Can You Imagine?

ByTheSpirit · May 3, 2013

Does "hang hat" mean works for salvation? Show me one time that I have ever said a person can be saved by their works... I wait patiently for this, as it will be a long time before you can show where i have said that.

Factoid of the week #2 - Jesus also said abide in me or be cast off into the fire....

I like how you could not answer my question about Matthew 25.

perhaps you haven't found a good enough way to twist it yet..

Frogster · May 3, 2013

BryanN84 said:
Does "hang hat" mean works for salvation? Show me one time that I have ever said a person can be saved by their works... I wait patiently for this, as it will be a long time before you can show where i have said that.

Factoid of the week #2 - Jesus also said abide in me or be cast off into the fire....

I like how you could not answer my question about Matthew 25. perhaps you haven't found a good enough way to twist it yet..

u say 'twist' as u said i was condescending...i see a double standard here..

be polite with froggy..

hey, bro,,take it easy, u said u "hang hat", not me, what else can one presume by that comment?

ByTheSpirit · May 3, 2013

Frogster said:
u say 'twist' as u said i was condescending...i see a double standard here..

be polite with froggy..

hey, bro,,take it easy, u said u "hang hat", not me, what else can one presume by that comment?

Just because you read something into a comment doesn't mean your interpretation of what was said was right. Much how one can read into scriptures and make them say whatever they want them to.

murjahel · May 3, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Can you imagine a board, where one could
start a subject, and talk about it, and only it,
without someone with a pet grievance coming
in to every thread and changing the subject
to that grievance...

???

No, I don't think I can imagine that here...

Frogster:

The subject is not 'works and salvation'...

we obey the wishes of our Lord when we
are baptized... we are not saved by whether
we were baptized or not...

works do not save, works only prove if we
are really saved... for if you are saved, the
Lord does not have to hold a gun to your
head to get obedience and good works...

if that doctrine is unacceptable to you,
there is a way for you to start your own
thread and discuss it to pieces...

I know, that not many will go there
to discuss it with you, for they have already
done it a trillion times (figure of speech)...

so, you will be lonely on that thread...
so you come to the threads of others,
and try to twist the subject to your subject...

no thanks here !!!

Frogster · May 3, 2013

murjahel said:
CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Can you imagine a board, where one could
start a subject, and talk about it, and only it,
without someone with a pet grievance coming
in to every thread and changing the subject
to that grievance...

???

No, I don't think I can imagine that here...

Frogster:

The subject is not 'works and salvation'...

we obey the wishes of our Lord when we
are baptized... we are not saved by whether
we were baptized or not...

works do not save, works only prove if we
are really saved... for if you are saved, the
Lord does not have to hold a gun to your
head to get obedience and good works...

if that doctrine is unacceptable to you,
there is a way for you to start your own
thread and discuss it to pieces...

I know, that not many will go there
to discuss it with you, for they have already
done it a trillion times (figure of speech)...

so, you will be lonely on that thread...
so you come to the threads of others,
and try to twist the subject to your subject...

no thanks here !!!

i did not bring up the baptism word, obedience, ritual, or jewish words, please review the thread, especially post 4.

New_Wineskin · May 4, 2013

BryanN84 said:
And yet the Apostles and early church evangelists still baptized new Christian converts isnt that weird since it is a Jewish ritual? Hmmm

Not wierd at all since the apostles were all Jewish and not understanding what was going on with the Gentiles coming in . Even Peter was quoted as remembering that Jesus told him that He was setting up a new baptism while still going with the old .

New_Wineskin · May 4, 2013

Frogster said:
i did not bring up the baptism word, obedience, ritual, or jewish words, please review the thread, especially post 4.

Imagine ... if people who start a thread on revealing the problems with handed-down doctrines with holes in the thinking would allow revelation on their own handed-down doctrines with holes in the thinking .

ByTheSpirit · May 4, 2013

New_Wineskin said:
Not wierd at all since the apostles were all Jewish and not understanding what was going on with the Gentiles coming in . Even Peter was quoted as remembering that Jesus told him that He was setting up a new baptism while still going with the old .

You do realize the Apostles were still baptizing new converts well into the book of Acts right? Surely by then they had thrown off their "Jewish" roots. Paul baptized the Ephesian disciples of John in Acts 19, you're talking about a timeframe of 58 ad or so.

So when churches baptize today do you protest that because baptism is not for Christians, only for Jews?

murjahel · May 4, 2013

The doctrine of water baptism has many varying proponents who argue over many issues of baptism.

We are commanded, as disciples of Jesus to win souls, to baptize them, to disciple them, and to continue in so doing. We are to do that to Jew, Gentile, etc... male, female, old, young... not to save them, but to be a testimony of the believer of what the Lord has done. It is an ILLUSTRATED SERMON.

The church continues to argue over the mode (immersion, sprinkling, or pouring), the formula ("in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit",
or "in the name of Jesus"), the timing (as an infant, or as an adult) etc.

The church is to search the Scriptures to eliminate false doctrines, and to recognize false prophets. Unfortunately, many Christians cannot tell you the names of the four gospels, let alone to identify false doctrines.

One of the first Gentiles to be baptized after Jesus ascended was the Ethiopian eunuch. Lets examine some about the church that the Ethiopian eunuch founded when he arrived back in Ethiopia.

One part of the church did not ever go through the period of being in power, accepting sinners as part of the church. The Abyssinian of Ethiopia has always been in persecution. The persecution made it always to be unpopular to be a Christian. This unpopularity made sure that mainly the real, the true Christians were the only ones who dared to join the congregations.

This kept many false doctrines from entering, and allowed them to hold onto the original New Testament revival period truths more than the Catholic and Protestant denominations have done.

The council of Chacedon, unhappy that the church in Ethiopia had not held to every doctrine they were now espousing, condemned this church to be heretics. This led to their isolation.

This resulted in the church of Ethiopia to not be followers of the Pope, the idea of Mary being the eternal, ascended, virgin to be prayed to. They venerated and admired the prophets and apostles, but did not pray to them. They did not sell indulgences to allow members to sin and feel already pardoned for such sins. They did not go out to kill those with different doctrines than themselves.

This church remained more pure to the truths taught in the early church.

The anti-Christian religions could not stamp out this church, but kept it praying, searching the Bible, and more pure to its original truths than the church which could apathetically pew-sit, ignore the Word, and slowly accept heathen, sinful practices of those they hoped to draw into their social circles.

The church was forgotten by the Roman Catholic church and the false teachings of the Roman Catholic church were thereby avoided.

The Protestant reform and its many false doctrines also disregarded this persecuted, surrounded, and isolated Christian community.

In 1770 to 1772, James Bruce visited Ethiopia and found simple, faithful to the original New Testament teachings, and Scripture loving - believers. He reported back to the church in England about such a people. It is not that the church in Ethiopia was perfect, any more than the early church was perfect. Yet, it had clung to true New Testament faith more than the churches of today have.

The Protestant and the Catholic churches immediately decided that this persecuted church in Ethiopia needed their help. (Really, we needed their prayers and help!)

When these churches came with missionaries to evangelize the saints in Ethiopia, they were met by saints who had a simple faith, loved the Lord with simplicity and truth.

When the Ethiopian saints saw the type of Christianity practiced by the Protestants and the Catholics, they sent away the Protestants in 1838, and the Catholics in 1854.

Later, in 1858, one Copt Christian who was influenced by a Protestant teacher as a youth became the Abuna of the church. He allowed the Protestant missionaries to return.
The Protestant missionaries have had little influence, for the persecution has continued.

For many years now the communists and the Islam people of the nation have surrounded the remaining Christians, have tried to starve them out, and to isolate them. They hold services in which they chant the psalms, read the Scriptures, and recite doctrinal truths.

They maintain a true faith, and reinforce such with some symbols somewhat different from ours.

Their mode, formula, and practice of baptism needs to be examined to see how it is done.

They baptize by immersion, and place a blue cord about the neck at the baptism. Even if the community did not see the baptism, which is a renouncing of their former religion, and their pledge to Christ Jesus, they wear the blue cord about the community to show those who would hate them for such a choice that they are not ashamed of such a commitment. They continue to see water baptism as an illustrated sermon, and the blue chord announces to those who did not view the water baptism, that they were baptized.

Even though they may lose their job, lose their life, be hated and despised for becoming a Christian, they proudly announce their water baptism to this cruel society in which they live.

Water baptism is not what saved them, it is their 'sermon' to the world, of what Jesus did for them in salvation.

Other symbols that become other illustrated sermons to the world, and that they wear regularly are:

a small piece of leather is worn with a part of the Word of God written upon it,

a silver ring is worn around the neck to symbolize the redemption the Lord gave to them,

an ear pick is hung on the blue cord to symbolize their refusal to listen to the trash of the world, and to listen to the things that edify, and uplift the Lord Jesus,

and
a small cross is worn (not a crucifix) to symbolize the price paid by Jesus for their salvation.

We will examine the BLUE CORD that was placed around the neck at the time of immersion in water by the church in Ethiopia, and dates back to the early church.

Blue is the Hebrew word, "tekheleth" and refers to the color of the cerulean mussel. This color was made from a shellfish. This blue color was applied to the fringes, the veil of the tabernacle, the vestments of the High Priest,
the embroideries of the tabernacle. It was used much in the royal palace, and in royal apparel.

Blue represented the color of the sky, and the deity of Heaven. When we are baptized we are showing in symbolism the fact that we are dead, buried to our old selves, and risen to a new life in Christ Jesus. We have become part of the family of God. We should become more aware of our heavenly nature, our heavenly destiny, and the fact that we are to now hear from heaven, now that we have been baptized.

Baptism was an initiatory rite, in the world of that day. Even pagans used it to refer to washing clean of other faiths and beliefs. People were accepted into mystery cults, and most were secret initiations. The new Christian converts were acquainted with such practices, and therefore saw baptism as an announcement of entrance into the church of Jesus Christ. They illustrated to the world a sermon that preached Jesus and His work of saving us to new life.

Too often, saints of today have had it as an almost secret ceremony of baptism. The un-persecuted church of today acts as though it is a rite to be seen and known only by other saints. The church at Ethiopia kept baptism as something to be proud of, bragged about, and shared the information with the community with a blue cord being worn about the neck.

They proudly announced that they had entered into the Christian family. They faced persecution for their act of baptism, but they proudly announced to the community that hated such commitment to Jesus, and wore a blue cord.

Water baptism is an ILLUSTRATED SERMON that we are commanded to do... and if we don't, we do not lose our salvation, but we do disappoint the 'LORD'... for He is the One Who has asked us to do this.

We are to take the gospel to the world... some do this with a 'welcome mat' on the front step of the church... and think they have done their job... There is a lot more to do than than to fulfill the commission to 'go ye into all the world and proclaim the good news.' Water baptism is a proclamation of that good news, and one of the many ways that we are to witness the good news.

Frogster · May 4, 2013

New_Wineskin said:
Imagine ... if people who start a thread on revealing the problems with handed-down doctrines with holes in the thinking would allow revelation on their own handed-down doctrines with holes in the thinking .

good morning bro! :wave:

mourningdove~ · May 4, 2013

.

Can you imagine ...

... a thread in this forum that does not become unfocused and fractured due to continual nonsensical interruptions and unruly disruptive behavior?

I must admit, it is getting harder and harder for me to imagine this ... but I surely would like to be able to.
____________________________________________

"As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.

Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

A whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.

As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him."

~ Proverbs 26:1-12

murjahel · May 4, 2013

mourningdove~ said:
.

Can you imagine ...

... a thread in this forum that does not become unfocused and fractured due to continual nonsensical interruptions and unruly disruptive behavior?

I must admit, it is getting harder and harder for me to imagine this ... but I surely would like to be able to.
____________________________________________

"As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.

Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

A whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fools back.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.

As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him."

~ Proverbs 26:1-12

Very true... in fact, the next 'CAN YOU IMAGINE' illustrates this ...

murjahel · May 4, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE????

　

Can you imagine if the divisions of today were discussed in the early church age? Imagine, if you will, the disciples watching Jesus ascend up into heaven, with a promise from angels that He would return, and with a commission from Jesus to evangelize (spread the good news) to the world as the church of Jesus.

The 11 disciples (at least) were there. They turn to go down from the mountain, disappointed that Jesus has left them, but happy to know that He will return. They begin to discuss the important topics.

Peter says, Well, we should just stay on this mountain until He returns. I felt the same way on the mount of transfiguration, but someone talked Jesus out of it.

Had we stayed there, we would have avoided the failures in Jerusalem, Jesus never would have been crucified, and we would not have to go to prisons, and suffer death.

Lets just build a church up here, and let all the people who want to be saved come up here and join us as we wait.

We could put a welcome mat at the bottom of the mountain, and that would fulfill our commitment to evangelize the world.

Why should we have to go from town to town, possibly be hated, end up martyrs???

James stopped Peter at that point, and said, Whoa, Peter. We are commanded to go to the nations, not tell them to come find us.

We must knock on every door, and grab them by the collars, drag them to an altar and make them repent.

If the towns refuse to listen, we can still call fire down from heaven to destroy them, for Jesus told us wed do greater works than He did, and that is one greater work that I have always wanted to do.

We could carry signs at funerals, and parades, saying that God hates sinners, and if they dont give in and get saved, they are bound for hell, and we could cheer that fact...

The debate went on...

However, Bartholomew began to discuss with James, the less, and said: What we need to do is relax, for if people are preordained to get saved, they will, if they arent so chosen, they will end up in hell. So, why witness to anyone, we can just build buildings, and open the doors for the ones chosen.

Yet, James the less answered: Wait a minute, God is not willing that any perish, and we are commanded to go, to witness, to evangelize. We must proclaim the gospel, and let them choose to accept or reject. We cannot sit in pews and wait to see who is chosen, we must take the gospel to the whole world.

The debate continued...

Nathaniel began to discuss with Andrew. Nathaniel had his own idea, and said: I think we need musical instruments, bands, orchestras, and dancing girls in the front of every church to attract the sinners. We could put on quite a show, and it could all be orchestrated well.

Andrew said: No ! Instruments were used in the Old Testament, but Jesus never played a trumpet, or a guitar. We cant have instruments in a church. In heaven the angels will play harps, but till then, instruments are not allowed in any church I build.

The debate continues...

Thomas began to speak then. I believe we need to settle on how to take an offering. I think we need to put out an offering plate, and let the Lord choose to speak to hearts on how much they should contribute. The Lord told us to give our all, so we teach that all we have is the Lords, and allow each convert to then speak directly to the Lord, and find out from Him, how much of what all is His, each should contribute.

Matthew, the former tax collector, stepped up in front of Thomas, and countered his idea. No way, Thomas! We need to have prophecies given that the Lord wants $88 (or some bigger amount), and that if they do give in obedience to this prophecy, all their children will be saved, they will be healed of everything but baldness, and they will never be poor again.

That will bring offerings, and the Lord will probably obey the prophet and do all those things for the people. We have to be pro-active here, and make sure the offerings are enough for us to skim some and have mansions, luxury chariots, and lobster for lunches.

The debate continued.... and continued,... with more and more disagreements separating the disciples.

By the time they reached the foot of the mountain, they had decided to each start their own denomination.

John spoke up and said then: Let us get into the Words that Jesus spoke and find what His answers are. He showed us in all the prophets, messages about Himself, and we have written down His sermons, so we have a lot to digest and we can go by whatever Jesus taught as the right way!

Simon interrupted John: You are always trying to promote love, love, love. I am tired of it. Lets just all start our own denominations, and we can argue this out till everyone finally agrees with me. It wont take too long, for all my ideas have Scriptural proof, and you will all finally realize that I am right.

What do you think, that 2000 years from now we will still be arguing over these things???
No way. I am right and you will all finally realize it, and agree, or go to hell.

Since none of us want to go to hell, the time of arguments will end soon.

The vote was taken, and 10 of the 11 voted with Simon to have separate denominations, and fight it out till somebody won.

Only John wanted to search the Word, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide, and love the others till the Lord showed what is truth.

But since the vote went Simons way,
THE DEBATE CONTINUES.

(I APOLOGIZE TO ALL THE DISCIPLES, INTO WHOSE MOUTHS I HAVE PUT THESE WORDS,
IT IS ONLY A CAN YOU IMAGINE, TO ILLUSTRATE A TRUTH, FORGIVE ME, FELLAS!!!)

murjahel · May 5, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE ?

　
Can you imagine if the Lord took us at our words? If everything we said was taken literally, and called to be done by our Lord?

We sing songs, of Ill go where you want me to go, dear Lord. Ill be what you want me to be? Ill say what you want me to say

People sing that, sing it to a congregation, in which they know the Lord is listening, and then wont go to witness where the Lord calls them to witness. Many wont go to prayer meeting, wont spend time in the presence of God, but have time for television, bowling, and watching the horrible news on television... but they still sing Ill go where you want me to go...

Many wont be the usher, janitor, lawn mower of the church: they wont be the pastor, though called by God... but they still sing Ill be what you want me to be.

Some will still speak words of disrespect to God, to and about the pastor, to and about their mate, and still will sing Ill say what YOU WANT me to say, dear Lord.

Can you imagine if God called those songs, of that kind, to be lying songs, songs of taking it for granted that God knows you really dont mean it? What if He said after the song, OKAY, PROVE IT. Could you?
　
Lying ranks high among the common vices of mankind. A poll of many Americans revealed that 97 out of 100 admitted that they lied. Human depravity reveals itself in mankind's lies, and the church, in song service, is not the time to have lies.

Which is better, to let the song leader sing alone, and the congregation sit down and close their mouths,
or
would it be better for the congregation to stand, open their mouths and sing LIES?

We have grown so accustomed to lies, we rarely get startled, we dont think about the sinner in the row behind us singing the same song we sing, and perhaps we mean it, but we are asking and expecting him/her to sing those same words, and they are not truth for them.

Salesmen lie, t.v. commercials lie, politicians lie, employees lie, bosses lie, and even a baby lies to a degree, when after a few weeks old, it learns that if it cries as though hungry or in pain, the baby can gain desired 'attention'.

We see and hear such lies so much, that in many churches, we sing lies to the Lord, let the congregation hear our false proclamations, and walk out of the church with a smile feeling no need to either fulfill those lies to make them truth, or to repent of the evil we spoke in the song service.

Some sing Draw me nearer, near blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died...

Still, many who sing that blessed hymn, dont want to be near the cross, dont want to be near the horrible agony of a cross carrying life. They want ease and wealth, fame and power, love from the world, and not a cross carrying, cross sharing life with Jesus. They lie when they sing those songs.

Can you imagine if God called a council, brought you up to heaven in a vision, and opened His book of your songs that you have sung?

Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Oops, I think He did promise to do that someday, but can you imagine if He did it early, like today... and asked you to account for the words you sang in church this Sunday?

Proverbs 12:22
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord...'

Colossians 3:9
"Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man, with his deeds'

Some Christians do not put off the 'old man', it seems. Lies pass through the lips of even those who call themselves
Christians, especially during song service times.

Too many Christians even regard lies as inconsequential.

Too many do not even think of the words they sing in song service.

Do we need to put a warning on some songs in the hymnals?

Do we need to warn the saints that to sing these words means you are going to be totally, and completely dedicated to Jesus, and give even your life willingly, and be completely obedient to His call?

The warning needs to include the warning that if we sing these words, and do not do what we have promised, it will be considered an idle, i.e. Not working word, and will be brought up by the Lord on judgment day. We will have to answer for our lack of fulfillment of that promise we made in the song.

Can you imagine how few would be singing those songs in some churches if only those who meant the words, sang the words?

Can you imagine the silence in some churches, where all, including some song leaders, could not open their mouths to sing one word, if they had to be sure they were being truthful in what they sang????

Can you imagine judgment day, or that vision that the Lord could give you, of standing before Him, with the book of your words laid open, and you had to answer for what you sang, versus what you lived????

Some sing Jesus is the sweetest name I know, and then during the week use it in a form of cursing.

Some sing Hes all I need, Hes all I need, Jesus is all I need... And then complain all week that you dont have that new boat that is mandatory for the summer vacation.

Some sing heaven came down, and glory filled my soul, and havent been on their knees in prayer for that to happen in so long, they cant remember what time, if ever, that happened to them.

Some sing every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before... And yet, they complain all week of how the times are getting so awful, they feel like giving up.

What is the truth? Do we ever hear much truth in our song service times?

Can you imagine, if Jesus showed up in the church, immediately after the song service, and called then, an accounting of what the saints had just sung, and the open confession of what the actual truth is??

Can you imagine???

murjahel · May 6, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Can you imagine the white throne judgment? 

Imagine, if you will, a very, very tall mountain. This mountain is white stone and going up from bottom to top is a narrow pathway. The path is filled with sad, mournful, hopeless people walking slowly toward the top.

At the top is a flattened area, surrounded by a ring of fire which is filled with angels walking in that ring. They are guarding the Holy God Who sits on a throne that is whiter than the white mountain.

Behind Him on this mountain is a multitude of redeemed saints, in their eternal bodies, watching this event unfold.

The white throne is where all the wicked will be judged. This event occurs at the second resurrection, following the millennium, just before the new earth is created.

Those judged there are doomed, but this is their trial. They will have no argument to present, for all are evidence of their guilt is known by a mind that is quickened to remember all things, even those mankind tries to subdue and sear from ones memory. At this trial, God will justify their doom, proving it is their own will that has brought them to judgment and doom.

This is a sad day for even God. He was not willing that any perish but some are going to eternal judgment, despite the fact it was not His sovereign will that they so chose. We will be sad, for some in the crowd coming to be judged, will be our unsaved loved ones. The sinners that are doomed will be sad, for it is too late to change their minds, or to reverse their will.

Malachi 3:18 (KJV)
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.

Imagine if you will, that horrible day for them. We will be standing behind the throne of God to watch, and we will have some part in this trial. The wicked are lined up before the throne, having been in hell for some time, they will soon be transferred to the lake of fire.

Before it was only their soul that was judged. Now they have a new eternal body, which will be thrown into the lake of fire, and burn and suffer there with the spirit, for all of eternity.

Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Isaiah 66 tells us that on the new heaven/earth, we will pass by the lake of fire, on our way to the throne, where we go to worship God. We will still be able to hear the cries of pain and sorrow coming from these judged ones, for all eternity. This will be a reminder to us, and a confirmation to all those born on the new earth that never experienced the time on this earth, that sin is horrible and devastates lives.

Isaiah 66:22-24 (KJV)
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the LORD.
24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against Me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

This white throne judgment is a trial, where 'every knee will finally bow', where no one will have the nerve to blaspheme God again, where sorrow for sin will be undeniable, but the wicked are still wicked. God has told us that those who die in rebellion to the salvation He has provided, will continue in that wicked and evil state of mind for all eternity.

Revelation 22:11 (KJV)
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
　

BY THEIR WORDS AND THEIR WORKS
WILL THEY BE JUDGED
　

WORDS

Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

This passage is truth, as is all of the Written Word of God. Someday, the wicked will be judged, and their own words will be testimony against them. How often I have heard the wicked say Well, Ill be d..... Unfortunately, they were, with the devils instigation admitting the fact that they deserve judgment. Those words were recorded, and if never repented and wiped from their heart, will testify to the fact that they truly deserve judgment.

The blasphemy of mocking and denigrating One or more of the Trinity will be played back to them.

The harsh and judgmental words spoken to one of the Lords children will be heard.

The words of foul language, of condemnation of telling others to not be saved, but to go to H... will be played.

Ones own words will be played back to them from that heavenly recorder.

It has missed nothing, and all the words that were not repented, are still upon it, waiting for that day. Ones own words, will be the condemning testimony.

We will not have to testify of the harsh, mean, evil words spoken to us by these sinners, their own words are recorded, and will be heard as testimony against them. Their words of their mouths, their words of their heart and mind, will be there to show that their choice was their choice. The times when salvation could have been accepted, could have been claimed, will be shown with the words of the mouth, or the words of the heart, being played back to them, as they rejected Jesus and His salvation.

The testimony will not be argued with, for it is coming from the person who would argue. They are witnesses against themselves, by the words of their mouth, by the words of their heart. They have rejected Jesus, they have turned Him down, while there was time to accept Him.

WORKS

Then books from the library of heaven will be opened. If ones name is not in the book of life, he/she will face eternity in the lake of fire. There are also books of the events and words of ones life. They will be opened. Their works will be shown to all.

Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him Who sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
　

Their bodies were resurrected to stand before this throne, and following this judgment, their bodies will suffer a second death. The first death was separation of the mortal body from the immortal soul. The second death is the separation of the immortal body and soul from God.

These wicked people that are moving one by one up this white mountain, to the even whiter throne at its top with God Almighty upon it, will not be sad and mournful in the lake of fire. Sin brought them to this place, refusing Jesus sealed their choice. Forever they will be wicked, forever will be in the choice they made while still alive.

This trial, unlike many trials here on earth, will not have a judge that could be bribed, will not have a jury that can be fooled, will not have a loop-hole in the arrest, that will free the guilty. The judgment is fair, and God will do right.

Genesis 18:25 (KJV)
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
see part 2

murjahel · May 6, 2013

part 2

WE MAY HAVE A PART,
FOR WE WERE THE WATCHMEN OF GOD,
ON THIS EARTH.

　

Ezekiel 33:1-6
"Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying:
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people,
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."

During a war, a city put a heavy responsibility on the watchman. He had to give a warning whenever the enemy approached. If a man disregarded the warning, he was signing his own death warrant, and could not blame the watchman. If a man was outside the wall, and failed to heed the warning, his death would not be the responsibility of the watchman. If the watchman failed to warn the people in the unprotected area, he was held responsible for their lives.

The watchman was to sound the shofar trumpet in warning to the ones inside, and to the ones still unprotected outside.

When God tells us to warn the people, we must pass on the message. We must warn the righteous as well as the wicked of the facts of the coming judgment times.

Ezekiel 33:7-9
"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me.
When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
We are not to rub the noses of sinners in their shame, we are to encourage them to avail themselves of the blessed repentance that is offered. If they admit their guilt, and repent, God's forgiveness is the awesome blessing. The ultimate purpose of judgment being foretold is repentance.
God does not want to judge or to punish. He only does so as a last resort.

Ezekiel 33:11
"I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his evil way and live..."

This is similar to II Peter 3:9:
"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance."

It is also similar to I Timothy 2:4:
"...Who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth..."

If the judgment on some be partially our fault, for not warning, not sounding the shofar, not preaching the good news of salvation, then we may have to escort them over to the lake of fire. God was plain on that in His explanation to Ezekiel.

Some saints will weep. Yes, saints do weep until the new earth, for the Scripture that tells us that God will wipe away our tears, is not said till the new earth time, and the fact He must wipe them away then, proves that up to then, we will weep. If we had no compassion over lost souls, over the judgment on some we could have forewarn, and did not, we would be heartless, excuses for a saint. We shall feel the pain of this white throne judgment on the wicked, and we shall weep if we failed to sound the shofar warning.
　
Revelation 21:4-7 (KJV)
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.

Imagine the length of time it will take to go through this judgment, one by one, of all the billions of sinners in this adamic age. We shall also judge the angels, and there were many who fell with satan. Satan himself will be thrown into the lake of fire, and I imagine that the cheer of that event will outdo any cheer ever heard at even a super bowl football game.

We shall then, following this white throne judgment of sinners go to the new earth, where we will live eternally with the Lord.

No sinner will ever walk the streets of that eternal abode. They are judged, and there will no need to close the gates of the New Jerusalem there, for even outside that holy city, there will be no unholy sinners. They will have their eternal abode in the inescapable lake of fire.

Revelation 21:22-27 (KJV)
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

next CAN YOU IMAGINE will be on the JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, where we receive our rewards from Jesus... it will be happier...

murjahel · May 7, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE?
　
Can you imagine that great day that is soon to come, when we will be transported to heaven, to see Jesus, to receive our rewards? That is a blessed promise we have to enjoy.

If someone were about to make a trip to Disney World, the Super Bowl, or the Holy Lands, they would plan, prepare, talk and talk about the coming trip. Yet, the subject of our home going is too seldom even talked about, imagined, hoped for...

I heard one t.v. evangelist last night water down the word rapture to make it only mean a close time with Jesus down here in this troubled world. It is far more than that, and we should be thinking of it, hoping for it... and have our eyes looking up for Him to come soon.

For instance, Eve was created and presented to Adam, as the church is being made to be presented to Christ as His bride.

Joseph was rejected by his brothers, yet he saved them later, as the world rejected Jesus Christ, yet the church will be saved from the tribulation by Him.

Isaac watched eagerly for his bride, Rebekah, to be brought to him.

Enoch was raptured before the great destruction of the deluge.

Lot and his family were delivered from Sodom and Gomorrah, just before the fire and brimstone destroyed those cities.

We should all now be aware, in this age, that Jesus will soon come for the church. In His glorified state, He will come in the clouds to take His own.

I Thessalonians 4:15-18
"...WE THAT ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN UNTO THE COMING OF THE LORD, SHALL NOT PREVENT THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP. FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL, AND WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD; AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST; THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS, TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR; AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD. WHEREFORE, COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS."

I John 3:2
"WHEN WE SEE HIM, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM."

After the rapture, on the way to the throne room of God, the saints will be judged. All saints are to appear before Christ at the judgment seat.

II Corinthians 5:10
"FOR WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, THAT EVERYONE OF US MAY RECEIVE THE THINGS DONE IN THE BODY, ACCORDING TO THAT HE HATH DONE, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD."

Romans 14:10,12
"FOR WE SHALL ALL STAND BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST...SO THEN EVERYONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO GOD."

I Corinthians 3:11-15
"NOW IF ANY MAN BUILD UPON THIS FOUNDATION, GOLD, SILVER, AND PRECIOUS STONES, WOOD, HAY, STUBBLE,...EVERY MAN'S WORK SHALL BE MADE MANIFEST...IT SHALL BE REVEALED BY FIRE...IF ANY MAN'S WORK ABIDE, HE HATH BUILT...HE SHALL RECEIVE REWARD...IF ANY MAN'S WORK SHALL BE BURNED, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS, BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED, SO AS BY FIRE."

Matthew 12:36
"...EVERY IDLE WORD...THEY SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT."

Ephesians 6:8
"...WHATSOEVER GOOD THING ANY MAN DOETH, THE SAME SHALL HE RECEIVE OF THE LORD."

Galatians 6:7
"...WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP."

The day we go to see Jesus, we shall be sat down with Him in heaven at that bema (judgment seat) of Christ. We were not saved by our works, but we shall be rewarded for them.

That day is the day. We are not longing for some reward, but we are longing to see Him, to have our new eternal bodies in which we can live unhindered by the curse upon the earth, and be ready to worship at the throne thanking Him for all He has done for us.

Where is this judgment? It is not at the "throne of glory"(Matthew 25:31). Nor is it at the "Great White Throne" (Rev. 20:11).

It is located at the "judgment seat," which is the translation of "bema." The word "bema" is a word that referred to a judges's seat at the Greek races.

At the "bema" we will receive reward for having finished the race. Our Judge, Jesus, awaits us at the finish line.

There, before the Lord Jesus, we will appear to receive rewards for winning the race. Our works as Christians will be judged. The question will be-"What have you done for Me?" That is hard for some Christians to realize. Many overlook their obligation to work. They live as though they have no care. However, we are told that we are "created unto good works." (Eph. 2:10)

Just as a fruit tree is expected to bear its distinctive fruit--we too are expected to bear the fruit that proves the kind of tree we are. Yet, some are content to just receive blessings. We must, not just receive, but also do the works the Lord has commanded us to do.

James 1:22
"BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOUR OWN SELVES."

For what shall we be judged? There are three main areas in which we will be judged.

1. Our conduct toward other believers will be scrutinized.

There is often bickering, competition, and bad feelings toward others in churches. Even in churches you may find jealousy, grudges, and a lack of love. Christ wants us to be known by our love. He desires to see--love, joy, peace, longsuffering, etc. within the church.

2. Our labor in the name of the Lord will be tested.

How much have you labored for the Lord Jesus? How many souls have you helped lead to the Lord? How much exhorting, encouraging, have you done? Since we have been saved "unto good works"--what "good works" are on your list? God will reward us for our labor for Him.

3. Our motives will be examined.

What were your motives for each "good work?" Were you seeking acclaim? Were you trying to "look better than...?" Were you only doing it because you were forced to do it?

Was it only for momentary gain? The wrong motive makes the good deed worthless. Our motive should be LOVE!!!!

There are many rewards promised to us in the Bible.

1. COMPANIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

John 14:3
"IF I GO AWAY AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME AGAIN AND RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO."

2. EXTREME JOY

Matthew 25:21,23
"WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE RULER OVER MANY THINGS, ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THE LORD..."

3.ROYAL HONOR

Luke 12:37
"BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS WHOM THE LORD, WHEN HE COMETH, SHALL FIND WATCHING, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE SHALL GIRD HIMSELF AND MAKE THEM TO SIT DOWN TO MEAT AND WILL COME FORTH AND SERVE THEM..."

4.CHRISTLIKENESS

Philippians 3:20-21
"FOR OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN, FROM WHENCE ALSO WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO SHALL CHANGE OUR VILE BODY, THAT IT MAY BE FASHIONED LIKE UNTO HIS GLORIOUS BODY..."

I John 3:2
"BELOVED, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, AND IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE, BUT WE KNOW THAT WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM..."

5. BRILLIANT GLORY

Daniel 12:2-3
"AND MANY OF THEM THAT SLEEP IN THE DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, SOME TO SHAME AND EVERLASTING CONTEMPT. AND THEY THAT BE WISE, SHALL SHINE AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT, AND THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOREVER AND EVER..."

6.AUTHORITY

Luke 19:17
"AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, 'WELL DONE, THOU GOOD SERVANT, BECAUSE THOU, HAST BEEN FAITHFUL IN VERY LITTLE, HAVE THOU AUTHORITY OVER 10 CITIES...'"

Rev. 20:6
"BLESSED AND HOLY IS HE THAT HATH PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION; ON SUCH THE SECOND DEATH HATH NO POWER, BUT THEY SHALL BE PRIESTS OF GOD AND CHRIST AND SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS."

7.CROWNS

CROWN OF LIFE
James 1:12
"BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURETH TEMPTATION FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED, HE SHALL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH THE LORD HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM..."

CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
II Timothy 4:8
"HENCEFORTH, THERE IS LAID UP FOR ME A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, SHALL GIVE ME AT THAT DAY, AND NOT TO ME ONLY, BUT UNTO ALL THEM THAT LOVE HIS APPEARING."

CROWN OF GLORY
I Peter 5:1-4
"WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD SHALL APPEAR, YE SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN OF GLORY THAT FADETH NOT AWAY."

INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN
I Cor. 9:24-25
"...SO RUN, THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN, AND EVERY MAN THAT STRIVES FOR THE MASTERY IS TEMPERATE IN ALL THINGS. NOW THEY DO IT TO OBTAIN A CORRUPTIBLE CROWN, BUT WE AN INCORRUPTIBLE."

murjahel · May 7, 2013

part 2...

As Christians, what should we do to be ready for this judgment time? The reason many Christians fear this "judgment seat" is that they have not prepared for it. It is like going to a school final exam, without having attended the classes and studied for the test. The Bible is clear that we do have some duties and obligations. If we want to attend this "bema" judgment without fear we had better know what we are to be doing, and to be doing these things. In the parable of the talents, the one who hid his talent, is the one who needed to fear facing his master.

First, we should put away hindrances. There are some things in the lives of Christians that make it harder for us to serve our Lord.

Hebrews 12:1
"WHEREFORE, SEEING WE ALSO ARE COMPASSED ABOUT WITH SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES, LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT AND THE SIN THAT SO EASILY BESETS US, AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US."

Secondly, we need to press on toward the mark, or goal, that the Lord Jesus has given us.

Philippians 3:13-14
"BRETHREN, I COUNT NOT MYSELF TO HAVE APPREHENDED; BUT THIS ONE THING I DO, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND AND REACHING FORTH TO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE, I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST."

These events of the judgment seat will occur after the rapture on our way to the throne room of heaven where we will rejoice around the throne of God as John saw in his vision in Revelation chapters 4 and 5. There, as we enjoy the fact that we are now in heaven, we will begin to enjoy the joys of that place we call HEAVEN.

Heaven is not a far away place (timewise). Angels come and go back continually. We will be transported there and be standing before God in short order. Jesus ascended there and returned the same day.

We need to consider heaven. Some may have loved ones who have gone on before us. Some may be about to leave this troubled world to go there. Some have confusions and troubles, and need the comfort of knowing that such a place really does exist. Jesus comforted His disciples by talking about heaven, when they were confused by His talking about His crucifixion. Those who are unsaved need to hear that God has a wonderful place prepared for those who lay aside the sin and guilt of life to accept His invitation. Everyone should be anxious to know about heaven, for it is there that we will see and worship God Himself.

Too often, heaven is pushed to the background. There were many old-time songs about heaven. There are many scriptures on heaven. Yet many neglect to preach or teach about this place. Some fear mentioning heaven, because it reminds them that there is also a hell. There is a need to think more of heaven, because we need the comfort, and those who are lost need the warning of the joys they will miss if they do not accept the forgiveness of Jesus.
Heaven is a real, literal place. Jesus talked of heaven while Judas betrayed Him. Jesus would not comfort His disciples with a lie.

John 14:2-3
"IF I GO AWAY, I WILL PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU..."

Some have thought of heaven as a ghostly, unreal, indefinite state. Heaven is as physically real as the city and building in which you live. There are actual streets of gold, and actual rooms, and mansions. We will literally stand before the manifest presence of the real God, on a real throne. We will throw our literal crowns about the real, nail scarred feet of Jesus, our Savior.

Can you imagine this day? Do you look forward to it? Are you anxious to go, or are you tempted to look back as did Lots wife? We need to be so anxious to escape this horrible world, and get to the arms of our Savior, where we can forever be safe and happy.
　
In heaven there are:

real cities (Heb. 11:10-15, 13:14, Rev.21:2,9-27)

temples (Rev. 3:12, 7:15, 11:19, 14:17, 15:5, 16:1,17, Isa.6:1)

books (Lk. 10:20, Heb.12:23, Rev. 5:1, 13:8, 20:11-15, 22:19)

musical instruments (Rev. 8:2,5:8-14, 14:1-5, 15:2-4)

food (Rev. 2:7,17, 22:1-3)

animals (II kings 2:11, 6:17, Zech. 1:8,10, 6:1-5, Rev. 19:11,14,21)

mountains (Rev. 14:1, Heb. 12:22-23, Zech. 6:1)

rivers (Rev. 22:1)

trees (Rev. 2:7, 22:1-3)

things not lawful to utter (II Cor. 12:1-4)

This place called heaven is a place we should long to go--for it is there we will begin to receive the rewards of eternity. There we will receive the glorified body that will be eternal, incorruptible and powerful. There we will see our Savior and God the Father. There we will remain while the earth is reaping the awful judgments of the tribulation. There we will rejoice with the saints around the throne, as John viewed in Revelation 4 and 5.

The promises of these rewards to come should motivate us to serve our Lord more than ever. This is why Jesus wants us to be aware of these fantastic rewards.
　
Someday, then, immediately after the rapture, on the way to God's throne room, we will have this JUDGMENT OF BELIEVERS' WORKS. All the raptured and resurrected saints will on that day be brought to the "bema" seat of Christ. When we reach the throne room we will already have our crowns, which we will throw at the feet of our Savior, Jesus. (Compare II Corinthians 5:10-11, I Corinthians 3:11-15, Romans 14:10)

Can you imagine it?

If you can, you are smiling !

murjahel · May 8, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE?

　
I have interviewed many candidates for jobs. There have been many impressive resumes, and a few that look like they did not really want the position. Let your mind now imagine this resume, impressive from first glance.

Can you imagine this resume?

I am a middle aged man involved in ministry. I have gone out on missionary and evangelistic missions, and have laid hands on the sick and seen them recover. I have cast out demons, and they flee in fear.

Originally, I was of the Jewish religion, but several years back, I met Jesus and have been studying His words for three years now. I have been present when Jesus healed the sick, rebuked demons, raised the dead, cleansed lepers.

I was there when He walked on water, when He fed thousands with five loaves and two fish.

I have been entrusted to be the treasurer of the Lords group of disciples, and am known to be thrifty with the money of our group.

Though my Lord seems to be having trouble with pleasing political and religious groups, I find that I am having great success in that area, whereas some groups opposed to Jesus are now willing to finance my ministry. Their acceptance of me as being the one they most want to fellowship with from this group, has been extremely gratifying.

Since I will shortly be departing from my current position as treasurer, and confidant of the Lord, I am seeking employment in another area of ministry.

I can promise that my first endeavor, in whatever position I am hired, will be to secure financial solvency, no matter the cost.

Thank you for consideration.
My name is Judas Ischariot.

Our own resumes seem to be quite dishonest, or incomplete at times.

We tend to leave out, as would Judas, the things that are not complimentary.

In the Bible, when God has Davids resume, we find the sin with Bathsheba is still included. Though God forgave and forgot, He has that story yet in the Word.

When God forgave Moses for striking the rock, and killing an Egyptian, God still included those things in the Biblical resume.

Peter denied the Lord three times, often put his foot figuratively in his mouth. And the Biblical resume still has those things revealed to all of us.

Yet, in our own resumes, we tend to sound like perfect saints, never having embarrassed ourselves, nor shamed our God. The truth is that none of us are perfect, and if we are honest, our resumes would not get us a job scraping gum off park benches.

The main feature of our resume would be like Pauls, I am the chief of sinners, and that old reprobate man resurrects himself sometimes.

Some are kind to Paul and say that was his old and gone nature, but Paul was honest and said that sometimes still, he would love what he should hate, and hate what he should love. The old carnal, i.e. meatheaded, man is still able to resurface.

Romans 7:15-23 (KJV)
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

The blessed part of our resume should be there is therefore now no condemnation.

Romans 8:1 (KJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

But if we included, as did Paul, that we are yet of ourselves a wretched person, we would not get the applause from mankind, that only Jesus deserves.

Romans 7:24-25 (KJV)
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Our resumes, if completely honest, would give Jesus the blessing for our good traits, and our good works. We, of ourselves, are chief in sin, wretched in works, and meatheaded in mind.

Yet, Jesus has taken our condemnation that we would have to admit of ourselves, and given us forgiveness and mercy, not perfection as we might want to claim.

Can you imagine an honest resume your life would have, if it were not for Jesus.

Do we need to praise self, or glorify our Lord for His mercy we so greatly do not deserve.

On my resume here, I only want to put,
Romans 8:14-39 (KJV)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ... The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:... heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; ... waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. ... the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God... have the firstfruits of the Spirit, ... waiting for redemption of our body. ... the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities... He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son... whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. ... If God be for us, who can be against us? ... It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. ... we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.

Those are the facts that should be in our resumes. We are sons, heirs, delivered from bondage of sins, having infirmities that need helped, but predestined to be glorified, by the Son, and a conqueror, but only through Him Who loves us anyway.

Can you imagine if we turned in such true resumes? Yet, should we ever turn in a dishonest resume?

murjahel · May 9, 2013

CAN YOU IMAGINE?

　

Can you imagine what names the Lord must give to us. We, as Christians, each have our own personality, we have our character, our conscience, and it is slowly changed, we hope, to be more and more like that of Jesus. Yet, in our lifetime, that is a process.

When Jesus first called the disciples, there were two of them, that He gave a name, a descriptive title. Jesus called James, and his brother John, to be ‘sons of thunder’.

Mark 3:17 (KJV)
17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

Was that an appropriate title for them? Well, Jesus knew what was in the hearts of men, and He saw through their facade, and knew that the inner person, still not changed enough by Jesus, would at times appear, and manifest itself.

One time, while with Jesus, and seeking to get people to come hear Jesus, James and John felt rejected by a Samaritan city. The Jewish people would not normally talk to Samaritans, except for doing business, but in friendly conversation, they were not to be befriended, according to Jewish tradition. So, to even go to this city, as directed by Jesus, we find that James and John still had some anger and malice toward the Samaritans.

Luke 9:51-56 (KJV)
51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
55 But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Jesus rebuked them, and said: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Do Christians today hold bias, jealousy, anger, malice, prejudice, etc and not even know, that these feelings are hindering our work for the Lord?

Can you imagine the rebukes the Lord is trying to get some in Christianity today to hear?

We are to hate sin, but not the sinner. There are some so called Christians today who speak hatred to the homosexual. They claim God wants them in hell fire, when actually, God wants to heal that reprobate mind, and have them become Christian. Yet, they stand at funerals, at parades, in front of places where homosexuals frequent, and hold signs of hatred. Can you imagine what the Lord would like to say to these ‘so called Christ-like ones’? They are not being Christ-like, i.e. Christian, for they are spuing hatred, not love. They are building walls instead of preaching the good news of life changing salvation in Jesus.

To put it mildly, the words of Jesus to them, would include
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Some today preach a gospel of greed and carnal prosperity.

Their message always includes another sending them money, to pay for the privilege of having Jesus reimburse them for the purchase of blessings. All blessings were paid for by Jesus on the cross. We need only to live for Him, and ask for our needs to be supplied. He will try to save our children, even if we don’t send $88 to some evangelist who promises that this amount will purchase the salvation of their loved ones. The Lord will never force someone to be saved, and He is not hard up for money that He became a retailer to get riches in selling blessings. Can you imagine what Jesus is saying to these who are not listening to His rebuke? Certainly, at the end of the harsh rebuke for this blasphemous blessing selling practice, the Lord is adding Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
　
Some claim to be perfect, to have achieved a sanctification that is beyond repute, and all others who are not as perfect need scolded.

We are told that if we say we ‘have no sin, we lie, and the truth is not in us’. Yet some still claim sinlessness, denigrate any who ‘repent’ of their admitted failures, and try to get all others to admire their perfection. We have One Who is perfect, and His name is Jesus. He alone is to be glorified, and honored for His perfection. We have a ‘carnal person’ still within fighting for control, and that battle will go on until the ‘redemption of the body’. Romans 8 explains this well, and tells us we have ‘no condemnation’ only because of the mercy of Jesus, Who forgives our repented sins. The perfection that some claim is rebuked by the Lord, but, as with the others aforementioned, there are few ‘ears that hear’ this rebuke.

At the end of the Lord’s rebuke to these ones, I am sure He adds Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
　

What is there in my life, in your life, that the Lord is rebuking?

John, one of the sons of thunder, later became known as the ‘apostle of love’. His epistles show a remarkable change, and that rebuke of the Lord was not meant to hurt him, but only to get the change started in John that he needed so desperately. Somewhere along the line, He heard the message of Jesus, his heart was slowly changed from ‘thunderous anger and vengeance’, to blessed love, agape love, as Jesus had.

What is the Lord speaking to us, in our own private times of prayer and Bible study?

Is there a Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of at the end of His talking with us?

Are we listening to His still small voice of rebuke, or do we ignore it, as we see many today do???

The words of Jesus: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of need to be heard, and we need to seek the Lord on our knees to see where we stray from having the nature and traits of the One we claim to be ‘like’.

If we are to call ourselves CHRISTIAN, which means ‘Christ-like’, we need to be like Him. Are we... ? Or are we ignorant of the difference between our attitudes and His, as were James and John?

Can you imagine what the Lord has to say to you, when the last words of such message is Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. ????

It is time to find out what manner of spirit we have, and to become, instead, more like Jesus.

Can you imagine what name the Lord has for you??? if not, why not ask Jesus? He probably still has some called 'sons of thunder', and others for whom He has other names. By what title or name is He currently calling you? Maybe you could get it changed, as did James and John.

Can You Imagine?

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Galatians is the best!

Come Lord Jesus

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