Willing to be ignorant "Dumb on purpose"

Ps 33: 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Ps 33: 9 For he “spake”, and it was done; he “commanded” and it stood fast.

“Let all the earth fear the Lord”- this refers to how all that dwell upon the earth have “the responsibility” to fear – to honor and to respect their creator 

“let all the inhabitant of the world stand in awe of him” refers to how we can obviously see God’s handiwork in everything around us . . . 

we can see these things UNLESS we have chosen to “bind” our heats and our minds to willful ignorance as those we read about in II Peter 3 have done . . .

3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

The last days refer to the time of history just before “the end” of the age . . . 

A scoffer is nothing more than a false teacher (one who does not promote the truth)

“To walk after their own lust” refers to “the course” or to “the journey of life” that these false teachers had chosen to become the guiding influence in their lives.

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

The attitude of these false teachers is that the power of God is not the constraining force in our world nor in our lives . . . but that there is a little bit of good in all of us – and we are in charge of our own destiny . . . it is our responsibility to let the good rule in our world and it is God’s responsibility to reward us for that good . . .

On the surface - This type of attitude sounds good to us . . . but beneath the surface . . . it is just another lie that Satan has told with the intent of causing us to take our eyes off of the goodness of Jesus - and to focus instead upon our own "supposed" goodness.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

The reference here – is to the great flood in the days of Noah . . . and how that as an act of judgment - “the world” was destroyed by that great flood which was brought about by Gods' Power over His creation.

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the “same word” are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men . . .

This tells us of a “future judgment” upon the world . . . a judgment that is similar to that which God spilled upon the earth in the days of Noah . . .

It points to a judgment that is reserved for that generation of men who just like in the days of Noah – are men who have become “unreachable” because of how their minds/hearts “only evil continually”.

To be “willingly ignorant” of how God’s hand is “the power” that controls “the natural forces” of our world and universe . . . literally means that we have chosen (decided) to be DUMB or stupid “on purpose”.  

The idea being that because “the power of God” as it is revealed around us “is so OBVIOUS” – that to be willingly ignorant actually means that we have “counted the cost” of accepting the Truth into our lives as being so disruptive to our life style . . .

that we have chosen to try “really hard” to become blind to the Truth and to avoid “seeing God” in everything around us (with the false reasoning) that 

if we deny God’s power in our world – then we can also deny His power to judge our world - and to judge our lives of sin.

To be blind to everything that God IS in the present – and to be blind to everything that God has done in the past – and to be blind to everything that God will do in the future . . . 

to be blind to these things – a man must determine or purpose in his heart – to simply close his eyes and close his heart . . . to all of the evidence that God has so graciously placed before us in His creation . . . 

The way of nature is to grow old and to decay . . . not to become new and
to be restored . . . the way of nature is to become scattered and chaotic not to unite and become uniform . . .

After the creation . . . our earth and the universe which contains it – did not begin to “get better” but rather it began dying “the instant” that God
spoke it into existence . . . 

and to be willingly ignorant of the power of God in creation – is simply a subconscious desire for us to avoid judgment before God “as our creator” . . . if we can deny God’s power in creation – then we can deny God’s power to judge us AS His creation . . .

   Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the   judgment . . . to convince ourselves that God is not our creator - is to also convince ourselves that God is not our judge . . .

“For he spake and it was done” – God’s WORD brought all of creation into existence . . . “he commanded and it stood fast” – God set the universe in order - and that order is constantly maintained (not by mother nature – but) by His divine Power . . .

The spoken word of God is “the power” that put creation “in order” . . . 

After sin entered into our world . . . It was the spoken word of God that gave “His creation” the hope of redemption . . . which refers to the hope of a savour named Jesus Christ who (because He loved His creation 

{specifically mankind}) He would die on the cross in an effort to “save” that creation from eternal loss.

God is all powerful – but God has a desire to be loved.  God created man in His own image.  God created man with a soul that would remain alive
for all eternity . . . 

In the Garden of Eden Satan became jealous of the relationship that God had with man . . . so Satan tempted “man” to betray the love that he had shown toward God in the Garden of Eden . . . and to disobey God’s Word so that “the fellowship” or the relationship which man had with God would be broken . . . 

Satan was successful in leading man AWAY from God – but God’s love for the man who had betrayed Him was so great . . . that God was willing to die – in order to give those who did not believe in Him an opportunity to be SAVED or “restored” to fellowship with God through faith.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Commandments of men or God

Matt 15: 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

The first reason that the worship of these men was rejected – was because of their hypocrisy . . . as they only pretended (or acted) like Christians.

The second reason that the worship of these men was rejected was because they had replaced “the teachings of God” – with the teachings of man.

In vain “do they worship me” is defined as worship that is totally worthless . . . worship that has NO VALUE to God at all . . .

To draw nigh unto God with our mouth – to honor God with our lips . . . does not mean that we have chosen to honor God in our heart.

Ro 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We can talk about relieving hunger in third world countries . . . we can give speeches – and we can start fund raisers . . . but if we never fall in love the those who are hungry so that we feed a starving 

child with our own hands – then we are all talk “but no action”.  We can say this because we know HOW to feed the poor – we tell others that

THEY should feed the poor . . . but if we never enter into the slums of this country to do it ourselves . . . and if we then justify our “lack of

action” and our unwillingness to provide DIRECT help where it is needed with a number of different excuses . . . that all sound really important and

that give the outward appearance of being important enough to relieve us of this responsibility . . . Then we are guilty of saying that we love the

starving children – but our actions prove that we DO NOT love them enough to meet them on their own ground and to make the necessary sacrifices in our lives to literally put food into their mouths ourselves.

We can talk about serving God – we can talk about doing good things . . . if we never actually “do the things” ourselves that we encourage others to do – then in terms of Christianity - what have we really done besides “talk” a good story?

The good Samaritan did not send “someone else” to help man that was wounded – he did it HIMSELF.

James 2: 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

As a hypocrite {In order to act like a Christian} we have talked about how we must first KNOW how a Christian is supposed to act . . . this is the meaning of drawing nigh unto God with our mouth – and honoring Him 

with our lips – but “withholding” (or keeping) our hearts from Him . . . God says “it is in vain” that people like this worship me . . . because just 

like hypocrisy taints a person’s personal behavior – it also changes what those people teach in their churches.  The personal life of a

hypocrite is only an act . . . likewise the “church-life” of a hypocrite is ALSO an act.

“Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” . . . Replacing the doctrines of God with the commandments of men . . . will spoil the worship of ANY church.

The “commandments of men” refer to the restrictions or to the bans that men place on their respective “religion” . . . for instance I once heard

of a church in Arizona who loosened the restriction of the TEN COMMANDMENTS requiring their members to “obey” only seven out of ten . . .

It is more common for churches to remove “the restrictions” of Christianity rather than to add new restrictions . . .

The purpose of “removing restrictions” is to make going to church “easier” so that it will appeal to a greater number of people . . . for instance

In order to “get more members” to join churches - it is common for a church to broaden the definition of baptism to basically include anyone that has gotten wet in a religious setting.

Matt 28: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

This scripture is directed to the local NTC “in Jerusalem” that Jesus personally established about three years before His death on the cross.

Jesus did not give the command "to baptize" to those who practiced religion by teaching the “commandments of men” . . notice the next verse

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The idea here is this . . . if “our church” wants to obey Jesus’ commandment to baptize THEN our church ALSO needs to obey Jesus’ commandment to teach WHAT HE TAUGHT – not what men teach

Another example is how many churches do not restrict the Lord’s Supper to members of their own local congregation as they “ease up” on the

doctrines (teachings – instruction) that Jesus taught to the church before He died on the cross.  It is in this manner that we can become guilty of

“spoiling our worship” as we teach for doctrines the commandments of men (by literally replacing) what Jesus taught in the first church - with what

man teaches in order to make worship more convenient so that it will appeal to more people and result in a LARGER following – which gives the religious leaders more POWER.

Relgion vs Christianity

We have been discussing the differences that exist between “religion” (like the Pharisees practiced) and true worship (as a “Christian”) which the

Disciples of Jesus learned to offer . . . Now to set the stage for the difference between religion and Christianity – did you notice that the Pharisees

“practiced” religion while the disciples “offered” worship.  A sports team “practices” in order to enhance their performance . . . Christians sacrifice in order to promote Jesus Christ.

The key to the difference between “the religion of man” and the “Christianity of Christ” - is the same as the differences which exist between the terms known as humility and pride.

Humility points ONLY to Jesus while pride might “include” Jesus – but it does not point directly TO Jesus . . . we say this because somehow - pride must always include “you and I” in the picture.

Pr 6: 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Notice that with the exception of (shedding innocent blood) that not a single “sin of the flesh” has made this list of what God hates the most . . .

The reason for this could possibly be – that all of these other sins have their beginning with pride.

Pride (hypocrisy) – which is something that we are all fully capable of practicing - is sin number ONE . . . and “number TWO” on the list

(which is a lying tongue) goes right along with sin “number ONE” – in fact they are basically the same sin . . . To lift ourselves up in pride – not

only means that we are lying to one another – but it is also means that we are guilty of lying to God.

Now sin “number three” refers to hands that shed innocent blood . . . I am quite certain that each one of us can honestly say that they have

never committed this sin of “shedding the blood of the innocent” . . . BUT – before we pat ourselves on the back regarding this third sin – I want us to

consider THE CONSEQUENCES of lying to “God and to one another” by way of lifting ourselves up in religion with false pride . . . Whose lives are

destroyed when the truth about a “hypocrites life” is finally revealed as not being so righteous after all . . . haven’t the lives of many innocent people

been damaged because of the confidence they had placed in hypocrites who finally got caught?

Romans 12: 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

To not be “conformed to this world” means not to “clothe our lives” with the same type of covering that “the world” puts on their lives . . .

To be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” – refers to taking off “the coat of religion” – and putting on the “cloak of Christianity” . . .

Who suffers the most when we claim to be something "more" than what God testifies that we really are which are . . . sinners who have fallen short of the glory of God . . .

Before his conversion – (that is before Peter had learned the difference between religion and Christianity) . . . before he “changed his clothes” by

the transforming of his mind . . . when Peter lifted himself up in the false pride of his religion - claiming that he would not only “not deny” The

Christ – but that he would follow Him - even it meant his own death . . . who was injured the most when “the truth” revealed that Peter’s

religion fell short of what Jesus had defined as “the commitment and the sacrifice” of Christianity? 

We all have an effect upon those living around us . . . my behavior – my way of life – my faith or the lack of faith in my life – the humility that is 

present or absent in my life – the pride that is present or absent in my life  . . . all of these things will have an influence upon those who know what I claim to believe in . . . 

and if my life is “consistent” with my beliefs – then my influence upon others will be more positive than negative.

Mt 23:15 Woe 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.

When Peter denied Jesus Christ – not only did his tongue lie to God – but it also lied to those men who were around him . . . they were men who

were aware of Peters’ religion and they were looking to Peter like the world looks at us (hoping to see the truth about Jesus) . . . Peter’s denial of

Jesus (the hypocrisy that he practiced before Jesus’ arrest – compared to his denial of what he claimed to believe afterward) had the effect of

“hiding the truth” about God’s promised salvation from those who needed it the most (from lost men who were searching Peter's life for the truth) . . . 

can you see that this pride in Peters’ life was “a lie” which had the effect of “shedding the blood” of those who were looking to him for the truth. 

Pride is revealed through hypocrisy – Pride is practiced through the telling of lies . . . and a lie is designed to HIDE the truth . . .

If our lives hide the truth about God and His salvation – can we honestly say that we are not

guilty of shedding the blood of others as we withhold from them “the way of life” . . . ?

So my point - is that it really is a big deal – when as God’s children we fail to worship properly.  

When Peter denied Jesus - he was as religious as any of the Pharisees that were alive at the time . . . but when he was converted – when he learned the real difference between pride and humility –

when Peter learned the real difference between religion and Christianity . . . he let go of what he was (he surrendered) – he let go of what he wanted . . . he surrendered and he was changed –

he did not change himself – but (he was transformed by the renewing of his mind) so that Peter disappeared and a nameless servant took his place.

The presence of humility allowed God to teach Peter how to think differently than he did before when pride was controlling his life . . .

It is important that (as God’s children) – we learn the same lesson that Peter learned.  Worship is not at all about you and I . . . worship is about Jesus Christ.  

Religion or Christianity

II Thessalonians – lesson #1

1  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

1)    A message from . . .

           a)    Paul

           b)   Silvanus

           c)    Timotheus

2)    The recipient (or the audience)

            a)    The church of the Thessalonians

   i)       In God

   ii)    In our Father

   iii)  In the Lord Jesus Christ.

1a) Paul - is the apostle Paul who was saved on the road to Damascus

1b) Silvanus – was also known as SILAS.  It was “Paul and Silas” who were in prison when the Philippian jailor was saved.

1c) Timotheus – or Timothy was a companion of Paul.  Timothy’s mother was a Jew but his father was a Greek.

Paul (in the company of Silas and Timothy) wrote a letter that was to be delivered to the local NTC (New Testament Church) located in the city of Thessalonica

This city of Thessalonica was a seaport – it was formally named Therma and it was inhabited by Greeks, Romans, and Jews.

It was from these different nationalities that the apostle Paul organized a NTC.  And it was to this church that this letter of II Thessalonians was being sent.

2) The church of the Thessalonians was a local NTC similar to our church today.  Their rule of faith and practice was no different than the rule of faith and practice which we follow in our church today.

By “rule of faith and practice” we refer specifically to two things . . . 1) HOW we actually function as a NTC and 2) specifically what we TEACH as a NTC.

Now what this means to our church today – is that the things which Paul taught to this church - also applies to the worship of our church today. 

The things which "strengthened" their worship – will also "strengthen" OUR worship . . . and the things which HINDERED their worship are things which will also hinder our worship.

What Paul taught to this church at Thessalonica - he also teaches to our church as well . . .

2abc) The church of the Thessalonians IN GOD . . . the significance of stating that this church was IN GOD – IN OUR FATHER and IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is simply that the Truth rests completely in the entirety of the Godhead (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost).

When a man worships God – he worships God the Father – he worships God the Son and he worships God the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit.

I John 2: 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Our worship of God – is the way that we honor the entire Trinity . . . The fool has no fear of God’s divine power and justice – but the humble 

servant (the man who desires to be a true worshiper – he) has yielded his heart to God’s will.

The unbelieving have no faith in the power that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ possesses – but the man who believes – the man who has experienced godly sorrow – he understands his guilt – he

recognizes the promise of forgiveness and he trusts in the power of the blood of Jesus to bring this forgiveness into his heart.

Those who are living in rebellion fight against the leadership of God or The Holy Ghost as God’s divine Spirit leads them toward The Truth . . . but 

the man who has fallen in love with Jesus – is a man who allows himself to be lead into all truth.

The whole concept of church and “worship” is GOD centered not man centered.

The NTC was not organized and built to honor man – it was organized and it was built to provide man the means (the way) to properly honor God.

Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

This tells us that there is only one way to bring glory to God . . . and that ONE WAY is in the church that was built not upon man but upon Jesus Christ.

Worship is not to be confused with religion . . . religion is something that centers upon man (or the worshiper) while the true “worship of

Christianity” is something that is focused only upon GOD.  To be a Christian is to “Christ centered” -- in fact the very term CHRISTIAN actually means “like Christ” – so to be a Christian means that our lives and our worship resemble CHRIST . . .  while

the proper definition of being religious is to be SELF centered . . . When we look at religion what we always see is a man (group of men) . . . but

when we look at worship all we are able to see is God . . . For instance – if I asked you if you were religious – what would you say?  

If you said yes I am religious – you would say . . . I know I am religious because of “what I do” . . .  I GO TO CHURCH . . . I know that I

am religious because I DO GOOD THINGS . . . I know that I am religious because I READ MY BIBLE . . .

To say that you are religious – and to prove it . . . you will ALWAYS be required to back-up what you say with an explanation of how YOU have  

DONE something GOOD which puts you in a religious category.  BUT if I were to ask you if you worshiped God “as a Christian” . . . you would

never prove yourself to be "a Christian" by listing all of the “religious activities” that you perform in your life . . .

Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

A true Christian is a man who possesses these fruits of the Spirit in his life . . . a true worshiper is a man who also possesses these same type of fruits.

Love is simply compassion for others – joy describes being happy – peace is brought about by contentment - longsuffering is identified as patience while we wait on God’s promises to be fulfilled – gentleness deals both 

compassion and patience as we handle the emotions of others with care – goodness describes our character – faith describes what motivates us – meekness tells of a willingness to be humble when our position does

not necessarily required us to be – temperance speaks of moderation . . . sort of a mixture of compassion – patience – and justice . . .

These fruits of the spirit do not describe any type of religion – but they DO describe CHRISTIANITY . . . these things have nothing at all to do with any type of “church activities” at all . . . but they have everything to do 

with our heart felt "attitude" toward others . . . and our heart felt "attitude" toward God.

You see a true worshiper – a real Christian is defined by HUMILITY – the man who worships God is a man who denies himself and he is a man 

who is submissive unto God . . . the man who is a real Christian does not see himself as “doing good” – but rather the Christian sees himself as an UNPROFITABLE servant.

Luke 17: 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

9  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

This type of submissive and humble attitude is simply NOT ALLOWED in the world of religion – if we perform religious activities we must 

advertise all of the things we have done so that we can prove our claim of religion . . . but if we perform genuine “Christian activities” in our 

worship of God – we are not at liberty to think more of ourselves than we ought to think. 

Even as a saved man/woman -- we are guilty of the blood of God’s only begotten son – and nothing we can do in this life OR in the next life will 

ever be able to change the fact that OUR "PERSONAL" SINS  are what nailed Jesus to the cross.   

If we are saved – it is true that we are forgiven - but it is also true that we are NO LESS guilty than the lost man who will spend his eternity in hell.

So you see – the whole idea of worship “is for a man to admit his own personal guilt” and to set God aside in his life as being so very special that his life is a reflection of the admiration that he has for God.  

End Lesson #1

Believing the truth or believing a lie

Our lesson today concerns “the attitude” that we have in our heart concerning “the word that was preached beginning with the baptism of John”

Statement – Acts 1:21-22

Acts 1: 21 Wherefore of (from among) these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained (made) to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Now the particular circumstance of this passage is finding a replacement for Judas Iscariot – but what I want us to focus on is the time frame that

is mentioned here . . . the “replacement disciple” being considered here - was required to have been a witness of everything that “Jesus” had taught

BEGINNING with the baptism of John unto the SAME DAY that He ascended back to heaven after “empowering” the NTC (New Testament Church or the church of The New Testament era as opposed to the way of worship under the Old Testament era)  in Matt 28.

This passage in Matt 28 is what is known as “The Great commission”.  This is where Jesus spoke His departing words to The New Testament Church.

It was here that Jesus told His church what He “expected” OF HER (what she was supposed to do) until He returned for her at the end of the age

Matt 28: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Now we understand that the entire Bible is “God’s Word” and that every single word of The Bible is very special . . . but there is something “extra

special” about what we find recorded beginning with baptism of John until the ascension of Jesus where Jesus spoke to His church one final time.  

This is in no way intended to diminish the remainder of The Bible – but the point - is to simply single out the personal ministry of Jesus AND to 

to also point to the work of the apostles as a time that God used to establish a new type of worship.  It is true that during this interval of time that Jesus is quoted as saying in Luke 19: 10

For the Son of man (Jesus) is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus did come to search for the lost – and Jesus did come to give eternal life to those who repented of their sins and trusted in Him . . . but Jesus 

also came TO TEACH – Jesus came to teach those that He found in salvation HOW TO WORSHIP the God that had saved them . . . John 3:16 tells us how Jesus died for the sinner

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

But how many of us are familiar with Eph 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself (or also died) for IT;

We find here that Paul compares the relationship between a husband and wife with the relationship between God “and the true worshiper”

It is true that Jesus “gave Himself” as He died for the sinner - but it is equally true that Jesus “gave Himself” as HE ALSO DIED for His NTC.

The point here is that in the "ideal marriage relationship" – every aspect of “the husbands’ life” is directed in such a way that his wife is benefited (the husband lives to please his wife) and everything that he does is ultimately for HER welfare and the welfare of the ENTIRE family . . .

Likewise every aspect of Jesus’ life was directed in such a way that “others” were benefited by everything that He did in His life – and this is also

true regarding His death.  It was through “His death” that according to John 12:32 that Jesus reminds all men of the commandment to repent or perish.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw (drag) all men unto me (unto the cross).

This is the manner in which God’s family (all the saved) are redeemed – this is how God’s children are pardoned (or excused) from the penalty of their

sins – “faith and repentance” are how we pass from death unto life . . . but just as in an earthly family there must be “a husband – wife” relationship

in order to START a family – there is also a SPIRITUAL relationship that must precede the forming of (or the start) God’s “family of believers”that we understand to be ALL of “THE SAVED”.

Now at this point in our discussion – I want to be absolutely clear – that salvation is NOT found in the church . . . but salvation IS FOUND in The

Truth.  If the only “spiritual” or religious relationship that a man has “is OUTSIDE of the Truth” – then I want you to be honest – and think

about whether or not it is possible for the man who “believes a lie” to be born into the family of God’s believers as one of His children.

To phrase it another way – can trusting in a lie save a man’s eternal soul . . . or can salvation ONLY be found when a man trusts in The Truth?  This is a very important question for you to answer.

Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

If the name of Jesus is synonymous with The Truth – if John 1:1 which says 1 . . . and the Word was with God, and the Word was God is really true –

then there should be some doubt in our minds about how effective it is regarding being able to “get saved” by believing “a lie”.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Faith is what saves . . . but “the TYPE of faith that saves” must be placed IN The Truth because faith in a lie CANNOT save any man -- Most 

people are sincere about their religious convictions – but if we are sincerely wrong it DOES NOT COUNT (or gain) anything for us at all in God’s eyes . . .

Faith in the lives of God’s children - is the only thing that is able to please God . . . but once again the only “type of faith” that pleases God (is not faith in a lie) but rather faith in The Truth.

So this phrase in Eph 5:25 where Paul tells us that Jesus loved “the church” and “gave Himself for it” refers to the method which God has chosen to “protect” The Truth.

Once again – salvation IS NOT in any TYPE of church.  But THE TRUTH which points to salvation IS kept in only ONE place.

And that place is The Lord’s New Testament Church.

       Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism

It is easy for "different religions" to criticize one another for leading people astray regarding the The Truth.  It is a waste of time for one group to criticize another group for not teaching "the right thing".

It is not proper for me to use "my religion" to tell others how "your religion" is wrong.  What Jesus compels all men to do - is to "study to shew ourselves approved unto God . . . a workman that needeth not to be ashamed RIGHTLY DIVIDING (properly interpreting) the word of Truth.

The problem is not with "false religion".  The problem is with those of us who refuse to compare "our beliefs" with The Bible and instead of adjusting what we believe to agree with The Bible 

we instead want to adjust how we interpret The Bible to agree with what we want to believe . . .

More on this topic next time . . . until then God bless . . .

   

Water and Ice

  Is the truth absolute?  Is it possible to change the truth without creating a lie?  We are all interested   in what happens to us after death, and I hope the following post helps answer some questions that you might have what is really true about "what happens to us" in eternity.

  Water and Ice

    John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    2 The same was in the beginning with God.

    3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

    4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

    5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

    The Word refers to The Bible – it refers to The Truth – and as we see here in this passage
   –     The Word actually refers to God Himself . . .

    We are told specifically . . . “and The Word WAS God”-- If The Word cannot be separated or taken     away from God – and if God cannot be separated or taken away from The Word – then it is
     not  really possible to define GOD without also talking about the WORD.

   For example - If we consider the difference between water and ice – how is it possible to define
    or to explain one without also explaining the other? 

   We can easily understand that it is just not possible for ice to exist if “water” did not exist . . . if
    water had never been created – then conditions would never exist that would form ice.  

    Well the same thing is true regarding God and the Word – God is like the water – and The Word
    is like the ice . . . if God did not exist    then the conditions would never occur that would bring
    about what we know as The Truth and righteousness . . .

   Truth cannot exist without God – We are told in Heb 6: 18 that it is impossible for God to lie –

    If it is not possible for God to lie – and because we understand that IF “The Truth” is changed or
    made into something that is different than it was before – then it is no longer The Truth . . .

   From this we can see that God is TRUTH because God does not change . . . or else He would
    cease TO BE God . . . and The Truth would be lost.

    Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (KJV)

    Righteousness is the other thing that could not exist without the presence of God - Ps 50:6 And the
    heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself – this tells us that God is THE
    ONE judge of all creation and that HIS definition of truth {or what is right or wrong} is what He
    will use to Judge us - after we pass through the doorway of death and enter into eternity.

   Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
   (KJV)

    Now we know that a judge is the one who compares our behavior with The Law - and then based
   upon this comparison - he decides if we are guilty or innocent – and then the judge he either
   pardons or pronounces a sentence . . .

    2Co 9:9 . . . his (God's) righteousness remaineth forever.

   Righteousness is how God has defined “what is good” or how to remain innocent and avoid
   judgment (receive a pardon) . . . Now given the fact that God CANNOT lie – which means that
   TRUTH is something that is CONSTANT or unchangeable for all men in EVERY generation,

    this idea of righteousness or “what is good” is tied to The Word of God - which is tied to The 
    Truth of God – which is tied to GOD our JUDGE or the one who will pardon or condemn
    when our behavior is compared to His law of righteousness.

    In judgment our lives will not be compared to the latest trend or what has slowly become
    acceptable over time because of how we (society) have come to think about right and wrong - but
    judgment will compare our lives to the standard of righteousness that God established WITH the
    truth - from the very beginning.  In the beginning was THE WORD . . .

     So when we consider The Word – when we talk about The Truth – we can understand these
     terms better if we realize how closely related these actually are to God. 

    John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS GOD.  
    2 The same was in the beginning with God.  

    The Word is just as eternal – and it is just as everlasting as God is . . . in fact if you stop and think
     about it – The Word is also just as POWERFUL as God is.  We can say this because we receive
      spiritual life THROUGH The Word . . . So Who is it that gives LIFE – who is it that has created
      life – who is it that existed “in the beginning” alongside of God?

    Gen 1:1 says . . . In the beginning God . . .

    John 1:1 says . . . In the beginning was the Word and The Word was with (beside) God   and The
    Word WAS God (or God possessed The Word of His Truth) even in the very beginning of creation

     In the beginning was water and the water was with ice and the water was ice . . . the same was in
     the beginning with water . . .

    The Word (the Bible) is what gives life to those who believe – and The Word (the Bible) is what
     condemns those who die in unbelief.  So if “The Word” has such power over spiritual life and
     death – it is not a wise thing for us to treat “The Word” as we so often do . . . by ignoring it or
     taking what it says lightly.

      John 1:3 All things were made by him (By God’s power) and without him (without The Word –
      without The Truth) was not anything made that was made. 

      Now we have established the fact that The Word cannot be separated from God . . .

      God cannot exist without The Truth because The Truth is of part OF God – and neither can The
     Truth exist without God because God is part OF The Truth . . . this would be like trying to
     separate all the water from all the ice that has ever formed on the earth.


      If all the water on Earth was taken away - then all the ice would go with it - which in the context
      of our scriptures -  means that if we could remove God from our lives (or from the world) then
      because The Truth is so closely related to God – then the truth would also be taken away . . . and

       Counter-wise – if we could somehow remove The Truth from our lives or disprove it in the
       world then God would ALSO be removed or disproved.  This is why Satan is the author of so
       many of our school books . . .

         Children that have been deceived – soon grow into adults who suffer the same type of
         deception . . . but children that are grounded in "the faith" or what is true for all men in all ages
        – they grow into adults who are also grounded in this same faith or the concept that Truth is
         universal and unchangeable for all men in all ages.

        Eph 2: 1 And you hath he quickened (or made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins;

         2 Wherein in time past ye walked (lived) according to the course (way) of this world,
        according to the prince of the power of the air (this refers to Satan which is) the spirit that
        now worketh in the children of disobedience:

        When The Truth is removed or taken out of our lives – then the only thing left to take its place 
        is something that is not true {a lie}.  If we do not give God access to our lives – or if we
        withhold God's truth  from the lives of our children, then we DO give this prince and power 
       of the air –access to our lives – and he (Satan) is the one who works in the children of
        disobedience . . . among whom also we all had our conversation (life style) in times past (when
        as a lost man we walked)  in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the
        mind  and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others

        I know that it is not possible to take our Bibles with us everywhere we go and “advertise our
        Christianity” to everyone we meet . . . but it IS possible to hide God’s Word in our heart so
         that THE EFFECTS which The Bible has had on us CAN be taken - literally everywhere we
         go . . . If

        The Truth is not in us – then we have given the control of our lives to a lie which means that if
         we are not following The Truth – the only thing left for us to follow is a lie . . . Mt 12:30 He
         that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

        Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

       Now if we are not saved (if we have never trusted in Jesus) – then it because we have hidden our
       heart from The Truth so that we will NOT allow The Truth to save us . . . if we are not
      “looking” for The Truth – then we are “hiding” from The Truth . . . Now this may make us
       uncomfortable – but if “God” and His Truth are not in our heart – then Satan and his lies are
       the ones who live there  and have dominion over our lives.

        If we have not hidden The Word within our heart – then I want us to consider what we HAVE
        hidden in our heart.   

     If we are not WITH God (beside) God like The Word is with God or beside Him . . . then we are
      against God – which means that we are NOT JOINED together with GOD regarding faith and the
       eternal salvation of our soul.  He that gathereth not with me – scattereth abroad.

      Matt 6: 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or
      else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

      Now please remember how we started this lesson . . . we learned that “The Word” cannot be
       separated from God (because like water and ice) they are really the same thing. . . we learned
     that “The Truth” cannot change without becoming a lie – and then we learned that God cannot lie.

      Now bearing in mind what we have learned about God – The Word – The Truth & Righteousness
      – I want us to read from Acts 16 about a man who had hidden his heart from The Truth – but
      who changed his mind (he repented) and wanted instead to hide his heart from the death and the
      deception of Satan.

      Acts 16: 25 (Paul and Silas had been thrown into prison) And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed,
      and sang praises unto God: and the (other) prisoners (in the jail) heard them.

       26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were
      shaken: and immediately all the doors (of the prison) were opened, and every one's bands were
       loosed. (KJV)

      The prison doors came open – and the chains fell away from all the prisoners . . .

      27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he
       drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
      (KJV)

      The reason for this – is that it was common for the jailor to be responsible for his prisoners – if
       they escaped – the Roman government would put the jailor to death.

       28 But Paul (the man who just a few hours before – this jailor had beaten - he) cried with a
        loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

        29 Then he (the jailor) called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down
        before Paul and Silas,

        30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (KJV)

       Now remember The Power of The Word . . . Faith (or trust) in The Word will save us – but
       unbelief – refusing to accept The Word – or believing a lie are all things that will condemn us
       before God as our supreme judge when in judgment He looks for faith and repentance in our
       heart.

      31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

      The Word which was with God in the beginning – The Word which WAS God . . . this WORD is
      the only thing that stood between this jailor and the eternal flames of hell fire . . . If God cannot 
       lie – if The Truth cannot change and "remain" True – and if The Word was God – and if The
      Word IS God

      Then when you ask this question - “preacher what must I do to be saved” – the answer is THE
      SAME for you – as it was for this jailor that ask the exact same question about 2000 years ago . . .      and that answer is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (just like he was)"

      Now very briefly – I want to explain exactly what it means “to believe” in this respect “on the
       Lord Jesus Christ”

       Paul and Silas had been cast into prison because they had been preaching about Jesus . . . So this
       jailor had heard what they had been preaching.

        Romans 10: 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

       This jailer heard the gospel message – and this jailor called out in faith to the God that this
       gospel proclaimed . . .

        14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe
        “in him” of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

  

        How could this jailor have reached out (in faith) to a God that he had never heard preached
       about?

        When we consider where we will go after death (referring to our soul) - and when we realize
         that we are without hope (like this jailor was) For us to call out in faith shows that we believe
      “the message” that God has sent to us through the preacher.

        15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of
          them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

           Not every preacher takes the right message to the place where God directs him -and not
           every man accepts the message that the preacher happens to bring to him.

         16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our
          report?

       What about you – has the preacher delivered the right message to you this blog? . . . and have
       you chosen to accept this message or (at the risk of your eternal soul) have you chosen to reject
       it?

       17 So then faith (which saves) cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

        To believe – is to see that we have a need (or to be convicted or burdened in our heart) because
          we know that we are guilty (we agree with God that we have sinned) . . .

       To believe – is to direct our hope (point ourselves) toward God and His message of hope  (which
       is repentance) and because we see our guilt - because we are sorry for our sins we turn (in our
       heart) and call out to Him – trusting IN HIM to satisfy that need

      This is what it means to believe unto the salvation of our soul and this is what this Philippian
       jailor did.  Are willing to confess (admit) that you are a sinner?  Are you willing to believe that
       Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that God raised Him from the dead?  Are you
       sorry - do you regret the pain that Jesus endured because of the payment He made for your sins?

      I just ask you three things - are you will to confess your sins - are you willing to believe in Jesus -

       are you sorry for your sins (do you want to repent or to turn away from your sins) . . . if the
       answer to these are yes . . . then consider this final verse and think about how you also are not
      far from God's salvation.

      Mr 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far 
       from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

        I hope that you have learned something from my first blog, please comment whether positive or
        negative - until next time God bless.