“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance...we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Timothy 4:9-11)
God's ultimate plan for mankind is to prosper us and not harm us. He will save all mankind. We have been studying the book of Revelation in Sunday School and this past Sunday we ended that study with the following promise from God...
"...and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away...Behold, I am making all things new." (Revelation 21:4-6)
There is to be a consummation of God's purpose for those ages. At that point in time both friends and enemies, believers and unbelievers will have been reconciled to God and love Him. All will then be immortal with its abundant, eternal life. We do not know much about that except that....
“...as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
But we are not there yet. For now we have all kinds of problems and heartaches. We just do the best we can with the hand we are dealt...with Hope in a better Future.
For my wife, children and grandchildren..and anyone else who may be interested!
God Does Not Dwell In Church Buildings
“The Most High dwells not in Temples made with hands. Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me says the Lord? Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised” (Acts 7:48-51)
Think about that for a minute…now consider what we generally refer to as “the house of God”.
God does not DWELL there!
Godless men have attempted to banish him to those buildings, and those who attend rarely object. Many of them simply view church buildings as a place they can go occasionally, sing a few hymns, get their sins forgiven, and thus feel better about themselves for an hour or two.
I think God prefers to be worshiped and honored in homes, businesses and places of entertainment where people live, work and play. By worship I am not talking about inviting people to church, or piously praying out loud, or trying to get people saved while in those places. I am talking about acting like God when we are in those places by treating people right...and condemning those who don't, whether they go to church or not.
It seems to me that constructing ever more buildings to attend which we call “God’s House” or "Family Life Centers" is rarely a good thing, especially if the presence of God is undetectable in our houses, businesses or public places. God dwells everywhere in His creation and attending a building with a pulpit in it is just another one of those places.
I have played golf with a group of guys almost weekly for a number of years and after we are done we enjoy our favorite beverage in the 19th hole when we get done, and laugh and talk about our round. God DWELLS there and I have yet to see one of those guys fail to treat each other with kindness and respect. A lot of kidding for sure but you can tell they care about one another, and that is Godly worship in my opinion...and I suspect Jesus would prefer that company to some religious meeting places...
"The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:30-32)
Look closely at the Scripture and you will notice that it was always the religious "Pharisees and their scribes" who Jesus called to repentance. The "sick" that Jesus was referring to was not those with whom he was eating and drinking. The "sick" were the judgmental religious Pharisees. They needed to repent and spend more time on the golf course and 19th hole. And in my opinion it is the modern day Pharisees who "need a physician".
Our words and actions are the only God that some people will ever see. And it is how we act toward others that will be judged, not how many hours we spend in a church building. What message are we sending when we assume God likes us better because we regularly gather in a building with a steeple on it and "grumble" against those who don't?
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God… and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist…for we also are His children. Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man…” (Acts 17:26-29)
Think about that for a minute…now consider what we generally refer to as “the house of God”.
God does not DWELL there!
Godless men have attempted to banish him to those buildings, and those who attend rarely object. Many of them simply view church buildings as a place they can go occasionally, sing a few hymns, get their sins forgiven, and thus feel better about themselves for an hour or two.
I think God prefers to be worshiped and honored in homes, businesses and places of entertainment where people live, work and play. By worship I am not talking about inviting people to church, or piously praying out loud, or trying to get people saved while in those places. I am talking about acting like God when we are in those places by treating people right...and condemning those who don't, whether they go to church or not.
It seems to me that constructing ever more buildings to attend which we call “God’s House” or "Family Life Centers" is rarely a good thing, especially if the presence of God is undetectable in our houses, businesses or public places. God dwells everywhere in His creation and attending a building with a pulpit in it is just another one of those places.
I have played golf with a group of guys almost weekly for a number of years and after we are done we enjoy our favorite beverage in the 19th hole when we get done, and laugh and talk about our round. God DWELLS there and I have yet to see one of those guys fail to treat each other with kindness and respect. A lot of kidding for sure but you can tell they care about one another, and that is Godly worship in my opinion...and I suspect Jesus would prefer that company to some religious meeting places...
"The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:30-32)
Look closely at the Scripture and you will notice that it was always the religious "Pharisees and their scribes" who Jesus called to repentance. The "sick" that Jesus was referring to was not those with whom he was eating and drinking. The "sick" were the judgmental religious Pharisees. They needed to repent and spend more time on the golf course and 19th hole. And in my opinion it is the modern day Pharisees who "need a physician".
Our words and actions are the only God that some people will ever see. And it is how we act toward others that will be judged, not how many hours we spend in a church building. What message are we sending when we assume God likes us better because we regularly gather in a building with a steeple on it and "grumble" against those who don't?
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God… and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist…for we also are His children. Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man…” (Acts 17:26-29)
The Promise of the Spirit
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law…so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:13-14)
What is the curse of the Law?
“…sin is the transgression of the law...the wages of sin is death” (1 John 3:4: Romans 6:23)
The curse of the law is DEATH and we all will eventually face and experience that curse.
But Christ Jesus came and has "redeemed us from the curse". Therefore we will not stay dead but will "receive the promise of the Spirit".
"The Spirit gives LIFE; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and LIFE....the letter kills, but the Spirit gives LIFE..The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have LIFE, and have it abundantly." (John 6:63; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 3:6)
“For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive...For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:21-23; Romans 6:23)
What is the curse of the Law?
“…sin is the transgression of the law...the wages of sin is death” (1 John 3:4: Romans 6:23)
The curse of the law is DEATH and we all will eventually face and experience that curse.
But Christ Jesus came and has "redeemed us from the curse". Therefore we will not stay dead but will "receive the promise of the Spirit".
So what is the promise of the Spirit? LIFE...Abundant, Everlasting LIFE.
"The Spirit gives LIFE; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and LIFE....the letter kills, but the Spirit gives LIFE..The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have LIFE, and have it abundantly." (John 6:63; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 3:6)
It really is that simple. Mankind are sinners and the wages of that sin is death, but nevertheless, sinners have been "redeemed" from that curse as the free gift of God. When resurrected, we will "receive the promise of the Spirit"...Abundant and Eternal LIFE.
“For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive...For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:21-23; Romans 6:23)
So what does he mean when he says we receive the promise "through faith"? Is it "faith" that seals the deal?
NO, the grace of God seals the deal. Eternal life is a "free gift of God". Faith is the means of enjoying "the promise of the Spirit" until it becomes a reality.
For now, the "promise of the Spirit" is just that - a PROMISE. And we can only receive the promise if this life by believing it is true. We can have the JOY and PEACE of knowing that after we die, the SPIRIT will give us abundant, eternal life.
Friendship With God
"For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." (Romans 5:10-11 NLT)
I was a City Councilman at one time when a disgruntled man came to a meeting and expressed his displeasure by telling us that he hoped “we would all burn in hell”. At least he was honest in expressing his feelings.
Mankind does not have the capacity to love those we deem our enemies, in spite of the pious, self-righteous rhetoric of some folks. We generally prefer to “nuke” our enemies. There is nothing wrong with expressing our feelings. I like an honest view.
The problem is assuming that God feels the same way about His enemies.
However, unlike us, God actually LOVES His "enemies" , SAVES them, and calls them FRIENDS.
Religion makes friendship with God a matter of submitting to a god or gods they have created. But to realize that you are a friend of God, you just may have to free yourself from the religious dogma of men. And as Christ Jesus put it….
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32)
I was a City Councilman at one time when a disgruntled man came to a meeting and expressed his displeasure by telling us that he hoped “we would all burn in hell”. At least he was honest in expressing his feelings.
Mankind does not have the capacity to love those we deem our enemies, in spite of the pious, self-righteous rhetoric of some folks. We generally prefer to “nuke” our enemies. There is nothing wrong with expressing our feelings. I like an honest view.
The problem is assuming that God feels the same way about His enemies.
However, unlike us, God actually LOVES His "enemies" , SAVES them, and calls them FRIENDS.
Religion makes friendship with God a matter of submitting to a god or gods they have created. But to realize that you are a friend of God, you just may have to free yourself from the religious dogma of men. And as Christ Jesus put it….
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32)
I Find No Guilt in Him
“For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. Pilate said to Him, What is truth?” (John 18:37-38)
Error does not become the truth just because it is taught by a Rabbi, Pastor, or Ulama. It is simply educated error. Nor does error become truth because it is the traditional teaching in the Synagogue, Church or Mosque. Many times truth becomes much more difficult to find because of the respect the common man gives to the doctrinal errors of educated religious teachers.
So what is the truth as I understand it?
"Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool…The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!…Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” (Isaiah 1:18; John 1:29; John 14:6)
Pilate asked Jesus - what is the truth?
“And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, I find no guilt in Him” (John 18:38)
So what is the truth as I understand it?
"Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool…The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!…Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” (Isaiah 1:18; John 1:29; John 14:6)
Pilate asked Jesus - what is the truth?
“And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, I find no guilt in Him” (John 18:38)
Neither do I find guilt in Him. He has finished what he came to do.
The truth for me is that Jesus has "taken away the sin of the world!"
The End of the Age
"So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:49-50)
I find it hard to believe that bible teachers cannot seem to understand the context of the above passage. If they would just read and study the above along with Mark 13, Luke 21, Matthew 24 and 25 and the books of Daniel and Revelation they would not apply the above verses to their horrible views about a mythological “hell” being the "furnace of fire" and a place of eternal torment for all mankind except Christians.
The above passage and those related to it deal with Israel as a Nation, the chosen people of God among all the people of the earth, most of whom rejected Jesus as their Messiah at his first coming. And at "the end of the age" (this age in which we are still living) most in Israel will still be rejecting Jesus as they are today. All who reject Jesus are wicked for such rejection and will be excluded from reigning with Jesus when Jesus returns to establish the Kingdom on this earth. Instead, they will be cast out into the figurative “furnace of fire”, and they will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth” because they have been excluded from reigning with Jesus. They will all die during that age and not resurrected until the end of that 1,000 year Kingdom Age. Those who followed Jesus and have believed during this age will be resurrected to immortality at the beginning of the Kingdom Age to rule and reign with Christ for the ages of the ages.
However, God is not done with unbelievers, for they will later be “made alive” and “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”, all to the “glory of God” who will then make “all things new”.
"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 21:1-5)
I find it hard to believe that bible teachers cannot seem to understand the context of the above passage. If they would just read and study the above along with Mark 13, Luke 21, Matthew 24 and 25 and the books of Daniel and Revelation they would not apply the above verses to their horrible views about a mythological “hell” being the "furnace of fire" and a place of eternal torment for all mankind except Christians.
The above passage and those related to it deal with Israel as a Nation, the chosen people of God among all the people of the earth, most of whom rejected Jesus as their Messiah at his first coming. And at "the end of the age" (this age in which we are still living) most in Israel will still be rejecting Jesus as they are today. All who reject Jesus are wicked for such rejection and will be excluded from reigning with Jesus when Jesus returns to establish the Kingdom on this earth. Instead, they will be cast out into the figurative “furnace of fire”, and they will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth” because they have been excluded from reigning with Jesus. They will all die during that age and not resurrected until the end of that 1,000 year Kingdom Age. Those who followed Jesus and have believed during this age will be resurrected to immortality at the beginning of the Kingdom Age to rule and reign with Christ for the ages of the ages.
However, God is not done with unbelievers, for they will later be “made alive” and “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”, all to the “glory of God” who will then make “all things new”.
"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 21:1-5)
Believe and Enter His Rest
“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His REST, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have BELIEVED do enter that REST.” (Hebrews 4:1-3)
God has made a promise that when the gospel is “BELIEVED” the believer can have “rest”. This belief has nothing to do with obtaining salvation, that is a "free gift" from God. Believing gives us “REST” and peace. Some, however, “come short of” believing the good news of their salvation and therefore do not experience “His rest” in this life.
God has made a promise that when the gospel is “BELIEVED” the believer can have “rest”. This belief has nothing to do with obtaining salvation, that is a "free gift" from God. Believing gives us “REST” and peace. Some, however, “come short of” believing the good news of their salvation and therefore do not experience “His rest” in this life.
He is talking about "rest" and peace that we can have NOW, in this present world, while we wait for the gospel (good news) of our salvation to be manifested when Christ Jesus returns to resurrect the dead. It is now our "blessed hope” ...
"looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." (Titus 2:13)
We have peace when we believe the "promise" and are"looking for" him to appear. When he appears our salvation, the escape from death, will be a reality. It is this gospel (good news) that enables us to “rest” when it is believed. For Christ Jesus…
“…has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself…And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time FOR SALVATION without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him (are resting by believing)” (Hebrews 9:27-28)
Jesus came the first time and dealt with sin as the great high priest and sin bearer. He is “the lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He will come the second time to deliver mankind from death just as he himself was delivered from death.
At his second coming the sins of the world will not be considered against them because they were “taken away” by the sin bearing “lamb of God” at his first coming. As the result, the “judgment” of God is to grant sinful mortal mankind immortality as a free gift “in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord….when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘death is swallowed up in victory’….thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Romans 6:23: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Some are able to "REST" in the truth that the salvation of mankind is secure…knowing that although it cannot be earned, neither can it be lost…it is a “free gift" to all sinners who will have paid the wages for sin - death - and have also experienced the GRACE of God in saving them from that death by their RESURRECTION.
"looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." (Titus 2:13)
We have peace when we believe the "promise" and are"looking for" him to appear. When he appears our salvation, the escape from death, will be a reality. It is this gospel (good news) that enables us to “rest” when it is believed. For Christ Jesus…
“…has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself…And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time FOR SALVATION without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him (are resting by believing)” (Hebrews 9:27-28)
Jesus came the first time and dealt with sin as the great high priest and sin bearer. He is “the lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He will come the second time to deliver mankind from death just as he himself was delivered from death.
At his second coming the sins of the world will not be considered against them because they were “taken away” by the sin bearing “lamb of God” at his first coming. As the result, the “judgment” of God is to grant sinful mortal mankind immortality as a free gift “in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord….when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘death is swallowed up in victory’….thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Romans 6:23: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Some are able to "REST" in the truth that the salvation of mankind is secure…knowing that although it cannot be earned, neither can it be lost…it is a “free gift" to all sinners who will have paid the wages for sin - death - and have also experienced the GRACE of God in saving them from that death by their RESURRECTION.
Believe and enter his rest now...it is a good place to be in these troubled times.
Donald Trump For President?
“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes...” (Daniel 4:17)
Donald Trump for President!
At first I did not know what to think about the guy. I could not see him clearly because his ego kept getting in the way. But now I am interested and warming up to him, ego notwithstanding. His slogan is “Make America Great Again”. Can’t argue with that for sure. And the only way I see it happening is to get a successful business person in the white house, get rid of professional Political "lifers" in Congress, and for the American people to start trusting their own opinions rather than those of the professional network and cable news Journalists and their regular pundits. Politicians and network Journalists are the most despised folks in all the country…with Lawyers coming in a close third. Donald Trump is not one of those and he could care less what those professionals think. Me neither.
Trump wants to make America great again the same way that he built a successful Company. He did so, among other things, by employing people who are not too lazy to work and firing people who were. Reminds me of the following words of wisdom from Paul which sounds like the condition of a lot of folks in the US...
"For when we were with you, we gave you this rule: The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies...we command and urge to settle down and earn the food they eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
Donald Trump for President!
At first I did not know what to think about the guy. I could not see him clearly because his ego kept getting in the way. But now I am interested and warming up to him, ego notwithstanding. His slogan is “Make America Great Again”. Can’t argue with that for sure. And the only way I see it happening is to get a successful business person in the white house, get rid of professional Political "lifers" in Congress, and for the American people to start trusting their own opinions rather than those of the professional network and cable news Journalists and their regular pundits. Politicians and network Journalists are the most despised folks in all the country…with Lawyers coming in a close third. Donald Trump is not one of those and he could care less what those professionals think. Me neither.
Trump wants to make America great again the same way that he built a successful Company. He did so, among other things, by employing people who are not too lazy to work and firing people who were. Reminds me of the following words of wisdom from Paul which sounds like the condition of a lot of folks in the US...
"For when we were with you, we gave you this rule: The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies...we command and urge to settle down and earn the food they eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
So until Donald Trump changes his mind or starts bowing to his Political rivals I will remain interested in his views. I would love to see him negotiating with Mexico, China, Japan and especially Iran and the other turban headed countries. One thing for sure, he will not be bowing to any fanatical religious groups, especially those wearing turbans, or a yarmulke for that matter.
Can’t wait for the debate Thursday night to see how he does against the established politicians and how he responds to the mind numbing questions framed by the journalists at fox news.
Back to the above Scripture from Daniel. It is God who will determine the winner in this and all elections. Like it or not, if the Bible can be trusted, it clearly states that GOD has already decided who our next President will be.
Nevertheless, I will pray for, and vote for, the one I want to lead this Nation. And it could be Donald Trump, I have not yet decided. But when I do, I can and will make my requests known to God. Who knows, maybe in this particular Presidential election my will and God’s may turn out to be the same.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God….I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Can’t wait for the debate Thursday night to see how he does against the established politicians and how he responds to the mind numbing questions framed by the journalists at fox news.
Back to the above Scripture from Daniel. It is God who will determine the winner in this and all elections. Like it or not, if the Bible can be trusted, it clearly states that GOD has already decided who our next President will be.
Nevertheless, I will pray for, and vote for, the one I want to lead this Nation. And it could be Donald Trump, I have not yet decided. But when I do, I can and will make my requests known to God. Who knows, maybe in this particular Presidential election my will and God’s may turn out to be the same.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God….I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-3)
The Blessing of Abraham
“…the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:14)
What is the “blessing of Abraham”? It was the promise to him that “...all peoples on earth will be blessed" (Genesis 12:3)
And what is the “promise of the spirit” that "all peoples" "might receive" and "be blessed"?
“…the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 3:28)
When people hear and believe they “receive" and are “sealed” with the "Holy Spirit". And as I said yesterday, the Bible teaches me that ALL peoples of the earth will eventually hear and believe…
“For it is written, as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God….of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. " (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10-11)
This occurs, in my view, when all of the dead are gathered "before the throne" after the resurrection...
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away….and I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne…" (Revelation 20:11-12)
There "every knee shall bow" and "every tongue give praise to God" and all "will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”. And to do so they will have had to be "marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" for…
“…no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)
What is the “blessing of Abraham”? It was the promise to him that “...all peoples on earth will be blessed" (Genesis 12:3)
And what is the “promise of the spirit” that "all peoples" "might receive" and "be blessed"?
“…the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 3:28)
When people hear and believe they “receive" and are “sealed” with the "Holy Spirit". And as I said yesterday, the Bible teaches me that ALL peoples of the earth will eventually hear and believe…
“For it is written, as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God….of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. " (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10-11)
This occurs, in my view, when all of the dead are gathered "before the throne" after the resurrection...
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away….and I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne…" (Revelation 20:11-12)
There "every knee shall bow" and "every tongue give praise to God" and all "will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”. And to do so they will have had to be "marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" for…
“…no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)
The Faith OF Jesus
"...the Scripture has confined ALL under sin, that the promise by the faith OF Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." (Galatians 3:19-22)
Some poorer translations of the bible say faith "in" Jesus Christ but a look at the Greek shows it literally means out of "the faith OF Jesus Christ", not our faith.
Because of the faith "OF JESUS", not yours or mine, the promise will come to ALL men as they "believe". ALL of us have...
"...sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and "the wages of sin is death" and "it is appointed unto man once to die" (Romans 3:23; 6:23a; Hebrews 9:27)
So if we all die, what is the promise?
"...the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b)
And when will ALL believe the promise?
Only a few of us believe in this life but the bible says that...
"...at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:10-11)
The above obviously includes everyone, so the bowing and confessing must come at the resurrection of the dead it seems to me. And I can't image anyone confessing "Jesus Christ is Lord" unless they "believe" at that time, can you?
So to summarize, because of the faith "OF Jesus", ALL sinners will eventually believe and be given eternal life as God's free gift...
"...as in Adam ALL die, so also in Christ ALL will be made alive...that God may be all in ALL" (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
The same ALL who die are the ALL who will be made alive.
Some poorer translations of the bible say faith "in" Jesus Christ but a look at the Greek shows it literally means out of "the faith OF Jesus Christ", not our faith.
Because of the faith "OF JESUS", not yours or mine, the promise will come to ALL men as they "believe". ALL of us have...
"...sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and "the wages of sin is death" and "it is appointed unto man once to die" (Romans 3:23; 6:23a; Hebrews 9:27)
So if we all die, what is the promise?
"...the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b)
And when will ALL believe the promise?
Only a few of us believe in this life but the bible says that...
"...at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:10-11)
So to summarize, because of the faith "OF Jesus", ALL sinners will eventually believe and be given eternal life as God's free gift...
"...as in Adam ALL die, so also in Christ ALL will be made alive...that God may be all in ALL" (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
The same ALL who die are the ALL who will be made alive.
The Gospel Is Not An Advertising Gimmick
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
“Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
I know you have seen advertisements which claim they will give you a product for FREE. Then, when you responded, you found out in order to get the so called free gift you had to sign up to pay for more of the product in order to get what they claimed was free.
The modern day Protestant evangelical movement began in the early 18th Century. It continues to this day. I was a part of it for many years. I dropped out when I discovered that this movement had an eerie similarity to the offer of a free product from advertisers.
Think about it for a minute. How was the gospel of salvation presented to you? Was it presented as a free gift IF you believed, repented, invited, accepted, and received it? And were you told you were doing the right thing (justified) before God IF you joined the church by being baptized, regularly participated in the “Lord’s Supper” (communion) and supported the church by “tithing”, “praying”, “witnessing”, etc. etc.?
The GOSPEL is not an advertising gimmick to get you to join an institution of men. The Gospel is a declaration of the SALVATION of sinful mankind by the GRACE OF GOD. It is proclaimed to us in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.
“Now I make known to you, brethren, THE GOSPEL which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also YOU ARE SAVED, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Paul says it is “THE GOSPEL” by which “YOU ARE SAVED” and in which “YOU STAND”. It is true that he also emphasizes the gospel is what he and they “received”, but receiving it did not SAVE them, it simply allowed them and us to enjoy in this life the joy and peace "THE GOSPEL" gives.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with people believing, repenting, inviting, accepting and receiving the Gospel, UNLESS they are doing so in order to get saved.
The Salvation of the sinner is FREE, and so is JUSTIFICATION. One does not acquire them by responding to an “offer”. They are given "freely by His grace" to mankind as a result of the “redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.
"...because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the GRACE of God in truth." (Colossians 1:5-6)
“Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
I know you have seen advertisements which claim they will give you a product for FREE. Then, when you responded, you found out in order to get the so called free gift you had to sign up to pay for more of the product in order to get what they claimed was free.
The modern day Protestant evangelical movement began in the early 18th Century. It continues to this day. I was a part of it for many years. I dropped out when I discovered that this movement had an eerie similarity to the offer of a free product from advertisers.
Think about it for a minute. How was the gospel of salvation presented to you? Was it presented as a free gift IF you believed, repented, invited, accepted, and received it? And were you told you were doing the right thing (justified) before God IF you joined the church by being baptized, regularly participated in the “Lord’s Supper” (communion) and supported the church by “tithing”, “praying”, “witnessing”, etc. etc.?
The GOSPEL is not an advertising gimmick to get you to join an institution of men. The Gospel is a declaration of the SALVATION of sinful mankind by the GRACE OF GOD. It is proclaimed to us in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.
“Now I make known to you, brethren, THE GOSPEL which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also YOU ARE SAVED, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Paul says it is “THE GOSPEL” by which “YOU ARE SAVED” and in which “YOU STAND”. It is true that he also emphasizes the gospel is what he and they “received”, but receiving it did not SAVE them, it simply allowed them and us to enjoy in this life the joy and peace "THE GOSPEL" gives.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with people believing, repenting, inviting, accepting and receiving the Gospel, UNLESS they are doing so in order to get saved.
The Salvation of the sinner is FREE, and so is JUSTIFICATION. One does not acquire them by responding to an “offer”. They are given "freely by His grace" to mankind as a result of the “redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.
They are yours as a free gift through the LOVE and GRACE of God so believe and ENJOY the gospel...
"...because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the GRACE of God in truth." (Colossians 1:5-6)
Mercy to All
“For He says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So then it does NOT DEPEND ON THE MAN WHO WILLS or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” (Romans 9:15-16)
Many Christians are convinced by their teachers that obtaining mercy and compassion from God is a matter of their own “free will” choice. They are wrong and do not believe God.
Above, God clearly says His compassion and mercy is NOT dependent on the man "who wills” , or how a man chooses to “run” (how he lives his life). God's mercy and compassion is dictated by who He is and what He wants. And in Chapter 11 he tells us….
“For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to ALL. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:32-36)
Did you get that? "mercy to ALL".
If you claim to believe the Bible, THEN BELIEVE IT, rather than the dogma of the institutions of religious men.
Many Christians are convinced by their teachers that obtaining mercy and compassion from God is a matter of their own “free will” choice. They are wrong and do not believe God.
Above, God clearly says His compassion and mercy is NOT dependent on the man "who wills” , or how a man chooses to “run” (how he lives his life). God's mercy and compassion is dictated by who He is and what He wants. And in Chapter 11 he tells us….
“For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to ALL. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:32-36)
Did you get that? "mercy to ALL".
If you claim to believe the Bible, THEN BELIEVE IT, rather than the dogma of the institutions of religious men.
Requests To God
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5)
I cannot think of anything worse than to watch one of your children suffer when there is little you can do to make it better. We mortal parents are subjected to this from time to time. It tests our faith in God who could intervene and stop the suffering or could have prevented it altogether. So why doesn’t He? I don’t know…I would and you would.
Nevertheless, we must deal with what comes our way the best we can. Abandoning God because we do not understand why He allows evil in the world is really not an answer. It will not relieve the pain. Deciding there is no God at all is not the answer for it is obvious to all that someone began the Universe. Listening to the pathetic arguments of religious leaders who blame it all on the Devil, or on sinful men, doesn’t help either.
So what helps? What I have seen is gentle spirits making their requests known to God for the child they love...
“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)
For those moments of grief and helplessness that is all I’ve got, and all I can give to those who are experiencing it right now is to remind them of what they already know. It is not enough and it makes me weep. But it is all we have…and it will be enough when the ages are done, and we know even as we are known.
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cointhians 13:12)
I cannot think of anything worse than to watch one of your children suffer when there is little you can do to make it better. We mortal parents are subjected to this from time to time. It tests our faith in God who could intervene and stop the suffering or could have prevented it altogether. So why doesn’t He? I don’t know…I would and you would.
Nevertheless, we must deal with what comes our way the best we can. Abandoning God because we do not understand why He allows evil in the world is really not an answer. It will not relieve the pain. Deciding there is no God at all is not the answer for it is obvious to all that someone began the Universe. Listening to the pathetic arguments of religious leaders who blame it all on the Devil, or on sinful men, doesn’t help either.
So what helps? What I have seen is gentle spirits making their requests known to God for the child they love...
“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)
For those moments of grief and helplessness that is all I’ve got, and all I can give to those who are experiencing it right now is to remind them of what they already know. It is not enough and it makes me weep. But it is all we have…and it will be enough when the ages are done, and we know even as we are known.
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cointhians 13:12)
The Jubilant Song of the Morning
“In the evening, lamentation may lodge, but in the morning there is jubilant song.” (Psalm 30:5 CLOT)
There are times that people come to my mind. They are usually family and current friends and occasionally those from the past that I shared good times and have fond memories. When they are remembered the following bible verse often comes to mind.
"I am thanking my God at every remembrance of you. Always, in every petition of mine for you all, making the petition with joy." (Philippians 1:3-4 CLNT).
In “the evening” of life as the sun begins to set I am sure there will be "lamentation", yet I also hope to find myself thinking about and continuing to pray this prayer for those I have known…
“…that He may be giving you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the realization of Him…” (Ephesians 1:17 CLNT)
I am convinced that in time all mankind will come to realize the love of God and what He has done for all his creation. Then all will give Him glory. Some are fortunate enough to have been given this "wisdom and revelation" in this life, and it enables them to joyfully and patiently live wanting to make life better for those around them. They know that God, through His Son Jesus, has written a "jubilant song" to be enjoyed by all “in the morning”.
Don't give up on mankind, God is not done with us yet.
None Shall Perish - All Come to Repentance
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9)
It appears obvious to me that the word “perish” as used in Scripture simply refers to a person staying dead after becoming deceased. If there is no resurrection then death wins and nothing follows. However, the above Scripture says that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish” and that all “come to repentance”. There will be "victory" over death, our "last "enemy.
So, what is God saying in the above verse? He says that NONE will perish and that ALL will come to repentance….because it is the WILL OF THE LORD as Paul tells Timothy...
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED…For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for ALL...” (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
There is a term for those who do not agree with what God says in Scripture…the term is “unbeliever”, and there are many unbelievers,even those with their names on various church roles.
It appears obvious to me that the word “perish” as used in Scripture simply refers to a person staying dead after becoming deceased. If there is no resurrection then death wins and nothing follows. However, the above Scripture says that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish” and that all “come to repentance”. There will be "victory" over death, our "last "enemy.
So, what is God saying in the above verse? He says that NONE will perish and that ALL will come to repentance….because it is the WILL OF THE LORD as Paul tells Timothy...
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED…For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for ALL...” (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
There is a term for those who do not agree with what God says in Scripture…the term is “unbeliever”, and there are many unbelievers,even those with their names on various church roles.
Yet though they do not believe now, they will, when in fact God has seen to it that none “perish” and that all have “come to repentance” at the "resurrection of both the righteous (believers) and unrighteous (unbelievers)" as Paul explains…
“And I (Paul) have a hope in God…that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous…” (Acts 24:15). “…we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people…” (1 Timothy 4:10). “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord” (Romans 6:23). “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death…so that God may be all in all…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “death is swallowed up in VICTORY.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54)
“And I (Paul) have a hope in God…that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous…” (Acts 24:15). “…we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people…” (1 Timothy 4:10). “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord” (Romans 6:23). “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death…so that God may be all in all…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “death is swallowed up in VICTORY.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54)
The Promise
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)
Jesus' promise to return is our comfort as we grow older.
Jesus spoke these words knowing that the cross, the resurrection, and his ascension were close at hand. After His death and resurrection, and just after his ascension, those who saw him ascend were told…
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
Years later Paul would remind mankind of this promised return….
"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" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
This is the promised hope for all mankind as a result of the GRACE of God and instructs us how to live while we wait for his return, as we are told by Paul…
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed" (Titus 2:11-14)
Jesus' promise to return is our comfort as we grow older.
Jesus spoke these words knowing that the cross, the resurrection, and his ascension were close at hand. After His death and resurrection, and just after his ascension, those who saw him ascend were told…
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
Years later Paul would remind mankind of this promised return….
"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" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
This is the promised hope for all mankind as a result of the GRACE of God and instructs us how to live while we wait for his return, as we are told by Paul…
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed" (Titus 2:11-14)
Commend Them To God
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His GRACE, which is able to build you up and to GIVE you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)
Most Christian leaders think they have it all figured out. Everyone is going to hell except them and their particular flock of sheep. Fortunately for mankind, God is not interested in joining that flock and sent Jesus to save those that do along with all other sinners. Mankind is a work in progress, marred by sin, but being molded by the great Potter Himself into His image.
So I just relax and "commend them to God”. He will finish His work and when done, He will have reconciled your family, friends and all creation to Himself. So trust God, enjoy life and treat people the way you want to be treated…
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus….grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18)
When I look around I do not see much growth “in grace” among men, even among Christians and other religious groups. Not much grace in attitudes, especially toward those with which we disagree - whether politicians, religious doctrine, opposing athletic teams, etc. And I see little growth in the "knowledge" of our Lord. When is the last time you learned something new about God? I have been attending Church for more than 64 years and in all that time I cannot remember anything new in its teaching which would be considered growth in the "knowledge" of our Lord. Just the same old traditions passed down for centuries from the creeds and statements of faith of men.
From time to time I ask myself whether I have grown “in grace and in knowledge of our Lord”. Those areas in which I have grown has shown me that God is more loving, merciful and gracious than I originally thought and was taught.
So why do I care to post my random thoughts at all, since I am “commending you to God”? Well, in reading the Bible I came across this verse….
"You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen...listen to what I say to you....” (Ezekiel 2:5, 7)
Whatever opposition I encounter, I try to give out the Word of God, and my thoughts about those Words without corrupting it or altering it to please the long standing traditions of men.
Most Christian leaders think they have it all figured out. Everyone is going to hell except them and their particular flock of sheep. Fortunately for mankind, God is not interested in joining that flock and sent Jesus to save those that do along with all other sinners. Mankind is a work in progress, marred by sin, but being molded by the great Potter Himself into His image.
So I just relax and "commend them to God”. He will finish His work and when done, He will have reconciled your family, friends and all creation to Himself. So trust God, enjoy life and treat people the way you want to be treated…
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus….grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18)
When I look around I do not see much growth “in grace” among men, even among Christians and other religious groups. Not much grace in attitudes, especially toward those with which we disagree - whether politicians, religious doctrine, opposing athletic teams, etc. And I see little growth in the "knowledge" of our Lord. When is the last time you learned something new about God? I have been attending Church for more than 64 years and in all that time I cannot remember anything new in its teaching which would be considered growth in the "knowledge" of our Lord. Just the same old traditions passed down for centuries from the creeds and statements of faith of men.
From time to time I ask myself whether I have grown “in grace and in knowledge of our Lord”. Those areas in which I have grown has shown me that God is more loving, merciful and gracious than I originally thought and was taught.
So why do I care to post my random thoughts at all, since I am “commending you to God”? Well, in reading the Bible I came across this verse….
"You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen...listen to what I say to you....” (Ezekiel 2:5, 7)
Whatever opposition I encounter, I try to give out the Word of God, and my thoughts about those Words without corrupting it or altering it to please the long standing traditions of men.
Independence Day!
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted… to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:1, 3).
Jesus began his ministry on earth by reading verse 1 of this passage from Isaiah. Those who have come to the knowledge of God’s salvation should continue to share this good news to the mourning, broken, heavyhearted people of this world. They need to be told the joyful good news that at the resurrection all will all be liberated from death, the wages for our sin. At the resurrection we will all then understand that…
“His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
Sinful men are to be bruised in His momentary anger during this present age, however, they will all be resurrected from death and changed into “trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified".
It is God's intent that all be saved and come to the knowledge that Jesus is Lord and bow before him in grateful thanksgiving for that salvation from death. Those of us who have this knowledge during this present age are to "teach these things".
“...at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"..."It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (Philippians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 4:10-12)
Jesus began his ministry on earth by reading verse 1 of this passage from Isaiah. Those who have come to the knowledge of God’s salvation should continue to share this good news to the mourning, broken, heavyhearted people of this world. They need to be told the joyful good news that at the resurrection all will all be liberated from death, the wages for our sin. At the resurrection we will all then understand that…
“His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
Sinful men are to be bruised in His momentary anger during this present age, however, they will all be resurrected from death and changed into “trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified".
It is God's intent that all be saved and come to the knowledge that Jesus is Lord and bow before him in grateful thanksgiving for that salvation from death. Those of us who have this knowledge during this present age are to "teach these things".
“...at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"..."It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (Philippians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 4:10-12)
Elementary Teaching about the Christ
“Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-3)
Of all of the mistranslations of Scripture into English Satan’s crown jewel in my opinion is the translation of the Greek words "krimatos aioniou" as “eternal judgment”. However there are a few Bible translations whom Satan has not been able to influence. Here are two of the three I am familiar with…
“…of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on also of hands, of rising again also of the dead, and of judgment age-during” (Young’s Literal Translation), and
“…of the teaching of baptizings, besides the imposition of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and of judgment eonian.” (Concordant Literal Translation)
What the writer of Hebrews is talking about is moving on from basic teaching that all Christians should be aware of to the maturity of knowing all of what God has planned for mankind. These elementary teachings are…
1. Jesus is the Messiah
2. Works cannot save us
3. Our faith is to be in God alone
4. Baptism and laying on of hands has no power to save or cleanse
5. The dead will be resurrected
6. The judgment that follows will determine our role in the following ages.
Christianity for the most part has been arguing about these elementary teachings for about 1800 years and rarely moves on to MATURITY. Maturity for me is a peaceful realization that at the close of the ages ALL creation will be reconciled to God and all will joyfully give Him the glory He is due. Paul summarizes this as follows:
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
Read this Scripture over and over until the “ALL in ALL” meaning sinks in…then you will be as close to MATURITY as you can get in this age it seems to me.
Of all of the mistranslations of Scripture into English Satan’s crown jewel in my opinion is the translation of the Greek words "krimatos aioniou" as “eternal judgment”. However there are a few Bible translations whom Satan has not been able to influence. Here are two of the three I am familiar with…
“…of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on also of hands, of rising again also of the dead, and of judgment age-during” (Young’s Literal Translation), and
“…of the teaching of baptizings, besides the imposition of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and of judgment eonian.” (Concordant Literal Translation)
What the writer of Hebrews is talking about is moving on from basic teaching that all Christians should be aware of to the maturity of knowing all of what God has planned for mankind. These elementary teachings are…
1. Jesus is the Messiah
2. Works cannot save us
3. Our faith is to be in God alone
4. Baptism and laying on of hands has no power to save or cleanse
5. The dead will be resurrected
6. The judgment that follows will determine our role in the following ages.
Christianity for the most part has been arguing about these elementary teachings for about 1800 years and rarely moves on to MATURITY. Maturity for me is a peaceful realization that at the close of the ages ALL creation will be reconciled to God and all will joyfully give Him the glory He is due. Paul summarizes this as follows:
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
Read this Scripture over and over until the “ALL in ALL” meaning sinks in…then you will be as close to MATURITY as you can get in this age it seems to me.
Grace vs. Judgment
Before the great worldwide flood described in Genesis God made this statement concerning mankind…
"Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5)
God had told Adam and Eve what the judgment for sin would be in the 2nd Chapter of Genesis…
“…you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." (Genesis 2:17)
In His destruction of mankind by the flood God simply accelerated this judgment to rid the world of evil…
"So the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth" (Genesis 6:7)
But God also introduced His ultimate plan for mankind in the way He dealt with Noah and his family…
"But Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8)
Mankind has not changed and evil is still a part of our nature. The Bible tells us that the judgment of God on sin is still death, but His GRACE still trumps His judgment and God has determined in His GRACE to give eternal life to sinners…
“…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life…for the GRACE of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Titus 2:11)
The ARK delivered Noah and his family from the flood but they eventually died. God is the Savior of all sinners and His Son Jesus came to tell us about it and show us how it will be done – the Resurrection. The ARK was a type of this salvation, but Jesus will deliver all mankind from death into “eternal life”. That is the promise of God, whether mankind believes it now or not.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly…it is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…God our Savior…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (John 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:15, 2:3-6; 4:9-10)
"Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5)
God had told Adam and Eve what the judgment for sin would be in the 2nd Chapter of Genesis…
“…you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." (Genesis 2:17)
In His destruction of mankind by the flood God simply accelerated this judgment to rid the world of evil…
"So the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth" (Genesis 6:7)
But God also introduced His ultimate plan for mankind in the way He dealt with Noah and his family…
"But Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8)
Mankind has not changed and evil is still a part of our nature. The Bible tells us that the judgment of God on sin is still death, but His GRACE still trumps His judgment and God has determined in His GRACE to give eternal life to sinners…
“…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life…for the GRACE of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Titus 2:11)
The ARK delivered Noah and his family from the flood but they eventually died. God is the Savior of all sinners and His Son Jesus came to tell us about it and show us how it will be done – the Resurrection. The ARK was a type of this salvation, but Jesus will deliver all mankind from death into “eternal life”. That is the promise of God, whether mankind believes it now or not.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly…it is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…God our Savior…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (John 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:15, 2:3-6; 4:9-10)
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