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A New Voice of Freedom
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The controlling theme of our Podcasts is that we are all children of God who is no respecter of persons. We are all created equal by God. The primary purpose of a democratic republic is to protect that equality, making all laws equal to all citizens all the time. We need to return to the vision of our forefathers that "certain truths are self evident, that among our inalienable rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If we are to survive as a republic, we must hold firm to the Constitution and Bill of rights, to the balance of power, and above all, we must, as a Christian nation, hold firm to our belief that it is God who protects our freedom, and it is truth that makes us free. We must protect freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. All citizens must have the right to realize their own desires and pursue their own destiny.
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Podcast 116, 2 John, “Pt 6, Ch 1”
2w ago00:13:49Tap to summarizePodcast 116, 2 John, “Pt 6, Ch 1”The Second Epistle of John has but one Chapter. 2 John 1:1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;The Elder is surely John himself. We’ll let scholars fruitlessly debate the identity of ‘the elect lady’ whether it is referring to a specific mother and her children or whether it is referring to the church. In the absence of clarifying information, I prefer the literal interpretation. The surest explanation, however, is that John is addressing his letter to all members of the true church for he is warning against false teachers which are creeping in. From the beginning the apostles have had to fight against false teachers, false prophets, and antichrists. Notice John’s emphasis, “whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth.”Truth is primary. The purpose of the apostles is to keep the doctrine pure. There is security only if we keep our eyes always on the prophets and apostles. Those are the standards of judgement. John adds. 2 John 1:2For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.John is speaking of Christ ‘which dwelleth in us forever.’2 John 1:3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.John’s message really doesn’t vary. Only “in truth and love” can we know the Savior. I love returning to the following verse given to us earlier by John.1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.That is a very tall order, to be like Christ when he returns to the earth. That cannot be, however, except through ‘truth and love.’ Let’s rehearse some of the highlights of each of the five preceding chapters from John’s first epistle. John doesn’t vary from his message.1 John 1:7But 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.1 John 2:3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John 3:8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. One thing that sets Christ apart from all of mankind is that he obeyed the Father perfectly in everything. That is why he alone can be the Savior of the World. He was sinless. He was nonpareil. 2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.We must never take our eyes off the words of Christ given in the Intercessory Prayer.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Only through the Son can we know the Father, and only through knowing the Father and the Son can we have eternal life with the Father and the Son. In the Book of Revelation, John says those servants who serve God shall see his face.Revelation 22:3-5And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.Let me point out one obvious lesson from above. Regardless of our status on earth, regardless of birth, of position, of importance, of wealth, of intelligence, of education, of power, we all have the same chance for eternal life with God where all shall see his face, where all shall have his name in their foreheads, where all shall receive the light of Christ, and where all shall reign with him for ever and ever. The only thing that really matters on earth is that we keep the commandments of God. Everything else is administrative. Everyone on this planet has different gifts given of God. It is what we do with those gifts that matter. We are all familiar with the parable of the talents. When asked what was the greatest commandment, Christ said, Matthew 22:36-39Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.One does not have to have a position of authority to obey those two commandments. No other apostle takes that more literally than John or teaches that principle more frequently than John.2 John 1:5And 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.John does not leave it in the abstract. He refines the meaning. 2 John 1:6And 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.What does John mean by “ye should walk in it”? The military term is ‘boots on the ground.’ He means for it to be part of our daily walk, our daily lives. We should take that love with us wherever we go, to church, to the grocery store, while driving in heavy traffic, in our homes, even when our children are unruly; in other words we should take that love in all of our walks of life.John warns against antichrists.2 John 1:7For 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.John is the only biblical writer to use the term ‘antichrist.’ He defines what he means in his epistles. 1 John 2:18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.1 John 2:22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son"1 John 4:3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.The prefix ‘anti’ is from the Greek meaning against, opposed to, in place of, instead of, or in opposition to. Romantic writers appear to create a monster called ‘Antichrist.’ Remember one of the beasts appeared as a lamb. There is a growing feeling of antichrist even in America day. Christianity is under attack. The Jews, as if the Holocaust meant nothing, are again coming under attack. Hate, violence, and contention are on the rise. Anything that goes against the teaches of Jesus Christ is antichrist. John places the responsibility of our souls squarely upon our shoulders, meaning that we choose whether or not to obey the commandments of Christ.2 John 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.He further emphasizes our responsibility.2 John 1:9-11Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.How fortunate we are to have the letters of John and of Peter and of Paul, but the apostles were also busy mingling with the Saints and teaching them in person. Such open exposure cost them their lives.2 John 1:12-13Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.It is easy to overlook the incredible courage of the early saints in the face of certain death. The early martyrs received their eternal reward from God.Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.It is very poignant to observe that while John is commanding the saints to love one another, they are surrounded by people who want to kill them. Those were very perilous times for the Saints, yet the doctrines of Christ never changed. Christ said, Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.It is not unreasonable to assume that we too who live in the last days may face the same opposition, but the doctrine doesn’t change. John’s message, which was delivered to him by Christ himself, is the same for us as for the saints in former times.
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Podcast 115, 1st John, “Pt 5, Ch 5”
2w ago00:14:34Tap to summarizePodcast 115, 1st John, “Pt 5, Ch 5”Anyone who reads John is immediately struck by the richness of his doctrine. You cannot be in a hurry for every word, phrase, or clause matters. Because of its richness, it is helpful to divide his epistles into concepts. Once one understands the concepts, then it is easier to tie them together for each epistle must also be considered as a whole. His masterpiece, The Book of Revelation is the perfect model. The theme of Godly Love dominates Chapter 5 as it does other chapters of John. I have divided Chapter 5 into Six Concepts. Concept One: Keep the Commandments of God.1 John 5:1-3Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.A favorite Christian phrase is “born again.” John tells us that faith in Christ is to be “born again” or “born of God.” If we love God by nature we must love the children of God. We show our love by keeping the commandments. John teaches that “his commandments are not grievous.” Synonyms for grievous are acute, harsh, intense, extreme, distressing, agonizing, burdensome. Christ said it so beautifully. Matthew 11:28-30Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.Concept II: Must be Born of God1 John 5:4-5For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?To be ‘born of God’ means to overcome the natural man. In our world we must fight against the cunning of Satan, the craftiness of man, and our own fallen natures. Babylon, which means the world, and the natural man are equated. We are often told, come out of Babylon, or refrain from the lusts of the flesh: Isaiah 48:20"Go ye forth of Babylon…”Isaiah 52:11"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord."Revelation 18:4"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."Concept Three: Three Witnesses1 John 5:6-10This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.The Law of Witnesses is very important. Paul wrote2 Corinthians 13:1"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."Above John said, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.” At Christ’s baptism, we have manifested the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. On the Mount of Transfiguration, we have Christ with Moses and Elijah, and the Father saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.” It was also witnessed by Peter, James, and John. Above John presents three other witnesses: “the Spirit, and the water, and the blood.” Does that not remind us of partaking of the Sacrament or the Lord’s Supper. We also learn that we are witnesses of God if we believe on the Son of God. In other words, our own faith is a witness. Those of us who have faith in Christ have pretty good company. Concept Four: Eternal Life1 John 5:11-15And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.There is an enormous difference between living forever and having eternal life. Satan and his angels will live forever. We all have immortal spirits that shall never taste death. In addition, all resurrected beings shall live forever, but not all resurrected beings shall live with God forever. Living forever is not eternal life. Eternal life refers only to living forever with God in his kingdom. Anything less is a form of damnation. Damnation is not hell. Hell is eternal fire. Damnation is eternal restriction on progression. Eternal progression is synonymous with Eternal Life. To have progression curtailed in any way poses a restriction on our capacity for joy. A fulness of joy can only be obtained in the presence of Christ for he is the source of all Joy. Paul, who was caught up in the third heaven, speaks of three degrees of glory:1 Corinthians 15:40-42There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:Those are all levels of heaven. That means there are three different levels of Joy. To have a fullness of joy one must live in the celestial glory where God and Christ dwell. The other two kingdoms of glory will have joy unspeakable and no sorrow, but they cannot have a fullness of Joy because Christ will not be living there with them. Only where Christ is can there be a fullness of joy. Only where the Father and the Son dwell can we have eternal life with God. Those who have the concept of only one heaven and one hell are ignoring Paul’s words. On a practical level, what would be the cut off? Would a just God split hairs. Would a merciful God allow such a thing? I don’t think so. Would the law of justice and the law of mercy allow such a thing. Can God ever be arbitrary and still be God? God must always be just, or he would not be God, but God is also a merciful God and he will do everything to give as much joy to as many people as will permit him. He cannot, however, go against their agency for he died that we might all have agency. Christ offers everyone born on this earth eternal life, but he can grant it only to those who accept his conditions; otherwise, he would violate their agency. His commandments are the conditions. Concept V: All Sin is Violation of Law 1 John 5:16-19If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.Without law there would be no sin. Sin does not exist in abstractions. God does not arbitrarily say this is good and that is evil. God gives us law. His laws are absolute. Until law is given sin does not exist. All sin is violation of law. The straight and narrow way is to obey law. The greatest quest in life is to search for truth. There are temporal truths, the laws of nature, and there are spiritual truths, the laws of God. God is the author of all law, whether natural or spiritual, and all laws are necessary for life. Every rational being knows how important the laws of nature are. Natural laws deal with natural life. Spiritual laws deal with eternal life. If we ignore natural laws we are often dealt with very quickly for nature is not very forgiving. Natural laws deal with mortal time. Spiritual laws deal with eternal time. This is a probationary state to see if we will obey spiritual laws. Natural laws cause temporal death; only the violation of spiritual laws cause spiritual death. The body can die but the spirit cannot. That means that the spirit is not subject to death. Spiritual death means that we are cut off from the presence of God. The entire purpose of all spiritual laws is not to punish us, but to bring us back into the presence of God. That is only possible because Christ died for our sins. That introduced the principles of repentance and forgiveness and grace and mercy which are always available to everyone all the time we are on this earth. Concept VI: Christ is the True God1 John 5:20-21And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
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Podcast 114, 1st John, “Pt 4, Ch 4”
3w ago00:15:49Tap to summarizePodcast 114, 1st John, “Pt 4, Ch 4”It is most probable that every Christian has at one or more times quoted verses from 1 John 4. The following verses are familiar to everyone:· Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God.· God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.· There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.· We love him, because he first loved us.It is John who gave us John 3:16, what is likely the most quoted scripture in the Holy Bible: The Savior is talking to Nicodemus.John 3:16-17For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John is often called, ‘John the Beloved.’ He is also referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” No disciple spoke of love more. John clearly understood that the very nature of God is love. 1 John 3:8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.John taught that we are the offspring of God and that we must become like our Father. 1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.I shall divide 1 John 4 into six section. Section 1 comprises:1 John 4:1-3Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.John wants us to see the world as he sees the world. There are two great forces, good vs evil or God vs Satan. There is Christ and antichrist. All good comes from God and all evil comes from Satan. If that seems oversimplistic, imagine stepping off the world and looking down to earth, say from the moon. There is light and dark. It is the law of opposites. There is temporal light and spiritual light, temporal darkness and spiritual darkness.The only reason we have temporal life is because we have temporal light and temporal darkness. The only reason we have spiritual light and spiritual darkness is because we are enticed by Christ to do good and we are enticed by Satan to do evil. Without that catalyst we would be spiritually senseless. Until Satan entered the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were unaware of their nakedness. They knew neither good nor evil, joy nor sorrow, love nor hate. Christ allowed Satan to tempt Adam and Eve just as he allows Satan to tempt us to give us agency, to give us a choice between good and evil. Genesis teaches, “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.” It could be acquired no other way. The fall was necessary. In the above John is teaching us how to discern between the spirit of God and the spirit of the Devil. The formula is quite simple. That which preaches of Christ is of God. That which denies Christ is of Satan. Section 2 comprises:1 John 4:4-6Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.Again, John is teaching us how to discern the spirit of truth from the spirit of error. We are prone to think of antichrist as some hideous monster with the number 666 across his forehead. Remember the second beast was like a lamb. Antichrist is very subtle and appears in many disguises. The spirit of antichrist is any person or philosophy or movement that teaches there is no Christ. That is why Satan and his angels are sons of perdition. They know who Christ is, yet rebelled against him. If you recall Christ would not allow the evil spirits to testify of him. He did not need their testimony. Only through the Holy Ghost can one truly know that Jesus is the Christ. Section 3 comprises:1 John 4:7-11Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.Those three words, “God is love,” define Christ comprehensively. Love is his very essence. What other reason would he have to sacrifice his life, being entirely sinless, for our sins? It was only his love that motivated him to die for us. He didn’t need power praise or glory or honor. He was already God. Before he even came to earth, he was omnipotent and omniscient, yet he condescended to come to earth, having a veil drawn over his mind just as we have a veil drawn over our minds. We are told that Christ grew from grace to grace. He had the full earthly experience. In fact, his temptations, his suffering, his agonies were greater than ours, yet he never sinned. In the wilderness, he could have given in to Satan. Those temptations were not staged. They were as real as our temptations; otherwise, he could not have empathy for us. He had to understand our temptations, our weaknesses, our sicknesses, our doubts, our fears to become the perfect judge that he is. It was Paul who said, Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.John teaches us the second great commandment, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”Section 4 comprises:1 John 4:12-14No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. What did John mean when he said, “No man hath seen God at any time?” John, himself, was a man and he saw the resurrected Lord.Revelation 1:13-17And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:We know that Paul also saw the risen Lord as he traveled on the road to Damascus. Christ also, in his resurrected state, appeared to Mary Magdalene and to the eleven apostles and to many hundreds of people. We must assume then than John is speaking of the natural man who has only natural eyes. Some saw the resurrected Lord and didn’t recognize him because they saw him with their natural eyes. Christ can only be seen with spiritual eyes. Those who see Christ must also have the spirit of Christ. Those who have been honored by a vision of Christ are blessed. Most of us, however, see him only with the spiritual eyes of faith. Still, we know of his existence though we have never seen him in vision. We too are equally blessed. Remember his words of Christ to Thomas. John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.Still, we are very grateful for those like John who were privileged to see the Savior and give us their firsthand descriptions. Nonetheless, the spirit is just as strong in those who see him only with the eye of faith. Section 5 comprises:1 John 4:15-17Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
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Podcast 113, 1st John, “Pt 3, Ch 3”
3w ago00:18:55Tap to summarizePodcast 113, 1st John, “Pt 3, Ch 3”A concept of the gospel that is perhaps sometimes understated is our personal relationship with our Father in Heaven. John addresses that issue.1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.Some almost want to deny the Father’s existence but the early apostles believed firmly in the separate existence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. For example, at the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, we have all three of the Holy Trinity Present as separate beings. Matthew 3:13-17Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.There are unmistakably three persons: (1) Jesus, being baptized by John. (2) The Spirit of God or Holy Ghost descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. The Holy Ghost is not a dove. The Holy Ghost is a spirit that descended like a dove. (3) The Father, a voice from heaven, bore witness of his Son, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We have innumerable instances where the Son prays to the Father. He was not praying to himself. In the wilderness, he declared that he must do the will of the Father. On the cross Christ cries to the Father, “Why has thou forsaken me?” To deny the separate existence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, one would have to deny many scriptures. In addition, the Savior said that he must leave so that the Holy Ghost could come. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one in purpose just as we must become one in purpose, but they are not three persons in one. To deny the personal existence of the Father creates problems with one of the greatest moments in the apostleship of Peter, James, and John—the Mount of Transfiguration. Matthew 17: 1-9And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.It is clear that Peter, James and John believed in three separate beings. Whose voice did they hear? It was not the voice of Jesus or Moses or Elijah. It was the voice of the Father who was also present but hidden by a cloud. They were terrified. Jesus had to comfort them. There are so many instances from Genesis to Revelation that have no other explanation but to say that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. In the Garden of Eden we are told, Genesis 3:22And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:The pronoun “us” is plural, but one of the most poignant moments in the life of Christ occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asks the Father to remove the cup from him. Matthew 26:39-44And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.It is not logical to think he was praying to himself when he said, “O my Father.” Three times he prayed to the Father, but only once did he ask him to remove the cup. All three times he made it clear that regardless he would bow to the Father’s will. In the first prayer he said, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” In the next two prayers he said, “Thy will be done.” It is an absurd contradiction to think he is talking to himself. It makes a mockery of one of the most sacred moments in Christ’s life. He was praying to his Father and our Father. In Jesus’s own words, following his resurrection, he says to Mary Magdalene.John 20:17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.It is clear that John believes that the Father and Son were two separate beings.1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.There are many scriptures that say that the Father and Son are one in purpose just as the scriptures ask us to be one in purpose, but nowhere do the scriptures teach that they are not separate beings. That concept was not taught until several hundred years after the resurrection of Christ after the apostles were killed. The concept of three in one was rejected by the early church. It did not become formal doctrine until the First Council of Nicaea, formerly referred to as the Nicene Creed as opposed to the earlier Apostle’s Creed and the Athanasian Creed. Let me quote the beginning of the Apostle’s Creed.I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;He descended into hell;The third day he rose again from the dead;He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.I believe in the Holy Ghost;The Apostle’s Creed clearly establishes that the church at that time believe that there were three separate beings of the Godhead. The Nicene Creed, which contradicted the Apostle’s Creed was not written until 325 A.D which originated at the First Council of Nicaea. It is safer and more logical to stay with the Holy Bible, the written word, rather than accept someone else’s interpretation of the written word. Constantine, certainly a great man in Christian history, was a politician, not a prophet and not an apostle. He did not have the authority to change the doctrine of the Holy Bible and contradict the early apostles such as Peter, James, and John.John also taught us the nature of law and its relationship to sin. To John sin is not an arbitrary ethical opinion. Sin is violation of law. Without law there would be no sin.1 John 3:3-4And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.Laws were organized by God. Sin does not self-exist. Without law there is no sin. Violation of law is the only sin. Law brings order; lawlessness brings chaos. God is a God of law and order. To live outside of law is to live outside of God. When Adam fell a law was broken. That law was so powerful that it brought sin and death into the world. Man was cut off from God forever. He suffered both a temporal death and a spiritual death. That is why the atonement of Christ was necessary. Without his atonement, we could never again enter into the presence of the Father and we could never rise from the dead. That would have put us in the power of Satan forever. Even those who do not believe in Christ have a debt to Christ that they can never repay. Among those debts is the resurrection which is free to all of the descendants of Adam and Eve.
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Podcast 112, 1st John, “Pt 2, Ch 2”
4w ago00:17:14Tap to summarizePodcast 112, 1st John, “Pt 2, Ch 2”John had a unique voice and a unique calling. Is there a book comparable to The Book of Revelation? In the first chapter of Revelation, John records a vision of the Resurrected Lord that once seen cannot be unseen. Revelation 1:13-16And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.John was so overwhelmed that he fell as dead. Revelation 1:17-18And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.John is given a special assignment. Revelation 1:19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;The Lord, of course, is referring to the special Book of Revelation which comprises 22 of some of the most fascinating chapters in the Holy Bible. John, like the other apostles, is a special witness of Christ. That appears to be his primary assignment.1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:John has much in common with Isaiah who also saw Christ in Vision about 700 years prior to the birth of Christ.Isaiah 6:1-3In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.6 RONLike the other prophets and apostles John focuses on the special mission of Jesus Christ. 7 LINDA1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.7 RONThe dictionary defines propitiation as ‘the act of appeasing or satisfying,’ ‘a sacrifice that removes guilt and turns away divine wrath,’ reconciliation between God and man through the atonement.’ Synonyms for propitiation are atonement, expiation, reconciliation, redemption, ransom, sin offering, and peace offering. Notice that his atoning sacrifice was not just for the chosen. It was “for the sins of the whole world.” Christ is the only God and the only Savior of the world. No one shall be allowed into the kingdom of God except those who accept Jesus as Lord. Ultimately everyone, whether in this life or the next, will know that Jesus is the living Christ, the Son of the living God who holds the keys of death and hell. Christ alone will judge the entire world, one individual at a time, for their works.Those who know Christ in this life, regardless of what religion they espouse or what Christian denomination they belong to, will be only those who keep his commandments. 1 John 2:3-6And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.If we accept the concept that Christ is creator and God of the whole world, we must also consider that he is no respecter of persons, that he loves all of his children and wants all of them to return to his kingdom and to live with him. That suggests that God will find a way to teach his gospel even where it is least expected. All truth, regardless of the earthly source, eventually leads to Jesus Christ. All lies eventually lead to Satan. The safest path is the path to truth. Everyone at birth has the spirit of Christ for they just came from their Father in heaven. All little children are saved by Christ for they are not accountable for their sins. It is incumbent, however, on those who reach the age of accountability that they devote their lives to seeking truth. Satan is the father of lies. He will attempt to pervert all truth. That is his primary job. What else can he do? He has no truth in him. He has no power of creation. In fact, he has no power at all except that which we give him or that which God allows. Listen to the words of John.1 John 2:7-10Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.Is that not a universal truth. No matter where in the world or from whose lips that truth is taught, it originated with God. If we obey that commandment it will eventually lead us back to Christ. John adds, 1 John 2:11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.Contention is of the devil, and where there is contention, there the devil is in his element. They are his and don’t know it. John, who just said that Christ “is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world,” is now turning his attention to those who have accepted Christ in this life.1 John 2:12-14I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.Now John turns his attention back to the entire world for he is speaking universally. 1 John 2:15-17Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.Can you see the difference? More is expected of those who have more. Christ will be merciful to those who died without the law, but those who have the law will be judged by the law. To whom much is given, much is expected. But everyone knows intuitively good from evil. One doesn’t have to have the Ten Commandments to know that murder, stealing, lying, coveting, envying, and cheating are evil. It is inherent from birth because of the Spirit of Christ that is in everyone at birth. All babies are born pure. They may be bore into a world of sin but they are not born sinful. Sin is taught by man influenced by the father of lies. John now is talking to members of Christ’s church. 1 John 2:18-20Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.Synonyms for unction are anointing, blessing, inspiration, spiritual power, and divine influence. John is speaking of those who accepted Christ and then apostatized from the church. They sin willfully. John continues, 1 John 2:21-24I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.Those who have never known Christ cannot be antichrist in the strictest sense of the word. Even if they are against Christians, having never known Christ, they are not against Christ for he is foreign to them. Only those who have known Christ intimately and then deny him can become sons of perdition. On the other hand, if punishment is harsh, look at the opposite reward for remaining faithful to Christ. 1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
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Podcast 111, 1st John, “Pt 1, Ch 1”
4w ago00:16:02Tap to summarizePodcast 111, 1st John, “Pt 1, Ch 1”Many, I suppose, agree that the apostle John, also known as John the Beloved and John the Revelator, is, like Isaiah, one of the most unique writers in the Holy Bible. It is fitting that the Holy Bible begins with Genesis, the Story of the Creation of the World, and ends with Revelation, the Story of the End of the World. Moses, one of the most unique individuals the world has ever known, wrote the first five books of the Bible. John wrote the last book of the Bible along with the Gospel of John and the epistles of John. Another unique thing that links Moses and John is the question of their death. The Bible records Moses death but not his burial site, yet we have the marvelous story of the Mount of Transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-5And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.We know that Elias, known as Elijah, was taken up into heaven without tasting death. In other words, he was transfigured as Christ was transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration. It also appears that Moses was transfigured. He could not have been resurrected because Christ was the first fruits of the resurrection. No one could be resurrected until after Christ was resurrected. Then there is a unique story about John for neither his death nor burial are recorded. His final fate has always been an enigma. Following Christ’s resurrection, Peter has the following dialogue with the Savior.John 32:20-23Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?The Bible gives no account of his death. A transfigured body is not a resurrected body. To be resurrected everyone must first die, even Elijah, at some point. A transfigured body is temporary. A resurrected body is forever. The Book of Revelation, his magnum opus or his last and greatest work, was written while he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. There is no record of his death. John’s own prophetic and profound writing sets him apart. One finds things in the writing of John that one doesn’t find elsewhere. Even his gospel stands out among the other three gospels. This book covers the three epistles of John: 1st John, 2nd John, and 3rd John. John, who was with Christ from the beginning, gives us tremendous insight into the life and teachings of Christ. He is a true witness of Christ who understood the mission of Christ very clearly.1 John 1:1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;“That which was from the beginning” is not referring to Christ’s birth on earth. It refers to the origin of Christ himself as the only begotten Son of God who is without beginning of days or end of years. He was with the Father in the Beginning with the unique assignment to save the world. Of all the scriptures ever written none are greater than the following:John 3:11-17Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John understood what Nicodemus the Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews and a member of the Sanhedrin, did not understand. He knew the living Christ.1 John 1:2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)John emphasizes that by accepting Christ we have a relationship both with the Father and with the Son.1 John 1:3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.In the two verses above John makes a clear distinction between the Father and the Son. He also makes that distinction in the Book of Revelation. It was John who saw the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven after the cleansing of the earth by fire.Revelation 21:1-5And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.In fact, when John saw in vision, the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, he saw both the Father and the Son.Revelation 22:1-3And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:John is speaking of two thrones: (1) The Throne of God, meaning the Throne of the Father, and (2) The Throne of the Lamb, meaning The Throne of the Son. Both will live and reign on this earth in its celestial state. Only those who are saved through the blood of Christ shall inherit this earth. Paul also speaks of our relationship to both the Father and the Son. Romans 8:16-17The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.We shall be heirs of God, meaning the Father, and joint-heirs with Christ, meaning the Son. Why aren’t we “joint-heirs” with the Father. It is because the Father, who is the law of justice, could not bestow upon us that gift because of the fall of man. It was only the atonement of Christ that made it possible. The only way we can be heirs with the Father is if we become joint-heirs with the Son. Without the Son we could never return to the presence of the Father. In the Book of Revelation we read,Revelation 21:6-7And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.“What would it be like to “inherit all things”? John explains it.1 John 1:4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.No mortal on this earth can possibly comprehend what it will be like to live in the presence of both the Father and the Son and have a fullness of joy. John tries to explain it to us. 1 John 1:5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.Christianity gives us these terms: light vs darkness, good vs evil, God vs Satan. Who can imagine a world with no darkness. John saw it in vision while on the Isle of Patmos.Revelation 22:5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.We understand light and darkness, of course, when speaking of day and night. Many of us, perhaps, have visited deep caverns where they turn out all lights putting you in total darkness. We are told that extended periods in absolute darkness may cause disorientation, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, and possible hallucinations. We are light oriented. Our bodies need vitamin D. We need day and night cycles.
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Podcast 110, 2nd Peter, “Pt 8, Ch 3” Episode
4w ago00:14:35Tap to summarizePodcast 110, 2nd Peter, “Pt 8, Ch 3”It is accepted that Peter was the Chief Apostle. Peter was present at all the great miracles. It was to Peter whom the Lord said,Matthew 16:19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Peter bears witness of earlier prophets. 2 Peter 3:1-2This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:One thing is clear from the Holy Bible, true prophets and apostles bear testimony of the words of other true prophets and apostles. It is according to the law of witnesses.Matthew 18:16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.Christ himself quoted from the ancient prophets.Matthew 12:39-41But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.Ironically, of course, it was Christ who revealed those words to his prophets. By quoting his prophets, he is validating his own words. Christ quoted many prophets: Isaiah, Daniel, Jonah, Moses, Eljah, Elisha, and David. The prophet he quoted most frequently was Isaiah. Matthew 13:13-15Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 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: 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.Like the prophet Isaiah, Peter prophesies of the last days. 2 Peter 3:3-4Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.We are all living in the last days and can see the fulfilment of Peter’s prophecy. Peter says they are “willfully ignorant.” He compares our day to the period during Noah’s flood.2 Peter 3:4-6And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:The Lord promised that the world would never again end in a flood; however, rather than a flood, it would end in fire.2 Peter 3:7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.Then Peter offers a unique doctrine regarding the Lord’s time.2 Peter 3: 8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.That suggests that the Lord lives on a planet with a different time zone than ours. For example, our time is governed by our own solar system. The earth is 24,000 miles around. It spins 1000 miles an hour; therefore, our day is 24 hours long. The moon circles the earth in approximately 30 days; therefore our month is approximately 30 days long. Our earth circles the sun in 365 days; therefore, our year is 365 days long. Time is relative to our solar system. The same is true with the Lord. His time is marked by the revolutions of the planetary system in which he lives. It is unique, but it explains an enigma in the Creation story. In Genesis we read:Genesis 2:15-17And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 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.After eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam did not die within twenty-four hours. Adam lived over nine hundred years but less than a thousand which fulfilled the prophesy. According to the Lord’s time, Adam died in the day that he ate the forbidden fruit.Of course that introduces another paradox. Adam, before he ate the forbidden fruit, was not subject to time as we understand it for he was immortal. Only after he ate the forbidden fruit was he subject to death. On earth it is entropy that gives time its arrow. We measure our birthdate and our death date. God is immortal; therefore, time as we understand it has no real hold on him. He may live on a planet that measures time by its revolutions, but he lives in an eternal state that is timeless, a concept that we cannot comprehend.However, it has one tremendous effect on us. Prophecies do not usually deal with calendar dates. The fact is that no one knows when Christ shall come to earth the Second Time. Many, according to Peter’s prophecy doubt the Second Coming of Christ.According to Peter it is out of mercy that Christ delays his coming. We live in a state of probation. We are given a chance to repent of our sins and come to Christ.2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Isaiah warned us:Isaiah 55:6-7Seek 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.We are warned that the Lord will come at an unexpected hour.2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Peter is not the only prophet who prophesied that the earth would melt with fervent heat. Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, made a similar prophecy.Malachi 4:1-3For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.There are other verses that refer to the world ending in fire.Matthew 13:40-43As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.Peter, however, is not trying to frighten us. He is trying to get us to repent and prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord. 2 Peter 3:11-14Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.A “new heaven and a new earth” are often spoken of Isaiah 65:17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.Revelation 21:1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.We must always recall John 3:16-17. Christ wants to save the world, not condemn it. John 3:16-17For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.Peter speaks of that same sentiment. 2 Peter 3:15-16And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;&
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Podcast 109, 2nd Peter, “Pt 7, Ch 2”
Jul 300:12:17Tap to summarizePodcast 109, 2nd Peter, “Pt 7, Ch 2”One of the roles or responsibilities of the quorum of the twelve apostles is to keep the doctrine pure. Even as early as the days of Peter, false teachers began to emerge in the church and to lead the people astray. 2nd Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.False teachers have always been a curse to truths taught by the true prophets. Even in the days of Isaiah, we readIsaiah 9:15-16The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.It is incumbent upon all of us to look to Christ, the Bishop of our Souls, to keep us on the straight and narrow path. Even when Christ walked among the apostles he taught,Matthew 7:15"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."And those false prophets and false teachers will find success among some members of the church.2nd Peter 2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.We, of course, know the true way.John 14:5Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."Peter teaches us how to discern the good from the evil. 2nd Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. He warns against those who “make merchandise” of religion. In Micah we read.Micah 3:9-11Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us.Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and like Isaiah his prophecies were both for Judah and Ephraim, both past and present. Like Isaiah Micah prophesied of the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem.Micah 5:2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah... out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.Peter makes an interesting analogy. He uses three images: (1) He refers back to the war in heaven in which Lucifer and his followers were cast out. (2) He refers to the flood of Noah. and (3) He refers to Sodom and Gomorrah.2nd Peter 2:4-7For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:Peter’s powerful warning is not just for his day but for all time. Peter is speaking of the law of justice. Angels that rebelled against God were cast out. The entire world, save Noah and his family, was destroyed. The entire cities of Sodom and Gomorrah save Lot and part of his family were destroyed. In other words, none of the wicked are exempt from the justice of God except those who repent or those like Lot who live righteously among wicked people.2nd Peter 2:8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)We learn from that that grace is for those who seek grace. Grace, though always freely and generously available to everyone on this earth, is not imposed upon anyone against their will or that would take away their agency. However, those who seek grace will freely receive it; those who do not seek it must answer to justice. 2nd Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:Peter defines those who are reserved unto the day of judgment to be punished.2nd Peter 2:10-16But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.Peter continues to describe the nature of those false teachers that we may avoid their lies.2nd Peter 2:17-18These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 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.Peter hits on target those of our own day who promise liberty but deliver only captivity.2nd Peter 2:19While 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.One must only listen to the news to see clearly that he is not only prophesying of his day but of our day as well. How many today are promising liberty but delivering communism and socialism; promising freedom but taking away the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion; promising liberty but are destroying the balance of power, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights; promising liberty but are robbing the rich to give to the poor, using tax payer money to bribe for votes, condemning the innocent and protecting thieves, murderers, child molesters, kidnappers, drug dealers, rapists, human traffickers, destroying the lives of innocent children by urging sex changes, denying gender, denying God, denying morality, denying the Ten Commandments, attacking Christians and Jews, punishing the righteous and letting the wicked go free? Again Peter saw our day. Our nation was founded on Christian values, yet now all Christian symbols are being removed from government property, including the halls of congress. Even after 250 years of freedom, “the latter is worse than the beginning.” As Peter so brilliantly said,2 Peter 2:20For 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.Peter is a true prophet of our day. He further warns.2nd Peter 2:21-22For 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. 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.We must understand that all true scripture and the words of all true prophets was meant to be applied to one’s own present, to one’s own self, to one’s own time and circumstances. If scripture applies only to the past, it is of historic value only. The purpose of true prophets is to be a warning for all times and all places and all peoples. Truth stands regardless of temporal circumstances, regardless of culture, governments, beliefs, languages, religions, or traditions. As we should be wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing so should we be wary of those who promise liberty but are of themselves servants of corruption. If we allow them to trample on our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, our Declaration of Independence, our liberty, they not only destroy themselves but they will also bring us into bondage.
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Podcast 108, 1st Peter, “Pt 6, Ch 1”
Jul 100:17:36Tap to summarizePodcast 108, 1st Peter, “Pt 6, Ch 1”Peter, introducing himself by his given name and by the name that Christ assigned him upon their first meeting, addresses his second epistle to the new converts of the church, both Jew and Gentile.2 Peter 1:1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:What is very significant about the introduction is that there is no more of the ambiguity that existed in the early days as Simon and all the other apostles were discovering who Christ was and who they were and what their role was in his kingdom on earth. Throughout Christ’s ministry he taught the apostles that he would die and be resurrected and they would take over his ministry. Even following the Savior’s death, there was some question about his resurrection. Christ had to prove that he was the resurrected Lord. Upon appearing to his apostles, Christ said, Luke 24:39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.There are many levels of faith. The twelve apostles were in the presence of Christ, taught directly by Christ. They witnessed Christ healing the sick, raising the dead, restoring sight to the blind. Now Christ is no longer with them to speak for himself. The next generation of converts have only the apostle’s words as well as those others who saw Christ after his resurrection that Christ was truly the resurrected Lord. What faith today does it take to believe a missionary who has never seen the Lord?Christ addresses that issue to Thomas who refused to believe unless he sees the risen Lord.John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.Peter also addresses that issue to new converts.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.In a beautiful definition of Faith, Paul captures the heart of what faith is.Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Faith and Hope are closely tied together in Paul’s definition. Synonyms for substance are essence, nature, core, heart, reality, being, character, and fundamental nature. We think of substance as matter, material, composition. It is ironic to put substance as “things hoped for.” Substance suggests reality, certainty, assurance. Hope, however, suggests expectation, anticipation, aspiration, and desire. In other words, Paul is saying that faith gives reality to hope. Faith brings hope out of the stage of ‘wishful thinking’ and makes it a reality. Without faith one cannot have hope. Faith then is an action word. Faith puts into motion that which makes hope become a reality. The sheer genius of Paul’s definition is how he connects reality to faith and hope. He says faith is evidence. Evidence is a stronger word that substance. Evidence means proof. Synonyms are verification, confirmation, documentation, validation, and substantiation. Evidence is used in court. To Paul it makes the invisible world visible. Even if one hasn’t seen Christ one can know that he exists through faith. The difference, however, between religious evidence and court evidence is that religious evidence is not transferable. For example, one can know with certainty that Christ exists because one has evidence. But for another to have that evidence transferred to them, they too must exercise faith. Why is that so? First of all, it is by the design of the Almighty God. We were not sent to earth to validate that which can be seen with the naked eye. The Bible shows very little interest in science. What we call science is wonderful. It is essential to physical life, but it is not essential to salvation and exaltation. We were sent to earth to gain faith. Science, as essential as it is to life, does not give us power in the spiritual realm. Faith alone gives us power in the spiritual realm. God is omniscient and omnipotent, not because he understands science. He is omniscient and omnipotent because he understands law, both temporal and spiritual. The resurrection, for example, was not brought about by temporal laws. There are no temporal laws on our planet or in the universe that can bring about a resurrection. There are no temporal laws that can give us eternal life. God uses temporal laws all the time. He is the author of temporal laws, but temporal laws are secondary in God’s kingdom, not primary. Temporal laws may provide us physical comfort, but temporal laws cannot save us. Christ alone can do that because he was obedient to all of Father’s commandments. First he overcame sin. Then he overcame death. Only by overcoming sin could he overcome death. We all sin; therefore, we do not have the power within ourselves to overcome sin. Christ, who was sinless, does; therefore, Christ can forgive us for our sins. That is the effect of grace, and grace is spiritual not temporal.Peter put it best. 2nd Peter 1:2-4Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Where can you find such language as that in science? Peter wants us to be “partakers of the divine nature.” That is extra-terrestrial. That cannot be found on this earth. That can only be found in Christ, our resurrected Lord. We are children of God. Our spirits are in the image and likeness of our Father in heaven. We have a divine nature; however, because of the fall, we suffered both a temporal death—the separation of the body from the spirit—and a spiritual death—the separation of our spirit from God. The only reason Christ came to earth and submitted himself to the laws of man was to atone for our sins, not his, to satisfy the law of justice, which he never broke, and through his grace bring us back into the presence of God. Without the atonement of Jesus Christ that divine nature would mean nothing because without Christ, we would be forever tied to this earth, subject to Satan’s power. Peter, a hands-on prophet tells us how to be partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:5-8And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.Most Christians are familiar with Paul’s exquisite definition of charity. 1st Corinthians 13:1-13Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.To be partakers of the divine nature, Peter urges us to make our calling and election sure.2nd Peter 1:9-10But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:“Calling” means foreordination. All of us who came to earth to gain a body were foreordained to return to God. We were foreordained, not predestined, because of agency. To have full agency we had to leave the presence of God and prove our faith to him. We did not have to come to earth. We chose to come to earth. In Job we read,Job 38:4-7Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
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Podcast 107, 1st Peter, “Pt 5, Ch 5”
Jun 2900:17:57Tap to summarizePodcast 107, 1st Peter, “Pt 5, Ch 5”How different the world is because of the letters of the first apostles. It gives a personal approach to religion. Peter, a humble fisherman, once was named Simon. When called by the Savior to be a disciple, Simon’s name was changed to Cephas or Peter, meaning rock. He was given the keys of the kingdom that whatsoever he bound on earth would be bound in heaven. What does it mean to be bound on earth and in heaven? It is referring to covenants, for example, such covenants as the marriage covenant. It is a form of sealing such as husband and wife, parents and children. God sees everything from an eternal perspective. In Christian terms it means the circle does not have to be broken, that families may be together forever. Initially Adam and Eve were married by God which became the model for all marriages. For example, we find it in the Abrahamic CovenentGenesis 17:4-9As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.It is an everlasting covenant. That same Priesthood given to Abraham was given to Peter. Along with the other apostles Peter was a personal witness of Jesus Christ.But that covenant is far reaching. Consider the Parable of the Ten Virgins, only five of whom are allowed into the marriage feast. Those who are allowed are bound forever with Christ in his Kingdom. Those who are not allowed do not have an eternal covenant with God. God is a forever God. He lives in eternity. Christ died for us that we may return to his presence and there remain forever.1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:The role of an apostle is to be a witness of Christ to the world. Peter is not only a personal witness of Christ, he is also a teacher. For Peter’s words, as with all the apostles, to be meaningful, we must consider his letter written directly to us, with his signature. 1st Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;That invitation has never been rescinded. It is the role of all Christians to “feed the flock of God.” God has given all of his children special gifts of the spirit and the Lord expects us to use those gifts in service to our fellow man.Romans 12:3-6For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Like Peter, Paul also teaches humility and love.Romans 12:9-18Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.The Lord has distributed his gifts to all men and women throughout the world, and he expects us to use those gifts in service to our fellow man regardless of race, color, culture, creed, or country. Again, we look to Paul1st Corinthians 12: 4-11Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.One can see by the list above that those gifts are manifested in many different ways. For example, what would we do if there were not men and women who have the gifts of healing. That does not refer only to miraculous healing. That refers to doctors, nurses, scientists, and all others who find ways to heal people. It refers to those who invent technologies that preserve life and discover healing herbs or develop healing medicines. How many diseases have been conquered? How many today are working on cures for cancer, diabetes, and a myriad of other infirmities of mankind? I am old enough to remember the first polio shot. I remember the first heart transplant. Are those not gifts of healing. Notice that “the same God which worketh all in all.” All gifts of healing, regardless of who gets the credit, are gifts from God. Happy is the day when we all learn that simple lesson. Everything good comes from God. Everything evil comes from Satan. We are all provincial. We see our own back yard. The whole world is God’s domain. In the following Paul is speaking of the Church established by Christ.1 Corinthians 12:12-13For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.He is speaking of a church that is now teaching the gentiles. But let’s also step back and consider not just the Church Christ established but the entire world, for God is father of us all. We are one to him. His domain is the world, not just Christians. Every person born on this earth is a child of God. Read the following in that context.1 Corinthians 12:14-26For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.If it is true for the world, it is an even a greater burden among Christians to treat all as equal, not just other Christians. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
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