Tag: belief

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM WHO BELIEVES

 

Original Greek, and definitions are in red.

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe [have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)], all things are possible to him who believes [has faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)].”

Mark 9:23

Faith (Eng. def.):   complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

Mark 11:22-23

So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”

2 Chron. 20:20

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief [faithlessness, that is, (negatively) disbelief (want of Christian faith)]; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith [persuasion, that is, credence] as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Mat. 17:20

Credence (Def.):   belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Faith (Eng. def.):   complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt [oppose], you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing [have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)], you will receive.”

Mat. 21: 21-22

 

And the apostles [delegates] said to the Lord [Supreme Authority], “Increase our faith [persuasion, that is, credence].”

6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith [persuasion, that is, credence] as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 

Luke 17: 5-6

Credence (Def.):   belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Faith (Eng. def.):   complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

 

Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir [Supreme Authority], come down [descend] before my child dies!”

50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed [had faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)] the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

John 4: 48-50

 

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe [have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)] you would see the glory [glory (as very apparent)] of God?”

John 11:40

Glory (Eng. def.):   high renown or honor won by notable achievements.

                                      magnificence or great beauty.

This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith [persuasion, that is, credence] to be healed, 

Acts 14:9

Credence (Def.):   belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Faith (Eng. def.):   complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

 

But without faith [persuasion, that is, credence] it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe [have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)] that He is, and that He is a rewarder [remunerator] of those who diligently seek [search out] Him.

Heb. 11:6

Remunerator (Def.):   A remunerator is a person or entity that rewards or pays for work, services, or goods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME, OR TITLE?

  • The translations are sometimes annoying (and not practical).
  • The original Greek/Hebrew is in red.

Our Lord Jesus Christ:   

Very poor translation. The original Greek reads:

Supreme Authority, Jesus (the) Anointed.

Anointed by whom?

Our spiritual Father (in the New Testament).

 

“The Spirit [wind; by resemblance breath] of the Lord [the Lord (used as a proper name of God only)] God is upon Me,

Because the Lord [(the) Self Existent] has anointed [rubbed (me) with oil] Me

To preach good tidings [to cheerfully announce (glad news)] to the poor [depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy)];

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted [burst] [heart],

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

Isa. 61:1

 

In the New Testament, God, the Father, is known to us as, “Our Father”.

In the Old Testament He is often referred to as, “(the) Self Existent”.

 

He is Self Existent, 

we (human beings) are existent dependent.

THE “TRULY” INVISIBLE MAN

 

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible [✓], to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.

1 Tim. 1:17

 

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

John 1:18

 

For since the creation of the world His invisible [✓] attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Rom. 1:20

 

He is the image of the invisible [✓] God, the firstborn over all creation. 

Col. 1:15

 

By faith [persuasion, that is, credence] he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible [✓].

Heb. 11:27

 

No one has seen God at any time. If we love [love (in a social or moral sense)] one another, God abides [stays (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)] in us, and His love [love, that is, affection or benevolence] has been perfected [completed, that is, (literally) accomplished, or (figuratively) consummated (in character)] in us. 

1 John 4:12

* * * * * *

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHOULD YOU BELIEVE YOUR MILITARY CHAPLAIN (OR PRIEST)?

God’s Word is truth:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 

John 17:17

The words of the Lord are pure words,

Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,

Purified seven times.

Ps. 12: 6

Jesus says:   “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love [love (in a social or moral sense)] your enemies [hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile)], bless [speak well of] those who curse [execrate] [loathe] you, do good [well (usually morally)] to those who hate [detest] you, and pray for those who spitefully [insult, slander] use 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.

Execrate:   feel or express great loathing for.

The Ukrainian army:   More than 738 military chaplains in the Armed Forces of Ukraine perform clerical duties.   Feb 12, 2024

5 June

Russia’s use of religion for military purposes:

Does the Russian military have chaplains?

The military chaplains are a concrete example of how the Russian Orthodox Church integrates with the armed forces, he claims. But there are few full-time positions, only about 250, in comparison with the number of uniformed servicemen.   Jun 5, 2024

A summary of, “What the militaries believe”:

Al Lundy has it in a nutshell: we are allowed to kill under three conditions: in self-defense or in defense of those who cannot defend themselves (which includes a just war), when lesser means are insufficient to stop the threat by the other person, and when innocent life (such as non-combatants or those who surrender . . .    Apr 25, 2018

So, who do you believe?

Are the Ukrainian, Russian chaplains (or priests), and Al Lundy telling the truth? Is their word truth, or is God’s Word Truth?

I think it’s obvious that God’s Word is truth.

* * * * * *

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

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

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

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith [persuasion/credence] and do not doubt [to separate thoroughly/to withdraw from/oppose], you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast [thrown] into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer [prayer (worship)], believing [having faith in/credit], you will receive.”

Mat. 21:21-22

Credence (Def.):   belief in, or acceptance of, something as true.

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief [faithlessness/disbelief/unfaithfulness]; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith [persuasion/credence] as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Mat. 17:20-21

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Mark 11:22-24

So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

Luke 17: 6-7

And not being weak [feeble] in faith [persuasion/credence], he did not consider his own body, already dead [deadened] (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver [separate thoroughly/withdraw from/oppose] at the promise [announcement/divine assurance of good)] of God through unbelief [faithlessness/disbelief/unfaithfulness], but was strengthened [empowered] in faith [persuasion/credence], giving glory [glory] to God,

Rom. 4:19-20

Credence (Def.):   belief in, or acceptance of, something as true.

Glory (Def.):          high renown or honor won by notable                                                                                                                                 achievements.

                                  magnificence or great beauty.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith [persuasion/credence], so that I could remove mountains, but have not love [love/affection/benevolence], I am nothing [not even one/none/nobody/nothing]. 

1 Cor. 13:2

Credence (Def.):   belief in, or acceptance of, something as true.

But let him ask in faith [persuasion/credence], with no doubting [separating thoroughly/withdrawing from/opposing], for he who doubts [separates thoroughly/withdraws from/opposes] is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed [tossed with the wind] by the wind.

James 1:6.

Credence (Def.):   belief in, or acceptance of, something as true.

* * * * * * *

PERSEVERE IN THE ORIGINAL, TRUE, DELEGATES’ (APOSTLES’) INSTRUCTION (THROUGH THEIR WRITTEN WORD, IN THE N.T.):

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

AUTHORITY

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  • 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:   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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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:   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.

           13 

       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

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  • 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:

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.

  1.   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.

31 

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.

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

* * * * * *

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.

* * * * *

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

OUR NATURAL HOSTILITY TOWARDS GOD.

  • 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:

OUR NATURAL MENTAL INCLINATION IS HOSTILE TOWARDS GOD

PART 1:   OUR NATURAL INCLINATION IS HOSTILITY TOWARDS GOD:

  • Because the carnal [fleshly] mind [mental inclination or purpose] is enmity [hostility/a reason for opposition] against [to or into] God; for it is not subject [subordinated/obedient] to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.   Rom. 8:7-8
  • And even as they did not like to retain [hold] God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased [unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication worthless] mind, to do those things which are not fitting;    Rom. 1:28.
  • For if when we were enemies [hateful] we were reconciled [changed mutually] to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled [mutually changed], we shall be saved by His life.    Rom. 5:10.

PART 2:       Jesus was speaking to His learners [actual Greek word, misleading “religious word” = disciples] over 2000 years ago. We are all learners of the Anointed Jesus. It is not unusual to be hated for speaking about God’s Word:

  • His disciples [learners] said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!   John 16:29
  • I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 

         John 17:14

PART 3:   No human being is claiming to be, “a Samuel”, but it’s the principle of the story that we need to pay attention to:

But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord [Self Existent]. 7 And the Lord [Self Existent] said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected [spurned] you, but they have rejected [spurned] Me, that I should not reign over them.     

1 Sam. 8:6-7.

Spurn (definition):   to reject with distain or contempt.

When people criticize, or reject you, because of your belief in God’s Word, while hurtful, they are not rejecting you, but they are rejecting their Creator, and His Word.

* * * * *

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