timf

https://rightlydividing.org/

Sometimes insight can come slowly and other times insight can come rapidly. Would that God would show us that of which we need to cease. Perhaps immersion in the truth of God's word and the exercise of discernment can be helpful in discovering and avoiding that of which we would later be ashamed. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Here a blog post from christianpioneer.com that describes how struggles can be beneficial. Beneficial Adversity There was an image circulated via email a few days ago with four pictures. The first showed the men on Iwo Jima raising the US flag in WWII. It was titled, “Hard times make strong men”. The next image was of a man working on his car in the 1950s. It was titled, “Strong men make good times”. The third image was of people partying in the 1980s. It was titled, “Good times make weak men”. The last picture was of abandoned houses in Detroit that looked like a demilitarized zone. It was titled, “Weak men make hard times”. I once worked with a man (a non-custodial parent) who said one of the saddest things I have ever heard, he said, “The laziest person I have ever seen is my son. He never gets up from a video game except to go to the refrigerator.” It is not uncommon for the older generation to comment on the flaws they see in the younger generation. However, this does not automatically mean that these observations are invalid. By creating a social environment for our children of unending entertainment, subsidized indolence, unrestrained consumerism, offense at every slight (real or imagined), and the cultivation of a critical spirit to contend with that of a movie, restaurant or theater critic, we may have produced a generation of perpetual adolescents with weak character. This may have been done with good intentions, but the result indicates that it might be legitimately called child abuse. A generation or two ago a wayward child could have been sent to the military where exposure to an adverse environment might have helped him develop the strength of character he was missing. Unfortunately, the military environment has been modified as to not inflict such character improving difficulty. In addition, the military no longer desires to accept those in need of correction. The bible tells us that the Lord “chastens” those he loves. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, wrestling against sin. And ye have quite forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:4-6 There is a saying that the best education in the world comes from the school of hard knocks, the problem is that the tuition is so high. For Christians, we have the option to surrender ourselves to the Lord’s leading in humility and sincerity so that we might avoid the more harsh chastening the Lord might use to get our attention such as getting laid off, finding ourselves in the midst of divorce, or struggling with addiction when we should have already been seeking his leading. Satan is almost finished using Christians to advance the plan of global collectivism he has been advancing for centuries. As a result, Christians should expect to face increasing hostility and persecution. In addition to finally getting Christians to curtail their love affair with the world, we might find that increasing hostility improves our character by seeking after and clinging to Jesus. This might result in a more clear testimony as Peter tells those about to undergo persecution; 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

Paul's writing does seem to have a different emphasis than the writing of James, Peter, and John. This might be that those writing to the faithful remnant of Israel awaiting the possible return of Christ to establish the earthly kingdom had a different gospel than the gentiles. Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; The two gospels have salvation by faith in common. Paul was called to be the apostle to the gentiles and dispense God's grace to them. Eph_3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: The theology of dispensationalism has been losing ground recently and many hate the idea of differentiating Paul from the Hebrew writers or the gospels. The earthly kingdom would require the acceptance of Israel of their king. One might see in the calling of Paul the provision of a way for the nations to hear about the grace of God should Israel not respond to the kingdom offer. The book of Revelation describes a horrific time in the future when a faithful remnant of Israel will be enthusiastic to receive the earthly kingdom. If one looks at the kingdom gospel of an earthly kingdom for the nation of Israel as distinct from the individual gospel of grace for the gentiles, many seeming differences in the New Testament are resolved. For example, those of Israel are told to endure, while gentile believers are told they are complete in Christ.

The "hell" of the Old Testament (sheol) would be comparable to the "hell" of the New Testament (Hades) Jesus uses "hell" (gehenna) possibly referring to the valley of Hnnon where garbage was burned. Hell is different than the Lake of Fire or the second death spoken of in Revelation. Ezekiel has some references to the after life in sheol such as souls being able to see and recognize others. There is also a distinction of the uncircumcised dead. One should be careful not to exceed what little the bible says.

Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. If we consider that Satan sets the course of the world for now (Eph 2:2). We also can have some understanding of his plans (2Cor 2:11). We might be able to see that throughout history he has been advancing collectivism to leverage his influence with the objective of making his move in an attempt to control the world. One might consider it was necessary to hijack Western Civilization to develop the technology he would need to control everyone. We might also see that these tools are now in existence. Strategically one might consider that the strength of the West that he needed to hold coherence while his tools were being developed, he now needs to be rid of so that they would not represent a potential threat to him. One might further see that he needed to have us destroy ourselves either socially or physically. Given recent populist political movements, they idea that we could be led in a liberal direction of self-indulgent destruction may have to be reconsidered. The idea that we could destroy ourselves with war becomes more likely the more we resist going "woke". If getting nuked is an increasing possibility, those who live outside of cities may wish to post something similar to the following in their houses so that survivors may have a chance to understand why these things are happening. https://christianpioneer.com/blogarchieve/blog187.htm For those with an interest in history, one might see Satan's hand working much longer than is commonly thought. https://christianpioneer.com/videos/ebooks/Satanic_history_of_the_world_v1.pdf https://christianpioneer.com/cphone ebooks/shotw/shotw main.htm

In the mid 70s I lived in California and saw him on TV. I sent away for his books and did not find them persuasive. We know some people recently who are attending a church that still follows those teachings. I understand that HWA had a split with his son who wanted to get back to more normal Christianity. It is sad to see people raised from their youth in what is almost a cult. It really cripples them from maturing in their faith.

The decision to move that has been considered for five years does not sound like a binary decision (ie should I move to this particular house, or stay). It sounds more like a decision to remain with a particular situation or not. This could refer to a divorce, a young person trying to get away from their family, or even someone getting a hard time where they work. In an abusive situation the first priority is to get somewhere safe. Sometimes the answer is to stay; 1Co 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. Some people use a measurement standard of their own preferences to make a decision. A more biblical method might be to consider where one can do the most good. You are closest to the situation. Since it is something you have considered fro years, it must be a difficult decision. You may want to also consider options that do not involve moving at all. For example, if you are dealing with a difficult person, you can start to talk about Jesus with them which often results in them leaving you alone. It may also be possible to experiment with steps shorter than a move. For example, just aiding an activity to your schedule can divert you from people or a situation for a little time (sort of like a mini move) that might shed light on what the effects of a greater absence might be. In the last analysis, you are going to have to decide. However, you may wish to avoid seeing a move as the only solution if for five years it has been seen as the only option. A narrowing of focus can exclude other options from being considered.

I have been chewing on this for a while have have two possible theories, but am not completely satisfied with ether.It is said that it is appointed for man once to die and then judgement. However, it seems that the rich man had not yet been judged, but was experiencing torment. A sort of oblique answer is given by Abraham; Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 1. The first theory was that this sort of torment was for Israel as a consequence of disobeying the law (neglect of the poor). 2. The second theory is that this might be independent of final judgement and apply to those who held the truth in unrighteousness. This might be a way that truth is appreciated resulting in a time when every knee shall band and tongue confess. This might see some support from the definition of torments (basanos) This word was used for a touchstone that showed the purity of gold and silver coins. It was also used to describe the torture Greek slaves we given in legal proceeding to verify their testimony. There is not much detail given about hell (Sheol or Hades). However, phrases like "whose iniquities are upon their bones" (Ez 32:27) do not shed much light. I would be interested to hear what others, who have given this subject some study, have discovered.

I think that God gave humans free will even knowing what we would do with it. So each step of human history is an example of us making wrong choices both individually and collectively. Yet God was faithful and patient. Some call the covenants, others dispensations, however, it is obvious that God has plans even as we do not take advantage of them, God provides the possibility. https://christianpioneer.com/blogarchieve/blog227.htm

Eze 36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Eze 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Eze 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. It seems to me that Jesus was chastising Nicodemus for not knowing the above. The earthly kingdom for Israel was supposed to have supernatural changes for those of Israel; Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. While the earth is still waiting for a redeemed Israel to recive the earthly kingdom, Christians today have already been seated with Christ in the heavenlies; Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Col_1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: We Christians have already been translated into the heavenly kingdom. Once Christ returns to establish his kingdom on earth, all things in heaven and earth will be placed under Christ.

This is straight from AI : This seems to be said with the reverence one might expect for the bible. It is scary how many are turning to AI instead of the bible or AI to explain the bible.

Idolatry was quite a racket in the ancient world. BY telling people that something favorable would happen if they sacrificed they could win one way. By telling people to sacrifice when things were bad, they could win the other way. An agrarian society could support up to 20% priestly parasites. By exploiting fear and greed, people could be led almost anywhere to do almost anything, even killing their children. Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: Almost all of Satan's tactics work on some basis of working to gain some advantage. (if you do X, you can get Y) At the core of this is the exploitation of the flesh which operates to satisfy selfishness. Christians are called to be like Jesus (selfless). Selflessness is also the take away in the biblical definition of love (called charity in the KJV) 1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 1Co 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. The reason love can work no ill to its neighbor is that it is void of self. This is a picture of the transition of walking in the flesh to walking by the Spirit.

The Christian life is essentially a transition form the selfishness of the flesh to the selflessness of love. 2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Bible translations can be a tricky issue. Here is an article from christianpioneer.com about it Bible Translations Most Christian bookstores have numerous versions of the bible available for sale. The usual requirement is for it to be easy to read. This may not be the best criteria if one plans on using it to get a clear understanding of what is true. Passions can run high in regard to what is the “best” translation. To understand this subject it can be useful to examine how we came to have the bible. The first and largest part of the bible is the Old Testament written mostly in Hebrew and translated into Greek as what is called the Septuagint in about 200 BC. The word “testament” can also be called covenant or contract and refers the the agreement between the nation of Israel and God made at Mt. Sinai. Most bible translations use the Hebrew of the Masoretic text which was compiled roughly 1000 AD. The discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls dated to around 100 BC tend to support the accuracy of the Masoretic text over the Septuagint. The second part of the bible is Called the New Testament and was written in Greek. The first four books are called the gospels and written to give a record of Jesus and what he said, what he did, and where he went during his ministry. The rest of the New Testament are epistles (letters) written by Paul, John, James, Peter, and Jude to various groups and churches. Already at the time of Paul copies of letters were being distributed (Col 4:16). In the 4th century Jerome wrote a translation from the Greek into Latin that was used by the Roman Catholic church for over 1000 years. The quality of his translation left something to be desired. For example the practice of penance was derived from a result of his mistranslation of the Greek metanoia (often translated as repent in English and meant a change of mind in Greek). Jerome translated metanoia into Latin as poenitentiam agite (do penance). As an ascetic himself, he perhaps might be understood to have seen this as a requirement. Two events happened in the 1400s that would change how Christians would have access to the bible. Constantinople finally fell to the Muslims and the printing press was invented. Scholars from Constantinople brought their copies of the Greek bible with them and some secured teaching positions in Western European universities. Erasmus was a scholar and widely traveled around 1500. In 1515 he had published a Greek New Testament from eight copies of the Greek he had managed to compile. He had been motivated to make a Greek version since he was so dissatisfied with how the Latin version had been translated. Over the next 100 years the compilation Erasus had made was further edited and came to be known as the Textus Receptus (received text). Since then thousands more Greek texts and fragments have been discovered and added to what is now called the “Majority Text” The King James Version of the bible was first published in 1611. However, numerous initial printing and other errors were corrected which is why some refer to the KJV less as 1611 than as the Authorized version which includes a later more correct version. Many today hold to a strong view that the KJV bible is inspired or preserved by God. It would seem difficult to support this view as there are also a few errors in the KJV. However, one can understand a degree of defensiveness because almost all modern translations of the bible are based on a different Greek text than the one used for the KJV. Almost all modern translations use a compilation of the Greek called the Critical Text (Also Alexandrian is used) which is different than the Majority Text. In the late 1800s there was a push by academics to have a newer version of the Greek to be used for bible translations. Today the NA28 (Nestle Aland version 28) is mostly used. These versions are considered to be approved by committees of scholars that study various manuscripts. Nestle built his compilation in 1898 by using the Tiscendorf Greek (based on his discovery of a manuscript scheduled to be burned in a monastery in Sinai) and Wescott and Hort who were partial to the Vaticanus manuscript. In 1927 Nestle’s son Erwin came out with version 13 which reduced even further the inclusion of majority text documents. My opinion is that the Critical Text is inferior, but not cataclysmically so. While getting an accurate version of the original language is important, much greater risk is involved in trying to take the meaning of one word and bring it into another language. For example language is dynamic and changeable. In 1611 the word “test” had not yet come into usage in the English language. As a result, translators would use worlds like “try” or “prove”. If one were to translate the English word “tall” into another language a choice might have to be made as a mountain can be tall as well as a man. Similarly, in Greek the word “aion” (age, frequently the time of the reign of a ruler) can be variable and is often translated as “eternal” in English. Young’s Literal Translation uses “age-during” to translate aion. The Amplified translation even though it uses the critical Greek text provides multiple words to translate the original language that can help the reader understand better. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: - KJV Eph 2:8 For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; - Amplified Another example of usefulness is the Wuest translation although it also is based on the Critical text makes use of verb information often lost when bringing the Greek to the English. Eph 2:8 For by the grace have you been saved in time past completely, through faith, with the result that your salvation persists through present time; and this is not from you as a source; of God it is the gift, - Wuest It can be helpful to have computer software like esword (free) which allows one to examine the original languages and provides bible dictionaries for the original languages. Eph 2:8 ForG1063 by graceG5485 areG2075 ye savedG4982 throughG1223 faith;G4102 andG2532 thatG5124 notG3756 ofG1537 yourselves:G5216 it is theG3588 giftG1435 of God:G2316 (KJV esword w/Stong’s numbers) Strong’s G4102 faith From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. Thayer - G4102 1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it 1a) relating to God 1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ 1b) relating to Christ 1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God 1c) the religious beliefs of Christians 1d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same 2) fidelity, faithfulness 2a) the character of one who can be relied on One can begin to see how bible tools would be useful for one who desires to delve into the bible and draw from it an accurate understanding. I prefer the KJV for several reasons. Firstly, it is drawn from a superior Greek text. Secondly, the translators did not try to simplify it. Thirdly, its wider use of the English vocabulary approaches the poetic in both expressiveness and almost Shakespearean evocativeness. Lastly, it is useful to locate a verse if it contains a word less common in today’s English. However, the KJV is not perfect, but serves well as a springboard from which to explore the original languages especially since many tools are keyed to the Strong’s numbering system.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

It may be helpful to consider that God's plans will be accomplished in spite of the free will choices of men and nations. Plan “F”? God created heaven and earth perfect. This was plan “A” When Satan’s pride led him to rebel against God and take a third of the angles with him, God had plan “B”. When Adam and Eve sinned, plan “C” went into effect. However, just a few generations after Adam and Eve people became so wicked (amplified by angelic interference) that the world was destroyed with a flood and only eight people were saved. This brought us to plan “D”. However, with the Tower of Babble, it was apparent that a more direct means of getting people to know about their creation, God, and the need for faith a plan “E” was needed. The nation of Israel was supposed to be a nation of priests who would bring the knowledge of God to the whole world. God put an awful lot of work into plan “E”. The Old Testament of the bible is almost all about What Israel was supposed to do, promises to Israel about the future, and a continual record of their disregard for God. Sending Jesus as the promised Messiah was the culmination of the plan of God to offer a way back to eternal life that was lost by Adam and Eve. Since Israel did not accept the kingdom offered by Jesus at his ministry to the nation, dramatic circumstances will be brought on earth such that a faithful remnant of Israel will be persuaded to received the kingdom. However, this cataclysmic event will not happen until after plan “F” has run its course. The nation of Israel was supposed to receive the gospel of the kingdom and her king, Jesus, and subsequently bring the knowledge of God to the world. This knowledge instead was spread by those through the gospel of the grace of God introduced by Paul who was called to be an apostle to the gentiles. This might be called plan “F”. When the full number of the gentiles come in, plan “G” would be established where Jesus returns to earth and rules as king from Jerusalem for 1,000 years. These various plans are not the result of God not having control (being all knowing he knew that we would fall short), but of his allowing humans and angles to have free will. The angels were created all at once and with knowledge. They made their choice all at once. Humans are born sequentially and in ignorance. As a result, God endures the evils that result from bad choices until he can harvest a “crop” of those that surrender to his will. Some call these “plans” covenants or dispensations. However, these names can be misleading. The world “plan” can also be misleading. It does convey that God is in charge, however, it fails to convey that they might better be called opportunities. Each of these “plans” demonstrate that no matter what the circumstances, most people will ultimately reject God and seek to go their own way. God structured our redemption to be based on faith (trust). Trust is given to that which is true. Israel would keep their laws when they trusted God as a demonstration of faith. Today with plan “F” those who trust in Jesus and his payment on the cross for our sins are regenerated unto the eternal life that is in Christ, can have the Holy Spirit make them better people, and have access to the wisdom of God.. Rom 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

2Ti_3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Most Christians live in the flesh and do not even rise to the point of "persecution". The word translated persecution means to put to flight and describes how the world reacts to anyone attempting to "live godly". Walking by the Spirit instead of the flesh is something that few see as a practical reality. What is really difficult is trying to live godly using the power of the flesh.

In days gone by many tracts were printed and distributed by people. It might be useful to have one in a video format as many (especially younger) people now see videos as their primary information portal. 19 minutes long https://christianpioneer.com/videos/video tract christianity comp.mp4

A person who is a spirit. The Father is also a spirit. The Son was, but became flesh for us.

I used to lead a bible study in a juvenile detention facility. There would usually be a group of 20 teen age boys. I would ask to see the hands of everyone who had been confirmed and most would raise their hands. I would then ask to see the hands of anyone who knew what that meant. I seldom saw a hand raised. Most go through the religion machine with no connection to their real life. For them "believing" is an acknowledgement or agreement. This falls short of the trust that defines faith.

The idea the one person's ember will ignite a fire may be overly optimistic. It is more like that parents that put their children in public school to be "missionaries". Here is a like to sadly recounts how one church unraveled with a worldly orientation. https://sapulpamessenger.com/warning-baptist-churches-learn-failure/

When a church is run as an organizational system, it can demonstrate mechanical qualities that tend to quash the relationships we need to grow in Christ. When denominational distinctives dominate, the carnality Paul wrote the Corinthians about surfaces. Sometimes churches can be hindrances. It can be useful to cultivate Christian relationships outside of church as well. A common story used by pastors to illustrate the importance of church is cited about a pastor who visited a man who had been absent from church for a while. The two were sitting in front of a fire and the pastor used a iron to pull an ember out and the ember started to die out. The man told the pastor he got the point. I told the pastor who shared it with me, what happens when you are the ember and the fire is out.

I would suggest that God is less variable than we are. Our emotional reactions can vary considerably and may not have any bearing on God's closeness or distance. For those who make determinations that God controls every aspect of their life, there can be periods that seem void of direct interventions. This may not be God's absences, but an indication they we were mistaken about his previous direct control. We know from the bible that God desires all to come to a knowledge of the truth. However, seeing every aspect of our life directed by God may not be following truth and might even cause us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. One might think he honors God by attributing every pleasant thing that happens to him. However, this is similar to how pagans viewed their gods. If one looks at the life of Paul, one can see some direct intervention. However,this was for God's purposes. It did not stop Paul from being beaten and almost killed. God may not have any interest in what shoes we buy, what school we go to, what job we have, or who we marry. Life will be easy or hard based on choices we make and random forces. What God is hoping for is that those who trusted in Jesus will use their free will to mature into the image of Christ. Micromanaging us tends to defeat the purpose of free will.

We live in strange times. Up until 100 years ago people throughout the world lived in large extended families. Children would grow up with intimate knowledge of those whom they would marry, work, and live with. Today people are driven to bars to try to meet someone. The alternative is to find a church that actually teaches the bible, get involved in activities like Sunday School, and see if you can meet and get to know those who might have a reciprocal view of you. You may wish to focus on your own spiritual growth so that you can be the sort of person that would be attractive to the sort of person you would like to meet.