Questions about the Bible

[ReverendRV]

Keep the Spoils ~ by ReverendRV * June 17

Isaiah 53:12 KJV; Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The Book of Isaiah is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament, especially by Jesus Christ. Can you imagine what it was like for him to read Isaiah and see the story of his Life? No wonder when it came time for him to die, he shed tears of blood because of the agony he felt, while brooding over the Torment to come. No wonder he said all those curious things people wonder about; like “You don't believe because you are not my sheep.” Isaiah believed that God would give Jesus many sheep as his portion, and they would be the heartiest breed as his Spoil, because he won the Victory for God. A ‘Portion’ is often defined as an inheritance, a part, a payment; or a reward. ‘Spoil’ is defined as the Goods that remain after a battle which are for the taking. God gave Jesus a Portion as his Reward, but as the Victor; he got to choose the mighty to be his Spoil. ~ He gained an exceedingly great Reward…

Jacob lived with his father in-law and tended his flock. He was ready to move on but wanted a Portion of the flock. They made a deal that Jacob would get the speckled, spotted and dark colored livestock. Jacob continued to tend both flocks and by Faith, when the flocks mated they bore strong and spotted Young; Jacob acquired a great portion as his spoil. ~ Are you a decent person? Then you are like a white lamb. Have you ever Lied? What do you call someone who would Lie to you? Your wool is streaked. Have you ever stolen anything? What do you call people that steal? Ooops; you’re not streaked, you’re speckled. Have you ever looked at someone and Lusted for them? Jesus said that Lust is Adultery of the heart. Oh, my eyes are playing tricks on me; you’re spotted all over. Have you ever Hated anybody? Jesus said this is Murder from your Heart. These are only four of the Ten Commandments and it’s clear that you’re a black sheep! If Jesus judged you by his Standard, would you be innocent or guilty? Would you go to Hell?

Does this bother you? There IS a way of escape; what you need is to become Mighty! ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have Everlasting Life. Only a spotless lamb could be used for a Sacrifice; Jesus never Sinned and was called the Lamb that takes away the Sin of the world. He submitted Himself to death, and was counted as a Sinner to bear our punishment. Jesus Christ was nailed to a Cross and bore the Sins of Many; IE his Portion and Spoils. His blood Propitiates our Sins and his resurrection from the grave Expiates our Guilt. We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without Works so we can be made Mighty through Faith Alone. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus as Lord and join your local Church. ~ Jesus conquered Death and the Grave. He shares his Spoils with us; all that he has is yours! ~ Amen…

Deuteronomy 32:9 KJV; For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

 

[ReverendRV]

Key Chain ~ by ReverendRV * June 18

Matthew 16:19 NIV; I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

My daughter likes to play the traveling game “Key Chain” with her friends; when we’re driving down the road they see a nice car, and the first to shout ‘key chain’ gets to claim the car. Of course I played it with my ‘Dad’ sense of humor, key chaining farm tractors, etc; they didn’t think it was funny Lol. ~ There are Chains in life like ‘the Food Chain’; this helps us grasp where I’m going with this. There is also ‘the Chain of Evidence’, a chain which needs to be unlocked; like there are Keys to unlock the Kingdom of Heaven. How many keys are there on Saint Peter’s God given key chain? There are several, so I’ll point out a few later; but there are only two keys needed to unlock Heaven’s pearly Gate; would you like to know them?

The first key is the Law of God; IE the Ten Commandments. Israel promised God they would keep all of God’s Law, and it would be their Righteousness; pleasing God this way grants us access to the streets of gold. There’s a problem though; there is no one Righteous, no, not one. ~ Have you ever told a Lie about anyone? God said thou shalt not Lie; what do you call those who lie to you? Lying makes you a Liar. Have you stolen a car before? Probably not; but have you ever Coveted anything? Covetousness is the kernel in the seed of most Sins like Stealing and Adultery. Thou shalt not Covet your neighbor’s wife, and these days their car; it is why you are not Righteous. ~ If God judged you by his standard, would you be guilty? Would you go to Heaven or to Hell? Keeping all of God’s Law is Key; thank God someone kept it for us!

The second and most important key is the Gospel of Jesus Christ; since he kept the Ten Commandments, the Righteousness of the Law of God is the Gospel’s metal. ~ For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal Life! Jesus received the Wrath of God in our place for our Sins, a Hell on earth for him! He arose from the Tomb and sat down at the right hand of God his Father. We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ, without Working to pick God’s Lock. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your LORD God; learn from the Holy Spirit by reading the Bible and going to Church. ~ In the first chapter of the second Epistle of Saint Peter, you can ‘add to this’ Key Chain more keys; like the Keys to Knowledge, Temperance, Charity, Godliness, Kindness, Patience and Virtue. Paul encourages us to add Joy, Forbearance, Gentleness and Self Control; among other Keys. A notable Chain that Paul gives us is the “Golden Chain of Salvation”; a summary of how God works in us…

Romans 8:30 KJV; Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

@Arial @makesends

 

[ReverendRV]

Keys ~ by ReverendRV * June 19

Revelation 20:1 KJV; And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

People wonder if there will be different levels in Hell; what do you think? Dante’s Inferno describes Nine Circles where Sinners are sent for different Sins. Maybe this has a lot to do with the question, but the real reason is because we inherently know that some crimes deserve a more severe punishment. Jesus began to rant about some cities in his day and time that rejected his miraculous Signs and Wonders. He Cursed them and said it would be better for wicked Old Testament Cities on the Day of Judgment, which would have Repented if these very same Miracles were done in their midst back in their day. It would even be better for the town of Sodom! The Prophet Isaiah said that Hell is enlarging; like an expansion Project. Hell was made for the Devil and his minions; Demons don’t procreate so how is Hell Expanding?

Jesus said the way to Destruction is Broad and many take this route. There’s a road map you can read and see if you are driving down Broadway, let’s take a look. ~ Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call people that Lie? Have you ever stolen something even if it was a long time ago? What do you call people who Steal? It looks like we’ve come up to a Roundabout intersecting Liar Road and Thief Street; how did we get here and which way should you go now?? Look at the map for directions. You were a good child weren’t you, even your parents favorite; right? Good, we should get back on track now. Wait a minute, this road is getting broader, like we’re getting closer to town; are you sure you obeyed your parents? Have they ever given you a spanking?? ~ These are only three of the Ten Commandments; if God judged you by his standard, would you be guilty or innocent? Would you go to Heaven or Hell? You won’t go to Heaven headed in this direction! There are different levels of Hell. There’s an Abyss behind the door at the bottom of Hell, and with every Sin you are drawing nearer and nearer to it; does this bother you?

Jesus may hold the Keys to Hell but he has given his Ministers the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have Everlasting Life! Jesus Earned the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and to the Bottomless Pit, by living a Righteous life like nobody else ever has. As the Sinless Servant of God, he gave up his life on a Cross to be the sacrifice which takes away the Sin of the world. His blood Atoned for every Sin of Spiritual Israel; the born Again Believer. Jesus arose from the dead and claimed the Deed to Creation; and it’s Keys. We are Forgiven by the Grace of God through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, not by Works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins; Confess Jesus Christ as LORD and join a Bible believing Church. ~ You may not end up with Satan in the Bottomless Pit; but all of Hell is emptied into the Lake of Fire. Hell will be filled with better people than you, because they thought they were pretty good too…

Revelation 20:14; KJV; And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

 

[Illuminator]

Keys ~ by ReverendRV * June 19

Revelation 20:1 KJV; And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

People wonder if there will be different levels in Hell; what do you think? Dante’s Inferno describes Nine Circles where Sinners are sent for different Sins. Maybe this has a lot to do with the question, but the real reason is because we inherently know that some crimes deserve a more severe punishment. Jesus began to rant about some cities in his day and time that rejected his miraculous Signs and Wonders. He Cursed them and said it would be better for wicked Old Testament Cities on the Day of Judgment, which would have Repented if these very same Miracles were done in their midst back in their day. It would even be better for the town of Sodom! The Prophet Isaiah said that Hell is enlarging; like an expansion Project. Hell was made for the Devil and his minions; Demons don’t procreate so how is Hell Expanding?

Jesus said the way to Destruction is Broad and many take this route. There’s a road map you can read and see if you are driving down Broadway, let’s take a look. ~ Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call people that Lie? Have you ever stolen something even if it was a long time ago? What do you call people who Steal? It looks like we’ve come up to a Roundabout intersecting Liar Road and Thief Street; how did we get here and which way should you go now?? Look at the map for directions. You were a good child weren’t you, even your parents favorite; right? Good, we should get back on track now. Wait a minute, this road is getting broader, like we’re getting closer to town; are you sure you obeyed your parents? Have they ever given you a spanking?? ~ These are only three of the Ten Commandments; if God judged you by his standard, would you be guilty or innocent? Would you go to Heaven or Hell? You won’t go to Heaven headed in this direction! There are different levels of Hell. There’s an Abyss behind the door at the bottom of Hell, and with every Sin you are drawing nearer and nearer to it; does this bother you?

Jesus may hold the Keys to Hell but he has given his Ministers the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have Everlasting Life! Jesus Earned the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and to the Bottomless Pit, by living a Righteous life like nobody else ever has. As the Sinless Servant of God, he gave up his life on a Cross to be the sacrifice which takes away the Sin of the world. His blood Atoned for every Sin of Spiritual Israel; the born Again Believer. Jesus arose from the dead and claimed the Deed to Creation; and it’s Keys. We are Forgiven by the Grace of God through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, not by Works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins; Confess Jesus Christ as LORD and join a Bible believing Church. ~ You may not end up with Satan in the Bottomless Pit; but all of Hell is emptied into the Lake of Fire. Hell will be filled with better people than you, because they thought they were pretty good too…

Revelation 20:14; KJV; And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

 

[ReverendRV]

Knockout! ~ by ReverendRV * June 20

Psalm 37:24 + Proverbs 24:16 KJV; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

I know a Christian man who has fallen over and over again. There are people who wonder if he’s even Saved at all; and I don’t blame them. This man has fallen into the same snare and pitfall over and over again. We can look at him and see that he does cast dirt on Jesus, and that can be all the reason a Sinner needs to avoid having a conversation about their spiritual condition. But we don’t notice how a Christian like this can also be an inspiration; because he keeps getting up. ~ You have to admit that Stallone made a killing off of the Rocky franchise. Apollo Creed beat the Italian Stallion black and blue, but when Creed was waiting for the ten count, his face soured when Rocky got up every time. Rocky was outclassed by his opponent, but tenacity won him a victory. ~ Christians face trials and fall; but get up before a TKO…

But the Proverb says the Wicked shall Fall into mischief. ~ What do you call people who tell Lies? Have you ever Lied about where you were going? Why was that; were you up to something? What do you call people who steal? Have you ever been with someone who stole anything? A Court would call you an Accomplice, right? You object, “But there are different degrees, I’m not a Thief!” Okay; but do you know there is more than one degree of Hell too? While we’re talking about first and second degree, Jesus said that Hatred is Murder from the heart; and he’s God’s appointed Judge for Mankind. What if the Bible is true?! There are many reasons to believe it is, a short study is all it takes. These were only three of the Ten Commandments, if God judged you by his standard would you be innocent or guilty? Would you go to Heaven or to Hell? If this doesn’t bother you, the Bible calls you a Fallen, Wicked mischief maker…

If you’ve felt like God has just cold cocked you and rang your bell, you will not be cast headlong, for God himself upholds you; get up! ~ For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting Life. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit when he overshadowed the Virgin Mary; this assured he would be born virtuous. Jesus lived his entire life never Falling because he was never outclassed. Satan thought he had a victory when Jesus bled to death on the Cross and stayed dead for three days; but before the bell rang Jesus’ hands were raised! We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, without Working to get off the mat. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God and get up every time you stumble. ~ You’ve heard of Christians losing their Salvation, but they were never of us. True Christians Persevere in the Faith, that’s why there are several verses about God’s Grace abounding to help us…

Psalm 55:2 + Micah 7:8 KJV; Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

 

[ReverendRV]

Kudzu ~ by Reverend RV * June 21

Matthew 13:22 ESV; As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

This verse is a part of the Parable of the Sower, which is about Christians spreading the Gospel and it reaching different kinds of Hearts. Jesus said the Gospel will grow in everyone’s heart; even the hardest of hearts if it were given half a chance. The kind of Heart Jesus is talking about here is the one who has so many things going on in their lives that it chokes the spiritual life out of the believer. ~ This reminds me of an infamous vine where I am from. Kudzu was imported from Japan to America to help control erosion. It fixed the problem of erosion; but caused a brand new problem. It grows so fast that it will take over everything in its way, choking the life out of it. It climbs fences and trees, barns and power poles; bringing them all down over time. Jesus said the Cares of the World are like the Kudzu vine. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life do not come from God but come from the world…

How is the landscape around your feet? ~ Have you ever stolen anything? What do you call people who steal? A Thief, right? You say, “Not me!”. Well, there are the caught and the uncaught; both are Thieves though, right? Kudzu is winding up your ankle. Some Thieves are experts like Cat Burglars, who never get caught; but they’re still Thieves. These days there are cameras just about everywhere, the uncaught are dwindling. Could it be that someone recorded you stealing, but you don’t know it? Cameras may not be everywhere, yet; but God is Omnipresent and has seen you steal. This is one of the Ten Commandments, if God judged you by his standard would you be innocent or guilty? Saying you wouldn’t be guilty makes you a Liar; if God judged you by ‘his’ standard, would you be guilty? Sinners go to a fiery Hell forever. The Bible calls Sin a ‘burden’, if you feel it pulling you down to Hell, then you’re ready for good news…

The word ‘Gospel’ means ‘good news’; here is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ~ For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life! The Son of God became a Man in the person of Jesus Christ to live a Sinless life, because a perfect Life is what’s needed to please God his Father. The Cares of the World were always reaching for his feet, but he was about his Father’s business. That all changed when it was time for Jesus to go to the Cross and shed his blood for the remission of Sin, as the sacrifice for the world. His Life was choked out, and he experienced the Wrath of God in the place of all who Trust in him. He was buried for three days but arose from the dead as the Author of an abundant Life which can never be choked out. We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, without our Works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God. Go to a Church that teaches you the Bible…

Romans 12:2 KJV; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

[ReverendRV]

Larry Flynt ~ by ReverendRV * June 22

Romans 1:20: KJV; For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the days from the nights; and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years; "and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. God made the stars; he set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth to rule over the day and over the night, to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good; so he created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Nature is without excuse…

‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. There is no language where their voice is not heard’. Stars are not sentient yet the Bible portrays them as understanding; even proclaiming what they understand. Since God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen by the things that are made, how much more true is it that all men know there is a God? Doesn’t this leave us without excuse? ~ In his lifetime, Larry Flynt heard the Gospel. He didn’t Persevere in his Faith to the end though. There’s at least one thing Larry Flint didn’t believe. What was it? It is that he’s a Sinner who needs God, or he would never have turned; despite what other evils he may have thought of God. The Bible also tells us he’s not an Atheist because our verse says that all people know there is a God. Mr Flynt has just 'offered' an illegitimate excuse to not believe…

God gave us the Ten Commandments to show us that we are Sinners. Like Larry Flynt, have you ever lusted after someone? Jesus said that if you have lusted after a person you have committed adultery with them in your heart; who hasn’t done this? ~ Jesus has not done this. The Bible says that he was entirely Sinless. He was tempted in every way that we are yet he was without Sin. The Lord Jesus Christ was good enough to make it to Heaven; but we are not. The wages of Sin is eternal death in the hellish Lake of fire. The good news is that if we put our Faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord God and Savior, he is Faithful to forgive us of our Sins. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God; read your Bible and join the Church. Take the risen Jesus by the hand and follow him to Heaven; you will not be put to shame. Paul says all men believe in God…

John 14:1 KJV; Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

 

[ReverendRV]

Law Used Lawfully ~ by ReverendRV * June 23

1st Timothy 1:8 KJV; But we know that the Law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

The Law that the Apostle Paul is speaking of here is the Law of God; the Ten Commandments. The Bible teaches us that the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any double edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of our joints and marrow. The Law of God is a sword and if we do not use it right, we can do some serious damage. But you ask, “How then are the Ten Commandments used lawfully?” This is how; the Law of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. All you need to do is fill in the blanks below…

Are you a good person? Here is a short quiz that you can take which can prove your goodness; do you want to take it? ~ The first question is, ‘have you ever told a lie?’ What do you call a person who tells lies? _ ____. The second question is, ‘have you ever stolen anything, even if it was little? What do you call a person who steals? _ _____. The third question is, ‘have you ever hated someone?’ ___ . Jesus says that hatred is murder. The fourth question is, ‘have you ever looked at anyone with lust in your heart?’___. Jesus says that if you have lusted after someone then you have committed adultery with them in your heart. There are six more Commandments to go, do we need to continue or have you already failed the ‘goodness quiz’? Does this bother you? If God judged you by the Ten Commandments would you be innocent or guilty? You should admit that you would be guilty because in your heart you know it’s true. Would God send you to Heaven or to Hell? Since God is a good judge, he would have to honor his word lawfully. You will go to an eternal Hell and be with the devil and his demons. ~ Does this bother you even a little?

Has the sword of the Law slain your Conscience? Then the Ten Commandments have been used lawfully. The Apostle Paul said, ‘I was alive once without the Law, but when the Commandment came, Sin revived and I died. And the Commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For Sin took occasion by the Commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the Law is holy, and the Commandment holy and just and good.” But you ask, “How is this death Paul speaks of good at all??” Jesus said that blessed are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. It’s good because first you need to die before you can be born again…

For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ is the Son of God! Jesus lived a life in which he never Sinned and is the only person God has said he was well pleased with. Jesus died on a Cross and paid the price which we should have paid ourselves. He shed his blood and this remits our Sins. After Jesus was in the grave for three days, he rose from the dead and sat down at the right hand of God. The prophet Isaiah said that if you offer to God the soul of Jesus for your Sins, God will see the labor of Christ’s soul instead of the labor of your soul; and be well pleased! We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, without Works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God; and go to Church. Jesus never turns anyone away and joyfully accepts all who come to him as their risen Lord and Savior…

1st Timothy 1:9-10 KJV; knowing this: that the Law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.

 

[ReverendRV]

Leprosy ~ by ReverendRV * June 24

Mark 1:40-41 NIV; A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am Willing,” he said. “Be clean.”

Leprosy is one of the most horrific diseases known to man. It has been feared throughout all of history because there is no cure. In the Old Testament, if a man had a scab on his skin, a Priest would examine it. The person would be put into quarantine and if the scab spread and was accompanied with the other Signs, the Priest will pronounce him Unclean; it was Leprosy. This disease is symbolic of the Spiritual disease called Sin. There is a way to look for those spiritual scabs. You ask, “How can I find a spiritual scab?” Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call a person who tells Lies? When you are honest with yourself, Sin’s scab starts rising to the surface. Now check and see if the scab is spreading; have you ever Stolen anything? What do you call a person who Steals? The truth is that you can see the scab growing instead of getting better. These are just two of Gods Ten Commandments, how far will your spiritual Leprosy spread when you check the other eight? Have you committed Adultery? Have you kept the Sabbath Holy?

Jesus was indignant when the Leper fell to his knees before him. But you ask, “Why would Jesus be indignant?” That’s a good question! Is it because the Leper came to Jesus with a weak Faith, since he used the word ‘if’? This is not the answer, because elsewhere the Bible also tells us that Jesus cast an evil mute spirit from a boy because of his daddy’s request; which was made by ‘little faith’. No; the only thing that could have caused this good man to be indignant is that the leper questioned his Willingness! ~ The King James Version uses the word ‘compassion’ instead of the word ‘indignant’. In his compassion for the man, Jesus was eager to heal the Leper; Christ came into the world to save Sinners and Leprosy is the model for Sin! Only a Miracle could cure the man. ~ Before his Crucifixion Jesus was scourged with whips; by his stripes we are healed; His physical stripes for our spiritual scabs! As the Leper was instantly healed; we are instantly Saved when we go to the risen Jesus Christ as our Lord God and Savior. He is the great physician; place your Faith in him. Only he can pronounce you clean from the spiritual Leprosy of Sin…

Christ is our example of living by Faith. Jesus is God in the flesh, born of a Virgin. He lived a life as a man, and did this by not utilizing his Deity; this way he could live his life on our level. Since Jesus did not use his own power to perform miracles, he walked by Faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus never Sinned and was considered by God to be clean. The Bible tells us that if anyone came into contact with anything Unclean, then that person would also be considered Unclean. By Faith, Jesus reached out and touched the leper; or better said, touched the man. The man was made clean before Christ touched him or Jesus could not have been a spotless sacrifice. The Bible says ‘he who promised is Faithful’; Jesus had great Faith, but all we need in order to be Saved is Faith as small as a mustard seed. We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the Risen Savior Jesus Christ, without Works lest you boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as Lord, and read the Bible. ~ Which was he; Indignant or compassionate? As God he abhors the Unclean; but as the perfect Man, he is full of compassion for the Sinner…

Mark 1:41 KJV; And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and sayeth unto him, I Will; be thou clean.

 

[ReverendRV]

Law Used Lawfully ~ by ReverendRV * June 23

1st Timothy 1:8 KJV; But we know that the Law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

The Law that the Apostle Paul is speaking of here is the Law of God; the Ten Commandments. The Bible teaches us that the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any double edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of our joints and marrow. The Law of God is a sword and if we do not use it right, we can do some serious damage. But you ask, “How then are the Ten Commandments used lawfully?” This is how; the Law of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. All you need to do is fill in the blanks below…

Are you a good person? Here is a short quiz that you can take which can prove your goodness; do you want to take it? ~ The first question is, ‘have you ever told a lie?’ What do you call a person who tells lies? _ ____. The second question is, ‘have you ever stolen anything, even if it was little? What do you call a person who steals? _ _____. The third question is, ‘have you ever hated someone?’ ___ . Jesus says that hatred is murder. The fourth question is, ‘have you ever looked at anyone with lust in your heart?’___. Jesus says that if you have lusted after someone then you have committed adultery with them in your heart. There are six more Commandments to go, do we need to continue or have you already failed the ‘goodness quiz’? Does this bother you? If God judged you by the Ten Commandments would you be innocent or guilty? You should admit that you would be guilty because in your heart you know it’s true. Would God send you to Heaven or to Hell? Since God is a good judge, he would have to honor his word lawfully. You will go to an eternal Hell and be with the devil and his demons. ~ Does this bother you even a little?

Has the sword of the Law slain your Conscience? Then the Ten Commandments have been used lawfully. The Apostle Paul said, ‘I was alive once without the Law, but when the Commandment came, Sin revived and I died. And the Commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For Sin took occasion by the Commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the Law is holy, and the Commandment holy and just and good.” But you ask, “How is this death Paul speaks of good at all??” Jesus said that blessed are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. It’s good because first you need to die before you can be born again…

For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ is the Son of God! Jesus lived a life in which he never Sinned and is the only person God has said he was well pleased with. Jesus died on a Cross and paid the price which we should have paid ourselves. He shed his blood and this remits our Sins. After Jesus was in the grave for three days, he rose from the dead and sat down at the right hand of God. The prophet Isaiah said that if you offer to God the soul of Jesus for your Sins, God will see the labor of Christ’s soul instead of the labor of your soul; and be well pleased! We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, without Works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God; and go to Church. Jesus never turns anyone away and joyfully accepts all who come to him as their risen Lord and Savior…

1st Timothy 1:9-10 KJV; knowing this: that the Law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.

 

[ReverendRV]

Leprosy ~ by ReverendRV * June 24

Mark 1:40-41 NIV; A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am Willing,” he said. “Be clean.”

Leprosy is one of the most horrific diseases known to man. It has been feared throughout all of history because there is no cure. In the Old Testament, if a man had a scab on his skin, a Priest would examine it. The person would be put into quarantine and if the scab spread and was accompanied with the other Signs, the Priest will pronounce him Unclean; it was Leprosy. This disease is symbolic of the Spiritual disease called Sin. There is a way to look for those spiritual scabs. You ask, “How can I find a spiritual scab?” Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call a person who tells Lies? When you are honest with yourself, Sin’s scab starts rising to the surface. Now check and see if the scab is spreading; have you ever Stolen anything? What do you call a person who Steals? The truth is that you can see the scab growing instead of getting better. These are just two of Gods Ten Commandments, how far will your spiritual Leprosy spread when you check the other eight? Have you committed Adultery? Have you kept the Sabbath Holy?

Jesus was indignant when the Leper fell to his knees before him. But you ask, “Why would Jesus be indignant?” That’s a good question! Is it because the Leper came to Jesus with a weak Faith, since he used the word ‘if’? This is not the answer, because elsewhere the Bible also tells us that Jesus cast an evil mute spirit from a boy because of his daddy’s request; which was made by ‘little faith’. No; the only thing that could have caused this good man to be indignant is that the leper questioned his Willingness! ~ The King James Version uses the word ‘compassion’ instead of the word ‘indignant’. In his compassion for the man, Jesus was eager to heal the Leper; Christ came into the world to save Sinners and Leprosy is the model for Sin! Only a Miracle could cure the man. ~ Before his Crucifixion Jesus was scourged with whips; by his stripes we are healed; His physical stripes for our spiritual scabs! As the Leper was instantly healed; we are instantly Saved when we go to the risen Jesus Christ as our Lord God and Savior. He is the great physician; place your Faith in him. Only he can pronounce you clean from the spiritual Leprosy of Sin…

Christ is our example of living by Faith. Jesus is God in the flesh, born of a Virgin. He lived a life as a man, and did this by not utilizing his Deity; this way he could live his life on our level. Since Jesus did not use his own power to perform miracles, he walked by Faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus never Sinned and was considered by God to be clean. The Bible tells us that if anyone came into contact with anything Unclean, then that person would also be considered Unclean. By Faith, Jesus reached out and touched the leper; or better said, touched the man. The man was made clean before Christ touched him or Jesus could not have been a spotless sacrifice. The Bible says ‘he who promised is Faithful’; Jesus had great Faith, but all we need in order to be Saved is Faith as small as a mustard seed. We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the Risen Savior Jesus Christ, without Works lest you boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as Lord, and read the Bible. ~ Which was he; Indignant or compassionate? As God he abhors the Unclean; but as the perfect Man, he is full of compassion for the Sinner…

Mark 1:41 KJV; And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and sayeth unto him, I Will; be thou clean.

 

[ReverendRV]

Let there be Light ~ by ReverendRV * June 25

Ephesians 5:8 NASB; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

I often like to watch Scientific Television shows, and while the Scientist won’t give God credit in what they’re talking about; sometimes they still try to disprove God’s existence. While they are trying to disprove God, I like to look for ways they are actually proving his existence; and show how wonderful and powerful he is. ~ I was watching one show in particular where they were talking about sound in a vacuum. Since sound travels on a wave, if you vacuum out the air, the sound can’t travel from the source to our ears for our brain to interpret the sound. They proved this in an experiment. They placed a bell inside an air tight glass container, they started the bell to ringing and you could clearly hear the sound, they began to vacuum out the air from the container and you could hear the sound of the bell getting fainter and fainter until you couldn’t hear it at all. Then, after demonstrating this experiment, the scientist began to explain that they used to think Light also traveled on a wave, but how could this be true? If this were true then we shouldn’t be able to see the sun, moon, or stars in the sky because space is a vacuum! And, as the previous experiment showed, if the experiment were done with a lightbulb instead, the container should’ve begun to dim until it was completely black; because what we are seeing is actually a reflection of light that our eyes interpret into an image…

The Bible talks about the Light as well, ~ John 1:1-5; ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.’ ~ Light did not follow our Laws of Logic. The experiment proved that light doesn’t only travel on a wave; we couldn’t comprehend it. Why couldn’t we comprehend it? Because we are all full of darkness. Separated from God because of our Sin. John understood this 2000 years ago, but we couldn’t understand it until here recently in our day and Time…

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life." Jesus is the Light! By following Jesus, the darkness flees from his guiding Light. Darkness is the absence of light, with Jesus, there can be no darkness. So what are we to do? Jesus said; "No one, after lighting a lamp puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. "The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.” ~ Keep your eye towards Jesus, and let your light shine for the entire world to see. ~ We’re Saved by the Grace of god through Faith in the risen Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Repent of y our Sin, Confess Jesus as your Lord God; be Forgiven…

Ephesians 5:13-14 NASB; But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

 

[ReverendRV]

Let your light Shine! ~ by ReverendRV * June 26

Matthew 5:15 KJV; Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

I had a conversation today with a young woman who used to go to Church with us; as a matter of fact, I used to pick her up every Sunday in the Church van. But now she’s out of Church, and supports homosexual relationships; saying she is bisexual: saying she can’t see a difference in Gay, Lesbian or Straight Love. I said her opinion is due to her not believing the Bible; but she takes a view that the Bible promotes all kinds of Love; and God doesn’t hate anyone. It pained me to tell her that the Bible says God hates Esau by name; but it had to be done, and her view that God Loves all, had to be undone. ~ God is Light and in him there is no darkness at all; we Pale in comparison to him. When your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, just how great is that darkness? ~ Take this test and see…

Have you ever told a white Lie? I don’t know anyone who can say No, but I know many who will say that this doesn’t make their eye Evil. I remember as a child, my grown cousin drove us to the lake. I was in the back and took her daughter’s root beer and I drank it. My cousin asked me if I took her drink; I said no. My cousin got all over me and said she watched me from the rear view mirror. It was like taking candy from a baby, just a little white Lie; but boy how bad did I feel for doing it. Not only did I Lie but I also stole; I became a Liar and a Thief. Does it matter if what I did isn’t as bad as Perjury or Espionage? Both belong in the same Categories; right? Have you ever Lied or Stolen? We live in the Kingdom of God; our Vices are High Treason. These are only two of the Ten Commandments, if God Judged you by his standard, would you be innocent or guilty? Will you go to Heaven or to Hell? How great is your darkness?

If this concerns you, it’s time I to take the Gospel Light, and put it on a candlestick so you can see it. ~ For God so Loved the world he gave us his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have Everlasting Life! Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, so he could be born innocent. He grew in Wisdom and stature, keeping the Ten Commandments all his life; earning a Righteousness which he is free to share with All who come to him for Forgiveness. Jesus died on the Cross and shed his blood like a Sacrifice of Old, for the Remission of Sin. He arose from the grave in three days, and was seen alive by five hundred people! We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the Resurrected Savior Jesus Christ, without Works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God; and search for a Church who loves Lost Souls as much as they Love the Bible. ~ Putting a light on a candlestick dispels the darkness. The Bible says that Jesus is the Light of Men. He said if he be lifted up, he will draw all Men. He was lifted up on a Cross; like a candle…

Matthew 5:16 NLT; In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

@civic @Hodgie

 

[ReverendRV]

Life giving Spirit ~ by ReverendRV * June 27

1stCorinthians 15:45 BLB: So also it has been written: "The first man Adam became into a living soul;" the last Adam into a life-giving spirit.

I often debate people who teach that God is only One Divine person and not a Trinity. The Orthodox Christian viewpoint is that the God of the Bible is a Trinity; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These three persons are one Godhead because they share one Essence. ~ The above Verse is a good one to show that the Godhead consists of more than one person. This Verse describes Adam and Jesus. When God made Adam from the dust, Adam became a Living Soul; he became body, Soul and spirit. Adam died spiritually when he broke God’s Law; thus he was reduced to existing only as a Living body and Soul. When Jesus rose from the grave, his body consisted of Glorified flesh and bone. Since his body consisted of this and is in Union with the Divine Son of God, Jesus the human became a Life giving Spirit. Since he’s the Last Adam, Jesus has a Soul too! By my count now, we have two distinct people who are Divine; God in Heaven and the glorious Jesus Christ. ~ Giving Spiritual Life is an Incommunicable Attribute of God Alone. Jesus “became” a Life giving Spirit. He “became” this in a way that doesn’t change God; thus God always existed as at least two. Jesus became this through the Hypostatic Union…

We are like the first Adam; we have a body and Soul. We are spiritually dead too; the proof that we’re dead is in the Ten Commandments. Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call those who Lie? A Liar? Have you ever Stolen anything? What do you call those who Steal? A Thief? Can you stop Lying? If you say that you can, then remember this the next time your Conscience catches you in a Lie. Have you ever Hated anyone? Jesus said that Hatred is Murder committed within your Heart; have you ever wished someone were dead? Jesus is God’s appointed Judge and so if he judges you by his rules, would you be innocent or guilty? The guilty are sent to Hell for all Eternity, does this bother you? You need a Living human spirit to escape Hell and enter Heaven. Jesus has become a Life giving Spirit, ask him for Life…

Mary the mother of Jesus was found to be pregnant of the Holy Spirit; the third person of the Trinity. He was conceived with a human body, Soul and spirit; and had a Divine Spirit. Jesus suppressed his Divine privileges in order to live on an unfallen Adam’s level. Jesus never Sinned like Adam did and this pleased God his Father. For God so Loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on him will not perish but have Eternal Life. Jesus shed his blood on a Cross and died to appease the Wrath of God against Sinners. He was buried for three days but came alive in a glorified spiritual body; and became a Life giving Spirit. When you make his Soul an offering for Sin, God his Father will see it and be satisfied. We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without trying to earn our way. Repent of your Sins and Confess him as your Lord God; join a Bible believing Church…

Isaiah 53:11a NKJV: He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.

@civic

 

[civic]

@ReverendRV see JFB and Barnes below. That verse is one of the favorites for JW's to deny the bodily Resurrection/Ascension of Jesus. It was one of seth's favorites to deny it as well. On the old forum we had a thread with over 50k replies when they had to keep opening up a new one and closing down the other one because they said it bogged down the forum lol.

The truth is His Resurrection is what gives life, not His death as I had mentioned in another thread here. Take a look at what Barnes and JFB say on this below.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The last Adam - The second Adam, or the "second man," 1 Corinthians 15:47. That Christ is here intended is apparent, and has been usually admitted by commentators. Christ here seems to be called Adam because he stands in contradistinction from the first Adam; or because, as we derive our animal and dying nature from the one, so we derive our immortal and undying bodies from the other. From the one we derive an animal or vital existence; from the other we derive our immortal existence, and resurrection from the grave. The one stands at the head of all those who have an existence represented by the words, "a living soul;" the other of all those who shall have a spiritual body in heaven. He is called "the last Adam;" meaning that there shall be no other after him who shall affect the destiny of man in the same way, or who shall stand at the head of the race in a manner similar to what had been done by him and the first father of the human family. They sustain special relations to the race; and in this respect they were "the first" and "the last" in the special economy. The name "Adam" is not elsewhere given to the Messiah, though a comparison is several times instituted between him and Adam. (See the Supplementary Note on 1 Corinthians 15:22; also Romans 5:12, note.)

A quickening spirit - (εἰς πνεῦμα ζωοποιοῦν eis pneuma zōopoioun. A vivifying spirit; a spirit giving or imparting life. Not a being having mere vital functions, or an animated nature, but a being who has the power of imparting life. This is not a quotation from any part of the Scriptures, but seems to be used by Paul either as affirming what was true on his own apostolic authority, or as conveying the substance of what was revealed respecting the Messiah in the Old Testament. There may be also reference to what the Saviour himself taught, that he was the source of life; that he had the power of imparting life, and that he gave life to all whom he pleased: see the note at John 1:4; note at John 5:26, "For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself." 1 Corinthians 15:21, "for as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will."

The word "spirit," here applied to Christ, is in contradistinction from "a living being," as applied to Adam, and seems to be used in the sense of spirit of life, as raising the bodies of his people from the dead, and imparting life to them. He was constituted not as having life merely, but as endowed with the power of imparting life; as endowed with that spiritual or vital energy which was needful to impart life. All life is the creation or production of "spirit" (Πνεῦμα Pneuma); as applied to God the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Spirit. Spirit is the source of all vitality. God is a spirit, and God is the source of all life. And the idea here is, that Christ had such a spiritual existence such power as a spirit; that he was the source of all life to his people. The word "spirit" is applied to his exalted spiritual nature, in distinction from his human nature, in Romans 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18. The apostle does not here affirm that he had not a human nature, or a vital existence as a man; but that his main characteristic in contradistinction from Adam was, that he was endowed with an elevated spiritual nature, which was capable of imparting vital existence to the dead.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

quickening—not only living, but making alive (Joh 5:21; 6:33, 39, 40, 54, 57, 62, 63; Ro 8:11). As the natural or animal-souled body (1Co 15:44) is the fruit of our union with the first Adam, an animal-souled man, so the spiritual body is the fruit of our union with the second Adam, who is the quickening Spirit (2Co 3:17). As He became representative of the whole of humanity in His union of the two natures, He exhausted in His own person the sentence of death passed on all men, and giveth spiritual and everlasting life to whom He will.

 

[ReverendRV]

Like a Dove ~ by ReverendRV * June 28

Genesis 8:11 KJV; And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

God saw the world was filled with Evil and he regretted creating us. He decided to wipe mankind off the face of the earth; but Noah found Favor in the eyes of the Lord. God told Noah to build an Ark large enough to save many animals, and anyone who would enter safely within. The day Noah finished the Ark, it began to rain and the fountains of the deep poured out their waters. The narrow way into the Ark had to be closed, and it was too late for those knocking to get in. The Wrath of God was now poured onto all flesh; none were Saved but Noah and his family. When Noah had drifted on the flood many days he sent out a raven to find dry land; but it failed to return. He sent a dove and it returned with an olive leaf, and Noah knew that the Wrath of God had abated. ~ The Dove became the symbol of our Peace with God…

The Bible says we’re at enmity with God; if you are not with him, you’re against him. ~ Have you had a god other than the God of the Bible? I don’t know if anyone could answer no since no one is born a Christian; all have Fallen short of the Glory of God regarding this. Have you ever thought of God in a way that’s contrary to the Bible? You’ve made God suit yourself instead of suiting the authors of the Bible, that’s the heart of Idolatry. I’m sure I won’t have to try very hard to convince you that taking the Lord’s name in vain and using it as a cuss word shows that God doesn’t suit you at all; right? These were just three of the Ten Commandments, if God judged you by his standard of Righteousness, would you be innocent or would you be guilty? Would you go to Heaven or would you go to Hell? Does it bother you? God poured out his wrath again after this, and he will pour out his Wrath one last time; but with Fire…

What you need is the Symbol of Peace with God. ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting Life. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he lived a Sinless life of Sanctification. This made him qualified to be a substitute for the Wrath of God; as I said God’s Wrath was poured out again, but on Jesus Christ at the Cross. By his blood we are Forgiven but he was blamed; It pleased God to bruise him and by his stripes we are healed. He arose from the grave alive and ascended to Heaven to be your Judge. We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in the Resurrected Savior Jesus Christ, without Working for Peace with God. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God and start going to a Church that preaches this Gospel to the Lost. ~ Noah’s Ark is an Old Testament Type of Jesus Christ, prophesying he would Save people from the Wrath of God. The Holy Spirit lighted on Jesus at his Baptism, and Baptism is an Anti-Type of the Flood. Thru Faith, the Holy Spirit comes to you like the Dove which came to Noah, the Wrath of God is sated…

Luke 3:22 KJV; And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

 

[ReverendRV]

Like Clockwork ~ by ReverendRV * June 29

Daniel 8:19 NIV; He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.

Back in my day, everyone wanted a Timex wrist watch; do you remember the slogan “It takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’”? Nowadays it seems that we’re going back to “pocket watches” because of our cell phones, Lol. Some Watches are so valuable that when they start telling the wrong time, it’s worth the money to get them repaired. ~ The Bible is like an antique Grandfather clock that’s worth more when it’s running right. To make sure it’s chiming the Truth, you need to take it to a Clocksmith. Theologians look at a Bible Verse and they take it apart; this is called Exegesis. They examine its inner workings to see how it was put together by its manufacturer; IE God. Once they understand how it functions, they put it back together so they can “Tell Time” with it correctly. This Telling is called “Expository Preaching”…

Some verses have been telling correct time for thousands of years. Theology is like the Synchronizing of two Watches; Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 both tell of the Ten Commandments. ~ Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call people that Lie? Listen, their timers just chimed with the sound “Liar”. Have you ever stolen anything in your lifetime? What do you call people that steal? As you thought the word, the watches chimed again with the sound “Lying Thief”. Have you honored your father and mother? Have you been spanked for lying about something you stole from them? This time the Grandfather Clock strikes, reminding you that your grandparent is a witness against you. These are just three of the Ten Commandments, do we need to wait for the Clock to strike four? If God judged you by his Law, would you be innocent or guilty of Sin? God condemns the Guilty and sends them to Hell for all of Eternity…

The Bible tells us that now is the accepted time and this is the Day of Salvation. You don’t have to go to Hell, because someone spent the time to Save you! Jesus Christ lived a Holy Life and is the only person who never, ever Sinned against God. Because of this, Jesus qualified to be the Savior of the World. He is the one who paid the price for what we have done, so that Justice would be served. God’s Judgment can only pass over us when Judgment falls on someone else. Jesus was punished for our Sins and died on a Cross, shedding his blood to appease the Wrath of God. He was buried in a new tomb and was guarded, since it was said that Jesus would rise from the dead. On the third day, Angels rolled the stone away from the tomb for all to see that it was empty; Jesus was seen alive by 500 people! We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in the risen Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, without works lest we should boast. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus as Lord and join a Bible believing Church. ~ Jesus was scourged with whips by Lictors; this is where we get the phrase “taking your licks”. Jesus Christ took a Lickin’ and kept on Tickin’! Hallelujah, praise the Lord God with all your heart and glorify his name forever. ~ Amen…

Ephesians 5:16 NASB; making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

 

[ReverendRV]

Little Sins ~ by ReverendRV * June 30

Matthew 25:46 KJV; And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

You may be surprised to hear a Christian say this, but a finite crime is not worthy of an infinite punishment. You ask, “Then how in the world can you support the idea of Hell??” ~ Have you ever hated someone? Biblically speaking, we can have hatred for a person in our heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says Hatred is ‘Murder’; a capitol punishment in many American States. Saint James said that if you break one of God’s Laws, you’re judged guilty of breaking the whole Law; we see that Sin become a bigger deal than we think. Not only are we charged with the maximum count of violations, but we soon learn the scope isn’t limited to evil Works alone. The scope also involves duration of time! The Bible says ‘every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart are only evil all the time; there is no one who does good, no, not one’. Further examination reveals that Sinners live eternally; either eternal life in Heaven, or eternal death in Hell. This is significant because when every inclination of the thoughts of an eternal being are evil all the time; Hell can never burn out. ~ An Infinite crime is worthy of Infinite punishment...

When we commit a crime against the God of Justice, we don’t rightly discern its true magnitude. An example of this is Adam eating from the forbidden tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; all inherit Sin because of his Trespass. The Bible says a little leaven, leavens the whole lump. The scope of his one Sin reached the whole of humanity; if anyone deserved capitol punishment it would be Adam for killing an entire Race with one bite. Adam received capitol punishment in this life, 'dying he shall die'. Those who Sin against the God of Grace but never come to him for mercy, will exist eternally in Hell where 'having died, they are still dying'. Adam does not receive capitol punishment in eternity, but instead receives an inheritance as a reconciled child of God; an almost unfathomable state of existence after committing Genocide. God made coverings for Adam and Eve out of animal skins, an innocent animal sacrificed by God so their nakedness would be covered. ~ This is symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice which covers our Sin. Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in Vain? Then there is a lose thread dangling from your outfit; do you see it? As soon as you look at it, the thread unravels and the suit of your righteousness has fallen off! You are naked before God, in need of him to provide you with a spotless white wardrobe…

In the New Testament, the covering that God gives you is described as a wedding garment. ~ For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son Jesus Christ, so that all who believe upon him shall have everlasting Life! Jesus lived life and kept God’s Commandments for us. He trades his good record with us, for our record of Sin; this caused him to be Crucified for our Sins since they were in his possession. The Just dies for the Unjust; Justice was satisfied. Jesus rose from the dead and awaits the time he will return for his Bride; the Church. When we put our Faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, without trying to earn Forgiveness as if it were by Works; we are Graciously forgiven by Christ himself; the judge of all humanity. Repent of Sin and Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God, and join a local Church. ~ Putting Faith in Christ dresses us in white and our nakedness is covered. ~ One little Sin was all it took to kill Adam, this is all that is needed to kill you. But Faith the size of a mustard Seed is all it takes to be made pure as a Virgin Bride…

Luke 13:19 NIV; It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches."

 

[ReverendRV]

Lost and Found ~ by ReverendRV * July 1

Isaiah 65:1 NIV; "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'

I am blessed to be used by God to write Gospel Tracts. A Gospel Tract is usually a short form of print which is easy to read and gets to the point rather quickly before the reader loses interest. Some of the more famous Gospel Tracts are those from Chick Publications; do you remember the little comic book style Tracts that you used to find everywhere? I’m showing my age but I remember when I saw them, I’d take as many as I could; mainly because I liked Comics. Living Waters uses several unique Gospel Tracts such as the Million Dollar Bill, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of those; if you haven’t, look it up. ~ Once in Australia a shepherd boy was in the field and the wind blew a page from the newspaper to him. On this page was a Sermon from C.H. Spurgeon. Through this, the young shepherd boy became a Christian. ~ God revealed himself to someone who wasn’t asking for him; or even seeking him…

Not only will God reveal himself to you, his Law will reveal your Heart to yourself. Have you ever had another god other than the God of the Bible? No? Well, have you ever Idolized anyone or excessively admired them? This is called Hero Worship. Idolatry by nature proves that you have had another god; right? You’re still not convinced?? Idolatry means that you have made a God to suit yourself. If you’ve ever said, ‘To me God is like a sweet grandfather’ or if you’ve said something like, “God is a murdering dictator, etc’; then you’ve made a God to suit yourself. God set one day of the week for us to keep Holy; have you kept his Sabbath Day? Have you ever Damned someone in the name of God? ~ These are the first four of God’s Ten Commandments, do we need to continue? If God judged you by his standard of goodness, would you be innocent or would you be guilty? The guilty are sentenced to everlasting death in Hell in the Lake of Fire; does this bother you? If this does bother you, you’ve been found by God…

Like that shepherd boy, when God finds you; he Saves you from Hell too. For God so loved that world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but instead will have everlasting Life. Since Jesus never Sinned, he is Righteous; and Righteousness is what we need. Jesus went through Hell while on a Cross, by bleeding to death to appease the Wrath of God for our Sin; Justice was served. After three days he arose bodily from the dead to become a Life giving Spirit. We’re Saved by Grace through Faith in the risen Lord Jesus alone. Repent and join a Bible believing Church. ~ Jesus tells us of a Shepherd who had a hundred sheep but lost one of them, and how the shepherd searched until he found his sheep. Jesus is God and he has found you! Like the newspaper which found the shepherd boy, this Gospel Tract has found you too. It is as much a Godsend as the newspaper was.

Luke 15:32 ESV; It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

 

[ReverendRV]

Monergism versus Synergism ~ by ReverendRV * July 15

Ephesians 2:8 NASB; For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Monergism is a Work which is said to be of God alone, and Synergism is said to be the cooperation of God and Man in a Work. Synergism is like pulling up to the gas station, looking at the pump and seeing “May contain %10 Ethanol”; two fuels working in an engine to reduce emissions. But engines like Lawn Mowers can’t use this Synergistic fuel, so you pull up to the next pump and see “Ethanol free”; and you fill your gas can. ~ It’s like this when it comes to God’s Covenants; a Covenant of Works is Synergistic but a Covenant of Grace is Monergistic. In the Bible we see the Edenic and Mosaic Covenants are Covenants of Works which require the participation of those who are in these Covenants. Other Covenants such as the Noahic, Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants are Covenants of Grace; these are promises made by God that don’t require any participation from those who are in those Covenants. ~ Which Pump do you use?

God is not the Author of Sin. ~ Have you ever told a Lie? What do you call people that Lie? “Of yourself”, you are now a Liar. Have you ever Stolen anything? What do you call people who Steal? You’ve made yourself out to be a Thief. Have you ever used God’s name as a vile cussword? This is Blasphemy and is not of God, but is ‘of’ yourself. These are only three of the Ten Commandments; if God judged you by his Moral Code, would you be innocent or Guilty? “No! My good outweighs my bad.” ~ Are you saying to me that you want to Synergistically mix your good with your bad?? Now your fuel is tainted because your good doesn’t lower the Bad’s emissions! Would you go to Heaven or to Hell? Doesn’t this bother you??

You don’t have to go, because there’s a Loophole; but it is not of yourself. ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting Life! Jesus Christ is this Son and he lived a Life of Sinlessness. This means that he kept the requirements of the Mosaic Covenant and this became his Righteousness; it qualified him to be the sacrifice for the Sin of the world. He was Tried by a kangaroo court and sentenced to scourging by Roman Lictors. This would lead him to die quickly on the Cross because of the blood he had already spilled on our behalf. He died, was buried but in three days he arose from the dead, being seen alive by over five hundred people before he ascended to Heaven. We’re Monergistically Saved by Grace through Faith in the Resurrected Savior Jesus Christ, without Works so that it’s not of ourselves but is the gift of God. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as Lord; and seek an Evangelical Church. ~ Jesus is %100 God and %100 Man. As a man, Jesus Synergistically kept the Mosaic Covenant, and we Monergistically receive what he earned…

Romans 1:17 NIV; For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed--a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."