Are there seekers on this web site? I think there are because I have read some comments and such. Let me say that we as a church really need to be seeking, seeking the kingdom of heaven (in the New Testament, Mt 6:33) and seeking the Truth and understanding (wisdom in the Old Testament, Proverbs chapt. 8). These really are both the same. Finding His kingdom and finding understanding are the same thing, but it is a process and a test of a pure heart that is courageous enough to trust God and apply His word to ourselves and our world around us. As we take steps of faith seeking confirmations, the Holy Spirit will lead us into Truth and renew our minds. Obviously, “every word from the mouth of God” cannot pop into our minds instantly, so we as seekers must read and study the scriptures. We must write them on our heart and love the correction that the scripture brings (the conviction of the Holy Spirit). This is loving our Father in Heaven, for He has preserved His Truth for us, and He has provided a reason for us to love Him. He gave His son for our forgiveness and ignorance. “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus laid down His life because He truly loved us. Now we have reason to love Him in return. “If you love me, you will obey my commands.”
Life is about Truth and love. We are not born with Truth and love, therefore we must seek it with all our heart, mind, and strength. He is faithful. All who seek, find, but be repentant, pure in heart, and courageous “good soil,” because the devil wishes to hold you back, confuse you, and give you doubt. Even well intentioned friends may mislead, but we can be Berean and search the scriptures when people we love and trust say things that don’t quite register right. Truth and love, they are why we were created and they are life. “I am the way, the Truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” These verses are off the top ovf my head, so I don’t know the chapter and verse numbers. Once again, life is about God’s Truth and love. Choose life, choose Truth.
On this forum thread, I’d like to share my understanding of the Scriptures. The scriptures are simple to me and I am confident in my faith and understanding. I say this because I want to point out that this is where we all need to go. The Scriptures empower each individual according to their own faith and understanding. I do not empower people with Truth. The Truth was written before I was born, therefore the Truth, God, empowers you. I am not insecure because I hunger and thirst for righteousness and Truth, just like you, right? I desire corrections to my errors in this thread. We must “iron sharpens iron.” Please correct me and ask questions. It can be fun encouraging one another as we honestly seek confirmations. Perhaps I can confirm your “unsure” understanding, you can do the same for me.
It is essential that every believer read the entire Bible. Only then, can the Truth come together in simplicity and completely, light bulbs will literally come on in your head when Jesus (His kingdom) rises in your heart, 2Pe 1:19. On this thread, I will start from the beginning, but also refer to other parts of the Bible because scripture confirms scripture. Note: How many people in your church have read the entire Bible? How many have taken “scary” steps of faith seeking confirmations? You see, this is what our churches are missing. They are missing a complete and simple understanding, and they are missing a lot of love in action which is where the joy of the Lord is found.Love in action can at times require steadfast boldness in speaking and defending the Truth about love, virtue, wisdom, justice, and mercy. God is love, and sometimes love requires rebukes (If you love someone who is in error, you will correct them, kindly and firmly). Some people in the family of God are soldiers (warriors) with the gifts of the Spirit to stand. I am one of them, but others may be peacemakers, healers, prophets, teachers, encouragers, and with other needed gifts. So, some of my posts may be taken as harshness, but Truly, it is born out of love for the Truth and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that Jesus was very harsh at times, too. Especially with the “know it all” Pharasees. The Truth is good news, though. Jesus came to save, not condemn. The world was condemned under sin before He got here. He wouldn’t condemn it again and leave, would he? The Truth will set you free!!!!! Free to love and free to stand and teach the Truth correctly.
I really want to bring God’s Truth into simplicity, and let the Holy Spirit confirm it to your heart. I hope others will respond and add to this thread. It will be good.From the beginning in Genesis, I will add comments and application to our reality today. I do have a gift of sarcasm, so please don’t take offense. Just giving fair warning. Now, the reason I am doing this is because I read some posts from a guy who is struggling. He seemed to be really turning things over in his mind, without making much progress. I simply want to help. That is what brothers are for!
Until the next post, may God draw near to you! He certainly will, if you draw near to Him.
Blessings…
James says
Thank you for the encouragement an d please pass on to others
Tammy says
Hi. I just found this site tonight, and (I admit) I was a bit excited to see ones who are looking to be taught by the Holy Spirit, rather than by men. Let me explain why…
I had been on a “Christian” forum for a long while, and, towards the end, I got extremely frustrated at all the denominations arguing their beliefs, and tearing one another down. Finally one day, I shut the computer off, and began to cry. I started praying to God and asking Him “Why??” If there is only ONE Truth, why are there 3000+ denominations and splinters of denominations, all claiming to be “right” and follow the bible, but all believe very different things? So I made a promise to God that I would reject every man-made belief, thought, tradition, and idea I had, if only He would show me HIS Truth, His understanding, His knowledge, and His way. It was terrifying. The only foundation I had was laid by men, and it was about to be destroyed. I felt like I was jumping off a cliff with no safety harness. Then I remembered the promises of God, and jumped. God began building a new foundation under me…one not built on sand. I think He overestimated me though O.o He began showing me so much in such a short amount of time that my head felt like a snow globe. Nothing would settle long enough for me to make sense of it. I literally had to put my bible down, and stop thinking for almost 2 weeks. When I finally felt steadier, I opened my bible, asked God to begin, and the scriptures came to life. I began reading the “same ol, same ol” verses, and couldn’t believe what had happened. Nothing I *knew* was there…they had taken on a whole new meaning. I was understanding them in a way that I had *never* been taught by man! Now, I know to test the spirits, and to let the bible “interpret itself” by comparing scriptures…but it wasn’t just the letter I was comparing now, it was also the spirit. You have touched on several things that I would like to talk with you about, but, to tell the truth, I’m a bit leery. I have been banned from chatrooms, ridiculed in forums, and “unfriended” on social sites for what I’ve tried to share. Let me share a few scriptures that (I believe) are examples of what has been going on…
Matthew 13:44
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
I sold (rejected) my man-made beliefs in order to obtain (buy)that treasure hid in a field.
Luke 18:20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Revelation 3:15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Jesus obviously wasn’t talking about worldly riches in Revelation, He was talking about true “knowledge” and “understanding”…wisdom. In both Luke and Revelaton, Jesus said to sell all (reject) worldly riches…that they were worthless…and I believe that means man-made understandings and teachings. Only by rejecting the man-made can we obtain (buy) the riches the Holy Spirit has to offer. The young rich man thought he was rich in godliness since he had kept all the commandments, but those commandments had been taught by men…Pharisees. They didn’t have the spirit to understand, so they were unable to make anyone else truely understand the scriptures. They were poor in Jesus eyes when they thought they were rich. It’s the same in churches today. Try to tell anyone something new, and they say “My church doesn’t teach that.” They think they are rich and don’t need anything else, when in actuality, they are as poor as church mice.
So, before I get into anything the Spirit of God has shown me, tell me if you are willing to learn something you have probably never been taught by men. I’ve learned not to cast pearls before swine, so I *really* hope you will receive what I have to share 🙂 What I have doesn’t contradict scripture, it only contradicts mans understanding of them. It also clears up a couple of seeming “contradictions” found in Pauls writings 🙂
Blessings to you, and may God keep us all strong and passionate about His Truth.
admin says
Tammy,
It was refreshing o hear your post and I am in agreement with you in seeking the spiritual motives behind the scenes before you cast your pearls among the swine. Many people never learn how to develop their senses as we are taught in Hebrews 5:14 due to the effort that is required to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
There was a recent post that the Lord placed in my spirit that I believe you can relate with titled “Bullies Use Their Fears To Feed Their Weakness” here is the link https://www.balancedlifeministry.org/2010/12/4139-4139
The reason man has restricted the spirit of God in the church and caused divisions within the body is simply due to their own lack of understanding in the Word of God. Like the Pharisees we have modern day intellects who restrict the spirit of God to maintain their control and to maintain their cash flow.
What were the two main commandments that Jesus shared with the Pharisees? 1. Love thy Father with all thy heart mind and soul 2. Love thy neighbor as thyself. And then when the Pharisees asked what about all the other commandments what did He say? “If you (truly) love thy Father then you will want to obey His commands.”
Many people don’t love because they don’t know how to love. For why would I want to hurt my wife if I truly love her? I don’t need someone to tell me how to treat my wife because God’s Word not only teaches me how to keep my marriage alive but it also teaches me to be alert to the evil ones opposition.
This same principle of obedience in love can be applied to my children and is most of all applied in my relationship with my Father in Heaven through the love of Jesus Christ. For why would I ever want to do something that would intentionally hurt the ones that I love and especially our Father in Heaven?
Jesus says “If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15
Now here is the interesting part of this message in obedience. As we are being transformed in the Spirit of God it is wise to understand in the love of Christ that some seekers may eat meat and some may not. It is not our place to force our ways upon another but to allow the love of God to develop each individual into who He wants them to be in this freedom that we have been given.
I seek the unity in the body with a peace beyond all understanding. I was once in the dark and now I am in the light. The Lord has touched me and my life will never be the same…James Harrison
PS: Be sure to check out the link posted above and I believe you will find several messages here what you are looking for…
Russ Hinds says
Tammy,
Your post is refreshing. I can relate. You speak/write well. I’d be happy to bounce stuff back and forth. We could only strengthen each other, as I see what you see. Praise God for Him bringing us and others out of the mainstream church nonsense.
I have been trying to break through to family, friends, and neighbors, but my methods may be a little strong. I like your strength and courage, too. Boy, that is refreshing.
God is love, but love without virtue, wisdom, justice, mercy and courage is not love. Our churches need more love, surely the love of God and His Truth.
Blessings,
Russ
David Forsyth says
Words of our Lord
Joh 3:14-21 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.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Luk 12:51-53 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
James says
Brother I am a seeker that is willing to dig for gold. The gold I seek is in the Truth of God which comes through the Holy Spirit. As many men once left their homes and even their families in the gold rush I have layed it all down in a step of faith of the treasures in the Word of God instead of trying to fill a void with the world that could never be filled.
I would love to hear what the Lord places in your spirit to share. God Bless and may the Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven….
Russ says
Thanks, gentlemen, for the responses.
Let me point out that I place great emphasis on Mt. 10:7, As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ AND: Mt 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Obviously, we are not born with the kingdom of heaven already within us, Lk 17:21NIV. We must seek it out. In my case, I did not have a father who guided me into His kingdom. My grandfather did not equip my father to guide me, and I don’t know my great grandfather, but obviously he fell short, too. This is a difficult hurdle for modern church goers to get over, because they have grown up believing they are Christians when in fact our churches have not been discipling into the kingdom of heaven/God. Modern Christianity is comfortable in “normal,” when in fact “normal” may be a Laodocian church, or an infant church that doesn’t know how to teach simple Truth, love Truth, stand for Truth, and do the Truth while loving one another. Today’s church is mostly a routine and a social club among the prominent members.
But the Good News is the kingdom of heaven is near, and it can be found. It is a kingdom born of the Spirit. God is love and His Spirit leads us into the Truth about love, virtue, wisdom, justice, mercy, and His forgiveness. Look around. Name the friends you have who love virtue, wisdom, justice, mercy, and have the courage to speak the Truth and stand on what they speak.This is pretty serious stuff when we consider that God’s word is life. We really do miss out on life and joy and love between family friends and neighbors when we fail to find His kingdom and and share it with our loved ones. We may even miss out on a second life, the eternal life with our King. Besides, in this increasingly debauched and ignorant world, where else can we go for wisdom, Truth, and love, but to God and His word?
I place great emphasis on Truth, too. God’s word is Truth and they are spirit, Jn 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Be born of the spirit, born of the word of God. If you want to be filled with the spirit, love God and fill yourself with His word. That is “born of the spirit.” Upon truly humble repentance, a fallen man or woman is baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is visable by the outward honest expression of sorrow and conviction of the sinner. The Holy Spirit has revealed the guilt to the heart of a repentant individual, but that is just the beginning. The new believer must allow the Holy Spirit to convict him and just go with the flow of tears. Shortly after, sometimes days after, the Holy Spirit bring forgiveness to the heart and puts the sins and guilt in the past, as far away as the east is from the west. Now, the new believer with a noble heart gets a hunger and thirst for righteousnes and Truth, and for understanding, wisdom and love. Lk 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. With that seeking and hunger for Truth, I can now begin in Genesis.
Here, I may provoke some discussion, but let’s identify one of the biggest common errors of mainstream Christianity. In Genesis we find that Adam was created in the “image” of God. God’s “image” is Truth and love. With that comes wisdom and knowledge. Adam knew how to tend the Garden and how to speak. He even invented names for the animals in the Garden. Adam was righteous, and God blesses the hands of the righteous. Surely Adam had the abilites to do many things, even to invent writing and numbers. God’s “image” is creative, and among all God’s creation, only man is creative, too.
In God’s image, Adam knew the Truth. Adam even knew the consequences of evil, disobedience, Ge 2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”
Adam was created in God’s image, but ALL MEN ARE NOT CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE! This is a common stupid error among mainstream Christianity. All men are born in the flesh, SINNERS COMPLETELY IGNORANT OF GOD’S IMAGE. That is why He has given us a way to be born again by the renewing of our mind into the Truth of God and the renewing of our hearts into the love of God.
Let us not believe stupid errors. After we are born of the Spirit and Jesus has risen in our hearts, 2Pe 1:19, then we are told to go and make friends, I mean disciples, born of the Spirit, too, Mt 28:19,20.
All men are God’s creation, but He has given all men a free will to choose life or death, wisdom or ignorance, lies or Truth. As Christians we need to see this. We need to get the discernment to see those who do not love or know God, and those who do love and know God. How else are we going to encourage, teach, love, and rebuke? If all men are created in God’s image, why would we need to go and make disciples?
From this perspective, we can follow the Truth through the Bible. Those who cared about the Truth and those who did not care. Next, comes the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, but I’ll wait for any comments on the above.
Iron sharpens iron…
God bless, and give us faith and understanding.
David Forsyth says
certainly I am no expert here – but are you saying that only Adam was created in God’s image?
After the flood at the time of Noah – Gen 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
I do agree with many of your points.
Russ says
Yes, I am saying that all men after the fall are born sinful in a sinful world.
You got ahead of me when you mentioned Gen. 9:6. I will go this far in pointing out that Noah had been given the Truth (the image of God) by his father, and Noah was also one who cared enough about the Truth to proclaim it, even while being ridiculed and scoffed at by men who care NOT about the Truth and whose minds were given over to evil thoughts all the time.
Gen 8:21. Imaginations tend to leave reality. Notice that and Adam and Eve “imagined” that they “would not surely die” after believing the lie, and that eating the fruit would make them wise. So, the cure is to NOT LEAVE THE TRUTH AND DELUDE OURSELVES WITH ERRORS OF IMAGINATIONS. Obviously, too much of that is going on today, even in our churches.
Simply put, the Bible brings us back to Truth and reality, giving us sound minds and clear vision to pass on love and Truth to our offspring. No errors and delusions… PLEASE. It is that simple. The Truth reveals things that are uncomfortable to believe. Example: My sons were raised in shack-ups and bars and the government schools. They do not know God’s Truth, nor do they have a love for His Truth. This makes me very uncomfortable. I don’t like believing it, but I have the courage to believe it, a noble honest heart. Also, many people in government have delusions of the government being able to bring on utopia. It won’t. Government actually enables and rewards irresponsibilty and ignorance with welfare, free rent, and free healthcare, and free abortions. It takes away the natural consequences, thus few people find a need to repent and seek the kingdom of heaven/God. Actually, welfare, free rent, free government schools, etc raise up people who are hostile to Christianity. They do not want anyone telling them that they are lazy, ignorant, and immoral. Too many grow up seriously hating the truth and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. BEWARE…. we have the enemies of the Truth all around us. You cannot deny it, unless you prefer delusions….
Russ Hinds says
i believe most what you said can be backed up by scripture – i’m struggling the thought of being born in sin – the law (God’s) defines sin – newborns have not sinned yet – yes I am familiar with Psalms (David) Psa 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. I’m studying. Thanks I’m familiar with the doctine of original sin.
David Forsyth says
Mat 18:3 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
admin says
There are two parts that of being a child that we tend to move away from as we mature in age. 1. Judgemental 2. Humble to learn / A child shows no partiality and is always eager to receive in love…
Russ Hinds says
Quote: “i believe most what you said can be backed up by scripture – i’m struggling the thought of being born in sin”
I clear it up in my mind by simply believing that babies are born innocent, BUT IGNORANT of truth and love. From there, their minds grow according to what their parents, teachers, peers, and culture teaches them. (But we are told to “seek” His kingdom)
The thing is, God’s word defines love. Mankind invents his own version of love, excusing sin, justifying retribution, etc. Primative tribes grow up believing superstitions– because their fathers failed to pass on Truth and love. Christians are supposed to bring Truth and love to the world, making wise families, friends, and neighbors, full in understanding the definitions of virtue, justice, wisdom, and mercy…and caring about God’s laws and actually caring about our neighbors, with courage to stand together against evil and injustice.
See anything our mainstream churches are missing, yet? Where is the courage to stand, to stick you neck out for wisdom and passing on wisdom to children? Does your heart ache for the kids who pierce their bodies and dye their hair blue, smoking that whatever? Where are the fathers?Why don’t the shepherds warn and equip fathers?
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man tro fish, feed him for a lifetime.
—————————————————————————————————
QUOTE: Mat 18:3 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Children are innocent, and they are humble, willing to be corrected by their loving parents whom they trust and love.
Jesus’s foregiveness brings back the childlike innocence, and we are then humble and ready to allow our Father in heaven to correct us via the word He has preserved for us. We ought to trust and love our Father in heaven like a child. Then we go through a middle ground between darkness and light. Our minds are being renewed and if we are “good soil” we mature and produce a crop. It is obviously dangerous to get stuck in the middle ground, remaining “infant.” 1Cor 3:1-3. Too much quarreling out there from my vantage point.
David Forsyth says
agreed – thanks – we must warn of danger – and teach the fear and love of God – to only teach one facet about Him is falsehood
Russ Hinds says
Hey David,
You have provoked some more reflection on my part. I have observed that my words may not be adequate here: “Yes, I am saying that all men after the fall are born sinful in a sinful world.”
Ps 58:3 is a good verse to consider along with using the rest of scripture to reveal a better understanding.
Babies are born innocent, but as soon as they leave the womb, they become self aware. This leads to desiring self satisfaction. A child left to himself will quickly become obsessed with his own desires, you know, the sinful heart (the doctrine of original sin). But a child raised in love of God and Truth can resist those temptations with wisdom and Truth.
Also, notice that Paul has crucified the sinful “self” on the cross of Jesus, Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Now since Paul has died to self,” Paul’s satisfaction comes from serving God, and serving brothers and sisters in Christ. A servant of God may become blessed with riches, perhaps a shoe factory. If this servant of God used his wealth and wisdom to teach, train, and encourage his employees in both their work skills and their spiritual health toward the kingdom of God, then that man’s heart (cup) ought to run over with joy. But a wicked servant might be afraid to teach the kingdom of God. He might bury his talent in the ground, Mt 25:24,25.
I know, I am a bit idealistic, but I believe that is the Truth.
Blessings
admin says
What many people have been missing in this dark world is the lack of understanding that comes in the Word of God due to the ways of man misguiding the people. The seed that is within us is to be nourished and watered daily in order for the spiritual man to develop to the point that we recognize the spiritual being over the physical being.
When we come to this point as you have in your walk with the Lord this relates with what Jesus teaches us to live in this world but not be of this world. As Paul stated we are not from here as an alien that does not belong.
It sounds to me that God has given you a deep passion to teach with a great gift of writing and before you begin to unload be sure to recognize the time and place that this is taking place in order to insure that God has you planted in where you are to be. I only say this to you to insure the steps that you take are the most effective in the order of God to accomplish His mission that He has given you to share.
Personally I am enjoying everything that you are writing and if you feel led to go this in depth with your writings then I am with you in going there with you as well.
There is a deep seasoning that is stirring the spirits of many in this time period and in this period of what is to come it is neccesary for us to be on one accord in the obedience of God. The Tree of Knowledge that you speak of is a tree that never stops growing and that produces great fruit, from great seeds that grow in the fertile soil with God.
Russ Hinds says
Adam and Eve loved each other because God is love,1Jn 4:8. It is a good idea to picture in our mind’s eye just HOW this love manifested itself between Adam and Eve. There was no sin to destroy trust. Both knew God and obeyed God, the Truth. There was joy in helping one another. There was a bright outlook on the future, WOW, they were in the Garden of Eden. God provided the necessities and the blessings. Of course He did, because Adam knew God and Adam “DID” love, as in faith without works is dead. Adam knew how to love according to God’s laws and Truth. No guilt and shame was present before the fall, because if you are not sinning, there is no guilt conviction of the Holy Spirit. Understanding and encouragement must have been shared between Adam and Eve as they learned to subdue the earth and tend the garden and prepare their meals, etc.
Then, OOPS! They believed an error and did what they were not supposed to do. Shame came over them and they tried to cover themselves up.
If you read a book that precisely told you how to build an airplane, would you say that you do KNOW how to build an airplane on your resume’? I wouldn’t. I would experience building an airplane first, then I would be able to say that I have the KNOWLEDGE to build an airplane on my resume’. Understanding this definition of “knowledge,” we can now say, the “Tree of Knowledge (experience) of Good and Evil.” Doesn’t that make sense today? Aren’t we experiencing good and evil, today? I know I prefer good, and love, and friends, and wise family who know how to avoid evil and strongly desire to avoid it! Before the fall, we had no way to “experience” evil because no one was sinning. Wouldn’t that be great!
Adam and Eve knew the Truth before the fall, during the fall, and after the fall. After the fall, God spoke to Adam and Eve and told them how it would be. He said that death has entered the world and He clothed Adam and Eve in lamb skin. The sacrifice of a lamb covered the sin of Adam and Eve and it foreshadowed the coming “lamb of God.” Just as Adam and Eve had a choice to believe, so do all of their posterity, us. Love didn’t create robots, and God doesn’t want to fellowship with people by force. He will not force you to seek Him and obey Him. You must choose to do this yourself, and God has provided the right reason to love “love,” righteouness, wisdom, Truth, and justice. “It is finished.” It really is finished, God’s redemption is fully provided, but mankind fails to see it.
The “serpent” in the tree… I have not spoken to a serpent, nor have I shaken hands with a red man who has horns and an arrow tipped tail. The Bible says that the devil exists and that he may take the form of a serpent and I believe that, but I have found that I am my own worst enemy. I can think some pretty bad things in my mind. I can invent all kinds imaginations which might convince me to “eat fruit of the wrong tree.” Sometimes thoughts just pop in my head. “Did you do that Satan? Where are you? Come out and show yourself like a man.” Satan must be a cowering wimp. He won’t show himself to me.
Satan is the father of lies, and mankind invents lies. Lies and error leads away from Truth. “We have a big problem here, Houston! To many people believe error, without seeking the Truth for themselves,” Mt 6:33. And there are too many decievers out there who think they know the Truth. Too many people are led into error. Wake up the shepherds! Equip them, and give them black robes like the preachers in George Washington’s day!
Adam and Eve believed the lie, wherever it came from, and they imagined that they would be like God, able to decide for themselves what was right and wrong.
Who are you going to believe? The Truth or the imaginations of men? Do you know the Truth, Jn 8:31,32? Understand it? Do it?
God is love. Love God first and He will teach how to love family friends and neighbors in the Truth that He has preserved for us. Shall I not tell my prodigal son the Truth before he takes off into the world? Should I be afraid of offending my prodigal son? Would not telling him be love? No, it wouldn’t. God is love, but love without our Creator’s definitions of virtue, wisdom, justice, mercy, and courage is not love.
Okay, any comments? Thanks for the comments so far. I hope others are willing to participate. Next is Cain and Abel and Seth…
admin says
The Truth requires obedience to our Father in Heaven and since the beginning of time men have allowed themselves to be weak in the Word. This curse that fell upon us from this disobedience is a very wise message to learn and apply to todays time.
I don’t understand why we make this so complicated when all we have to do is obey…
Russ Hinds says
Amen, brother! It is not complicated, but the wandering distracted minds of men make it complicated.
Let’s examine reasons why men fail to obey. Obviously, since we are not born with Truth and love, we don’t know the Truth well enough to obey it. Also, we don’t understand the seriousness of the Truth and the tragic results of disregarding it. Basically, many people simply haven’t made up their mind firmly. In the case of infant Christians, too often they haven’t been seeking and haven’t been taught, and they haven’t firmly made up their mind. Along this line, my experience is that I made up my mind. I firmly realized that “right” and “wrong” exist. I certainly knew that wrong (sin) existed because I didn’t like the results of sin. Sin hurts, whether it is my own stupidity or someone else sinning against me. With the Bible I knew that God was the Author of right and wrong and He had good reasons for teaching me what right and wrong are. SO THAT I COULD AVOID HURTING MYSELF AND OTHERS! At this time of revelation to my heart, there were News stories about a state university providing health care coverage to same sex couples in order to attract talent. I thought, “Don’t Christians have talent? Why do gays have more talent?” The answer came to me, “Christians are wishy-washy, inhibited, and unsure of themselves. They have little confidence because they have not firmly committed to the Truth and understanding of the Truth. Gays have firmly committed to their lifestyle, they have CHOSEN firmly to do what they want to do without inhibitions, and certainly without the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If Christians would commit to the Truth, at least as strongly as gays commit to disregarding the Truth, I bet there would be all kinds of talented Christians. Gays love their sin, while Christians fall short of loving and seeking God.”
Good and evil exist, just as firmly as the rocks in your driveway exist. GOD IS REAL! HE WROTE THE RULES. Man didn’t write the Laws of Nature, our Creator did.
Love and hate exist. God is love and He can dwell in your heart and increase your love for the Truth, if you seek it and seek understanding. If you love God, you will seek it, therefore another reason why people COMPLICATE simple obedience is; they lack love for God, and they resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit, Ac 7:51. “If you love me you will seek me and find me and obey my commands,” says the Lord. And He will come and dwell within you, and sup with you, and give you strength.
We are to love good and hate evil. Am 5:15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant.
But Christians are not taught and they are not seeking and they are not commited firmly in their minds and heart.
The middle between darkness and light is dangerous. Infant Christians are in danger and they are dangerous. Christians stuck in infancy mislead people, and it may be better for them if they had a millstone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea, Mk 9:42 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. ….eh-hmmm….
Sorry… that was some hard Truth. It just came out… what should I do? Delete it? I don’t want to scare people off… I don’t want to mislead anyone… We just need to uncomplicate things and make up our minds… otherwise us infants may be doing this, Ro 2:24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the unbelievers because of you.”
Geeze… I hope I am not digging a hole for myself here… but our churches and fathers and mothers need to wake up and seek the joy of the Lord through knowledge, wisdom, and obedience. Obeying God is a good thing. Loving is a good thing. Wisdom is a good thing… Love doesn’t hurt, sin hurts! God is love.
These next two verses are very good, too.
Mal 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Jn 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
God exists, right and wrong exist, love exists
but we must make up our mind, firmly, and seek Him. “Seek and you will find” you of noble and pure hearts…
May God increase our understanding and give us friends of one mind, firmly in the Truth.
God bless, and give you peace and understanding. He is faithful and just…
admin says
As Jesus spoke with the Pharisees when they asked which is the greater of the commandments,” Love thy Father with all thy heart, all thy mind and all thy soul. Then love thy neighbor as thyself.” The interesting part of the next question was that Pharisees asking,”What about all the other commandments in the Word of God” and Jesus said,” If you truly love thy Father you will want to obey the other commands.”
For I want my walk closer with thee and there is no moving from what I know is simply right and wrong by God….
Russ Hinds says
A new reality came to Adam and Eve. Life became a lot tougher, having to deal with evil, lies, and error. The ground produced weeds for Adam. It was a sweaty difficult endeavor to feed himself and his family. Eve endured painful birthing of children. Naturally, Eve became the weaker sex, drawn to her husband for love, protection, and guidance. She was a helper, not a slave, and also not the leader of the family. Adam was to be the provider, protector, and wise loving teacher. Remember, Adam knew the Truth, and so did Eve. They helped one another fulfill the role God had given them. Today, the problem is; most men and women don’t know the Truth. Due to the fall in the Garden men have forgotten the Truth and failed to do the Truth, passing it on to their offspring. Due to the fall, men are separated from the Truth, God (True love). According to the New Testament, we are to seek it (seek first His kingdom) and seek understanding, both men and women, in order to not be unequally yoked. Jn 8:31,32
Adam passed on the Truth to his sons, and Able cared about it enough to obey it, while Cain imagined that his “sacrifice” of grain would suffice for the covenental sacrifice of an unblemished lamb. Cains heart may have been “emotionally” in the right place in giving the best of the fruits of his labor to God, but his effort was in error and inadequate, and God rejected Cain’s offering. What did Cain do? He let his emotions rule over the Truth even further, Cain became jealous and angry towards his brother while disregarding the Truth of God. A battle began to take place in Cain’s heart, and God warned Cain that sin is crouching at the door to his heart, but Cain must master it. Ge 4:7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
Let us now understand that “liberalism” is based in emotions. The conviction of the Holy Spirit hurts people’s feelings, therefore many liberals dislike the conviction of God’s Truth. They seek out other people who will sympathize and excuse their wrong behavior. Even sinners “love” one another, except their “love” falls short of loving God and His Truth. Sinners tend to pat each other on the back for their worldly wisdom, too. But the Truth blows worldly wisdom out of the water! Lk 21:15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Cain didn’t master the sin that was crouching at the door. Cain limitted his own view of reality. His view became self-centered because he was disregarding God’s Truth, thus Cain did not have a God centered and Truth centered and reality centered view. In this deluded state of mind, Cain took wrong action and killed his brother Able. Cain’s freewill choices did a lot of damage and caused a lot of grief! Cain did not love his brother, nor did he love God. Cain was living a life without a conscience and without shame. He still knew the Truth that Adam taught him, but a loveless heart disregarded it, even resented it, as demonstrated by Cain’s arrogance, “What? Am I my brothers keeper?” And notice how Cain still felt sorry for himself, Ge 4:14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Such is the mind of a man who is separated from God and His Truth. Emotions and self pity rule his heart and he will use all kinds of deception to get you to feel sorry for him and believe error. Also, an emotionally sick man apart from the Truth will decieve others in order to get their worship and love. Only the Truth written on our heart guided by the Holy Spirit can overcome and see through the slippery lies and error. Love God first… seek first… obey God first…
Another son was born to Adam and Eve. Seth and his descendents were the ones who God used to preserve the Truth for mankind. They were the ones who picked up the Truth and passed it on to others who cared to follow the Truth and live rightly according to the Truth. Ge 4:26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on (proclaim) the name (the image, the character, the Truth) of the LORD. Eventually, men’s hearts turned further from the Truth until Noah’s family were the last people on earth who gave a care about the Truth and obeying it and teaching it to their offspring. I read a fascinating study of the geneology from Adam to Noah. It included the overlapping lifespans of these fathers. If I recall right, Noah’s grandfather Methuselah lived while Adam was still alive. Perhaps they knew each other. According to this study, Methuselah died in the year of the flood.
Next, comes Noah to Abraham. Follow the Truth and those who retaind a love and understanding of it and one another. It is fascinating to me…
admin says
This lesson that comes from Cain and Abel would be described in todays intellectual world of possibly being bipolar or his actions would have been justified due to the rejection of his father and the state of depression that Cain was in.
I love this lesson in what God teaches with Cain in how to recognize something that is of Satan that can build in us unless we know how to subdue it before it destroys us. Do you think Saul practiced this lesson? How about Haman or the King that beheaded John the Baptist? do you think that president Clinton would have liked to subdue his beast before Monica took over? Or, what about Hitler who allowed Satan to spiritually rise in him to the point as Haman that eventually destroyed themselves as well? It is a proven fact that when we allow our emotions to be guided spiritually by Satan without the understanding in the Word of God then we will be the ones that hang ourselves on the pole that we allow Satan to raise. Emotional highs are very dangerous without the self discipline of God…
This simple but crucial lesson with Cain and Abel teaches us to be aware of our emotions to insure the steps that we take. As you stated the Truth was to be passed from one generation to the next and as we go further in the Holy Bible we will see the downfall of society and cities that become complacent to the Word in drifting away from the Word of God.
Once this drift takes place God allows us to go so far until we recognize where we have gone wrong. Unfortunately, but understandable when we drift from our Father in Heaven there are always hardships to come before the return….
Russ Hinds says
Hey James,
Your post here provokes some discussion. We need to practice our discernment and insight through discussion and “iron sharpens iron.” This is what helps cement understanding and faith in our minds. Notice little things about Jewish customs in and out of the synagogue; first Moses tells us to speak of the word as we walk along the road and as we eat our meals. Then there is mention of the men of the city gathering in the square to fellowship and discuss wisdom, business, etc. Then in the synagogue men in the audience were called upon to read scripture. Then in the first churches, men in the audience stood up to prophecy… See how we need to participate and interact and encourage and exhort? Seems we are missing a LOT, and I mean A LOT of that today. America’s churches are stuck in traditions of “normal” while our children are sent to government schools for an education that is hostile to Christianity. Each new generation gets further and further from the Truth, and ask yourself this question, “What would happen to me if I stood up in your church following a sermon and iterated this paragraph?” How many and who would object? Would the objecters have me thrown out, or would there be a division between the objecters and the few who agreed with me? We need to get out of the comfort seeking box in our churches a stimulate some powerful discussion and understanding of the Truth. At least a serious iron shaprens iron round table class should be offered in every church for men and women seeking to grow their faith, understanding, and unity.
Hmmm… I got a little distracted because I was intending to address this sentence of yours:
QUOTE: “This lesson that comes from Cain and Abel would be described in todays intellectual world of possibly being bipolar or his actions would have been justified due to the rejection of his father and the state of depression that Cain was in.”
The “intelectual world” of our day lacks scripture and understanding founded on virtue, justice, wisdom, and love your neighbor in virtue, justice, and wisdom. Truly Christianity has been removed from education in America from top to bottom. A wise Biblically intellectual man ought to be able to skewer the nonsense pumped into the minds of scholars coming out of our higher education today. That is what the Truth is for! The adversary (overeducated idiots) has laid himself wide open to be exposed and humiliated… The sword of Truth is powerful! Just mention virtue and ethics to a professor of Darwin and Marx and watch his anger boil or his eyes glaze over… These guys will look at every silly thing they can imagine, EXCEPT THE RIGHT THING, THE TRUTH. They are educated beyond their inteligence. “Bipolar,” what the he** is that, anyway? Two lies in the head of an individual fighting against each other? LOL
“Do you think Saul practiced this lesson?”
King Saul had such a battle in his head that it gave him migraines… He worried a lot, he was under conviction, Samual had corrected and convicted him, yet his ego prevented earnest honest contrite repentance…
Notice Haman’s ego. Pride in self without humilty to the Truth and reality…
Herod had an ego, too. He didn’t hunger and thirst for righteousness and Truth. He hated Truth enough to behead John the Baptist…
President Clinton was misguided, too. He sought self satisfaction at the expense of others. SInce Clinton was in a position of power, will he be held accountable for NOT GENTLY GUIDING MONICA BACK INTO COMMON DECENCY AND REALITY OF VIRTUE? Wouldn’t teaching and helping Monica be the loving thing to do? No love in Clinton’s heart either! God is love.
Hitler believed the lies of Satan, too. The lies went to his head where they erased his conscience and led him to murder, genocide, and destruction. Lies are powerful. They cause evil when people believe them.
When I look around at all the evil in this nation and abroad, I am aghast! And it seems our churches are incapable of stemming the evil. I know the simple answer, and I am frustrated that I can’t get it out. My frustration is so bad that I cuss at the TV when those “Save the Children” commercials come on. “Where the he** are the fathers? Shouldn’t the fathers be taking care of their children? Are these charity organizations teaching the children whom they are “helping” how to be wise responsible loving parents, or are their children going to be in “Save the Children” commercials, too?”
Jesus brought a F(f)ather’s love to mankind… and wisdom, and courage, and justice, and strength, and hope in doing and obeying God….united in a church with other wise, loving competent fathers and mothers…
Truth is, I can’t find any fathers who think like I do in the churches I have attended in my town. Truth is, my forthrightness and confidence scares men off. Would you believe that they can’t stand it when I criticize sending children to government schools to be exposed to nonsense, Darwinism, Marxism, submission to the authority of man and state, and unchurched peer presure into sex, drugs, and other debauchery? For some reason, I keep pushing people’s buttons and they retaliate rather than consider the Truth. Must be that “ego” critter…
Cain’s ego got poked and he retaliated…
admin says
The part that we have to remember is the commission of Jesus in telling us to be wise as serpents and gentle as a dove. For if we strike then how will others learn to listen? It is very easy to become aggravated and impatient with those in the church that have been there for years and this is what Paul was speaking on in Hebrews in saying that you been here so long that you should be teaching instead of still drinking milk.
The part about teaching has been lost due to our sinful nature and the timelines that the world has placed in our society. Satan has done a very good job at speeding everyone up to the point that they lose touch and forget the purpose in time.
FYI: The Lord told me just over 2 years ago to plant myself in a Baptist church and through all my aggravations in the limited life that was being shown and the lack of passion in the church now the Lord has given me a class in just what you are speaking of the round table. In fact I am not a deacon nor a leader in the church but just a teacher that rebukes the leadership in love and teaches the leadership how to trust in God instead of taking matters into our own hands. The Lord staged this so beautifully in this prominent wealthy church that was diversed with hometown people and with the out of towners that had plenty of wealth. If it had not have been for my in laws and the respect for my father in law within the church this mission would have never took place because the pastor did not want to lose my father in laws support.
In rebuking a pastor that was full of pride and holding my ground we have both learned to trust in God and see His hand at work. There is a complete transition that is taking place in our church now with order and respect for the authority that God has in place. I feel as David with Saul. Could you imagine Davids anguish when he knew the promise but had to learn how to wait on God to bring it all together.
Sorry for the rattle on, but I want you to hear me in this. When we learn to plant ourselves where God can use us and learn to act in the love of Christ with patience then God will bring down the walls that we before us, but until then we are only going to continue to walk in the wilderness. We must learn to be as wise as a serpent but gentle as a dove….This is not deception but spiritual warfare in order to prepare us for what is to come….
Russ Hinds says
Boy oh boy, James. This post of yours is one that strikes at my own battle in my mind. Do we take the Good News to people gently with the patience of 3 lifetimes, or do we take the Truth to people frankly and let the chips fall where they may? It is a tough battle and very hard to settle in my mind. Scripture goes both ways on it, too.
1Co 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
1Co 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
The above scriptures and others point to the need for kindness, gentleness, patience, and love. I wrestle with the fact this approach may have brought our society and churches to their present weak and fallen condition. I have a very sad story about the death of my cousin’s young daughter, by drug overdose. Was “patience” a factor? Was the lack of light and joy and Truth in our churches a factor? What if my cousin and daughter were offered an alternative to the abusive world? What if there was a bright, wholesome, happy church that truly loved and taught and stood firm with lovable family, friends, and neighbors seeking wisdom and life apart from the debauchery surrounding us?
I wrestle with it, because I know the kingdom of heaven can be found now, while we are alive, and it can be shared among family, friends in neighbors as that kingdom of love and wisdom rises in each individual’s heart, 2Pe 1:19.
I speak the Truth, and I have love, just as the verses above require. I speak the Truth in love, because I love the people without the Truth. I stood firm on the Truth in my stand before the courts because I love my sons, even my ex, and I love the millions of fathers and children who are thrown into overwhelming courts in divorces where fathers are innocent and do not want the divorce. Why do we allow courts and welfare reward sin and irresponsibility that destroys families?
I wrestle with this verse, too: Lev 19:17 “ ‘Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.
I have also noticed that the Bible contains more correcting and rebuking than it does patience with a desire not to offend.
How do we bring people home to the family of God?
Jn 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
God, the Father, is love and He is Truth, Jn 14:6. Therefore we can say, “No one can come to me unless LOVE AND TRUTH who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day
I have love, and I have Truth… I do the best I can, the rest is up to God and the freewill choices of men.
I pray for men who will seek Him, …if wise men will still seek Him.
admin says
The object in love is to picture a drip of water. If we do not water how can we expect to see if the plant will grow?
Think about it; In the beginning of time there was no rain but only a gentle mist with springs that fed the land. Then as time continued on the mist turned to rain and the further the people fell the harder the rains became.
Love starts out as a gentle mist where planted and then if the plant chooses to harden its heart as Pharoah then the storms of the Truth should be expected to become stronger in the winds of sin in this fallen world. We need to recall the message of God to Moses in speaking to the rock to insure that we do not strike the rock and this is how we can reach the other side.
The Truth comes softly before falling like rain and then if those don’t listen then it is our place to stand in love to help those that fall because we never know when someone might here God’s call…
I have learned to stand in the Truth and be firm with no waver or partiality to man and for this I am witnessing the hand of God at work in moving the people to fulfill His mission of bringing us back home in experiencing His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven…
Russ Hinds says
Before going from Noah to Abraham, let’s take a common sense look at how civilization progressed before the flood. Adam and Eve “had other sons and daughters,” Ge 5:4. It is interesting to see that the Bible even lists the descendents of Cain, Ge 4:16-24.
Ge 4:16 So Cain went out from the LORD’S presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
This verse suggests that Cain left the family of Adam, where the Lord and His Truth were still present and taught. In “Nod” Cain was the father of the population. Cain was an intelligent man, and he undoubtedly passed a great deal of his intelligence on to his offspring, because the Bible says that Cain’s descendents became skilled and talented in many things. Common sense would lead us to believe that others from Adam’s family would eventually go to Nod and live and help build cities. The population grows… I would assume that Cain’s civilization progresses quite haphazardly, with strife and crime and power struggles and haphazard education. There would arise the rich and the powerful and the poor and ignorant classes, depending on what competence and desire individual fathers had in teaching and raising their offspring. Since the people of Cain’s civilization did not care to love the Truth, lies and deception would rule. The rich and powerful would learn to manipulate and take advantage of the weak for their own comfort and power. Perhaps someone would invent a new god in order that the ignorant would serve that god,–which would, of course, enrich the inventors and leaders in that new “religion.” Nevertheless, Nod progresses…
The family (civilization) of Adam progresses, too. But here, the Truth of God is preached. The definitions of love, virtue, justice, wisdom, and mercy are taught and observed. Seth’s descendents played a role in proclaiming the Truth, and passing the Truth on to upcoming generations. Surely, this civilization prospers and progresses in a less haphazard way than Cain’s cities. Over the passage of time*, though, the number of those who served God wisely in understanding and obedience dwindled, thus leading up to Noah being the last of the servants of God and Truth.
Obviously, as the populations grew, contact between Cain’s descendents and Adam’s increased.
Ge 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
Mystery surrounds this “Nephilim” verse, but we can use common sense and the example of our own society to bring some understanding. I reject superstition and silly ideas of angels and demons mating with women to produce a “super-race.”
There is a lot that can be said here, for instance the ignorance, strife, and laziness prevelant in Cain’s cities might lead to malnutrition and a smaller stature of large segments of the population. But, as the sons in the cities of Adam left to go to Cain’s cities, they brought with them the Truth of God. It is well known that Truth can be used to manipulate and influence the emotions of men who are not wise loving servants of the living God. The injection of Truth and wisdom into a society that has no inhibitons about lying and believing and doing error would bring the tendency to create rulers of renown. Perhaps, a ruler in one of Cain’s cities might inspire (manipulate the emotions) his population to invade and plunder another city. Here, we would find heros in victory, whether it be success in plundering, or success in defense of cities.
Hmmm… This looks to me like the Nephilim are the first “political ruling class.” They use lies and Truth without conscience… They love power and control… They use propaganda… They keep the masses ignorant… They seek accolades, names on buildings, and Nobel Prizes… everything they do is meant to advance themselves and their own kingdom and conscience, “I’ll steal from the rich through taxes and use it to become a hero to the poor,” they say to themselves…
*”Over the passage of time.” Notice how much time passes as these cities grow. Notice that 200 years passes rather quickly… Now consider the U.S. is just over 230 years old. See how we have advanced? See how we have fallen? Notice the similarities? And notice the natural consequences of the “natural inclinations” of men who disregard the Truth?
Mt 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Mt 24:38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
Mt 24:39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
The people of Noah’s day were very intelligent. They knew a great deal of Truth, however they disregarded it and did not obey it. They married, they worked, they taught, they lived… yet there minds were absorbed in everything EXCEPT LOVING AND OBEYING THE TRUTH, the Truth of our Father in heaven. They lived in la-la land ignoring and scoffing at the reality of an upcoming flood that would wipe them off the face of the earth. They ridiculed Noah because they thought themselves higher than God. They thought they could live by their own rules, the made up rules of men…
230 years since America had a Black Robed Regiment, on a continent settled by pilgrim fathers seeking freedom to serve their God unmolested by the corrupt rulers in Europe. America started out with men seeking the Truth, it is falling now because Truth has been removed from the public square, even in the churches. Where are the pilgrim fathers? Where are the the wise shepherds? Where are the watchmen, and the Black Robed Regiment?
Organized religion worldwide has found its comfort zone and seeks to preserve it, just like the powerful Roman Catholic Church did in the Dark Ages. American government sees itself as all powerful and capable of controling the masses and bring on a socialist utopia, just like the kings in Europe during the dark ages… The only tool of man is the use of force. Force is not love. Force is blind… “Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” George Washington
We need to wake up and equip the fathers… Mal 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” Perhaps then God will do this… Ac 2:17 “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Ac 2:18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Love God first, and He will teach you how to love family, friends, and neighbors.
admin says
It is imperative to recognize this simple Truth; “Man can not handle power without the discipline of God.” It is a repetitive pattern in history when we look back at the downfalls of our homes our cities and our nations when we drift awy from God.
In breaking down the two different tribes of Cain and of Adam as you have this teaches us a future lesson that comes with God in teaching Abraham the importance of marrying with the same values and morals that are taught with God. For when we marry into other cultures with other beliefs then we are setting ourselves up for the weakness in man and setting the stage for complacency to come.
Here is the beautiful part that I so love in the Word of God and His promise and that is “All it takes is one man of faith to bring the blessings of God back into our homes that have been cursed and robbed by Satan.” If you recall what land did the Lord send Abraham to? Once this man of faith followed in obedience the Lord blessed the land by watering it with His Word…..
Your indepth discussion breaks this Truth down even further and lets recognize this Truth to allow God to prepare us for what is to come…
Russ Hinds says
Thanks James. I appreciate your input. Once again, I ‘d like to comment. Your statement about marrying people of different beliefs is correct. Truly, the absence of God’s Truth and love in the mind of an unbeliever, or an infant professing believer, combined with an ego leads to a lot of butting heads and misunderstanding. As with my marriage, too often “Christians” marry while still “infants” in Christ. This leads to butting heads, too. Truly, if each spouse served God first, then where would mistrust, selfishness, disrespect, and sin be found in that marriage? Real Christians take joy in serving others, and teaching, and encouraging to righteousness and joy. Mt 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. So, when a Christian who does not resist the leading of the Holy Spirit marries someone who is oblivious to the Holy Spirit, the “oblivious one” will take advantage of the Spirit led. This comes from personal experience. Two things: 1. I could not do enough in bending to her wishes. The more I gave in to the bar social life, the more was demanded from me. 2. I niavely expected more common sense and common decency from her than she was capable of giving. After she got her divorce, I learned how niave I was. I also noticed how both her Catholic church failed her, and my Baptist church failed me, as we were growing up. We both attended government schools… I did not appreciate growing up being told that I was a Christian while never being discipled into the kingdom of God. I still cringe at the thought, but I have forgiveness… I can forgive church leaders, but the nonsense in churches today still irks me tremendously. I wish they would wake up and come out of la-la land, get some courage, and start doing the role God has given fathers and mothers and shepherds. “Feed my lambs, and take care of my sheep.”
Remember Mt 10:7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
Remember Mt 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
If we read the New Testament correctly and understand correctly, we find that the kingdom of God/heaven is nearly a literal object to be taken to the unbelievers, and the “incorrect” believers (which is what the Jews were in Jesus’ time). Notice that Jesus discipled for 3 years, and after He had been seated on the throne at the right hand of God in heaven, THEN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ROSE IN THE HEARTS OF HIS FOLLOWERS AT PENTACOST. The Holy Spirit opened their understanding. It all made simple sense and they began to prophecy. Jesus brought a F(f)athers love to mankind who had forgotten how fathers should love in virtue, wisdom, justice, mercy, and courage.
Notice that a centurion who studied scipture also had the Holy Spirit open his mind and bring the kingdom of heaven to him and his family, Ac 10:2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. After Peter came and taught about Jesus and prayed, Peter was amazed to see the Holy Spirit come upon the gentiles, Cornilius and his family.
Notice that an Ethiopian eunich who studied scripture also recieved understanding and light, Ac 8:26-38.
Notice that Paul, who studied scripture, also had a dawning of the Holy Spirit and the kingdom of heaven, Ac 9:1-8.
On the other hand, notice that those with huge egos who studied scripture did not have a dawning of light, love, and Truth, Jn 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
Jn 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
Okay, Paul went on to preach the kingdom of God to the gentiles. The gentiles had not been exposed to scripture, so Paul’s job was more difficult. He went first to the synagogues and found some who would recieve the Truth. Then Paul established churches and taught the scriptures and the Gospel. He taught “freshmen” gentiles who needed the whole Truth to completely renew their mind. Paul said this to the infants in Corinth 1Co 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit (recieve) the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders... Here, Paul has set the goal. It is his desire for men to recieve the kingdom while they are alive. We don’t have to die to find it, that wouldn’t make any sense, would it? Jesus didn’t say, “Seek and you will find after you are dead,” did He?
2Pe 1:19 And we have the word of the prophets (the Old Testament) made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place (our dark world and churches), until the day dawns (light bulbs come on in your head) and the morning star (Jesus, the kingdom of Heaven, the Truth) rises in your hearts.
With all that said, I point out that our churches do not teach this way. Neither I nor my ex were fully taught. We were not encouraged to seek with all our hearts and minds and strength. We were not told to love God first… We were not taught to let the Holy Spirit convict us of error.
Now back to the Nephilim, we can assume that Adam’s cities had several hundred years of good living and liberty in the Truth. We can assume that the elders and fathers of those cities taught with God’s discernment in the Truth in His image, but there were no corrupt kings, rulers, politicians, Nephilim in the first several hundred years. Perhaps this confirms what I wrote in my previous post about the Nephilim.
Also, note what Jesus taught, Mt 23:8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.
Mt 23:9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Here Jesus points out that our “authority figure” is God and not man, or kings, or politicians. Also, when the Hebrews entered the promised land, they had no king and rulers for the first 400 years.
The Holy Spirit brings the Bible together into simplicity with logic and common sense based in Truth. The noble and pure heart that is humble to the Truth will find His kingdom. It will fill his heart with love and Truth, and he will not need rulers, tyrants, regulations, and excessive taxes. Our founding fathers knew this, too.
“Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” John Adams
I’d like to empower fathers and mothers with His kingdom and His truth and love…
admin says
There is a discussion of simple truth that I posted today on spiritual warfare and this relates directly to your message in allowing God to govern our lives through the Holy Spirit. Please read this when you have a chance and let me know you what you hear.
Russ Hinds says
Noah to Abraham–
Let us look at Noah through this lens; Noah loved God and family enough to teach the Truth about God to his family. To Noah, God was simply reality. God had defined real things for mankind to know and do, and not to do. The world Noah lived in was governed by the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God, and Noah could see how the rest of mankind had forsaken the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God. There was no more wisdom and justice, only chaos. There was no more respect for parents, son against father and daughter against mother. Fatherless urchins roamed in gangs, and when they were caught by the wealthy, they were chained in slave labor to curb the thieving and violence of the gangs. See how we can apply our modern chaos to Noah’s time?
Noah retained the understanding of virtue, justice, wisdom, mercy, and courage. It was “within him,” dwelling in his mind and heart. And Noah had a healthy fear and respect for God’s definitions of virtue, wisdom, and love of neighbor. But Noah’s neighbor’s didn’t have that healthy fear and respect. They had no love for the Creator, the Author of love and righteousness and justice and … It was time to build a boat… Hmmm… anyone want to build a boat today? I’ve been thinking about it, but this verse brings me back to reality; Ge 9:11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” A flood is not coming soon, but natural consequences may be coming. Godless mankind may destroy itself, fighting against the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God.
So we see that Noah loved, and Noah knew love. He passed it on to His sons, but after the flood, it didn’t take long for mankind to forget LOVE again. The hole in their heart became empty, and the people began to clamor for a way back to heaven (within them). A false prophet arose and told them that he could help them build a tower to heaven, the tower of Babel. Nimrod was a great government man. He could inspire and organize people to give him their labor and resources to build a tower to heaven. After all, the ignorant people did not have the kingdom of heaven in their hearts anymore. Nimrod sought to fill that hole by making a name for themselves in building the tower to heaven… Perhaps when they got to heaven they could get some and put it in their hearts, utopia! Wow! How many people in government today seek to build a name for themselves? I can name some from the past, FDR gave us social security so that parents wouldn’t burden their children too much in their old age, no need for love and “Honor thy father and thy mother. LBJ gave us “The Great Society,” government welfare! Yeah! that has led to utopia, hasn’t it?!! Now, with welfare and free rent, the government can take care of children! No need for fathers to do the role God has given them! We can have utopia when the government takes care of us! No more natural consequences of laziness, irresponsibiliity, and ignorance–starvation. No more hunger because the government is daddy.
Delusion… America fell for delusion… America believed the false prophets… Now Obama has given us free healthcare… geeze!!! How stupid are we? You want to be promiscuous, no problem, the government will provide condoms, birth control, and free abortions… Here we are! Is this heaven? Is this utopia? Have we filled our empty hearts with “free love,” yet? Good Grief!
Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness. Seek and you will find. He will come into your heart and teach you how to love family, friends, and neighbors in His definitions of virtue, justice, wisdom, mercy, and courage! The Truth is; Nature’s God has provided the way back to true love and the Truth about good and evil. In the family of God, their is wisdom and love. There is no need for deluded government, bureacrats, and politicians… Wake up the fathers, teach them, equip them, and put on the armor of God. Love your families and protect them from cultural nonsense, government schools, and lies which are the imaginations of evil men. Believe Nature’s God and reject the propaganda… Don’t just pray, do the will of God and stand up like real men. The Bible is full of examples of real men.
God confused the languages of men at the Tower of Babel. From there men scattered across the face of the earth. The farther they got from the “cradle of civilization” the more primative some of the tribes became. They forgot the Truth and did not pass it on to their children. Man did not “progress” from cave men to civilized men. Man DIGRESSED from the Truth to ignorance and superstition. Some Truth was retained, but the whole Truth was not. Notice that there have been found stories in native American lore that describe a great flood in which only one family survived. Fascinating, huh? Also, some of the oldest religions retain some Truth, but not all of it.
God made a convent with Noah. Ge 9:5 And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.
Ge 9:6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
Noah retained the wisdom (image) of God. He knew right from wrong, good from evil, and God established the authority of man to punish evil. Obviously, God wouldn’t do this if Noah was ignorant of God’s commands.
Abraham placed his faith in God. He desired a son, but Sarah was barren. Nevertheless, Abraham believed God. God said, “Be Holy, for the Lord your God is Holy.” I think Abraham did the best he could, but he wasn’t perfect. Abraham knew the Truth and wholeheartedly desired to keep it, to be a man of God, in the image of God. Abraham did have a son, and it was through Abraham’s descendents that the Truth would be preserved for mankind. God did not raise up “many Abrahams.” There are NOT “many” religions that lead back to the God of Truth and love. Simply put, there are no books that compare to the wisdom and righteousness and love in the Bible. Read the Proverbs. Read the prophets. Read about the miracles God performed in order to increase the faith of stiffnecked people, who were resistant to conviction of right and wrong and personal responsibility.
Abraham was a righteous man and God prospered him. Abraham communicated well with the people whom he encountered. He earned their respect, with God’s miraculous help on occasion and due to the beauty of Sarah. He knew how to write, and he undoubtedly had writings passed down from his fathers. How else would we have geneologies clear back to Adam? It was a patriarchal world where men ruled. It was important for men to know who their father was and who were their ancestors. Due to the fall in the garden, women were the weaker sex. But God commands men to love and respect them in virtue and wisdom and protection. In our world, there are simply too many ignorant men and women. Chaos, huh?
Next, follow the Truth from Abraham to Moses.
admin says
You mentioned in your writing about doing more than just praying and doing the will of our Father in Heaven above. This is where many have lost sight. Noah seeked the will of God as Abraham seeked the same as well and this very statement is where many are losing sight in actually doing the will of God instead of the seeking something for them self.
If you recall Jesus teaches us that,”Not everyone that calls on His name will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but only those doing the (will) of our Father in Heaven.” This brings up an interesting point that society has drifted away from and that is,”What is the desire of God for my life? How can I best use the talents that He has given to serve Him instead of myself? As each man of faith in the Holy Bible we are taught to follow God and allow Him to be the one to bring things together as we do the daily work in being obedient to Him. God gives us direction and vision in order to give us something to drive for in serving the Kingdom of God but over the years of our society getting away from the proper teachings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Satan has done a good job spiritually in deceiving the people. The world has taught us the lesson from Eve in the Garden, why wait when you can have it all now…
It is imperative to teach our children the principles in working for what we have and learning to share what we have been given. Another lesson that I love with Abraham is when the enemy robbed the camp? Has Satan ever tried to rob your camp? He has tried to rob me of who I am but Jesus gave it all back and even more…
Russ Hinds says
You asked: “What is the desire of God for my life? How can I best use the talents that He has given to serve Him instead of myself?”
These questions are very easy to answer. They are not complicated. Jesus said this; Mt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Mt 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Unfortunately, small things, small errors in our understanding, lead us into quicksand. Little doubts and misunderstanding lead shepherds into some confusion. Too many decades of men following the teaching of men in the seminaries has lead to complicating the Truth. Add to that, “the Great Controversy.” EVERYONE born today is bombarded with nonsense, temptaions, debate, and deception. Throw in some “ego juice” and the quicksand gets sticky. People get stuck in infant Christianity, in doubts, in the “gray area.” In this position too many shepherds search the sciptures for consoling and reassuring text that eases their misunderstanding. Picture the weak prophets and advisors surrounding the Godless kings of Israel. While these weak prophets spoke consoling words that the king wanted to hear, along comes a real prophet to burst their bubble.
Too many decades of ease, prosperity, and government schools have resulted in nearly all of America’s churches stuck in infancy. Oh, there are some wise Christians left, but they are scattered amongst the prideful infants. I wonder if they are as frustrated as me?
Here is the truth: Seek and you will find. Dig deeper into scripture than those around you. Don’t stop where they stop. You will make them uncomfortable and they will “naturally” try to hold you back, it is in their “nature” which is rooted in their pride. They may accuse you of being extreme, over-zealous, and misguided, but you must test everything you hear against scripture. Be Berean, and and test scripture itself seeking confirmations. Walk blamelessly, and be innocent. Be confident that scripture guides you to remain innocent. This way the accusations and inferences against you will roll off your back, and scripture will be your accuser, not men. This is part of the armor of God. My faith grew as my eyes were opened to see the hearts of my accusers. They were weak and over-sensitive to Truth, thus they looked for the minutist flaw in me to hold me back and lift up their own “self.” It is pretty bad out there from my vantage point… the Bible is dangerous in the hands of infants, and in the hands of evil liars who are without a conscience or a care about twisting the Truth for their own advantage. Notice that the Pharasees who crucufied Jesus were quite skilled at twisting Truth and making accusations and inferences, even while they claimed to be sons of Abraham.
But truly, His burden is light. It is easy to understand. It comes to simplicity in Ten simple Commandments. After “Abraham to Moses,” I’ll try to simplify the Ten Commandments. His Ten Rules are not hard to obey. They actually bring joy, and they set us free. Free to use the talents that God has given us in ways that please us. For instance, it pleases me to write these essays. It is a joy, not a burden, but someone else might find joy in teaching children, others in running a prosperous business which includes respect and care for employees, unafraid to teach and encourage to righteousness.
Father, pour out your spirit. Open our minds to the simple love and Truth which your Word and your Son places in our hearts…
admin says
I can understand your frustration as well. It absolutely wears me out at the nonsense of the useless debates and the lack of common sense that is being displayed in this culture. Why do people make things out that are so simple out to be so hard? I guess to show their own intellect and to feel their own self worth. Is that what degrees do in causing someone to feel that they have to prove themself over another?
This same practice is what Jesus spoke against in the Pharisees in turning something that is simple in love out to be so hard in pleasing man. For the record, I have a peace beyond understanding and I am at a point in my journey where I am waiting on God to set the stage. So many times we try to do things and they are short lived but when God opens the doors no man can shut them. Think about this, there is a seasoning taking place in our society and in due season the ears will be ready to hear what needs to be heard. For if we speak too soon then it will be like us letting the air out of our balloon but when God sets the stage the Holy Spirit will lift us up like we have never seen before.
The hard part is learning to wait but during this time we are to learn. Yes, the ones around me do not understand me and they are always trying to figure me out. One of the hardest parts of this life to teach is how to trust in God instead of placing our faith in man. If others could see what we see and hear what we hear then they would know that God is very near….
The Holy Bible is my sword, the Truth is my shield, and the love within fills me to no end…Praise God!!!!
Russ Hinds says
Abraham to Moses
Ge 14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High,
Ge 14:19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
Ge 14:20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
This is cool! There is a Jewish tradition that believes Melchizedek is Shem, Noah’s son. According to the lifespans in the geneologies, Abraham’s lifespan does overlap Shem’s lifespan. What scrolls changed hands, or were copied? Can you imagine having a history book written by Shem. or a memoir? I like ponsdering these things, but I wasn’t there. If Abraham did recieve some scrolls documenting God’s word and God’s interference in the affairs of men, Abraham would certainly pass them on to his offspring. I’m sure Isaac and Jacob wrote memoirs, too. It just makes sense that they would pass on the Truth to their offspring.
Things got stressful in Egypt. 400 years of population growth while the Pharoah made increasingly heavy demands on the Hebrews. Some scrolls might have been neglected, but surely not all was lost.
Moses was raised in the house of Pharoah. Moses was given an extensive Egyptian education. Moses rose in stature and authority in Pharoah’s court. There are writings of Josephus who and another ancient historian who give some detail about Moses’s life which is not said in the Bible. More fascinating stuff for my mind… Anyway, Moses spent like 40 years in Pharoah’s house, then 40 years in Jethro’s tent, then 40 years leading the Hebrews in the desert. Surely, while in Jethro’s tent, Moses learned a great deal about his ancestors. Jethro was a descendent of Abraham from another wife, after Sarah died. I would even believe that, at some point, Moses had correspondence from the Patriachs of the Hebrews who remained in Egypt while Moses was in Midian. Perhaps some copies of the their ancestors writings were given to Moses in Midian. Surely, the love in Moses’ heart drew him to his people. Surely Moses had compassion on them. He surely saw their oppression and the oppression of their children. God had planted a seed of love in Moses’ heart since his birth. God was guiding Moses, and it came out magnificently when Moses encountered the burning bush on the mountain. Moses was just a man. He was hesitant in accepting God’s plan for him to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Moses was a humble man, too. He was self-conscious, aware of his lack of oratory skills. Nevertheless, Moses obeyed.
Cecil B. De Mill’s Ten Commandments is a wonderful movie, however it doesn’t express the joy of the Lord well enough. In fact, our Bible is a lot more critical than it is joyful. We need to be able to see the joy in obedience to God, though. When we are doing the will of God confidently and competently, our cup should runneth over. As I read the Bible, I try to look for joy in the hearts of people. Moses established Holy days and feasts for the people to observe. These were surely joyous affairs with all kinds of celebration and songs. After a somber passover, the people left Egypt joyfully, even with all kinds of Egyptian plunder. The God of their fathers had proved Himself faithful… even to a hardpressed stiffnecked people. There MUST have been a great deal of joy.
GOD WROTE HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS IN STONE! They are what they are. They cannot be changed. They have been since the beginning and they will be to the end. God said, “I Am, that I Am.” He is what He is. Mankind ain’t gonna change it, and He doesn’t change. Adam knew God in the beginning, and faithful fathers passed on the Truth about God, love, virtue, justice, wisdom, and courage to their offspring.
Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. In those books, he prescribed Holy days, and civil laws for the People of God. He appointed priests and judges. He did this to keep the people mindful of their God. They were to write God’s Word on their hearts and obey His commands. His commands defined love among the family of God, because “If you love” you will not disregard the Commandments. Stealing from neighbors is not love, for example.
The civil punishments that Moses prescribed for the offenders were just, BUT THEY WERE INTENDED TO KEEP THE PEOPLE HOLY. Otherwise, they would become no different than the people they were surrounded by. In this church age, we do not stone people for adultery. Paul says we put them out of the church. Paul even says they can be let back in when they earn back the trust and respect that their sin had destroyed. Restoration to love… “God is love.” Isn’t that what Jesus did? Didn’t He restore lost mankind to love? All we need to do is repent, and seek first His kingdom AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
In this church age, we don’t stone people for offenses, HOWEVER, WE DO NOT ENABLE OFFENDERS! We spek the Truth in love, firmly, and if offenders don’t repent, that is on them. We are to konw the Truth and firmly stand for Truth and teach the Truth and encourage with confidence, faith, and kindness.
If someone commits a murder in our church community, this once Christian nation established courts and juries. These courts and juries ARE TO SEEK THE TRUTH AND ADMINISTER JUSTICE. Our courts are not to punish the innocent and reward the guilty. Unfortunately, America’s courts and judges do not seek the Truth anymore. They are tangled up and man’s laws and procedures. They is no love and wisdom in America’s courts anymore, and lawyers will undermine truth in order to get the guilty aquitted. America’s churches have been failing to raise up wise teachers, lawyers, judges, and politicians. Hmmm… what should we do? Where do we start? It starts with shepherds teaching and equipping fathers with Truth and love. Perhaps the shepherds ought to warn parents of the dangers of government schools and unchurched peer pressure. That might inspire fathers to protect their children by building schools in the
churches… Hmmm… Yes… I think that is a very wise vision… 2Ch 7:14 “Seek His face…”
The Truth will set you free and bring love and joy to your families… But you gotta seek Him and DO love. Leave behind sin and ignorance!
Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.
admin says
It all starts in our homes as God instructed us from the very beginning. I love this part of maturity that we are reaching from Noah to Moses. When you really look upon the message of God through the different generations you can find an awesome lesson of our Fathers love being taught to the body as a whole throughout the Holy Bible.
Think about the Holy Bible like this to see the picture of a child that is maturing from birth; Our father loved us so much in the beginning that He turned us out in the Garden to see how we would obey. Then after our disobedience we were placed into a prison and cast out from the eternal freedom of God. As a Father often does He deceided to turn us lose to see how we would behave after being disciplined from the Garden but of coarse the behavior ran wild prior to Noah. With this wrong behavior and growth in sin God said enough is enough and he deceided to wash the entire park clean for another lesson to be learned.
Then in the age of Moses God said these poor people just can’t figure it out so I am just going to walk with them in the park to teach them once again first who is in control and second of how to work together as one to reach our destinations in life. At this point with Moses the body is in the early years of an infant from 5 to 8 in the age of a child that has to be taught of the to do’s and don’ts. During the years of Joshua this represents the time period of a child just before the teenage years and starting to rebell. During this period with Samuel and the peoples continual seeking of a King God new better but when the people would not listen He said fine you shall receive your lesson but be prepared for what is to come.
Has anyone ever given their child something after continued aggravation while knowing there was a lesson that would soon follow? This is the time period with Saul in God trying to teach us who we are to follow instead of chasing everything else in the world. Now the next years in the prophets are like a rebellious teenager that has gone astray and our Father sends out some brothers to call us back home or prepare for consequences to follow.
Up until this time period with the prophets it is like a young man in the late teens. They have learned the ways and heard the rules and it is time for the child to learn how to live on their own while recalling how to listen for the guidance they need to succeed.
This stage of maturity with Jesus is like a Father that truly cares and spends a little more time with His child before He sets them free. The game took on another level from the physical to the spiritual. Now it is not only what we do but also in how we think. Can you see the Old Testament as a single child that a Father is trying to raise? Can you see how the child drifted and then when David found the Way how we learn to praise? Can you see how Jesus taught us how to look beyond what we see in how to believe? For what Father that cares for His children would not want His child to know how to walk on their own while giving all glory to God on the throne?
People speak of God and some even still Jesus by His name but the part that is being neglected in our homes is the teaching in our actions besides just mear words.
It is very rare to see the examples of Christ in the world or better yet even in the church. As a child how can we learn how to be a man when our fathers don’t even now how to stand?
Russ Hinds says
The Ten Commandments
Up till Exodus in the Bible, we have not been given a definition of “love” in the sense of God’s version. We read in Genesis about Jacob and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel more than he did Leah. Then Jacob went on to love Joseph more than his other sons and daughters. Surely, Jacob was a righteous man who treated his family very kindly with wisdom and joy, but this is nearly all that we have been given in scriptureabout until Moses on the Holy Mountain. Jacob knew the Truth about the God of his father, Isaac, but the Lord saw fit to increase Jacob’s faith at Bethel. Ge 28:12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Ge 28:13 There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Ge 28:14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Ge 28:15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Jacob had been taught by his father, but he was still niave. He had a bit of an infant’s heart and mind toward the God of his father. Ge 28:16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
Ge 28:17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
Ge 28:18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.
Ge 28:19 He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.
Then Jacob responded by practicing the Truth of his father, Isaac. If doing his fathers Truth brings him back to his father’s house and provides clothing and food, then the Lord will be Jacob’s Lord and God.
Ge 28:20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear
Ge 28:21 so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God
Ge 28:22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”
And God was more than faithful. God brought Jacob back to his father’s house with riches and servants. God showed His love to Jacob according to his righteousness. He increased Jacobs faith…
The point is, God’s version of love is not based on the emotions of men. Jacob had a “love at first sight” with Rachel, but our loving God is faithful and just. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us and increase our faith and understanding. Just as God confirmed Himself to Jacob, the Holy Spirit will confirm God to us and lead us into Truth and understanding as we seek to do the will of God and stand in His Word. We have a faith that requires action in obedience and in avoiding sin. It is not based in emotions. If you get your feelings hurt because someone corrects you, that is the “flesh” provoking you. Truly, what can I say to anyone that should hurt their feelings, IF THEY ARE SECURE IN THEIR OWN LOVE OF GOD? But if I say something that does point out your guilt before God, THEN YOUR SECURE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WOULD SIMPLY LEAD YOU TO EXAMINE YOURSELF AND REPENT, TO GOD, NOT ME.
Man’s emotions apart from God are fragile and misleading. They cause us to do foolish, foolish things. THIS IS WHY IT IS SAID “SEEK FIRST!” Do not let emotions lead you to invent your own version of love. Love God first, and He will teach you HOW to love family, friends, and neighbors. In our time today, I would say that loving family, friends, and neighbors includes making friends and leading them into the Truth, the kingdom of heaven, where wisdom and righteouness rules in their heart.
Moses had over 1 million “friends” to lead in the desert. They would get a 40 year intense education living under God’s Truth. It starts with the writing of the laws of “love” into stone. If you love, you will:
Ex 20:2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Ex 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
If you love God you will seek Him with all your heart, mind, and strength. You shall believe no lie of man or beast. The Truth, the word of God shall be written on your heart to dwell within you. His laws shall guide your feet. Nonsense and error are to be left behind. OKAY, THAT IS SIMPLE.
Ex 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
Ex 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, l punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
Ex 20:6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“jealous God?” The church is the bride of Christ. Jesus will not take up with a bride who is flirting with the “best man.” Christians cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and man’s errors and sinful lusts. He is a jealous God, but a faithful one, 1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Choose Truth and your joy will be complete. Sin and error do not lead to joy, but Ex 20:6 does. If you love God, you will teach your offspring the Truth
“Punishing the children for the sins of their fathers?” This could have been translated better. Sinful ignorant fathers naturally raise ignorant sinful children. It is a natural consequence, and God is nature’s God. Simply reality… part of the world we live in. That’s all. But Jesus came to open the door back to God… to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children, Mal 4:6. Also note: Eze 18:14-18 and Jer 11:10.
Ex 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
This is simple, but it must be expanded on. The “name” of the Lord is His character, his Truth, His word. People say, “He has a good name” – meaning reputation and character. Have you met anyone who misuses the Truth to manipulate and control others, especially by their emotions? Wolves in sheep’s clothing, huh? This motivates me to seek the correct understanding of Truth and love before I write… by the way, search scripture for yourself. Don’t rely on me alone. Ha! I covered my rear…lol… I have a healthy fear and respect for the Lord. Hmmm… for some reason I am annoyed at fluffy fog feel good religion… “Just pray, don’t bother doing or standing…” The Truth can be found, though. It can rise in your heart in simple understanding, like Noah had. In Noah’s world, God and His law ruled… but everyone else thought different.
Ex 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Ex 20:9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
Ex 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Define “holy.” Wise, loving, joyful, fellowship, and making good memories with loved ones. Usually the six days of work become monotonous, we need a break to celibrate God and teach our offspring. That is a very good commandment.
Ex 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Gee, if you love you parents won’t you take care of them in their old age?
TOO MANY FAMILIES DON’T HAVE LOVE (GOD) IN THEM. They are ignorant, selfish and sinful, therefore, bad parents raise up children who hate them because of the abuse they endured. We live in a fallen world, but Jesus came to save… to save our families and teach us to love correctly.
Ex 20:13 “You shall not murder.
Notice it says “murder.” This means willful murder. It doesn’t mean that we cannot kill in self defence or in capitol punishment, justice according to God’s commands. See Gen 9:12.
Ex 20:14 “You shall not commit adultery.”
This would include the all the other sexual immorality in the word of God. This is also the only “good” reason given for divorce, that is if the adulterer is innocent of violence and neglect, failing to provide for his wife… you know, we can insert common sense and common decency. Forgiveness and restoration to the Truth and love is also an option in all things, but most won’t turn to God. It is difficult to earn back respect and trust…
Ex 20:15 “You shall not steal.”
Hmmm, I wonder if the rulers who imposed heavy taxes could be accused of stealing? Plundering? I think the Bible has an appropriate opinion on that. Check out Samuel as he spoke to the people who were clamoring for a king. Seems a lot of taxation in the Bible was used as oppression… and control. Not exactly freedom in the Truth, is it?
Ex 20:16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
I would include all lying and and decieving others. Lies are powerful. The lead people into all kinds of sin… Hmm… can we trust our government? How many times have they lied to us? Do you know your history? Let’s see… Gulf of Tonkin, was that the Korean war? Ship blown up in a Cubanharbor to start the war with Spain. I simply seek the truth in the world around me, too. I don’t trust people who are working in government. Our churches haven’t been raising up enough honest government employees. They haven’t been raising up much of anything, really. They hired the government schools to educate their children… is evolution and Marxism based in Truth?
Ex 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Hmmm… class warfare… Are Christians falling for socialism, social justice, and redistribution? Gee, if we were taking the Truth to the masses, starting with our own families, perhaps God (the Truth) would help us overcome the government control and socialism agenda…
This stuff is easy. It starts with churches and fathers NOT PASSING ON INIQUITY TO THEIR OFFSPRING. I’d build schools in the churches for a light for the lost… Love and Truth is more powerful than lies. The Truth wins… Nature’s God wins…
Wise men still seek Him. If you love God and family, friends, and neighbors, you will keep the Ten Commandments
More on Moses and the rest of the Old Testament next.
Blessings
admin says
Have you ever thought about the story of Jacob and the deception with his father Isaac? This plot of deception was schemed by his mother Rebekah and this is an interesting parallel to the curse in the Garden of Eden that was placed on Eve and all future women.
Jacob was a mamas boy that listened to her and plotted with her to attain something that was not his to be had. Of coarse we all know the story this blessing that was robbed by Jacob led to the division within the family due to the lack of obedience and learning to trust in God instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Could you imagine in today’s time how our society would persecute Jacob for what he did and how the gossip in the church would never allow a sinner like Jacob and his mother in the church? This is the sad part about those that are lost in the world and in the church because we are so stuck in looking at what is before us instead of trusting in God for the outcome in the future. The church has joined the world in placing the noose around Judas’ neck instead of letting someone hang them self in return.
This lesson with Jacob is an awesome lesson of love and deceitfulness that actually teaches us the whole lesson in the Holy Bible. See Jacob was like Adam and deceived into doing something that he later regretted. Once he was forced to leave his home in fear of his brother killing him this hurt his heart from the day he left. In other words his heart began to cry in yearning to go back home. As the Prodigal Son Jacob woke up one day and said it is time to go home but this only came after humbling himself and reconciling with his brother.
As all of us that sin and yearn in our hearts to return back to the peace of God there comes a point that we have to wrestle with the Angels to receive the passage back in. Then as Jacob we are to walk in faith and trust in God to bring us back home no matter what we see coming our way…
This lesson of deceit and repentance shows the love of God for His children when we learn how to face our wrongs in order to make things right. So with all of this said I pray to whomever reads this that they recognize the importance of not judging nor casting out for we never know who God may use no matter how far they may have fallen…
Russ Hinds says
James,
Your perspective on the story of Jacon is based on humility, sin, and forgiveness. It is not a bad way to look at it, but please let me give you another perspective. It is a perspective that seeks the firmness of reality. You see, today I had another Bible study. In these Bible studies, whenever anyone, me especially, brings up reality (something happening in our world or church) these guys instantly advise prayer. Any discussion about actually doing something, such as building schools in churches, is completely and firmly avoided. Even discussing the issue is a no-no. Building schools is a big topic, but it is just one example for this reality. You see, this is what frustrates me. I can be so blunt as I was in the post about the Ten Commandments, and the guys don’t hear. Is it me? Am I saying or doing something wrong? Wouldn’t God want us to protect our children from atrocious curriculum and overwhelming unchurched peer pressure? I’ll say it again, they are stuck in the middle between light and darkness. Too often they are like Mt 23:13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
The kingdom of God/heaven can be found.
Esau never found the kingdom of heaven. He was an impetuous man who was quick to do his own will, rashly. Notice that Esau married women who did not know or care about the Truth. I would even say that Rebbekah had a hard time relating to them. RebbeKah was a righteous woman. She knew God. She was part of the same remnent family that Isaac and Abraham were from. Rebbekah inquired of the Lord, and He answered her.
Ge 25:22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.
Ge 25:23 The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.
You see, God is outside of time. He sees both past and future. God knew Esau’s heart would lead him to follow his own compulsions, regardless of wisdom. Esau did this without any consideration for reality and wisdom–
Ge 25:29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.
Ge 25:30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)
Ge 25:31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
Ge 25:32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”
Ge 25:33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
So, God took the more compliant heart of Jacob and strengthened him in the Truth. Jacob obeyed God while serving Rachel’s father. Jacob was not rash, and self centered. He worked seven years for the right to marry his love, Rachel. The Truth was preserved for us through Jacob’s descendents, not Esau’s.
The thing is, Esau could have went to God, too. He and his descendents could have served God and Jacob, but they didn’t. Jacob and Esau reconciled, but that is as far as it went. Esau’s descendents retained some bitterness, and they persecuted the descendents of Jacob. It turned out to be a mess. No harmony and love in that group, as you will note in the rest of the Old Testament. Esau rashly forsook his God given birthright… Esau married unwise women who didn’t fear the Lord. They went their own way.
As we read and apply scripture to reality, we must consider all the Bible. The Holy Spirit is faithful, as He brings scripture to mind, he will confirm the correct application of it. As for the men in the Bible studies, Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
Passing on iniquity to your children is a sin that hides His face… Too many generations have been left behind, already… We should have been DOING something long ago, instead of just praying. Serve God with all your heart…
Is it me? Why won’t they hear me?
Pour out your spirit, Father. Show them the need to return the hearts of the fathers to thier children… Open their eyes as you opened Paul’s eyes on the road to Damascus and when Ananias prayed for Paul… For if we are unwilling to do your will, like Esau, we will not enter the kingdom of God in this life, and if we don’t enter it in this life, how will we enter it in the next life, eternal life on a new Earth, and a new heavens.
Seek first His kingdom and His understanding, it is reality. It is not delusion and avoidance of the Truth. Our nation is very sick. Our families are broken. Love your neighbor has given way to “the government loves you.” …I better stop…
admin says
Brother I hear you and I see what is taking place with the people. Yes, it is frustrating and very aggravating with all these bible scholars who claim to follow God but when we meet someone that can’t hear and that won’t listen that immediately shows us different. For Jesus said the only way that we will enter into the Kingdom is to have the heart of a child and what does this mean? It means that we are to always be open and eager to learn. The Lord then teaches us that when we mature though that when someone speaks we are test their words in the Word of God before we jump…
The object is to not allow our frustrations to build to the point that we fight with the enemy but learn how to be as wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. It is easier to work with a lost person who can’t see than to work with an individual that thinks that they can see but they are blind. The reason for not exploding on them is to learn how to love them and teach them in love while allowing the hand of God to be the one to shape them.
Here is the next stage of this which I am witnessing first hand in this tactic, if they don’t listen and continue to overlook what God has to say in the Truth then it is only a matter of time before God will move them (if you are where God wants you to be.) We have to be wise because as Jesus teaches us if they accept you then then they accept me and if if not then wipe the dust from your feet and move on unless God has directly planted you as has me.
It is wise to pray for God to send you like minded people that can help you or guide you to join like minded people to accomplish a mission in building something for God. It is easy to move on our own but are we truly seeking God for what He wants in our life instead of us doing something on our own. This is the problem as a whole, because people have forgotten how to allow God to direct their steps in the love of Christ.
Regarding your message of Jacob and Esau I am there with you as well. I just wanted to add a different light on the subject and open the eyes up to any reader how God uses us when we humble our hearts and return back to Him. When we do this He will not only restore our lives but He will restore our homes and even our nation.
In your prayer of the Lord pouring out the spirit I pray with you on this to come, and here where we are things are happening in this preparation. The interesting part of this is I live in Shiloh and yesterday the Lord took me to a small town named Bethel Springs. I found this very interesting in your post with Jacob and the Lord showed me over a year ago about the cycle in the Holy Bible is coming around in America and as Samuel God often appeared in Shiloh.
Do you recall the message with Eli and Samuel? Samuel had to continue to go to Eli because the Word of God was rare in those days and the people were asleep. Sometimes we have to keep knocking in love without kicking the door down to accomplish the mission of Waking Up those that are asleep…
Russ Hinds says
LOL… I like your last sentence, “Sometimes we have to keep knocking in love without kicking the door down to accomplish the mission of Waking Up those that are asleep…”
Have you seen the movie Walking Tall? I admit that I have a 4 by 4 in my hands… Bust down the door and bust some people upside the head! I say this in fun with a chuckle… I do understand doing things in love, and patience. But, I have been pleading, coddling, and cajoling for almost 20 years. That is not healthy either, and perhaps it is time to wipe the dust off my feet… for my own sanity.
Why is God’s word so simple for me? Why is it so hard for others? All I can think of to answer that is “the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 10:7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Too many people prefer to use God’s Word to emphasize solace and consolation of their own fears and weakness, rather than teach and equip men to stand together in love firmly on God’s page. This is so obvious… we Christians don’t even teach boys and girls how to love their families in the Truth. How fathers should love and lead, and how mothers should be wise helpers BESIDE their husbands.
It is truly a mess. The divorce rate in America’s churches is higher than it is an atheistic academia. It has been a long slow slide into ignorance and blindness, especially in the pulpit. Like the frog in the pot of water with the heat slowly rising…
Love God first, seek and find His kingdom and His righteousness. Don’t stop where others stop, and He will come make His home within you. The scripture will be simple to understand, as it was with Peter, Paul, John, etc. By the way, John had an observable gift that connected God with “love.” God and His righteousness is love. I find that insight very interesting, especially considering that “sin” is not love. We need more love in our churches and families, and the only way to do that is to teach it…
Blessings, James.
Thanks for your post.
admin says
One thing that I have found Russ is that very few people are listening anymore nor taking the time to read something that has depth. Our society has fallen to a lazy culture that simply does not want to go through the extra work in discovering the Truth.
We have fallen to a society of twitter and short phrases that have little meaning. Think about it; Spiritually Satan has caused many to lose touch because they simply (feel) that they don’t have the time when they really do. This is why our children can’t seem to focus and our society has developed a drug to affect their minds because we have simply failed in teaching the purpose of time and taken on the want it now experience as Eve did in the Garden.
Time is a beautiful thing when we learn to appreciate it where on the other hand Satan wants us to feel pressured for time to lose our concentration in where we stand. When we learn to take the time to smell the roses it is amazing at what God shows us and how He prepares us for what is sure to come.
America is like Israel in the time period with Eli and Samuel. The Word of God was rare in those days because of the life styles that the people were living and due to the drift away from the Truth in the Word of God. I guess if Eli would have been properly teaching Samuel how to be alert in hearing the Lord then Samuel might have taken that walking tall attitude and have woken him up with a knock to his head instead of going back to bed. Why did it take repititive disruptions for Eli to Wake Up? If you notice it says in 1 Samuel 3:3 just before the lamp of God had gone out in the tabernacle Eli Woke Up and realized what was taking place with Samuel.
In the spiritual eyes of Christ we see beyond the physical lamp and recognize the paralell to the parrable of Christ when the Ten Virgins were to be prepared in Matthew 25. Is your candle still burning? Do you have plenty of oil? Don’t fall asleep and allow the lamp of God to become dim or even go out.. The interesting part about this is when the people cried out in 1 Samuel under Eli’s sons that God heard their cry and then lifted Samuel in the light to restore their home. Do you recall the place of Shiloh with Samuel? For I live on the river that is fed by the springs in a place called Shiloh near Bethel Springs..
There is something taking place here and brother it is amazing…..Churches are being shaken and people are being moved. There was such a power today in the class which I teach and I have never experienced anything like it before. The power is growing every week and it is exciting to see the hand of God at work in preparing us for what is to come…