clear idea of what it is and why it is important.
Many of us consider ourselves religious and worshipers of God yet give no real thought to what is truth. Scripture tells us that we must bring truth into our worship of God. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
What is truth? God's word is truth. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Truth is something to be obeyed. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, God's commandments are truth. Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. God's law is truth. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
We must decide, will we allow God's word instruct us in the truth of how to worship God or will we continue in our own traditions? Jesus tells us that following our own religious traditions will not do.
Mar 7:7 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Mar 7:8 Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.
In our technological and scientific advanced society truth has become very fluid. Today's lies will, with enough advertising and publicity, become tomorrow's truths. Truth has become whatever a large enough group says it is. Like situations ethics truth has become a matter of time and place. This making of truth out of lies and lies out of truth has permeated all aspects of our lives.
Our government institutes regulations condoning lies. The example that comes to mind is food product labels. A product can be labeled as all beef and contain a percentage of pork. Our courts have ruled that a political candidate can openly lie about the opposition and it is considered a free speech right. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements that proclaim half truths and out and out false claims. It seems that our whole society is based upon falsehoods, some of which we treasure and vehemently defend, Santa Claus for one.
All these deceits and out and out lies are making life painfully difficult and in some cases actually killing us. We have drifted so far from truth that we no longer have any clear idea of what it is and why it is important.
Many of us consider ourselves religious and worshipers of God yet give no real thought to what is truth. Scripture tells us that we must bring truth into our worship of God. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
What is truth? God's word is truth. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Truth is something to be obeyed. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, God's commandments are truth. Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. God's law is truth. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
We must decide, will we allow God's word instruct us in the truth of how to worship God or will we continue in our own traditions? Jesus tells us that following our own religious traditions will not do.
Mar 7:7 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Mar 7:8 Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Sunday, Not The Commanded Day of Worship
Picking up where I left off about the Sabbath I looked into the other popular reason for Sunday worship which is that is the day Christ rose from the dead. The first delemma I ran into was Christ's own words Mat 12:40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Now there is no way I can get three days and three nights out of a Good Friday crucifiction and a Sunday resurrection.
Upon closer examination of scripture I saw that there were two sabbaths that week. One was an annual Holy day, a high day, and the other was the regular weekly seventh day sabbath.
Joh 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was a high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
The high day that this verse is referring to is the First Day of Unleaven Bread which fell on a Thursday that year AD31.
Biblically a new day starts at sunset. Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
So Christ's body was placed in the tomb just before sunset on Wednesday where according to His own words it was to be there 3 days and 3 nights. Wednesday evening was the first night, Thursday evening the second night and Friday evening the third night. That takes care of 3 nights now Thursday day was the first day, Friday day the second day and Saturday day the third day. In keeping with Christ's own words He would have been resurrected just before sunset on Saturday evening exactly 3 days 3 nights later. So when Mary Magdalene came to the grave site before sunrise on Sunday morning Christ was already gone.
Joh 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.
Joh 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him.
There was no Good Friday crucifiction and Easter Sunday resurrection which leaves the only authorization for Sunday worship coming from the Roman Catholic Church.
Upon closer examination of scripture I saw that there were two sabbaths that week. One was an annual Holy day, a high day, and the other was the regular weekly seventh day sabbath.
Joh 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was a high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
The high day that this verse is referring to is the First Day of Unleaven Bread which fell on a Thursday that year AD31.
Biblically a new day starts at sunset. Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
So Christ's body was placed in the tomb just before sunset on Wednesday where according to His own words it was to be there 3 days and 3 nights. Wednesday evening was the first night, Thursday evening the second night and Friday evening the third night. That takes care of 3 nights now Thursday day was the first day, Friday day the second day and Saturday day the third day. In keeping with Christ's own words He would have been resurrected just before sunset on Saturday evening exactly 3 days 3 nights later. So when Mary Magdalene came to the grave site before sunrise on Sunday morning Christ was already gone.
Joh 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.
Joh 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him.
There was no Good Friday crucifiction and Easter Sunday resurrection which leaves the only authorization for Sunday worship coming from the Roman Catholic Church.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Faith
I hear a lot about faith these days. I hear things like," you just have to believe" and "you have to work up faith". Just what is faith anyway? The dictionary defines faith as a noun which means, 1:A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny, 2:Complete confidence in a person or plan etc: 3:An institution to express belief in a divine power 4:Loyalty or allegiance to a cause or a person.
Now let's see, how does the Bible define faith? In Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.
Okay, let me review this. Faith is a strong belief, complete confidence, an institution, loyalty, and the assurance of things hoped for and a conviction of things not seen. Faith is the evidence of things not seen and comes before the actual receiving. Faith is not a feeling. Feelings are physical faith is spiritual. God promises to supply our every need. Faith is believing God will do what He says in His word, the Bible.
How does one come by this faith? Does he do like the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz stand there repeating "I believe, I believe, I believe"? I can tell you one thing it doesn't work for me because while I'm telling myself that I believe in the back of my mind is a voice that says, If you believe this one I have a bridge to sell you. So how do I acquire faith? The bible holds the answer. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Faith is a gift from God. To acquire this gift I must ask for it
Now let's see, how does the Bible define faith? In Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.
Okay, let me review this. Faith is a strong belief, complete confidence, an institution, loyalty, and the assurance of things hoped for and a conviction of things not seen. Faith is the evidence of things not seen and comes before the actual receiving. Faith is not a feeling. Feelings are physical faith is spiritual. God promises to supply our every need. Faith is believing God will do what He says in His word, the Bible.
How does one come by this faith? Does he do like the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz stand there repeating "I believe, I believe, I believe"? I can tell you one thing it doesn't work for me because while I'm telling myself that I believe in the back of my mind is a voice that says, If you believe this one I have a bridge to sell you. So how do I acquire faith? The bible holds the answer. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Faith is a gift from God. To acquire this gift I must ask for it
Sunday, January 21, 2007
How Old Is Creation?
Making my rounds of some blog sites I came across questions and discussions on the age of the earth. Some religionists believe that the world could be millions of years old and others are convinced that the bible says that that it's creation took place about 6,000 years ago. Who is right?
Starting in the book of Genesis we read Gen 1:1 In the beginning God Created the heavens and the earth . The next verse, Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
The words "without form was translated from the Hebrew word tohu meaning "waste" and the word "void" was from the Hebrew word, "bohu" meaning confusion.
Scofield Reference Notes: without form and void;
(Jer_4:23-27); (Isa_24:1); (Isa_45:18) clearly indicate that the earth had undergone a cataclysmic change as the result of divine judgment. The face of the earth bears everywhere the marks of such a catastrophe. There are not wanting imitations which connect it with a previous testing and fall of angels.
A better translation of this verse would be "And the earth became waste and confusion. And seeing that God is not the author of confusion. I Cor 14:33 one can only conclude that something happened between the time the earth was created in Gen 1:1 and time we read of in Gen 1:2. (But that is a different study.) Suffice to say that billions of years could have past between the original creation of the heavens and the earth and the time written of in verse 2 of Genesis where God is resurfacing the earth in preparation for the introduction of man.
I come to the conclusion that this preparation was done in twenty four hour days because plants life was created on the third day but the sun did not shine in full strength until the fourth day and the insects needed to pollinate the plants were not created until the sixth day. Plant life could not have survived for thousands of years waiting for sunlight and insect life.
Starting in the book of Genesis we read Gen 1:1 In the beginning God Created the heavens and the earth . The next verse, Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
The words "without form was translated from the Hebrew word tohu meaning "waste" and the word "void" was from the Hebrew word, "bohu" meaning confusion.
Scofield Reference Notes: without form and void;
(Jer_4:23-27); (Isa_24:1); (Isa_45:18) clearly indicate that the earth had undergone a cataclysmic change as the result of divine judgment. The face of the earth bears everywhere the marks of such a catastrophe. There are not wanting imitations which connect it with a previous testing and fall of angels.
A better translation of this verse would be "And the earth became waste and confusion. And seeing that God is not the author of confusion. I Cor 14:33 one can only conclude that something happened between the time the earth was created in Gen 1:1 and time we read of in Gen 1:2. (But that is a different study.) Suffice to say that billions of years could have past between the original creation of the heavens and the earth and the time written of in verse 2 of Genesis where God is resurfacing the earth in preparation for the introduction of man.
I come to the conclusion that this preparation was done in twenty four hour days because plants life was created on the third day but the sun did not shine in full strength until the fourth day and the insects needed to pollinate the plants were not created until the sixth day. Plant life could not have survived for thousands of years waiting for sunlight and insect life.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Sunday Not The Commanded Day Of Worship
You may read the bible from Genesis through Revelations and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. So says the late Catholic Cardinal Gibbon's book Faith of Our Fathers. Now I know that there is a couple of vague scriptures that some have used to authorize Sunday worship and calling it the Lord's Day. One that comes to mind is in the book of Revelation.
(Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet )
Notice this verse does not say the “first day of the week,” or “Sunday” is the “day” called “the Lord’s day.” As a matter of fact, it is not speaking of any day of the week at all, but of “the day of the Lord”—the time of the coming plagues, climaxing in the coming of Christ, and the millennium. This is the theme of the book of Revelation. This text does not designate any day of the week.
Just what day does the the Bible call the Lord’s day.?
The Lord's day is the day Christ is Lord of. Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath. Does it make sense that He would do away with it especially after just saying that that the Sabbath was made for man? Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.
(Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet )
Notice this verse does not say the “first day of the week,” or “Sunday” is the “day” called “the Lord’s day.” As a matter of fact, it is not speaking of any day of the week at all, but of “the day of the Lord”—the time of the coming plagues, climaxing in the coming of Christ, and the millennium. This is the theme of the book of Revelation. This text does not designate any day of the week.
Just what day does the the Bible call the Lord’s day.?
The Lord's day is the day Christ is Lord of. Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath. Does it make sense that He would do away with it especially after just saying that that the Sabbath was made for man? Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Will Christ Return In 2007?
I am still thinking of that poll I read a few days ago in USA News. One out of four Americans expect Christ to return in 2007. While I know that there is a religious element in this nation I had not idea that it is such a large contingent. I'm wondering if the respondents feel that things are really that bad in this society. I also wonder what they believe will happen when Christ returns. Do they have an idea of what Christ is like or is He just a name to them? Will His coming solve the problems of this world or will the Christ they are expecting just wafted them away to Never, Never Land? What does he expect of His followers? Are they expected to prepare in some way for His coming? Does 2007 mark the end of the world?
If He is returning in 2007 as 25% of those polled believe these are important questions. In my search for answers I went to the Holy Bible. In the Matthew chapter 24 starting in verse 3 I see where Jesus's disciples came to Him privately and asked, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Curiously the first thing He says it that many Christians will be deceived by false teachers of Christ. After religious deception He goes on to tell them of world conditions. There will be wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places. He goes on to say that His follower will be hated and killed. He warns of false prophets and lawlessness. He also tells them that the gospel (the good news) of the kingdom will be told to the world.
If I understand it correctly these events have been happening in every generation since His first appearance. Why will this time be different? Well, I got my answer in verse 22. He says that unless those days be shortened no flesh would be saved alive or no flesh would survive, depending on which bible translation you are using. It wasn't until some time in the late fifty's that mankind had developed the power to destroy all life from this planet. So that kind of narrows the time frame down to the present generation. So could the 25% of those polled be right? And if not in 2007, when?
If He is returning in 2007 as 25% of those polled believe these are important questions. In my search for answers I went to the Holy Bible. In the Matthew chapter 24 starting in verse 3 I see where Jesus's disciples came to Him privately and asked, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Curiously the first thing He says it that many Christians will be deceived by false teachers of Christ. After religious deception He goes on to tell them of world conditions. There will be wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places. He goes on to say that His follower will be hated and killed. He warns of false prophets and lawlessness. He also tells them that the gospel (the good news) of the kingdom will be told to the world.
If I understand it correctly these events have been happening in every generation since His first appearance. Why will this time be different? Well, I got my answer in verse 22. He says that unless those days be shortened no flesh would be saved alive or no flesh would survive, depending on which bible translation you are using. It wasn't until some time in the late fifty's that mankind had developed the power to destroy all life from this planet. So that kind of narrows the time frame down to the present generation. So could the 25% of those polled be right? And if not in 2007, when?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
We Don't Have A Soul
Recently while checking my email I ran across an add of some sort that asked the question, "What happens to the soul when one dies?" This question, not being in the context of religion, got me to thinking about what I have been told. I decided to do some research into the matter. If I understand it correctly most traditional Christian Churches teach that the immortal soul concept comes from the Holy Bible. On the other side, much of the scientific community tells us that there is no evidence of an immortal soul. Who is correct?
Looking at the Bible I discovered that what is referred to as the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek and not in King James old English. The first thing I discovered is the term "immortal soul" cannot be found in the Bible. Looking into the O.T. I found that the word translated soul was the Hebrew word nephesh and can mean an air breathing creature. I found passages where nephesh was translated as an animal and even a dead body. In the book of Genesis I read where man was formed of the dust of the ground and man became a living soul. The dust of the ground became a soul. So what I get from the O.T. man does not have a soul man is a soul. I could not find anything in the Old Testament that says man soul is immortal. In fact in Ezekiel chapter 18 verse 20 it says that the soul that sins it shall die.
Okay no immortal soul in the Old Testament . It must be in the New Testament. In the NT the Greek word for soul is psuche and has pretty much the same meaning as nephesh. One of the first passages I find in the NT tells us to fear the one who is able to kill the soul. The soul can be killed. Other verses tell us that the soul can be pierced through with a sword and the soul can be destroyed. In my search I could find no immortal soul in the bible.
Where then did Christianity get the concept of an immortal soul? As near as I can find out it came to the Greeks from the Egyptians and to the Christian church mainly from Plato who wrote in his book the Phaedo: "The soul whose inseparable attitude is life will never admit of life's opposite, death. Thus the soul is shown to be immortal, and since immortal indestructible....Do we believe there is such a thing as death? To be sure. And is this anything but the separation of the soul and body?" This appears to be exactly what I was taught in the church I was brought up in.
Putting it all together I am lead to believe that the immortal soul concept came down to Christianity from early paganism and that the Bible and science agree that there is no immortal soul.
Looking at the Bible I discovered that what is referred to as the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek and not in King James old English. The first thing I discovered is the term "immortal soul" cannot be found in the Bible. Looking into the O.T. I found that the word translated soul was the Hebrew word nephesh and can mean an air breathing creature. I found passages where nephesh was translated as an animal and even a dead body. In the book of Genesis I read where man was formed of the dust of the ground and man became a living soul. The dust of the ground became a soul. So what I get from the O.T. man does not have a soul man is a soul. I could not find anything in the Old Testament that says man soul is immortal. In fact in Ezekiel chapter 18 verse 20 it says that the soul that sins it shall die.
Okay no immortal soul in the Old Testament . It must be in the New Testament. In the NT the Greek word for soul is psuche and has pretty much the same meaning as nephesh. One of the first passages I find in the NT tells us to fear the one who is able to kill the soul. The soul can be killed. Other verses tell us that the soul can be pierced through with a sword and the soul can be destroyed. In my search I could find no immortal soul in the bible.
Where then did Christianity get the concept of an immortal soul? As near as I can find out it came to the Greeks from the Egyptians and to the Christian church mainly from Plato who wrote in his book the Phaedo: "The soul whose inseparable attitude is life will never admit of life's opposite, death. Thus the soul is shown to be immortal, and since immortal indestructible....Do we believe there is such a thing as death? To be sure. And is this anything but the separation of the soul and body?" This appears to be exactly what I was taught in the church I was brought up in.
Putting it all together I am lead to believe that the immortal soul concept came down to Christianity from early paganism and that the Bible and science agree that there is no immortal soul.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Raising The Ruins
What with all the chatter going on in a number of blogs and web sites about Herbert W. Armstrong brought on by the book Raising The Ruins by Stephen Flurry I got to researching some of H.W. Armstrong's writings.
I've just finished reading his book The United States and Britain In Prophecy. Let me tell you, this book and his other book Mystery of The Ages has opened up the Bible to me. I am now able to understand many of the prophecies in it. I can see where so much of what is happening on the International scene today has been foretold in the Bible thousands of years ago. Armed with this knowledge I see currant news reports in a whole new light. Many are no longer isolated incidence's they form a pattern and reveal a direction. Now I can see that there is a strong hand guiding events and that all this mess the world has gotten itself into is being worked out for the good of mankind.
I've just finished reading his book The United States and Britain In Prophecy. Let me tell you, this book and his other book Mystery of The Ages has opened up the Bible to me. I am now able to understand many of the prophecies in it. I can see where so much of what is happening on the International scene today has been foretold in the Bible thousands of years ago. Armed with this knowledge I see currant news reports in a whole new light. Many are no longer isolated incidence's they form a pattern and reveal a direction. Now I can see that there is a strong hand guiding events and that all this mess the world has gotten itself into is being worked out for the good of mankind.
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