Food for thought

"If you think you are better than others, when you really aren't, you are wrong." Galatians 6:3 CEV

Why do people think they are better than others? God looks at everyone with love and desire to be their God. If you think God loves you, know this: He loves everyone, and sent His Son to die for them all.

 We have a huge responsibility as believers. If we really are believers. If we're not true believers, then we need to stop falsely professing faith. Because we will all be held accountable for this sort of thing.

“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” John 9:41

This one statement by God tells us we need to be brutally honest with ourselves and be very careful what we say and the claims we make. Especially if we are claiming to represent GOD.

PAUL even said, "For now we see through a glass, darkly." (1 Corinthians 13:12a) And in the same letter and context Paul tells us love is far more important than knowledge. So it may be wise to do less talking, and more loving [of God].

Paul, again says, "But the one who loves God is known by God." 1 Corinthians 8:3

But we can't love God if we don't know Him. But if we do know Him, God will pour out His love into our hearts through the holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) And this can't be hidden. (Matthew 5:14, 15)

Why do we pretend to be such big men and women of God, when we really aren't? Why can't we read God's written word, look at ourselves and be honest? And let that lack DRIVE US into prayer to God for help?

“Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’

Don't you see what Jesus is telling us here? We don't have the bread of God to give to our hungry neighbors!! Doesn't that hurt?? No?? Why not!!?? IT SHOULD HURT US VERY MUCH

And so we PRAY TO GOD. For our daily bread and bread for our neighbors.

If we truly have Christ in our hearts, we should be able to share Him with others.

Isn't that a beautiful THOUGHT? Well, it should be a REALITY. It MUST be a reality IF we profess faith. If we have no bread, then we have no faith. Or we are dormant, lukewarm or worse.

"And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’

I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet BECAUSE of the man’s PERSISTENCE, he will get up AND GIVE HIM AS MUCH AS HE NEEDS.

So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Luke 11)

Amen.

And may God bless you all in Christ Jesus His Son.

Tommy Richards​

Colossians 1:28 and the Greek word νουθετέω ("noutheteó" - Strong's G3560)

The ancient fragments of Bible found throughout the world are primarily in Greek. That's because Greek was one of the most important languages in and around Israel before, during and after the time of the Christos (Greek word) Son of God. There was a very important Greek Old Testament collection of books at the time of the Christos too. This Greek old testament is primarily the source of old covenant/testament quotes in the New Testament writings! Yes, Jesus and the apostles and disciples quote old Testament Greek passages into the new covenant writings. Often (when studying the Greek), you will find these quotes exactly the same in both old and new testament writings, even though the ENGLISH translation can be very different. Why? So companies can put a COPYRIGHT on God's word and SELL God's word. 

This is why I study every Greek word in the old and new covenant writings and see where these words appear in both testament/covenant writings. This is called "syntax" and is very important in learning the meaning of these words [OF GOD].

One Greek word I want to share today is νουθετέω ("noutheteó" - Strong's G3560) and is often translated into the English word "admonish". But what does "admonish" mean? The answer to this question is very important. So we see it is beneficial for us to study Greek words AND their English counterparts! Doing this while staying in prayer to God is essential for growth in SOUND doctrine!

This word, νουθετέω ("noutheteó" - Strong's G3560), has a wonderful definition on biblehub . com. It reads,

3560 /nouthetéō ("admonish through instruction") especially appeals to the mind, supplying doctrinal and spiritual substance (content). This "exerts positive pressure" on someone's logic (reasoning), i.e. urging them to choose (turn to) God's best.

As we can see, when we understand these words, we can properly "admonish" OURSELVES and our neighbors, and therefore, LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES. We all need this admonishment from God's wonderful Word and Spirit. It is the Spirit that deals with the consciences of men! And this work is accomplished when we are born again, seeking God with all the heart and admonishing ourselves through careful STUDY of God's Words!

This Greek word νουθετέω ("noutheteó" - Strong's G3560), is a verb and appears 8 times in the New Covenant writings and 11 times in the Old Covenant writings. The passage I want to share today is in Colossians 1:28: Paul, by the holy Spirit says, "We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

You can all see how powerful this statement is and how important it is to understand what is being said so "we may present everyone perfect in Christ"!!

To prevent this message from becoming too lengthy, I will stop there.

May God the Father bless everyone's day in the Name/Reputation of the Christos Son Jesus. Amen!

Tommy Richards​

I created these images below (Greek bible study). I recommend the Apostolic Bible Polyglot by Charles Van Der Pool. https://t.co/hxBeJkqSu6

— Tommy Richards (@tlthe5th) December 18, 2022

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.

The ἔθνη (nations/gentiles) Accepted Through Πίστις (Faith) in Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ)

Originally published 8/23/19 - Updated 8/26/26

ἀμήν (amen) to what Πέτρος (Peter) declared in Acts 10. Θεός (God) showed that the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles) were accepted into the οἶκος τοῦ Θεοῦ (household of God) through πίστις (faith) in Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ). This was not based on ethnic identity, religious tradition, or man-made authority. It was Θεός (God)’s own work through the Καινή Διαθήκη (New Covenant), confirmed by the giving and βάπτισμα (baptism/immersion) of πνεῦμα ἅγιον (spirit holy).

Cornelius and the household of Cornelius were γεννηθέντες ἄνωθεν (born from above), just as the Judeans were at Pentecost. Acts records the same πνεῦμα ἅγιον (spirit holy) being given, proving that Θεός (God) was not limiting σωτηρία (salvation) to the Judeans. Approximately ten years after Pentecost, Θεός (God) made it clear that the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles) could receive δικαίωσις (justification), ζωή (life), and πνεῦμα (spirit) through πίστις (faith) in Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).

This was shocking to many Judean believers, but they could not deny what Θεός (God) had done. They could not deny the πνεῦμα ἅγιον (spirit holy) given to Cornelius and those gathered with Cornelius. They also could not deny the γραφή (scripture) which had already pointed toward Θεός (God) showing ἔλεος (mercy) to the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles).

Πέτρος (Peter) was used by Θεός (God) to make this known to the Judeans in Jerusalem. Then Παῦλος (Paul) was sent especially to the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles). Παῦλος (Paul) was not selected because of personal greatness. Παῦλος (Paul) openly says that Παῦλος (Paul) had formerly been a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, but received ἔλεος (mercy) because Παῦλος (Paul) acted in ἄγνοια (ignorance) and ἀπιστία (unbelief), according to 1 Τιμόθεος (1 Timothy) 1:13.

That is the point: if Θεός (God) could show ἔλεος (mercy) to Παῦλος (Paul), then Θεός (God) could also show ἔλεος (mercy) to the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles) through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ). Therefore, the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles) have every reason to worship, thank, and give αἶνος (praise) to Θεός Πατήρ (God the Father) through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).

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Two Passages from Παῦλος (Paul) That Fit This Message

Παῦλος (Paul) asks in Romans 3:29 whether Θεός (God) is Θεός (God) of the Judeans only, or also of the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles). The answer is clear: Θεός (God) is also Θεός (God) of the ἔθνη (nations/gentiles).

Παῦλος (Paul) also warns in Romans 11:22 that we must consider both the χρηστότης (kindness) and ἀποτομία (severity) of Θεός (God). There is χρηστότης (kindness) if we continue in that χρηστότης (kindness), but there is also cutting off if we do not continue. This destroys the false “once saved, always saved” comfort system. It also destroys religious pride.

The #OvertPsyops framework is simple here: γραφή (scripture) and λόγος (logic/reason) must govern the conclusion. Θεός (God) showed ἔλεος (mercy), but Θεός (God) also commands ὑπακοή (obedience). The true εὐαγγέλιον (good news) is not lawless emotional religion. It is entrance into the Καινή Διαθήκη (New Covenant) through πίστις (faith), followed by ἁγιασμός (sanctification), which is the process of being made holy.

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The Giving of Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον (Spirit Holy) Is Not Empty Religion

The knowledge of such ἀγάπη (love), ἔλεος (mercy), and χάρις (grace) from Θεός (God) is not for nothing. Θεός Πατήρ (God the Father) gave the υἱός τοῦ Θεοῦ (Son of God), Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ), and through the αἷμα (blood) of Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ), forgiveness is offered.

After receiving πνεῦμα ἅγιον (spirit holy) through πίστις (faith) in Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ), we do not pretend nothing happened. A person truly born from above has become καινὴ κτίσις (new creation). Therefore, thoughts, motives, speech, and actions must be judged by γραφή (scripture), λόγος (logic/reason), and ἀλήθεια (truth).

We must repent when γραφή (scripture) exposes ἁμαρτία (sin). We must let Θεός (God) burn away false doctrine, religious pride, and ἄλογος (illogical) thinking. Παῦλος (Paul) warned the believers repeatedly because Παῦλος (Paul) understood that receiving πνεῦμα (spirit) is not permission to live carelessly. It is the beginning of a serious walk in ἁγιασμός (sanctification).

The καρδία (heart) of stone must be replaced by the new καρδία (heart). The soil must be made ready by Θεός (God) before the σπέρμα (seed) of the λόγος (word/reason) can grow properly. First, a person must be born from above. Then growth begins. Then ἁγιασμός (sanctification) continues.

This is why Romans 8:9 is so serious. Παῦλος (Paul) teaches that if the πνεῦμα Θεοῦ (spirit of God) dwells in a person, that person is not in σάρξ (flesh) but in πνεῦμα (spirit). But if anyone does not have the πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ (spirit of Christ), that person does not belong to Χριστός (Christ).

That is not symbolic church language. That is a direct spiritual reality.

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How Does Someone Receive Πνεῦμα (Spirit) From Θεός (God)?

A person must first believe. But even πίστις (faith) is not human boasting. Πίστις (faith) is the unearned gift from Θεός (God). Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the ῥῆμα Χριστοῦ (spoken word of Christ), as Παῦλος (Paul) teaches in Romans 10.

A person calls on Κύριος (Lord) because Θεός (God) has opened the καρδία (heart). A person believes because Θεός (God) grants the ability to believe. A person repents because Θεός (God) brings conviction. This conviction is not human self-improvement. It is πνευματικός (spiritual) work from Θεός (God).

The pattern is:

1. Θεός (God) opens the καρδία (heart).
2. The person hears the εὐαγγέλιον (good news).
3. Πίστις (faith) is granted.
4. The person calls on Κύριος (Lord).
5. Θεός (God) forgives through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).
6. The person is cleansed by the αἷμα (blood) of Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).
7. Θεός (God) gives πνεῦμα ἅγιον (spirit holy).
8. ἁγιασμός (sanctification) begins and continues.

This is σωτηρία (salvation) according to γραφή (scripture), not according to denominational tradition.

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Condemnation According to Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ)

Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ) explains in John 3 that condemnation is connected to unbelief and love of σκότος (darkness). The φῶς (light) came into the world, but men loved σκότος (darkness) rather than φῶς (light), because their works were πονηρά (evil).

That is the real issue. Condemnation is not because Θεός (God) lacks ἔλεος (mercy). Condemnation is because people love σκότος (darkness), refuse ἀλήθεια (truth), and do not come to the φῶς (light) because their works are exposed.

But the one practicing ἀλήθεια (truth) comes to the φῶς (light), so it is made clear that the work was done in Θεός (God).

That is pure λόγος (logic/reason). A person who wants σκότος (darkness) avoids φῶς (light). A person who wants ἀλήθεια (truth) comes to φῶς (light). This is why the #OvertPsyops framework exposes religious systems, political systems, and personal excuses that operate through ἄλογος (illogical) patterns.

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Go to Θεός (God) for Forgiveness

The command is simple: go to Θεός (God) for forgiveness through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ). Θεός (God) grants forgiveness through the αἷμα (blood) of Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).

A person will seek forgiveness when Θεός (God) convicts the ψυχή (soul). This conviction produces λύπη κατὰ Θεόν (sorrow according to God), leading toward μετάνοια (repentance). Ἁμαρτία (sin) separates the person from Θεός (God). Forgiveness, cleansing, and ζωή (life) come only through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).

Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ) also teaches that Θεός Πατήρ (God the Father) hides these things from the wise and learned according to this world, yet reveals them to νήπιοι (little children), meaning those small in their own mind, not proud, not self-exalting, not trusting in worldly status.

The lowly sinner hears the message of Θεός (God). If you are convicted of ἁμαρτία (sin), that is mercy from Θεός (God). Turn to Θεός (God) now and trust Θεός (God) for ζωή αἰώνιος (eternal life) through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).

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Prayer

If Θεός (God) is opening your καρδία (heart), and you know you need forgiveness, you can pray:

“My Κύριος καὶ Θεός (Lord and God), have ἔλεος (mercy) on me, a ἁμαρτωλός (sinner). I believe Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ) died on the cross and shed the precious αἷμα (blood) of Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ) for the forgiveness of all my ἁμαρτίαι (sins). I believe Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ) was raised from the dead and ascended, and is at the right hand of Θεός (God), hearing this prayer. I open the door of my καρδία (heart), and I invite Κύριος Ἰησοῦς (Lord Jesus) in. Thank you, Θεός (God), for saving my ψυχή (soul). I vow to serve Θεός (God) with all my καρδία (heart), which is the first and greatest commandment. ἀμήν (amen).”

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Written by Tommy Richards, with all δόξα (glory) to Θεός Πατήρ (God the Father) through Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Jesus THE Christ).

Tommy is also continuing to straighten out the Bible using a γραφή (scripture) verification framework developed through much study over the past 29+ years, with AI assistance applied as a filter for λόγος (logic/reason), consistency, and correction of corruptions. This work needs much help.

Relevant links:
https://spirituallysmart.com/igotsavededit.html

https://spirituallysmart.com/born_again2.html

https://spirituallysmart.com/sanctification.html

https://spirituallysmart.com/repentance.html

https://spirituallysmart.com/OvertPsyops.pdf

https://spirituallysmart.com/housing-jubilee.pdf

https://housingjubilee.ai

https://spirituallysmart.com

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