The Root of Evil.
“A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” What is the wickedness of the world? Wickedness is anything that is not of faith in the Lord. Men go after strange flesh, strange doctrines, and lust after money. “A man shall not be established by wickedness;” Established; To enact or decree by authority of their own doings and for permanence; to ordain; to appoint; as, to establish laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances. There is no scripture that states that a man is established in the Lord, by what a man owns, possess, or what manner of money he has. Many believe that gambling is of the Lord. Many say, I wager a dollar and receive 50, so that must be a blessing from God. This is a deception and a lie. Gambling is a ploy by Satan to get the unwary, or the unlearned, into forgetting the words of the Lord, to cast away their faith in Gods provisions, and to turn away from their hope. We cannot throw away a blessing from the Lord, for even if a man gambles away a dollar and wins 50, he has forsaken the Lord. A man who takes that same dollar, and buys a loaf of bread for his family is justified of the Lord, for his willingness to trust in God for all things. You say,”I don't think there is anything wrong with wagering money, that I have worked for.” This is also a deception, for without God you would not have the strength to work, the provisions on your table, or even have life. By gambling away the funds that the Lord has provided to you, you have turned away from His word, His promises, and His Son. Let us read and understand; “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Therefore, what sins do you commit when you wager the money, that the Lord has provided? Covetousness, hurtful lust, greed, and lack of faith. “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Do you not believe that God will provide for you? Do you not think that the Lord is unwilling for you to prosper? Do you think that every time you make up an excuse for your actions, that the Lord is pleased with you? This world has many devices to rob men of their abundance, gambling is one of them. It is deceptive, harmful, a disease, a cancer, and a liability, that neither you, nor the Lord needs, or wants, in the life of His Children. Let us read again; “Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” You say; “ I haven't done any of these things by wagering money.” But yes you have, by trying to establish yourself by wickedness, by despising the word of the Holy One of Israel, by not being content with a dollar, by not being content with the life that the Lord has established for you. Lets read again from the words of God. “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. “ Gain of money, not worked for, is not Godliness, nor acceptable with the Lord. His truth is everlasting, and will never be removed. His word is from everlasting to everlasting. “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Remember what we have read? “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” “They have erred from the faith;” Erred; To wander from the right way; to deviate from the true course or purpose. To miss the right way, in morals or religion; to deviate from the path or line of duty; to stray by design or mistake. To mistake; to commit error; to do wrong from ignorance or inattention. Men err in judgment from ignorance, from want of attention to facts, or from previous bias of mind. We all know the words of God, we know His wisdom on these matters, we know the truth but many still err from it. Many make up their own truth, their own deceptions, their own doctrine and their own laws of conduct, not once remembering what the Lord has commanded. I will leave you with these last passages from the Lord; “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Ars. Rom 12:2 Pro 12:3. 1Ti 6:7-10. Luk 12:15 Isa 5:24 1Ti 6:5-8. Isa 56:11 12 1Jn 2:16 1Co 11:32 Webster, TSK.
Three Rusty Nails, for The Father, and The Son.
“He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” There was once a man from the city of Nazareth of Galilee, a man of truth, justice, integrity, and power. Never was there a man such as He. With three rusty nails, this world crucified the hope of the world, the power of life, and death, the power to make all men the Sons of God. What shall we say of this man? Has He died for nothing, has He risen from the dead in vain? Can this man still live? Jesus was was never created, never born in the spirit, but has always existed, the Son of God, the Word of Life, and the Saviour of the World. A man, yes, but more than a man, more than a spirit, more greater than great, He was in the Father, and the Father was in Him. He and the Father, of all things, are one. This world killed his body but not His Spirit, for God is Spirit. Why did the world hate Him so? Was it because, He uncovered their sin, was it because, He put a light upon their doctrines, was it because, He stated that He was, the Way, the Truth and the Life? “For the transgression of my people;” The act of passing over or beyond any law or rule of moral duty; the violation of a law or known principle of rectitude; breach of command. What was the transgressions of Gods people? The greatest sin that was done, was the sin of putting the Lord second. They had lost their first love and were going after the doctrines of man. This is the sin of the end day church. Jesus prophesied of this in the Book of Revelations. Our justification lies with Jesus death, and resurrection. All men can come to Christ and be reconciled with the Lord. For mankind removed themselves from the Graces of the Lord, and must be reconciled back to Him. Be reconciled; To conciliate anew; to call back into union and friendship the affections which have been alienated; to restore to friendship or favor after estrangement. We, as a human race, were alienated from God. How? We refused to believe in Him, and His Son. The Covenant with Israel was broken by man, but not by God. (Psa 74:20 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.) As they refused the Lord, we all became the same in the sight of God, no longer were there Jews or Gentiles, but all became one. We entered into the time of reconciliation, regeneration, and justification, threw Jesus. No longer would God accept animal sacrifices, for that would be against His own covenant with man. For the blood of goats and bulls no longer satisfied God. His perfect sacrifice was prepared before the beginning of the beginning. “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?” “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” (Speaking of false doctrine.) This was not only for the Jews, but also for the upcoming gentile race of people. Mankind rejects truth, and justice he hates. Mercy has gone by the wayside, and love has changed from something good to an abomination. Man has contradicted the laws of nature and the laws of God. The three rusty nails have become a symbol of refuge and many condemn the believers faith in them. What do these nails represent? In my opinion, The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. For when man crucified Christ they crucified God. What is mans destiny for unbelief? “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” The dead cannot praise the Lord, nor can they repent of their transgressions, for as a tree falls so shall it lay. Mens hearts are full of madness, creating things of evil, from the imaginations of evil hearts, come forth evil. For a good tree cannot bring forth evil things, and an evil tree cannot bring forth good things. Why did the Lord bring His Son to perish upon this earth? “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.” “Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” As it was in the beginning, it will also be in the end. God created man in His image, and in His likeness, this was in the beginning. In the end, God shall accomplish His work in man. For man shall once again be recreated in Gods image, and in His likeness, for there will no longer be sin among man. There will be a freedom of choice in the end, for all men shall live to be 100 years old, no longer will a child die at birth, no longer will a child die because of neglect, nor violence, nor war. “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” ars. (Isa 1:11-15.) (Isa 53:8-11.) (Pro 27:20.) (Ecc 9:3.) (Joh 19:5-30.) (Isa 66:23-24.) (Isa 65:20.) (TSK,Webster.)
The Redemption of the Saved.
Many years ago, I started teaching, total dependence upon the Lord. Faith, and Trust in Him, have given many believers redemption and salvation from many troubles and relief from fear. Jesus taught us all, that God is good and is able not only to promise, but is also able to deliver. Can we trust in God, for all things, can we depend upon the Lord in all things? Redemption; In theology, the purchase of God's favor by the death and sufferings of Christ; the ransom or deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law by the atonement of Christ. This definition is the one we need to look at; “Deliverance from bondage, distress, or from liability to any evil.” The prayer of faith will deliver from all bondage, if we believe. Lets read a little scripture and see the whole matter. “Turn thee(Lord.) unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.” Desolate; deprived of comfort, in a ruinous condition. Afflicted; Affected with continued or often repeated pain, either of body or mind; suffering grief or distress, Distress; To afflict greatly; to harass; to oppress with calamity; to make miserable. Therefore could this verse be saying; “Turn thee(Lord.) unto me, and have your tenderness of heart upon me; for I am deprived of comfort and suffering continued pain, in my body and mind. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my oppressions and misery.”? When a man is saved, does the Bible tell us that, his life will be without trouble or suffering? No. For even Job was afflicted, being a believer in God. Jesus was also afflicted for us, a man without sin, being the ransom, for sin. We all, at one time or another will suffer for our testimony of Christ. We are in this world and will be afflicted by many things. Afflictions of money, food, shelter, war, and the consequences of such, violent weather, drought, and other acts of nature afflict not only the unjust but also the just. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” In the past few years, we have heard of earthquakes, drought, hurricanes, tsunamis and wars, that have afflicted the Christians and unbelievers. We are partaker of all unnatural things that have, and will most assuredly, happen upon this earth. The physicians and lawyers, have gone after the lust of money, making it most difficult for all, but the rich, to obtain help in times of need. Jesus warned both to heal themselves, for theirs is a great sin. Fires, floods, earthquakes and other disasters happen to all, but the Lord is not in these things, this all according to Scripture. And he said, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” When all things are going well with us, we at times, forget that the Lord has delivered us, and we are living good by His deliverance and mercy. This is the time that we are in need of faith. Faith is not only when we are in need or distress, but it is more important in times of plenty. We don't thank the Lord after we have received redemption or deliverance, but before it is manifested. “Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.” We are in this world of unrighteousness and hatred. We see many things that chill the heart and bring fear upon all. We call upon the Lord, when we are in fear, for God is not fear, and puts no burdens upon His people. Fear is a work of Satan and must be rebuked at the first sign. “forgive all my sins”; As we are in the flesh, our flesh will sin at the first opportunity. We must have control over the body and the soul. We sin daily, not sins of commission(Sins that we are aware of.) but sins of omission.(Sins we are not aware of.) “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Christians, as long as we are in this flesh, will sin, not by choice but by the very nature of this body. We see proof of this, also in Scripture. “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” ”And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” Are we perfect in Christ? Yes. Are we perfect in this body? No. For our reconciliation with God is an on going, life time commitment. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” “O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” “For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” “For we are glad, when we are weak;” Why is this? For we know that the Lord shall redeem us and deliver us, from all manner of unrighteousness and suffering connected to living in this world. Hospital bills will be paid, threw faith, shelter will be provided, threw faith, food shall be delivered, threw faith, clothing shall be accessible, threw faith, souls will be saved, threw faith, and we are healed, threw faith. “Deliverance from bondage, distress, or from liability to any evil.” If then, we are redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ, then we shall be delivered from the suffering that this world brings upon all who believe. Why do you think that many Christians are in debt? Much of it is from unrealized sins, the pride of the eyes and the pride of life. Not being satisfied with food and clothing. They extend their credit above what they are able to pay. Others are in debt for no cause of their own, medical expenses have robed many of their hard earned finances. But we must remember that the Lord will deliver us all, if we put these things in His hands. “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” We as Christians must stand together in prayer and love. Feeling the afflictions and distresses of one another. If one is in pain we suffer with him, if one rejoices, we rejoices with him, for we are all one body. Don't turn to man for deliverance, but rather turn to God. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Now then end of the matter; “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” ars. (Psa 25:16-21.) (Joh 17:14.) (1Ki 19:11-12.) (2Co 13:9.) (Heb 6:1-3.) (Heb 3:13.) (2Co 5:19.) (Jas 5:15-16.) (2Co 4:82.) (Co 4:9.) (Eph 6:13.) (1Co 2:5.) (Rom 5:2.) (Luk 21:36.) (Mar 3:24-25.) (TSK,Webster.)
A Demanding God.
We learn many things in the Scriptures. We have learned from God, the Prophets of God, and from Jesus, the greatest prophet of all. God is a demanding God, a God of power, Glory, and Love. In the beginning God created man, in His Image and in His likeness. A man that God wanted to become a friend, and not a slave. Adam was such a man to God. A friend that walked and talked with God in the cool of the evening. This was good in the sight of God, and He welcomed each, and every, meeting with Adam. As it was to be in the beginning so shall it be in the end. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. The formation of man was the work of the hands of the Lord. Each part fitted correctly, and its usefulness to the rest of the body was regulated. In the beginning there was a gospel, a foundation, and regulation to all thing. Man was given a gospel of obedience, and duty, to the Lord. There was a reason and purpose to all things made by God. There was nothing left to chance, or accident. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. His covenants, and His commandments, were shaped, and formed, before the beginning of the beginning, for there was no beginning with God. And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: “The man is become as one of us”, In the beginning man desired to become as God, not for the sake of pleasing the Lord but to reign as He reigned. This same thing is happening today and will continue into the beginning of the end. Instead of seeking righteousness and going on to perfection, men will call themselves, wonders, knowledgeable and wise. God demands fear from those that serve Him, this is scripture. “In scripture, fear is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is filial fear.”(Webster.) The Fear of God; I will put my fear in their hearts. Jer 32. The worship of God. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psa 34. The law and word of God. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever. Psa 19. Reverence; respect; due regard. Render to all their dues; fear to whom fear. Rom 13. To reverence; to have a reverential awe; to venerate. This do, and live: for I fear God. Gen 42. Obedience; submission. Act of reverence or respect. God demands, Duty. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. “It is our duty to refrain from lewdness, intemperance, profaneness and injustice.” (Webster.) He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Our duty to God is forever. We are commanded, by God to serve Him threw His Son Jesus. This is nonnegotiable. In the end, man will no longer fear God, but look into themselves for their own salvation. Hence, we have multitudes of religions, doctrines, laws and time changes. “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. “Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.” “Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.” The labor of a man is for the preservation of his body, and not as many think, to gain wealth, nor prominence, above other men. Many seek wealth and power upon this earth, forgetting that their life will eventually come to an end. Without the fear of God, men have turned to their own devices and vanity. They do not think, as the Lord thinks, nor are their thoughts based upon the duty, commandments, or statutes set down by the Lord. Mankind wearies the Lord, for all their vanity and pride. God resists a proud look, vanity and unrighteousness. “Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.” Man has sought prominence and domination of the Heavens. He has sent rockets, and even men, into the second Heaven, to dominate it, capture it and populate it. The only thing man has accomplishes to do is to pollute it. The Heavens will never be populated by man, for if you know the scriptures, what we call space, is just a vail, a covering, that we are not able to see threw. This vail hides the Kingdom of Heaven from our sight, therefore, man must believe in the Son of God by faith, and faith alone. This is demanded by God. God knows man. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. How many excellent reasonings are framed in the mind of a man of wisdom and study in a length of years! To regulate; to adjust; to shape; to conform; as, to frame our lives according to the rules of the gospel. We are demanded by God to conform, shape, adjust, repent, remove ourselves from our enchantments, sorceries, stargazers, witchcraft, the observing of times, enchantments, and the dealing with familiar spirits, and with wizards. Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. “the observing of times.”; One who keeps any law, custom, regulation or rite; one who adheres to any thing in practice; one who performs; as a great observer of forms; an observer of old customs. “Necromancer.”; One who pretends to foretell future events by holding converse with departed spirits; a conjurer. Ars. Gen 2:7, Gen 2:15, Psa 103:14, Psa 103:17-18, Gen 3:22, (Isa 47:10-13.) Fear: Ecc_5:7, Ecc_8:12; Gen_22:12; Deu_6:2, Deu_10:12; Psa_111:10, Psa_112:1, Psa_145:19, Psa_147:11; Pro_1:7, Pro_23:17; 1Pe_2:17; Rev_19:5 Duty;(Psa 111:9-10., Ecc 12:13.) (Gal 5:20-21.) (TSK,Webster.)
The Conversion of the Lost.
There are many today that still wonder who, how, and why, they must be saved. Who will be the greatest in Heaven, is also in their discussions. The conversion of the body and soul is one of the most important things, that is required by God, for any man to enter into His Kingdom. Conversion; In a theological or moral sense, a change of heart, or dispositions, in which the enmity of the heart to God, and his law, and the obstinacy of the will, are subdued, and are succeeded by supreme love to God, and his moral government, and a reformation of life. The Bible states that mans hearts are at enmity with Him. The disposition of mans thinking, only allows three things, reason, acceptance, or rejection. To be at enmity with God is to be in a state of opposition, to His laws, Guidance, and mercy. Enmity; Carnal; Being in the natural state; unregenerate. Alienation of affection, attachment or good will; want of affection; or more generally, positive enmity, dislike or unfriendliness; disloyalty. It generally signifies more than indifference; as the disaffection to religion. “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Be converted; In a more strict sense, one who is turned from sin to holiness. There are many definitions of conversion, some are easy to handle, and others bring forth a true opposition to the Gospel. The love of wicked friends converts to fear; that fear, to hate. To turn from a bad life to a good one; to change the heart and moral character, from enmity to God and from vicious habits, to love of God and to a holy life. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” To change or turn from one religion to another, or from one party or sect to another; as, to convert pagans to Christianity; Pagan; A heathen; a Gentile; an idolater; one who worships false gods. The word,”Pagan”, is used exclusively by the two major religions in the world, Christianity and Islam.(Mohammedanism.) Christianity calls all who refuse to believe in Jesus, as the Son of God, pagans. The people of Islam, call all who refuse to follow after Allah, pagans. So it all depends upon whom you ask. The resistance to Christianity, and conversion, is rooted deep in fear of reprisal from others, symbolism, idolatry, paganism, and the rudimentary principles of man made doctrines, and attitudes. Jesus has made it clear to all the world, that He is the Son of God, the author and finisher of the true faith. “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” If man rejects Jesus, he also rejects God, and has called the Lord a lier. Then Jesus said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” Without conversion there can be no salvation. The old man must die, for the new man to live. The sins of man will prevent him from receiving salvation unless he repents of his works, and is converted to a different character, and his opposition to Gods laws, Guidance, and mercy's are changed. Here are two requirements from Jesus. Stated clearly, we see that a man must be converted. Converted from what? His so called religions, gods, doctrines and attitude. Man, in the carnal, is unregenerated, alienated, and disloyal to the true God. When you say, I believe in God, and follow not after His Sons teachings, you are really disavowing His authority. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Clearly you can see that believing in God is not sufficient, for Him, to accept you as His Child. Conversion, regeneration, repentance, and belief in His Son, is the only way of being saved. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” The Greatest in the kingdom of heaven are those that will humble themselves down, as a small child, accepting the teachings, love, and also chastisement of God. Humble; rendered meek and submissive. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” “For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.(This speaking of Israel.)” The contrite ones; Penitence; deep sorrow for sin; grief of heart for having offended and infinitely Holy and Benevolent God. The word is usually understood to mean genuine penitence, accompanied with a deep sense of ingratitude in the sinner, and sincere resolution to live in obedience to the divine law. “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” There is a misconception on who we worship. Is it Jesus that we worship? The answer is no. We are instructed, by Christ to worship God, threw Him. “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, “See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus came to glorify the Father(Alpha and Omega.) and not to glorify himself. Just a thought. Ars. (Ref;Def; TSK,Webster.) (Mat 18:3-6.) (Acts 3.) (James 2:19.) (Isa 57:15-16.) (Luke 11:23.) (Rev 19:10) (Php 3:3) (Joh 14:6, Joh 6:53)
With All My Heart, A Gift.
When I was A Child, I thought as a child, I acted as a Child, and when I became a man, I put away childish things, an acted as a man. When I told my mother that I loved her she responded in kind, but as I told my dad the same thing, there was no answer. My dad had a problem with showing his true emotions, but I knew in my heart, he loved me too. “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” The ways of the heart are sometimes unknown to most men. They say; “I love you.” but have no idea what true love is. The word love has been lost in lust, and greed. My dad, had a special love, that was, unique, and separate, from others. His love for his children came in the form of his work ethics, and supplying his children with the best he could provide. I remember many a time when we had brown beans for dinner, but even with this, my dads love, shown threw. My dad bought us a new pair of shoes each year to wear to school, he bought us two new pair of pants, and two new shirts. We had all that we needed. We never asked for more than was necessary, never asked for more than he could provide, and never wondered why someone else had more, we were content. This is true love, love for mother, father, sister, brother, and neighbors. We would give our lives for one another, we would give any pleasures for one another, we were family, with the love of a family. This is the way with God, for “The love of God is the first duty of man.” Love; “In other words, the Christian loves God with the love of complacency(pleasure or joy.)in his attributes (That which is considered as belonging to, or inherent in; as, power and wisdom are attributes of the Supreme Being; honor), the love of benevolence(An act of kindness; good done; charity given.) towards the interest of his kingdom, and the love of gratitude for favors received. We must love God without the self interest of expecting things from Him. We do not love God, or anyone else with our fleshly heart, but rather with our spirit. The spirit of a man is where his heart lies. For we know that we are all made from the spirit, first and then the flesh follows. This is why many have a heard time in knowing when life begins. Life, and love, begin with conception. For without the spirit the body is dead. “The love of God is the first duty of man, and this springs from just views of his attributes or excellencies of character, which afford the highest delight to the sanctified heart.” The sanctified heart means; “To separate, set apart or appoint to a holy, sacred or religious use.” Our hearts love God because we have been set apart for His use, glory, and for His good pleasure. We love God with all our hearts, soul, mind, spirit, and we offer our own bodies for a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service to God. With out dedication, we cannot love God as we should. Without believing in Him, and His attributes, we are worshipers with no substance. Without believing in His Son, we are worshipers with no love for God, nor for His word. We are a separated people, and must keep our love for God, as He would be acceptable with. We cannot love God with our body, for it is contaminated with sin, and unrighteousness, but we can keep our bodies in acceptance with His laws, and statutes. We cannot love God with doubt, or anger, in our Hearts. “And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” To love God is too trust Him, to believe in Him and to relie on Him. Our spirits will show the true intentions of our heart. The evil of this world has a way of trying to enter into the heart of a believer. It gives excuses as to why, you haven't received from God, as to why your life is not going well, and to why you should turn away, from the true love of God, for another. “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Giving over our heart to the Lord, is to accept His gifts, and rebuke. For a love for a child is sometimes hard to show, as it was with my dad. Sometimes we must punish our children, not to show our authority or power, but rather to show our concern for their well being, and love. Gods love is shown at times by not answering your prayers, because many times we forget to trust in Him, forget that He knows our daily needs, or the thing that you are asking for is not the will of God. Many times we get into a ministry that was not ordained by the Lord, as so, He is in no obligation to aid you in the project, that you have applied, to the ministry, that was ordained by God. And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” We can see here that, the heart of a man is separate from, the soul of a man. The Heart is the spirit of love within us and the soul is that part of man which enables him to think and reason, and which renders him a subject of moral laws. In other words, we are able to reason, and think upon, what is right, and what is wrong. The soul, strength, and mind, are the parts of the spirit that choose weather to believe, and love the Lord. Just a thought. Ars. Pro 23:26 Mar 12:33 Luk 10:27, Webster,TSK.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me.
Who shall save, who shall deliver, who shall recompence, the evil done unto the children of the Most High? This world has changed from the beginning of the ministry of Jesus Christ. He took 70 men, and changed the thoughts, actions, mannerisms, and out looks, of multitudes of people. The ministry that Jesus came to deliver to the House of Israel, fell upon the gentile race of people that were starving for the truth, and for a God, that they could worship. This has also changed in this world of multi-gods and doctrines. The Lords truths are not well accepted any more, for the Doctrine of Jesus has become a stumbling block to many that wish to continue in the carnal mind instead of the spiritual mind. Many have ignored a great salvation threw Jesus, for a salvation of man made doctrine. There are those that have come out recently and desire to renew the worship of Diana in Greece. Spoken of in scripture; “But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” The salvation threw Jesus, is commanded by the Lord, as a symbol of faith, in Him, and His Son. Who are we to change the commandments of God, and worship as we please. Can Diana save you, can Buddha save you, can any other Lord save you? Salvation is not a man made doctrine, neither is the resurrection from the dead. This is all the workings of God, the Alpha and Omega. As it is written; “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;.” You say you are not bound, that you are free from all men, and from God. We all at one time, or another, have been bound by our lust of this flesh. The flesh has a way of ruling the mind, and spirit of a person. The flesh desires no salvation, no god, no control. Have you not seen in your life, the struggle between the flesh, and the spirit? Have you not suffered in this body, just to continue on, and hope for the best? Have you never made fun of someone else, that was different from you, and then afterwards felt bad? Or had your flesh taken control of your spirit, and you felt no remorse? This is the battle that is taking place, even to this very day. Many false religions know the key to the soul, is the desire of the flesh to live, and thrive. They know, or believe, that if they conquer the flesh they can control the spirit. All this threw intimidation, threats, and torture. We are not to fear what man can do to us, for after we suffer a little while, we shall see our deliverance from the Lord. For as it is foretold; “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” Who then would you rather believe, mans doctrines, and false religions, or the truth of the Lord? He has sent His ministers, “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;.” Our body's accept two things, the pleasure, and the pain, of life. Many who do not suffer in the flesh, may suffer in the spirit. Without the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Christ, the flesh may enjoy life for a while, but in the long run, it will suffer greatly. Do not believe in a judgment, or a consequence of your actions? Tell me this now, Your spirit is who makes you what, and who, you are, will your spirit just pass away into nothing? Will every thing that you have done, and have accomplished, in this life, mean nothing? Remember no one will remember you forever, your face will be forgotten, your voice will be remembered no more, and the goods, you have accumulated, will belong to someone else. Don't believe this? Then go now, and look into a mirror, wait for a while, and try to remember what you looked like. “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. “ We are in the flesh for just a very short while, but we all must remember that we have an appointment with death, and the grave. This flesh will fight till it takes its last breath. Do you not recall someone that you loved passing away? Don't you remember someone who was young, and died, don't you remember that in the end, the grave is the victor of all battles with it? Then you must recall someone telling you that, Jesus conquered death, and the grave. Have you heard this from anyone that has been caught up in false religion, giving no hope for their loved ones, or for you? “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” This is the hope that Jesus offers freely; “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Do not let your fleshes desire to live, stop you from serving the Lord. Do not be conformed to the fleshes desire, to seek out the pleasures of this life, and ignoring the desire, of the spirit, to live with Jesus. The ministers of the Lord bring you not only the truth of the Lord, but also bring you the promises of God to give you life and to give it more abundantly. Do not let your legacy be one of money, destruction, murder, lust or indifference. I shall leave you with this passage from the Bible; “And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ars Psa 37:10 Isa 61:1-2 Isa 61:10-11 Act 19:34 Jas 1:23-24 1Co 13:12 Act 6:15 Act 7:55-56 Webster, TSK.
The Loftiness of Man.
We all have seen in these end days, the loss of finances around the world. We have seen the poor, becoming poorer, and the rich losing much wealth. Man has put it into his heart that money will see him threw all problems. There are many ministers that tell everyone that God will provide for His Children, and this is true. But we have seen many in a panic, and troubled, this is the Adam nature in man. We are not of those that will panic, nor be afraid, of what is happening around the worlds financial markets. As it is written; “And the loftiness of man(his pride.) shall be bowed down(Bent; crushed; subdued), and the haughtiness of men(their pride mingled with some degree of contempt for others; arrogance.) shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” Since the days of Noah, there has been an arrogance in man. He has left his first love, and has taken to the idols of wealth, pride, and vanity. This is what has caused this financial crisis in the world. Men in their foolishness, bought and sold without taking in consideration the repercussions of their actions. This is not the fault of God, but of man. “And the idols he shall utterly abolish.” Man has created idols of, gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots(Automobiles.), and slaves, and souls of men. The love of money is the root of all evil, it bring forth wars, conflicts, robbery, and even slavery, to all that succumb to its power of greed. As believers, we do not lust after money, gold or silver, we see things in a different light a different perspective. We put our trust in the promises of God and His Christ. We look to God for our daily needs and are satisfied with those things that God provides for us. The Bible tells us that; “With food and raiment, therewith be content.” And what is mans future? “And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. ” Will you then put your money into gold, silver, or shall you rest with peace knowing that, no matter what happens to your finances, the Lord will supply you with your daily needs. Men, who put their trust in money, do not sleep well, they are always, worried that someone, or some happening, will cause them to become poor. This was a tragedy in the fall of the stock exchange in earlier times and will be again. Men have killed themselves, murdered others and stolen because of money. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” As many men panic in these troubled days, we as believers in Christ, have a secure source, and supply, of those things which are needful for our life. We exist because the Lord wills it, we survive because the Lord has provided, we shall prosper for the Lord supplies us His riches from Heaven. What is panic; A sudden fright; particularly, a sudden fright without real cause, or terror inspired by a trifling cause or misapprehension of danger. Will you still panic at each trouble? Don't you know that before tribulation comes, the Lord is already aware? Don't you believe that God knows the causes and effects of such matters? Don't you believe in Him to supply food and clothing, to His Children, when others are in famine? Believers in Christ must not panic or despair, for there is no real cause for this. We have been made, Kings and Priest before the Lord, by the willing sacrifice of His Son Jesus. We have no reason to be frightened, we have no cause to be apprehensive of the things to come, for we all have been warned, in the Scripture, of these things, so there is no reason to wonder why these things are coming upon this earth. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;. ars Isa 2:17- 22 Rev 18:13 1Ti 6:8 1Ti 6:9 1Ti 6:10 1Ti 6:17
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