Thursday, September 06, 2018

"Be DOERS of the Word...."




"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."  1 John 3:18 KJV http://kjvbible.net

Even the world says, "practice what you preach!", "talk is cheap" and "actions speak louder than words."

Jesus replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Mark 7:6; Isaiah 29:13)

Check out the Greek definition of "hypocrite" (http://biblehub.com/greek/5273.htm): "5273 hypokritḗs (a masculine noun derived from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 2919 /krínō, "judge") – properly, a judging under, like a performer acting under a mask (i.e. a theater-actor); (figuratively) a two-faced person; a "hypocrite," whose profession does not match their practice – i.e. someone who "says one thing but does another."

And a similar exhortation in James, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 http://biblehub.com/james/1-22.htm

Jeremiah 11:6
And the LORD said to me, "Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, 'Hear the words of this covenant and do them.

Matthew 7:24
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I say?

Luke 6:47
I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them:

Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the Law who will be declared righteous.

Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can't you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you--unless you actually fail the test?

Psalm 119:59
I considered my ways And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

1 Corinthians 9:27
Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified. http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-27.htm

"the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." 1 John 2:6

Wow! Are we walking as Jesus walked? Is God a liar? Is John a false prophet? No, we need to judge ourselves. And examine ourselves. And we need to get right with God!

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19

Dear heavenly Father, we ask that You open our eyes to our own selves. Help us to remove the BEAM that is in our own eyes before we go around judging everyone else. Convict us by Your Holy Spirit that we may repent, so You may heal us and fill us with Your power. Help us Father, in the worthy name of Yeshua the Messiah. Amen

Wednesday, July 04, 2018

Please read.. it's time to get stirred up for Jesus

My latest message:

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:26, 27

Paul is talking about baptism in the Holy Spirit of course. Water doesn't save us. SPIRIT of God IN US saves us!

"Faith" is a powerful spiritual gift. It is not a natural belief. But a belief that makes us a new creation in Christ. And those who believe/have faith are then baptized into the family of God. We are baptized into a whole new life and we engulf ourselves into the study and execution of God's word with all our heart, through the power and understanding granted to us by God the Father through His Christos Son!

And this can also be verified in the continued study of the book of Galatians. In chapter 4, which continues Paul's sermon from chapter 3, Paul says, "When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to •redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “•Abba, Father! ” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." Galatians 4:4-7

Yes, Paul is talking about the law and how it applies to us in regard to Christ. But Paul also tells us an important aspect of receiving the Holy Spirit. That is when we are made children of God through faith in Christ.

Except I often wonder, who will come to Christ. It takes someone truly sorry for their sins. And that is a supernatural event in itself. As the one who is forgiven of much, loves much (Luke 7:36-50). Paul in another place distinguishes between "godly sorrow" and worldy sorrow" and says, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."  2 Corinthians 7:10

So where is this "godly sorrow" from falling short of the grace of God? where is this sorrow from not adequately being able to represent God in this world? Where is the godly sorrow we feel when we see a lost soul and yet, cannot lead them to Christ? This sorrow, I say, not only leads us to Christ, but helps provoke us to growth in Christ and into full maturity. As repentance continues into conversion and is an important part of sanctification. As Joel tells us, "And now, says the Lord, Return to me with your entire heart, in fasting and weeping and beating of the breast!  And tear your hearts and not your garments! And return to the lord your God!" Joel 2:12-13a

And James says, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." James 4:8-10

Do we have sorrow for the lack of efficiency we have as supposed ambassadors for Christ? Then we need to be afflicted and turn to the Lord in heart rending repentance. In prayer and solemn study of God's word. Many have never even been converted yet. They have a form of godliness but can't help but deny His power.. 2 Timothy 3:5.  Others, They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. Titus 1:16. And still others, "For as I have often told you before, and now declare even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." Philippians 3:18, 19

These words are powerful words from the Holy Spirit. And they are meant to make us investigate ourselves and question ourselves and provoke us to love and good works. Paul straight out tells us, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you — unless you actually fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5

And even says of himself, " I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

So do as Paul says, examine yourselves. I do and I am in constant prayer and study and repentance before God, praying that He help me to become who He wants me to be in Christ.

Please join me. Let the written word of God pierce your hearts and let it provoke you into good works and godly sorrow which leads to repentance and salvation as Paul said.

In Christ.

Tommy Richards

Monday, June 25, 2018

Immigrants, Muslims and Liberals, Oh My!



It's very difficult for me to have patience toward people who claim to be disciples/followers of Christ and yet have no love for their fellow man (their neighbors). Anyone who has truly come to Christ knows that they were at one time enemies of God themselves. Through God's mercy we were reconciled to God through the death and shed blood of the Lord Jesus the Christ. That means, we don't have ANY righteousness or goodness of our own. That means we who have received God's mercy would only want to share it with everyone we meet. The gift of God's undeserved mercy and favor was extended to us by God through His holy and beloved Son. This He did while we were all unsaved sinners and guided by darkness and ignorance. Then God shed His light upon us and we believed the gospel. Not because of any works we had done. Quite the opposite. Therefore, because we have received God's love, we have a duty to, are OBLIGATED to, are INDEBTED to share that love with every soul we meet to the best of our ability. And that ability grows and grows as we seek God everyday.

Therefore, none of us have any right to be hating our fellow man, painting them with a broad brush as evil or condemning whole groups of people while attempting to justify hatred by touting some kind of unjust man made law. Any man-made law does not and never will tru-mp God's law of loving neighbor as our self. (Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8 and many more references in the Old Covenant writings)
IF you were ever forgiven by God through Christ, you would not be preaching any man-made law over God's law. You would see every soul you meet as an opportunity to preach the Good News of Jesus the Christ to them. So you were either never forgiven by God through Christ OR you have forgotten that you were forgiven by God through Christ. That is exactly what Peter says, "But whoever lacks these traits (faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." 2 Peter 1
And you see, these people who made themselves my opponents, they will not listen to God's words. They can only repeat rhetoric they heard from Fo-x N-ews and Rig-ht Wi-ng News sources. These people are self righteous hypocrites who are full of hate. Those who have been born again can clearly see the difference between these politi-cal cultists and the testimonies in God's Word. Paul says that the works/deeds/acts of the flesh "ARE OBVIOUS." He then lists 17 words describing the works of the flesh. Paul then says, that they who live after the flesh and do the things on his list "will NOT inherit the kingdom of God!" (Galatians 5:19-21)
Now, I don't want them to be shut out of heaven! I want them to realize how wrong they are and repent. And to do that, we have to SPEAK the truth and take a stand. Because we who have God's Spirit dwelling within us know they are wrong. Now what does God say if someone knows something is wrong and doesn't warn the person? He says that person's blood will be on OUR HANDS...(Ezekiel 3:17-19; Ezekiel 33:7-9) And I'm NOT going to let that happen. I am going to do my job as a watchman and warn the people. Because as God says, His sword is going to fall upon them sooner or later. God's word says "suddenly" it happens. (Luke 21:34-36; Proverbs 29:1)
Now listen very closely to what Paul says here and learn something very important. He says, "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. BUT FOR THIS VERY REASON I WAS SHOWED MERCY, so that IN ME, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience, AS AN EXAMPLE TO THOSE WHO WOULD BELIEVE IN HIM FOR ETERNAL LIFE.(!!!) Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Amen!
Now we have to also understand who Paul was and what he was doing before he was saved. Out of his own mouth he confesses, "I persecuted this Way (of Jesus the Christ) even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison," and "And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.'" Acts 22:4, 20
Who are you saying is beyond redemption? Who are you to judge in the place of GOD? God saved Paul. And if God can save Paul, God can save all these immigrants, Muslims, Liberals and everyone else.
But can He save YOU??
He can, if you can see yourselves for who you truly are. Unworthy sinners. Not worthy of God or the death of His Son. Lost. Doomed. On your way to an eternal hell. IN desperate need of a Savior, the Lord Jesus the Christ!
Read what Christ said to the self-righteous hypocrites, “Truly I tell you, the sinners and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. " Matthew 21:31
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:31, 32
So what in God's Name are YOU trying to do? Stop people from entering heaven? You are only stopping yourselves!
God's faithful witness Stephen knew this righteousness was only through faith in Christ. A gift from God. And right before Stephen was killed it is written, "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55, 56
And as he was being stoned to death it is written, And Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Acts 7:60
Stephen fully knew that the only difference between himself and his murderers was God's undeserved mercy which God had on Stephen through Christ. These murderers who, btw, were acting in a "legal" manner.. "it's duh law of duh land." they said.
We all need to be where Stephen was. He was described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." and "full of grace and power," who, "was performing great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:5, 8
Stephen was a true follower of God. And we all need to strive to be like him. Study his death and his last words. Could you do that? Could I? We need to be in that place. May God have mercy on us all. Amen
Please see here for more:
Thank you. And may God bless all those who seek Him with their whole heart. In Christ, Amen
And if you have never accepted Christ as your Savior, you may do so through this prayer: Get on your knees (if you can) and say, "My Lord and my God, Have mercy on my soul, a sinner, I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is listening to my prayer right now. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You into my heart Lord Jesus."
Amen

See also my 3-Part series on immigration (in migration).

Sunday, June 03, 2018

GOING FURTHER....



The apostle Paul says, "... I try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:33, 11:1
I believe this is an example of an inappropriate chapter break. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians as a single book. No chapter and verse numbers. The Bible was first broken up into chapters in around A.D. 1227. The Wycliffe English Bible of 1382 was the first Bible to use this chapter pattern. The Hebrew Old Testament was divided into verses by a Jewish rabbi by the name of Nathan in A.D. 1448. Robert Estienne, who was also known as Stephanus, was the first to divide the New Testament into standard numbered verses, in 1555. Stephanus essentially used Nathan's verse divisions for the Old Testament. Since that time, beginning with the Geneva Bible, the chapter and verse divisions employed by Stephanus have been accepted into nearly all the Bible versions. (Source: "Who divided the Bible into chapters and verses? Why and when was it done?" @ Got Questions dot com)
So considering that Paul was the inspired writer and didn't divide his book into chapters and verses, we need to look at the above verses as most likely connecting. And we see an incredible statement being made by Paul who then adds to it, :"Imitate me Just as I imitate Christ." and "just as I try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved."
This is what I've been meditating on today.
Late last night I was looking at the Greek word, μιμητής (Strong's # 3402. mimétés - the root of the English term, mimic, "one who imitates, emulates"). This Greek noun has 6 occurrences and is always used positively in the New Covenant writings – spoken of followers of Christ emulating a God-approved example. The supreme model is God Himself (see Eph 5:1).
"I exhort you, be imitators of me...." 1 Corinthians 4:16
"Be imitators of me, just as I also Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1
"Therefore be imitators of God,..." Ephesians 5:1
"...you became imitators of us and of the Lord," 1 Thessalonians 1:6
"...became imitators of the churches..." 1 Thessalonians 2:14
...that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those..." Hebrews 6:12
FOUR TIMES Paul tells us to imitate him and Jesus! He uses the verb form twice in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 to say the same exact thing.
"For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate."
If we have the Spirit of God, this needs to be our goal. We need to strive for this. We must strive for this. Why?
for "the good of many, that they may be saved." 1 Cor 10:33b
That's why. We can make an eternal difference in someone's life.
Paul told Timothy, "Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, FOR BY DOING SO YOU WILL SAVE BOTH YOURSELF AND THOSE THAT HEAR YOU." 1 Timothy 4:15, 16
Paul says, "Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the Law I became like one under the Law (though I myself am not under the Law), to win those under the Law. To those without the Law I became like one without the Law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the Law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I MIGHT SAVE SOME OF THEM. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings." 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Are we hearing Paul? Are we hearing the Spirit. Are we convicted yet for falling so short? I am!
We can make a difference in people's lives. An eternal difference. Not only in the unsaved, but the saved as well. We can positively or negatively impact a born again brother or sister. We can cause them to stumble, or we can help correct them.
James says, "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:19, 20
Amen. Thank God for His written word.
When it comes to serving Christ, I feel its good and right to challenge myself to go further. I then like to provoke others to challenge themselves. Paul was that way, because the Lord is that way. And I want to be like them. Paul also instructed the congregations to be like him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). Paul knew he was serving God. He was being obedient. That is why God "found him faithful" putting him in the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12). Paul was incredible. He compared everything to serving God. Like
Running a race ~1 Corinthians 9:24
Competing in all athletics ~1 Corinthians 9:25
Boxing ~1 Corinthians 9:26, 27
Being a soldier ~2 Timothy 2:4
Paul made these comparisons in his own personal walk with God. And it helped him. He saw that it helped him and he then shared these little spiritual exercises in his letters.
Paul saw things from Christ's view. Incredible, he was. God gave him so many revelations of God's power in Christ, and the utterance to express these things in words.
Paul saw this was available to ALL, through Christ. And when you see that, as Paul did, you can't keep quiet about it.
Paul brought some heavenly instruction for serving God which no one on earth would ever be able to give for any other activity. It was God-specific. Like this verse here,
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," Ephesians 3:20
Please read that again, slowly. Nobody can fulfill this work in any endeavor on this earth, unless they were going to be putting it into practice by serving God, and only by the power God offers through Christ, in our spirit (those who have been born again).
Now we have to realize, God has always said these kinds of things through His holy prophets and apostles. Christ said many similar things. Christ never told people what they did was good enough. Christ always told them to go further. Why. Because in Christ, more and more is always possible.
We need to grasp this. Like Paul did. We need to challenge ourselves. And then challenge ("provoke to love") our brethren (Hebrews 10:24). Paul used the word ἀγωνίζομαι. Yes, that is the exact word Paul used. As he wrote his letters in Greek. That Greek word is often translated into English as "strive". But what does that mean? This is what it means, "I am struggling, striving (as in an athletic contest or warfare); I contend, as with an adversary.... like engaged in an intense athletic contest or warfare." Jesus used this word too. Jesus said, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Luke 13:24
If we go to Christ, "take" His yoke upon us, and learn of Him and strive, all these things are possible for us. Paul did not write those things to the church so the church would say, "wow, that sounds awesome!" No, he, by the Holy Spirit, wrote these things for the church to put into ACTION. And we have this same opportunity right now, as anyone ever did. If we take God's word seriously. And we take His yoke upon us and "strive", then the resurrected CHRIST will bring us into unimaginable spiritual territory! Just like Paul said.
THAT is where I want to go. Who wants to come with me?
I hope this little message blessed you. If so, please share it with everyone. Don't be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, "because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes".
All praise and glory belongs only to God the Father by His Anointed Son Jesus. Please read my other recent messages on my wall and share those too!
Thank you. And "May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 Amen
We are God's creation. And we all will be judged by Him. That is simply the truth and we have to deal with it. We cannot put this off. We do not know when it will be our turn to stand before God for judgment. It can happen at any time. All who have died in this world have already met their fate. God makes sure we all are given plenty of chances before that day comes.
"For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2
Because tomorrow may never come.
The Bible says,
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
And,
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
If you read this message and you feel like God is calling you to turn from your sinful life right now and accept His precious gift of salvation through Christ, then say this prayer:
Say, "My Lord and my God, Have mercy on my soul, a sinner, I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is listening to my prayer right now. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You into my heart Lord Jesus."
God bless, and if something happened to you when saying the above prayer, please drop me a message here
I pray that God the Father bless you through His Son Jesus the Christ, as you seek Him wholeheartedly. Amen.

Monday, May 14, 2018

THE PROMISE

"Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and to your children and to all who are far off, to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.” Acts 2:38-40
Peter says things in a certain order here, but elsewhere in the same book it is stated by Peter in the opposite order (Acts 10:44-47. The answer? You can be baptized in the Spirit before or after water baptism! I was baptized in Spirit before water baptism.
The point is, repent and receive the *HOLY SPIRIT* which will happen if we truly believe on Christ!
"Whoever believes in Me, just as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” (He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)" ~John 7:38, 39
"Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my Spirit on you; I will make my words known to you." Proverbs 1:23
"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:31-33
"obey" here is literally "persuaded" (Strong's G3980). We obey when we are persuaded by God. And we are persuaded and obey when we believe!
"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13
“So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:9-10 (HCSB)
Dear God our Father and our Lord Jesus, open our ears, eyes and hearts to receive Your precious truths! Only through the righteousness, promises and mercy You provide through your Anointed Son, Jesus the Christos!
Amen, and amen!

Thursday, February 22, 2018

The "Name of God" ....



People get too caught up with the "name of God" topic. Jesus simply referred to Him as "Father" and told us to do the same (Matthew 6:9). Jesus, His name is the Greek translation of Joshua (or Yahoshua. Yeshua, Yohoshua). And He is the "Anointed" or "Christos" (in Greek). In Hebrew it's Mashiach or Messiah. And Jesus is Lord or Master (of all things). Simple!

On Pentecost when the disciples first received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the power from on high and the promise of the Father (all are synonymous), representatives of all the surrounding nations were present and "heard these people speaking IN OUR OWN LANGUAGES about the wonderful things God has done!" Acts 2:11

Right there, GOD ordained the TRANSLATION of His Word into ALL languages (caps for emphasis only). This translation also includes the names and titles of God and our Lord Yeshua!

Languages change over time. Meanings of words change over time. So it is important for us to study the original words underneath the translations (by studying CONTEXT) so we can get a better and clearer picture of what God is saying to us through His written Word. Over the past 200+ years there have been incredible works provided for us to do just that. Strong's concordance is one of those works. However, there are Lexicons that also show HOW each and every Greek and Hebrew word was used in context throughout ALL ancient writings. Scripture and secular. Some Greek words are only used once in the entire Word of God. The ancient philosophers and poets (professional writers) give us more of an insight of what that word meant in the context they used it. Fascinating field of study. Nothing is more fascinating in my opinion than the study of God's Word.

My point is, EVERYONE can verify a translation by studying the Greek and Hebrew text underneath the English translation. For 20 or so years I didn't understand how to do this and was intimidated to look at other versions of the Bible beside the King James Version. (If you already know what I am saying, you are blessed. Do not take this knowledge for granted! ) Finally, about 15 months ago I experienced a break-through in my walk with God. And that was the ability to study the Greek so I can verify ALL the English translations MYSELF! And now I am studying the Septuagint as well and it is wonderful. I know a lot of professing believers attack the validity of the Septuagint and I find that very unfortunate. Please study the Septuagint for yourself. You will see exact phrases taken from the Septuagint and spoken by Jesus the Christ and His servants throughout the whole New Covenant. Verbatim quotes from the Old Covenant Greek in the New Covenant Greek. This has increased my faith and edified me greatly. The Greek Orthodox church still uses the Septuagint. The western church broke off from doing so for perhaps insidious reasons. But Charles Thomson, who was a friend of George Washington and member of the continental congress even translated the Septuagint into English in the early 1800s and was a popular translation! You can read it online. I personally love the Apostolic Bible (Septuagint) translated by Charles Van der Pool. He is the very first one to provide Strong's numbers with the Old Covenant Greek Septuagint. A truly epic work! That is online as well, but I recommend you buy a physical copy from his website. And my other favorite online Bible tools I use all the time are studybible.info, biblehub.com, studylight.org, lumina.bible.org, and blueletterbible.org. These tools are invaluable. And I would even venture to say that God allowed the internet to exist so we could study His word using these tools!

Let me cut this short here and just praise our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ and His Father for giving us His word and allowing us to deeply study it in Greek which may be the most incredible language ever! Amen. And may God the Father bless you all in Yeshua the Anointed One!

See more here: https://spirituallysmart.com/strongtower.html

Forgiveness



Forgiving someone who has wronged us is for our own benefit. It has nothing to do with them, but everything to do with our walk with God. If we understand how WE have all wronged God, partook in the death of His Son Jesus the Christ on the cross, and yet God forgave us in such a powerfully profound way, then it should be easy for us to forgive and even pray for that soul. In most cases, what someone has done to us does not deserve them suffering an eternity in hell for instance.

And forgiving someone doesn't mean we have to subject ourselves to their abuse either. I have forgiven people I will probably never talk to again. Because they are poisonous to my well being. However, I had to forgive them because I know I needed forgiveness from God for all my shortcomings. And EVERYONE has these shortcomings to where we NEED forgiveness from God. Staying angry at someone takes energy. That energy is supposed to be used on serving the Lord. The unforgiveness turns into an idol. Because according to God's word we can't have God AND unforgiveness in our hearts. If we are seeking God with all our heart, there will be no room for unforgiveness anyway. It only hurts ourselves. It only causes anger and bitterness and the works of the flesh. Our eye must be "single" Jesus said. When our eye is "single" then "your whole body also is full of light;" (Luke 11:34, 35) That means all our focus on Jesus and His Word. Just pray to Jesus and tell Him you forgive everyone and ask the Father to forgive you. And just forget about them and focus on God's word and our own growth and need for forgiveness on a daily basis. The forgiving others "their trespasses" is part of what is often called "The Lord's Prayer" and is a fundamental part of serving God! This is part of walking in the light as 1 John 1:7 says, "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." And we NEED this. Not doing this only hurts ourselves.

This may sound hard. Well, we are in a fight. And this is definitely part of that fight. If we fall short in any way, don't give up. Keep fighting and keep asking God for power and grace to overcome and grow into the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Print out the verses you need the most as hang them where you will see them everyday. Knowledge is one thing, we may all know the Word of God. But walking in that knowledge is love. And can be done only by God's holy Spirit within us which He promises to give us freely if we ask....

May God the Father bless you all in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed One. Amen

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Unity in the FAITH




This is something that is urgently needed among believers today. UNITY. And I'm talking about under the guidance of the ONE Jesus the Christ and ONE God the Father by the ONE Holy Spirit. Paul spent a lot of time talking about Christ's ONE body being perfectly united with ONE mind in Christ Jesus. This isn't about compromising. It's about NOT compromising God's holy Word and following Him with ALL our heart. You know about Paul right? The apostle? Everything he did and everything he suffered? Well do you know Paul called everything he did a "light affliction" compared to the glory that was to come (2 Corinthians 4:17). He was a SOLDIER for Christ. And he exhorted US (true believers) to emulate him as he emulated Christ. We need some FIRE to get everyone going here and get together and "strive together" for the cause of CHRIST and the souls He DIED for, Amen? Please read this message for more and share if you are inclined to do so. May God the Father and the Lord Christ Yeshua bless you all! Amen

read full message here: https://spirituallysmart.com/unity.html


Good commentary on Romans chapter 9 from the Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

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