Christian

Earwax and Cataracts

Matthew 13:12-15 KJV For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. [13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. [14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: [15] For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

I have often wondered what makes some people deaf to all or even part of the word of God. I have conjectured that it requires increased faith to increase knowledge. Being baptized, one is introduced to the family of God. Are some deaf to the truth because they have not yet been baptized? Perhaps being part of the family of God clears ears and open eyes. Honestly though, one must have a certain amount of faith and understanding just to be baptized. The baptizee must repent of their sins and know Jesus is the Christ.

From my own experience it seems that there are levels of truth that people can accept. For example, the Church of Christ can accept nine of the Ten Commandments, but they can’t accept the Sabbath law. They can accept miracles then, but not now, despite the promises in James.

Jesus said in John 8:47 KJV, He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

What then if they hear some of God’s word, but not all of it. It is a dangerous and precarious position. Indeed, even what you have may be taken away. I believe this is the cause of much of the strange doctrine out there. Rather than growing in faith and understanding these once true believers are drawn aside to half truths and whims of fancy rather than the God given knowledge they once possessed.

Romans 10:17 KJV says, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If you hear the word of God, take it to heart. Pray for faith. Pray also for wisdom and understanding. Be careful both to hear and do the Word, lest what you have is taken away.

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Christian, Inspirational

As a Practical Matter

There are some deep matters in the Holy Bible and this article is not intended to detract from any of them. It is intended to simplify, explain, and promote the sacrifice of Jesus.

Jesus died showing us how to walk before our LORD, the Heavenly Father. He walked in the truth and did not sin.

He was killed by those who would ask, what is truth and not care for the answer.

He was killed by those who could not or would not give up their sin.

He was killed by people who were afraid of judgment.

Jesus wanted us to walk in the light: Accept the truth, confess your sins one to another, be baptized by immersion in water in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and strive every day not to sin.

Simply put, Christianity and how you live it out depends on how much you value Jesus’ sacrifice.

Does it matter that Jesus was God? Does it matter he was the anointed one? Is there really something special about his blood? Should it matter he was resurrected? These are a few of the deeper matters this article will not cover.

He died showing us how to live!

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Christian

That’s Interesting

I’ve heard Rabbis tell stories of how the ancient Jewish wedding parallels the story of Christ. Nobody knows the time of the wedding but the Father. I’ve heard Rick Renner create an elaborate background story of how women could not be seen or speak in public in historic Israel – causing Paul to write the commandment of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, just to explain away its modern applicability.

What I want you to realize is — interesting doesn’t necessarily mean the truth. They say Jesus’ Jewish name was Yeshua. I say show me the proof. Show me any ancient text where Jesus is called Yeshua.

As Christians we are to question what we hear and verify it. And that means being familiar with the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible King James Version is 100% truth. Anything else we need to take with a grain of salt and ask:

Is it true?

Where’s your proof?

Question everything superfluous to the Holy Bible KJV. It may be interesting, but is it true and if so how will I let it personally affect my own beliefs and values?

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Definitive

Satan’s plans are nefarious and can at times be very subtle. One of his projects is changing the meaning of various words. If you hear his definitions often enough you might just believe them.

  • Religion is bad
  • Legalism is evil
  • Love is unconditional
  • Male is a sexist distinction
  • Female is a personal distinction
  • Sexuality is a choice
  • Life is after birth and before senility
  • White Lie
  • Half Truth

Changing the meaning of words leads to confusion and confusion leads to sin.

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 5:20 KJV Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

But what if you’ve been misled and don’t know the difference?

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Christian, Inspirational

Healed

The Bible says in Isaiah 53:5 KJV, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Recently, I have heard many preachers saying that this means our physical healing of things such as diseases and ailments is already completed. They say Jesus bore them on the cross.

I don’t think this is what the verse means.

If we value the sacrifice and death of Jesus (his stripes) we will not continue in sin (we are healed) from iniquity.

In fact this is a theme of the Old and New Testament. Will we come to God and the truth to be healed?

Jesus said in Matthew 13:15 KJV For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Spiritual healing is critical to our salvation. In fact, it is more important than physical healing. Iniquity is an illness leading to the second death. Hear the truth, value Jesus and his acts, and you will be healed!

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Christian, Inspirational

Believe

Many preachers and teachers of the gospel claim God’s love is unconditional.

Why would you want a God who claims to love you, but doesn’t care what you do?

These teachers simply don’t understand love. Love says do better. It says stop doing things that harm both me and you. The gospel says that if you don’t keep his Commandments there will be consequences. His Commandments are established to make our lives better and as guidelines for a stronger, healthier relationship with God.

When you hear a preacher say, Christianity isn’t about reading the Bible, it isn’t about keeping rules and regulations, it isn’t even about attending Church, it’s about relationship. Run. Find a new congregation.

Relationship is reading the Holy Bible, it is keeping his Commandments, it’s about worship in his house and at home. Love is made of truth and honor. There is no such thing as unconditional love.

If you’re new to Christianity read John 3:16. It’s the first condition. Believe.

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Christian, Inspirational

Do You Find Truth Comforting?

The Holy Ghost is called The Spirit of Truth. He is also called the Comforter.

So do you find the truth comforting? It is clear God intended it to be. In fact, it is the path to salvation.

If you aren’t comforted by the truth, it is likely you are not walking with God or having difficulty doing so. Most habitual sinners and criminals aren’t comforted by the truth with good reason.

Some people can’t hear the truth, some get angry at hearing the truth, Jesus and many others were killed because they spoke the truth.

1 John 1:7 KJV says, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

May you find comfort in the truth and walk in the light.

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Christian, Inspirational

One for You and One for Me

There is only one law of God. It does need to be correctly discerned, but most do not rightly divide the word of God, they simply divide.

They say the Ten Commandments is under Mosaic law or under the Old Testament. They say the laws in Corinthians were only for the Corinthians. Do they not know the Holy Bible was written to you and to me?

There have been changes to the law which should be noted by every Christian. Animal sacrifice for sin came to an end at the death and resurrection of Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice for sin and now there can be none other. The dietary code of the Old Testament came to an end with Peter’s dream opening Christianity to the gentiles. God cleansed all animals to be eaten with thanksgiving.

Whatever law or precept you find in the Old or New Testament is good and most likely meant to be followed. There is one law. It applies equally to you and to me.

You might ask yourself a few questions when reading the law. Do I love the Lord enough to keep it? Why does God want me to keep it? Why was it written in the Bible, in any particular part or chapter? Knowing the law do I feel guilty if I break it? What blessings come with obedience?

It doesn’t hurt to ask questions. The truth will not be offended and there are eternal blessings in the answers.

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Christian, Inspirational

State of the Church

Recently, I have heard a few people comment on the great freedom we have to worship the Lord here in the United States and how blessed we are that it is so. What good is that freedom if the Church members will not hear and do not do God’s word.

Where is the persecution Christ promised? John 15:20. Satan is satisfied to give you religious freedom if what you practice is mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity.

What can combat mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity is the truth:

Baptism is required for salvation! Mark 16:16.

Following the Ten Commandments is expected. Exodus 20, John 14:15. I have heard it well expressed the first four show love for God and the last six show love for others. My advice is where you hear a law in the Holy Bible and it seems wise and good, keep it. Write them on your mind and heart. His precepts will guide you.

Read the Holy Bible and pray for understanding. Don’t be afraid to disagree with your pastor or others. Many who cling to denominational creed simply cannot hear the truth.

It is said speaking in tongues is evidence of the Holy Spirit. The Truth is evidence of the Holy Spirit. He is also known as the Spirit of Truth. He takes of Christ and gives to you.

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