The tree of the knowledge of good and evil...

[orbiter]

Peace.

We are to freely eat of every tree of the garden.

Genesis 2:
(16) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

There is no law against the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, joy, etc. We are to do this and the Spirit shall give our mortal bodies life.

Galatians 5:22-23
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The Spirit is life because of righteousness and if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in us (as we are led by the Spirit of God), He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also make alive our mortal (subject to death….meaning we haven’t died yet) bodies by His Spirit that dwells in us. This is for the here and now and not after we die and “go to heaven” as popularly preached by those who are only serving themselves and have no understanding of the good news.

Romans 8:4-14 KJV
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

But if we live after the flesh, we shall die. There is the law of sin and death…

Genesis 2:
(17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

If we look at the lie of the serpent, we can see what the eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil might be.

Genesis 3:1-5 KJV
(1) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
(2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

First, we see that the woman does not exactly repeat God’s commandment to the serpent as she added “neither shall you touch it”…which He did not command. She added her own external commandment to God’s commandment and yet says that God had said it when He did not say it.

(3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

The serpent then said “you shall not surely die”. Literally translated this reads: “dying, you shall not die”…or “killing, you shall not die”. The serpent is saying that she shall have peace for “killing” . As we know, any who hates another is a “murderer” (1 John 3:15). If we speak evil of another, then we are “killing” our brother or sister so to speak.

(4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

The lie continues…. “For God does know….” In other words, you are doing God “service” for killing another (see John 16:2)….that is, speaking evil of another in judgment (calling them a “fool” or an “evil doer”, etc).

“then your eyes shall be opened”….that is, you will be seen as wise. Desiring to be seen as wise (desirous of vain glory), she took of the fruit and did eat. Professing themselves as wise, they became fools (Romans 1:22).

“You shall be as gods”….that is, JUDGES (Elohim means “judges, gods”). You will be seen as wise when you judge another in God’s authority. A judge knows who or what is good and evil and makes a judgment on others.

(5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

We see this being paraphrased in James 4. If we speak evil of our brothers, we are judging them. We are not then a doer of the law of Christ (who delivered to us the new commandment to keep: to have love for one another). We are not a doer but a JUDGE (“you shall be as gods, judges”). We must not be judge, jury and executioner of another…speaking evil of them.

James 4:10-12 KJV
(10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
(11) Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

There is only one Lawgiver who is able to save and destroy…who are we to judge another? Remember, the woman in the garden added her own commandment (neither shall you touch it) to God’s. This is about using the external commandments of men (which are added) as a basis to judge others as “evil doers” because they do not keep them. They condemn others to "hell" in their judgment of others and do not the law of Christ to have love for others.

(12) There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Professing themselves to be wise (desiring to be seen as wise), they became fools…

Romans 1:22-25 KJV
(22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
(24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

…as they exchanged the truth of God into THE lie and worshipped and served the “creature” (which can mean “ordinance”) more than the Creator who is blessed forever.

(25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rather than serving God by having love for one another, men set aside His commandment in order to keep the added commandments of men ….they exchange the truth of God into the lie and worship and serve the commandments of men more than the Creator as they use those commandments to judge others…finding fault in others who do not keep their external commandments just as the Pharisees did with the disciples of Jesus.

Mark 7:4-9 KJV
(4) And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
(5) Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
(6) He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
(7) Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Laying aside the commandment of God, they hold the tradition of men.

(8) For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
(9) And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Men are as trees. Death and life are in the power (hand) of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it.

Proverbs 18:20-21 KJV
(20) A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
(21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Men use the same mouth to bless God AND for cursing men who do not keep their external commandments (“neither shall you touch it”). We perish when we use the commandments of doctrines of men as a basis to speak evil of others. They have a “show of wisdom in will worship”. Desiring to be seen as wise, people use the commandments of men that they are keeping to judge others with.

Colossians 2:20-23 KJV
(20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
(22) Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
(23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Who is wise and endued with knowledge among us? Let him show it out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. The woman in the garden chose the other path as she desired to be seen as wise and took of the fruit and did eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil by being a judge supposedly for God and used her added commandment (neither shall you touch it) as a basis for judging another.

James 3:8-18 KJV
(8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
(9) Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
(10) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
(11) Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
(12) Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
(13) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
(14) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
(15) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
(16) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
(17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
(18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

People take pleasure in their unrighteousness (it was pleasant to the eyes) as they speak evil of others…desirous of vain glory….that is, wanting to be seen as wise.

Genesis 3:6 KJV
(6) And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Let us not be desirous of vain glory (wanting to be seen as wise) as others provoke one another with their external commandments and envy one another.

Galatians 5:22-26 KJV
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
(25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
(26) Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

But the “super apostles” who come in their own name lead us astray from the simplicity that is in Christ who commanded us to have love for one another. They want us to keep their doctrines and commandments of men that are contrary to us for getting along with one another. They want to bring us into bondage and worship the dragon by having us serve their commandments of men ....and using them to judge others with.

2 Corinthians 11:3-7 KJV
(3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

The “serpent” comes along and preaches another Jesus or another gospel….and many bear well with them. They receive them those who come along in their own authority.

(4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
(5) For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
(6) But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
(7) Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

The “serpent” comes along with his ministers of “righteousness”. Their end is destruction of the mortal flesh as they destroy those whom they are deceiving.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 KJV
(12) But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
(13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
(14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
(15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The serpent comes along with his minister…whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that are perishing in their mortal flesh from off this earth because they do not receive the love of the Truth (doing it) so that they might be saved in this earth.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 KJV
(8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
(9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

God sends them a strong delusion that they should believe THE lie….the same lie from the beginning….

(11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

…so that they might be condemned who believed not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (it was pleasant to the eyes).

(12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness

 

[friend of]

HI just a few questions

The “serpent” comes along with his ministers of “righteousness”. Their end is destruction of the mortal flesh as they destroy those whom they are deceiving.

Can you elaborate on this? Are you saying that these ministers will be like wolves in sheep's clothing?

God sends them a strong delusion that they should believe THE lie….the same lie from the beginning….

Can you give some examples of this lie (or) lies? Are you talking about how the Bible preached in churches in the west have become progressively more liberal by incorporating worldly teachings about morality? That's what I'm taking away from this thread, but I still like to examine if there's anything I've missed.

We perish when we use the commandments of doctrines of men as a basis to speak evil of others

This is an excellent point. Thanks for bringing it up.

Blessings

 

[orbiter]

Hi friend of,

Thanks for reading and considering!

Sorry for the long reply….I like to ramble on and on.

The lie is the same lie that was told from the very beginning by the serpent after the woman added her own commandment (neither shall you touch it) to God’s and presented it as if God had said it when He didn’t say it. The lie is being actively practiced even now.

Genesis 3:2-3 KJV
(2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
(3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

What is being presented here is that men use their external commandments of men (that they have wrested out of the Scriptures...without understanding.... to their own destruction) as a basis to judge others with….speaking evil of others.

Many love and practice THE lie…the same lie from the beginning… and are setting aside the commandment of God (to have love for one another) in order to keep their doctrines and commandments of men.

They serve them first….keeping the commandments of men foremost and set aside God’s commandment (the commandment from the beginning :to have love one another). They worship them….by speaking evil of those who do not keep them. We should be serving the Creator who is blessed forever and not the “creature”…the ordinance…over Him.

The handwriting of the commandments of men are a proxy (for lack of a better word) for worshipping the dragon…that old serpent…which is the Devil (the false accuser), Satan. It is a trick to destroy the flesh of men...preventing the life of Jesus from ever appearing in this earth which would give us His eternal life in the here and now. The antichrist is denying that Jesus IS COMING in the mortal flesh....our mortal flesh.

We practice THE lie from the very beginning when we falsely accuse others as evil doers when they do not do our particular commandments of men because we see ourselves as judges for God (being judges in His authority) as we are so “wise” knowing what and who is good and who is evil.

Genesis 3:4-5 KJV
(4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
(5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Again….Breaking down the lie:

“You shall not surely die” should be literally translated “dying, you shall not die”…or rather “killing, you shall not die”. The “killing” part refers to speaking evil of another with our mouths. Those who hate their brothers are “murderers”. We don’t have “peace and safety” for doing such things as the serpent implies (you shall not die). The minister of the serpent (Satan) comes along and falsely prophesies “peace” where there is no peace and wants us to keep his external commandments. Many bless God and then curse other men with the same mouth as they judge others as “evil doers” that are going “to hell”, etc for not serving and worshipping their handwriting of church ordinances.

“For God does know…” This is saying that we are judging others supposedly for God…in His name…in His authority. Many do their “wonderful works” supposedly in His name. They prophesy (false “peace”) supposedly in His name and cast out devils (calling others “evil doers” who are going to hell) supposedly in His name and yet do not do His will…to have love for one another.

“then your eyes shall be opened”……that is, you shall be seen as “wise”. Men speak evil of others because they see themselves as “wise”. They seek after their own “vain glory” as they exalt themselves and judge others using their doctrines and commandments of men that they are so “wise” to keep. They trust in their own works of “righteousness” will get them to heaven and look down upon all of those who do not worship and serve their handwriting of ordinances that the church scribes have engraved for them to keep. They judge everyone else as “going to hell” when in fact they themselves are perishing to the grave even now without the life of Jesus being made manifest in their mortal flesh.

“you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil”….that is, you shall be as JUDGES (Elohim = gods, judges). They see themselves as judges for God knowing what and who is good and evil. Those who do their commandments of men are “good” while those who do not keep their commandments of men are “evil doers” that are going to hell. They are judge, jury and executioners of others using their ADDED external commandments (i.e. the woman added: “neither shall you touch it”) as a basis. We are not to ADD commandments to the Word. Those who do judge other churches…they judge the outside world…condemning everyone to hell.

Again, we are told in James 4 that there is only ONE Lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy. There is only ONE Judge. We are not judges (you are as "gods") for God in His authority. Those who judge their brothers as “going to hell” for not keeping their external commandments of men are not doing the law of Christ who commanded us to have love for one another. They set aside His commandment to serve their own.

James 4:11-12 KJV
(11) Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
(12) There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Again, out of the SAME mouth proceeds blessing and cursing…which should not be. We are not blessing God by cursing other men who do not keep the external commandments of men. We are to do God’s will at all times…bless and do not curse.

James 3:8-12 KJV
(8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
(9) Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
(10) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
(11) Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Can a fig tree bear olive berries?

(12) Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

We cannot have it both ways…either make the tree good and his fruit good or make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt. Men are as trees walking. Death and life are in the power (hand) of the tongue and those that love it shall eat the fruit of it…death or life.

Matthew 12:
(33) Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

The “generation of vipers (serpents)” speaks evil. They find fault in others.

(34) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

We must be doers of the Word…the Saying: have love for one another. A man who seems to be religious and does not bridle his tongue deceives his own heart and his religion is vain…empty.

James 1:22-26 KJV
(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
(24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
(25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(26) If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

We must do unto others as we would have them do to us….always…no exceptions. We must always have love for others. We must always follow peace with all men at all times.

Matthew 7:
(12) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
(13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
(14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We are to beware of the false prophets who come and falsely prophesy “peace”…. “you shall surely not die”.

They come to us in sheep’s clothing with their works of “righteousness”…preaching the doctrines and commandments of men for us to keep. They do this for money. They preach for money..for a paycheck in order to get their earthly needs met. They are minding the earthly things and have no understanding of the Scriptures. They are leading MANY down the broad way to destruction….the destruction of their mortal flesh without the life of Jesus being made manifest in this earth.

(15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
(16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
(17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

There is no such thing as a bad tree bringing forth good fruit. We cannot have it both ways. We must not “eat” from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil….being a judge of others…speaking evil of others. We are not above the law but must be DOERS of the law of Christ. We are not blessing God by cursing other men who are made in His image.

(18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
(19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
(20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Fortunately, our Lord has blotted out the handwriting of ordinances (Greek: dogmas) that are against us and are contrary to us. We cannot get along with one another when we are serving and worshipping them. He forgives us for these things that are done in ignorance.

Colossians 2:12-23 KJV
(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
(14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

He takes them away and spoils the principalities and powers. He takes away the bondage of church ordinances and the power of the preachers who want us to keep them in order for them to get paid.

(15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Let NO MAN judge us in these things that he has wrested out of the Scriptures with his vainly puffed up fleshly mind. He has no understanding of the external ordinances of the Law that he is affirming of and teaching others to keep. They are spiritually understood. When we use their handwriting of church dogmas to judge others with, we are not then keeping the law of Christ who commanded us to have love for one another.

(16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
(17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Let NO MAN beguile us of our reward (the manifestation of the eternal life of Jesus in our mortal flesh in the here and now). Those who preach the external ordinances of men have no understanding of what they are preaching. They "intrude"...trespass...into things that they have no understanding of. But He forgives us of our "trespasses" that are done in ignorance.

(18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
(19) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Why be subject to his church dogmas which are not saving the mortal flesh of any that are keeping them? Many see themselves as “wise” for voluntarily keeping the church ordinances of men and “wise” for using them to judge others. They are "eating" of that tree that they are not supposed to be.

(20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
(22) Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
(23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Blessed are they that DO His commandments….as they will enter into life and enter in to understand the mysteries of the kingdom.

Those who love and practice THE lie…the same lie from the beginning….are on the outside. They do not enter in to life in the here and now. They do not enter in to understand the Scriptures.

Revelation 22:14-17 KJV
(14) Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

The “dogs” preach for doctrines the commandments of men…the handwriting of church dogmas. Beware of the “dogs”. The “sorcerers” use their tongues to deceive…preaching the Word of God deceitfully and flatter in order to get gain.

The “whoremongers” are those who go and sit together with them. The “murderers” hate their brothers. The “idolaters” preach for money in order to get their earthly needs met and we participate in their idolatry (covetousness) when we pay the image (as commanded by them) to their church.

Those who love and practice THE lie (not "a" lie...but THE lie from the beginning) set aside the commandment of God in order to keep the doctrines and commandments of men and use them to judge others with.

(15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
(16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
(17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Men see themselves as "wise" for keeping the commandments of men when the pen of the scribes (the handwriting of church ordinances) has changed the Truth of God into the lie. What "wisdom" is in the keeping of them? they exchange the truth of God into THE lie....as they love and practice the lie serving the "creature" more than the Creator.

Jeremiah 8:5-11 KJV
(5) Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
(6) I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.
(7) Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
(8) How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
(9) The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?

The false prophets who are given to covetousness falsely prophesy "peace"....you shall not surely die.

(10) Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
(11) For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

They promise us "liberty" from the keeping of the Holy Commandment (to have love for one another) as they use flattery to bring us into the bondage of the keeping of doctrines and commandments of men and serve them over the Holy Commandment given to us by the Lord for us to keep.

2 Peter 2:17-22 KJV
(17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
(18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
(19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
(22) But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

 

[orbiter]

The lying pen of the scribes (the handwriting of church ordinances…dogmas) have made the law of the LORD into the lie….the same lie from the beginning….as men set aside His holy commandment (to have love for one another) in order to keep the doctrines and commandments of men and use them to judge others. Men see themselves as “wise” for keeping the doctrines and commandments of men that are wrested out of the Scriptures by the unlearned and unstable to their own destruction.

Jeremiah 8:
"How can you say, 'We are wise, And the law of the LORD is with us'? But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie.
"The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and caught; Behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD, And what kind of wisdom do they have?

They see themselves wise as “gods”…that is, judges…for God (“For God does know…”). They see themselves as doing God “service” for “killing” others and approve of others who do such things. They believe and practice the lie as they show that they do not know the Father nor the Son.

John 16:1-3 KJV
(1) These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
(2) They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
(3) And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

They have rejected the Word of the LORD and what wisdom do they have?

The law of the Lord is fulfilled in one Word: I shall love my neighbor as myself. There is nothing to add to the Word about keeping a certain day holy or keeping literal ordinances.

Galatians 5:13-16 KJV
(13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
(14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
(15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
(16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Yet many, professing themselves to be wise (“we are wise and the law of the LORD is with us”), became fools as they change the truth of God into THE lie….the same lie from the beginning…..and worship and serve the “creature” (the ordinance….i.e. the woman in the garden: “neither shall you touch it”) more than the Creator.

Romans 1:22-25 KJV
(22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
(24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
(25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

They reject the commandment of God (to have love for one another) so that they may keep the “tradition” (the transmission) of men.

Mark 7:7-9 KJV
(7) Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
(8) For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
(9) And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

The commandment of God is to have love for one another. This is the Word…the Saying: that we love one another. There is no other external commandment added to this ("neither shall you touch it").

2 John 1:5-7 KJV
(5) And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
(6) And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
(7) For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

If one man esteems one day above another, then that man should do so only to the Lord and not use his keeping of a certain day to judge another (who does not regard the day).

The bottom line: we should have love for one another and not be judging each other over what day we keep to worship or what we eat or do not eat. Yet, many men have got it in writing and use their handwritings of their church ordinances to judge others with which is not keeping the commandment to have love for another.

Romans 14:1-6 KJV
(1) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
(2) For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
(3) Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
(4) Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
(5) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
(6) He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Why judge our brothers over such things and disesteem them over things that are not commanded of God for us to keep?

Romans 14:10 KJV
(10) But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

The handwriting of church ordinances (the lying pen of the church scribes) does not save the mortal flesh of any who are perishing with the using of them.

Colossians 2:20-23 KJV
(20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

The woman in the garden: “neither shall you touch it”.

(21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
(22) Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
(23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Many are desirous of “vain glory”…to be seen as wise….as they use their commandments of men to provoke one another in their envy of one another. They judge others who do not keep their external commandments....provoking one another. This is earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom not heavenly.

Galatians 5:22-26 KJV
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
(25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
(26) Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

We are to hear what the Spirit is saying and be found using our words sparingly towards what we hear. Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise and he the shuts his lips is esteem a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17:27-28 KJV
(27) He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
(28) Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

If any man among us accounts himself to be wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he may be wise….that is, use words sparingly towards what he hears the Spirit saying so that he may truly be wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 KJV
(18) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

The wisdom of this world is foolishness “with”…that is, BESIDE or near…God. Men place their handwriting of church ordinances alongside Him in their worship service of Him and yet they worship Him in vain teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Many consider themselves as “wise” for keeping the handwriting of church ordinances. He takes the wise in their own craftiness.

(19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
(20) And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

The Scriptures cannot be understood as the church leaders have no understanding as the eyes of their understanding has been closed because of the covetousness hidden within their hearts. If the leaders have no understanding of the words of the Book, then those who are attending their churches certainly do not have it.

Isaiah 29:10-14 KJV
(10) For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

The “learned” church ruler cannot read it….

(11) And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:

…nor can the “unlearned” layperson…the church goer… also.

(12) And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.

They draw near to Him with their mouth and with their lips do honor Him but their heart is far from Him as they go after dishonest gain….preaching things that ought not be (the commandments of men) for dishonest gain. Their fear toward Him is taught by the precept of men.

(13) Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

The wisdom of our “wise men” perishes and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid.

(14) Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Men come forth and preach enticing words in order to cause divisions among us and bring us into their bondage of the doctrines and commandments of men where they are perishing. Many see themselves as “wise” for letting men do such things to them.

2 Corinthians 11:19-20 KJV
(19) For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
(20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

The ministers of Satan are transformed as the minsters of righteousness…as they preach for doctrines the commandments of men that are not saving the mortal flesh of any that they are deceiving. They consider it “works of righteousness” to keep their preaching of the handwriting of church ordinances and yet set aside the commandment of God to have love for one another. They do this for money’s sake.

Their end is according to their works: they perish from off this earth without the life of Jesus being made manifest in their mortal flesh giving them His eternal life in this earth. They cannot understand the gospel… the good news for the here and now.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV
(13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
(14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
(15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

If these days are not cut short by the Lord, then NO FLESH (no mortal flesh) be saved. Their power to consume and destroy us from this earth shall come to an abrupt end for those who hear and believe in what they hear the Spirit from heaven saying.

Matthew 24:22-27 KJV
(22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
(23) Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

There are currently many false Christs…many false gatherings supposedly in His name. There are MANY false prophets who have come into the world. They show great “signs”…outward signs of supposedly inward “realities”.

(24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(25) Behold, I have told you before.

They show great outward signs in their company (behold, He is in desert) of supposed inward, spiritual realities (behold, He is in the secret chambers). That is all that they have to show you...outward signs….and nothing else.

(26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

No, the coming of the Son of man is very apparent. We hear His voice and the light first rises in the darkness of our hearts…and His life shall be made manifest in our outer mortal flesh for the world to see His glory. The Word is made flesh and others shall behold His glory. It is not a hidden thing but a very real, external visible event. We have this hope of glory…Christ in us…the hope of His visible glory in our mortal flesh (His appearing eternal life).

(27) For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

But many have been “bewitched” us so that many should not obey the Truth. They see the outward “signs” of the false prophets that they are being performed before their very eyes.

Please keep an open mind to the following.

One of those signs is literal water baptism that they are performing in order for you to become one of them in the keeping of their commandments as a “member” of their church. They use literal water baptism as a gateway commandment in order to bring you into their bondage.

They “graphically” show you before your eyes Jesus Christ crucified among them as they water baptize. This is a picture…a sign…of Christ being crucified…and yet use that sign to bring you into the keeping of their commandments of men.

Galatians 3:1-8 KJV
(1) O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Having received the Spirit by the hearing of faith, are we now made perfect by the flesh….by the keeping of literal water baptism? What God has cleansed (by the Spirit from heaven), let no man call unclean by having them water baptized afterward.

(2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
(3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
(4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
(5) He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
(6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
(7) Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
(8) And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

This is one of the things (literal water baptism) that Paul was upset with Peter about. The water baptism was for the first Jews who heard the good news (the gospel of the circumcision that they were and then receive the Spirit). It was not to be for the Gentiles to keep (water baptism) as they heard the Word and received the Spirit in faith without works of the law(the gospel of the uncircumcision).

First, Paul was upset with Peter about withdrawing from the Gentiles for fear of those of the circumcision.

Galatians 2:11-16 KJV
(11) But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
(12) For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
(13) And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

But he was also upset with Peter about compelling the Gentiles to live as the Jews…by commanding them to be water baptized.

(14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Having received the Spirit by the hearing of faith, are we now made perfect by the flesh…by being literally water baptized which is to no avail? The first Gentiles heard the Word and the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them…without being water baptized.

Acts 10:44-48 KJV
(44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
(45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

But then Peter commands the Gentiles to be water baptized. Having begun in the Spirit are we now made perfect by being water baptized?

Can any man forbid water that these (Gentiles) should not be baptized? That man is Paul for he was not sent by Christ to the Gentiles to baptize but to preach the good news (gospel) so that they may hear and believe (faith from hearing) and receive the Spirit.

(47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
(48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What God has cleansed (with the giving of the Spirit from heaven), let no man call unclean…or common…by having them be “washed” afterwards with literal water baptism. Having begun in the Spirit, are we now made complete in the flesh…the keeping of literal water baptism?

Acts 11:5-10 KJV
(5) I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
(6) Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
(7) And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
(8) But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
(9) But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
(10) And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

The first Jews heard the Spirit speaking to them and were then water baptized so as to receive the Spirit. This is the gospel of the circumcision.

Acts 2:4-6 KJV
(4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
(6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:37-38 KJV
(37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Men use the wisdom of words and want us…compel us… to be baptized into their denomination…their divisions... so that we may keep their commandments of men and set aside His commandment to have love for one another.

1 Corinthians 1:13-21 KJV
(13) Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
(14) I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
(15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
(16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

Christ did not send Paul to baptize but to preach the good news. The cross of Christ alone is good enough to save us as we always keep the dying of the Lord in our bodies (the daily sacrifice) so that His eternal life is made manifest in our mortal flesh.

(17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

The preaching of the cross alone is to them that perish foolishness as they find it necessary to add their own “wisdom” of the handwriting of church ordinances to it and set aside His commandment to have love for one another.

(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
(19) For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

The church scribes do not have any wisdom as they perish from off this earth.

(20) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
(21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

They show us outward signs (the graphical picture of Christ being crucified before our very eyes...that is, water baptism) in order to deceive us into keeping company with them in their church bondage.

MANY desire to make a fair show in the flesh with literal water baptism. They constrain you to be “circumcised”…keep the gospel of the circumcision (be water baptized). They preach another gospel and not the one preached by Paul to the Gentiles.

The cross of Christ alone is not enough for them as they will “persecute” you…pressure you…constrain you…into being water baptized so that you are truly “saved” and be a member of their church and keep their carnal commandments.

Galatians 6:12-16 KJV
(12) As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

They desire to have you “circumcised”…that is, water baptized… so that they may glory in your flesh.

(13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
(14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
(15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
(16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

 

[orbiter]

False brothers have been brought in unawares.

They come in among us to spy out our liberty which we truly have in Christ Jesus so that they might bring us into their bondage of the doctrines and commandments of men.

They use literal water baptism as a “sign” to “bewitch”… fascinate …us with and divide us and make us members of their various churches (causing divisions) where many are serving and worshipping the doctrines and commandments of men that are not saving the mortal flesh of any that are keeping them.

They use “great signs” to deceive us….and literal water baptism is a big one.

Matthew 24:22-26 KJV
(22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
(23) Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
(24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(25) Behold, I have told you before.
(26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

Their outward signs (behold, He is in the desert) are signs of supposedly inward realities (behold, He is in the secret chamber) when His life is supposed to be made manifest in our outer mortal flesh for all to see. NO FLESH is being saved among them. Their signs are pictures, portrayals of Christ being crucified before our very eyes. They use this "great sign" to deceive us into keeping company with them.

Living in their bondage and living according to their lusts in their churches is where they can make merchandise of us as we set aside the commandment of God to have love for one another in order to keep their commandments of men. They want us to make an “image” to their church handwriting of dogmas. The “image” is money which has the image of corruptible man upon it. They want us to pay the image.

False prophets arise and give great signs and wonders in order to deceive us. One of those great signs is literal water baptism.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 KJV
(1) If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

IF it comes to pass....that is, we submit to their water baptism, they then want us to worship and serve their handwriting of church ordinances (dogmas) where they can indulge their covetousness....making merchandise of us.

(2) And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
(3) Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
(4) Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

We must remember to keep His commandments always and not keep company with them. They want to bring us into their bondage where NO FLESH is being saved.

(5) And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

On the surface, Galatians looks like it is only dealing with literal circumcision which has not much meaning to the churches of today. But if one looks at “circumcision” as the keeping of the gospel of circumcision…literal water baptism, then we see a major problem among the churches. They “compel” us to keep their outward sign so that we may be members of their church and keep their commandments of men. They are using this to bring us into their bondage.

Galatians 2:3-5 KJV
(3) But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
(4) And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
(5) To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Many are preaching another gospel (the gospel of the circumcision which was for the first Jews and entailed literal water baptism). If one comes preaching another gospel, many gladly receive them as they see themselves as “wise”.

Galatians 1:6-10 KJV
(6) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
(7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
(8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Strong words from Paul: if any man preaches any other gospel unto you other than that which Paul (of which he received by revelation from the Lord) had preached unto us, let him be accursed. We receive the Spirit by the hearing of faith and not the works of the law…the keeping of external ordinances.

(9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Let us not "please men" by submitting to their doctrines and commandments in order that they might get paid but rather be the servant of Christ.

(10) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Those who want us to keep their handwriting of church dogmas (which they have wrested out of the Scriptures) want to be teachers of the Law and yet have no understanding of the things that they are affirming of nor do they keep the whole Law themselves.

They compel us to be “circumcised”….accept the gospel of the circumcision: be baptized in literal water…. in order for us to gain entrance into their church membership and keep their commandments of men. They desire to make a fair show in the flesh.

Galatians 6:12-18 KJV
(12) As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
(13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

They want to glory in us getting water baptized and keeping their church ordinances….the carnal commandments of men. Let us not glory in any of their things except in the cross of our Lord Jesus which is enough to save us. To those who are "wise"...who think of themselves as wise in their keeping of the doctrines and commandments of men....it is foolishness that the cross alone is enough to save us. they will berate any who think otherwise in defense of their church denomination's teachings.

(14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
(15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
(16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Let no man “trouble me” with the external ordinances that his fleshly mind has conceived of….for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus…that is, we keep the dying of our Lord Jesus in our mortal bodies so that His life is made manifest in our mortal flesh. This is the “daily” sacrifice that we are to keep.

(17) From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
(18) Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. To the Galatians written from Rome.

Let no man trouble me with the keeping of his external church ordinances (dogmas) as all I need is to always bear about in the mortal body the dying of the Lord Jesus (bear in our mortal body the marks of the Lord Jesus) so that His life shall also be made manifest in my mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:10-11 KJV
(10) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
(11) For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"

They zealously affect us but not for the good as they urgently compel us to be water baptized so that we might be “saved”. If we are not water baptized, we are “excluded” by them from their church membership….according to them. They would exclude you so that you might really want to be in their membership. They create a scenario (“excluding” you from their membership) where you are made zealous to be accepted by them and “let” in and so submit to their water baptism.

Galatians 4:16-21 KJV
(16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
(17) They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
(18) But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
(19) My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

But do we really want to be water baptized and become under the law….their handwriting of church dogmas where they do not even keep the whole law?

(20) I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
(21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

I should glory only in the cross of Christ as I have no need of external ordinances of men to make me clean. What God has cleansed, let no man call him “unclean” and compel him to be “washed” in literal water baptism and the keeping of the so-called “works of righteousness” that men are preaching. The cross of Christ alone is sufficient…always bearing in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.

We are washed….and sanctified…and justified…in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-18 KJV
(9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
(10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

I will not be brought under the power of any who preach otherwise. Those who preach another gospel….compelling others to be washed in literal water baptism so that we may keep their commandments….do so in order to serve themselves (their own belly). We must NOT sit together with them…which is the “fornication” we are to flee from.

(12) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
(13) Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
(14) And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
(15) Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

If we sit together with them in their churches, we shall be ONE FLESH with them and are being destroyed along with them. We sin against our own mortal body when we sit together with them (the “fornication”). The eternal life of Jesus is not being made manifest in the mortal flesh of any church of man.

(16) What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
(17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
(18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Some have “troubled” us with their words….subverting our souls by saying we must be “circumcised”…that is, be water baptized per the gospel of the circumcision…and keep the law (their handwriting of church ordinances of which they do not keep the whole law themselves).

Acts 15:23-25 KJV
(23) And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
(24) Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
(25) It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Beware lest any man spoil you with his “wisdom” and vain deceit….teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…after the tradition (transmission) of men which are after the rudiments of the world.

Colossians 2:8-18 KJV
(8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
(9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
(10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The “circumcision” is not literal circumcision ( literal water baptism) but is without “hands” in putting off the body of sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.

(11) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

In Galatians, Paul equates circumcision with baptism….both of which is not literal in this context. Those who are “baptized” are buried with Him….have put off the body of the sins of the flesh….have put on Christ.

(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

We were once “dead” in sins and the uncircumcision of our flesh by the keeping of the handwriting of church dogmas in our lives. We have used them to judge others and they were against us and contrary to us as we cannot get along with one another when we keep them and argue over the keeping of them. Many strive with one another about who is accounted the “greatest” among them. But He blots them out and takes the out of our way and nails it to His cross….He forgives us even now.

(14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
(15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
(16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
(17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
(18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Again, we are washed…sanctified….justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. What God has cleansed, let no man call unclean and have them water baptized in order to keep mans “works of righteousness”.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
(9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
(10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

In Galatians, “circumcision” = baptism…and is not literal. Being “baptized into Christ” = putting on Christ.

Galatians 3:25-29 KJV
(25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
(26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
(27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
(29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

He that believes and is “baptized”….that is, PUTTING ON CHRIST…shall be saved.

Mark 16:15-16 KJV
(15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
(16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

We are to hear what the Spirit is saying and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”….be “baptized”..and not be found behaving in our lusts…our envy, strife, contentions, covetousness…towards what we hear Him saying.

Romans 13:10-14 KJV
(10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
(11) And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
(12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
(13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
(14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 

[orbiter]

We are to go out and teach (make disciples….that is, learners or pupils) all nations, “baptizing” them in the name (authority) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:17-20 KJV
(17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
(18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
(19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We are sent out in His name…His authority…to speak what we hear the Spirit saying to others. He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit…in what we hear the Spirit saying.

Matthew 3:11-12 KJV
(11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
(12) Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

We are to immerse others in what the Spirit is saying…the preaching of the good news sent from heaven. We are sent by Christ (in His name…in His authority) not to water baptize but to immerse others in the preaching of the good news (gospel) where they are “baptized” (not literal) by the putting on of Christ towards what they hear the Spirit saying.

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
(17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

We are not to be found drunk with “wine”…with the wine of wrath…towards what we hear which is misbehaving (with envy, strife, contentions, wrath, etc) in unsavedness…but rather be filled with the Spirit. We are to drink in what the Spirit….the living water…is saying and rejoice within our hearts and give thanks to Him for everything. We are to believe in what we hear and rejoice. We hear His voice in the voice of the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:17-19 KJV
(17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
(18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
(19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

We are to hear what the Spirit (that is sent down from heaven) is saying….the preaching of the good news of our salvation (which is in the here and now).

1 Peter 1:12-18 KJV
(12) Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

We are to hear and gird up the loins of our mind and be “sober”…and not become “drunk” with the wine of wrath towards what we hear the Spirit saying and speak evil while forgetting to have love .

(13) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
(14) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
(15) But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

We are to be found of Him holy as He is holy.

(16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

He shall judge every man according to what his works shall be towards the hearing of the Spirit.

(17) And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

We are not redeemed with the transmissions (tradition) of our church fathers…their handwriting of church dogmas which has been handed down from one generation to another which were motivated by their covetousness for money.

(18) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

Let us hear and draw near to Him with a true heart if full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22-24 KJV
(22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
(23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
(24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

This is not about being baptized in literal water (not the literal removing of the filth of the flesh) but the answer of a good conscience toward God as we keep the dying of the Lord in our mortal body towards what we hear the Spirit saying.

We are to hear His voice and respond to Him with the fruits of righteousness....His righteousness. If we always keep the dying of the Lord Jesus, we shall also be resurrected in His eternal life that He is experiencing now and forever more. This is a here-and now thing that we are to experience.

1 Peter 3:19-21 KJV
(19) By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
(20) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
(21) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Like Naaman in 2nd Kings 5, we are to go and immerse ourselves in what the Spirit is saying….go and “wash” in the Jordan (“Jordan” means to “descend” or “flow down”).

The Holy Spirit which comes down from heaven…it flows down…it descends…and we are to immerse ourselves (have FAITH) in what we hear and put on Christ towards what we hear. We are to believe on Him and keep the dying of our Lord in our mortal body (the keeping of the daily sacrifice) so that the life of Jesus shall be made manifest in our mortal flesh. Those who are "baptized" put on Christ and enter into life...His eternal life. we are to have FAITH and HOPE in this.

2 Kings 5:10-17 KJV
(10) And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Let us not be found by Him drunk on the wine of wrath….being full of wrath towards what we hear. Naaman became very angry and “went away”. Let us not depart from the living God with an evil hear of unbelief.

His thoughts and ways are higher than our own.

Sometimes men hold on to their own thoughts about how things should happen…such as Naaman who said “Behold, I THOUGHT….”.

(Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts).

(11) But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

There are 3 names mentioned here in 2nd Kings 5:12 (see it in Hebrew): Abana, Amana, and Pharpar.

“Abana” = made of stone or stony. “Amana”= something fixed. “Pharpar” = “rapid” and comes from “parpar” which means “to break up”….figuratively: to violate or frustrate.

Summation: I do not frustrate (Pharpar…to break up, frustrate) the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law (Abana, Amana….the law which was etched, fixed, written in “stone”), then Christ is dead in vain.

No external works of the law shall justify our flesh. We are not washed with the keeping of them.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Our flesh is not justified by the keeping of the handwriting of church dogmas where men are not keeping the whole law but want to be teachers of the law. They preach things that they ought not (the commandments of men wrested from the Scriptures). It is the “stream” that comes out of their mouth that we are not saved by. We are not washed in their “stream” but in the “stream” of the living water of the Holy Spirit (which flows down from heaven to our hearing ears) and by the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Naaman said “Do I not wash in them and am clean?” We are not “clean” by the keeping of the doctrines and commandments of men etched in stone by the transmission (the stream) of our church fathers. We are not washed by the keeping of their “works of righteousness” that they are preaching which are not saving the mortal flesh of any who are keeping them.

(12) Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
(13) And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

Then Namaan “went down”….he humbled himself and dipped himself seven times in Jordan (which means “flow down”).

We also are to hear what the Spirit (which flows down from heaven in the words of those sent in the authority of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit) and believe in what we hear and believe…immerse ourselves…and put on Christ so that we may be clean.

If we keep the dying of our Lord in the body, His flesh (the life of Jesus) shall be revealed in our mortal flesh. Our flesh shall come again like unto the flesh of a little child….the holy “child” Jesus.

(14) Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

This is NO TIME to receive a “blessing” from anyone. A man of God who is truly sent in His name does not come to receive a “blessing”…money….silver, gold or apparel…from those they preach to. They do not serve for earthly things (two mules’ burden of earth).

(15) And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
(16) But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
(17) And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

We are to come to the “waters”….the living waters of the Spirit….and “hearken diligently” unto His voice as we hear the Spirt speaking to us.

Isaiah 55:1-9 KJV
(1) Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

We are to take heed on how we hear.

(2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

We are to incline our ear (expand our hearing) and come unto Him and our soul shall live. We shall rejoice as our soul shall delight in the “fatness” of the wisdom that we hear. We are to “eat” that which is good…the good Word of God. Why spend money at the churches of earthly-minded men where men preach things that do not satisfy us?

(3) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
(4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
(5) Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.


(6) Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Let us not be like Naaman who initially became angry and “went away” who thought his cleansing should have been through the “stream” of the preaching of earthly-minded men who preach the fixed, handwriting of church dogmas. We are not redeemed with their corruptible things taught by the "tradition"...the transmission...the stream... of men.

(7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways.

(8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
(9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We are not redeemed by the “tradition”…the transmission…the “stream”…of our church fathers whose etched in stone commandments of men have been carried down from one generation to another.

1 Peter 1:16-24 KJV
(16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
(17) And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
(18) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
(19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
(20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
(21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
(22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
(23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
(24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying and “drink" it in…..being made partakers of the Holy Spirit as we hear and drink. Let us “taste” the good Word of God and not being full of wrath towards what we hear. We are enlightened by what we hear the Spirit saying. We taste the heavenly gift of the Spirit for the Spirit flows, descends (the meaning of "Jordan") from heaven to our hearing ears where we "taste" what we hear. We "drink" in the words of the Spirit...that is, made partakers of the living water of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 6:4-9 KJV
(4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
(5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
(6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Let us “drink in the rain” of the words of the Spirit and bring forth fruits of righteousness and not bear forth “thorns and briers” towards what we hear the Spirit saying and receive the blessing from God....the everlasting life of Jesus that was promised by God.

(7) For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
(8) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
(9) But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.