Tag: God’s Word

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.

PRESSURE

  • Religious language can be annoying.
  • Original Greek in red.

TRIBULATION/PRESSURE

 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world [orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world] you will have tribulation [pressure (literally or figuratively)]; but be of good cheer, I have overcome [subdued (literally or figuratively)] the world [orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world] .”

John 16:33

 

strengthening the souls [breaths, that is, (by implication) spirits] of the disciples [learners], exhorting [calling near, that is, inviting, invoking (by imploration, hortation or consolation)] them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations [pressures (literally or figuratively)] enter the kingdom of God.”

Acts 14:22



Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation [pressure (literally or figuratively)].

2 Cor. 7:4



you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation [crowding (literally or figuratively)], just as it happened, and you know.

1 Thes. 3:4

 

Yes, and all who desire to live godly [piously] in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution [pursuing (literally or figuratively)]. 

2 Tim. 3:12



choosing rather to suffer affliction with [maltreatment in company with, that is, (passively) endure persecution together] the people of God than to enjoy [to hold] [full enjoyment] the passing pleasures of sin, 

Heb. 11: 25



Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings [something undergone, that is, hardship or pain] are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

1 Peter 5:9



And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great [big] tribulation [pressure (literally or figuratively)], and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Rev. 7:14

 

* * * * *

 

A few other scriptures on pressure:



And not only that, but we also glory [vaunt/boast] in tribulations [pressures], knowing that tribulation [pressure] produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Rom.5:3



rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation [pressure], continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Rom. 12:12



For our light [✓] affliction [pressure], which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2 Cor. 4:17

* * * * * * *

 

 

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.

 

* * * * * * *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUST WHAT IS THIS “GOSPEL” THING?

THE GOOD MESSAGE

INTRODUCTION

Summary (In advance):   

  • The idea that complexity can be used to obscure or avoid the truth is a recurring theme in various fields, notably in economics. Economist John Kenneth Galbraith famously stated that complexity in the study of economics is often employed to disguise or evade simple truths, rather than to reveal them.
  • This seems to be true in theology.
  • The word, “gospel” has been used in almost all of the translations of the scriptures. There is only one translation, of which I’m aware, that uses the words, “good news”. “Gospel” is a word no longer used in our English speaking nations, and means nothing to the average person.
  • In this case, “religious language” obscures the truth.
  • Was it intentional? We’ll never know.
  • The original Greek was meant to be clear to the average reader.
  • The meaning throughout the New Testament is, “Good Message”.
  • None of the original people involved ever “preached the gospel”.
  • Jesus, for the most part, heralded the “Good Message”.
  • Herald (Def.):   As a noun:   official messenger bringing news, or a person or thing viewed as a sign that something is about to happen.

          As a verb:   a sign that (something) is about to happen.

  • The delegate (apostle) Paul , for the most part, announced the “Good Message”.
  • So, what is that “Good Message”?
  • That Jesus will return soon and set up a kingdom.
  • Yes, it will be a monarchy, and Jesus will be its king, and
  • He will rule with a “rod of iron”,  with strength.

She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.

Rev. 12:5

Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

Rev. 19:15

* * * * * *

  • The original Greek is shown in [red]:

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching [✓] in their synagogues [assemblages of persons], preaching [heralding (as a public crier)] the gospel [good message] of the kingdom [properly royalty, that is, (abstractly) rule], and healing [to wait upon menially, that is, (specifically) to relieve (of disease)] all kinds of sickness [maladies] and all kinds of disease [softness, that is, enervation (debility)] among the people.

Mat. 4:23

When anyone hears the word [something said (including the thought)] of the kingdom [properly royalty, that is, (abstractly) rule], and does not understand it, then the wicked [hurtful] one comes and snatches [seizes] away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

Mat. 13:19

 And this gospel [good message] of the kingdom [properly royalty, that is, (abstractly) rule] will be preached [heralded (as a public crier)] in all the world as a witness [something evidential, that is, (generally) evidence given] to all the nations [races (as of the same habit), that is, tribes], and then the end will come.

Mat. 24:14

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching [heralding (as a public crier)] the gospel [good message] of the kingdom [properly royalty, that is, (abstractly) rule] of God, 

Mark 1:14

And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

18 

“The Spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze] of the Lord [supreme in authority] is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach [announce good news] the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

Luke 4:17-18

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching [heralding (as a public crier)] and bringing the glad tidings [and announcing the good news] of the kingdom [properly royalty, that is, (abstractly) rule] of God. And the twelve were with Him, 

Luke 8:1

Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught [✓] the people in the temple and preached the gospel [announced good news], that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him

Luke 20:1

And how shall they preach [herald (as a public crier)] unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel [announce good news] of peace,
Who bring glad tidings [announce good news] of good things [good]!”

Rom. 10:15

* * * * * * 

Paul, a bondservant [slave] of Jesus Christ [the Anointed], called [invited, that is, appointed] to be an apostle [a delegate], separated [set off by boundary, that is, (figuratively) limited, excluded, appointed, etc.] to the gospel [good message] of God 

Rom. 1:1

For God is my witness [✓], whom I serve with my spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze] in the gospel [good message] of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 

Rom.1:9

For I am not ashamed of the gospel [good message] of Christ [the Anointed], for it is the power [force] of God to salvation [rescue or safety (physically or morally)] for everyone who believes [who has faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)], for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 

Rom. 1:16

that I might be a minister [a public servant, that is, a functionary in the Temple] of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering [a temple worker, that is, officiating as a priest (figuratively)] the gospel [good message] of God, that the offering [presentation; concretely an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice] of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified [made holy, that is, (ceremonially) purified or consecrated] by the Holy [Sacred] Spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze]. 

Rom. 15:16

But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing [fine speaking, that is, elegance of language] of the gospel [good message] of Christ.

Rom. 15:29

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel [good message] and the preaching [proclamation] of Jesus Christ [The Anointed], according to the revelation [disclosure] of the mystery [a secret or “mystery”] kept secret [kept silent] since the world began

Rom. 16:25

And He said to them, “Go into all the world [orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world] and preach [herald (as a public crier)] the gospel [good message] to every creature [formation]. 16 He who believes [has faith] and is baptized [made whelmed (that is, fully wet)] will be saved [saved, that is, delivered or protected]; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:15-16

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid [frightened, that is, (passively) alarmed], for behold, I bring you good tidings [announce good news] of great [big]  joy [cheerfulness, that is, calm delight] which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior [Deliverer], who is Christ [Anointed] the Lord [Supreme Authority].

Luke 2:10-11

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry [attendance (as a servant, etc.)] which I received from the Lord [Supreme in Authority] Jesus, to testify [attest or protest earnestly] to the gospel [good message] of the grace [graciousness] of God.

Acts 20:24

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel [good message] of your salvation [rescue or safety (physically or morally)]; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed [stamped (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation] with the Holy [Sacred] Spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze] of promise [announcement (for information, assent or pledge],

Eph. 1:13

But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated [exercise violence, that is, abused] at Philippi, as you know, we were bold [frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor] in our God to speak to you the gospel [good message] of God in much conflict [properly a place of assembly (as if led), that is, (by implication) a contest (held there)].

1 Thes. 2:2

But we are bound [owed (pecuniarily); figuratively to be under obligation (ought, must, should)] to give thanks to God always for you, brethren [brothers] beloved [loved (in a social or moral sense)] by the Lord [Supreme Authority], because God from the beginning chose you for salvation [rescue or safety (physically or morally)] through sanctification [properly purification, that is, (the state) purity] by the Spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze] and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel [good message], for the obtaining [acquisition] of the glory [✓] of our Lord [Supreme Authority] Jesus Christ [Anointed].

2 Thes. 2:13-14

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

                               magnificence or great beauty.

according to the glorious [glory (as very apparent)] gospel [good message] of the blessed [supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off] God which was committed to my trust.

1 Tim. 1:11

* * * * * *

POSTSCRIPT:   This would fall under speculation, as it can’t be proved conclusively, but the Holy Spirit is mentioned in several of the above quoted texts. In all cases it’s translated from the original Greek as Holy [Sacred] Spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze].

Note the following scripture: 

And when He (Jesus) had said this, He breathed [blew at or on] on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy [Sacred] Spirit [current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze]”.

John 20:22

Is it possible that the Holy Spirit is God (the Father’s, or even maybe even Jesus’) actual Sacred Breath?

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

Never forget to love your enemies and pray for their well-being. GOD Forgave you and GOD forgave me so you and I need to always forgive those who offend us and curse us and speak and write lies about us.

The actual original Greek, or Hebrew, will be shown in brackets, in red, within the quotes.

But I say to you, love [love (in a social or moral sense)] your enemies  [hateful (ones) (passively odious, or actively hostile)], bless [speak well of] those who curse [execrate (loathe); by analogy to doom] you, do good to those who hate [detest (especially to persecute)] you, and pray for those who spitefully use [insult, slander] you and persecute you, 

Mat. 5:44

Execrate (Def.):   feel or express great loathing for.

“If you meet your enemy’s [hating (one’s)] ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 5 If you see the donkey of one who hates [to hate (personally)] you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.

Ex. 23:4-5

But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”

2 Kings 6:22

But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out before the army that came to Samaria, and said to them: “Look, because the Lord God of your fathers was angry with Judah, He has delivered them into your hand; but you have killed them in a rage that reaches up to heaven. 10 And now you propose to force the children of Judah and Jerusalem to be your male and female slaves; but are you not also guilty before the Lord your God? 11 Now hear me, therefore, and return the captives, whom you have taken captive from your brethren, for the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you.”

12 Then some of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against those who came from the war, 13 and said to them, “You shall not bring the captives here, for we already have offended the Lord. You intend to add to our sins and to our guilt; for our guilt is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.” 14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the leaders and all the assembly. 15 Then the men who were designated by name rose up and took the captives, and from the spoil they clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them and gave them sandals, gave them food and drink, and anointed them; and they let all the feeble ones ride on donkeys. So they brought them to their brethren at Jericho, the city of palm trees. Then they returned to Samaria.

2 Chron. 28: 9-15

Fierce witnesses rise up;

They ask me things that I do not know.

12 

They reward me evil [bad] for good,

To the sorrow of my soul.

13 

But as for me, when they were sick,

My clothing was sackcloth;

I humbled myself with fasting;

And my prayer would return to my own heart.

14 

I paced about as though he were my friend or brother;

I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.

Ps. 35:11-14

If your enemy [to hate (personally)] is hungry, give him bread to eat;

And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22 

For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,

And the Lord will reward you.

Prov. 25:21-22

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies [hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile)], do good to those who hate [detest (especially to persecute)] you, 28 bless [speak well of] those who curse [execrate (loathe)] you, and pray for those who spitefully use [insult, slander] you. 

Luke 6: 27-28

Execrate (Def.):   feel or express great loathing for.

And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind [employed, that is, (by implication) useful (in manner or morals)] to the unthankful [thankless, that is, ungrateful] and evil [hurtful].

Luke 6:34-35

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Luke 23:34

[Stephen] Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:60

Bless [speak well of] those who persecute [pursue (literally or figuratively)] you; bless [speak well of] and do not curse [execrate (loathe)].

Rom. 12:14

Execrate (Def.):   feel or express great loathing for.

Loathe (Def.):   feel intense dislike or disgust for.

Therefore

“If your enemy [hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile)] is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome [subdued (literally or figuratively)] by evil [worthlessness (intrinsically such], but overcome [subdue (literally or figuratively)] evil [worthlessness (intrinsically such] with good.

Rom. 12:20-21

And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled [reproached, that is, vilified], we bless [speak well of]; being persecuted [pursued (literally or figuratively)], we endure [hold oneself up against, that is, (figuratively) put up with]; 13 being defamed [vilified], we entreat [call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)]. We have been made as the filth [something cleaned off all around, that is, refuse (figuratively)] of the world, the offscouring [something brushed all around, that is, off scrapings (figuratively scum)] of all things until now.

1 Cor. 4:12-13

Love [affection or benevolence] suffers long [long spirited, that is, (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient] and is kind [shows oneself useful, that is, acts benevolently]; love [affection or benevolence] does not envy [have warmth of feeling for or against]; love does not parade itself [boast], is not puffed up [inflated, that is, (figuratively) made proud (haughty)]; 5 does not behave rudely [act unbecoming], does not seek its own, is not provoked [sharpened alongside, that is, (figuratively) to be exasperated], thinks no evil [worthlessness (intrinsically such]; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity [(legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act)], but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love [affection or benevolence] never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 

1 Cor. 13:4-8

Christ’s example:

who, when He was reviled [reproached, that is, vilified], did not revile [rail in reply] in return; when He suffered [experienced a sensation or impression (usually painful)], He did not threaten [menace], but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 

1 Peter 2:23

not returning evil [worthlessness (intrinsically such)] for evil [worthlessness (intrinsically such)] or reviling [slander or vituperation] for reviling [slander or vituperation], but on the contrary blessing [speak well of], knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing [fine speaking, that is, elegance of language] [commendation].

1 Peter 3:9

WHAT WAS THE ISSUE WITH ADAM AND EVE?

Adam was given a clear, direct, command from God, before Eve was created:

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [bad] you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Gen 2:15-17

Adam chose to listen to the voice of the woman, instead of to the voice of God:

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded [heard intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.] the voice [voice or sound] of your wife [woman], and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:

“Cursed [execrated] [loathed] is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.

Execrated (Def.):   feel or express great loathing for.

18 

Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.

19 

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”

Gen. 3:17-19

There are many voices out there. It is crucial that we listen to the right (correct) voice.

Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the Lord.

1 Sam. 15:1

But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

1 Sam. 15: 9

Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord.”

1 Sam. 15: 13

And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.”

1 Sam. 15: 15

Now the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? 

1 Sam. 15:18-19

And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”

1 Sam. 15: 20-21

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He also has rejected you from being king.”

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed [heard intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.] their voice.

1 Sam. 15: 22-24

Summary:

  • The issue at creation was obedience to God’s voice.
  • Adam listened to the woman’s voice instead of God’s voice, therefore the ground was cursed.
  • Saul lost the position of being king over Israel by listening to the peoples’ voice, instead of God’s voice.
  • The scary thing about Saul’s situation was that he thought he was listening to God’s voice. The entire chapter of 1 Sam. 15. A big mistake:
  • Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord.  1 Sam. 15: 13
  • It’s obviously vital to listen to God’s voice. In our case, the Holy Writ.

An aside:   

All [apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole] Scripture is given by inspiration of God [divinely breathed in], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

2 Tim. 3:16

“All” means “all” Holy Writ, not some.

Bottom line:   We can’t be sloppy with God’s Word (Voice).

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

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME

Attributed to Gandhi.

For many will come in My name [“name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character)], saying, ‘I am the [“the” is not in the KJV] Christ [anointed],’ and will deceive [cause to roam (from truth)] many.

Mat. 24:5

Is the name/word/title, “Christian” not coming in Christ’s name?

45,000 denominations

There are more than 45,000 denominations globally. Followers of Jesus span the globe. But the global body of more than 2 billion Christians is separated into thousands of denominations. Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Apostolic, Methodist — the list goes on.   Jul 29, 2022

Would not 45,000 denominations (about 2 billion so-called “Christian” people) qualify as “many” [polos]?

Then many false prophets [spurious prophets, that is, pretended foreteller or religious impostor] will rise up and deceive [cause to roam from truth] many. 

Mat. 24:11

Sanctify [make (them) holy] them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

John 17:17

God’s Word, alone, is truth.

For false christs [spurious Messiahs] and false prophets [spurious prophets, that is, pretended foretellers or religious impostors] will rise and show great signs [indications, especially ceremonially or supernaturally] and wonders [prodigies or omens] to deceive [cause to roam (from truth], if possible, even the elect [select; by implication favorite].

Mat. 24:24

Prodigy (Def.):   a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities.

                                    an impressive or outstanding example of a particular quality.

                                   an amazing or unusual thing, especially one out of the ordinary course of nature.

And the Lord said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.

Jer. 14:14

“I have not sent these prophets [a prophet or (generally) inspired man], yet they ran.

I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

Jer. 23:21

“I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 

Jer. 23:25

I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 

John 5:43

For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 

Acts 5:36-37

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 

Acts 8:9-10

All who dwell on the earth will worship him [the beast (dangerous animal)], whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Rev. 13:8

* * * * * *

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

* * * * * *

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

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

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