NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY

THESE DO NOT SEEM TO BE NATURAL EVENTS (ECLIPSES).

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).
Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Acts 17:24

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is in [red] and in square brackets [ ].
We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s Topic: THESE DO NOT SEEM TO BE NATURAL EVENTS (ECLIPSES):

At the end times. It does not look like these are natural events (eclipses):

And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights [frightening things] and great [big] signs [indications] from heaven [the skies].

Luke 21:11

“And there will be signs [indications] in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars [properly constellations]; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity [a (state of) quandary], the sea and the waves roaring [making a loud noise];

Luke 21:25

“Immediately after the tribulation [pressure] of those days the sun will be darkened [obscured], and the moon will not give its light [brilliancy]; the stars [stars] will fall [probably through the idea of alighting] from heaven, and the powers [force] of the heavens [skies] will be shaken [wavering, that is, agitated, rocked, toppled].

Mat. 24:29

This is hard to understand, as the stars are generally larger than the earth. Possibly their light being dimmed somehow???

The darkness at Christ’s crucifixion was not a natural eclipse:

Off the web:

What time is the sixth hour in Matthew 27?

12 noon

Daylight hours were measured from sunrise (6 a.m.). The third hour was 9 a.m.; the sixth hour, 12 noon; and the ninth hour, 3 p.m. An event that occurred before sunset (the twelfth hour, 6 p.m.) was counted as taking place on that day and, after sunset, the next.

Passover is a spring festival, so the 15th day of Nisan typically begins on the night of a full moon after the northern vernal equinox. However, due to leap months falling after the vernal equinox, Passover sometimes starts on the second full moon after vernal equinox, as in 2016.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting the Moon’s shadow on Earth. A solar eclipse can only happen during a New Moon. The Moon’s orbit is titled 5 degrees to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

Christ’s crucifixion was on Passover (Full moon). It was not a natural solar eclipse (New moon).

He was our sacrificial Lamb:

Now from the sixth hour (noon, our time) until the ninth hour (3 pm, our time) there was darkness [shadiness] over all the land [soil; by extension a region]. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Mat. 27:45-46

Our sacrificial Lamb:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! . . . .

And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

John 1: 29, 36.

The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.

Acts 8:32

* * * * * * *

And they continued steadfastly [persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42

* * * * * * *

TO WHOM DOES GOD WANT YOU TO GIVE?

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).
Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

John 4:23-24.

“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands”.

Acts 17:24

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is in [red] and in square brackets [ ].
We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic: TO WHOM DOES GOD WANT YOU TO GIVE?

“If there is among you a poor [destitute] man of your brethren [brothers], within any of the gates [openings/doors/gates] in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor [destitute] brother, 8 but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. 9 Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil [spoilt/good for nothing/bad] against your poor [destitute] brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin among you. 10 You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. 11 For the poor [destitute] will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor [depressed] and your needy [destitute], in your land.’

Deut. 15:7-11

Destitute (Definition): without the basic necessities of life.

PLEASE NOTE:

IT IS A POOR (DESTITUTE) MAN (INDIVIDUAL), NOT AN INSTITUTION (E.G. CHURCH [IN MANY CASES CHURCHES ARE INCORPORATED], CHARITY, NOR RETAIL STORE, WHICH ARE CORPORATIONS) OF ANY SORT.

IT IS, “IN YOUR LAND”. NOT ACROSS THE WORLD.

“So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”

11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise””.

Luke 3:10-11

PLEASE NOTE:

AGAIN, IT IS SHARING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL, NOT A CORPORATION, NOR GROUP, OF ANY SORT.

“Do not marvel [wonder], my brethren [brothers], if the world [orderly arrangement] hates [detests] you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren [brothers]. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates [detests] his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal [perpetual] life abiding in him.

16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren [brothers]. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love [love/affection/benevolence] of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not love [love (in a social or moral sense)] in word or in tongue, but in deed [toil] and in truth”.

1 John 3:13-18

PLEASE NOTE:

IT IS AN INDIVIDUAL THAT YOU SEE IN NEED, NOT A CORPORATION.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed [assented/acknowledged] that they were strangers [foreigners (literally aliens] and pilgrims [aliens alongside/resident foreigners] on the earth.

Heb 11:13

Alien (Definition): belonging to a foreign country or nation.

a foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living.

Remember: If you are a believer, then you are an alien in this world system, and think differently from those around you.

“What does it profit, my brethren [brothers], if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead . . . . .

. . . . . 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”.

James 2: 14-17, 26.

PLEASE NOTE:

IT IS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS WITHOUT CLOTHING AND DAILY FOOD, NOT A CORPORATION.

“Do not fear [be frightened], little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms [compassionateness/(as exercised towards the poor)]; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure [deposit] in the heavens [skies] that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure [deposit/wealth] is, there your heart will be also”.

Luke 12:32-34

“They desired only that we should remember the poor [beggars (as cringing)], the very thing which I also was eager to do”.

Gal 2:10

AGAIN, IT IS AN INDIVIDUAL THAT IS BEGGING.

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need”.

Eph. 4:28

“Pure [clean] and undefiled [unsoiled/pure] religion [ceremonial observance] before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans [bereaved (“orphan”)/parentless] and widows [a widow (as lacking a husband)] in their trouble [pressure], and to keep oneself unspotted [unblemished] from the world [orderly arrangement]”.

James 1: 27

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed [spoken well] of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least [least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)] of these My brethren [brothers], you did it to Me.’

Mat. 25:34-40

NOTE THAT THE KING CALLED ALL OF THE “LEAST” (IN OUR SOCIETIES) BROTHERS.

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners [having a home near/a by-dweller (alien resident)] and pilgrims [aliens alongside/resident foreigners], abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

1 Peter 2:11

REMEMBER, AGAIN: IF YOU ARE A BELIEVER, YOU ARE AN ALIEN RESIDENT IN THIS WORLD SYSTEM, AND THINK DIFFERENTLY FROM THOSE AROUND YOU.

PLEASE NOTE WELL:

NONE OF THE ABOVE SCRIPTURES SAY TO GIVE TO CHURCHES (MOST, IF NOT ALL, ARE CORPORATIONS), SYNAGOGUES, CORPORATIONS, CHARITIES (CORPORATIONS), OR INSTITUTIONS OF ANY SORT.

NO SCRIPTURE SAYS TO GIVE TO OTHERS, NOR INSTITUTIONS, WHO WILL, IN TURN, GIVE TO THE POOR.

YOU MAY BE UNINTENTIONALLY GIVING TO THE RICH. ALL EMPLOYEES OF A CHARITY, OR LARGE RETAILER, ARE PAID AND DON’T QUALIFY AS “POOR”. THE EXECUTIVES OF MANY CHARITIES, AND LARGE RETAILERS, ARE OBSCENELY WELL PAID.

P.S. Apologies for the increased type size in the quote from 1 John 3:16-17. Sometimes WordPress has a “mind of it’s own”. I tried everything, that I knew how, and couldn’t correct it. There may be a “secret” of which I’m not familiar!

WHY ARE YOU TITHING?

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).

Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Acts 17:24

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is in [red] and in square brackets [ ].

We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic: WHY ARE YOU TITHING?

Abraham lived almost 4,000 years ago, before the Law was given. What he did almost 4,000 years ago (paying a tenth of his spoils) to Melchizedek (who had perpetual life) has little to do with you paying a tithe to other human beings today.

The Law came from God through Moses (about 2000 years after Abraham):

To where did God command that tithes be taken?

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse [house/depository], so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”

Malachi 3:10.

Tithes were to be taken into the storehouse (depository).

Where was the storehouse?

The priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes, and the Levites shall bring up the tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.

Neh. 10:38

The storehouse (depository) was in the temple.

THE PHYSICAL TEMPLE BUILDING, INCLUDING THE STOREHOUSE (DEPOSITORY), WAS DESTROYED IN 70 A.D. YOU COULDN’T TITHE TODAY (BIBLICALLY, OR “PROPERLY”), EVEN IF YOU WANTED TO.

To whom were tithes to be paid?

“To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.

24 For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’”

Num. 18:21,24

Tithes were given to the Levites.

THERE IS NO PHYSICAL LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD ON EARTH TODAY. PASTORS/MINISTERS/PRIESTS TEACHING AND COLLECTING TITHES ARE NOT LEVITES. THEY ARE ROBBING PEOPLE.

1 Corinthians 16:2-3:

On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.

This was a special collection for suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem:

“Paul begins to give the church in Corinth specific instructions about collecting money for suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Many Bible teachers apply these as ground-level principles for how modern Christians should give to local churches and other needs” . . . .

. . . . . “In fact, the New Testament never commands Christians to tithe in the way the Old Testament required (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26). Jews (added: and Israelites) living under the Old Testament law were obligated to tithe, in addition to other required contributions to the temple and the priests.”

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/16/1-Corinthians-16-2.html

To whom we should give will be covered in a future post.

In the meantime, we are encouraged to persevere in the original delegates’ (apostles’) instruction (what we refer to [generally] as the New Testament). This point cannot be overemphasized:

And they continued steadfastly [persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42

*******

TO REPEAT:

PERSEVERE IN THE ORIGINAL, TRUE, DELEGATES’ INSTRUCTION:

And they continued steadfastly [persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42

AUTHORITY

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).

Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Acts 17:24

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is in [red] and in square brackets [ ].

We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic: AUTHORITY.

This is, obviously, not popular in our societies today.

I didn’t write the sacred scriptures. I just read them as you do:

Let a woman learn in silence [stillness] with all submission [subordination].

1 Tim. 2:11

Subordinate (English definition): As adjective: lower in rank or position.

As noun: a person under the authority or control of another within an organization.

In English: The prefix sub- means “lower” and ordinate refers to an ordering of things.

To the woman He said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
In pain you shall bring forth children;
Your desire shall be for your husband [man as an individual or a male person],
And he shall rule over you.”

Gen. 3:16

When the king’s decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small.”

Est. 1:20

Then he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people.

Est. 1:22.

But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Cor. 11:3

Obviously, if a woman doesn’t have a man in her life, then she reports directly to Christ. The behavior doesn’t change, just the person to whom she is directly subordinate.

Let your women keep silent in the churches [calling outs], for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive [subordinate], as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful [a shameful thing] for women to speak in church.

1 Cor. 14:34-35

Wives, submit [subordinate] to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Eph. 5:22-24

Wives, submit [subordinate] to your own husbands, as is fitting [to attain to] in the Lord.

Col. 3:18

Wives, likewise, be submissive [subordinate] to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

1 Peter 3:1

For in this manner, in former times, the holy [sacred] women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive [subordinate] to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord [supreme in authority], whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

1 Peter 3:5-6

ANTICHRIST (AN OPPONENT OF THE MESSIAH):

As I’ve mentioned before, a lot of topics overlap each other.

I’m very grateful that the delegate John wrote about people being “opponents of the Messiah”. It simplifies things for us, to recognise the many aspects of “antichrist” in our societies.

A reminder of what he wrote:

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

1 John 2:18-19

I take the “us” as the original, true, delegates (apostles). It could also mean, “believers”.

In either case, it is in a religious context.

As I’ve said before: What don’t you understand about the word, “many”?

It is easy to recognise “opponents of the Messiah” in secular situations, a little harder to recognise them in a religious context.

A few examples (of major, so-called “Christian” denominations):

First example: “Of the 66 ********* bishops either consecrated or “translated” since then, 43 are women, people of color, LGBTQ+ bishops, or a combination of more than one of those categories.” May 16, 2023
Approximately 1.6 million members.

Another one: “As of August 2017, 24 women have since been elected to the episcopate across the church.”
Episcopate (Definition): the office or term of office of a bishop.
Approximately 85 million (worldwide) members.

Another one: “The *** ordains women as both Teaching Elders (pastors) and Ruling Elders.”
Approximately 75 million members worldwide.

Clearly these so-called, “Christian” denominations are antichrist (opponents of the Messiah).

There is one denomination that does not ordain women: “the ********* Church teaches that it is impossible to ordain a woman as a deacon, priest, or bishop.”

Before you go rushing off to join this church, it is antichrist (an opponent of the Messiah) in other areas. There is more than one way to be an opponent of the Messiah.

God willing, in future posts [I don’t know when], I’ll show you how, in other ways, so-called “Christian” denominations are antichrist.

* * * * * * * *

PERSEVERE IN THE ORIGINAL, TRUE, DELEGATES’ INSTRUCTION (THROUGH THEIR WRITTEN WORD, IN THE NT):

And they continued steadfastly [persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

LET THERE BE LIGHT

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).

Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Acts 17:24

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is in [red] and in square brackets [ ].

We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic: LET THERE BE LIGHT

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good . . .

Gen 1: 3-4.

God is the Lord [Self Existent] ,

And He has given us light;

Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

Ps 118:27

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:5

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

John 1:9

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds [works/toils] were evil [hurtful].

John 3:19

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Cor. 4:6

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Eph. 5:8

Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

Eph. 5:14

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5

Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

1 John 2:8

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Mat. 5:14-16

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,

That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

Prov. 4:18

Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the Lord will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.

The Gentiles shall come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.

Isa. 60:1-3

Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Phil. 2:14-16

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Peter 2:9

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:5-7.

To repeat: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Eph. 5:8

* * * * * * * *

PERSEVERE IN THE ORIGINAL, TRUE, DELEGATES’ INSTRUCTION (THROUGH THEIR WRITTEN WORD, IN THE NT):

And they continued steadfastly [persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

SHOULD YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW HUMAN GOVERNMENT?

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).
Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Acts 17:24

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is in [red] and in square brackets [ ].

We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic: SHOULD YOU ALWAYS OBEY HUMAN GOVERNMENT?

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed [arranged] by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance [arrangement] of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil [worthless]. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil [worthlessness], be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister [attendant], an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil [worthlessness]. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Romans 13:1-7

Most read Paul’s writing, and stop right there. There are more scriptures to look at.

He seems to be saying, “respect the human authorities”, which other scriptures endorse.

A few of the other scriptures:

But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.

Ex. 1:17

They obviously understood the 6th commandment.

In the same time period:

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

Heb. 11:23

A little later:

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

Heb. 11:27

The principle is to obey God rather than man:

But Peter and the other apostles [delegates] answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

I’m not the first to recognise how wonderfully amazing the book of Daniel is. The first 8 chapters are straight history, and easy to read and understand. Then an amazing prayer (chapter 9). Only after this does it get into prophecy.
We’d do well to live our lives, as Daniel, and his friends did theirs.
No protests, nor riots. They just got on with their lives, quietly, and minded their own business. It was “certain Chaldeans” that reported them to the king.
It should be pointed out that Daniel would be regarded as a traitor in this day-and-age. He worked for the king of Judah, then the king of Babylon, then the Median king. He did not rejoice that his original land (Judah) had been taken over by the Babylonians, but he recognised . . . . .

. . . . . In order that the living may know

That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,

Gives it to whomever He will,

And sets over it the lowest [lowest] of men.’ Dan 4:17

We probably have some of those “low” men ruling over us today!

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego’s response to the king:

If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Dan. 3:17-18.

Daniel’s response after being thrown in the lion’s den:

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Dan. 6:21-22

To repeat:

These men did not look for trouble.

They served their Creator, and minded their own business.

It was others that reported them (informed/snitched) to the king.

They respected the human authorities.

They accepted whatever human punishments were applicable, even though “unfairly snitched upon”, and trusted in their Creator.

A few wrap-up thoughts to this section:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:

“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”

Heb. 13:6

In God (I will praise His word),

In God I have put my trust;

I will not fear.

What can flesh do to me?

Ps 56:4

The Lord is on my side;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

Ps. 118:6

. . . . Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow;

Let Him be your fear,

And let Him be your dread [awe/dread].

Isa. 8:12-13

ANTICHRIST:

As I’ve said before, a lot of these topics overlap.

Events of the last few years bring this topic into sharp focus.

A reminder: The word “antichrist” is only used 4 times in the delegate John’s letters. In the original Greek it means, “an opponent of the Messiah”.

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many [much/many] antichrists [opponents of the Messiah] have come, by which we know that it is the last hour”. 1 John 2:18

What don’t you understand about the word “many”?

If there were many antichrists in the delegate John’s day, there’s a high probability that there are many in our day.

You may need a reminder of “the Beginning”:

Then God saw everything [the whole] that He had made, and indeed it was very [vehemently] good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Gen. 1:31

We don’t use “vehemently” much in modern English, but it means, “forcefully”.

So God saw “the whole” (including man, woman, and their immune systems), and said (forcefully) that the whole was good.

So, on the one side you have your Creator saying that your immune system is forcefully good. In opposition, you have human beings saying that natural immunity is not good enough:

“New studies show that natural immunity to the coronavirus weakens (wanes) over time, and does so faster than immunity provided by COVID-19 vaccination”. Nov 23, 2021 (Off the web).

Human beings are, again, “antichrist”. In opposition to the Messiah.

Very little, or no, attempt was made to strengthen the immune system. Basically diet, and exercise.

This scripture doesn’t prove anything, but it is interesting in what these people “missed” while in a desert:

We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; Num. 11:5

It is also interesting that about 60 years ago a favorite sandwich was: raw tomato, raw onion, and cheese, with salt and pepper. Delicious!

Be aware of the propaganda to which you are subject.

* * * * * * * *

PERSEVERE IN THE ORIGINAL, TRUE, DELEGATES’ INSTRUCTION (THROUGH THEIR WRITTEN WORD, IN THE NT):

And they continued steadfastly [were earnest towards/persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

YOU SHALL NOT STEAL

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).
Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is [red] and in square brackets [ ].

We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic:

YOU SHALL NOT STEAL:

I recently witnessed a theft from a large mass merchandiser store.

You all know the stores. They are the largest retailer in the world, with almost 11,000 stores world-wide.

I had finished shopping and was almost going to get in my car, when I heard a commotion coming from the store entrance.

The thief was shouting something at the security guards, and then walked away rapidly. He had stolen a large, blue, squarish, backpack, and began putting it on his back. I was told later that the backpack probably had stolen items in it too.

Then began a curious thing. The thief walking fast (not running), followed by one security guard, also walking rapidly, not running. The security guard was a much larger man, and could have caught the thief at any time. Each time he got too close, he [the security guard] backed off deliberately.

They then disappeared behind an embankment.

Later, I was talking with a somewhat aggressive, male, regular, employee at a large, box, hardware store (the world’s largest hardware chain, 2300 stores in the U.S., Canada and Mexico). He had found a woman “shoplifting” (euphemism for stealing). He knew he couldn’t touch her, nor the bag which she had brought into the store (filled with stolen goods), but he could touch the bag she had stolen from the store, with stolen goods in it.

All he did was turn it upside down so that the stolen goods fell out.

According to him, she left the store without penalty, while he received a 2 day suspension, without pay.

We are living in the time spoken of by Isaiah the prophet:

Woe to those who call evil [bad] good, and good evil [bad];

Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Isa. 5:20

He who justifies the wicked [morally wrong], and he who condemns the just,

Both of them alike are an abomination [something disgusting] to the Lord.

Prov. 17:15

Both thieves , and retailers have forgotten what was originally, the BIG 10.

For reminder purposes, I’ll repeat them here:

“You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Ex. 20:3-17

A reminder, specifically for thieves:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Cor. 6:9-10

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Eph. 4:28

Another reminder that you live in the middle of a warped and distorted generation:

Do all things without complaining [grumbling] and disputing [discussion], 15 that you may become blameless [irreproachable] and harmless [unmixed/innocent], children of God without fault [unblameable] in the midst of a crooked [warped] and perverse [distorted] generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Phil 2:14-15

Irreproachable:

Definitions: 1. To behave so well that they cannot be criticized.

without fault and therefore impossible to criticize.

Back to antichrist:

Oh no, this guy is obsessed with antichrist . . . .

I am, because they are all around us. They’ve become so woven into the fabric of our societies that most people don’t even recognise them.

There were “many” in the delegate John’s day, and there are many in our day:

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

1 John 2:18

O.k., let me explain how Man’s system works, for the above subject of “theft”, and then I’ll contrast it with God’s system.

Going back to the mass merchandiser store: Who pays for that theft?

You, the consumer, do. You actually pay for it in two ways (double payment).

The retailer (with almost 11,000 stores worldwide) loses about $2 billion U.S. per year due to “shrinkage” (another euphemism!).

Some is due to employee error, but most of it is theft [employees, shoplifters, and suppliers (called fraud)]. 1-2% of sales.

That approximate 2% is added to every item in their stores.

That’s not much you say . . . , but wait, there’s more . . .

The retailer (they may be the largest, but not the only retailer in town) places a claim with their insurance company.

The insurance companies who are paying out these huge claims have to get the money back somehow. Guess who pays, in higher premiums [not only the store chain involved]?

Everybody wins, except you (the consumer)!

Why was this hurtful system devised?
It creates employment: More security guards (who can do nothing) [their wages are also tax-deductible by the corporation], more insurance people to handle the large claims, and send out your bloated renewals.
Note that the wages, and the losses, are written off the corporation’s taxes. This probably needs further explanation: The numbers are rolling. The insurance payments would be income, while the losses are losses (to be written off). At the end of the calendar year they would not have received all their insurance claims, therefore the losses are probably greater (for that tax year), than the insurance claims that they receive.

Now God’s system:

The thief actually pays.

What a weird system (by our standards!).

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. 3 If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.

Ex. 22:1-4

People do not despise a thief

If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.

Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold;

He may have to give up all the substance of his house.

Prov. 6:30-31

O.k. Times have changed a bit. Probably we would not sell into slavery today, but the principle is that they’d have to work off their debt by working without pay for a while.

It seems to be anywhere from two times to seven times the value of the goods stolen. A judge would probably decide.

And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination [a detestation] in the sight of God.

Luke 16:15

A reminder of the Greek meaning of the word, “antichrist”: “an opponent of the Messiah”.
Mankind’s system of handling theft is in opposition to the Messiah (Christ), and hence antichrist.

While people are still thieves, there is a penalty for their actions.

They can, however, change.

We have an amazing, gracious, and forgiving God.

Note the thief on the cross (Luke 23:32-43). Note, also, that only one thief was forgiven, the one with the right attitude, who confessed to his God in his own way.

Our leaders are, at best, confused. Whatever their problem, they’re getting bad theological advice.

CHOOSE YOUR “KING” (LEADER) WISELY

This blog, and post, will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (Jesus).
Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.

The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is [red] and in square brackets [ ].

We all need reminders: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

Today’s topic:

CHOOSE YOUR “KING” (LEADER) WISELY:

Definition of a King: a male ruler of a country who usually inherits his position and rules for life.

Focus on the, “ruler of a country”. In the “modern” world that could be a King, Queen, President, or Prime Minister, depending on the country in which you live.
Lord Jesus Christ’s name and title: Lord [Supreme Authority] Jesus [Jesus/Jehoshua] Christ [Anointed].
Just what don’t you understand about Supreme Authority?

You have a simple choice: 1. Giving total, supreme, allegiance to your national leader, or 2. giving total, supreme allegiance to your Creator, Jesus Christ (the Word of God).

I think there’s a great misunderstanding of Romans, chapter 13, by many people. There are several other scriptures which clarify our understanding of our relationship with our human government. This will be covered in a future post, but we must be respectful of our human authorities.
We are to respect our human authorities, but God is still overall Supreme:

Honor [prize] all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear [be frightened (of)] God. Honor [prize] the king [sovereign]. 1 Peter 2:17
My son, fear [fear] the Lord [Self Existent] and the king [king];

Do not associate with those given to change; Prov. 24:21

England requires new citizens to swear/affirm an oath: The Oath of Allegiance (Judicial or Official Oath) is a promise to be loyal to the British monarch, and his or her heirs and successors, sworn by certain public servants in the United Kingdom, and also by newly naturalized subjects in citizenship ceremonies.

New Canadians don’t get away from it either:
In Canada, the King is the Head of State; therefore, in order to become citizens, all applicants for citizenship who are 14 years of age or older must swear or affirm to be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors. Jul 8, 2021

New Americans don’t really get away with it either:
The Naturalization Act of 1906 added the section of the oath requiring new citizens to defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and bear true faith and allegiance to the same. The Oath acquired a standard text in 1929.

Definition of Allegiance: loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause.

We know how this part of the story ends:

“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings [sovereigns] who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings [sovereigns] with the beast [dangerous animal]. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power [force] and authority [privilege] to the beast [dangerous animal]. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome [subdue] them, for He is Lord [Supreme in Authority] of lords [Supremes in Authority] and King [Sovereign] of kings [Sovereigns]; and those who are with Him are called [invited], chosen [selected], and faithful [trustworthy].” Rev. 17:12-14

And I saw the beast [dangerous animal], the kings [sovereigns] of the earth, and their armies [armaments], gathered together to make war [warfare] against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast [dangerous animal] was captured, and with him the false [spurious] prophet who worked signs [indications] in his presence, by which he deceived [caused to roam (from safety, truth, and virtue)] those who received the mark [scratch/etching] of the beast [dangerous animal] and those who worshiped [fawned or crouched to] his image [likeness]. These two were cast [thrown] alive into the lake [pond] of fire [lightning ???] burning [set on fire] with brimstone [sulphur]. 21 And the rest [remaining ones] were killed with the sword [sabre] which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. Rev. 19:19-21

So much for nuclear weapons!

Your human leader may live 70 to 100 years, Jesus will live forever:

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering [forbearance], as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting [perpetual] life. 17 Now to the King eternal [(in) perpetuity], immortal [undecaying], invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor [value] and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Tim. 1:16-17

But Peter and the other apostles [delegates] answered and said: “We ought to obey [to be persuaded by a ruler/to submit to authority] God rather than men [manfaced/human beings]. Acts 5:29.

Choose your “King” wisely.

You follow your human leader, as long as they follow Jesus. Unfortunately, I think they generally mean well, but they get terrible theological advice.

To finalize this post, and to further clarify the subject, we go back to antichrist:

ANTICHRIST

As I’ve said before, a lot of these topics overlap each other.
You have a prime example of antichrist right in front of you almost every day (in the news, August, 2023).
You have the Ukraine war.
On the one side you have the Russian leader, who says something like, “the guys over the hill are bad guys. Go kill them”.
On the other side you have the Ukrainian leader saying something like, “the guys over the hill are bad guys. Go kill them”.
The Russian equivalent of an army chaplain is a Russian Orthodox priest (number with the army, in Ukraine, is difficult to determine), and the Ukrainian army have chaplains (>160 with the army in the war).
It doesn’t mean anything.

The Ancient Greek for “antichrist” is, “an opponent of the Messiah” (Jesus).

In opposition, you have your Creator saying:

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder [be a murderer], and whoever murders will be in danger [liable] of the judgment [tribunal/justice].’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca [O empty one/worthless] !’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool [dull/stupid]!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Mat. 5:21-22

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy [hateful (one)] .’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies [hateful (ones)], bless [speak well of] those who curse [loathe] you, do good [well] to those who hate [detest] you, and pray for those who spitefully use [insult/slander] you and persecute [pursue] you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil [hurtful] and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Mat. 5:43-45

You’re hardly showing love [affection/benevolence, 1 Cor. 13] to someone by dropping bombs, rockets, or shells on their heads!

So both sides in the Ukraine war are in opposition to the Messiah (Jesus), and hence antichrist.

One of Jesus’ titles is, “Prince of Peace”:

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa. 9:6.

Now to the King eternal, immortal [undecaying], invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim. 1:17

FOLLOW ME (JESUS)

This blog will always direct you directly to your Creator, and God’s Word (What we know as the Bible).
Directly means directly. No pastors, nor incorporated, so-called, “Christian” churches. Absolutely no human being between you and your Creator.
The actual Greek and/or Hebrew is [red] and in square brackets [ ].
Today’s topic:

FOLLOW ME (JESUS):

A reminder: Jesus is the Word of God. The good message of John, first chapter:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

PART 1: FOLLOW JESUS:

When Jesus called His first learners (“religious word” = disciples), He said, “Follow Me [come hither, to the back of Me] [Mat. 4:19]”. Other verses have it as [be in the same way with Me]. Most, if not all, English translations have it as “Follow Me”. A reasonable translation, probably heavily influenced by Mat. 4:19 and the Old Testament. We have records of: Simon Peter, Andrew, Matthew and Philip: Mat. 4:19, Mat. 9:9, John 1:43.
Another reminder: We are all learners of the Supreme Authority, Jesus, the Anointed (Anointed to be King).
We have lots of scriptures of Jesus calling general learners, by saying, “Follow Me”:
Then another of His disciples [learners] said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow [be in the same way with] Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Mat. 8:21-22.

Then Jesus said to His disciples [learners], “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny [deny utterly] himself, and take up his cross [stake or post (as an instrument of capital punishment)], and follow [be in the same way with] Me. Mat. 16:24.
If anyone serves Me, let him follow [be in the same way with/accompany] Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:26
To the young man: Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect [complete], go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow [be in the same way with] Me.” Mat. 19:21.
Jesus said to him (Peter), “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow [be in the same way with/accompany] Me.” John 21:22
Jesus was the God of the Old Testament:

and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed [to be in the same way with/accompanied] them, and that Rock was Christ. 1 Cor. 10:4.

A few Old Testament scriptures to mentally chew on:
But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed [hind part/after] Me fully [to be full of], I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. Num. 14:24
‘Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and above, shall see the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholly [to be full of] followed [hind part/after] Me, 12 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have wholly [to be full of] followed [hind part/after] the Lord.’ Num. 32:11-12
and tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to you (Jeroboam); and yet you have not been as My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed [walked/after] Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes; 1 Kings 14:8

Jesus did NOT say, “Follow Me (Jesus) through the Judaizers, Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Fourth Philosophy, nor any other human group of His day”. He simply said, “Follow Me”. Remember, Jesus is the Word of God.

Nor is He saying “Follow Me (Jesus)” through any human group today.

You have direct access to your Creator! He is the Word of God.

PART 2: The Messiah:

The word “Messiah” is only used twice in the Old Testament. Dan. 9:25-26.
The ancient Hebrew word means, “Anointed”.
The name Jesus Christ, in English, is sometimes misused. The word, “Christ” is actually a title, and in ancient Greek means, “Anointed”.
What we know:
Jesus was anointed by the Father:

“For truly against Your holy [sacred] Servant [boy] Jesus, whom You anointed [to smear or rub with oil], both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Acts 4:27-28

how God anointed [to smear or rub with oil] Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil [traducer], for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

Traducer: makes false or malicious statements about (someone) in order to cause humiliation or disgrace.

What Jesus said He was anointed to do:

“The Spirit of the Lord [Supreme Authority] is upon Me,

Because He has anointed [to smear or rub with oil] Me

To preach the gospel [announce good news] to the poor [beggars];

He has sent Me to heal [cure] the brokenhearted [crushed hearts],

To proclaim [herald] liberty [freedom] to the captives [prisoners of war]

And recovery of sight [restoration of sight] to the blind [opaque],

To set at liberty [freedom] those who are oppressed [crushed];

To proclaim [herald] the acceptable [approved] year of the Lord [Supreme Authority].” Luke 4:18

We also know that Jesus was anointed physically for His burial:
a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. Mat. 26:7, and Mark 14:3.
What we don’t know, for sure, is when the Father anointed Him as King? Should readers have Biblical proof of such an event, please post it in the comments section. I don’t think His baptism proves His anointing as King [Mat. 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32].
We do know that He will return as King:

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

Rev. 19:16

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow [bend], of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess [acknowledge] that Jesus Christ [Anointed] is Lord [supreme in authority], to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:9-11
Sorry to all the anti-monarchists out there. The future is a monarchy, with Jesus as King!

PART 3: Antichrist:

As I’ve said before, several of these topics cross over each other.
People sometimes get confused about the antichrist. Yes, there is an Antichrist, who will arrive one day, but there are many antichrists around us now.
You just don’t recognise them, because you’ve either grown up with them, or become used to them as everyday features of daily life.
The delegate John wrote in his letter:
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2;18
There were many antichrists in John’s day (about 2000 years ago), and there are many antichrists around us today.
The Ancient Greek word for “antichrist” means, “an opponent of the Messiah (Jesus)”.
You don’t have to think too hard to realize that there are many individuals, and organizations that are in opposition to the Messiah (Jesus).
This will be covered in more detail in a future post, but for now our topic is, “Follow Me (Jesus)”.
You are all familiar with a very popular social media app./website, which encourages people to follow people [human beings].
Following someone on ******* means: You are subscribing to their ***** as a follower. Their updates will appear in your Home timeline. That person is able to send you Direct Messages.
The most-followed accounts (at time of writing, August, 2023): Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Justin Bieber, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rihanna.
On the one hand you have your Creator saying, “in English”, “Follow Me (Jesus) [the Word of God]”, on the other hand (in opposition) you have human beings saying, “Follow Me on *******”, hence antichrist.
Go figure! You choose.

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My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow [be in the same way with] Me. John 10:27

NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY

The purpose of this blog is to:

Point people DIRECTLY* to God’s Word. Follow Jesus, follow Jesus, follow Jesus (read God’s Word directly), and
Demystify [make easier to understand] some of God’s Word.
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law”.

Deut. 29:29.

All of the translations are flawed in some way. Some are bad translations, and some are antiquated English which we don’t use any more. Some use “religious language”, which is nonsense. Has this been deliberate over the centuries, or is it just fallible human beings trying their best? Who knows (?), but we will try to clarify the important parts.

*DIRECTLY MEANS DIRECTLY. NO PASTORS NOR INCORPORATED, SO-CALLED, “CHRISTIAN” CHURCHES (CURRENTLY > 45,000 DENOMINATIONS, WORLDWIDE). ABSOLUTELY NO HUMAN BEING BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR CREATOR.

READ AND BELIEVE GOD’S WORD (THE BIBLE) DIRECTLY.

Jesus is the Word. The good message of John, first chapter:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Verse 14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace [graciousness] and truth.

John 1:1-5, 14.

The actual original Greek, or Hebrew, will be shown in brackets, in red, within the quotes.
It is recommended that you read the following topics from the list on the right:

Topics Already Published:

JUST WHAT IS THIS “GOSPEL” THING?

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2025/07/02/just-what-is-this-gospel-thing/

LOVE (IN A SOCIAL AND MORAL SENSE) THOSE WHO HATE YOU

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2025/05/03/love-in-a-social-or-moral-sense-those-who-hate-you/

WHAT WAS THE ISSUE WITH ADAM AND EVE?

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2025/04/26/what-was-the-issue-with-adam-and-eve/

THE “TRULY” INVISIBLE MAN

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2024/09/15/the-truly-invisible-man/

MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2024/09/09/many-will-come-in-my-name/

SHOULD YOU BELIEVE YOUR MILITARY CHAPLAIN (OR PRIEST)?

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2024/08/11/should-you-believe-your-military-chaplain-or-priest/

OUR NATURAL HOSTILITY TOWARDS GOD

OUR NATURAL HOSTILITY TOWARDS GOD.

FOLLOW JESUS

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/08/12/follow-me-jesus/.

CRITERIA OF A TRUE DELEGATE (APOSTLE).

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/07/10/criteria-of-a-true-delegate-apostle/

CHOOSE YOUR KING WISELY

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/08/20/choose-your-king-leader-wisely/

YOU SHALL NOT STEAL

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/09/03/you-shall-not-steal/

SHOULD YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW HUMAN GOVERNMENT?

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/10/15/should-you-always-follow-human-government/

LET THERE BE LIGHT

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/11/02/let-there-be-light/

AUTHORITY

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/11/30/authority/

WHY ARE YOU TITHING?

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2023/12/09/why-are-you-tithing/

TO WHOM DOES GOD WANT YOU TO GIVE?

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2024/01/20/to-whom-does-god-want-you-to-give/

BELIEVE IN SOMETHING AS TRUE, AND DON’T OPPOSE IT (FAITH):

https://nononsensetheology.ca/2024/07/07/believe-in-something-as-true-and-dont-oppose-it-faith/

Check the “Recent Posts” on the right.

To be published soon:

ANTICHRIST

LIGHT HEARTED CHEERFULNESS

That should help you in your understanding of the hurtful world around you, and your place in it.

Have you tried formal, humanly organized, “Christianity”, and not found it useful? Cheer up, you’re not the first:

Hypocrites [actors (stage players)]! Well did Isaiah prophesy [foretell events] about you, saying:

‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart [thoughts and/or feelings (mind)] is far from Me.

And in vain [to no purpose] they worship [revere/adore] Me,
Teaching as doctrines [instructions] the commandments [injunctions/religious precepts] of men [human beings].’ ”

Mat. 15:7-9

Very few human beings, in this day and age, are fearful before God’s Word:

. . . “But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor [depressed, in mind or circumstances] and of a contrite [smitten] spirit,

And who trembles [(is) fearful] at My word.

Isa. 66:2

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PERSEVERE IN THE ORIGINAL, TRUE, DELEGATES’ INSTRUCTION [WITHOUT GETTING INTO PICKY DETAILS, WHAT WE CALL THE NEW TESTAMENT]:

And they continued steadfastly [earnest towards/persevered] in the apostles’ [delegates’] doctrine [instruction] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

Definition: Delegate: a person sent or authorized to represent others.

That is the original Greek. The delegates were sent out to represent Jesus. They did an amazingly good job.

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Topics will be added to this blog from time-to-time.

	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on THE “TRULY” INVISI…
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on SHOULD YOU BELIEVE YOUR MILITA…
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on BELIEVE IN SOMETHING AS TRUE,…
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on TO WHOM DOES GOD WANT YOU TO…

	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on THE “TRULY” INVISI…
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on SHOULD YOU BELIEVE YOUR MILITA…
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on BELIEVE IN SOMETHING AS TRUE,…
	NO-NONSENSE THEOLOGY… on TO WHOM DOES GOD WANT YOU TO…