Indentured Servant

Christian theology cannot accept that Sabbath doesn't always refer to the last day of the week. Passover, and other festivals, have special Sabbath days that take place on no specific day of the week. In the last week of Jesus, the start of Passover was on Wednesday for the Sadducees, Thursday for the Pharisees. Jesus did not recognize that of the Pharisees and began passover on Wednesday evening. Three days from that was the weekly Sabbath. As well, Christian theologians alter the English translation that states, "Sabbath," referring to the weekly Sabbath, as "first day of the week." No honest translator would ever render scripture in that manner. The Catholic church, antisemitic back in the day, refused to share the same day with Jews, so it was changed to Sunday, the first day of the week, and was documented and is available to see. The translation was altered to reflect the change as if it had been done in scripture. Tradition... Doctrine and dogma, will not allow Christians to believe this, nor change from the Catholic Church's control of scriptural interpretation in this matter. Christ was the passover lamb, crucified on the Passover Sabbath, three full days and three full nights before the weekly Sabbath. Theologians will have you believe that "any part of a day is counted as a full day," but this concept is not, nor ever has been, recognized in the Hebrew mindset and practices. Be aware, though, if you press this issue in the church, you will be harshly judged and likely asked to leave your church. If they allow you to stay, you will not be taken seriously for your "heretical" slander of traditional, "majority" doctrine.

I should have worded that in a way that it wouldn't be taken out of context, hahaha. I, too, believe in submitting to government authorities; however, I don't involve myself in their function. I pay taxes because money belongs to the the government... It says so on every bill and coin. I dismiss my government-provided right to vote because I don't need to be a cog in that machine. It has been said, "right wing, left wing... It's still the same bird." I also have the government's provision to the free exercise of religion, but that freedom is also squelched or denied the moment I walk into a church that requires one to conform to their version of religion via denomination, doctrine, politics, or business model. I have had the misfortune of having been a marksman in the military and trained to lead an assault team, but I fully reject my worldly right to "bear arms" and would rather sacrifice my worldly belongs, including my life, to prevent taking the life of another. (Believe me, even to save your own life, taking another life is, and should be, an ungodly act.) I am law-abiding, the scripture dictates that I should be, because I am IN the world; but, I am NOT a part of it due to my full acceptance of my heavenly citizenship. My life reflects my total devotion to God, not the government, church, or any other earthly entity. My active citizenship in heaven, and the practice of the freedoms provided by my one ruler, the Lord Jesus Christ... Not Christ and the US Constitution; rather, Christ and the Word of God. If the warring sides of political influence both decide to take from me my constitutional freedoms, including the free practice of religion, I've lost nothing, and have not labored to fight in a battle of worldly powers... I'm too busy with spiritual darkness to concern myself with their worldly symptoms. I don't judge anyone who chooses to be involved in the influence of government policies and laws, but I have the freedom in Christ that is apart from, and exceeds, any effort I could ever exert in this world to protect the freedoms I possess in God alone. "Indentured Servant" is not a quaint moniker that I have chosen; it is my identity, and my one freedom... To be owned and directed by the Lord as I gain my freedom from this world. I have been bought with the price He paid for me.

Things are ramping up, for sure.

There are isolated reports here in America like that. While this can seem alarming, it's not always the Word of God or the freedom of religion that's being attacked... It's individuals and groups that are challenging laws that are in place...Trespassing, noise ordinances, violating traffic patterns, etc. Some have even run church services like a business in a residential neighborhood - they call it a "house church," but have a paid pastor and the financial status of a business. They violate zoning, parking & traffic restrictions, fire codes, etc, then publicly claim that they are being punished for being Christian. They used "religious freedom" to attempt to justify breaking laws that scripture tells us we should follow, as none of the laws they break violate their faith, only their arrogance.

The descriptions of Babylon: the Mother of Prostitutes, (found in Revelation), and her punishments, are all found in the Prophets of the Old Testament. Even direct quotes concerning details match with specific traits and judgements of Israel. As matter of geography, all her sins and all the nations with whom she committed adultery are contained within the future perimeter of New Jerusalem - 12,000 stadia on each side, Jerusalem as its center. I only use scripture to reveal prophecy. Many are hesitant to study deeply enough into God's Word to find this. It is much easier for us to see the opinions created by researching current events and trying to define scripture through the lens of the world. I used to... At times, my bookshelf looked like a pastor's library, filled with commentaries, study guides, books, books, books. I was a bible teacher, ("mimicker"), for more than thirty years. I have since abandoned everything that is found in commentaries. I've learned to rely solely on Scripture and the Spirit of God for knowledge, wisdom, and insight. But, that's me... I don't judge anyone for adopting their beliefs from the variety of teachings that exist in this world.

I've read numerous reports over the decades that all conclude that when Christianity is illegal, and can result in imprisonment or death, it grows exponentially. China, Russian, countries in Africa, North Korea, and many others see a remarkable increase in believers when threatened with persecution. Here, in America, we are in a decline of attendance... My take on this is that we believe in the superiority of "freedom of religion." We are taught that we've been "blessed by God." I personally believe we will be blessed when we have that worldly freedom taken away and are physically persecuted: imprisoned, beaten, maimed, killed, and no longer are seen in public buildings, no longer allowed to be accepted, tolerated, nor work in the public sector. We need to stop thinking America is where we have our citizenship. We strive to make a kingdom of Christianity in this world, therefore denying the citizenship offered by God in heaven. (I don't perceive that He allows for dual citizenship...)

Is you post merely a confession, or are you seeking guidance or assurance? Many caring people have expressed concern and are trying to help... Perhaps you've been privately interacting with someone, which is great, but others who are publicly reaching out may still be concerned about where you are in this matter. If you can, please let us know how you are doing... If I may share a testimony of a close friend... She was saved at the young age of four. As as adult, she'd secretly doubted her salvation because she'd been taught by preachers that it should be "different" than her experience. She became so fearful that she asked God to save her... Again. Afterward, she was asked about her prayer... She responded, "I was already saved." If you love God, He'll know. Your faith need not be strong to gain salvation. Many of us are what He calls "a burning stick pulled from the fire." Regardless of your mention of insincerities of the past, you expressed the desire to be saved. Your plea is heard.

The prostitute is Israel. The beast represents the various nations with whom she committed adultery. (Seven mountains are in Jerusalem) The remnant of Israel will be God's millennial bride, revealed as the 144,000 on Mount Zion, the seat of David's throne. The remnant is also related to the Land, as Israel was, in the measurements of New Jerusalem, 12,000 stadia times twelve "foundations," referring to the twelve edges of a cube. The bride and New Jerusalem are synonymous. Take note of the activity that immediately follows the punishment of the prostitute... The bride, made clean, is announced, just as God said in the Prophets He would do. (Punish/destroy His bride and return to her and choose the remnant for His wife.)

Daniel isn't referring to a man's lack of desiring a woman, it is reflective of Jeremiah 7:18, referring to his disregard of gods that are desired by women. "The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger." ("He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women..." - Daniel)

There is a church I once attended, which seated 3,500 in its third auditorium, making their total seating in excess of 6000, (they owned nearly eight city blocks of the downtown district), hired a guy who has hidden the fact that he is a Calvinist... He has slowly removed the "doctrine" of the original church and has literally implemented the reassignment of doctrinal terminology to reflect his covert beliefs... The church is part of the statistic of "declining membership," so still relevant for this topic... The "decline" in membership was mostly due to the the majority of people being forced to change their doctrinal position and understanding of scripture. I submit this merely to say that "church" is political- it shouldn't be. That was my point earlier... People are convinced to follow a doctrine rather than being taught to pursue God. When doctrine becomes the primary focus of the pulpit, the people are being robbed of God in favor of philosophical interpretations of words. I was in touch with a network of "expert bible counselors," who disregarded my inquiry and tried to force me to believe that the Holy Spirit is not currently active because He gave us the bible and THAT takes the place of the Spirit in teaching us. They were a (covert) Calvinist organization that supports the network of writers, teachers, and preachers of the Calvinist movement. This is an example of why people leave churches... The perception is that pastors are treated like politicians and are given the freedom to change the beliefs of congregants. (This is the reason a bunch of people left England and invaded an already occupied land and created "freedom of religion." That is why I, too, am part of the statistic of membership decline... I am not welcome in churches, primarily because I am led by the Spirit, taught by the Spirit, and am Indentured ONLY to my Lord, and no doctrinal politicians. I mean no offense, but while the doctrinal scrimmage continues, I'm instructing people to find God, Himself. I just don't have time to add the weight of doctrinal variety to the Lord's yoke. His yoke is meant to be easy, his burden light. The incessant need to submit to a moniker of one's beliefs is what creates division. When I (used to) say that I'm a Christian, people want to know "what kind?" "What denomination?" "What is your doctrinal position on this or that?" "Are you a conservative?" "Do you support (our new savior) Trump?" "Are you pre-trib?" I don't have the time or tolerance for superficial labeling. (And yes, I've been ignored, judged, asked to leave, etc, merely for not "falling in line" with the majority.)

How do you feel about God, personally? Have you told Him how you feel? Other than "circumventing" hell, or "pleasing your parents," what compels you to want to be saved?

Without meaning to offend, I reject the teachings of theologians, popular doctrinal preachers and writers. I used to read and listen to MacArthur, but find his teaching to be in error in significant areas., mostly concerning his Calvinist beliefs and his personal interpretations of the end times. I don't mean to single him out... I am taught directly by the Holy Spirit, personally, as Scripture has guided me to do so, and I have grown in wisdom, insight, and closeness to God since rejecting doctrinal positions and denominational expectations. I have, in the past, preached, been a teacher, speaker, and writer... I've even, embarrassingly, developed a reputation as a theologian. I translate Greek and ancient Hebrew (not modern Hebrew) and present scripture without the external influence of educated, self-proclaiming leaders and experts. I teach what I am given to teach. My ministry has no current public face, and focuses on teaching Jesus' two greatest commandments and focuses on the idea of "my burden is light and my yoke is easy."

I am always excited to share scripture; however, one of the dynamics I've experienced is that many churches I've been involved with prefer "preaching" style over scripture, itself. When I "overhear" reactions to a sermon, it is often speaker-oriented. They actually base their perception on scriptural accuracy on how well they were "moved" by the style, not the scripture. Not that I'm a stranger to public speaking styles of preaching... I've been in "bible-believing, scripture-oriented" churches that are so used to political, special-interest, and formatted sermons that they believe bible teaching has to be focused on current events, etc. I read scripture, but not dryly. I can speak verbatim from the bible, making it 100% what God inspired it to say, and have had people "compliment" my speaking style but disagree on some of the things I emphasized. I don't tell people I'm just reading the bible to them, I assume they recognize some passages, but... I've even quoted scripture without telling "experts" that it was scripture and have been accused of heresy. If I were to read Paul's letters to the Corinthian assemblies without commentary or mention of chapter & verse references, I'd likely be asked to leave the church. Why? Because the Corinthian letters are not aligned with the majority of denominational interpretations, due mostly to the fact that Paul's teaching is never regarded as a single teaching, but a variety of independent, unrelated guidelines. Case-in-point: There is no accurate interpretation or agreement on the doctrinal issue of whether or not "women are allowed to speak in the church." The scripture is held captive to the interpretations of those teaching it. By merely reading it, (accurately translated), and IN CONTEXT with the WHOLE LETTER and without speculation, it becomes clear what is being taught. (Incidentally, the reason it is so misunderstood is because churches don't practice "assembling" in the manner Paul has instructed. The issue becomes a moot point because it is out of context when seen as an isolated issue.) My apology for my wordy, and overly in-depth response... I'm in a "mood." 😆

I certainly appreciate the concern and suggestion; however, (as irony would have it), I used to be a sermon junkie - I listened to a wide variety of preachers & teachers daily. After much prayer and seeking of God's heart, I asked Him for guidance... One morning, I woke up and was unable to listen to radio & television sermons. Even my favorites were an affront t to me. I decidedly chose one (non-preaching) teacher, for whom I had much respect to listen to. I even joined a social media group that studied scripture via his teaching and radio call-in show. He was a radio host that was known for allowing a different perspective... He touted "even if you disagree with the host..." One day, he personally insulted me and told me I needed to conform to the rest of the group merely because I pointed out the etymology of an English word that was not translated from the Greek. The ministry God has led me to doesn't preach, (in the manner of mainstream philosophical preaching), but presents the scripture as it was written. (BTW, I am a translator of Greek & ancient Hebrew) Even when invited by a preacher, last year, to "preach" periodically in his church, I felt obligated to decline the invitation because most of his congregation would not recognize scripture if I stood there and just read directly from the biblical text. That's what I do.

I would venture to say that I'm part of the statistic representing the decline of membership... Why did I leave the church? 1. The church has become involved in political propaganda, 2. The church dismisses biblical prophecy in favor of the interpretations of popular novels and movies, 3. The church has created the new theological idea, warning that: "God is unsafe." (Yes, this famous pastor from FBC Dallas proclaimed this in a sermon, and it has since become a popular viewpoint, based solely on a character in a C.S. Lewis fantasy novel, not on scripture.) 4. The church has resorted to worldly means for outreach and retention, including "hazing." 5. The church promotes divisive theologies, (doctrines, denominations, & dogmas) that create conflict between other members of the body, 6. The church allows less "religious freedom" than the constitutional amendment it supposedly supports. 7. The church bows to the whims of marginal believers' needs to be entertained. 8. The church no longer represents God... It's now about popular opinion and hostility against the world around it. (It preaches more against sin on the "outside," than instructing the "inside" to seek God.) 9. Preachers "philosophize" scripture, leaving true seekers in the dark. o HS Sunday school.)

First century "love feasts" are now represented as a ritual ordinance called "communion." Communion was a "food & drink" activity when people would openly express the manifestations of the Spirit given to them and scripture was discussed amongst them. Western church format dictates that one person speaks, the others listen and react. "Gifts" are suppressed in the assemblies and only used sparingly outside the confines of an audit. Traditions of man prevent many manifestations of the Spirit to be silenced when there is a solitary person leading a "teaching" based on scripture. The Spirit used to lead the assemblies... Now, a program dictates how church assemblies can, or can't, interact. Paul taught in great detail how we are supposed to meet. I've experienced no western church methodology that incorporates biblical instruction on how to organize the communing with one another and God in its assemblies.

One is offered to everyone entering the armed forces. I had a good friend who was a Gideon. I almost became one, but had schedule conflicts.

#2 is not necessary be a Christian; but, in my experience, it's necessary to accepted in church, or with online forums and chatrooms. Scripture may seem to, (for the lack of a better term), "allude" to a triunity of God, but never dictates that we think of God as "three separate persons." Maybe we can adjust that to say, "three inseparable..." Creeds are necessary only if you want to align yourself with a specific doctrinal or denominational understanding of the Bible. Regarding murder... King David was guilty of this, (and adultery), and yet, He had the Spirit of God in Him, and was considered, (by God), "a man after God's own heart." The Greek word for "believe," carries more meaning than a single English word can convey. It also indicates "commitment." The two "commandments" for Christians are: 1. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." 2. "Love your neighbor as yourself." He said: "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." We, as believers, tend to add so much more to the light burden He's given us, and many of us miss the simplicity of what He actually requires of us.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good..." + "These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God..." = "...I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father."

I never said that you claimed it was in scripture; however, you state that it "helps explain a concept presented in God Word." How so? "Metaphor" is merely a literary device. It is not a word that "helps explain" but only identifies a common method of communication. A metaphor is nothing other than a short form of allegory. "Allegory" IS in scripture. Please understand my use of the word "metaphor" to refer to the scriptural use of "allegory." How do the terms you referenced help me to understand "concepts" of scripture? I find those particular terms to confine scripture to a specific denominational perspective. Please help me to understand what concept each of those terms help me to understand 'specific scripture.' I will be completely open and honest in stating that I understand scripture as it is written more clearly than the use of these terms you have used. I am not being combative - I really just don't understand why theological terms assigned by theologians are used to describe what is openly written in scripture. I truly understand Scripture without these words. Those terms cloud the clear choice of words God has chosen to convey. To consider these terms, I must find how they relate to Scripture. Please offer scripture to each of these "concepts" so that I can communicate with you.

The Spirit I know does not contradict Himself. But many have accused me of listening to the wrong Spirit because He contradicts their denominations, doctrines, and dogmas. The Jews also believed Jesus contradicted the Word of God. And yes, I can compare myself to Jesus, because I know He is the One who teaches me and He allows me that. I thank you for your concern.

I am a mystic, (of sorts), in that I believe, and engage, in communication with God. I was once considered a theologian, but abandoned that when I made the switch from learning from men to learning directly from the Holy Spirit... As the bible clearly shows I can. I accept that we all have differing views, but I don't feel any obligation to abandon what I've learned from God and return to accepting such interpretations that I can't verify as being made in the Spirit. I chose to follow the Spirit rather than the scholar.

Speaking of the right hand... Ehud, the left handed archer and his army of left-handed archers were all from the tribe of Benjamin, which literally means, "Son of the Right Hand."

Yes, I agree. I mentioned "right hand," because it it so commonly mentioned. I see that it can be similar to the phrase, "He's my 'right hand' man," denoting the importance of his position.

I thank you for reading and considering my contribution to this topic; however, I may have erred in entering your thread. My bible does not have such terms that you've used in responding to the scripture I'd submitted upon request. "Hierarchy," "divine procession," "provision by the whole Godhead," "initial movement of the Father," "administration of the Son," and "direct agency of the Holy Spirit" are all terms that I have no scripture to reference in order to add to this discussion. Thank you for allowing me to share scripture and my perspective.