- Nov 17, 2018
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Hello Family of God,
The Entirety of this message will be separated into subtopics which are contained within this discussion; this is done in order that my readers better understand the Nature of God more clearly if they may be doubting their knowledge of the Triune God, and if they have a saving relationship with Him.
"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that [GLORIETH] (Heb. halal -- hithpael participle; "i.e., "TO BOAST") glory in this, that he [UNDERSTANDETH AND KNOWETH ME], that I am the LORD which exercise [lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness], in the earth: for [IN THESE THINGS I DELIGHT], saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
With all the suffering, sorrow, tears, mourning, trials, hardships, betrayals, deaths, and persecutions I have faced in this world; I can say with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that God has NEVER forsaken me in any way, nor will He ever do so, and He is Absolutely True to ALL of His Promises. All of us have experienced the failure of human relationships (e.g., "friends, co-workers, family, and even those who profess to be Christians") -- and we've all suffered the betrayal, hatred, failed promises, and those who we thought were "trustworthy" not being there for us when we needed them the most; but God is NOT a man that He should renege on His Promises (see the entire chapter of Psalm 25).
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [FOR I AM PERSUADED], that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from [THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD]." (Romans 8:37-39)
I am always joyful and at peace regardless of what may come ahead in life, and it is NOT because my life is bed or roses: far from it – it is God and Christ who sustains me, and gives me the strength needed to endure the struggles I experience daily when taking up my Cross.
"And [THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL], that they might [KNOW] thee [THE ONLY TRUE GOD], and [JESUS CHRIST], whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
(Parentheses) within Bible passages cited are used to expound on the word/s in [brackets] which precede the parentheses. ALL CAPS are used for double emphasis; this is my way of saying, "It says what it says, and it means what it means, so don't make any attempts at putting your own spin on it." I urge all my readers to lay aside all presuppositions, conjectures, and personal interpretations (e.g., "eisegesis") before reading this message in its entirety, because to neglect this is demonstrative of pride, folly, and a heart that is not willing to accept the Truth, even when it is clearly revealed to them in Scripture (Prov. 15:14; 18:13; Matt. 12:37; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 2 Pet. 3:16). The Bible is self-explanatory (i.e., "the best defense of Scripture is Scripture itself") in its interpretation (i.e., "the perspicuity of Scripture"), but even to this day, we find unnecessary criticism from Biblical "scholars" and theologians alike. According to these "brilliant" minded men and women, they ask, "hath God said?" (cf. Gen. 3:1-5; Lev. 18:22; Isa. 66:1-2; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 7).
I. Man's Pride, and The Triune God as the ONLY Savior of mankind.
II. Golden Calves.
III. The Unique Oneness and BEING of The Triune Godhead, which belongs to Him ALONE.
IV. The Immutability of God; and why we can have Absolute Trust in His Promises because of this.
V. The Divine Providence and Absolute Sovereignty of God (Rom. 8:28).
VI. Prayers: A Direct Communication to God through Christ Jesus.
VII. Is God fair? And the True and Righteous Judgments of God (cf. Ps. 19:9).
VIII. Taking out the Trash (The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb Forever Reign Supreme).
IX. The Love of God
X. Eternal Life: Fellowship with God and the Lamb Forever.
XI. Closing Remarks with Exhortations & Encouragements.
[Man's Pride, Free will, and The Triune God as the ONLY Savior of mankind]:
The source of all sin, including all lies and deception, first began in the heaven of heavens; where Lucifer's Pride of his high status (i.e., "which God Himself endowed him with") led to his banishment from the Eternal City. All sins are linked to the sin of Pride (e.g., "covetousness, adultery, murder, theft, etc."), because it focuses on "self" rather than others; and dying to "self" is the GREATER act of service before the Face of God. God is [set apart] from All His Creation (Jn. 17:19), and His children are to be separate from the World by living lives that would parallel life in Heaven, where God is seated – even more so from those who live for the lusts of this fallen world (Jn. 17:15-18; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Pet. 1:16; 2:9).
Philanthropy (lit., "the love of humanity") is not the supernatural Love that all Genuine Christians possess; because True Love is Divine, Sacrificial, and it warns others of impending Judgment on those with unrepentant hearts (Jude 20-23). Regardless of how much one gives to charities and to the indigent, it will NOT save them from the penalty of their sins. Sacrificial love rids ourselves of pride through our self-denial, and seeks for the care and concern to even those who [hate] us (Matt. 5:43-48; Rom. 12:20-21). Even the unregenerate possess a universal love (Grk. phileo; i.e., "brotherly love, or love towards friends") – but they do not possess Divine Love, and this comes from a heart of a sinner who has first been shown the Extraordinary Mercy, Forgiveness, and the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (cf. Lam. 3:22-23; Jn. 3:16; 13:34-35; 15:13; Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4-5; 1 Jn. 4:19).
"For [the Son of man] is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11)
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for [I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART]: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But [made himself of no reputation], and took upon him [the form of a servant], and was made in [the likeness of men]: And being found in [fashion as a man], [he humbled himself], and became [obedient unto death, even the death of the cross]." (Philippians 2:5-8)
Jesus Christ was the PERFECT example of True Humility and Obedience, and we see it all throughout His Ministry of Reconciliation. Jesus often referred to Himself in the [Third Person] (e.g., "the Son of Man, Jesus Christ") – and this was an act of His Humility on display. ONLY Jesus Christ can refer to Himself as being [meek and lowly in heart] because this is True of Him; and for Him to deny this would make Him a "liar" – and we know that such is Impossible. His Deity is often questioned by the unregenerate when asking Christians, "If He was God, then why didn't He tell people plainly that He is God, and that He is to be worshipped? That would have cleared up all the confusion regarding His Deity." Such questions arise from ignorance of what the Holy Scriptures speak concerning the Incarnation of Christ; who is the Second Member of the Triune Godhead (Phil. 2:5-8).
"And, behold, one came and said unto him, [GOOD] (Grk. agathou) Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, [WHY CALLEST THOU ME GOOD?] there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-17)
Jesus did NOT tell the rich man that He was NOT Good, but raised the question to help the young ruler understand that God ALONE is to be [Worshipped] by ALL men; and Christ, who took the form of a [humble servant] (Grk. doulos; lit., "a slave") referred to His Father as [His God] in like manner, to [Fulfill All Righteousness] as the PERFECT MAN, and to Impute His Righteousness unto sinful men and women (cf. Matt. 3:15; 27:46; Jn. 20:17; Rom. 4:21-25; Rev. 3:12). Those who are of this world serve self. God is the ONLY Being in existence who is TRULY [worthy] of our Worship, and there are "infinite" amount of reasons why this is Purely True. Instead of due Worship to his God, the Devil's pride was the impetus which consequently led him to covet the Throne of His Maker, and this set in motion all other sins that led to the fall of the human race (cf. Isa. 14:11-17; Mk. 7:21-23; Jas. 1:13-15; 1 Jn. 2:16).
"For thus saith [THE HIGH AND LOFTY ONE] that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:15)
ONLY God can refer to Himself as HIGH AND LOFTY, because this is TRUE of Him; and He would be a "liar" if this was not True of Him. Then we have in stark contrast, the autonomy of man, and now the rise of feminism in politics and the church visible in today's world.
"You can do anything if you [believe in yourself] and try hard enough."
We've all heard this "inspirational" quote uttered millions of times, but does this qualify as an objective truth? Isn't this what the Devil thought to himself? Those who rely upon themselves and their own efforts to "achieve" a set goal reveal the degree of their self-worth and pride. The arch-deceiver has fooled himself into believing that there may be a glimmer of hope that he may actually succeed at usurping the Everlasting Throne of the Almighty, but we all know that there isn't a ghost of a chance of him ever succeeding. Little ones (i.e., "believers" – cf. Matt. 18:6) are just the antithesis of that sort of [EGO] (i.e., "Edge God Out") the Devil possesses; they are those who humbly BELIEVE, SUBMIT, and RELY on the power and ability of God and His Christ ALONE, and they put no confidence in their own strengths, abilities, and talents (cf. Ps. 28:7; Isa. 26:3; Matt. 19:26; Eph. 3:20; Phil. 3:2-7; 4:13; et al.)
"These [six] things doth the LORD hate: yea, [seven] (i.e., "sins that are characteristic of every unregenerate man or woman") are an [abomination] unto him: [A PROUD LOOK], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood . . ." (Proverbs 6:16-17)
"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. [When pride cometh, then cometh shame]: but with the lowly is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:1-2)
To the humble, spiritually bankrupt, submissive, and the broken and contrite ones, are those who are loved by the Lord; but to the egomaniacal with proud hearts and haughty spirits: they are detestable in the sight of God (cf. Prov. 6:16-17; 8:13; 16:5; 17:15; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). Humility is the fruit of a wise man or woman, and arrogance is characteristic of fools headed for destruction if not repented of. It's no wonder why many prayers often go unanswered: there is lack of forgiveness accompanied by pride, and an unforgiving heart is a dead giveaway of a rebellious person; because this is defiance of the direct Commands of our Lord, and in direct opposition to the very Nature of God -- who is the most forgiving, and grants it to the undeserved and poor in spirit (cf. Matt. 5:3; 6:14-15; Mk. 11:25; Lk. 6:37; Eph. 4:32; 1 Jn. 1:9).
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (James 2:5)
"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:9-12)
Continued on the next post . . .
The Entirety of this message will be separated into subtopics which are contained within this discussion; this is done in order that my readers better understand the Nature of God more clearly if they may be doubting their knowledge of the Triune God, and if they have a saving relationship with Him.
"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that [GLORIETH] (Heb. halal -- hithpael participle; "i.e., "TO BOAST") glory in this, that he [UNDERSTANDETH AND KNOWETH ME], that I am the LORD which exercise [lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness], in the earth: for [IN THESE THINGS I DELIGHT], saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
With all the suffering, sorrow, tears, mourning, trials, hardships, betrayals, deaths, and persecutions I have faced in this world; I can say with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that God has NEVER forsaken me in any way, nor will He ever do so, and He is Absolutely True to ALL of His Promises. All of us have experienced the failure of human relationships (e.g., "friends, co-workers, family, and even those who profess to be Christians") -- and we've all suffered the betrayal, hatred, failed promises, and those who we thought were "trustworthy" not being there for us when we needed them the most; but God is NOT a man that He should renege on His Promises (see the entire chapter of Psalm 25).
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [FOR I AM PERSUADED], that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from [THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD]." (Romans 8:37-39)
I am always joyful and at peace regardless of what may come ahead in life, and it is NOT because my life is bed or roses: far from it – it is God and Christ who sustains me, and gives me the strength needed to endure the struggles I experience daily when taking up my Cross.
"And [THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL], that they might [KNOW] thee [THE ONLY TRUE GOD], and [JESUS CHRIST], whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
(Parentheses) within Bible passages cited are used to expound on the word/s in [brackets] which precede the parentheses. ALL CAPS are used for double emphasis; this is my way of saying, "It says what it says, and it means what it means, so don't make any attempts at putting your own spin on it." I urge all my readers to lay aside all presuppositions, conjectures, and personal interpretations (e.g., "eisegesis") before reading this message in its entirety, because to neglect this is demonstrative of pride, folly, and a heart that is not willing to accept the Truth, even when it is clearly revealed to them in Scripture (Prov. 15:14; 18:13; Matt. 12:37; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 2 Pet. 3:16). The Bible is self-explanatory (i.e., "the best defense of Scripture is Scripture itself") in its interpretation (i.e., "the perspicuity of Scripture"), but even to this day, we find unnecessary criticism from Biblical "scholars" and theologians alike. According to these "brilliant" minded men and women, they ask, "hath God said?" (cf. Gen. 3:1-5; Lev. 18:22; Isa. 66:1-2; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 7).
I. Man's Pride, and The Triune God as the ONLY Savior of mankind.
II. Golden Calves.
III. The Unique Oneness and BEING of The Triune Godhead, which belongs to Him ALONE.
IV. The Immutability of God; and why we can have Absolute Trust in His Promises because of this.
V. The Divine Providence and Absolute Sovereignty of God (Rom. 8:28).
VI. Prayers: A Direct Communication to God through Christ Jesus.
VII. Is God fair? And the True and Righteous Judgments of God (cf. Ps. 19:9).
VIII. Taking out the Trash (The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb Forever Reign Supreme).
IX. The Love of God
X. Eternal Life: Fellowship with God and the Lamb Forever.
XI. Closing Remarks with Exhortations & Encouragements.
[Man's Pride, Free will, and The Triune God as the ONLY Savior of mankind]:
The source of all sin, including all lies and deception, first began in the heaven of heavens; where Lucifer's Pride of his high status (i.e., "which God Himself endowed him with") led to his banishment from the Eternal City. All sins are linked to the sin of Pride (e.g., "covetousness, adultery, murder, theft, etc."), because it focuses on "self" rather than others; and dying to "self" is the GREATER act of service before the Face of God. God is [set apart] from All His Creation (Jn. 17:19), and His children are to be separate from the World by living lives that would parallel life in Heaven, where God is seated – even more so from those who live for the lusts of this fallen world (Jn. 17:15-18; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Pet. 1:16; 2:9).
Philanthropy (lit., "the love of humanity") is not the supernatural Love that all Genuine Christians possess; because True Love is Divine, Sacrificial, and it warns others of impending Judgment on those with unrepentant hearts (Jude 20-23). Regardless of how much one gives to charities and to the indigent, it will NOT save them from the penalty of their sins. Sacrificial love rids ourselves of pride through our self-denial, and seeks for the care and concern to even those who [hate] us (Matt. 5:43-48; Rom. 12:20-21). Even the unregenerate possess a universal love (Grk. phileo; i.e., "brotherly love, or love towards friends") – but they do not possess Divine Love, and this comes from a heart of a sinner who has first been shown the Extraordinary Mercy, Forgiveness, and the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (cf. Lam. 3:22-23; Jn. 3:16; 13:34-35; 15:13; Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4-5; 1 Jn. 4:19).
"For [the Son of man] is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11)
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for [I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART]: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But [made himself of no reputation], and took upon him [the form of a servant], and was made in [the likeness of men]: And being found in [fashion as a man], [he humbled himself], and became [obedient unto death, even the death of the cross]." (Philippians 2:5-8)
Jesus Christ was the PERFECT example of True Humility and Obedience, and we see it all throughout His Ministry of Reconciliation. Jesus often referred to Himself in the [Third Person] (e.g., "the Son of Man, Jesus Christ") – and this was an act of His Humility on display. ONLY Jesus Christ can refer to Himself as being [meek and lowly in heart] because this is True of Him; and for Him to deny this would make Him a "liar" – and we know that such is Impossible. His Deity is often questioned by the unregenerate when asking Christians, "If He was God, then why didn't He tell people plainly that He is God, and that He is to be worshipped? That would have cleared up all the confusion regarding His Deity." Such questions arise from ignorance of what the Holy Scriptures speak concerning the Incarnation of Christ; who is the Second Member of the Triune Godhead (Phil. 2:5-8).
"And, behold, one came and said unto him, [GOOD] (Grk. agathou) Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, [WHY CALLEST THOU ME GOOD?] there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-17)
Jesus did NOT tell the rich man that He was NOT Good, but raised the question to help the young ruler understand that God ALONE is to be [Worshipped] by ALL men; and Christ, who took the form of a [humble servant] (Grk. doulos; lit., "a slave") referred to His Father as [His God] in like manner, to [Fulfill All Righteousness] as the PERFECT MAN, and to Impute His Righteousness unto sinful men and women (cf. Matt. 3:15; 27:46; Jn. 20:17; Rom. 4:21-25; Rev. 3:12). Those who are of this world serve self. God is the ONLY Being in existence who is TRULY [worthy] of our Worship, and there are "infinite" amount of reasons why this is Purely True. Instead of due Worship to his God, the Devil's pride was the impetus which consequently led him to covet the Throne of His Maker, and this set in motion all other sins that led to the fall of the human race (cf. Isa. 14:11-17; Mk. 7:21-23; Jas. 1:13-15; 1 Jn. 2:16).
"For thus saith [THE HIGH AND LOFTY ONE] that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:15)
ONLY God can refer to Himself as HIGH AND LOFTY, because this is TRUE of Him; and He would be a "liar" if this was not True of Him. Then we have in stark contrast, the autonomy of man, and now the rise of feminism in politics and the church visible in today's world.
"You can do anything if you [believe in yourself] and try hard enough."
We've all heard this "inspirational" quote uttered millions of times, but does this qualify as an objective truth? Isn't this what the Devil thought to himself? Those who rely upon themselves and their own efforts to "achieve" a set goal reveal the degree of their self-worth and pride. The arch-deceiver has fooled himself into believing that there may be a glimmer of hope that he may actually succeed at usurping the Everlasting Throne of the Almighty, but we all know that there isn't a ghost of a chance of him ever succeeding. Little ones (i.e., "believers" – cf. Matt. 18:6) are just the antithesis of that sort of [EGO] (i.e., "Edge God Out") the Devil possesses; they are those who humbly BELIEVE, SUBMIT, and RELY on the power and ability of God and His Christ ALONE, and they put no confidence in their own strengths, abilities, and talents (cf. Ps. 28:7; Isa. 26:3; Matt. 19:26; Eph. 3:20; Phil. 3:2-7; 4:13; et al.)
"These [six] things doth the LORD hate: yea, [seven] (i.e., "sins that are characteristic of every unregenerate man or woman") are an [abomination] unto him: [A PROUD LOOK], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood . . ." (Proverbs 6:16-17)
"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. [When pride cometh, then cometh shame]: but with the lowly is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:1-2)
To the humble, spiritually bankrupt, submissive, and the broken and contrite ones, are those who are loved by the Lord; but to the egomaniacal with proud hearts and haughty spirits: they are detestable in the sight of God (cf. Prov. 6:16-17; 8:13; 16:5; 17:15; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). Humility is the fruit of a wise man or woman, and arrogance is characteristic of fools headed for destruction if not repented of. It's no wonder why many prayers often go unanswered: there is lack of forgiveness accompanied by pride, and an unforgiving heart is a dead giveaway of a rebellious person; because this is defiance of the direct Commands of our Lord, and in direct opposition to the very Nature of God -- who is the most forgiving, and grants it to the undeserved and poor in spirit (cf. Matt. 5:3; 6:14-15; Mk. 11:25; Lk. 6:37; Eph. 4:32; 1 Jn. 1:9).
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (James 2:5)
"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:9-12)
Continued on the next post . . .