Showing posts with label the Word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Word. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2016
160320 Palm Sunday Teaching Part 2
What did that take? In JCOP, pp. 99-280 recount the last two weeks of Jesus's life on earth.
[The event of the thirteenth and fourteenth of Nisan are documented in more detail that any other two days in the entire Word of God. This alone should demonstrate to us the vital necessity of rightly dividing these records with minute accuracy. if God thought these two days important enough to merit such full reporting, then surely we can consider them important enough to merit our careful scrutiny. Jesus Christ Our Passover, Dr. V.P. Wierwille, American Christian Press, 1980, p. 281]
After a full day, Monday night was the Last supper, which included a lot of teachings.
1. Walk to Garden for prayer - Apostles exhausted.
2. Soldiers come, fall back, healing
3. Before Annas - some beatings
4. Peter's first three denials. and cock crows.
5. Before Caiapas with Sanhedrin, beaten and mocked
6. Death sentence and more torture
7. Peter's second three denials, cock crows again, this time Jesus sees.
8. Dawn, taken to Pilate, beaten again
9. Send Herod. Beaten again.
10.Sent back to Pilate, vote sent to crowd, who chooses Barabbas
11.Beaten so that he could not stand anymore
12.That took another day and dawn comes again.
13.Lead out with two others at 9am.
14.Two more were led out at noon.
He had not slept in 60 hours and more than half of that time was painful torture, but he still had the presence of mind to take care of his mother! He also witnessed to one of the guys hanging next to him, and he obeyed God in everything he did.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
When we are healthy, we are more apt to speak the Word.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Do you enjoy your righteousness when you are sick? Remember, sickness is a curse!
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Why do we talk about these horrible things? Because nothing comes for free! [I received a 'free' hat.] Everything cost somebody something, and valuable things cost a lot!
Not one bone was broken, but every other injury was inflicted. He was marred beyond human recognition so that we can be healed.
1 Corinthians 11:23-30
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
The New Birth is a gift, a valuable gift that came with a high price. Don't waste it by accepting sickness and weakness. Recognize that you have been forgiven through the shed blood! Recognize that you have been healed! All that torture that went on for a day and a half covered all the sickness and injury you will ever have! Allow yourself to be healed! Allow yourself to be blessed by God, because Jesus paid it all.
160321 Palm Sunday Teaching Part 1
Most Christians are rather familiar with the meaning of the shed blood. They understand forgiveness of sins, and some even know how remission differentiates from forgiveness, but few give a thought to the broken body.
What is the broken body?
Why is the broken body important?
What do we learn by studying the broken body?
Do you believe that the Bible is the revealed Word and Will of God? Does God mean what He says?
Malachi 3:6
(6) For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
[When the Corinthian church was manifesting sickness, division, and strife, Paul did not applaud them for their sickness. He did not say, "it is a sign of God's love that your are sick." Nor did Paul say, "ear your sickness patiently, for God is trying you." The Apostle Paul, according to the epistle to the Corinthians, rebuked them and endeavored to correct them for being sick. He rebuked them not as individuals but as a congregation. as Christians, because they did not properly discern the Lord's body. They did not realize that Jesus, who was sacrificed on the cross of Calvary, had accomplished something for them in his body. Paul pointed out that it was no longer necessary to suffer sickness and disease. Bible Tells Me So, Dr. V.P. Wierwille, American Christian Press, 1999, pp. 86,87]
Ill health is a curse according to Deuteronomy 28:15,22,27,28,35,60,61. This was the law administration. We live in the Grace administration,
and have been redeemed from the WHOLE Curse.
Galatians 3:13
(13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Psalms 105:37
(37) He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
How does that happen? How do 2.5 millions servants become well at the same time? Are we servants of God or His children? Do you treat the people who work for you better than you do your children?
If you are sick or feeble or somehow not getting what God has promised, then ask yourself, Why? Is it God's fault, or is it on your end?
In the Passover, and in the Last Supper, God told people to do two things: Blood and Body. [explain]
If God can heal 2.5 million people in one day, can He heal the nine of us right here and right now?
Matthew 8:17
(17) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
JC took our sicknesses. We don't own them anymore!
1 Corinthians 5:7
(7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:
The lamb of Passover was a shadow of things to come, a shadow of reality. Christ was far, far more valuable than a little lamb.
Romans 5:13
(13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
The word 'imputed' is used twice.
ἐλλογέω
ellogeō
el-log-eh'-o
From G1722 and G3056 (in the sense of account); to reckon in, that is, attribute: - impute, put on account.
Total KJV occurrences: 2
Philemon 18
(18) If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
Why did we need to have anything put on our account? The first man, Adam, was a sinless human, right up until that moment where he sinned! His sin was passed from father to son, and increased with each generation. (Life is in the blood, Leviticus 17:11)
Romans 5:17
(17) For if by one man's offence death reigned by one;
[The sin of Adam multiplied with geometric progression through the thousands of years since Adam let that one little sin into his life.]
... much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
The second man, Jesus Christ, resisted the Devil and maintained his sinless state. He always did the Father's will, and thus became the perfect Passover Lamb. He was more perfect than any animal could ever be. Then, by his free will, he suffered and endured ALL the consequences for the sin of Adam.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
160110 NO Condemnation
Romans 8:1-4
(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
(3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Quoting the Word is not condemnation, it is simply restating what the rules are. Human nature, which is not from God, may make iy seem that way, and the recipient may take it that way from hidden guilt, but quoting the Word is not condemnation. God merely wants everyone to be saved.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
(3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Therefore, anyone who feels oppressed by someone quoting the Word, that oppression is not coming from God, and the person quoting may only have the recipient's best interests in mind. The only thing tricky about this comes from our Adversary, the devil, who walks about seeking whom he may devour. God doesn't trick people. He has no darkness at all.
Remember, no one can make you angry without your permission.
(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
(3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Quoting the Word is not condemnation, it is simply restating what the rules are. Human nature, which is not from God, may make iy seem that way, and the recipient may take it that way from hidden guilt, but quoting the Word is not condemnation. God merely wants everyone to be saved.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
(3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Therefore, anyone who feels oppressed by someone quoting the Word, that oppression is not coming from God, and the person quoting may only have the recipient's best interests in mind. The only thing tricky about this comes from our Adversary, the devil, who walks about seeking whom he may devour. God doesn't trick people. He has no darkness at all.
Remember, no one can make you angry without your permission.
Friday, December 18, 2015
151218 True Power
The first thing I saw when I turned on my computer this morning was a homage to the latest Star Wars movie. Yes, in my previous post I recounted some of my fanish deeds to clarify my place as a fandom pioneer. Somehow, I failed to list the fanfic, but no one really wants to deal with that stuff.
This followup has to do with reality. "The Force" really exists, but it in not the impersonal, ostentatious energies that George Lucas displays in the first six movies. All of us write from what we know, and I can see how he developed many of these ideas from Reformed Judaism and popular philosophy, but misses the mark set by Orthodoxy and the closer study of scripture.
Even Christians misunderstand God's power and that the past is prologue. The Old Testament explains the reason for and also predicts the New.
God told Satan:
Genesis 3:15
(15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
What God considers important is not the same as what historians consider, but many historical clues in God's Word set the timing of Biblical events. Modern man is not the first generation to consider themselves wiser than past generations. All generations think this, which is also a devise of Satan, our Adversary. We have many, many examples of Satan's power. Watch the news and count the murders, disasters, wars, lawsuits, distractions, and politics. There is a power behind all that evil. How do people become so deluded and/or argumentative about various subjects? What could possibly motivate one person to overcome while the same adverse conditions send another into crime? Are we helpless? Has God abandoned us?
Acts 1:8
(8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
δύναμις
dunamis
doo'-nam-is
From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
Total KJV occurrences: 120
The Real Force has been in operation since the Day of Pentecost! God did not abandon us. He gave us power, then stepped back to let us use it. The Book of Acts records the power. Here's the thing. There is a learning process that too many ignore. If it doesn't work the first time, most give up. Personally, I've been at this for thirty-five years. Some things are ridiculously easy, but others I still don't get. The power may slip my mind on occasion, but I never, ever doubt that the power that God gave me is any less than prevailingly magnificent. He gives this power to ANYONE who has the ganas to believe for it. I don't want this to be a resume of the fantastic, but I will say that I have seen the impossible and have been rescued from the improbable.
Genesis 3:15
(15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
What God considers important is not the same as what historians consider, but many historical clues in God's Word set the timing of Biblical events. Modern man is not the first generation to consider themselves wiser than past generations. All generations think this, which is also a devise of Satan, our Adversary. We have many, many examples of Satan's power. Watch the news and count the murders, disasters, wars, lawsuits, distractions, and politics. There is a power behind all that evil. How do people become so deluded and/or argumentative about various subjects? What could possibly motivate one person to overcome while the same adverse conditions send another into crime? Are we helpless? Has God abandoned us?
Acts 1:8
(8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
δύναμις
dunamis
doo'-nam-is
From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
Total KJV occurrences: 120
The Real Force has been in operation since the Day of Pentecost! God did not abandon us. He gave us power, then stepped back to let us use it. The Book of Acts records the power. Here's the thing. There is a learning process that too many ignore. If it doesn't work the first time, most give up. Personally, I've been at this for thirty-five years. Some things are ridiculously easy, but others I still don't get. The power may slip my mind on occasion, but I never, ever doubt that the power that God gave me is any less than prevailingly magnificent. He gives this power to ANYONE who has the ganas to believe for it. I don't want this to be a resume of the fantastic, but I will say that I have seen the impossible and have been rescued from the improbable.
The Force of Star Wars is the counterfeit of what God really does. It distracts us and has limitations. The power, the force that the True God gives us, in unlimited, because it is backed by God's Omnipotence. Rather than making us tired, it energizes us. I enjoy the Star Wars saga, but it is not real life. God is real. I don't believe because I've seen miracles. I've seen miracles because I believe.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
151216 Distracted Battles; What Do You Think?
Football Coach Sidelined for Praying
My first thought comes from Matthew 6, where Jesus Christ spoke of giving and praying in secret, but I could be wrong, because we are also not to be ashamed of the gospel. I know from the Word as well as multiple instances of personal experience that a secret prayer, one that no human can see, has had immediate and lasting results. (1 Samuel 1:10,11,20)
We
don't have to be out in the open when we talk to God. In fact, it is
it easier to concentrate in private. God hears our prayers no matter
where we are. It doesn't seem right that this man is not allowed to
pray in public, but rules are rules. Is he using this to witness? If
so, it's not working. He needs to speak directly to individuals, not
use the shotgun splattering effect. We obey secular rules as long as
it doesn't interfere with our obedience to God, and God tells us to
speak to those who want to hear. (Acts 1:8: Acts 5:20; Ephesians
4:15)
How
is this public display obeying God? It seems to have become a ritual
for this coach, and God tells us in His Word that ritual is not what
He wants. God wants our hearts. (Matthew 6; Romans 14) I know that
situations like this have become a rallying cry for some Christians,
but personally, I believe that it is fighting the WRONG battle. We
should be spreading love to individuals, not looking for occasions to
waste time fighting the secular governments. Government has no soul.
Only individuals can be saved.
What
are your thoughts?
Monday, December 14, 2015
151214 Rights We Have
Romans
3:22-24
(22)
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(23)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
(24)
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus:
We
have the right to ask God for help, and He will always supply it.
Sometimes, we don't know how to ask, or we don't think we can ask.
Some even think that it is weakness to ask. I believe that my
ex-husband fell into all three categories.
He
never, ever wanted to admit to a weakness. He had to do everything on
his own. He also felt so much guilt for certain things that he
projected that guilt onto everyone else. That is, he compared his own
sins with the "bigger" sins of others. Finally, he wouldn't
just let go and let God handle his problems.
It's
no secret what happened to him and to us, but is it profitable to
discuss it further? Let's just say that in 2010, this stay at home
mom of sixteen years was fighting for her life in the hospital while
CPS, ATF, and certain state agencies were trying to take her
children, her farm, and her freedom over something her unbelieving
husband had done.
It's
good to have friends, because they helped me to survive. My greatest
Friend, however, has been God. He healed me. He made me free. He
preserved my children. He it is that prospered me. He gave unto me
righteousness, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:30. He never forsakes the
righteous, Psalm 37:25. A person has to walk away from God to lose
righteousness. One has to remove himself from God's protection in
order to get away from it. God is not a man that He should lie! If
He made a promise, He will keep it!
Therefore,
with faithfulness and adherence to good nutrition, I shall regain all
of my health!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
151205 Not Magic
The Word of God is not a massive list of magic spells. A person cannot just chant in rhythm and expect a miracle. One cannot mouth the words without engaging the mind and the heart in believing. If that were true, then what happened in Acts 19?
Acts 19:13-16
(13) Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
(14) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
(15) And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
(16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Another incident that shows this is in Mark 9:14-29.
Mark 9:28-29
(28) And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
(29) And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
The mismatched verb, 'shall', indicates that the result is certain. God does not use words haphazardly. Dare to believe, and see the results.
No, it is not magic, but it is power. We don't need to go though rituals and meaningless repetitions to receive blessings from God. Only our Adversary, the devil, requires that. Once, I asked a friend if he wanted me to minister healing to him. He told me that he has already burned a few candles and appealed to some dead people. I tried to tell him that God didn't really work that way. God expects us to talk directly to Him in prayer.
John 14:12-14
(12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
(13) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
(14) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Acts 19:13-16
(13) Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
(14) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
(15) And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
(16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Another incident that shows this is in Mark 9:14-29.
Mark 9:28-29
(28) And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
(29) And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Honest prayer is believing, and believing is prayer. The world wants the Christian to believe that he doesn't have a prayer, indicating that prayer is weak and ineffectual. In contrast, prayer is actually mighty and certain when applied with believing.
Matthew 21:22
(22) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
No, it is not magic, but it is power. We don't need to go though rituals and meaningless repetitions to receive blessings from God. Only our Adversary, the devil, requires that. Once, I asked a friend if he wanted me to minister healing to him. He told me that he has already burned a few candles and appealed to some dead people. I tried to tell him that God didn't really work that way. God expects us to talk directly to Him in prayer.
John 14:12-14
(12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
(13) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
(14) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Think about the things that Jesus did. Verse twelve says that we can do more.
Dare to believe.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
151114 Renewing the Mind in Light of World Events
Isaiah
33:6
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."
Knowledge
of what? Where does wisdom come from? Who provides strength and
salvation? "Fear" in this verse is the old-fashioned way of
indicating respect. Listen friends, terror comes from our Adversary,
the Devil, (1 Peter 5:8). Isn't our God stronger?
Why
is there evil in the world? Because people allow it. We may be seeing
incidents globally; each battle, however, happens in each
individual's mind. It is the combination of many individual thoughts
that leads to global revolution. Whether it be good or bad depends on
the free will choices of those who stand for the True God. Control
your own thinking by replacing negative thoughts with the promises of
God. The darker this world gets, the brighter God's light will shine.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
151011 "Would You Like To Be a Slave, Baby?"
<iframe width="470" height="353" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NMgPtmHX7so" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This 80s song has burned in my heart for 30+ years.
This 80s song has burned in my heart for 30+ years.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
150825 Believing
Mar 11:23,24
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
No stress, no strain. Simply believe.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
150805 The Un-People Person
Proverbs 14:4
"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox."
"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox."
This verse helps me. My personality is ISTJ and Shy-Introvert. This means that if stranded on a deserted island with plenty of food and adequate shelter, I might miss other people in the third or fourth month, but even that's doubtful.
In Proverbs 14:4 God reminds me that, yes, interpersonal relationships are messy, but we are better together than apart. My elder child moves out today.
Monday, July 20, 2015
150720 La Cucaracha and Mercy
Most people think of cockroaches as quarter-sized vermin that run from the light. In San Antonio, our Asian imports are 2 to 3 inches long and have no fear of sunlight, nor of screaming, stomping giants. Saturday, I read that they hated peppermint and cypress essential oils. After sprinkling some around my bathroom, one ran onto my foot. It took about half a second for me to punt that miscreant into the wall while screaming like 1950s horror movie queen. Instead of dying, it skittered drunkenly out the door. I'm convinced that I reached my target heart rate during that little exercise.
I'll be taking a break from posting until September. Although I submitted my resignation last week, it was not accepted. My Branch Coordinator reminded me that the Church Epistles all start with grace and peace, but the Leadership Epistles include mercy. Above all, leadership needs to include mercy. I'll be working my tail off for the next five or six weeks. Perhaps this will encourage the stomach and thighs to shrink, too. ;)
Actually, my muse has not been that consistent, so in effect, things might not look all that different on the blogs! We'll see. Sometimes pressure of time makes the brain work more efficiently.
I'll be taking a break from posting until September. Although I submitted my resignation last week, it was not accepted. My Branch Coordinator reminded me that the Church Epistles all start with grace and peace, but the Leadership Epistles include mercy. Above all, leadership needs to include mercy. I'll be working my tail off for the next five or six weeks. Perhaps this will encourage the stomach and thighs to shrink, too. ;)
Actually, my muse has not been that consistent, so in effect, things might not look all that different on the blogs! We'll see. Sometimes pressure of time makes the brain work more efficiently.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
150607 Big Day in the Word
I fellowship with a small, tight group of believers who happen to be scattered world-wide. We laugh when we talk about membership. There are four members, and the rest of us simply stand with them. We research the Word of God, and we teach what we learn. Then, we fellowship together in small groups. Even though we have many small groups, we endeavor to obey 1 Corinthians 1:10. Truly, we attempt to obey God in all things with the theme that if God said it, that settles it. We have a lot of teachings and a lot of classes. (2 Timothy 2:15)
In light of this, today is a big day. Today, the Advanced Class on the Way of Abundance and Power opens. Great healing will occur. The Adversary may kick up his heals. (1 Peter 5:8) Although I am not physically present with the new students, I am praying for them, and I shall study my own notes from the times I have been there. Tonight, I shall attend a teleconference with others in this town. We shall hear the opening teaching. I love this. I rejoice at God's Word as one who finds great spoil.
More and more, it seems as if those in power and in education frown on Christians. They laugh at us for lack of intelligence, or call us mean and unjust for some supposed infraction. They delight in finding one! I know who will have the last laugh, and we won't be laughing against those poor sops who reject God. We'll be laughing for joy as we see the glory set before us.
I had birthday cake yesterday, but at least I exercised.
In light of this, today is a big day. Today, the Advanced Class on the Way of Abundance and Power opens. Great healing will occur. The Adversary may kick up his heals. (1 Peter 5:8) Although I am not physically present with the new students, I am praying for them, and I shall study my own notes from the times I have been there. Tonight, I shall attend a teleconference with others in this town. We shall hear the opening teaching. I love this. I rejoice at God's Word as one who finds great spoil.
More and more, it seems as if those in power and in education frown on Christians. They laugh at us for lack of intelligence, or call us mean and unjust for some supposed infraction. They delight in finding one! I know who will have the last laugh, and we won't be laughing against those poor sops who reject God. We'll be laughing for joy as we see the glory set before us.
I had birthday cake yesterday, but at least I exercised.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
150325 Facebook Won't Load
Maybe that's a good thing. I spend too much time with it anyway. It was how I kept up with politics, but God knows more of what is going on. He knows what's going to happen tomorrow, so He can tell me. The Bible is relevant today, because the nature of humans has not changed. We are the same as the first man, if not dumber.
So, here's some ancient wisdom:
Proverbs 15:1,2
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Kind of reminds a person of politics today. Happy Wednesday!
So, here's some ancient wisdom:
Proverbs 15:1,2
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Kind of reminds a person of politics today. Happy Wednesday!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
150101 Happy New Year!
It is simply the change in the calender, but many people apply significance to it. I, however, prefer to start my new year in the fall. Today, I weighed in at 234, which is up from my previous weigh-in two weeks ago. I shall use this conveniently placed calendar change to add more exercise and better food choices to my routine.
Job 3:25
"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me."
"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me."
Fear is believing. If you don't believe in it, how can you fear it? Actively disbelieve those bad things, at least as they apply to you, and be proactive in expecting good things. With God, all things are possible. His promises are in His Word.
— 
celebrating New Year's Day.Last night, I did something different. I went to what could be best described as a 'prayer meeting'. I have gone to a handful of those in my life, and they were all a little different. Last night, many people had some weakness they wanted addressed. I prayed for everyone.
I went home expecting to find Agent Em waiting eagerly with The Hobbit in hand, but no one was home. Moon got off work and took her to some debauchery involving her friends and another band. What a wonderful end to a nice, Christian evening. :O Therefore, I rang in the new year with Diet Coke, X-Files, and intermittent snoring.
Many proclaim great hopes for the new year, but didn't they do that last year? I believe that I will continue my journey with God and apply more of His promises to my life. I also expect this year to have its own Day of Infamy. Let's drink to me being wrong.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
140323 Trusting God by Praying: Prosperity
Do you trust God for prosperity? There are two ways of looking at prosperity: having a lot of money and having no need.
22yo worked for Phillip Anschutz in 1980s. Mormans tithe. I am prosperous, too.
Phil 4:6,10-13
This is how I know I am prosperous. How can I claim this? My income is below the minimum for ACA. I don't even have to file taxes. By worldly standards, I am sunk. Let us look at what God calls 'prosperity'
εὐοδόω
From a compound of εὖ and ὁδός; to help on the road, that is, (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively to succeed in business affairs: - (have a) prosper (-ous journey).
Romans 1:8-10
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
What gets us on the road to prosperity?
1 Corithians 16:1-3
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
3 John 2-4
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Ephesians 1:5,9
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
God wants the best for us. Who has better intentions than God?
2 Corinthians 9:5-15
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
We are blessed. Develop the attitude of gratitude.
Monday, February 24, 2014
140224 Baptism of the Spirit
2 Peter 1:20,21
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Guessing and tradition are nothing to God's Word. If there is no private interpretation, then there is either none available, or only God's interpretation counts. Let's read what is written.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
This sets a new way of doing things. The dramatic thing that happened not many days from the Ascension was the outpouring of the holy spirit in Acts 2:
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Since the last mention of baptism was of the Spirit, that is what is happened here. Later in Acts, the Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized with water, but further records didn't use water. In fact, there was a correction recorded in Acts 10 and 11. In his excitement, Peter went back to the standard taught while Christ walked the earth:
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Later, he returned to the standard set at the beginning of the Book of Acts:
Act 11:16 Then 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.
1 Corinthians addresses wrong thinking, and one of the first items Paul mentions concerns baptism:
1 Corinthians 1:13-17
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
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.
The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. Death is not a friend, it is an enemy. The Son of God lives. Baptism of the Spirit is not through death, but through life. Christ was raised from the dead and dies no more. He is the first of many who shall rise when Christ Jesus returns. The dead in Christ shall rise. According to Figures of Speech Used in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 is a parambole, a brief insertion. The thought leading to verse 29 come directly from verse 19.
1 Corinthians 15:16-19,29
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Then, he tells people to wake up and believe the Truth. Acts marks a change in who would be called God's People. Formerly, God's people were those of Abraham's children who proceeded from Isaac and Israel and kept the Law. After the Day of Pentacost, all in any place could believe to be born again of God's Spirit. Christ rose, so that is our promise that we will rise, too. We are not baptized to die, but to live.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Guessing and tradition are nothing to God's Word. If there is no private interpretation, then there is either none available, or only God's interpretation counts. Let's read what is written.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
This sets a new way of doing things. The dramatic thing that happened not many days from the Ascension was the outpouring of the holy spirit in Acts 2:
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Since the last mention of baptism was of the Spirit, that is what is happened here. Later in Acts, the Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized with water, but further records didn't use water. In fact, there was a correction recorded in Acts 10 and 11. In his excitement, Peter went back to the standard taught while Christ walked the earth:
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Later, he returned to the standard set at the beginning of the Book of Acts:
Act 11:16 Then 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.
1 Corinthians addresses wrong thinking, and one of the first items Paul mentions concerns baptism:
1 Corinthians 1:13-17
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
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.
The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. Death is not a friend, it is an enemy. The Son of God lives. Baptism of the Spirit is not through death, but through life. Christ was raised from the dead and dies no more. He is the first of many who shall rise when Christ Jesus returns. The dead in Christ shall rise. According to Figures of Speech Used in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 is a parambole, a brief insertion. The thought leading to verse 29 come directly from verse 19.
1 Corinthians 15:16-19,29
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Then, he tells people to wake up and believe the Truth. Acts marks a change in who would be called God's People. Formerly, God's people were those of Abraham's children who proceeded from Isaac and Israel and kept the Law. After the Day of Pentacost, all in any place could believe to be born again of God's Spirit. Christ rose, so that is our promise that we will rise, too. We are not baptized to die, but to live.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
140202 Trusting God to Live Abundantly
Trusting God to Live Abundantly:
Believers in the Early Church
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Anytime you get into the Word, you want to know what the context is. You want to see how God brought people into or out of a situation. You want to see that real people did real things, and that God cared.
I cannot begin to tell you all the resources I used to put this teaching together, because so much of it is in my head or just notes in my Bible from years of listening to teachings and doing my own research.
(List books from collateral to RECC.)
Acts 19:20
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
Seventh Great Statement of Acts on the heals of a massive movement of God's Word. What follows is the Adversary's reaction.
Acts 19:24-32
Gov. Scott Brown tries to balance the budget, and a riot ensues.
Acts 19:33-41
This is like the political mobs and their rants of today. The mob blamed Alexander for their ills, but all Alexander wanted was to speak the Word. God's Word heals people.
1Co 11:23-25
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Paul wrote this during the events of Acts 19. What else is in 1 Corinthians? The manifestations, which includes healing.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Acts 20:1,6,15-17,38 Paul wrote 2 Corinthians on board ship.
Acts 20:7-12
...
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Young man falls, and is healed. What did Paul write in this section of Acts? His timing included Passover, Resurrection, Pentecost...
2Co 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
For longer than I have been in this ministry, the principle of the tithe has been in my heart. This ministry expanded my understanding of it. More than twenty years ago, I made this and hang it in my home.
1. Demetrius and the silver smiths had their false prosperity, but Alexander. Gaius, and Aristarchus escaped had physical and eternal life.
2. The unnamed youth was healed and restored to life.
The believers of the early church were real people who faced real challenges. They believed what God said. Paul tells them how to abound. Together they trusted God to live abundantly.
Believers in the Early Church
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Anytime you get into the Word, you want to know what the context is. You want to see how God brought people into or out of a situation. You want to see that real people did real things, and that God cared.
I cannot begin to tell you all the resources I used to put this teaching together, because so much of it is in my head or just notes in my Bible from years of listening to teachings and doing my own research.
(List books from collateral to RECC.)
Acts 19:20
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
Seventh Great Statement of Acts on the heals of a massive movement of God's Word. What follows is the Adversary's reaction.
Acts 19:24-32
Gov. Scott Brown tries to balance the budget, and a riot ensues.
Acts 19:33-41
This is like the political mobs and their rants of today. The mob blamed Alexander for their ills, but all Alexander wanted was to speak the Word. God's Word heals people.
1Co 11:23-25
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Paul wrote this during the events of Acts 19. What else is in 1 Corinthians? The manifestations, which includes healing.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Acts 20:1,6,15-17,38 Paul wrote 2 Corinthians on board ship.
Acts 20:7-12
...
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Young man falls, and is healed. What did Paul write in this section of Acts? His timing included Passover, Resurrection, Pentecost...
2Co 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
For longer than I have been in this ministry, the principle of the tithe has been in my heart. This ministry expanded my understanding of it. More than twenty years ago, I made this and hang it in my home.
1. Demetrius and the silver smiths had their false prosperity, but Alexander. Gaius, and Aristarchus escaped had physical and eternal life.
2. The unnamed youth was healed and restored to life.
The believers of the early church were real people who faced real challenges. They believed what God said. Paul tells them how to abound. Together they trusted God to live abundantly.
Friday, January 24, 2014
140124 Is it Fair?
Wage and price controls cause shortages. It is a simple and basic
economic principle. High prices deter purchase, and high wages deter
jobs. Low prices encourage purchase, and low wages increase jobs. We
have been so blinded by politicians, that this has become
controversial. Raising prices in a shortage is called 'gouging' and made illegal. Paying for actual value of work done is a union violation, and thus illegal. This parable seems heartlessly contrary to modern thought.
Matthew 20:1-16
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
"And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
"And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
"And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
"Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
"And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
"They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
"So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
"And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
"But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
"And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
"Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
"But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
"Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
"Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen"
Where do we get our notion of 'fairness'? Why do things have to be 'fair'? This parable clearly demonstrates an "unfair" situation! This is God's Word! Is God unfair? God's alleged unfairness whips up the atheists. God will not conform to man's will, to human ideas of what is fair and what must be unfair. The fact is that if God were fair, we would not exist. God set down one very simple rule that was broken. Why did He allow Adam and Eve to continue living after they sinned?
God is love, so Adam and Eve were fruitful, and multiplied until their descendents reached a point at which they needed more rules and guidelines. Some of those precepts required death for certain infractions. There were a few of them. Today, Man has decided that a wide variety of those infractions should be called 'lifestyle choices'.
Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
Collectively, humans have decided that God cannot be serious about justice and judgement and what is best for happy, healthy lives. Why did they do this? The book of Job and later, Jesus Christ exposed the one who hides: the devil, the god of this world, the lord of the flies, Satan, and every pagan impersonator who steals from man and God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Turn away from the world with its greed and lust for power. God supplies all our need. In the Bible, 'need' is singular, because He handles them one by one. If God sees to our need, does it really matter how much someone else has? We look on the things of others, not because they might have more than we do, but to help them have enough.
Matthew 20:1-16
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
"And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
"And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
"And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
"Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
"And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
"They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
"So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
"And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
"But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
"And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
"Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
"But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
"Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
"Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen"
Where do we get our notion of 'fairness'? Why do things have to be 'fair'? This parable clearly demonstrates an "unfair" situation! This is God's Word! Is God unfair? God's alleged unfairness whips up the atheists. God will not conform to man's will, to human ideas of what is fair and what must be unfair. The fact is that if God were fair, we would not exist. God set down one very simple rule that was broken. Why did He allow Adam and Eve to continue living after they sinned?
God is love, so Adam and Eve were fruitful, and multiplied until their descendents reached a point at which they needed more rules and guidelines. Some of those precepts required death for certain infractions. There were a few of them. Today, Man has decided that a wide variety of those infractions should be called 'lifestyle choices'.
Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
Collectively, humans have decided that God cannot be serious about justice and judgement and what is best for happy, healthy lives. Why did they do this? The book of Job and later, Jesus Christ exposed the one who hides: the devil, the god of this world, the lord of the flies, Satan, and every pagan impersonator who steals from man and God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Turn away from the world with its greed and lust for power. God supplies all our need. In the Bible, 'need' is singular, because He handles them one by one. If God sees to our need, does it really matter how much someone else has? We look on the things of others, not because they might have more than we do, but to help them have enough.
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