He first loved us!
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Religion and Philosophy

We love him, because he first loved us

^{1 John 4:19}

^{Throughout the years of my early youth, prior to age 25, I had no real concept or understanding of what love is. I cared about some people. I had girlfriends that I thought about all the time and couldn't stand to be away from for more than five minutes at a time. I still remember how I felt when I was near them. I remember how nervous I was when we first met, afraid to speak in fear of making a fool of myself. But as usual these feelings waned, they moved on and a new person arrived to just replay that broken record over and over again.}

^{When I twenty five the most miraculous event took place in my life that changed my world for evermore. It was the birth of my first daughter. I didn't even know, until this day, that it was possible to love someone this much. The joy and excitement that burst into my heart the very moment she burst into this world. From that moment on I was a slave to her every will and desire. I have learned over the years that there is no greater love than the Daddy's love for his little child. Until one day when a greater miracle took place. The day came when I realized that I did not love God as much as I loved my little child. It broke my heart so deeply I wanted to die. If God's love for me was anything like my love for my child, then I was the worst child ever born into this world because I didn't love Him back.}

^{I fell down on my knees, with an ocean pouring from my eyes, and begged God to kill me for all the hurt that I have caused him. I didn't care about my life or this world anymore; I just didn't want to hurt Him anymore. All of a sudden, like water, the Holy Spirit fell upon me from my heavenly Father, and I burst out into new life. And my Father was elated with my birth as I was the day of my daughters' birth. I was born again!}

^{Romans 8:15} For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Interpretation

 

The Greek word, for interpretation, used in 2 Peter 1:20 is epilusis, pronounced as ep-il`-oo-sis. This word is defined as: Explanation and Application. This definition is from Strong’s exhaustive concordance of the bible. I could find no publication date for this volume, but I purchased it 25 years ago. However, it is stated that this book was composed from an 8 volume reference published in 1886.

 

The reason for this study is the accusation against me, of being a literalist, in interpretation of the scripture. This is of course was a false accusation in the context or definition of which the word was used. If the definition of literal being the adhering to fact or to the ordinary or usual meaning (as of a word), would be an accurate definition, then I would be guilty of the accusation.  Instead I was accused of even taking allegorical statements literally. That was just a foolish allegation. 

 

An allegory is a method of indirect representation of ideas or truths such as abstractions as love and fear, or to tell a story to present a truth or enforce a moral.

Such would be the case of Jesus telling a story or giving a parable to teach a moral/spiritual truth. The application of this was to use natural events common to people, in everyday life, to teach a spiritual principal. Allegories were used by Jesus to teach such things as the “farmer sowing seed” to teach the principal of sowing and reaping, or “the Shepherd leading his flock” to teach the principal of following, or “taking up your cross” to teach the principal of self sacrifice.

 

So do we have to become farmers to be disciples of Jesus, or shepherds or walk around with a wooden cross on our shoulders? Of course not. That would be a literal interpretation of an allegory. I’ve never done that, to my knowledge. Now having said that, I should remind everyone that not only did Jesus use allegory, but he also explained “his” meaning of each allegory used, in what is referred to as plain speech.

 

^{John 16:29} His disciples said unto him, lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

 

Are there people who do try to give a literal interpretation of allegories? Yes there are. The most common example that I can think of is the story of the rich man and Lazarus. This is an allegory, but many want to use it to prove immediate ascension and judgment at the time of death, even though with plain speech, we are clearly taught a future resurrection and judgment. In fact there are two separate resurrections. I am not one of those people.

 

^{John 5:28} Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, ²⁹And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

 

 

Now back to interpretation. As stated below, prophecy is not given to any private interpretation. In other words, we are now allowed by God to explain and apply the scripture any way that we want, to our personal preferences. Regardless of the fact that Jesus spoke in parables and prophecy is filled with symbols, there is enough “plain speech” in the scriptures to explain the meaning of all things for our understanding. The biggest hindrance to anyone is the lack of knowledge due to a lack of study of the scripture.

 

^{2 Timothy 2:14} Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. ¹⁵Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

^{Hosea 4:6} My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

 

^{Romans 10:2} For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. ³For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

 

Also, in a previous post, I warned of being a follower of men instead of a follower of Jesus Christ. There are many teachers, also known as false prophets that lead people away from the truth of what Jesus taught. This is mostly because they lack knowledge of what they are speaking of. You take that, coupled with the fact that their hearers also lack knowledge of the scripture and you are left with the blind leading the blind, whereas they both fall into the ditch. This is the case with most churches today and their so called theologians, men that are students of other men that were students of other men, and it continues to perpetuate the same ignorance from one generation to another. If you want to know what the bible declares, search it out for yourself and don’t blindly follow others that will lead you into hell, without their even knowing that is what they are doing. All men are without excuse before God.

 

 

^{2 Peter 1:12}  Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. ¹³Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; ¹⁴Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. ¹⁵Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

¹⁶For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory; this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ¹⁸And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

¹⁹We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Transcendentalism
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Recently I have met someone with an excelent knowledge of the scripture and an insight into the teachings of Jesus that is very rare indeed. His understanding of selfless love, as taught by Jesus is amazing. He really gets it, so it seemed. This is the kind of person you get drawn to like a magnet, because he's a spiritual person and not a bible thumping legalist.

As I progressed in conversation and listening to his teachings, I began to realize something wasn't altogether right here. Little statements were coming up that sounded a bit strange.  It took me just a little while to realize that he was a transcendentalist, who believes that the Spirit of Christ is in all men, even the atheist. He doesn't call himself a Christian but rather a "follower of the way" of selfless love as taught by Jesus, which transcends materialism.

This man can spot a selfish, materialistic false prophet a mile away. He is able to compare their teachings to the teachings of Christ and show you everything wrong with what this hypocrite is teaching. It's amazing, the insight that he has.

However, he has gone to a polar opposite from legalism of the letter to transcending above the letter, that the letter doesn't matter anymore. In other words he follows the concept that if we walk in selfless love, as taught by Jesus, we will be saved from Gods wrath, even if we don't actually follow Jesus as His disciple. It doesn't matter what religion you are following, or even if you are an athiest, as long as you walk in selfless love, you are ok with God, because this is the Spirit of Christ. This is in contrast to the legalist that follows after the letter of the law, apart from selfless love.

This person has reminded me that error and deception comes in many forms. The hatred of Islamic fundementalism is obvious in it's error just as, so called, Christian fundementalism is obvious in it's hateful, oppresive, legalistic ways. But to teach selfless love in the name of Jesus Christ, wtihout being a follower, or disciple, of Jesus is probably the most deceptive teaching that I have ever seen, so far.

This makes me think of lucifer, the light bearer, and the man of sin that will conquer and deceive through peace. The whole world will follow after him and worship him. Did you know that the most powerful force on earth is selfless love. Love can stop wars, and deter crime. Love can bring forgiveness and reconciliation. Through love the poor prospers, the hungry are fed and the sick are tended to. This is the power that God gives to men through the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the power that is lacking in the churches and their theology. What is going to happen to the world when a powerful, well loved man stands up to teach this selfless love, apart from following Jesus Christ? The whole world will follow him, and worship him as God!

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Additional note added here: The only people with the Spirit of God are those to whom God gives His Spirit to. It is a gift to them that love God and repent of their sedition against Him.

Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

^{Friends, I can't make it any more simple than this. Either God has poured out upon you the gift of the Holy Spirit, whereby you are born again or not.  If you have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it's because God has not received you. There is no secret indwelling of the Holy Spirit when you say the "sinners prayer". Many believe that because they asked God to forgive them that the Spirit of God came to dwell in their hearts, according to the teachings of thier church. This is a lie, deception, to stop you from searching out the truth.  Unless you are baptised, with God's Spirit, you will not enter the kingdom of God. So unless you forsake all, to take up your cross, and follow Jesus with all  your heart, in repentance of sin, you will not be accepted by Him. Why? Because you don't really love Him with all your heart, as he loved you, and He knows it.}

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

^{John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.}

 

^{Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.}

Recently I was in discussion with someone about the importance of obedience to God. Jesus made it very clear that those who love Him obey Him, but those that do not love Him do not obey Him. The items that prompted this discussion was on the relevance of baptism and witnessing. There is an argument in the churches today the baptism and witnessing is not relevant to our salvation. This would be classified as works for salvation. That's a bad argument.

For the sake of argument, let's clarify this point. If a man is baptized and witnesses, will this save him? No, it will not. We are to repent and obey the Lord to be saved. So if a person does these things apart from repentance and obedience to God, then they are done in vain.

However, if a man says that he has repented of sin to obey the Lord, and then refuses to be baptized and witness the gospel to others, he is still seditious by refusing to obey. Therefore he has not repented of sin and is self deceived.

"Works without faith is just as dead and vain as faith without works is". Never let anyone deceive you into believing that obedience to God is working for salvation, or that you don't have to be obedient to be saved. Obedience is the very product of love and faith. Disobedience is the product of hate and sedition toward God.

 

^{Titus 1:15}Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. ¹⁶They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

 

Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;   but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Eternal Security or Once Saved Always Saved?
Current mood: creative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

This is probably one of the most dangerous doctrines being taught today. It is part of the "other" gospel that is associated with easy believeism, also called free grace theology, and carnal christianity. Now right here I do need to state that salvation is a free gift of God grace. If it was left at that, it would be ok. But no, there are some that must take things much further than what is actually taught in the scripture, even to the point of contridicting scripture. So let's start with a commonly quoted passage.

 ^{Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.}

^{The above passage disproves all three false doctrines commonly taught in the churches today. The first doctrine is easy beliveism: if you just believe that Jesus is the Christ and say the sinners prayer, then you are now born again. It's the baptism of the Holy Ghost that makes a person born again, not a prayer. In the scripture stated below,  Jesus made it clear that we are to repent or perish. That is both an oportunity and an ultimatum. God has granted to the Jews and Gentiles repentance unto salvation. The sinners prayer is just an apology, but repentence is to stop sinning.}

^{Second point in the above passage also refutes Carnal Christianity: where you can continue in disobedience and still enter the kingdom of God. All your prayers and all your good works, even done in Jesus name, will not save you in the day of judgment, if you have not repented, turned away from sin and recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost which God gives to all that obey Him, Acts 5:32.}

Luke 13:3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Now let's look at the third point: Eternal Security. As we showed in the first two points, unless you repent and receive the Holy Ghost, you are not born again or saved to begin with. So eternal security is not even an issue there. You can't be eternally secured if you're not even born again! Unfortunately eternal security is actually being taught to people that are not saved. Since they do not know the difference, and they trust the preacher, they believe it. Anyone that has truly repented and received the gift of the Holy Ghost knows what the true calling of God is and what is required by God from every believer. This is what Jesus meant when he called the pharisees hypocrites making men the twofold children of hell.

Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. 15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. 16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! 17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? 18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. 19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 20Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 21And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 22And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. 23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

So what does the scripture say concerning them that do know the truth but don't obey it, or turn away from it?

Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

2 Peter 2:20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

So it's better to have never known the way of truth than afterwards depart from it? That's a strong statement! We know that those who do not know the truth will not enter the kingdom of God. So it's better to be one of these? It's simple, God forgives the sins of those that sin ignorantly. But to those that know the truth and sin willfully, there remains so sacrifice for sins. Remember how that Satan and his angels fell from heaven. They knew the truth and then rebelled, casting off thier inheritance.

Let's clarify one point. Does this mean if we fall that there is no forgiveness? Not at all. We are not "all knowing" nor infallible. A righteous man falls seven time and stands back up, but the dog returns to his vomit. In other words a man that loves God will obey him in all things. This man will not set out to willfully do harm against God or another man. This doesn't mean that he can't fall, just that he won't do it knowingly, else he be a traitor. In contrast, the carnal minded man can not cease from sin. He does not love God. He has never repented of sin to follow God in obedience of faith and he has never received the gift of the Holy Ghost, because God will not give it to him.

Therefore, in conclusion of this matter, there is no scriptural teaching of this doctrine called eternal security or once saved always saved. The warnings against this teaching are far too many. The scriptures never contridict itself but it will contridict the false teachings of men.

^{Hebrews 3:7Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.}

The Isrealites saw the works of God for forty years in the wilderness, and yet they did not believe? Unbeliever is also used in conjunction with disobedience. Just as John said: if any man says he knows Him and keeps not his commandments, he is a liar and the truth is not in him. Now some of course will say that I am teaching sinless perfection. Well I am, at least in the context of what the bible calls "Holiness". That is to be pure of heart and undefiled by sin. For without holiness, no man shall see God.

Why does no one ask: How loving and faithful can I really be to my Father in heaven? Everyone only seem to ask: How much evil can I do against my Father in heaven and get away with it.

All doctrine true or false can be proven by four factors: 1. Is it humble. 2. Its it loveing. 3. Is it faithful. and 4. Is it truthful. If all four factors exist then it is a true doctrine. If any factor is missing then it is a false doctrine.

The focus on most people is: How much does God love us? The focus should be on: How much do we love God?

No one will be sent to hell because they sinned against God, but because they hated God and His son Jesus and continued in rebellion against them!

Unconditional Love
Current mood: annoyed
Category: Religion and Philosophy

There is no such thing as unconditional love. There is no teaching in the scripture about anything called unconditional love. God determines the worth/value of a man according to the integrity of a mans' heart, ie. humility, love, loyalty and truth. Integrity of heart is the most precious treasure that a man can possess. A man of integrity is what is most precious to God. A man without integrity is worthless to God. A man without integrity is proud knowing nothing. He is a liar, a thief and a murderer. God will destroy all men, in the lake of fire, that have no integrity before Him.

Before the fall of Satan and his angels, they were precious in the site of God. But after they betrayed God, He despised them, cast them out of heaven, reserved them in the chains of darkness until the day of judgement when they will be cast into the lake of fire, to be tormented day and night for all eternity.

We are warned: there is no sacrifice for sin to those that sin wilfully after the knowledge of the truth. God offers us forgiveness for sin, because we sinned ignorantly in unbelief. Sinning after the knowledge of the truth is wilful rebellion and betrayal against God. This is what the devil and his angels did. You follow that course, you will end up at the same destination.

If love is what is most valuable to someone, then integrity is what God loves and the lack of integrity is what God hates. So love is definitely conditional with God and with men!

A message of Love
Current mood: happy
Category: Religion and Philosophy

As most of you already know, love means value, worth, importance or that which is most precious to us. That which we value most, we pursue, cherish, protect and will even lay down our lives for. For example, the love of a father for his children. From the day my children were conceived, I loved them with all my heart. I had many desires for the happiness and joy of my children. All that I am and have in this world is for them. I have always been protective over them and would at any time lay down my life for them. Why? Because they are more precious to me than anything else in this world, including my wealth and my life.

This is the same love that God offers to us and deserves from us. God is the father of all living. All he created on this earth, he created for us and our joy and happiness. God is the benefactor of all life, and gives all things to them that love Him.

Matthew 13:44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Think of the Menendez boys that killed their parents, and what for? Money! Money was more important to them than the parents that gave them life, nurtured and loved them. All their parents possessed would have been theirs, if only they would have loved their parents and been faithful. Now they have nothing. They lost their freedom, their inheritance and their parents. It is an absolute shame, disgrace and worthless heart that despises the love and kindness of others in betrayel, and this is the way man acts toward God our Father, creator and saviour who has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness. And what he wants for one is what he wants for all. That we all walk in love. This is why He gave us commandments. So that we would not go about causing harm and injury to others. For God is the avenger of all that do evil against others. God is not going to allow such self centered people to enter into his kingdom. It is this betrayal of love that caused God to kick the devil and his angels out of heaven, and prevents men from being able to enter in. But there is a better way for all men to live. There is no greater love than a man lay down his life for others. In fact, this is exactly what we must do, if we desire to love and be loved. It is our self centerdness that prevents us from walking in love toward others, and this narcissistic love of self has to be destroyed in order to walk in love towards God and others.

Therefore, It is through love that all men will be saved. I know some already want to say that salvation is through faith, not love. Don't deceive yourself, faith is "the loyalty" of love. For even Paul said that faith worketh by love. In other words, love is to faith what fuel is to an automobile. If you have no fuel the auto wont work. In like manner, if you have no love your faith won't work. No, I am not preaching works for salvation. This is only an analogy. Howbeit, faith without works is dead. No man intentionally hurts those he loves and his behavior doesn't lie!

No man will go to hell because he sinned against God. All have sinned, but not all go to hell. Why? Because God forgives the sin of a repentant heart. That is to turn from sinning to love God and obey his commandments.

So all that is written and commanded by our Lord in the scripture has its' foundation in "LOVE"!

Matthew 22:37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

This means that everything written in the law and the prophets teach us how to walk in the love that God desires of us. This is why "Carnal Christianity" is a lie. The carnal mind is self centered and not God centered. It is contrary to everything that God has declared in His word about how we are to conduct our life in this world.

John 4:8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

So what do you love most? Yourself, the pleasures of this world, wealth, fame and power? All these things lead to self destruction. That's what you call loving yourself to death, literally. It's lonely at the top. Not because people didn't love you but because you loved these things more than people. If you want to know what you love the most, just look at what you labored and sacrificed the most for. Consider the cost. Everything has a cost. You will always give up what you have to get what you want the most.  

 

What is the difference between a good employee and a bad one? Faithfulness.

When we hire someone to do a job, we expect them to be faithful with the opportunity given to them. Employment is a gift of another’s’ grace. When a person is faithful to do his job, we keep him, promote him, and give him raises. However, if the employee is not faithful, what do we do? We fire, cast out, the unfaithful employee and hire someone else to do the job, who will be faithful. That’s exactly what happened to Satan. He was unfaithful with the opportunity given to him and was cast out of heaven. Now, what he, and his angels, lost is offered to us. Will we be faithful with the opportunity given us?

 

^{Matthew 25:14}For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. ¹⁶Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. ¹⁷And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. ¹⁸But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. ¹⁹After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. ²⁰And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. ²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²²He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. ²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²⁴Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: ²⁵And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. ²⁶His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: ²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. ²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. ²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. ³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

You will find that all the teachings of Jesus deal with “faithfulness” in relationships. None of us are deserving nor entitled to anything. Everything in this life is a gift.  How have you treated the gift, and how faithful have you been in your relationships?

 

The Two Gospels
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Category: Religion and Philosophy

The Two Gospels

Matthew 15:13But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. ¹⁴Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

 

It is unfortunate today that there are so man different messages being preached today, in the name of Jesus, that lead men to destruction instead of life. This has so many people confused without knowledge of where to turn. The answer is actually easy.

 

There are really only two gospels being preached today.

1. The first gospel is the gospel that Jesus gave us. It has only one form and leads to life and liberty.
2. The second gospel is of men, being preached in the name of Jesus. This gospel comes in many forms, and is oppressive and leads to destruction.

Unfortunately most people, that call themselves Christians, have chosen to follow the gospel of men.

 

^{Matthew 24:4}And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. ⁵For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

 

Many look at the above verse and claim that it is referring to false Christ. That is incorrect. This passage goes on to talk about false Christ also. Here Jesus is warning that many will come in his name preaching, another gospel in his name, mans' gospel.

 

^{Galatians 1:6}I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: ⁷Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ⁹As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

 

^{2 Peter 2:7}And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: ⁸(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) ⁹The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

¹⁰But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. ¹¹Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. ¹²But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; ¹³And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; ¹⁴Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: ¹⁵Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ¹⁶But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. ¹⁷These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. ¹⁸For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. ¹⁹While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. ²⁰For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. ²¹For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. ²²But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

 

Here is what is so confusing: there is an old saying, I don't know who wrote it, "a man that teaches a lie as though it were the truth, is more convincing than a man that teaches the truth as though it were a lie". This of course is referring to speaking with boldness and confidence.

There are so many good talkers out there. They tell really good stories, they are funny and charismatic, and this makes them so endearing. They seem so sincere, and they are. They really believe that they are telling the truth, even though it not consistent with what Jesus taught. Their teachings have an appearance of truth and they are so zealous for the things of God. They teach in Jesus name but not what Jesus taught.

 

^{Romans 10:2}For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. ³For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

 

^{Jude 3}Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. ⁴For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

How are these people denying the Lord Jesus? Are they saying that Jesus is not the Lord? Not at all, they most certainly claim that Jesus is lord, but they deny him in works.

 

^{Titus 1:15}Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. ¹⁶They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

 

These people that teach another gospel in the name of Jesus really look the part. They are well groomed and well dressed. They give an excellent appearance and presentation.

But God does not look on appearance but on the heart!

 

^{Matthew 23:23}Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. ²⁴Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. ²⁵Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. ²⁶Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. ²⁷Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ²⁸Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. ²⁹Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, ³⁰And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. ³¹Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. ³²Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. ³³Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

 

So how about a comparative example between the truth and how it is twisted by man?

1. Jesus said that we are to believe his gospel, repent and be baptized and we would receive the gift, baptism, of the Holy Ghost.
2. Men teach to believe that Jesus is the Christ, say the sinners' prayer and be baptized and the Holy Spirit comes to live within your heart.

So where's the confusion here? It's simple, the sinners' prayer is not repentance, it's apology.  In both apology and repentance a person will feel bad and say "I'm sorry", but in repentance a person turns away from sinning any more where in apology they won't.

Also, to believe that Jesus is the Christ and to believe what he said is two different things.

Many believe that Jesus is the Christ, but they do not follow what he taught. Lastly, the baptism of the Holy Ghost is not a secret indwelling. Just because you believe that Jesus is the Christ and said a prayer does not make you a "born again Christian".

 

^{2 Corinthians 7:10}For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

 

^{1 Corinthians 6:9}Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ¹⁰Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

 

^{Galatians 6:7}Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. ⁸For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ⁹And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.