“The Virgin Mary – 101”…Blog.

“The Virgin Mary – 101”…Blog.

Are you “Open”… to a ‘discussion’ about this subject? Perhaps you have ‘just’ your religion and do not want to even examine this subject. On the other hand some… “You”… may be as I once was. I was raised in American, the third generation of a ‘Polish Catholic’ family. We attended Church every Sunday and there were a few statues and of course a ‘cross’… with Christ… still there. My grandmother’s house had quite a few more. I attended Catholic School… through the sixth grade where Catholic nuns taught us. Oh my knuckles were… sore from the ruler smacking! …LOL!

As a teenager… we attended Church most Sundays. When I left for service, in the “USAF”, I no longer attended Church. It was not until I was in my late ‘20’s’… till I looked for God. I once again looked for Him… in the Catholic Church and did not find Him there. Of course, all the trappings of the Catholic Church were still there, the Statutes, the Rosaries and Jesus… “Still on the Cross”. I went to search for Him… on my own.

(Jeremiah 29:11) For = I = know the purposes = which = I = am purposing for you, says = Jehovah [God]; = purposes of peace = and = not of evil, = to give you a future = and = a hope.
(Jer 29:12) Then = you = shall call = on Me, = and = you shall go = and = pray to = Me, = and = I = will listen = to you.
(Jer 29:13) And = you shall seek = Me = and find = Me, = when you = search = for Me = with all = your heart.

When one seriously… searches for “God”… ‘With their Heart’… they will find “Him” just as He has promised! It will be not in a religion… but in His Word. Each of us has a… ‘Point of Reference’. Without that we would just wander through life… ‘Aimlessly’. One cannot plan a trip, take a vacation or attend a family gathering without some… ‘definite plans.’ So to God, the God of the Bible… has some definite standards called… “His Word!” Perhaps I may share with you this example… from His Word?

(Romans 15:4) For = whatever things = were written before = were written for = our ‘learning’, = so that we = through patience and comfort = of the Scriptures = might have hope.

Up to that point… I had been searching for God… with my… “Former ‘Religious’ Training!” I was doing what I was taught. Was what I was taught… “Correctly = or ‘Not’?” Later on I realized that ‘ALL’ learning… includes… “Un-Learning!” This can be applied to almost every of ‘Life!’ Good financial decision… ‘Are’ often learned… by making bad ones… and suffering the consequences. Some adults learn from their mistakes… correcting them to make good ones. Still ‘others’ continue to make ‘the same bad ones’… “Over and Over again!” Still ‘Others’… learn from the mistakes of… ‘Others!’

(Leviticus 10:1-2) And Nadab and Abihu, = the sons of Aaron, = each = took his censer = and = put fire in it, = and = put incense on it, = and = offered ‘strange fire’ = before = Jehovah [God], = which = He = ‘had not’ = commanded = them.
(Lev 10:2) And = there went out = fire = from Jehovah = and = devoured them, = and = they died = before Jehovah.

God had given ‘Explicit Instructions”… in the previous “Ten Chapters”… on what exact procedure to follow in the worship of Him. This is one of those examples for… ‘Our Learning’… so that we would not… Make the same mistakes. Do you think the rest of ‘the worshipers’ there… learned a lesson of… “What to Do” and “What Not to Do?” But of course…! Only those of the priestly tribe of the Levites… were to be involved in such matters. So it is ‘not’ like that today, many pastors serve in churches… ‘Without the Heart knowledge of God’… and do not die.

(1Peter 1:22) Purifying your souls = in the obedience = of The Truth = through the [Holy] Spirit = to unfeigned love of the brothers, = love one another fervently = out of a pure heart,
(1Pe 1:23) having been = ‘born again’, = “not” of corruptible seed [religion], = but of ‘incorruptible’, = through = the living = Word of God, = and = abiding forever.

Not by ‘Religion’… but by the “Spirit of God”… is one ‘Born Again!’ When that happens, the Word of God… becomes alive only to those… in whom the Holy Spirit of God… ‘Dwells!’ He is the one that give us… “Understanding & Enlightenment”… of the Truth… found in God’s Holy Word… The Bible. Without “Him”… we ‘only’ have religion and a mental assent… towards the things of God. Without the Spirit of God… in our hearts… we have ‘only’ religion and “No Promise of Heaven!”

(John 17:17) Sanctify them = through = Your Truth. = Your Word = is Truth.

(Acts 17:11) These people = were more receptive = than those in Thessalonica. = They were = very willing = to receive the message, = and = every day = they carefully = examined = the Scriptures = to see if those things = were so.

Perhaps now that… “The Truth”… has been established as “The Scriptures” we can go to them for Truth = “God’s Truth!” Sorry, No, I am not speaking about that ‘Religion’… that “Any” Churches teaches but… “Only” that Truth… from what God says in His Word. If you have come to this point and disagree… may I simply suggest that… “You are putting Your Thoughts and Your Learning”… above that of the ‘What’ God says in His… “Word of God = The Bible”…?

(Matthew 1:22-to-25) Now all this happened = so that might be fulfilled = that which was spoken = of the LORD = by the prophet, = saying,
(Matt 1:23) "Behold, = the virgin = shall conceive in her womb, = and = will bear a Son. = And they will call = His Name = “Emmanuel”, = " which being interpreted is, = God with us.
(Matt 1:24) And Joseph, = being roused from sleep, = did = as the angel of the Lord = commanded him = and = took his wife,
(Matt 1:25) and = did not = know her = until she bore her son, = the First-born. = And he [Joseph] = called = His Name = JESUS.

Who is “Mary”, the Mother of Jesus…? If you will read all four of the Gospels, you will find that Mary is the Mother of Jesus. She was conceived of the “Holy Spirit of God”… while yet being a ‘Virgin’. Yet in these verses… the Scripture says that… Joseph = ‘Knew’ = [Carnal Knowledge = Sexual Relations] = his wife = Mary = After she born her ‘Firstborn’… “Christ Jesus.” Those that preach and teach that… “Mary is still a Virgin”… are proved wrong… by the Scriptures.

(Mark 6:3-4) Is not this = the carpenter, = the son of Mary, = the brother of James = and = Joses = and = Judas = and = Simon? = And are not = His sisters = here with us? = And they were offended = at Him.
(Mark 6:4) But = Jesus = said to them, = A prophet is = not without honor, = except in his native-place, = and = among his own kin, = and = in his own house.

Did you ‘Notice’… “Jesus” had… “Four Brothers” and “Two Sisters”... mentioned in these Scriptures? How than can someone call… “Mary = A Virgin”… after having “Six Other Children?” Will you tell us… that all the other children, were ‘immaculately’ conceived? Absolutely Not! Joseph, her husband… fathered those brothers and sisters. Once a woman has had sexual relations, she is no longer a Virgin.

(1Timothy 2:5) For God = is One, = and = there is = “One” = Mediator of God = and = of men, = the Man Christ Jesus,

(Matthew 16:20) Then = He = warned = His disciples = that they should = tell no one = that He = was Jesus = the Christ [Messiah].

How about praying the “Rosary to Mary”…? Can she make any intercession to God, through her Son, Jesus… for any ‘that’ pray… ‘The Rosary?’ What does the above Scripture say…? “There is “ONLY One Mediator” = between Man = and GOD = ‘Christ’ Jesus!” When I was a child… I knew my heart was not right… and I prayed… ‘More Rosary’s’… than any of my Catholic classmates. It did me… absolutely no good. It only gave me a… ‘False sense of Religion’… because I prayed the Rosary.

(Matthew 12:47-to-50) Then one = said to Him [Jesus], = Behold, = Your “mother” = and = Your brothers = stand outside, = desiring = to speak with You.
(Matt 12:48) And = He = answered and said = to him who told Him, = Who is My “mother?” = And = who are = My brothers?
(Matt 12:49) And = He = stretched out = His hand = toward His disciples = and said, = Behold, = My mother = and = My brothers!
(Matt 12:50) For = “whoever” = shall do = the will of = My Father [God] in Heaven, = the “same” = is My brother = and = sister = and = mother.

1. Someone told Jesus that his mother and brothers were outside.
2. Jesus ‘did not’ tell them to make room and usher her to the front.
3. Jesus asked, ‘Who is my mother and my brothers?’
4. Jesus stretched out His hand and pointed it towards His other disciples.
5. He did not stretch out His hand… towards Mary, His mother or even His blood kin.
6. Jesus emphatically asked… ‘Who is “My Mother” and My brothers?’
7. Jesus emphatically Answered… “Those that do the will of =My Father God!’
8. Jesus emphatically Declared… the “Same” is My…. ‘Brother’ – First!
9. Jesus emphatically Declared… the “Same” is My…. ‘Sister’ – Second!
10. Jesus emphatically Declared… the “Same” is My…. ‘’ – “LAST!”

Let’s look at the ‘Order of Personage’… in these passages of Scripture? IF… “Mary”… was given any place of Honor as the Catholics Honor Her… wouldn’t Christ Jesus… “Have done the Same?” Absolutely Yes! But… He did “NOT”… give ‘Her’ any special ‘place of honor.’ If Christ Jesus didn’t… why do “You”… as I once did… in my ignorance. “Ignorance is only being Un-Informed!” It is not a sin. Yet when presented with the Truth… from the Word of God… we ‘must choose’… who we believe? “God and His Word?… or… ‘our religion’…?

You may open the "Word"… and search through all the ‘Four Gospels’ = Matthew, Mark, Luke and John… and you will see “No Special Place”… given to Mary the Mother of Christ Jesus as to her position of intercession and pray to Heaven. She was given a “Special Position and Place”… as the Human Mother of Christ Jesus. She was no longer a “Virgin” after the birth of her firstborn. Jesus’ brothers and sisters testify of those facts. Why then would any religion… call her… “The Virgin Mary”… when she is No Longer a Virgin…? ? ?

(Matthew 11:27-to-30) All things = are delivered to Me = by My Father. = And “no one” = knows the Son = except the Father. = Nor does = “anyone” = know the Father = except the Son, = and = “the one to whom” = the Son = will reveal =Him.
(Matt 11:28) Come to Me = “all you” = who labor = and = are heavy laden, = and = I = will give = you rest.
(Matt 11:29) Take = My yoke = on you = and “learn” = of Me, = for I am meek = and = lowly in heart, = and = “you” = shall find rest = to your souls.
(Matt 11:30) For = My = yoke is easy, = and = My = burden is light.

During this discussion… I made the statement that… “One has to ‘Un-Learn’ in order to Learn? Are you ready to… “Learn of GOD”… through “Christ Jesus”… and ‘to whom’.. He will reveal Him… through His Word…? How about now simply praying this simple prayer…?

Prayer: “Father God”… I have so much I do not understand… ‘Because I have had Religion… and not the “Truth of Your Word”. I am helpless to save myself from… My “Sin/Sins”. I know that YOU died on the Cross for me… and that YOU rose again on the third day. I do not understand it all, but as much as I understand… I now give up on my religion… and trust in Your Perfect Sacrifice for my salvation. The best that I know how… I trust You and Your Word. Thank You for giving me Your Truth from Your Word. Make me to behave as Your child as I obey Your Word… I ask this in Jesus Name and for Your Glory! Amen & Amen…!

(2Peter 3:18) But = grow in [God’s] grace = and = in knowledge of our Lord = and = Savior = Jesus Christ. = To Him = be the glory, = both now = and = to the day of eternity. = Amen.

(Romans 8:34) Who can condemn them? = Christ Jesus, = Who died = and = more importantly, = Who has been raised = and = is seated = at the right hand of God = is the One = Who is also = interceding for us!

IF you have prayed this prayer… please feel free to ‘email me’, for help in… “Growing in Grace and in the Knowledge of God”.

Thank you for Your EAR! Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!

“Argumentum – 101” …Blog.

“Argumentum – 101” …Blog.

Recently I saw this… as an asking for papers about a discussion of Abortion, from ‘Both Sides.’ Already there is about an equal number of responses from both perspectives. Perhaps if you will allow me to discuss this issue and examine your own… ‘Preferences’ = or = “Convictions”… on this subject. There seems to be a ‘National Confusion’ about this issue. The flavors of… ‘Political Correctness’ is Pushed by the Media to the… “Exclusion of the Other Side!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOR1wUqvJS4

As I hear the reasoning… it seems to be in the ‘Complete Favor’ of the woman’s body rights. This excludes that of the ‘Father’ and the “Unborn Innocent Child”. With the plethora of ‘Birth Control Products’ available, there seems to be… “No Excuse”… for an unwanted pregnancy. It does happen “Outside” of the choice of… ‘Responsibility & Common Sense’. When it rains, one wears a rain coat or takes an umbrella or both. One would commonly think that… ‘They’… do not even want such reasoning.

‘Women’s Rights’ have… ‘Excluded’… those of the “Unborn Innocent Child” and of those of the ‘Father’. Freedom from ‘Slavery’ is protected by the ‘14th Amendment of the Constitution’, but the “Unborn Innocent Child”… has no such protection. Even the “Father’s rights”… to have his ‘own child’ has been superseded by the US Supreme Court. Where is the “Equal Protection” under the Law, provided by the Constitution? It is ‘Non-Existent’… for the “Unborn Innocent Child and for the Father!”

The ‘Vocabulary’ has even… been ‘Changed’ to accommodate this ‘Travesty’ against the… “Unborn Innocent Child!” When a couple finds out about the pregnancy and want to keep the Child… it is called… “A Baby!” When the woman wants to Abort the… “Unborn Innocent Child”… it is called a “Fetus!” Latin for ‘Living thing’… it is now said to be… ‘Just tissue!’… and not a baby.’ Oh how you and many others have accepted their… “Lies as Truth?” That is just why you do not find… “Sonograms in an Abortion Mill!”

“All = that is necessary = for the triumph of evil = is that good people = do nothing.” …British statesman ‘Edmund Burke.’

When ‘Anyone’ speaks out… for the “Life of the Innocent Unborn Child” they are called… “Religious Fanatics!” Strange in this land of ‘Supposed Freedoms’… those that would tell the ‘Truth’… are immediately… “Disparaged by words and innuendoes”. Bible Truth and Freedom of Speech… are both guaranteed by the US Constitution. Except in the minds of those that would allow harm to come to that… “Unborn Innocent Child!”

“You shall not kill”… Exodus 20:13.

Actually… in the Hebrew Old Testament, there are Five Hebrew Words translated into our English word ‘Kill’. In this verse, the word correctly translated would say… “You shall not take innocent life!” When a 9-year old girl is killed by a pedophile… there is an outrage by society and a call for his death. Yet the “Unborn Innocent Child”… has “No” such protection. All killing is not wrong. Had not the USA intervened in WW 2… we might all be speaking… “Nazi German or Japanese!”

(Genesis 4:8-9-10) And Cain = talked with his brother = Abel. = And it happened = when they were in the field, = Cain = rose up against his brother = Abel = and = killed him.
(Gen 4:9) And Jehovah God = said unto Cain, = Where is your brother Abel? = And = he said, = I do not know. = Am I = my brother's = keeper?
(Gen 4:10) And = He [God] said, = What have = you done? = The voice = of your brother's blood = cries to Me [God] = from the ground.

Here in America… since the “Roe-v-Wade Supreme Court decision”… we Americans have Killed… Over 50,000,000-Million… “Unborn Innocent Babies”… in the mother’s womb. They have been… “Sucked out in pieces” = “Poisoned with chemicals” and “Destroyed”… without even a tear being shed… by the staff of medical professionals! Those… “Clinics of Death”… the Non health care for the… “Innocent Unborn Children”… are like the Concentration camps of Nazi Germany!

Our USA Currency… has imprinted on it… “In God we Trust!” Most when asked, will reply that America is a ‘Christian Nation.’ Yet we, as a nation, claim to know ‘God’ and still say or do… ‘Nothing’… when it comes to the life of the… “Unborn Innocent Child!” We have even gone so far as to… Export our Abortion… to other countries. They too, have learned this “Killing of the Innocent Unborn Child” = Wrong’ = from our great nation? No nation is great that… Kills its future generations! No wonder there are so very many illegal aliens… here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE__nw3YrDY&feature=related

Perhaps I will give you… the benefit of the doubt… ‘You’… that have not had any children or not have known anyone that had any children? Perhaps you have held you peace… “Long Enough?” You really know what has been going on… and you have turned a deaf ear… to the silenced cries of those… “Innocent Unborn Children!” When will you speak out for them…? Here is a video of an abortion. I challenge you to simply watch what has really been going on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYRpIf2F9NA&feature=related

What more can I say…? “Not to decide… is to Decide…! Perhaps speak out to God and tell Him that you have not taken the plight of those… “Innocent Unborn Babies?” Will you spend your day in your pleasures and in your life… and not remember those Babies…?

Thank you for Your EAR! Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!

“The 12th Apostle – 101”

“The 12th Apostle – 101”

While visiting some… of the Bible posting sites, I have come upon a ‘discussion’ about just who was the “12th Apostle?” There are varied opinions and some discussions based on one’s particular denominational teachings. I ‘never’ trust the teachings of any denomination, any preacher or teacher… but “Only” on what God says in His Word. This is just as Christ Jesus said!

(John 17:17) Sanctify them = through = Your Truth. Your = Word = is Truth.

Perhaps first we… may look at the Scriptures and see just what exactly is an… ‘Apostle?’ The word apostle or apostles is used 78-times in the New Testament. This word translated from the Greek, simply means… “Apostle” = “messenger” or… “He that was sent”. It is also used to a definite meaning as the… “Apostles of Christ Jesus”. It was for that person holding a… particular office or assignment… as assigned by Christ Jesus, i.e. “The Twelve Apostles of Christ.”

(Luke 10:1) And = after these things = the Lord = appointed = seventy others, = And He = sent them = two and two = before His face = into = every city = and = place where = He = was about to come.

(Luke 10:9) And = heal the sick = that are in it, = and = say to them, = The kingdom of God = has come near you!

(Luke 10:17) And = the seventy returned = again = with joy, = saying, = Lord, = even the demons = are subject = to us = through = Your Name.

First let us… examine one of the definitions of… “He that is sent.” These were sent, being given… ‘Miraculous Powers’… by Christ, and were sent out into the countryside where Christ was to come. They are not identified as ‘the twelve’ that Christ Jesus chose to fill… ‘The office of an Apostle.’ Truly they were authorized as ambassadors of Christ, as “Sent Ones”… proclaiming the coming ‘Kingdom of God!’

(Hebrews 3:1) Wherefore, = holy brethren, = partakers of = the heavenly calling, = consider = the Apostle = and = High Priest = of our profession, = Christ Jesus;

Christ Jesus was called "The Apostle"…! Certainly he does not hold the office of the ’12 Apostles’… nevertheless ‘His Office’ is that of a “High Priest unto God”. He being sent by God, as that complete and total “Passover Sacrifice [1Corintians 5:7]” was an Apostle, a “Sent One by God the Father”. A complete reading and study of the ‘Book of Hebrews’ will demonstrate this fact.

(Luke 6:12-to-16) And = it happened = in those days that = He [Jesus] = went out into a mountain = to pray, = and = He = was spending the night = in prayer = to God.
(Luke 6:13) And = when it was day, = He called His disciples. = And = He = chose twelve of them, = whom = He = also named apostles:
(Luke 6:14) Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;
(Luke 6:15) Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who was called Zelotes;
(Luke 6:16) Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also became the betrayer.

Did you notice… that "Jesus" spent All Night in Prayer? He chose a specific “Twelve” from His group of disciples. There were other Disciples that were not chosen, as the ‘Specific Twelve Apostles’. These “Disciple Apostles” were to hold that “specific office” as the ‘Twelve Apostles of Christ’. None others were called specifically as the… “Apostles of Christ!” Some ‘wrongly and falsely’… make that claim as said in these verses.

(2Corinthians 11:13-14-15) For such ones are = false apostles, = deceitful workers, = transforming themselves = into = the apostles of Christ.
(2Co 11:14) Did not even = Satan = marvelously transform = himself = into = an angel of light?
(2Co 11:15) Therefore = it is no great thing = if = his ministers = also transform themselves = as ministers of righteousness, = whose end = shall be according to = their works.

The next Logical Question… is ‘How can I know that there are ‘Only Twelve’… called to that specific office of the… “Apostles of Christ?” As the Bible has the Truth, all we have to do is to search the Word of God… to find the answer. Real Biblical Truth… is revealed to the True Believer… by the Holy Spirit… that indwells each and every… “Truly Born Again, Child of God!”

(Matthew 19:28) And = Jesus = said to them, = Truly = I say to you = that you = who have followed Me, = in the regeneration, = when = the Son of Man = shall sit in = the throne of His glory, = you also = shall sit = on = twelve thrones, = judging = the twelve tribes = of Israel.

This is the only place… the twelve thrones is mentioned in the Bible. What exactly did Christ Jesus mean? Where are there humans sitting on thrones… judging? Is there a differentiation between Old Testament and New Testament standards for Righteousness as identified in the Scriptures? Yes there are. The Law of God, which is never abolished [Matthew 24:35]… but the economy of Grace through Faith… was introduced by Christ Jesus.

(Revelation 20:12) And = I [John] saw the dead, = the small and the great, = stand before God. = And = books were opened, = and = another book was opened, = which is = the Book of Life. = And = the dead were judged = out of those things = which were written = in the books, = according to their works.

(2Corinthains 5:10) For = we must = ALL = appear before = the judgment seat of Christ, = so that each = one = may receive = the things done = through the body, = according to = that = which he has done, = whether = good = or = bad.

Here is where Some… may be confused. The Law of God… still stands… and will be used by Christ Jesus in His final judgment [John 12:44-to-50] of all mankind. Those that have rejected the Grace of God for Salvation will… “Be Judged”… by the Word [Law] of God… for “Degrees of Punishment”. Those that have ‘Trusted by Faith’ in the… “Finished Work of Christ Jesus”… will also “Be Judged” for those things done or not done [sins of omission]… and will receive ‘Rewards’ accordingly [1Corinthians 3:9-to-15]…!

(Revelation 4:4) And = around the throne = I saw = twenty-four thrones. = And on the thrones = I saw = twenty-four elders sitting, = clothed in white clothing. = And they had crowns of gold on their heads.

These Twenty Four Elders… are made up of the “Twelve Patriarchs” of the 12-Tribes of Israel, “Revelation 7:4-to-8” = “Rev 21:12”. The other twelve, are those Apostles, promised by Christ Jesus in “Matthew 19:28”. All those are ordained by God. There are ‘None’ today that hold the office of an Apostle of Christ. Well we all know that Judas defected and committed suicide [Acts 1:16-to-19], what about his place and his office? [Matthew 27:3-4-5] Who took his place and what is that persons… ‘Validation of office’… as an ‘Apostle of Christ?’

(Luke 24:49) And, behold, = I [Jesus] = send the Promise [John 7:39] = of my Father = upon you: = but tarry you = in the city of Jerusalem, = UNTIL = you be endued = with power [Acts 2:1-to-4] = from on High [God].

Perhaps “First”… we need to look at the “Command of Christ Jesus” to those disciples and apostles that are His. They were to “Tarry” and not to… “DO ANYTHING”… without the Power from God, His Holy Spirit that indwells each and every… True Believer [John 7:38-39]. Did they obey Jesus… or did they do… ‘Church business’… “Without” the Indwelling Power, the Holy Spirit of God… from God? They acted in the Flesh… and ‘Not’ in the Spirit… for the Holy Spirit was not yet given.

(Acts 1:23-to-26) And they appointed two, = Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, = and Matthias.
(Act 1:24) And they prayed and said, = You, Lord, = knower of all hearts, = show which = one = You chose from = these two,
(Act 1:25) to take the share of this ministry = and apostleship = from which Judas fell, to go to his own place.
(Act 1:26) And = they gave forth their = lots. = And = the lot = fell upon Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Right now… 'someone is saying'… see Matthias is the twelfth Apostle. Well, the Scriptures say that they prayed [Acts 1:24]… But did they pray “All Night” [Luke 6:12-13]… as Christ Jesus did before choosing the Apostles? “Absolutely Not!” Did they draw Lots to choose the next disciple? Yes they did. But they did not give… “GOD”… another choice? No, they only give Him… two choices [Acts 1:24]… and not three. Perhaps if they had given God… ‘three choices’… they wouldn’t have made this error. The third choice being… ‘Neither!’ [None of the Above]

(Acts 9:15-16-17) But = the Lord = said to him, = Go! = For this one [Paul] = is a chosen vessel to Me, = to bear My name = before nations = and = kings = and = the sons of Israel.
(Acts 9:16) For I [Jesus] = will show him = what great things = he must suffer = for My name's sake.
(Acts 9:17) And Ananias = went and entered into the house. = And putting his hands on him, = he said, = Brother Saul, = the Lord, Jesus, = Who appeared = to you = in the way in which you came, = has sent me to you = that you might see = and = be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Paul is the Twelfth Apostle… plain and simple. If you say it is Matthias.. then YOU… Do Not Believe the Scriptures! Say it isn’t SO…? Simply read all these Scriptures… where Paul said that … “HE is an Apostle!” I will list these here for your to read. Do you believe the Scriptures or Not? Perhaps I will go over the logic of this conclusion before posting these… Scriptures that say that Paul was an Apostle.

1. The Jerusalem believers and the 11-Apostles… disobeyed Jesus [Luke 24:49] started church business.
2. The Jerusalem believers and the 11-Apostles… did not have the Holy Spirit! [Acts 2:1-4]
3. The Jerusalem believers and the 11-Apostles… did not give God three choices… None being one, they only gave God… two choices [Acts 1:24]
4. The Jerusalem believers and the 11-Apostles… did NOT pray overnight as Christ Jesus did before choosing someone for such an ‘Important’ office of an Apostle of Christ. [Luke 6:12-13]
5. Paul is called an Apostle… Chosen by God… in the Scriptures. [2Corinthians 1:1 = and = 2Corinthains 12:12 …and others]
6. Matthias is never mentioned ‘again’ by the Scriptures.
7. Paul the Apostle wrote Most of the New Testament.
8. Matthias wrote ‘no’ epistles.
9. The Scripture is the ‘final authority’… on who is an Apostle or “Not!”
10. Here are the Scripture Verses… calling Paul… an Apostle.

(Romans 1:1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God

(1Corinthians 1:1) Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

(1Corinthians 9:1) Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?

(2Corinthians 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia.

(2Corinthians 12:12) Truly the signs of the apostle were worked out among you in all patience, in miracles and in wonders, and by works of power.

(Galatians 1:1) Paul, an apostle (not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),

(Ephesians 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.

And MANY Others…! Colossians 1:1 = 1Timothy 1:1 / 2:7 = 2Timothy 1:1, 11 = Titus 1:1 = 1Peter 1:1 and 2Peter 1:1…! Do you believe… The Scriptures… or… "NOT"…?

Thank you for Your EAR! = Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!

“Causes & Protests – 101”…Blog.

“Causes & Protests – 101”…Blog.

Perhaps a better ‘NOMENCLATURE’… would be ‘Saber Rattling?’ I post on several sites like Face Book and others. Many friends send me requests to join… ‘Causes & Protest’… groups and I turn them down. Much of this ‘Saber Rattling’ will do “Absolutely Noting” to fix the problem or ‘supposed problem’. Many of these ‘Causes & Protests’… make the person joining… feel as though they have done ‘their part’ to… Fix the Problem! … “NOT!”

Have you ever… written your Congressman or Representative at the National or State… Level? I have and occasionally do so, when I find an opportunity worth speaking about. What “MOST” do not know… is that there are ‘Consultants or Lobbyists’… who take the Legislatures. On Trips, to Lunch or… give them unreported gifts… to get a particular ‘legislation’ passed. How is that Fair…? It is… “Not!”

Deal making and Bribes… have been a part of ‘all’ world history. How else was Troy taken, except by them taking the… ‘Trojan Horse!’ The erosion of our government and most other regulatory agencies have been… “Unduly Influenced”… by those… ‘Special Interest Groups’. Of course you know the term… ‘Politically Correct?’ As politics is the “Largest World Religion”… how else could it be, except to be… “Corrupt!”

Perhaps by listing… a few of the ‘Causes & Protests you will see that the list has no End!” Breast Cancer, Child Abuse, Keep the 2nd Amendment… and the list goes on and on. The best way that I can answer this, is to show my response, to an email that I received. It was about ‘Stop Child Abuse!’ My response was done… to show the Facts… and ‘NOT’ to be driven by Useless Emotion!

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Hello XXX and Others....

(2Timothy 2:3-4-5) Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
(2Tim 2:4) No one who wars tangles with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who chose him to be a soldier.
(2Tim 2:5) And also if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully.

This morning I opened my Email to find this one on “Stop ‘Child Abuse’ with Pictures”…!

NONE of those Pictures identified... "Country of Origin!"
NONE of these Pictures indentified... "Date of Said Pictures!"
NONE of these Pictures identified... "Internet Link as verification!"
NONE of these Pictures identified... "Photo Original and Not Manipulated by Software!"
NONE of these Pictures identified... "Are Legally provided to be used under, 'Rules of Evidence'... of those used in Legal Proceedings.

Such FOOSIHNESS.... as this "Protest"... is Absolutely "USELESS"....!

Our Nation... America... is a country of Laws, both at the State and Federal Levels. Some are Not Enforced... nor does the... "Authority having Jurisdiction".... do so!

YOU have provided... "NO"... Stating of the Laws.... governing this Issue.

YOU have provided... "NO"... Contact = Names, Addresses and Mailing addresses of said Legal Officials...!

It is much like... standing up in a theater and yelling... "FIRE!"

Consequently, this Email is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME and Effort...
AND takes away from Real Christians... being involved in... Sharing... the GOSPEL of Christ JESUS...!

PLEASE... remove me from such... FOOLISHNESS... "IMMEDIATELY"...!

In Christ Jesus, Roger / Florida / USA.

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende...!

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Perhaps you Think… or maybe you… ‘Won’t think’… about what you do and to what effect… All your effort will Bring… in helping or ‘not’ helping the effort of said… “Cause or Protest?” As a Born Again Christian… I cannot be involved with such causes. The Do Absolutely No Good! As

I stated in my response… “We are a Nation of Laws, many of which are… Not Enforced!” We already have over 500-gun laws… most of which are not enforced. And yes, I own… several!

(2Peter 3:9) The Lord = is not slow = concerning = His promise, = as some = count slowness, = but is = long-suffering = toward us, = NOT = purposing = that ANY = should perish, = BUT = that ALL = should come = To Repentance.

I have said all this… to get you and others, to make you see what is of… “Real Importance!” It is the Gospel… and the Salvation of Lost Sinners. MOST Christians… “DO NOT”… ‘Read & Study’… their Bibles, each and every “Day!” How then do they or can they… know what is of importance… and what is Not? Surely, they would “Never”… think of missing a Meal or Three or More!

(2Corinthains 4:16) For = this cause = we do not faint; = but though = our outward man perishes, = yet = the inward man = is being renewed = day by day.

How long have you… been A Christian? How much have you fed your Spiritual Body… in relation to your Physical Body? “Do”…You ensure that you have a proper meal or meals? And yet you may “Only Feed”.. your ‘Spiritual Body’… on Church and what is called Christian Music. Some of your feeding may be… ‘Much like eating Junk Food’. Do you feed your spiritual body on and with… “The Word”… or with ‘Some Substitute?’

(1Peter 2:1-2-3) Therefore, = rid yourselves = of every kind of evil = and = deception, = hypocrisy, = jealousy, = and = every kind of slander.
(1Pet 2:2) Like newborn babies, = thirst for = the pure milk = of The Word = so that by it = you = may grow = in your salvation [knowledge and understanding].
(1Pet 2:3) Surely [If] you = have tasted that = the Lord = is good!

Perhaps today, Refocus… or begin to ‘Refocus’… your efforts on those things ‘Eternal’ and “Not”… on those things that are “Useless!” When was the last time… you ever heard… of a simple protest or cause effort… bringing about something… that Benefited our nation? Yes, I know you are thinking about the ‘Boston Tea Party!’ …LOL! But what do you really know about that action?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_tea_party

(Colossians 3:1-2-3) Therefore, = IF = you have been = raised with Christ, = keep focusing = on the things = that are above, = where = Christ is seated = at the right hand = of God.
(Col 3:2) Keep your minds = on things = that are Above, = NOT = on things = that are = on the earth.
(Col 3:3) For = you have died, = and = your life = is hidden = with Christ = in God.

Thank you for Your EAR! Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!

“Love or Truth – 101”

“Love or Truth – 101”

(1Thessalonians 5:21) Prove = “All” = things, = hold fast = to the good.

I am always… looking for subjects for this blog and today I found one on the FB Bible site in the form of a Question. “(Is) Love, the true sign of a Christian?” I read many Bible sites and have found a lot of posts and questions and answers. The Totality of God’s Truth… is a Tapestry… that is woven throughout, His Word… “The Bible!”

(Acts 17:11) And these = were more noble = than those = of Thessalonica, = in that = they = received the Word = with all = readiness of mind = and = searched the Scriptures = daily = to see if those things = were so [or Not].

Most would quote… several Bible verses in order to prove their ‘Point’, that Love is the sign of a ‘True Christian’. Today in America you can find a “Plethora” of Pseudo Christian groups, ministries and ‘the religious’… all, who believe themselves to be Christian. Surely those that do not believe that… “Jesus is God”… are ‘Not’ Christians! Take for instance the Jehovah Witnesses or the Mormons as an example of their ‘wrong’ beliefs.

(John 15:3) Now = you = are clean = through = the Word = which = I [Jesus] = have spoken = to you.

I have been… ‘Born Again’, which is born from above, by “God’s Holy Spirit” for a number of years. As a new believer in ‘Christ Jesus’, I found that His Word… was alive to my soul… and I hungered for more of Him… through His Word. Do you have that hunger for God’s Truth… that is found in “His Word?” IF not… perhaps you are not really a Biblical Christian?

(John 10:26-27) But = YOU = did not believe = because = YOU = are not = of My sheep. = As = I [Jesus] = said = to YOU,
(John 10:27) My sheep = hear = My voice [Word], = and = I = know them, = and = they = follow Me.

Today there are… Many “Falsely Claiming”… to be ‘Pastors and Ministers’… who ‘Do Not Know’, the Word of God, the Bible. Most like in the days of Christ Jesus… had religion, but did not really… ‘Know God.’ They knew the Word of God, mentally… but ‘Did Not’… know God in their Hearts. So today, almost more than 2,000-years, pretend… to speak of Him.

(Isaiah 8:20) To = the Law = and = to the testimony! = If = they = ‘do not’ = speak = according to = this Word, = it is because = no light = is in them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jones

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_Davidians

Do you remember… ‘Jim Jones’ and the ‘Branch Dravidians’? They were ‘easy’ to spot as they publically ‘deviated’ from the “Authority of the Word of God”. So too… those that do not know the Word… are often taken by the… “Hollywood Presentation Dynamics”… of such ‘False Religious Leaders”. It is, ‘Easy to see’… how so many people are duped into believing a “Lie!”
(John 10:1) Truly, = truly, = I [Jesus] = say to you, = He who = does not enter = into the sheepfold = by the door, = but going up = by another way, = that one = is a thief = and = a robber.

(Matthew 15:14) Let them alone. = They are = blind leaders = of the blind. = And = if = the blind = lead the blind, = both = shall fall into = the ditch.

Today, the Pseudo Christian Media… hundreds of thousands of programs, via radio, TV, CD’s & DVD’s and on the Internet. Only a few hundred of all those are really speaking The Truth of God’s Word. While on a business trip to Canada, I was listening to one of those broadcasts to hear what the speaker was saying. It was from a well known ‘Valid’ missionary organization. He was speaking about their ‘African’ counterparts and their drastic actions.

(Amos 8:11) Behold, = the days come, = says the Lord [God] Jehovah, = that = I = will = send a famine = in the land; = not a famine = of bread = nor a thirst = for water, = but = of hearing = the Words = of Jehovah.

They had Recalled… their students from, “Some Specific”… American Bible Colleges and Seminaries. Why? Simply because those ‘religious’ training organizations… had ‘Publically’, changed their stand on the… “Truth of the Word of God”. They had been practicing that for some time, and as enrollment was down, they lowered their standards… to attract more students. Can you believe that happening in [Not] Christian America? I certainly Can!

(2Corinthains 4:16) For = this cause = we do not faint; = BUT = though = our outward man = [continually] perishes, = YET = the inward man = is = being renewed = day by day.

(1Corinthians 15:44) it is sown a natural body, = it is raised a spiritual body. = There is = a natural body, = and = there is = a spiritual body.

Americans Families spend… on the average, more that 44-hours each week… watching ‘TV & Media Videos’. Most of them ‘never’ spend more than one-hour-a-week… studying their Bibles. “Most” never have a daily quiet time… meeting with ‘Christ Jesus’ in… “His Word!” Do you ask Christ Jesus… where He would have you… ‘To Study His Word?’

So too, most… have their ‘Appetites’, both temporal and spiritual, being fed with the “Garbage” of this Words… ‘Ways & Thoughts’. Say it isn’t so…? When was the last time you turned off the TV or a Video… when there was… The Un-Married… in bed together having Sexual relations under the covers? I have had to clean out my video collection some time ago, at a cost to myself. How could I… ‘even’, sell them at my garage sale… and contaminate… ‘Others?’

(Romans 6:15-16) What then? = Shall we Sin, = because = we are not = under the law, = but = under [God’s] Grace? = God forbid.
(Rom 6:16) Do you = not know = that = to whom = you yield yourselves = as slaves = for obedience, = you = are slaves = to him = whom = you obey; = whether = it is of sin = to death, = or = of obedience = to righteousness.

What is the TEST… to see if you are a Valid Christian or Not? Is it Love… or is it… ‘IF’ you believe God’s Word as Truth…? I would propose to you that… “Anyone can ACT!” You have seen enough TV & Videos to identify an Actor and when someone was Acting. Surely you have know people, “Who are Hypocrites and act in Duplicity!” They say or do one thing… and then speak Another! Yes, even that person that you were just thinking about.

(Matthew 22:29) Jesus = answered them, = "You are Wrong = because = you = don't know = the Scriptures = or = God's power.

How about Love…? How many do you know… that have used… ‘Love Language and Actions’… to get what they want and then leave? The divorce courts are ‘filled’ with those kinds of People. So too… Many pretend to be Loving… till someone calls them on… ‘The Facts!’ I have had that kind of response… in posting my Blogs. They professed the “Love of Christ”, till I identified practices… not consistent… with the Word of God. I was then, called ‘legalistic’.

(Galatians 4:16) So = have I = now = become = your enemy = for = telling = YOU = the Truth?

So was it in… ‘Jesus’ day… when Many professed to know Him. Christ Jesus ‘continually’ was refuting the… “Religion & Practices”… of the religious. It is no different today. Do you believe it has gotten better or worse… since His time? Has America… Stopped… “Aborting Babies”… Killing them in their Mother’s Womb? Remember it is God Who said… Exodus 20:13 “You Shall Not Murder [innocent life].

(Matthew 7:21-22-23) "Not everyone = who = keeps saying = to Me [Jesus], = 'Lord, = Lord,' = will get into = the kingdom of heaven, = But Only = the person = who keeps doing = the will [Word] = of My Father [God] = in heaven.
(Matt 7:22) MANY = will say = to Me [Jesus] = on that day, = 'Lord, = Lord, = we prophesied = in Your Name, = drove out demons = in Your Name, = and = performed = many miracles = in Your Name, = didn't we?'
(Matt 7:23) Then = I [Jesus] = will tell them plainly, = 'I = never knew you. = Get away from Me, = you who practice lawlessness!

Did those people, “The Many”… show Love… as evidence of their, ‘Claimed Faith’… in God? Were they really… “His”… or… ‘Not’? Of course they were Not! By all outward practices… they appeared to others… to be Loving People… and claimed to be working for Him. Yes Christ Jesus plainly told them… Depart from Me… I Never Knew… You! So, “What is the TEST” to see if they are really Christians…? Or Not…? Is it ‘Love’… or is it… “Truth?”

(Romans 8:9) But = you = are not in the flesh, = but = in the Spirit, = IF = the Spirit of God = dwells in you. = But = IF = anyone = has not = the Spirit of Christ, = he [she] = is none of His.

(1Corinthains 2:12-13-14) Now, = we = have not received = the spirit of the world = but = the Spirit = Who = comes from God, = so = that we can = understand = the things = that were freely given = to us = by God.
(1Cor 2:13) We = don't speak = about these things = in words = taught us by = human wisdom, = BUT = in words = taught by the Spirit, = as we explain = spiritual things = to spiritual people.
(1Cor 2:14) A person = who isn't = spiritual = doesn't accept = the things of = God's Spirit, = for they are = NONSENSE = to him. = He = can't understand them = because = they are spiritually evaluated.

Simple Answer…! IF one does not belong to God… they do not have ‘His Holy Spirit!’ It is … God’s Holy Spirit… that Makes God’s Word… “Alive and Living”… to the ‘Real Believer’. Those that “DO NOT”… believe in the Complete Authority of the Word of God… do not have God’s Holy Spirit! It is only, the Holy Spirit… that makes the Living Word of God… “Alive to the Soul”… of the Real Believer.

(Matthew 4:4) But = He [Jesus] = answered = and = said, = It is written, = "Man = shall not live = by bread alone, = BUT = by every Word = that proceeds = out of the mouth = of God."

(Luke 4:4) And = Jesus = answered him [Satan], = saying, = It is written that = "man shall not = live by bread alone, = BUT = by every = Word of God."

Now, The Real Question…? Is it “Love”… or is it… “Belief in the Total Authority of the Word of God… that Identifies a “Real Christian”… a believer in “Christ Jesus”…? I believe that the Teaching of the Word of God… identifies that one… by their… “Validity of the Authority of The Word of God!” Remember, the ‘Many’… of Matthew 7:21-to-23…? The Faked their Love…! “Truth is Always”… the test of a ‘Real Born Again’… by the “Holy Spirit”… Child of the Living and True God!

(Proverbs 28:13) He who = covers = his sins = shall not = be blessed; = BUT = whoever = confesses = and = FORSAKES them = shall = have [God’s] mercy.

Now there is Something… that I must ‘Confess’. I had been dogmatic, long ago, when I was a ‘New’ Christian… about my beliefs on a certain subject. Looking back I have to say… it was my “Ego”… and not the ‘Holy Spirit’… that made me… stand on that “wrong belief”. Through maturity and the teaching of Scriptures… I realize that all I know… is “Only”, by the Teaching of the Holy Spirit… in my life. I can take… ‘No human credit’… for what He has taught me.

(John 16:13) Yet when = the Spirit of Truth = comes, = He = will guide you = into all Truth. = For = He = will not speak = on His own accord, = BUT = will speak whatever = he hears = and = will declare = to you = the things = that are to come.
(John 16:14) He = will = glorify Me [Jesus], = for = He = will take = what is Mine = and = declare it = to you.

(Hebrews 4:12-13) For = the Word of God = is living = and = powerful = and = sharper = than any two-edged sword, = piercing even to = the dividing apart = of soul = and = spirit, = and = of the joints and marrow, = and = is a Discerner = of the thoughts = and = intents = of the heart.
(Heb 4:13) Neither = is there Any creature = that is not manifest = in His sight, = BUT = all things = are naked and opened = to the eyes of Him [Jesus] = with Whom = we have = to do.

(Revelation 19:13) And = He [Jesus] = had been clothed = in a garment = dipped in blood, = and = His Name = is called = The Word of God. [Isaiah 63:1-to-19]

(John 1:14) And = the Word [Jesus] = became flesh [human], = and = tabernacle = among us. = And = we beheld = His [Jesus] glory, = the glory as of = the Only begotten = of the Father, = Full of Grace = and = of "Truth".

One more time… Is it “Love”… or … is it “Truth” = Belief in the Word of God as Absolute Truth… that identifies the True Believer in God…? After all these verses validating… “The Living Word”, the Truth of God, The Lord of Lords and King of Kings… “The Word of God”… on His raiment… ‘How’ could it be “Anything Less” than… GOD’S TRUTH…?

Once I thought I was wrong… but I was mistaken…! [Joke]

Thank you for Your EAR! Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!

“What about 'This' Verse – 101”

“What about This Verse – 101”

(Isaiah 1:18) Come now, = and = let us = “REASON TOGETHER”, = says Jehovah [God]; = though your sins are as scarlet, = they shall be as white as snow; = though they are red like crimson, = they shall be like wool.

Recently I had written a Blog… on Salvation & Water Baptism. I had some ‘varied responses’ asking about some ‘other verses’ that I had not used in that writing, due to space constraints. Perhaps may I first, share some of the technique that I use to find ‘Spiritual Truth’… in the Bible. Although it takes some time to find… ‘The Truth’… we first need to “First” believe God and His Word… above all that we have been… ‘Taught or Think’.

(Luke 4:4) And = Jesus = answered him [Satan], = saying, = It is written = that "man shall not = live by bread alone, = but = by every = Word of God."

(Numbers 23:19) God = is not a man = that = He should Lie, = neither = the son of man = that He = should repent. = Has He said, = and = shall He = not do it? = Or = has He spoken, = and = shall = He = not make it good?

(1Corinthians 2:13-14) These things = we also speak, = not in words = which man's wisdom teaches, = but = which the = Holy Spirit = teaches, = comparing = spiritual things = with spiritual.
(1Cor 2:14) But = the Natural man [Not Born Again] = does Not receive = the things [Word] = of the Spirit of God, = for = they are = Foolishness = to him; = neither = can he know them, = because = they are = spiritually discerned.

These verses are simply saying… that the Holy Spirit… teaches the Truth of the Word of God. God cannot Lie and so mankind is instructed to go to… “God’s Word”… for the ‘Truth’, that pertains to each and every facet of life. The instructions for all ‘Spiritual’ things can… ‘Always be Found’… in the Bible and through its Truths, revealed in its pages. The Bible is not a compilation of just… Books, Chapters and Pages! Its Truth is woven through its verses… like a “Tapestry!”

Did you know… that in the Bible, there are listed… “66-Books” = “1189-Chapters” = “31,103-Verses!” How then can anyone take… “One Single Verse”… and make a theology? It is simply impossible. The Bible was written in Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament. The Bible… “Is NOT A Fact Book”… even though it contains Facts! The Bible is… “Not a ‘Complete’ history book”… even though it contains… History! The Bible contains Science… even though it is… “Not a ‘Complete’ Science Book!”

There are many “Agnostics”… who openly mock the Bible and try to disprove a single verse or even some multiple verses… using ‘Human Logic’. The Bible is a book of… “Spiritual Truth and Spiritual Principles”… with ‘real world’ examples. But also with numerous examples of the… ‘Consequences of Disobedience’… to the Word of God! It speaks of ‘Satan’, his fall and continued rebellion against God. It also speaks of his… ‘Authority and Power’… to blind the minds of those ‘who’ are against… “God and His Holy Word!”

(2Corinthians 11:13-14-15) For = such ones = are false apostles, = deceitful workers, = transforming themselves = into = the apostles of Christ.
(2Cor 11:14) Did not even = Satan = marvelously transform = himself = into an = angel of light?
(2Cor 11:15) Therefore = it is no great thing = if = his ministers = also transform themselves = as [false] ministers of righteousness, = whose end = shall be according = to their works.

(2Corinthians 4:3-4) But also = if = our gospel = is hidden, = it is hidden = to those = who are being lost,
(2Cor 4:4) In their case, = the god of this world [Satan] = has blinded = the minds = of those = who = do not believe = to keep them = from seeing = the light = of the glorious = gospel of Christ, = Who is the [visible] image of God. [Colossians 1:15]

(Luke 8:11-12) And = the parable is this: = The seed = is the = Word of God.
(Luke 8:12) Those = by the roadside = are the ones = who hear; = then = the Devil comes = and = takes the Word = out of their hearts, = lest = they should believe = and = be saved.

(Luke 4:6-7) And = the Devil = said to Him [Jesus], = All this power = I will give You, = and = the glory of them; = for it has been delivered = to me. = And = I = give it to = whomever I will.
(Luke 4:7) Therefore = if = You [Jesus] = will worship me [Satan], = all = shall be yours.

Perhaps now… you can see in these verses, the authority and power, that Satan has over those that … ‘Do Not’… “Believe the Word of God!” The complete Word of God is the… ‘Final & Only’… Authority of God… about His Truth! All others… ‘Are Just Wrong Opinions’… which are “NOT” in complete agreement with… “God and His Word!” Perhaps that is why… so many ‘Hate’ the Bible… for its Truth!

(1Thessalonians 5:21) Prove = ‘ALL’ = things, = hold fast = to the good.

(John 17:17) Sanctify them = through = Your Truth. = Your Word = is Truth.

(Isaiah 8:20) To the Law = and = to the Testimony [of the Word of God]! = If = they = do not speak = according to = this Word, = it is = because = no light = is in them.

(Acts 17:11) These people = were more receptive = than those = in Thessalonica. = They were very willing = to receive = the Word, = and = every day = they = carefully examined = the Scriptures = to see = if = those things = were so [or not].

These verses simply… state that the Truth of the Word of God, is God’s Truth… and that we ‘Ourselves’… are “Personally Responsible” to God… for ‘what’ we believe. Did you see that those disciples of Christ… willing received The Word… and then… ‘Verified its Truth’… with Other Scriptures? Remember when in a previous paragraph, I stated, that the Scriptures were like a… “Tapestry?” “God’s Truth”… is woven throughout… the Bible and ‘not’ just in one verse. It is as the… “Contiguous Truth”… not just found in one chapter, verse or thought. Perhaps an example of the Heart?

(2Chronicles 12:14) And = he did the evil = because = he = ‘Did Not’ = “Prepare” = his heart = to seek Jehovah [God].

(Ezra 7:10) For = Ezra = had “Prepared” = his heart = to seek = the law of the LORD, = and = To = Do It, = and = To Teach = in Israel = statutes and judgments.

(James 1:22) Keep on = being = Doers of = “The Word”, = and = Not = merely hearers = who = [continually] deceive themselves.

When reading through… the Old Testament some years ago, I came upon these verses. Since first reading… “2Chronicles 12:14”… I have taken God’s Truth from His Word… and always prepared my heart… before Worship, Prayer and especially before any… “Bible Study of the Truth in God’s Word! Did you notice in… Ezra 7:10… “To Do?” This is part of that… "Tapestry of Truth”… woven throughout God’s Word. ‘James 1:22’… simply is part of that Tapestry, along with many other verses… especially… “Luke 6:46!” Now… to that verse in Question…!

(1Peter 3:21)[Original ‘1611’ - KJV- version] The like figure whereunto, euen Baptisme, doth also now saue vs, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answere of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Iesus Christ.

(1Peter 3:21)[KJV] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

(1Peter 3:21) [ISV] Baptism, which is symbolized by that water, now saves you also, not by removing dirt from the body, but by asking God for a clear conscience based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

(1Peter 3:21) [MKJV] which figure now also saves us, baptism; not a putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ;

(1Peter 3:21)[Amplified Bible] And baptism, which is a figure [of their deliverance], does now also save you [from inward questionings and fears], not by the removing of outward body filth [bathing], but by [providing you with] the answer of a good and clear conscience (inward cleanness and peace) before God [because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Here I have provided… “Five Separate English Translations”… of this verse from the Original Greek Text. The most accurate is the “Amplified Bible”… for sometimes it takes ‘Several English Words’… to correctly translate ‘one word’ from the ‘Greek Text’. Greek agrees in person, number and gender. Nowhere in any of these Translations… does it indicate that… Water Baptism is… Nothing more than an “Allegory”… or… ‘Word Picture’… of the Death, Burial and Resurrection… of Christ Jesus… from the Dead!

Did you notice… “The Answer of a Good Conscience towards God?” Please… tell me how… ‘Water Baptism’… which is only a symbol… can give you or anyone a… “Clear Conscience”…? “It cannot!” There are even those that have switched churches and had to be… ‘Water Baptized Again’. Which of the Two or Three or More… Water Baptisms… was Valid?

IF you ‘believe’ that Water Baptism… saves anyone… please proved me and others with… ‘Chapters & Verses’… of ‘Other Similar Bible Verses’? They have ‘To Validate’… “1Thessalonians 5:21 = Prove All Things”… about a… “Good Conscience”… just from Water Baptism…?” There are… “NONE!” Rather the… “Opposite!”

(Ephesians 2:8-9-10) For = by such grace = you = have been saved = through faith. = This does not come = from you; = it is = the gift of God
(Eph 2:9) and = not the result = of = works, = lest anyone = boast.
(Eph 2:10) For = we are = His masterpiece, = created = in Christ Jesus = for good works = that God = prepared long ago = to be = our way of life.

(Titus 3:4-to-7) But when = the kindness = and = love of God = our Savior = toward mankind = appeared,
(Tit 3:5) Not by = works of righteousness = which we = have done, = but = according to = His mercy = He saved = us, = through = the washing of regeneration = and = renewal of = the Holy Spirit,
(Tit 3:6) Whom = He = poured out = on us abundantly = through Jesus Christ = our Savior,
(Tit 3:7) That = being justified = by = His grace, = we should become = heirs = according to = the hope of = eternal life.

(1Corinthains 12:13) For also = by one Spirit = we are all = baptized into = one body, = whether = Jews or Greeks, = whether = bond or free, = even All = were made to drink = into one Spirit.

(Ephesians 4:4) There is = one body = and = one Spirit, = even as you are called = in = one hope = of your calling,
(Eph 4:5) one Lord, = one faith, = one baptism,
(Eph 4:6) one God = and = Father of all, = Who = is above all = and through all = and in = you all.
(Eph 4:7) But = to = every one = of us = is given = grace = according to = the measure = of the gift of Christ.

These Salvation Verses… simply are a… Tapestry of God’s Grace = Un-Merited Pardon = to we sinners. Even “The Spirit Baptism = 1Corinthians 12:13…”… which is ‘Not Water Baptism’… is the only Baptism listed in the… “One’s”… of Ephesians 4. Perhaps a re-read of the Blog… “Salvation & Water Baptism -101”… will help you better understand that ‘Water Baptism’… is only a symbol… and Not God’s Grace! It is a Human Work… done by humans… and Not God’s Grace!

Perhaps may I… leave you with a “Help”…? There are many ‘on line’ English translations of the Bible available. Here is a “Free Bible Software”… link, where you can download many English and Foreign Language Translations of the Bible… to your Personal Computer. There are also the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament texts there. Many Asian and European translations are there also. It provides many Bible Study Helps and Maps.

http://www.e-sword.net/

But, remember “One” thing…! You need to… prepare your heart… “Ezra 7:10”… before you do any “Bible Study!” An oak tree does not grow overnight such as mushrooms do. It takes time and study and a heart yielded to… “God’s Truth”… found in… “God’s Word!”

(Jeremiah 29:13) And = you = shall seek Me [God] = and = find Me, = when = you = search = for Me = with = all = your heart.

Thank you for Your EAR! Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!

“Water Baptism & Salvation – 101”

“Water Baptism & Salvation – 101”

Today, as in history… there have been many discussions as to what roll does… ‘Water Baptism’… plays in salvation of the sinner. Most churches differ on this subject, so I must take the Word of God as my… ‘Only Point of Spiritual Truth!’ Because, “God cannot Lie”… His Word… is the “Absolute Truth”. Simple question: Who do you trust… “God and His Word”… or some Denomination, made by mankind…?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_baptism

(1Corinthians 1:17) For = Christ = Did ‘Not’ = send me = “TO BAPTIZE”, = but = to preach the gospel; = not in wisdom of words, = lest the cross of Christ = should be made = of no effect.

Perhaps with this single verse… the argument that ‘Water Baptism’ saves anyone, is simply made… “Null & Void!” IF… water baptism were a requirement, the Holy Spirit through Paul, would have added it… to the above verse. Most, that attend Church… ‘Seldom read & study’… their Bibles to know any difference. They simply take for Truth… what they are ‘taught’ by their… ‘Man made denomination’. Sorry, but only… ‘God’s Word’… is the “Absolute Truth!”

(1Corinthians 2:11-to-14) For = who = among men = knows the things of a man = except the spirit of man = within him? = So = also = no one knows = the things = of God = except = the Spirit of God.
(1Cor 2:12) But = we = have Not received = the spirit of the world, = But = the [Holy] Spirit = from God, = so = that we might know = the things = that are Freely given = to us = by God.
(1Cor 2:13) These things = we also speak, = not in words = which man's wisdom teaches, = but = which = the Holy Spirit = teaches, = comparing = spiritual things = with = spiritual.
(1Cor 2:14) But = the ‘NATURAL’ man = does not = receive = the things of = the Spirit of God, = for they are = “FOOLISHNESS” = to him; = Neither = can he = know them, = because = they are = spiritually discerned [encoded].

We go to ‘One’ place for “Truth”…! Either man’s wisdom = Or = God’s Wisdom based on God’s Word! There cannot be a mix… to bring about “Absolute Truth”. It comes from God’s Word… Alone! The Holy Spirit is the teacher of God’s Truth… and not that of man’s wisdom. Natural wisdom cannot compare to that of God’s Holy Spirit! Those that ‘do not’ have God’s Holy Spirit… simply count the Word of God = Foolishness! Now a question: “Who do you trust, God’s Word or the human wisdom of a denomination…?

(John 17:17) Sanctify them = through = Your Truth. = Your Word = is Truth.

(Numbers 23:19) God = is not a man = that He = should Lie, = neither = the son of man [Christ Jesus] = that He = should repent. = Has = He said, = and = shall He = not do it? = Or has He spoken, = and = shall He not = make it good?

The Holy Spirit… is ‘only’ given to those who… believe by Faith… in the Word of God as the Truth… in response to the “Finished Work of Christ Jesus!” Christ Jesus even revealed this Truth… with the Promise of the Holy Spirit… as evidence of the believers’ acceptance of Truth! God the Father sees the sinners’ response to Christ Jesus payment for sin… and gives that person the Holy Spirit… thus making that person… His Child [of God]!

(John 7:37-38-39) And = in the last day = of the great feast, = Jesus stood and cried out, = saying, = If anyone thirsts, = let him come = to Me and drink.
(John 7:38) He who = believes on Me [Christ], = as the Scripture = has said, = "Out of his belly = shall flow = rivers of living water."
(John 7:39) But = He [Jesus] = spoke this about = the Spirit, = which they = who believed = on Him = should receive; = for the Holy Spirit = was not yet given, = because = Jesus = was not yet glorified.

This Saving Belief [Faith]… is only as… “The Scripture has Said”… and Not as some Denomination has said. Remember ‘All’ denominations are manmade! There are “No Divine Denominations”… no matter what they ‘Falsely Claim!’ The choice is Yours… Believe God and His Word [God’s Truth]… Or believe the teaching of mankind [man’s wisdom]! The Holy Spirit was promised by Christ Jesus… to all those… that believe on HIM… as the Scripture has said…!

(Ephesians 1:12-13-14) for us = to be to the praise = of His glory, = who = previously had trusted = in Christ;
(Eph 1:13) in Whom = also you, = hearing the Word of Truth, = the gospel of our salvation, = in Whom = also believing, = YOU = were sealed = with = the Holy Spirit of promise,
(Eph 1:14) Who = is the earnest [down payment] = of our inheritance, = to the redemption = of the purchased possession [us], = to the praise = of His glory.

(2Corinthians 1:20-21-22) For all = the promises of God = in Him [Jesus] = are yes, = and = in Him = Amen [it is so], = to the glory of God = by us.
(2Cor 1:21) But = He = confirming us = and = anointing us = with you = in Christ = is God.
(2Cor 1:22) And = He = has sealed us = and = having given = the earnest = of the [Holy] Spirit = in our hearts.

(Galatians 4:6-7) And = BECAUSE = you are sons, = God = has sent forth = the [Holy] Spirit = of His Son [Jesus] = into your hearts, = crying, = Abba [Daddy], Father.
(Gal 4:7) So that = you = are no longer a slave [to Sin], = but a son [of God]; = and if a son, = also = an heir of God = through Christ.

All of this… the Holy Spirit… eternally sealing the True Believer… is God’s Proof to mankind that they are His Children by Faith! No work or keeping of any ordinance… that one can do will bring about the Holy Spirit! The Scriptures have spoken… to ‘All’ that will hear… what God says in His Word! So many times, people hold onto what they have been told is Truth… only to find out later, that they have been duped.

(Galatians 3:1-2-3) O foolish Galatians, = who = bewitched you = not = to obey = the Truth, = to whom = before your eyes = Jesus Christ = was written = among you crucified?
(Gal 3:2) This only = I would learn = from you: = Did you = receive = the [Holy] Spirit = by works of the law, = or = by hearing of Faith?
(Gal 3:3) Are you = so foolish? = Having begun = in the Spirit, = do you now = perfect yourself = in the flesh?

How is Salvation given to Mankind…? Was it by the keeping of the Law of God, the precepts of God, the ordinances of God…? Absolutely Not! Mankind cannot keep the Law of God and that is why the ordinances of sacrifices was given for Sin. Throughout the Old Testament… an offering for “Sin/Sins” was required. Yes even a difference in sacrifices for the common people and the priests. Perfection cannot be attained by keeping the Law of God!

(Galatians 3:10-to-13) Certainly = all = who depend = on the works of the law = are under = a curse. = For it is written, = "A curse on everyone = who does Not Obey = Everything = that is written = in the book of the law!"
(Gal 3:11) Now = it is Obvious = that = No One = is justified = in the sight of God = by the Law, = because = "The righteous = will live = by Faith."
(Gal 3:12) But = the law = has nothing to do = with Faith. = Instead, = "The person = who keeps = the commandments = will have life = in them."
(Gal 3:13) Christ [Jesus the Messiah] = redeemed us = from = the curse = of the Law = by becoming = a curse = for us. = For = it is written, = "A curse on everyone = who is hung on a tree!"

This Obvious Point… that the keeping of the Law of God… cannot save us, is validated not only in the above Scripture… but throughout the entire Bible. If ‘Keeping’ the ordinances of the Law could not save us… How then is Water Baptism to save Us…? It cannot and Never was intended to! It was and is… “Only a Word Picture”… of the Death, Burial and Victorious Resurrection of Christ Jesus from the Dead!

(Revelation 1:17-18) And = when I saw Him [Jesus], = I = fell at His feet = as dead. = And = He laid His right hand = upon me, = saying to me, = Do not fear, = I am the First = and = the Last, [See Isaiah 44:6]
(Rev 1:18) = and = the Living One, = and = I = became dead, = and = behold, = I = am alive = forever = and = ever, = Amen. = And = I [Jesus] = have the keys = of hell = and = of death.

(Hebrews 5:9) And = being perfected, = He [Jesus] = became = the Author = of Eternal Salvation = to all those = who = obey Him,

“Christ Jesus”… having fulfilled the ‘Total Requirements’ of the Law of God… became the Sin Sacrifice… to All those that would believe on Him… “As the Scripture has Said!” This Finished Work of Christ is totally complete. Nothing we can do… by good works… can add to this ‘Finished Work!’ Salvation is “Solely” by the Grace of God… “Nothing More… Nothing Less!”

(John 19:30) Then when = Jesus = had received the sour wine, = He said, = It is finished! = And = He bowed = His head = and = gave up = the spirit [died].

“Water Baptism”… simply ‘cannot’ add to this… “Finished Work of Christ!” IF it could… the it would not be Finished… because Baptism… would be required! The term… “It is Finished”… in the ‘Greek New Testament’… is an accounting term. It simply means… “Eternally Paid in Full!” Now how can water baptism add to this Fact? It cannot!

(Ephesians 4:4) There is = “ONE” body = and = “ONE” Spirit, = even as you = are called in = “ONE” hope = of your calling,
(Eph 4:5) “ONE” Lord, = “ONE” faith, = “ONE” baptism, [1Corinthians 12:13]
(Eph 4:6) ONE God = and = Father of all, = Who = is above all = and = through all = and = in you all.
(Eph 4:7) But = to = every one = of us = is given = Grace = according to = the measure = of the gift = of Christ.

(1Corinthians 12:13) For = also by = “ONE” Spirit = we are all = baptized = into “ONE” body, = whether Jews = or Greeks, = whether bond = or free, = even all = were made = to drink = into = “ONE” Spirit.

After reading these Scriptures… will you still say that ‘Water Baptism’… is necessary for Salvation in Christ Jesus…? If you still do… it is because ‘You’… do “NOT”… believe God and His Word for your Truth! Mankind will always… want to take some credit for his belief in God! Say it isn’t so…? It is called… good works for salvation… so that you can try and take credit away from God! Making yourself… like God! It is the “Same Lie”… that Satan told we humans in Genesis 3:5… and it still continued today!

(Titus 3:3-to-7) For = we ourselves = also = were once foolish, = disobedient, = deceived, = slaving for various lusts = and = pleasures, = living in malice = and = envy, = hateful, = hating one another.
(Tit 3:4) But = when = the kindness = and = love of God = our Savior = toward man = appeared,
(Tit 3:5) = NOT = by works = of righteousness = which we have done, = but = according to = His mercy = He = saved us, = through = the washing of regeneration = and = renewal = of = the Holy Spirit,
(Tit 3:6) Whom = He = poured out = on us = abundantly = through = Jesus Christ = our Savior,
(Tit 3:7) =that = being justified = by = His grace, = we = should become heirs = according to = the hope = of eternal life.

(Ephesians 2:8-9-10) For = by Grace [of God] = you = are saved = through faith, = and = that = Not = of yourselves, = it is = the Gift = of God,
(Eph 2:9) NOT = of works, = lest = anyone = should = Boast.
(Eph 2:10) For = we are = His workmanship, = created = in Christ Jesus = to good works, = which God = has before ordained = that we = should walk in them.

(Romans 8:8-to-11) So then = they = who are = in the flesh = Cannot = please God.
(Rom 8:9) But = you = are not = in the flesh, = but = in the Spirit, = IF = the Spirit of God = dwells in you. = But = IF = anyone = has Not = the Spirit of Christ, = he is = None = of His.
(Rom 8:10) And = if = Christ is in you, = indeed = the body is dead = because of sin, = but = the Spirit = is life = because of = righteousness.
(Rom 8:11) But = IF = the Spirit = of the One = Who = raised up Jesus = from the dead = dwells in you, = the One = Who = raised up Christ = from the dead = shall Also = make your = mortal bodies Alive = by = His Spirit = Who dwells in you.

By these verses… we may see that Salvation by Grace Alone… and ‘Not’ by any works, including Water Baptism… that we are Born Again… by God’s Holy Spirit… Who is our Salvation! Those that do not have God’s Holy Spirit… ‘Do Not’… belong to Him! They then falsely trust their works of water baptism for salvation… thus rejecting… God’s Grace, Love and Mercy… that He provided for Sinners Salvation in Christ Jesus!

Special Note: There is an ‘Eleven-Part’, series on… “Evangelism – 101”… that goes into a deeper explanation of the Gospel Truth. Perhaps read it after this to understand what “The Gospel” really means…?

http://truth459.blogspot.com/2009/09/evangelism-101-1-of-blog.html

Thank you for Your EAR! Roger //Email// atruth459@yahoo.com

Home Page: http://truth459.blogspot.com/
Ende…!