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Who are Worthy Servants?
By George
Shalom everyone, Since I've been asked, I'll post up a quick reference guide to what the different functions of ministry are. We instituted a checks and balances sort of system at Worthy, so that no one person or persons have complete authority. Worthy Steward -- That's me -- and why do I call myself a Steward. It's merely because I'm a steward of the Lord's ministry. It's not "my" ministry -- and not "my" work. It's the Lord's work! Worthy Servants -- Those are Forum Moder- 21 comments
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POSSESSING A SPIRITUAL MIND
To walk in overcoming victory we need a spiritual "brainwashing" to repent of "ungodly thinking." Our minds need to be thoroughly cleansed of the lies and filth of the world so we can put on the mind of Christ, learning to think as He thinks and to see as He sees. A cleansed and renewed mind will completely change our perception of life and the world around us.
The Spirit of God is calling each of us to a higher standard: "…walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).
This is not a season to be apathetic and loose about our lifestyles. We must pursue our Christ calling and seek to bear fruit that remains for His advancing Kingdom through discipling and equipping other Believers to move the Great Commission forward.
God calls all His people to a life of fruitfulness, which is the path to the ascended live in Christ, sacrificing all the self-agendas for giving ourselves to cultivate and develop the spiritual lives of ohters. . As Paul writes: "Mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong." - Hebrews 12:13 (Living Bible)
It is time for us to lay everything on the altar and embrace the holy fire of God's presence! We must present a mind that is wholly consecrated to Him. Like David, our cry must be: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). When we do, we will discover that the Lord transforms our worldly mind into a spiritual mind—His mind.
THE SPIRITUAL MIND
The apostle Paul contrasts the natural mind with the spiritual mind.
The natural mind, corrupted by sin, is dulled and darkened to spiritual things, however brilliant it may be in its own natural sphere. There are many intellectually brilliant people who haven't a clue regarding spiritual realities. They are "…always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).
It takes a spiritual mind to comprehend spiritual truths. Paul goes so far as to say that it is impossible for the natural mind to comprehend the things of the Spirit:
"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14
As contradictory as it may seem, many true children of God remain dominated, for the most part, by the laws of their natural or carnal minds. One reason the Church struggles so much today, is because many Christians have not been discipled into an understanding of their Christ and still think like the world, and thoughts give birth to actions.
BELIEVING IS SEEING
For example, some say, "I won't believe it until I see it." This is the exact opposite of a spiritual mindset. The natural mind says, "If I see, I will believe." The spiritual mind says, "If I believe, I will see." Paul clearly recognized our desperate need for a Spirit-enlightened mind, praying:
"…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." (Ephesians 1:17–19)
Only in His light can we see light (Psalm 36:9). We should cry out to God for spiritual eyes to see what we believe even as we seek each day to walk in the light of His revealed Word (Psalm 119:105).
No matter how intellectually brilliant we may be, we cannot understand even the simplest concepts of God without the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). The knowledge of spiritual things does not come by intellectual effort. Rather, it comes only by divine revelation. This is why, when Peter declared to Jesus, "'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven'" (Matthew 16:16–17).
WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST
God's desire is for all His children to possess a spiritual mind and He has given us the capacity through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Nehemiah 9:20). What Jesus said to His disciples applies also to us: "Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear" (Matthew 13:16).
Do you want to cultivate your spiritual mind? Then immerse yourself in God's Word (Psalm 119:9). Pray for revelation and ask the Spirit of God to open your eyes to behold awesome things from heavenly realms (2 Kings 6:17).
There is nothing wrong with intellectual knowledge and pursuit. God gave us our mind and expects us to use it. However, we should never depend upon mere human intellectual wisdom to advance us in the realm of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Going to market?
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Matthew 21:12-13
Jesus was offended, and rightly so, that the Temple of God, a place that contained the Holy of Holies, was turned into a marketplace. A house of prayer, a place to grow in the Lord, turned into a common marketplace.
I heard about a church that canceled its services in order to hold a business meeting to tell its congregation that the church is a product and the congregation is the customer.
I hear a lot about the seeker sensitive church, one which tries to get folks in, by toning down the hard parts of the gospel message.
The house of worship, the church building, is being turned into a modern day marketplace. Where attendance is tallied and numbers mean more than quality of the service and teaching. A place where sermons are spiced up and worship has gimmicks to bring in more people. Church is entertaining. The music makes us feel good. The sermon talks about the purpose driven life.
Where is God in all of this? In the name of growth, have our churches faltered and turned into the marketplaces of the temple in the time of our Lord Jesus? If Jesus were in your church, would He see a house of prayer, a temple of worship? Or would He see a place where the focus is marketing the church to people?
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22: 35-40 Jesus tells us to love the Lord first, with our heart, soul, and mind. Is your church God focused or people focused?
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Memories
Memories are something, aren’t they? There are rare times when I reminisce about something from my youth and can recall in detail the words said and the actions taken. However, normally my memory is quite faulty and I can’t piece together the entire event. Or worse, I mingle several events together and end up with a skewed look at things. Now, this is troublesome for me because I like the order of things. From an accountants’ perspective, everything has to balance, has to be in order and has to make sense.
Memories are fragile. They only survive in a heart that gives them room, and cares enough to pull them out of storage ever so often for a good dusting. Even then they are subject to death and decay and will eventually pass from this life. I can remember my great grandmother and even some of the stories that she told me concerning her parents. My whole life I’ve heard about keeping the memories alive, that our loved ones live on in our hearts, and all that. But I’m a fragile human and don’t know how to access the part of the brain that records everything. Many of my memories have already crumbled into dust, taking with them bits and pieces of my loved ones.
I suppose that’s why this scripture jumps out at me so brilliantly.
- Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. Mal. 3:16
God has a book of remembrance. Notice that the scripture says that the ones who feared the Lord spoke often with one another. In other words, they gather together in His name. Those of us who love the Lord – isn’t that what we do? Isn’t that why you’re here now, to read something a brother or sister has written about the Lord? Is it not incredible that the Lord would have it written down, so that you or I will be held in “remembrance” before Him because of our actions? Because we have “thought upon His name”?
I find it incredibly humbling, and also beautiful, that the Lord would bring this particular scripture to my attention while I was contemplating the fleeting earthly memories. I know that the Lord doesn’t forget. But to be told that He has a journal, a book of records, an orderly list of remembrances about me, you, us – is both terrifying and comforting. I will be forgotten here, in this place – but in the spiritual I will be eternally listed in a book that will be placed before the Lord.
And so will you.
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The Middle East. Conclusion.
CONCLUSION.
We have traced God`s desire to establish His righteous rulership through Israel over the nations, and we have also seen how Satan tries continually to undermine God`s plans.
Satan constantly tried to exterminate God`s people Israel and to set up his unrighteous rulership throughout the ages. God however, established His nation Israel and over the centuries protected and guided them even when they were rebellious and in exile.
The region of the Middle East was central to early man and then throughout the Gentiles rule from – Babylon to Rome and on to today. Just as God`s word says that the Middle East would again be the focus of the world.
In our day we can see the stage set, (as it were) for the final fulfillment of Satan`s plans and also of God`s great plans. All mankind is being drawn into choosing whom they will worship – Satan or God.
God`s hand of mercy is outstretched amid His judgments, however it is up to people to repent and turn to God. Many repent, but some don't. They would rather have darkness than God`s light.
May we who have knowledge of God`s great plans continue to encourage each other and reach out to those who are responding to God`s call.
`….exhorting (encouraging and warning) one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 25)
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Thoughts of a "Climate Denier"!
I would be weary by now of being declared a climate change denier if not for the fact that I typically do not value the opinions of those who attempt to just hand out labels of derision upon others in lieu of using well researched facts to convince people of their errors. Call me what you like, being called names can be a badge of honor. Call me names, and I might ignore you, but give me facts, and I will listen - just make sure your facts are really facts, not talking points from some group or guru with an agenda.
First off, regarding climate change, fine, I am not a denier. The climate does change. If the climate did not change, we might be living in an ice age still, and if it does change, we might live in one again!
If I am a denier, it is denying several things. For example, I am not convinced yet that we know enough about climate science to be making scary predictions that call for huge changes in our habits, though I do believe we should take the issue seriously and learn what we can about it, and then act in accordance with what we discover.
I am also not convinced that if there is a problem with the climate or that mankind is the cause, though I do believe that the population of the world is large and the demand for high standards of living combine to provide a credible threat that needs attention.
I also am not remotely convinced that we live in the perfect climate now. Maybe it is great, maybe cooler would be better, maybe warmer would be better. How do we know what is optimum, and should we be messing with trying to achieve that? The earth has been warmer in the past, and colder in the past, so what is the panic about?
People say "I believe the science". That is fine. I depend on science being right. When I walk into a room, I turn on the light switch because I have faith that the science is correct, and the light will turn on.
Do I believe science? Sure I do. Science is knowledge. What I do not always believe is scientists. Scientists are just like me. They are human. Humans make mistakes.
Did you know that prior to the 20th century, it was common among the science community to believe that the universe had no beginning, that it was infinitely old? Well they have since changed their mind. Instead we have a big bang theory!
Did you know that there was a time, when scientists believed that people could not determine the direction of the source of a sound? I find that one absurd, because pretty much everyone experiences turning toward the source of a sound by instinct. We have left and right channels on our stereos, precisely because we can hear direction! You probably don't believe me since the notion is so dumb that people cannot determine the direction of a sound by listening. The point is that as I said, scientists are humans, and humans can be wrong. Being a scientist does not make one right all the time.
Scientists (and other people) are inclined to be influenced in their beliefs and assumptions by the people they admire and trust. That might be their government, their parents, their spouse, their boss, their professors, or the agency paying the grant they received to study a certain topic.
To illustrate what I mean by the last thing about grant money (or other forms of support for research) I am going to use a ridiculous, made up example, because it works for the purposes of illustration.
Suppose I were to offer 1 million dollars for evidence that plastic straws are endangering the wild sea turtle population. There might be some takers on that. Some of them would be very professional and do a good job. The best researchers will find the truth, and report their findings. If sea turtles are endangered by plastic straws, then evidence will likely be found and reported.
However, as I said, people are human, and some humans are dishonest. Someone could go out and find a sea turtle, and use an adhesive to glue a straw into a turtles' nostril, and perhaps even do things to cause that to become infected. "Here is my report, and here are the photos, now where is my 1 million dollars?"
Now, if a researcher discovered that straws attract mates, and because of straws sea turtles are multiplying, would that person get money for that? In my opinion, they would not. Would their findings get publicized? I doubt it.
Now, they could let the Plastic Straw Manufacturers Research Foundation know about that, and perhaps they could get a grant there!
This sort of thing, the "Who is behind the money?", is worth considering.
I started this to be about the climate change issue. Returning to that context, we could note that the petro-chemical / fossil fuels industry, might like to discover it their products are a danger to the climate as many say they are. They would of course be thrilled to discover that their products even help the environment and climate situation.
Now in the history of the climate change debate, it was once referred to as global warming. This was largely brought to the attention of the world due to Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. They helped to get that bandwagon started, and in hindsight, I think they were off base.
As a political conservative (as they were) it pains me to admit that conservatives can be wrong. Back in those days, I read a book called Climate and the Affairs of Men. One of the co-authors was a guy named Iben Browning. I became sort of a disciple of his, subscribing to his newsletter. I have been watching the global warming issue since the 1980s when most people then did not even know there was an issue.
Back in the days of the hippies (I was there) the end of the world was being predicted because humans are bad for the ecology, and mother earth would not tolerate us forever.
There was a Stanford University biology professor who claimed it was too late to avoid the extended world wide famine that would be the most disastrous ever, and it would come by 1975.
In the 1970s, the big deal was going to be an ice age by the 21st Century, I am still waiting!
I recall when we were panicked by the hole in the ozone layer. That resulted in some UN resolution or something, that I think may have been the only one where the whole world agreed! The Ozone Hole is mostly gone now, but I will admit that it is possible that the actions of the world to reduce chemicals that contribute to ozone destruction may have been effective. However, a hole in the ozone lets more ultraviolet light through. Ultraviolet light reacts with oxygen, to produce ozone, so maybe it is a cycle that heals itself. I sure do not know, but I am not sure anyone else does either. It did not escape my notice, that the ozone hole was in the Southern hemisphere, while most of the polution was in the northern hemisphere. There might be a good explantation for than, but it made me go "hmmm".
Let's see, what else was there? Acid rain! That was going to kill the fish in our lakes and such, and strip the paint off of our cars and houses, and ruin the soil Ph for farmers. Again, a no show. However, it is true that paint jobs on cars do not last like they used to, but that is because we made automotive paint more environmentally friendly. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but I sure wish we had better paint, maybe the scientists will think of something.
In 1988, the Maldives (Islands) were going to be completely underwater by 2018. Guess what, they're still there! At the same time, it was predicted that they would have no drinking water there, by 1992. That also has not happened! Go figure!
In 1988, a NASA scientist (Jim Hansen) testified before congress about the green house gas effect. Over the years Mr. Hansen has produced a great many graphs, showing us from computer modeling all of the things that would happen due to Global Warming. I do not think a single thing he has ever said on the topic has come to pass, though I may be wrong. In any case his track record is so miserable, I do not know why anyone ever would quote him as an expert, and if not for the fact that he was a government employee, he likely would have lost his job to to incompetence in my opinion. In 1989 he said the West Side Highway (AKA the Joe DiMaggio Hwy in New York City) would be underwater.
https://worthychristianforumscore-h45go6maxh5rpepgu.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/monthly_2021_08/wsh.jpg.08b90fefeb9ef50adce8fece3026778f.jpg
It looks ok to me!
In March of 2000, the Independent (A British Newspaper) proclaimed that snowfalls are now just a thing of the past, and children will not even know what snow is.
Now the Guardian (another British Newspaper) said in 2002, that "Britain will have a Siberian climate in less that 20 years". Now, for those that think that will be the case, you should buy stock in companies that make warm clothing.
In 2008, Global Warming genius Al Gore told us that the Arctic would be ice free by 2013! Again, last I knew, the polar ice cap is still there! In case I missed it (maybe I am behind the times since I pay little attention to the news) please let me know if I am wrong!
There have been others, and there have been worse. However, is it really any wonder why there are those of us who are skeptical of the media, academics, scientists, and governments? The real question should be (I think):
"Considering this track record, why do rational people believe any of this?"
It is it just that too many of us are irrational and too lazy to check facts and keep the memory of all the failed predictions?
As it happens, I can recall seeing a documentary (or was it propaganda?) in the 1990's called "The Greening of Planet Earth. As I recall, it was mostly about how more CO2 means more plant life, whether it be wild plants or crops, and therefore cheaper fruits and vegetables, and less malnutrition worldwide, that sort of spin.
Were the facts true? I don't know, that is not my expertise. What I did notice though was that there was a lot of reaction in the form of "You cannot trust this, it was funded by the coal industry!"
That argument is worth considering, as there was a motivation to find benefit is rising atmospheric CO2 levels. However, just because those who produced the film had a vested interest in getting a better reputation for CO2, it does not follow that the facts presented were not true. maybe they were. What I do know is true, is that CO2 is not a pollutant, it is naturally occurring (we exhale it ourselves) and it is a benefit, a nutrient to plant life. Life depends on it. Humans (and other animals) are either eat plants, or they eat animals that eat plants, CO2 is important. More CO2 causes food plants to produce more and bigger fruits and vegetables which mature faster. Plants, in consuming CO2 for photosynthesis, produce as a "waste product", oxygen. We breathe oxygen. I want the plants to have CO2 so I can have oxygen!
It is disingenuous, even deceitful, when people and institutions show photos and videos of car exhausts and factory smokestacks "spewing forth pollution".
Type CO2 into Google Images and see what you get! <-That is a link if you want to see!
CO2 is invisible, you cannot see it, it is just as transparent as air on a remote mountain top. I wish they could stick to facts and cease trying to appeal to emotions, especially the emotion of fear that they are intentionally causing.
I have wanted for a long time, to have an aquarium with plant life, augmented by adding that extra 'pollutant', CO2!
https://worthychristianforumscore-h45go6maxh5rpepgu.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/monthly_2021_08/co2tank.jpg.b5c4d76d022788ed46ca49dc278d4564.jpg
Aquarium with the deadly CO2 added!
Bottom line for me, yes, I believe in science, I just distrust scientists who are not critical thinkers and who have an agenda apart from facts and who operate outside of their current understanding. I especially an not fond of how many scientists who opine on this issue, which is outside of their expertise. How much should we care if an expert in toenail fungus, is certain that the climate is changing dangerously? Do we go to an astrophysicist, to learn how to clean up an oil spill? You get the idea!
This is just a blog. That means it is my thoughts, they may not be accurate, but to the best of my knowledge, they are. You do not have to like it, you do not have to agree. I am not even out to change anyone's mind. However, I do hope you might have learned something you did not know, and perhaps have at least thought about it a bit.
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Israel’s 7 Appointed Holy Assembly Days, Part 3:
Autumn Assemblies – Representations Yet to Be Fulfilled in Type:
Autumn assemblies – representations yet to be fulfilled in type:
4) ‘Feast of Trumpets’ (lit., Memorial Sabbatism of Blowing Horns); 7th month, 1st day. Lev. 23:24-25
Temple part: veil between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
Representation: Judgment announced, begins. Dan. 7:10d (A Jewish religious tradition says that the dead will be raised on this day.)
5) Day of Atonement; 7th month, 10th day. Lev. 23:27-32
Temple parts: Most Holy Place, with its Ark of the Covenant, whereon the blood of redemption is sprinkled. Lev. 16:14-15
Representation: Judgment sealed, for both the righteous and the unrighteous. John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2-3
6) first day of the seven-day חַג/Feast of Tabernacles; 7th month, 15th day. Lev. 23:34-36a
Temple parts: Most Holy Place, and the angels whose wings overcover the Ark. ; Ex. 37:7-9 At this time, the raptured Church will be “standing before the throne [of God] and before the Lamb…” Rev. 7:9; Luke 21:36 “And the One sitting on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them.” Rev. 7:15
Representation: Redemption from spiritual slavery and spiritual (= the second) death. At which time, the bodies of the redeemed will be made immortal, and taken to dwell within and under God’s heavenly Tabernacle.
7) Shemini [Eighth Day)] Atzereth [Closing-Up Assembly],” which concludes the yearly cycle of 7 Holy Assembly Days; 7th month, 22nd day, the day after the Feast of Tabernacles ends. Lev. 23:36b
Temple part: “…[there will be] no naos/holy sanctuary in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its naos/holy sanctuary.” Rev. 21:22
Representation: New Heavens and New Earth: complete fulfillment of mankind’s redemption.
Leviticus 23:37 These are the [7] מֹועֲדֵי/yearly appointed times of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be holy מִקְרָאֵי/assemblies/rehearsals…
Taken all together, the yearly cycle of “rehearsals” portrayed, in type, God’s whole Plan of Redemption for the human race. That process begins with the sacrifice of our carnal nature – which nature resulted from Adam’s and Eve’s choices in Eden – and concludes with the complete restoration of the redeemed ones before the face of God in the New Heavens, New Earth, and New Jerusalem:
Revelation 22:4 They shall gaze upon His face, and His name shall be upon their foreheads.
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Devotion
Wisdom from Above
Dr. Charles Stanley
June 21, 2018
Impoverished by Desire
He who loves pleasure will become a poor man
Proverbs 21:17
Does today's verse mean the Lord doesn't want you ever to experience
any pleasure? Absolutely not. In fact, Psalm 16:11 promises, "In
Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures
forever." Rather, Proverbs 21:17 addresses the problem of giving your
life over to the pursuit of gratification rather than God. When your desires
become your focus, you're going to begin making compromises in
order to fulfill them and will eventually act in a way that contradicts your
core beliefs. The steps toward disobedience will begin small, but they'll
quickly speed up and take you in a very definite direction-which is
away from the Lord.
Eventually, you develop an attitude that anything goes, which results
in chaos in your life and your relationships. You become increasingly
susceptible to peer pressure, and your disobedience to God increases, as
does your spiritual weakness and discouragement. Ultimately, you lose
sight of the Father altogether, which means you lose your peace, joy and
strength, and you are no longer able to handle the storms that come into
your life.
Friend, don't let that happen! Remember who you are in Christ.
You're a child of the living God! The Spirit of God has sealed you as
His beloved, and He teaches you how to live in the freedom of your
salvation. Because of Christ's provision on the cross, you are not only
completely victorious, but you're also a coheir with the Savior-which
means you have an eternal kingdom waiting for you that is beyond imagination.
You have no reason to chase after temporary pleasures and no
reason to compromise. So don't! Don't do anything that could trap you
on the downward slide. Rather, look up and see all that God's promised
you if you'll obey Him.
Lord, I confess the ways my desires have gotten
hold of me. Free me, Father.
Amen
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The League of Savage Gentlemen: Nehemiah
This weeks study, is on someone whom many may associate as a gentleman, but not as savage. And he was not, at least not to the common definition of the word. He waged no wars, nor was he rebellious, nor was a violent man. This man is Nehemiah.
See, Nehemiah was not a king. Nor a warrior. He lived in persia, under the king King Artaxerxes while the Israelites were in exhile. He was also the cup bearer. The cup bearer was a special job-it was only given to someone the king trusted implicitly, as he was the only one allowed to serve the drinks to the kings table-and was also often required to sample the drinks to make sure they were not poisoned. So, we see from the get go that Nehemiah was already a honorable man-to have obtained such a position. Especially as he was not a native persian-but a member of a group of people that they had taken captive.
Another indication of his honor, is the king not only trusted him, but respected him. The king not only noticed when Nehemiah came in sad, but asked why, and then listened to his answer. We can also infer courage here, Nehemiah had the courage to not only answer honestly-but to ask the king to let him return to Israel, the land the persians had taken the jews from and rebuild Jerusalems walls-a sign many a king would have taken as a sign of rebellion.
We see even more though. Nehemiah Didn't just tell the king what he wanted to do, he had a plan laid out. He set goals, and plans to implement them, and was intentional with his requests to the king about what he needed. We see this even more once he arrived in Jerusalem, and began work. He organized work crews, in an efficient manner, and completed construction in 52 days. He was a man on a mission, and he set in place clear, concise plans. Each group of people worked on the wall closest to them.
Heres where we see the "savage" Is when Jerusalem was threatened by nearby Sanballat and Tobiah and other arabs. However, it wasn't the savageness we saw previously with King David and Joshua, we see a more defensive approach. Instead of declaring war on his enemies and ravaging through their camps with swords and spears slaying as he went, he took up a defensive posture. He armed everyone-had half the workers stand gaurd at all times while the other half worked, and developed a system where even the workers carried weapons while working. He also developed a system of communication, where if their enemies attacked, everyone would flock to the point of attack and defend against the attackers. He took a defensive-but intimidating approach to defending Jerusalem. He also used wisdom, and avoided putting himself into situations where he might be killed by his enemies, for they tried to trap him more then once. Though while he never used force, he made it quite apparent that there was no retreat in him, and was more then willing to use whatever force was necessary.
Nehemiah also reformed the government, and forced the leaders to stop oppressing the poor through over-taxation and loans with excessive interest, and he, along with ezra, led Israel in a mighty revival for God. He showed true leadership. He developed a plan, organized the people-most of which did not know him-and convinced them to work together. He defended Israel. And he did so, all within the rules of the country that controlled Israel. He honored the foreign leaders who held Israel in confinement. He figured out how to do what Jesus told us to do in the NT-to honor those put in authority over us. He didn't do it through conniving, deceipt, or even violence, though we see he was certainly capable of it. He excercised incredible self restraint, a trait that I think every savage Gentleman HAS To possess. Without self restraint, we are not gentlemen, we are just savage. He treated the poor with respect, and helped them out. He did not take anything more then what he needed-even though as governor he had the legal right to more.
Are there any more traits or actions of Nehemiah that qualify him to be a "Savage Gentleman"
How can we apply the actions of Nehemiah today? what can we do to show the same leadership?
How can we further Gods cause, while at the same time respecting the rules of the land?
Can you think of a time where you showed self restraint where it would have been tempting to lash out?
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Not comes the kingdom of God with careful observation…
The kingdom of the beast might come with careful observation as it is the one that 'rises' up from the earth, the one you will be able to observe if you diligently keep watch, giving great attention to what is taking place in the world
But the kingdom of God isn't going to come slowly, and there will not be enough time for ANYONE to be telling anyone else... 'behold here' or look there…
for the kingdom of God in the midst of you is going to take place and no one will need to be asking anyone else what is going on...
the Kingdom of GOD will be HERE IN THE MIDST of us LIKE A BOLT OF LIGHTENING, ONE SECOND not here, the next, there you are...as
THE ENTIRE WORLD will know at the exact same moment.
Again, there is going to be a 'kingdom' come upon the earth that will have people saying "LOOK, THERE HE IS"…. But that kingdom comes BEFORE the LORDS DAY and the Millennial kingdom of the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
IF anyone tells you the kingdom of God is come and to go check it out, it is time to RUN, because it isn't GODS KINGDOM, it is the ANTICHRISTS kingdom, and with GREAT SIGNS and WONDERS will even DECEIVE, if it were possible, GODS ELECT.
Those who will have put on the gospel armor will recognize that kingdom and they WILL BE DESIRING to SEE the arrival of the Son of man because they will know the BEAST having risen is going about to conquer the world, exactly as it is written, and
THAT would be the only time there would be time to hear
Matt 24:22 And if not had been shortened the days those, not there would have been saved any flesh; because of however the elect, will be shortened the days those, then if anyone to you says Behold, here [is] the Christ or Here, not believe [it]
The days of the tribulation that come before the return of Christ is the short season in which fellow servants will be killed, the same season that deception will come upon the world by the false Christs and false prophets with SIGNS GREAT AND WONDERS, and that is when they will be saying/you will be hearing 'here is the Christ'..
So exactly how is the KINGDOM found in the midst of us?
The heavens will open, the TWO WITNESSES will be raised up, a VOICE FROM HEAVEN HEARD and that is when
The KINGDOM OF GOD COMES IN LIKE THE LIGHTNING FLASHING FROM THE [ONE END] OF THE SKY TO THE [OTHER END] OF THE SKY SHINES, THUS WILL BE THE SON OF MAN IN THE DAY OF HIM
That isn't allegory or metaphor, that is just plainly written.His return will be sooo fast and sooo Bright, that the SUN will seem dull in comparison and there will NOT be one soul upon the face of the earth asking IF THE KINGDOM OF GOD or the Son of Man has returned as
EVERY KNEE WILL BOW.
What will it be like before that moment in time?
…as it came to pass in the days of Noah, THUS will it be also in the days of the Son of Man.
WHAT was taking place in the days of Noah? the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and creating GIANTS…at least until the FLOOD CAME…this time it will be FIRE COMING with Christ and the saints from heaven…THEY were eating, THEY were drinking, THEY were being given in marriage,
some would say 'those weren't fallen angels who left their habitation' but just the same old normal eating and drinking and marrying that has always been taking place BUT their 'offspring' TESTIFIES to Gods truth Fallen angels came to the earth till the FLOOD DESTROYED THEM ALL.
And when the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS RETURNs…Satan and his angels will be destroyed again…7000 instantly….
And LIKEWISEAs it came to pass in the days of Lot, THEY were eating (you don't suppose up until the days of Lot no one ate, do you?) THEY were drinking (you don't suppose up until the days of Lot no one was drinking, do you?) they were buying, selling, planting, building (you don't suppose none of that was taking place until the days of Lot, do you?)
What do we know FROM REVELATION the book telling us of the events that will take place when Christ is REVEALED once again?
Most that follows is Scripture…
7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
(5th seal, fellow servants told to wait, 6th seal fellow servants being killed while those under the altar wait, so, who comes in the 6th seal? Would the 'sun' going into mourning be given us as a big hint?)
We are LITERALLY told there have been FALLEN ANGELS upon the earth a couple times before, and as their time always ends in destruction, this next time by the BRIGHTNESS of His coming.
HOW many places does GODS WORD actually speak to these things and HOW MUCH PROOF do some men need? I believe for some this is already enough while for others there will never be. Parables, I now understand why they were used.
2 Pet 2
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
The Godly will Be Delivered
7And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Jude
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
1 Corinth 10
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13There 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.
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The Time of my Life
I was just responding to a post in the forums, about getting jobs done, now that the Covid 19 pandemic has led to lockdowns. Some of the thoughs in that post, I though would make an o.k. blog entry, so here they are:
I have not really had much of a change in getting more jobs done, because other than church related functions (attendance, Bible studies, fellowship) I hardly ever left the home anyway, so the "lockdown" has not been that big of a deal.
While missing my church life type functions has freed some time, I tend to use that time for similar purposes, writing, Bible study and the like.
I have noticed two axioms that describe my life, they always have, and they are very similar.
- Junk accrues to fit the space available
- Tasks accrue to fit the time available.
There are other factors that affect these realities. For example, suppose there is a project to do. Usually projects take tw major things: time and money! Time and money have this interesting but inverse relationship, wherein whenever you have more of one, there is usually less of the other.
Another factor that sometimes fits in, is as the older I get, the more available these thing potentially are within limitations. There are natural explanations why this is so. For example, in my younger life, I had fewer skills and less knowledge, so naturally, that reduced my earning potential. Later, that was improving, but then I had a wife and 5 kids, which took depleted most of that money. Eventually though, the kinds moved out, the wife died, and all of these drains on finances went away. Financial freedom at last! Well, not quite.
I am no longer earning money, retired now, and living on limited income. So I am mostly back where I always have been. With most of my family gone though, my expenses are down, and time available is up. While not an excess, still that must be an improvement, right?
Well along with advancing years, health degrades! I no longer have the strength and energy to work as hard as I would like. One the plus side, this give me some excuse so that I do not have to feel so guilty about my laziness and procrastination.
All and all though, I realize that there are blessings here. I find that I can focus less on things, and more on people, and my relationship with God. I realized just today, something interesting. I am glad that God does not require of me, that is literally thank Him for everything He has blessed me with. If I were to do that, there are not enough hours available to speak of His blessings if I were to attempt to itemize them.
So thank you God for everything! Amen!
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Preparation for Next Week
Thought I'd share something fun I have been working on, for next week. I was waiting for Candy Corn to go on sale before I did this.
One of the students helped me work on coloring in this turkey we stuck to a fish bowl. Will use it next week.
Would love to see any project (big or small), that you are working on.
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Quote
"Sin slew our Savior.
How can we be on friendly terms with it?"
— Charles Spurgeon
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USURPATION of AMERICA
USURPATION of AMERICA
Rantings of an Old Man
The following was initially intended as an opinion piece and comment to a thread titled, "Trump's V.P. Pick: J.D. Vance. I wanted to expand my thoughts, so I decided to turn it into a blog rant.
I am sure there is a political strategy behind Donald Trump's pick, but I cannot figure it out. One would think the top consideration would be dual popularity for votes. I can think of several picks for V.P. that would better mesh if the goal was for votes. Then again, the country has never been this politically staunch and divided, including the war between the states.
I do not know the fate of America or how our Lord's plan will unfold, but I can speculate on biblical principles. I think the late Ruth Graham, wife of the late Billy Graham, stated it best years ago:
"If God does not judge America soon, He owes an apology to Sodom and Gomorrah."
Our Lord is slow to anger; perhaps we have been granted a so-called Ninevah moment for national repentance and turning back to our God and heritage. Many people spout in every presidential election; this election is the most critical election ever for the fate of our nation. I genuinely believe our November election may be the most significant. I cannot explain how or why half of America has lost its critical thinking and common sense, which is not so common anymore. It is like they have been given up on and turned over to their desires and a debased mind.
In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy's daughter objected to this alteration. Today it reads:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Which God did our founders and President Eisenhower have in mind? Was this Unitarianism another distancing from our God and founding, our blessings, and the Creator of everything that exists? Certainly not. From foreign Muslim soil, President Obama announced America is no longer a Christian nation, but… And the hits keep on coming like birth pains.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
One piece of evidence of our national division again is red and blue states vs. North vs. South. Just as with the Civil War, the hearts and minds of swing states are politically fought with lies and deception. The United States is no longer united; it is a house: And if a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand. (Mark 3:25)
In Trump's case, there seems to be no middle ground; he is either loved or hated. Today, much of America seems to have a "spirit" of hate for everything good, calling good evil and evil good. The Bible is being called hate speech and divisive. When God is working for our good, the Devil is opposing Him. We know the future and Who wins.
Perhaps President Trump thinks he does not need to appeal to his base further for their support and win. The selection was not as much of a political strategy as a conviction of something else. I do not know this for a fact, but my wife told me that Mr. Vance was an anti-Trumper not long ago. If so, evidently, something drastically changed in his heart.
We are not voting for a denominational pastor or our inflexible ideology. We will never have the perfect government or leader, that is, until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ during His millennial reign. We currently vote for the candidates presented to us on the ballot that BEST represent our convictions, morals, and values. When an individual declares he or she cannot vote in an election in good conscience and the candidates do not meet their ideological morals and values, I believe they have no right or authority to complain or comment politically. Not voting for the so-called lesser of two evils is a vote taken away from the lesser. I never understood that type of critical thinking.
A prime example of voting for the so-called lesser of two evils: A woman's pro-choice candidate, abortion paid for by tax dollars we earned, for convenience, any reason, murder of tens of millions of innocents, with no advocate or legal rights and representation. Shedding their responsibilities and choices for their sexual out-of-wedlock actions because it will interfere with their life.
We need not guess God's view on abortion and murder: The last five of the Ten Commandments deal with human relations, the 6th commandment, you shall not murder. There are plenty of biblical commands and examples for premeditated murder, accidental homicide, and sanctuary cities (prisons).
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)
The Lord knows all of us from the beginning before we are in the womb or even form. Our omniscient Lord knows us and our choices from the start. An embryo or fetus is not an unwanted appendage; it is a stage of growth, not a piece of meat.
Science has videoed and recorded the exact moment of conception, which can be viewed on YouTube. A bright flash of light occurs in the womb, and science is dumbfounded for an explanation. I genuinely believe that this moment is the spark of God's breathing of life during procreation. We now have the human soul and spirit in the image of God, God's imagers. Everyone knows this is an innocent baby, not being born from the animal kingdom or an appendage. Is sin abounding in America and the world today? Is brotherly love, love for the infirmed and elderly, the love for our replacements, the unborn, has this grown cold? As in the days of Old Testament infant sacrifice, burning infants and children at the altar and arms of Molech, a pagan god, is a repeat.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:12)
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
The anti-Roe vs. Wade candidate opposes abortion on demand for no legitimate reason except rape or incest. I do not take a personal stand in the cases of incest or rape. There are plenty of biblical examples of incest and rape in the Bible. I cannot find one example where God condones the expulsion of a child in the womb. Nonetheless, it is still an innocent child in the womb with a sinful nature.
The Lord established human government to restrict and punish evil. It is a pattern of heavenly government. God sets and removes kings, presidents, and dictators for His plans and purposes.
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (Daniel 2:21)
We are to pray for our nation and leaders so we can live peaceable lives. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
I know nothing of Trump's V.P. pick other than he was (and still) is a Marine. That alone convinces me of his character and love of country.
These days, the word honorable is an oxymoron; it has been turned upside down and used flippantly. When a good portion of judges and politicians have a nefarious political agenda, a liberal agenda, inventing and perverting our justice system into a political witch hunt, that nameplate honorable and recognition is a bad joke. Are Obama and Biden honorable men? The days of statesmanship are long gone. Power and greed have taken over, with a New World order rapidly approaching.
Ever wonder how many of these political activists, jurists, and our masters on the bench, and those taking a knee during the National Anthem, ever put themselves in harm's way, sacrificing themselves, if need be, to defend the blessings God bestowed upon our nation? Are they willing to offer the last measure of themselves, their lives, their posterity, their loved ones, and their nation? I think not.
I have posted this before in other forums, and I might as well repeat it here. Even some secular historians get it right. It applies to all empires historically; as you read this, think of America from the first pilgrims, through the Revolutionary War, our three legal founding documents, to the present day, and our squandering, shaking our fist at God Almighty. I propose we stand at number nine:
The Cycle of Nations:
(1) From bondage to spiritual faith.
(2) From spiritual faith to great courage.
(3) From courage to liberty.
(4) From liberty to abundance.
(5) From abundance to selfishness.
(6) From selfishness to complacency.
(7) From complacency to apathy.
(8) From apathy to dependency.
(9) From dependency back again into bondage.
--Sir Alex Fraser Tyler, A Scottish jurist and historian
WARNING, here comes a rant, rated PG-13:
I no longer follow popular professional sports, except for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Donald Trump is a fan of the UFC and a friend of the foul-mouthed UFC President Dana White. I am not a fan of White's foul mouth; I could do without it.
I would dare any American traitor to take a knee at a UFC event during our National Anthem on American soil. Has anyone ever wondered if these people taking a knee have ever done anything productive to serve or better our nation other than themselves? They hate and despise our country and way of life by divine providence and bequeathed by the sweat, blood, and last measure of self by our forefathers and today's heroes. I wait for many of our elected government officials to take a knee during the National Anthem. Our government masters are a reflection of their constituents who vote for them. The left is demanding socialism, doing away with independence, wanting government dependence and socialism.
There was a widespread consensus that our founders wanted George Washington to be the "King of America." In his wisdom, he rebuked that idea. As the first president of the United States, George Washington commented, thus setting the precedence and example, that there should not be any career politicians in the same office. Look at the many career politicians of today who have never served in the military, have no experience in the civilian sector, and appointed heads over departments they know absolutely nothing about. Our current president cannot even correctly salute, and I keep waiting for his left-hand salute with fingers cupped.
With the windup and the hesitation behind me, here comes the pitch. The White House was lit up in rainbow Gay colors, celebrating and supporting an abomination to God. Congress opened a session with a guest clergy member praying to the Hindu god Brahma, closing the prayer with Aman, and A woman. There is not much outrage or controversy over that. Then, Pastor Jack Hibbs, a man of God, was recently invited to open a session of Congress with a prayer, praying to the One True Living God and praying to and through the precious Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. We all heard the outcry and hate of how dare you to bring up Jesus Christ.
I would agree mixed martial arts are a bloody violent combat sport, not for the faint of heart. I can assure you the battlefield where war occurs is much worse, along with historical fights in ancient arenas to the death.
I can think of no instance of Israel taking the land of milk and honey or holding it without a fight, the shedding of blood, and the loss of life. We know the reason why that was the case.
All combat military personnel are trained in hand-to-hand combat, martial artists, and special forces to a much higher degree. Freedom is not free; there have always been warriors to defend national borders and wars of aggression.
To the point of my rant: Though it might be manipulated, thus far, we still have a right to the ballot box, a say on whom governs us, and the direction of our nation, liberties, and world affairs. We choose who we think is best for that job legally and through a defined process.
As Christians, I hope we participate in that right and freedom before it is too late. Through the process, I hope Christians differentiate between the candidates, voting for the BEST candidates representing our convictions, morals, and values.
Too many people vote today based on looks, eloquence, personality, showmanship, personal agendas, and what your government can do for you, not what you can do for your country. The greed of America is entitlement and what the government can give us out of the public treasury for votes.
I believe our time has arrived, as in Nazi Germany and other national propaganda. Whether Vladimir Lenin or Joseph Goebbels originated or adopted it is unimportant. It is the antithesis of truth and from the pit of Hell.
"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it. People will eventually come to believe it."
The above rings true in politics, slogans, from many church pulpits, evolutionary theory, what our youth replacements are being brainwashed in educational camps, and the liberal news media. Half of America has swallowed the Jim Jones grape Kool-Aid.
"There are none so blind as those who refuse to see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know."
there are none so blind as those who will not see - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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~~How to form good habits~~
"If you do not consciously form good habits, you will unconsciously form bad ones"
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Taking a break.
I know it's been a few days already, but I have some things I need to sort out and this will require some time away from Worthy, especially over the weekend if you have been looking forward to more entries I would ask you to be a bit patient with me as I do what I must do .
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Latest Entry
***Fixed: The Treasure In The Field \O/
Salvation is more pressing as each day goes by. it is so hard to have that conversation to a world that is lost to worldly distractions and its temporary systems, this side of heaven
Why Is Salvation So Important? its far more important than anything that the world offers and the verbal sparring of ideas wont get us to heaven with being right. interesting though that is. The single only thing is believing in WHAT Jesus Christ did for all of us as in all of us and WHO Jesus Christ is, he is the Son of God.
John 3:15 Context
12If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:15 basically all you need to do to get saved or born again is to believe in WHO Jesus Christ is, he is the Son of God
John 3:16 repeats Believeth in him, which confirms + strengthens 3:15
John 3:16 For God so loved the world is key, Notice the word, 'loved' is used, this is past tense. what this means is that Jesus Christ made a way for people to get saved. He made a way for everyone to get saved. He died once and for all time.
Jesus Christ did his part by sacrificing himself on the cross it is a finished work! and now we for our part in order to accept the free gift of salvation (no strings attached)by grace through faith
John 3:18 Tells us what will happen to those that refuse to believe in Jesus Christ who he is and what he did for all of mankind. in effect they are rejecting God and his free gift of Salvation (through Jesus Christ). God is a just and merciful God who allows us to have free will to chose to believe or not. God doesn't make anyone believe, it is down to each and everyone of us to make that decision individually its between us and God.
NB God Doesn't Send People To Hell, people by rejecting God are whether they know it or not are in effect choosing hell. That is terrible you say and unfair. But God sent his only begotten Son to die for us all he shed his precious blood on the cross for all of our sins and died and rose again on the 3rd day
I would add that it is the blood of Jesus Christ that is important
once we believe WHAT Jesus Christ did for us we are "under the blood", the stain of our Sin is now covered by the blood of Christ. Jesus . Jesus Christ has redeemed us he has paid in full for all of our sins.
Put Simply, (well hopefully!) this now means that God no longer sees us as sinner's who are under his wrath. God now sees imputed righteousness because of WHAT Christ did for us. Isaiah 64:6. we are now children of God and not because of anything we have done!
i guess you might be asking , ok so now i am free to sin! No not at all see Romans 6:1-23 + James 2:18,20
it is the blood that has the power to save souls, not good works, good character, generous donator of time and money etc, although these things are good to do, anyone who thinks that they will automatically, ( if they give much thought to that ) go to heaven when they die is gravely mistaken good works will not save you.
once we are saved then good works are the fruit of Salvation Galatians 5:22. we now do good works because of WHAT Jesus Christ did for us. not to impress others and not to get saved or to stay saved. However our remaining time here is to go and spread the gospel of Salvation, which is what i am attempting to do here it is not easy (especially having to type it all out again!) as i am not naturally one for, 'sticking m neck out!' i do it to glorify God.
Anyone who chooses not to believe and trust in the finished work of the cross, God views as children of sin of the devil and therefore NOT children of God
The Gospel Of Salvation 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Disclaimer: i dont imagine i have covered all the salient points but i am doing my best!
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Immortality--Where does it come From?
Regarding 'destruction' and its context vis a vis those outside of Christ when taken across the entire bible a stronger case exists that it results in a cessation of existence.
Immortality comes from Christ (God). Nowhere is it stated that those unregenerate inherit immortality. On the contrary, Paul is very clear on this in Cor. 15.
Those outside of Christ suffer the corruption that earns death and then death itself is destroyed.
There are two poles regarding ontology; Life and Death. That which lives and that which dies.
In order to get where some wish to--you have to have God give immortality to the dead, corrupting, evil that remains outside of Christ subsequent to "all things being summed up in Christ".
This contradiction needs to be addressed.
Are all things 'summed up In Christ' or is something else that is eternal exist outside of Christ somewhere?
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FLESHLY METHODS versus HOLY SPIRIT MINISTRATIONS
1Thessalonians 2:3-8
(3) For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,
(4) but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
(5) For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.
(6) Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
(7) But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.
(8) So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
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The Keys to the Kingdom
Matthew 16:19 (KJV)
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Having the key(s) to anything infers being locked out of something or some place to begin with. And that the key(s) are the initial opening / unlocking. The lock between heaven and hell is the Lord
Jesus:
John 3:16–18 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.The key to unlock the lock is faith.
Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.But, that which authenticates all is the scriptures.
Psalm 138:2 (KJV)
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.John 17:17 (KJV)
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.The keys to the kingdom for humanity begins at the beginning in the Bible the Word of God:
2 Peter 1:20–21 (KJV)
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 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.All scripture is prophetic (which is merely stating that it is professed) by the Holy Spirit as described in verse 21. The Holy Spirit according to the text is therefore the only one
suited and fit for interpreting the Word that he wrote (through the writing prophets).
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.2 Timothy 3:16–17 (Young's Literal Translation)
16 every Writing is God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that is in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be fitted—for every good work having been completed.John 16:13 (KJV)
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.Key number 1: 2 Peter 1:20-21
Key number 2: 1 John 4:1
1 John 4:1 (KJV)
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.We are to try or test the spirits (even when we think it is the Holy Spirit) because we human beings are quite gullible, stubborn, selfish, and opinionated. We are too easily impressed by slick talking snake oil salesmen. And charismatic leaders etc.
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:21 we are supposed to be testing / proving everything anyway.
Key number 3: Acts 17:11
The way we test anything is by the scriptures:
Acts 17:11 (KJV)
11 These 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.Apparently the Apostle Paul taught everywhere he taught the principle of 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Key number 4: Proverbs 25:2
Proverbs 25:2 (KJV)
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.Key number 5: Deuteronomy 29:29
Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV)
29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.Key number 6: Isaiah 28:9-13
Isaiah 28:9–13 (KJV)
9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. -
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Despair
No matter what I have witnessed and regardless of what I have been through, the despair never goes away.
The Lord has moved mightily, and He chose to display His power in me on more than one occasion, and still I despair.
It is for this reason that the Lord remains with me just as He was on that day when I was close to the grave, and I hear His voice... and He inclines His ear toward me. When the Lord speaks, I listen only to Him, and when I call out to the Lord, He hears my voice. I never understood why when I am most assuredly the most ignorant and horrible man that ever lived, and I still despaired.
He knew that I couldn't understand why, so He has held me in His hand when there was no hope, and all was lost. I didn't know where my next meal was coming from, but He provided that food every time. I didn't have a place to rest my head and yet, He would provide a place for me to rest my bones for a little while anyway. It was always more than sufficient, and still I despaired.
When I asked the Lord to reveal the fulness of my affliction and why I despair considering all that I have witnessed, He granted my prayer and revealed the truth... and I despaired. All I could see was vanity and pointless striving for nothing under the sun and so He introduced me to the words of the Preacher in Jerusalem, who despaired long before I was born. I despaired that I had witnessed the same vanity.
The Lord comforts me in this knowledge that the world of men is nothing but vanity, assuring me that I remain as it suits His purpose, and still I despair. Despair never goes away.
The Spirit permits me to witness how I have encouraged others with words of hope, and it is precisely because I despair that He chose me to be the bearer of encouragement! I was stunned by His revelation. This was His commandment to me after He raised me up from ruin, that I am to speak words of encouragement; so long as I strive to encourage others, it pleases Him to bless those words I speak or write. And so I said to the Lord,
Why do I despair? It would have been better to have perished on that day when I finally lost everything,
Or to have never been born to a mother who cursed me.
Why did I become acquainted with terror before I was old enough to understand it?
And why did You not permit me to end my life over those long years when I sought every way and means possible to accomplish the deed?
I don't understand anything, Lord. I am an ignorant and stupid man! Even now, do I not inquire when my time on this earth will be over? When will this despair finally come to an end? Please tell me so I will know.
And the Lord says this to me, that I only suffer for a little while. Have I forgotten His promise that He is with me always, and that I am always with Him? That He will never leave nor abandon me even though I despair? It is for this reason, being acquainted with terror and hopelessness, that He prepared me to serve those who are afraid and despair. Having been rejected by my first house, I was received into His House; when no one claimed me, He claimed me as His own. Who better to serve the rejected, than one who was rejected? Who better to give the encouraging word, than one who languished without an encouraging word for so long?
And so, being encouraged daily by the voice of the Lord Almighty, I understand the value of the encouraging word and how in this world of vanity and strife, the encouraging word is priceless and sorely needed. I had forgotten that I am to deliver the encouraging word, and I despaired.
The Lord knows that despair will remain with me until my time on earth is done. It's only for a little while. -
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The Whale and its Spout
Animals - and people - die unless they get oxygen. For humans brain cells begin to die after 4 minutes of oxygen deprivation. For most mammals breathing is an automatic function. Cetaceans, however, have a very unique design. Breathing for them is entirely voluntary. It would never work for them to have automatic breathing with their life in a world of water. There are many species, from the playful dolphin to the massive Blue whale. When people in boats see a silver spout shooting up from the waves, they know it is a whale. Even the shape of the spout is used to identify the type of whale.
The whale will sink to the bottom and die until it voluntarily spouts, and intakes a fresh breath of air. Without its breaths it becomes shark meat or a foul rotting carcass on the beach. I have watched many videos of the dead carcasses of whales on the beach. It is a very unpleasant sight. One of these carcasses even exploded from the rotten gasses inside of it!
Why do I talk about an animal that has to voluntarily breathe? The Christian has a very necessary and voluntary activity that he has that is necessary for his spiritual life. Prayer. Without it the soul festers within and becomes easy prey to various sins. Prayer is important to spiritual vitality and growth. Even in scripture Christians are commanded to pray.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.
Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Without prayer we become spiritually rotten and festering.
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We’ve not only reinstalled Worthy Chat, but we've also introduced several exciting new features to keep the room Christ-centered and engaging.
Here’s what’s new:
Christian Radio: Enjoy uplifting Christian radio stations while chatting.
Interactive Chat Commands: You can now use special commands to enhance your chat experience:
/joke: Share a random, clean joke to bring some light-hearted fun to the conversation.
/word: Receive an encouraging word or quote to inspire you.
/bible (Book) (Chapter):(Verse/Verses): Post Bible passages directly from Worthy.Bible.
For example, typing /bible genesis 1:1 will display Genesis 1:1 in the chat.
I'll think of other features to add while I have a few days before going on a crazy speaking tour.
Be blessed,
George