Hegelian dialectic

This is an old post that was never posted (taken from wikipedia)

Hegelian dialectic, usually presented in a three-fold manner, was stated by Heinrich Moritz Chalybäus as comprising three dialectical stages of development: a thesis, giving rise to its reaction, an antithesis, which contradicts or negates the thesis, and the tension between the two being resolved by means of a synthesis.

Although this model is often named after Hegel, he himself never used that specific formulation. Hegel ascribed that terminology to Kant.^[25] Carrying on Kant's work, Fichte greatly elaborated on the synthesis model, and popularized it.

On the other hand, Hegel did use a three-valued logical model that is very similar to the antithesis model, but Hegel's most usual terms were: Abstract-Negative-Concrete. Sometimes Hegel would use the terms, Immediate-Mediated-Concrete. Hegel used these terms hundreds of times throughout his works.^[26]
The formula, Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis, does not explain why the Thesis requires an Antithesis. However, the formula, Abstract-Negative-Concrete, suggests a flaw in any initial thesis—it is too abstract and lacks the negative of trial, error and experience. The same applies to the formula, Immediate-Mediated-Concrete. For Hegel, the Concrete, the Synthesis, the Absolute, must always pass through the phase of the Negative, that is, Mediation. This is the actual essence of what is popularly called Hegelian Dialectics.

To describe the activity of overcoming the negative, Hegel also often used the term Aufhebung, variously translated into English as "sublation" or "overcoming," to conceive of the working of the dialectic. Roughly, the term indicates preserving the useful portion of an idea, thing, society, etc., while moving beyond its limitations. (Jacques Derrida's preferred French translation of the term was relever).

In the Logic, for instance, Hegel describes a dialectic of existence: first, existence must be posited as pure Being (Sein); but pure Being, upon examination, is found to be indistinguishable from Nothing (Nichts). When it is realized that what is coming into being is, at the same time, also returning to nothing (in life, for example, one's living is also a dying), both Being and Nothing are united as Becoming.

As in the Socratic dialectic, Hegel claimed to proceed by making implicit contradictions explicit: each stage of the process is the product of contradictions inherent or implicit in the preceding stage. For Hegel, the whole of history is one tremendous dialectic, major stages of which chart a progression from self-alienation as slavery to self-unification and realization as the rational, constitutional state of free and equal citizens. The Hegelian dialectic cannot be mechanically applied for any chosen thesis. Critics argue that the selection of any antithesis, other than the logical negation of the thesis, is subjective. Then, if the logical negation is used as the antithesis, there is no rigorous way to derive a synthesis. In practice, when an antithesis is selected to suit the user's subjective purpose, the resulting "contradictions" are rhetorical, not logical, and the resulting synthesis is not rigorously defensible against a multitude of other possible syntheses. The problem with the Fichtean "Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis" model is that it implies that contradictions or negations come from outside of things. Hegel's point is that they are inherent in and internal to things. This conception of dialectics derives ultimately from Heraclitus.

Hegel has outlined that the purpose of dialectics is "to study things in their own being and movement and thus to demonstrate the finitude of the partial categories of understanding"
One important dialectical principle for Hegel is the transition from quantity to quality, which he terms the Measure. The measure is the qualitative quantum, the quantum is the existence of quantity.

"The identity between quantity and quality, which is found in Measure, is at first only implicit, and not yet explicitly realised. In other words, these two categories, which unite in Measure, each claim an independent authority. On the one hand, the quantitative features of existence may be altered, without affecting its quality. On the other hand, this increase and diminution, immaterial though it be, has its limit, by exceeding which the quality suffers change. [...] But if the quantity present in measure exceeds a certain limit, the quality corresponding to it is also put in abeyance. This however is not a negation of quality altogether, but only of this definite quality, the place of which is at once occupied by another. This process of measure, which appears alternately as a mere change in quantity, and then as a sudden revulsion of quantity into quality, may be envisaged under the figure of a nodal (knotted) line".

As an example, Hegel mentions the states of aggregation of water: "Thus the temperature of water is, in the first place, a point of no consequence in respect of its liquidity: still with the increase or diminution of the temperature of the liquid water, there comes a point where this state of cohesion suffers a qualitative change, and the water is converted into steam or ice". As other examples Hegel mentions the reaching of a point where a single additional grain makes a heap of wheat; or where the bald-tail is produced, if we continue plucking out single hairs.

Another important principle for Hegel is the negation of the negation, which he also terms Aufhebung (sublation): Something is only what it is in its relation to another, but by the negation of the negation this something incorporates the other into itself. The dialectical movement involves two moments that negate each other, a somewhat and an another. As a result of the negation of the negation, "something becomes an other; this other is itself somewhat; therefore it likewise becomes an other, and so on ad infinitum" Something in its passage into other only joins with itself, it is self-related. In becoming there are two moments coming-to-be and ceasing-to-be: by sublation, i.e. negation of the negation, being passes over into nothing, it ceases to be, but something new shows up, is coming to be. What is sublated (aufgehoben) on the one hand ceases to be and is put to an end, but on the other hand it is preserved and maintained. In dialectics, a totality transforms itself; it is self-related.

Very interesting piece of information regarding the importance of Coptic Bible fragments:

"Because the climate of Egypt is especially favorable for the preservation of antiquities—desert conditions prevail south of Cairo, as one goes up the Nile Valley—an astonishing number of very early Coptic manuscripts have been discovered, dating from AD 300 onwards, and the number continues to grow.

"Coptic literature, which survives in a number of dialects, comprises both original works and translations from the Greek and was mostly intended for use in the non-Greek churches and monasteries of Egypt. It includes several translations of the Bible made from Greek starting about AD 300, which are a very early indirect attestation of the Greek text and a direct indication of an Egyptian (perhaps Alexandrian) understanding of what it meant: the Coptic versions are of great importance to modern scholars of Biblical textual criticism." ~COPTIC IN 20 LESSONS by Bentley Layton - Professor of Religious Studies and Professor of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Yale University.

More information on the importance of ancient Coptic bible texts By Tommy Richards

Read free online: "Coptic Biblical texts in the dialect of Upper Egypt" by Budge, E. A. Wallis, Sir, 1857-1934

"Contains Coptic versions of the Books of Deuteronomy, Jonah, and the Acts of the Apostles, from the papyrus Codex Oriental no. 7594, and the Book of the Apocalypse from the paper manuscript, Oriental no. 6803."

"The oldest known copy of any translation of ... the Greek Bible."

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Budge says in the Preface: "The texts in the papyrus Codex are of great importance, for the script in the Greek hand which comes at the end of the Acts of the Apostles proves that the volume cannot have been written later than the middle of the fourth century. Hence it is now certain that copies of some Books of the Old and New Testaments, written in Coptic, were in circulation among the Egyptian Christians early in the first half of this century: and it is legitimate to conclude that the origin of the version itself cannot be placed later than the third century. The Codex is, in fact, the oldest known copy of any translation of any considerable portion of the Greek Bible: indeed it is probably as early as any copy now in existence of any substantial part of the Bible."

That was in the early 20th century. Not long after, an incredible discovery was made. In the forward of Crum's thousand-page Coptic Dictionary, we read "...Only in rare instances did a Coptic document preserve a text, or part of a text, whose Greek original was lost, in which case it became the only source..." "All this changed dramatically with the discovery late in 1945 of the Nag Hammadi codices. The discovery consisted of thirteen Coptic codices copied about the middle of the fourth century C.E. (A.D.)..." "Suddenly, learning Coptic became the middle-age crisis of the New Testament and Patristics scholars and produced another language requirement for their doctoral students." "The thirteen codices contained fifty-two tractates, but since six are duplicates, there are only 46 works. All are translations from Greek, and most were composed in the second and third centuries C.E." ~Forward by James M. Robinson (The forward contains many more important details which you may read after purchasing online, as I have done.)

As you can probably (hopefully) see, there is good cause for attention to be paid in this field of study!

If anyone is interested in learning basic Coptic language and grammar, I recommend reading and/or printing the [free] book found online: "Layton, Bentley. Coptic in 20 Lessons: Introduction to Sahidic Coptic With Exercises & Vocabularies. Leuven. Paris and Dudley. Peeters, 2006." which is required for Washington University's "COPTIC 101 A: Introduction to Sahidic Coptic".

Best wishes to all, in and through Christ Jesus!

Tommy Richards
https://septuagint-lxx.com
https://spirituallysmart.com

Romans 13:1-6 Wanting in the Coptic New Testament

Firstly, I am hoping that this post will turn into a research lead for someone who can find out more about this subject. And I humbly ask that you please share with me anything you can find if you do look into this. The information I am sharing here should be interesting to anyone who loves God's word.

I've been studying what I can from the Coptic - English translations of the Bible. I find this to be fascinating and have become somewhat addicted. The most interesting part is that the Coptic books of the bible come from some of the oldest known manuscripts. I also find it interesting that this field of study is neglected. It should not be. All fragments of Coptic manuscripts need to be studied and compared to other manuscripts. It just may be that they turn out to be BETTER and MORE RELIABLE than other manuscripts due to age.

I posted recently about the Book of JOB from the Coptic, translated by Henry Tattam (1788 – 1868) who was a well-educated leader within the church of England and renowned expert in the field of ancient Coptic and Egyptian (which is synonymous with the word "Coptic") manuscripts. The term "Coptic" comes from the Greek to Arabic line and translates "GYPT" from Egypt (dropping the "E" which is simply the definite article from old Egyptian language) and makes it simple "GOBT". English then makes it "Copt". "Egypt" comes from The Latin the English line.

Tattam writes in the introduction of his translation of Job: "It may perhaps be sufficient to state here, that the Coptic Version of the Scriptures was made at a very early period of the Christian era. This Version of the Old Testament, like all the other ancient Versions of it, was made from the Greek Text, and not from the original Hebrew."

And as I posted previously, Job 1:6 reads "angels of God" rather than "sons of God". The latter the source of much controversy and debate. AND, if I may say plainly, has been the source of many widespread HERETICAL teachings.

But now to the focus of this new post; The Coptic Version of the NEW Testament in the Southern dialect (otherwise called Sahidic and Thebaic), edited by George William Horner (1849–1930) is lacking the controversial Romans 13:1-6. I find it fascinating that this exact portion, which has been the subject of so much controversy, is wanting in this ancient Coptic text!

And unfortunately, due to the sparse commentary on the Coptic versions of the Bible, I cannot say anymore right now. But wikipedia says this about Romans 13:1-7 (please view their entry for citations and sources @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romans_13 ):

"According to biblical scholars John Barton and John Muddiman:

Few if any passages in the Pauline corpus have been more subject to abuse than w. 1–7. Paul does not indicate that one is required to obey public officials under all circumstances, nor does he say that every exercise of civil authority is sanctioned by God. No particular government is authorized; no universal autarchy is legitimated. Instead, Paul reiterates the common Jewish view that human governance operates under God's superintendency (Jn 19:11; Dan 2:21; Prov 8:15—16; Isa 45:1—3; Wis 6:3), that it is part of the divine order and so is meant for human good (i Pet 2:13–14; Ep. Arist. 291–2).[12]

Romans 13 is from time to time employed in civil discourse and by politicians and philosophers in support of or against political issues. Two conflicting arguments are made: that the passage mandates obedience to civil law; and that there are limits to authority beyond which obedience is not required. John Calvin, in Institutes of the Christian Religion[13] took the latter position: "that we might not yield a slavish obedience to the depraved wishes of men". Martin Luther employed Romans 13 in Against the Robbing and Murdering Hordes of Peasants[14] to advocate that it would be sinful for a prince or lord not to use force, including violent force, to fulfil the duties of their office.[15]

Theologian Paul Tillich is critical of an interpretation that would cast Romans 13:1-7 in opposition to revolutionary movements:

One of the many politico-theological abuses of biblical statements is the understanding of Paul’s words [Romans 13:1-7] as justifying the anti-revolutionary bias of some churches, particularly the Lutheran. But neither these words nor any other New Testament statement deals with the methods of gaining political power. In Romans, Paul is addressing eschatological enthusiasts, not a revolutionary political movement.[16]

Romans 13 was used during the period of the American Revolution, by loyalists who preached obedience to the Crown; and by revolutionaries who argued for elimination of the unjust authority of the King. Later in US history, Romans 13 was employed by anti-abolitionists to justify and legitimise (sic) the keeping of slaves; notably around the time of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 which precipitated debate as to whether the law should be obeyed or resisted.[15] It was also used by the Dutch Reformed Church to justify apartheid rule in South Africa.[17][18]

In June 2018, Romans 13 was used by Jeff Sessions to justify the Trump administration family separation policy, saying:[15][19][20]

I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13 to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order. Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves and protect the weak and lawful.[21]

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, echoed Sessions' use of Romans 13, stating:

I’m not aware of the attorney general’s comments or what he would be referencing, [but] I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law. That is repeated throughout the Bible.[21]

Commenting on the fight to define Romans 13, Lincoln Mullen argues that "what the attorney general actually has on his side is the thread of American history that justifies oppression and domination in the name of law and order."

Tommy Richards

https://septuagint-lxx.com
https://spirituallysmart.com

Why ancient Coptic bibles are so important:

The Coptic language is an incredible language based off the Greek. It was in use between 200BC and 1700 and many ancient bibles were translated into Coptic from Greek and was used to preserve the Bible! Yet ANOTHER proven fact of how important and popular the #Septuagint #LXX was and IS. Here is a graph I put together comparing the Coptic alphabet with the Greek alphabet, and a link to the page where I am gathering information and PDFs of Coptic Bibles with Greek and English notes, Coptic dictionaries, Bible commentaries and a learner's Grammar. https://www.septuagint-lxx.com/coptic

May God Almighty bless you through His Christos Son, JESUS. Amen.

Hebrew, Latin, and Greek ~John 19:20

"Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek." John 19:20

Important verse to think about and consider. Those three languages were very popular in that region. And this verse amplifies the importance of the Septuagint Greek Old Covenant writings. Because that was the MAIN bible at that time. It was practically all they had, studied, and quoted from. As the New Covenant writings hadn't been written yet.

In chapter 6 of the book of Acts we read how "...the Grecian Jews ("Greek-speaking Judeans" = "Ἑλληνιστῶν") began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." Acts 6:1b "daily distribution of διακονία." διακονία = "waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration." (Strong's concordance).

So seven GREEK - Jews were chosen.

"Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  Acts 6:3, 4

"This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism." Acts 6:5

If you study these 7 names you will see they were all GREEK names!

Again, we see how important Greek was right in the New Covenant writings!

On a more personal note, Greek and Latin are easiest for me to study and understand because the English language is largely based on them. I see many whole and partial English words right in these ancient languages. And this helps to UNDERSTAND these WORDS OF GOD *BETTER* (GREAT EMPHASIS ADDED). And the IMPORTANCE of this, cannot be expressed adequately with words!

Written by Tommy Richards of septuagint-lxx.com and spirituallysmart.com to the glory of God the Father by and through His Christos Son Jesus. Amen.

HOW TO BE SAVED:

Amen, to what Peter says in this verse! This, he said in response to the Gentiles officially being accepted into God's family through faith in Christ. And the event was confirmed through the giving of, immersion of, the baptism in God's holy Spirit. Cornelius and his household were born again, anew, fathered, begotten from above. Just like the Judeans were on Pentecost, as Jesus promised. According to Bible historians, Cornelius and his household being accepted by God was approximately 10 years after Pentecost. The Gentiles being justified by and through faith in Christ was somewhat shocking to the Judean believers. But they could not deny what had happened to Cornelius and his friends and family. And they could not deny all the Scriptures which foretold of this event. Peter being the important vessel God used to introduce this fact to the Judeans in Jerusalem. PAUL then became God's main ambassador to the gentiles. He was perfect because no one was more offensive and contrary to God than Paul. If God could save Paul, God could save the gentiles and offer all His promises to them through faith in His Christos Son. And indeed, God has done just that. Gentiles have an ADDITIONAL reason to worship, thank, and praise God the Father through Christ.

The two verses that came to mind while writing this were:

1. "Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too," (Romans 3:29)

2. "Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off." (Romans 11:22)

Because, do you think that the knowledge of such an incredible act of God's love and mercy, and His bestowal of His Spirit to us through the death and shed blood of His SON is for nothing? After becoming witnesses of God's reality through the baptism in God's Spirit through faith in Christ, do we pretend nothing happened? Were we not indeed made a new creation? Should not all our thoughts and actions be carefully weighed through prayerful study of God's word? And should we not repent at the reading of His word and allow God's fire to burn away anything other than God's pure teachings? Should we not DO as PAUL teaches us gentiles? Did he not warn them straightly over and over, with tears? Did he suffer everything he suffered for nothing? Isn't this what God's Spirit is pressing upon you when you read His written word? I hope so. Otherwise, our hearts are still like stones. The new heart is needed for God to be able to sow His seed. The perfect soil for planting and growing. That needs to happen FIRST. THEN we can grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ, eventually. We must be born anew. Like the Judeans on Pentecost. And like Cornelius ten years later. And we must strive to do everything PAUL wrote to those who received the Spirit of Christ. As he said, "You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Romans 8:9

So what can we do to receive God's Spirit? We must first BELIEVE. And only through the unmerited, unearned gift from God can we have this faith. And how does one receive faith from God? Answer: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  "So, Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Romans 10:13-15, 17

That's how you become saved, the gift of God opening your hearts to His gospel and His enabling us to endure to the end of our lives. And how does one become condemned? Jesus tells us through the book of John. During His incredible conversation with Nicodemus, He says, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. AND THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” John 3

And there you have it. The direction from God. Go to Him for forgiveness. He will grant you forgiveness through His Son. One will only seek forgiveness if one feels sad about what they have done. And one feels bad because our sins separate us from God and His blessings.

At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have HIDDEN these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children [(those small in their own mind)]. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. Matthew 11:25-26

It's the lowly sinners who hear the message of God. If you feel sad for your sins, that's a blessing. Turn to God now and trust in Him for eternal life.

Here is a prayer I said when I was born again. Say it to God;

"My Lord and my God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe Jesus the Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now on the right-hand side of God listening to this prayer. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You in, Lord Jesus. Thank you, God, for saving my soul and I vow to serve you with all my heart which is the first and greatest commandment. Amen."

Written by Tommy Richards​, to the glory of God the Father through His Anointed Son Jesus. Amen.

THE LAST HOUR

The basis of this message I am writing is found in the first epistle of John. He writes, “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” 1 John 2:18-20

John tells us we are in the last hour – This is 2000 YEARS AGO which would most likely mean that we are possibly in the last minute of time.

John says that “antichrist (ἀντίχριστος) is coming (ἔρχομαι). In the very same sentence John states, “…and already many such antichrists have appeared. This is how we know that it is the last hour.”

Appeared = γίνομαι. And is a very common Greek word in the NT and fundamentally means "become" (becoming, became). Therefore, I think the emphasis in this verse is on the fact that there were many antichrist[s] already presently there.

John, the apostle. One of the original 12 disciples picked out by the Lord Himself. Author of: The Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John (epistles of); and Revelation or "Apocalypse" (ἀποκάλυψις) is a Greek word meaning "an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation."

John therefore had the authority to say assuredly, “They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.” (1 John 2:19)

I’m writing this because I have seen representatives of churches, sects and cults try quoting this scripture when someone leaves their group. But I say that in most cases they have no authority to do so. The apostle John was a proven leader in the body of Christ. NOBODY else can lay claim to this kind of authority. Therefore, people should be very careful when they try and call someone “antichrist” because someone left their group. People who carelessly accuse people of being antichrist can often wind up looking more like the antichrist than the one they are accusing. I say this because of the reasoning they employ when drawing their conclusions. The accuser/slanderer (διάβολος), are imagining that their group is the one and only bonafide church of God and anyone who leaves it is antichrist. In other words, they are putting their faith into this idea and not putting their faith in the person of CHRIST. This very work puts them in place of Christ. Or instead of Christ. Which is the very definition of “antichrist.”

The reason why someone would imagine that their little cult, group or sect is the one and only body of Christ is because they are deceived. And most likely due to pride. Of which, God says He is at war with those who are proud. “But gives His grace (gift of unmerited favor) to the LOWLY.” (Proverbs 3:34 LXX; 1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6).

The opposite/antonym of pride which is humility is a prerequisite for properly serving Christ and is the signature of authenticity of a true born of the Spirit follower of Christ. The true believer full well knows his unworthiness and therefore is always looking for Christ’s guidance. As the true believer knows who and what he was before Christ saved him. This guidance, John refers to in the very next verse. The word is often translated as “unction”, but is more properly translated as “the result of the anointing” (χρίσμα) and is where we get the English word charisma.

John says, “You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” 1 John 2:20 (and see 1 John 2:27 to see all the usages (3) of this word (χρίσμα) in the New Covenant writings.)

John then says, “I have not written you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.” 1 John 2:21

John is talking to members in Christ’s body, firstly. People who have never truly been saved like to imagine they are anointed leaders of God and that all the Bible verses apply to them in a context that was never intended. They throw around heavy duty verses and accusations and they feel that makes them look important. These are the ones who never truly entered into God’s fold through faith in Christ and the initial immersion in God’s holy Spirit at the time of conversion. These are the “antichrists” John is talking about! And their day of judgment and negative verdict is coming very soon. These are the ones who have entered into the fold, not through the Gate (Christ), but “some other way.” The same is “a thief and a robber.” John 10:1

Just as John is warning in his epistles; “they did not [ever] belong to us.” And “their departure made it clear that none of them [ever] belonged to us.” (1 John 2:19)

These antichrists were never saved! Then, when someone who IS saved visits their group and depart when the spiritual bankruptcy of the hypocrites is manifested, the wolves in sheep’s clothing begin pacifying the others by incorrectly quoting John’s words about antichrist. Except the roles were actually reversed. The antichrists rejected a true born of the Spirit converted follower of Christ and therefore “departed” from Christ’s body without even knowing it. (2 John 1:7; Luke 10:16; Matthew 10:40; John 13:20)

John then says, “Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.” 1 John 2:22

“Denies” is the English translation of the Greek word ἀρνέομαι and means: “(refuse); hence, contradict, refuse to affirm or to confess (identify with); disown (repudiate).”

Those who never knew Christ are easily deceived and manipulated by demons. They naturally repudiate, deny and disown JESUS and those who belong to Him. And before we knew Christ, we all did the very same thing! (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 1:21)

But when we were confronted with God’s truth and through God’s mercy accepted it, the antichrists on the other hand denied it, repudiated it and contradicted it (Matthew 21:44; Luke 20:18). And again, John fills in the pertinent information in the all-important third chapter of John. He says, “And this is the verdict (“condemnation” - KJV): The Light has come into the world, but men loved (chose) the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” John 3:17, 18

Those who are Christ’s go to Him every day and confess their faults and express to Him their need of God’s grace and forgiveness. This allows God to exercise His mercy to us (1 John 1:7). This shows that we are affirming and confirming God as the good and gracious God He is, while we are displaying our humility and need for God’s forgiveness. And THIS is the most important part of God’s work in Christ. As Jesus says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but [I came to call] sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:31, 32

Jesus WAS BORN into this world for sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 9:13; Luke 19:10; John 3:17).

But the antichrists will hardly ever admit they are wrong at all. And therefore, these types do not need Christ. And therefore, reject, deny and repudiate Him.

Paul also often speaks of these deniers of God, but does so very specifically in 2 Thessalonians 2. Paul says, “The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10

And because they refused, denied, repudiated and were hostile toward “a love for the truth,” “For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie,” (The lie that THEY are the anointed of God and everyone who leaves them are antichrist!) 2 Thessalonians 2:11

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

The holy Spirit tells us all the same things so many times and in so many ways in God’s old and new covenant writings. And I tell you, and echo the words of the Lord Jesus Christ and all His messengers, apostles and prophets; And that is the fact that we need to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We need to seek Him persistently. To read His word prayerfully. And To constantly commune with Him in our heart. And to never stop until we breathe our very last breath!

You can be saved!

God loves the people in the world so much that He came down to die for us. If God is opening your heart to His message and you feel convicted for your sins which have separated you from a holy God and you feel the need to be forgiven, then say this prayer. This is how I was powerfully converted to the Christ in 1997!

Say, "My Lord and my God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe Jesus the Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now on the right-hand side of God listening to this prayer. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You in, Lord Jesus. Thank you, God, for saving my soul and I vow to serve you with all my heart which is the first and greatest commandment. Amen."

Tommy Richards​


https://spirituallysmart.com/antichrist.html

Baptism in God's Spirit! The promise is to ALL ... (Acts 2:39)

"And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Romans 8:9b

Anyone who does not have God's Spirit dwelling within them, they are still orphans! This is true, but I doubt you will hear this anywhere in "church land." I never heard this out there. But the Lord showed it to me very clearly in many different ways (in His Word coupled with His Spirit). Not just for me to know, but to highlight the scriptures and share with YOU and the world. So please read my six-part series on the baptism in God's Spirit as soon as you can. https://spirituallysmart.com/six-part-series-baptism.html

Because as Paul tells us, "Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn't living in you, you are counterfeit." 2 Corinthians 13:5

This is no joke. We have to put all our heart into this. We can't be phonies and go to heaven. No matter how religious, nice or kind we are. We have to be authentic believers in Christ (truly knowing and loving Him). And we must know and teach that Christ is our redemption and justification and FINAL JUDGE in the end!

I pray God the Father open our hearts and understanding today to our spiritual condition and give us an urgency to react and adjust ourselves, before it is too late! I only ask through Christ Jesus, the Anointed Son of the Father. Amen.

Tommy Richards

First Gospel Tract entitled: JUDGMENT with link to download, print and distribute

JUDGMENT - Link to word document so you may download, print, and redistribute: https://spirituallysmart.com/judgment-tract.docx

2 CORINTHIANS 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men…”

ACTS 17:30,31 “Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

ECCLESIASTES 12:13,14 “The conclusion of the WHOLE matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”

HEBREWS 9:27 “Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,”

MATTHEW 12:36,37 “But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

JOHN 12:48 “There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”

REVELATION 20:13 “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.”

MATTHEW 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day ….. ”

WE HAVE ALL heard bits and pieces about Jesus. Mostly because of two major holidays many observe. On “Christmas” many acknowledge Christ was born. On “Easter” many acknowledge Christ raised from the dead. Major religions like Roman Catholicism also show quite plainly that Jesus died on the cross. We have all seen their crosses everywhere which they call the “crucifix.”

Unfortunately, Jesus, these symbols and holidays have been turned into a weapon of oppression world-wide. Many war-mongers and insane people have claimed to be “Christian.” That is why I will not use that term any longer. As it has been hijacked as a tool of deception, hate and death. Most of those claiming to represent God’s interests have been false.

But Jesus warned us 2000 years ago that this would happen.

God and His Representative/Son Jesus are not like so many professing to know and represent God. God proved this through His physical appearance in this world through His Son, Jesus the Christ. Jesus conducted His life as a total expression of God’s love.

God’s love is expressed in many different ways. And Jesus expressed them all. And those who truly follow Christ, are obligated to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6).

The Bible was written in ancient Greek. And the Greek words which were originally written often have a much more expansive definition than the English counterpart. When the apostle John wrote we are to “walk as He (Jesus) walked”, that actually means, “conduct one’s life as Jesus conducted His.” John says, “Whoever claims to abide, remain in Him (His commands) are obligated to, indebted to, walk as Jesus walked.”

And how did Jesus “walk”? In total love of God and for others (His neighbors), putting them first, as God has always intended for mankind to do for each other. That is how God intended man to “conduct their lives” from the very beginning of time.

As Jesus taught in the very heart of Israel, He was tested with a question by the Jewish religious leaders there. The question was asked by “an expert in the law [of Moses].” He asked, “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Jesus says!

With this in mind, it should then be somewhat easy to see if someone is actually a representative of God. Do they teach what Jesus taught? Do they walk as Jesus walked? Now ask yourself. Do YOU walk as Jesus walked?
More than likely, the answer is “NO.”

But we need to walk as Jesus walked if we want to fare well in the final judgment. And God is offering us all a chance to do just that! And THAT is exactly what we will find if we begin to honestly and earnestly seek God for answers.

One of the most important teachings by Jesus is that He tells us to do just that. To seek God. Jesus said to seek God and not give up. To never give up until we receive an answer. Any of us can do this. And we don’t have to be in a church building or speak with a church leader. Anywhere we are, we can talk to God without even saying an audible word. Because God knows our every thought.

Technology is amazing isn’t it? Think about all the different things humanity can do through technology

technology. And think about all the things the government and large companies can do with and through technology. For instance, it’s been shown that people who work in this capacity can practically read our thoughts and know what kind of people we are just by how we browse the internet. Some companies do claim to offer ways to keep these things private.

But with God, NOTHING is private.

God has the most advanced technology humans will never be able reproduce. God has a recording device built into each and every one of our souls. Right in our heart. And on judgment day, that recording is going to play and expose every thought, word and act that we ever thought, said and committed. However, this technology can be used for our benefit and the benefit of our fellow man.

God calls this technology PRAYER!

That’s right. And it is through PRAYER that we CAN talk to GOD. And that’s just the very beginning. God is also the source of all energy. Energy which can power billions of power plants. Matter of fact, His energy is LIFE and the LIFE of every living thing on this earth. Everything is operating just as God created it…. …EXCEPT MANKIND
We have all been disconnected from service. God had to pull the plug. Now we all only have a very short lifespan. Some, shorter than others. Matter of fact, we never know when our lives will completely be cut off.

THAT IS WHY WE NEED JESUS THE CHRIST, NOW.

Through Christ we can all be plugged back into God’s wonderful and powerful ENERGY. With this energy in us, depression and anxiety doesn’t stand a chance. God provides perfect peace within our heart. Peace we never thought possible. I know. I had suffered from acute anxiety for years before God healed me.

And it was through prayer that God heard my cries and personally delivered to me salvation through the most powerful act of love no one could ever imagine. And He did this directly through His Representative, Jesus the Christ. The resurrected Savior.

In the end, God will judge us through Christ. While we still have a breath in our body, we need to seek Him for forgiveness and eternal life. This, God WANTS to give to us all. We only need to ask.

You can be saved!

If you have never repented of your sins and been saved and feel the desire to do so now please say this prayer. This is how I was powerfully saved 20 years ago!

Say, "My Lord and my God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe Jesus the Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now on the right-hand side of God listening to this prayer. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You in, Lord Jesus. Thank you, God, for saving my soul and I vow to serve you with all my heart which is the first and greatest commandment. Amen."

Contact Us

Email: email@spirituallysmart.com
Web: www.spirituallysmart.com
Converted to Christ in 1997
Written by Thomas Richards – Please copy and redistribute free of charge!

Have you been ENERGIZED?

The word "idle" is the English translation of the Greek word ἀργός and is an adjective. The word describes someone who is inactive, not working. It is the antonym of, opposite of "working" (adj). As in a "working (ἐνεργής) laborer" vs a "non-working (ἀργός) laborer."

In Matthew chapter 20 verses 1-16 we read about the Lord telling a parable about laborers/workers in the vineyard. He begins the parable by saying, "For the kingdom of heaven is like....", so those who are listening can safely apply this earthly allegory to their spiritual lives.

The main point of the teaching is that all who enter the harvest field and work for the Lord will receive the same pay when they are finished. But in the course of the parable many other important truths are revealed. The point I want to highlight is the very fact that if someone is inactive, idle, and not working, this person has not yet received and/or obeyed the call from the Lord. Or worse, they have gone astray, are being disobedient and/or have fallen away back into rebellion against GOD. (The Lord touches upon this fact in The Parable of the Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32)

When we become inactive (idle) after being made "hot" when we were first converted, we are then considered to be lukewarm. We then become fitting recipients of the Lord's rebuke in Revelation 3:15, 16 (“I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!”). Before we knew Christ, we were all "cold" (dead, spiritually). But when we were made alive (“quickened”), we were energized and began to move around and heat up. The more work we do by being joined to and walking with Jesus, the more we heat up. And when we heat up enough we boil over which is the very root of the definition of the word zealous (1, 2, 3). This is right where we (and the Lord) want us to be! It's where we are obligated to be! (1 John 2:6)

The Lord is willing to allow anyone and everyone to go to work for Him. When He hires us, we enter into an agreement with Him. Just like in the Parable of the Vineyard Workers, the master of the house hired (entered into an agreement) with the workers. Another word/synonym for agreement is covenant. So, you can probably see how this parable so aptly describes the kingdom of heaven. God has talked to us in very simplistic terms. But that is not how we will understand these terms. We will understand these terms if and when God allows us to understand them. And Jesus praise God the Father because God revealed the mysteries of the kingdom to babes. But hid them from the supposed wise and prudent. (Matthew 11:25, 26)

When the owner of a business wants to hire someone for money, the thought of that payment energizes the worker into doing work. We're talking about long hours and very hard work. They think of all the things they are going to buy with that money. With the Lord, it is much more powerful and we receive a payment that can't be compared to a day's wages. When our understanding is enlightened to what God is offering us, many things happen. But the main thing that happens is we become energized to do God's work. The gifts of God, His love to us, the faith He gives us and most of all, His holy Spirit. All these things energize us! "The word of God is ALIVE and FULL OF ENERGY." (Hebrews 4:12a) The Greek word is ἐνεργής (adj) and the noun form of that word is where we get the English term ENERGY. Paul says God's holy Spirit is the source of energy which results in all the varieties of spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:6). Paul again says, "Does God lavish His Spirit on you and (in turn) energize (energetically produce) miracles among you because you practice the Law, or because you hear and believe?" Think about how power plants energize whole cities. Now think about GOD who energizes the power plants. And think about the fact that He WANTS to, DESIRES to energize us to do His incredible work that He has for us through faith in His Christos SON!!

So why do we stand around IDLE? Have we not been ENERGIZED by God through Faith in His living LOGOS, THE Anointed Son of God? The bread of LIFE? This energy is available to us FOR FREE!

When we are hired by God it will be through the gift of faith in His Son. THE Christos (Anointed, Messiah) Son of God who is Creator, Lord and God over all. When we are hired by God to work in His vineyard, we are entering into covenant with God. The covenant is to accept the incredible, ineffable love God has shown to us by coming down to this world and dying for us. Us acknowledging this miraculous fact will enable God to cleanse us of all prior sins. That makes us a clean container for Him to enter into us via the giving us of His holy Spirit which is also called being "born again", anew, for a second time, fathered from above, made a new creature, receiving the Spirit of adoption and THIS makes us actual witnesses of God's reality. And in due time, God will make us able ministers of the new covenant.

Now this powerful experience changes us forever. Because it is when God enables and energizing us so we can then begin the work God has for us (i.e. to work in His vineyard for payment). At first, like any beginner of a trait or job, we are unknowledgeable and quite sloppy. "Carnal" and spiritually immature. But as we go to Him every day and yoke up with Him and learn of Him, we will become skilled workers. We GROW. As this is what God has showed us from the beginning. God's energy and life makes everything alive and causes it to be fruitful. That is "good" as God says (Genesis chapter 1).

When God's Spirit enters us, the same will happen. God's Spirit (Christ in us) will push us and provoke us to do what we are supposed to do. And what we are supposed to do is all we can to convince the world of its spiritual condition and what God has done to fix it. Yes, and we can only do that if we are actually participating with God in His work and according to His rules. And If we have entered into and are not breaking covenant, but are seeking to love Him with all our heart. Because not only is that the "first and greatest commandment" (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-28), but that is what we agree upon when we enter covenant with God through the confession that we are sinners in NEED of a Savior, and that Christ's shed blood and death upon the cross was the payment made for us to redeem us to God. God in Christ gave all and we give all in return. It is only natural. And yet, supernatural. 

Paul says,

“I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people.”

“I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side+ in heaven.” ~Ephesians 1:17-20 (CEV)

Dear heavenly Father, please let these powerful words of Yours be burned forever into our hearts. With the result of us being energized so we may bring You the glory due to You. We ask only through the work You have done in and through Your Christos Son Jesus, our only hope. Amen

~Tommy Richards