Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Wastefulness

Pro 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

which of the angels?

To answer those who believe Jesus is an angel ...

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? -  Hebrews 1:13-14

Monday, February 15, 2016

lost Ark found!

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

How to Study the Bible

Studying the Bible

- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

- But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear – 1 Peter 3:15


God's word is so simple to understand, you have to have help to misunderstand it…

- But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty - 1 Corinthians 1:27

- But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ - 2 Corinthians 11:3

- The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple – Psalm 119:130


Spiritually discerned

- For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward – 2 Corinthians 1:12

- But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned - 1 Corinthians 2:14

- But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you – John 14:26


Context - Text out of context isolated from co-text becomes a pretext to false teaching

- See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise – Ephesians 5:15

- For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little – Isaiah 28:10


Proof text - The final guide to the interpretation of Scripture is Scripture itself.

- at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established – Deuteronomy 19:15

- Example: Matthew 4


Mysteries and symbols in scripture are defined and explained in scripture

- Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to his good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself – Ephesians 1:9

- which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit – Ephesians 3:5

- Example: Luke 8:5-15


Scriptures testify of Jesus

- Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. - John 5:39

- For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me – John 5:46


Biblical Meditation

- This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. – Joshua 1:8

- I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. – Psalm 119:15


Test all things with scripture

- To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them – Isaiah 8:20

- And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.  - Acts 17:10-12

- Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

- Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. – 1 John 4:1


Do not add to or take away

- Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you – Deuteronomy 4:2

- Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar – Proverbs 30:6

- For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. – Revelation 22:18-19

Scriptural Authority


To consider:  If we are to be held accountable to a standard, it is imperative that we have that standard available to test against.

1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the revealed nature and will of God. The Bible is empowered by God, infallible and authoritative.  The books of the Bible are the written Word of God. The Bible is divinely inspired and inerrant throughout.  It is the supreme authority in everything it teaches. Its authority is not limited to spiritual, religious, or redemptive themes but includes its assertions in such fields as history and science.  God has preserved His Word through the ages.

- We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. - 2 Peter 1:19-21

- And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. - 2 Timothy 3:15-17

- Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. - 1 Peter 1:23-25

- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

- Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away. Mark 13:31

- The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. – Psalm 12:6

Essentials

• Scriptural Authority - the authority and inerrancy of Scripture.

• The nature of God - Creator, all knowing, all powerful, self-existent Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

• The nature of the Messiah Jesus - the full deity and humanity of Messiah, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, showed us God's nature, the Word made flesh

• Mankind - lost to sin and cannot save himself through good works

• Salvation - salvation only by grace through trusting in the finished work of Messiah's death on the cross and bodily resurrection

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

circumspectly

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise - Ephesians 5:15

Monday, February 08, 2016

stumbles

In a chance conversation, an individual was beating themselves up about their not living up to their expectations in their walk with the Lord.

A bit of this is healthy. Humility and regular self examination is a good thing to make sure you are still on the right path. It is good to read 1st John and give yourself a spiritual check-up every now and again.

However, extreme guilt and punishing yourself to the point that you are not able to function is not a good thing.

Do you think you are something so special that you can somehow be perfect? Your in the same boat with everyone else on this. There was only one perfect man, and that was Jesus.

Imperfection is not an excuse, we need to repent of sin and do everything we can to follow Jesus and lead a holiness lifestyle.

At the same time, we can't let our stumbles and failings keep us from the work that God has for us.

When a believer stumbles and falls in the mud, the believer gets back up and rushes to get clean as quickly as possible.   Unbelievers fall in the mud and wallow in it.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief Proverbs 24:16

pretend or lie

The difference between acting or pretending and lying...

When you are acting in a play or pretending, everyone knows you are acting or pretending.

It becomes a lie when you are deliberately trying to fool someone or even yourself

People need the Gospel, NOT the Government

We need to keep in mind that what people need is the Gospel, NOT the Government.

If we do not govern ourselves, then society demands that some govern for us.  Laws don't exist because of good people, laws exists because of people who do not govern themselves.

The only role of Government is to protect life, liberty, and property

Keep in mind, that a Government that has the power to legislate your morality today, has the power to legislate someone else's morality tomorrow.

For example, our legislature has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which allows for American citizens to be arrested on suspicion of terrorism and held indefinitely.

 Because our Government can define and redefine what a terrorist is, it is simple enough for them to come along and add to the definition: "Christian Fundamentalist"

If My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight...

Throughout history, governments have used religion as a tool to motivate people to fight for them.

So many wars have been "holy wars"

Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world.

I've even heard people say that "God is on our side".

Baloney, the question we need to ask is, "Are we on God's side?"

definitions

MERCY - Not getting what you deserve. We have all sinned, we all DESERVE death and hell.

GRACE - Getting what you do not deserve. When we repent and put our trust in God and His word, then we are blessed by God and receive what we do not deserve.

LOVE - putting others ahead of yourself, self-less-ness, no greater love than to lay down your life for another

HATE - the opposite of LOVE is self-ish-ness, hate can be a component of love: love God, hate sin.


Signs and Wonders

While signs and wonders were part of the fulfillment of scripture to validate the identity of the messiah.

Notice that after Jesus, signs and wonders followed them that believed and were a confirmation of the Apostles preaching

While God still works miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said that a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.

In the future, the anti-christ will use lying signs and wonders to draw people away to hear a false gospel.

Godhead

In both the old and new testaments, a good principle to follow is that when the title "God" is used, it refers to the Godhead working together in unison. Other instances, either by the words used or by the context, you can see where a distinction of the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit at work.

doctrine of Balaam

Consider...

2 Peter 2:15
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion.


Revelation 2:14
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.

revealation of God's power

Eph 1:17-23

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the:
- spirit of wisdom
- revelation in the knowledge of Him

that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened so that you may know what is the
- hope of His calling
- riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints
-
exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe

toward us who believe according to the working of His mighty power which He
- worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead
- seated
Him at His right hand in the heavenly places
-
far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
- put all
things under His feet
- gave Him
to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.


Rebellion

Rules and regulations without relationship leads to rebellion

occupy

we are told to "occupy till He comes..."

how do we occupy?

1. be a witness to all the world
2. be a good steward
3. be watchful
 - His coming will be as a thief in the night to those who are not watching for Him
 - watch that you do not fall into sin
4. be not deceived (don't be fooled)

strange fire



Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.'" So Aaron held his peace.

-Leviticus 10:1-3


When we come before God, it must be on His terms. He is the Creator of everything. He is Holy, Righteous, Good.

All the time I hear, "Well, I just can't believe in a 'god' that would do such and such". When people hear things in the Bible that demonstrate God's Holy judgement, they balk. They think that their limited human judgement is superior to God's all-knowing, all-seeing judgement.

Instead of seeking to understand what God was doing in a particular instance, they instead create a god of their own imagination. This imaginary god that they are comfortable with does things they way the person thinks they should. This false image of their own creation is what they worship and thereby have violated the first two commandments.

We should focus on what God has told us to do, instead of trying to see what we can get away with.

Burden is light

God is not the author of confusion, we should be single-minded.

Key is to focus on what God has told us to do, not what we can get away with

Confusion eliminated, don't have to defend what you are doing.  Can live with a clear conscience.

hagelian dialectic





http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Clear_Thinking/Informal_Fallacies/Hegelian_Fallacy/hegelian_fallacy.html

repentance and sacrifice

water and blood

water : repentance, washing

blood : sacrifice paying debt for our sins

Little g's (Part 2 of 2)

Having covered the danger's of falling into the trap of believing we can be gods ourselves, let's see what the one true living God has to say about us legitimately exercising the power He has delegated to us.

The best way I can simplify this to a point that I can understand it myself is to look at a simplified model of authority in the military. Basically, a unit commander has full authority over everything that happens in his unit. The commander has delegated certain authorities that pertain to administration and management to several supervisors at various levels within the unit. These supervisor can only legally act with the authority they have been delegated. The "power" they wield is not theirs, it is the commander's. Also, just because they can exercise some of the (delegated) authority of the commander, that doesn't make them the commander. Also, it is possible they can abuse this authority and have the authority taken away from them.

We are not God and we do not become gods.

We become adopted children, grafted into the family of God through Jesus.

Similar to if our family adopted a child... That child would be loved and cared for as a member of the family, share in inheritance, and perhaps could even take on our surname. However, the adopted child would still not be a genetic family member, even though treated as such in every way.


Little g's (Part 1 of 2)

Much ado about "little gods".

Satan's playbook includes trying to goad men into believing they can ascend to godhood.

It is what ultimately led Satan's rebellion against God...

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." - Isa 14:12-14

Right there in the garden of eden, he told Adam and Eve that they could be "as gods" by eating the forbidden fruit. This same temptation has been continuously used throughout history as Satan appeals to the "pride of life" that is resident in the fallen nature (or the flesh) of every son of Adam.

Attitude in giving

Give expecting nothing in return, but considering nothing as lost.

Attitude in giving is important:
1) give cheerfully and joyfully
2) expect nothing in return from the person or organization that you give to
3) do not give in order to get
4) while you don't give with motivation of "getting", but can give with the understanding and hope of God's promised rewards


when you start praying for someone, they suddenly start acting worse. this is not because your prayer isn't working, it is because it is working -- God is dealing with that person and they are acting worse because they are resisting God.

corner stone or capstone?

King James Bible — Matthew 21:42, “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”


The corner stone sets the standard for direction is what all other stones measured from and aligned to.


On the other hand, the capstone is the anti-christ who exalts himself above all others...



1984 NIV — Matthew 21:42, “Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

*Note that it was quietly changed to cornerstone in the 2011 NIV along with 38% corruptions of other scriptures



“I believe it is through the Churches and not through the Theosophical Society that Theosophy [the worship of Lucifer]... must and should come to large bodies of people in the West.” (Transactions of the Theosophical Society, H. P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant, 1904, p. 377).

Sunday, February 07, 2016

Flee temptation


There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13


Like Joseph we should flee temptation.  All too often folks stop at the semi-colon and don't continue on.  If you stop at the "ye are able" you are left with the idea that you have the ability to resist temptation by yourself.  Continuing on, we find that we are only able to bear (or resist) temptation by using the escape route that GOD provides.

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. Genesis 39:12

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 1 Timothy 6:11

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

All too often we are told to resist temptation and flee from the devil.   It is the other way around, we should flee from temptation, but resist the devil -- when we resist the devil it is he that will flee.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Friday, February 05, 2016

Love of death

All they that hate God love death
Prov 8:36