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Articles
– Who & What To Trust Encyclopedia (01-2016)
Be sure to click on “Enable Edit” after opening the downloaded document in order for it to present with its pages and page numbers correctly.
A 88 page concise research dictionary and encyclopedia regarding Christian leaders, past and current; certain movements within the church, past and current; Bible translations, Bible history, and Textual Criticism (2015).
Reasons for Faith – The A, B, C’s
This is an examination of Biblical faith. Faith is not primarily about petition (Nor is it meant to be a tool of manipulation as taught by certain prominent heretical movements), though there is always a vital place for petition with God, yet this is not the fundamental task of faith.
Faith is about trusting God concerning the fact that He is in full control of our lives on a daily basis, especially when that does not appear to be the case, or when He does not answer our petition.
Faith is the basis of a relationship of trust in God based upon the track record of His word. Which is why:
“faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Faith is never meant to be blind as the skeptics state, though after a person has repeatedly been exposed to the faithfulness of God and as they grow and mature in him there becomes times that we set aside logic and reason in place of what God would have us to do (Understanding that faith must grow to this point, wherein we crawl before God would ever ask us to stand, or even run).
Faith is always based on a track record, it is earned; this is why faith is to be based upon God’s word. And faith is not the same as mere belief, which is a mental process.
Faith starts with belief, but must go on to include confidence because of this track record which produces actions – faith is not faith without application.
As the old example goes, you can walk around a chair all day long and visually examine its sturdiness based upon the steel brackets, and the appearance of the wood and the craftsmanship in which it is assembled – yet until you physically sit in the chair, you are not exercising faith in that chair – so it is within our Christian walk.
This is why we have so many individuals who have a mental assent, a mere belief; yet without the addition of confidence as found in God’s word, they produce no actions and therefore, no fruit.
It has been wisely stated that faith, as seen in a person’s life where the actions are what we see first from the outside, the acronym of the ABCs of faith is an excellent understanding of biblical faith and how it functions.
The ABCs of faith are: Actions based upon Belief, sustained by Confidence (Thanks to Dr. W. E. Scott for the acronym)
And it is the mechanism of faith that we should take note, as it functions reminiscent of the human muscle, wherein as occasion to exert itself the muscle is torn, then if allowed to mend it grows. Commonly referred to as tribulation in the Bible, which encompasses the synonyms of trials, testing, hardships, suffering, distress, anxiety, troubles, and persecution; all function as a means to grow faith, which is why,
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)
Understanding that the Greek word for trial used here dokimion, does not mean trial in the sense that there is a judge to determine if faith will be displayed, but as used in the field of metallurgy, it is a proving that the metal is as genuine as it appears.
God, who in His foreknowledge knows everything we will ever do, knows if we will pass through a tribulation trusting in Him, is not testing us with some great expectation that we will fall short.
It is the trial that provides the opportunity to purify our faith, wherein Peter uses the example of gold which when taken from the earth has impurities and alloys which must be burned off, wherein the gold is purified. Our faith must be stretched in order to grow, wherein circumstance after circumstance we witness that God is faithful in being with us as we go through the “valley of the shadow of death,” though he does not take us out of the valley, how much more precious is His presence as we go through tribulation (Psalm 23:4).
CHRISTIANS ~ All Things to All Men
When Paul spoke about “…being all things to all men…”, he was not saying to use the world’s contrivances or trappings, or any of the things that are popular in the world to attract people. Paul was not endorsing marketing techniques which rely upon emotional manipulation and attempt to utilize the frailties of humanity itself normally used for financial gain. So what was Paul speaking about? Paul was referring to speaking to people in idioms and language that they understand.
He was referring to communicating in such a way that people would understand the gospel in their own particular way, yet never sacrificing the principles of God in the process. This reminds me of Albert Einstein’s expression, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.”
The point is the good news of salvation offered all men can be as simple wherein a child can obtain salvation, yet also so immense and unfathomable that the scholar can never plummets debts. Much of what we present is very complicated, or at the least exhausted to fully comprehend. Yet this should never be a restriction concerning those Golden Nuggets found in God’s word.
It is common in Christian circles to hear believers state that “we should not judge other people,” and while we are never to condemn another person, as this is God’s role and not our’s; this statement is not completely true. In fact sometimes it is completely false because we are commanded to judge others.
Rather we call it discernment or judgment, judging is mandated repeatedly within God’s word, and our current Christian culture’s spiritual ineptitude and lack of power is no doubt due to a lack of discernment which is meant to help foster proper Biblical living.
Appropriate Biblical judgment is a vital doctrine that has been twisted by political correctness, relativeness, inclusiveness, tolerance; and has been substituted for a supposed form of touchy-feely love, which is not love at all; but a form of eye-pleasing wimpiness which promotes sin and self-centeredness within the body of Christ.
Yet, what is found in this examination is that the refusal to engage and express proper biblical judgment leads to a lack of spiritual maturity – hence our current culture which has so many opportunities in gaining knowledge concerning God and His word with all the resources we have, yet we witness such a lack of application concerning spiritual maturity wherein we are not far off from that point where Christ would advise us to be hot or cold, or He would spew us out of His mouth.
More than any other abuse which leads to spiritual immaturity, the refusal to exercise proper biblical judgment has done more damage to the 21st century church then perhaps any other ploy of Satan.
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FIGURES OF SPEECH ~ A Brief Introduction
God’s word is made up of “… not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; …“ (1 Corinthians 2:13). A “Figure of Speech” relates to the form in which a word is used, wherein when a word or group of words are used out of their ordinary sense, or place, or manner – it is done for the purpose of attracting our attention to what is thus said. (A couple of prominent examples of Figures of Speech are referred to as typing and shadows; referred to in Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11;Romans 15:4)
A Figure of Speech is a designed and legitimate departure from the laws of language, in order to emphasis what is said. Hence in such Figures of Speech as when John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36). We know that Jesus was not literally a lamb, this was said so that we should contemplate what this figure of speech truly means.
There upon consideration of the Old Testament, there is the remembrance that the term “the Lamb of God,” which was a reference to the lamb that was sacrificed for the sins of the people during the fourth feast of the Feasts of Israel. This gives a reference point to understanding that Jesus was to die for the sins of the world, yet based upon a Figure of Speech.
Figures of Speech are NOT allegorical interpretation, where that which is literal is interpreted as figurative – wherein the medieval church took the book of Revelation as completely figurative to the extent it had no purpose and was not considered prophetic.
Figures of Speech are not figurative (Often Referred to as allegorical) in nature, they are interpreted literal, yet based upon prior usage of a word or group of words which are used in an unusual manner wherein attention is drawn to the fact that there is a prior connection. Figures of Speech (A couple of prominent examples of Figures of Speech are referred to as typing and shadows; Referred to in Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11;Romans 15:4)a are common in every language as forms of communication to create emphasis and clarity concerning that which it attempts to describe.
If I say “get off my back”, I am not accusing you of physically being on my back, yet as a Figure of Speech I am presenting that it is as if you are on my back nagging me about something, to the point that it felt like you were like a monkey on my back, wearing me down. By way of example Re: one of the 217 different forms of Figures of Speech utilized by the Greeks and Romans.
One such form was the use of a Polyonymia (“Or, Many Names, An application of Enigma to the names of persons or places”), which was where a name or title was given to a person or place in the form of a symbol to give clarity concerning an aspect of that personage or place.
In the case of the coming Messiah, as in the personage of Jesus there are over 300 names and titles given in the Old Testament To display aspects of the coming Messiah, one such title is “the Lamb of God.” There are hundreds, if not thousands of figures of speech found in the Bible – all meant by the Holy Spirit to bring clarity.
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GOD ~ His Essence & Attributes
A common problem within the church is that of confusing the essence of God with the attributes of God, which becomes a clear problem in dealing with the person of Jesus Christ as divine, and yet incarnate during His First Coming.
The essence of something is what it is in its makeup – inside and unseen, whereas the attributes are abilities and behaviors, those things said to makeup the exterior – outside and visible.
It is very common for people to mistake attributes for essence, and falling short in this distinction they misinterpret and misunderstand the incarnation of Jesus Christ and attempt to define Christ based upon their own misunderstanding; with such misunderstanding leading to the false stories of the boy Christ doing miracles, as well as a misconception concerning Christ as the greatest example of faith (Wherein faith demands need because of an inability to do something yourself – wherein if Christ maintained His divine power, He would never need faith – He would either be a faker or an actor).
Yet Jesus was the greatest person to ever exercise faith to the uttermost, giving up His place in heaven to be lowered to the status of a man, contingent upon the promise of the Father to resurrect Him to fullness.
Part of the problem comes in failing to realize that Jesus was completely filled with the Holy Spirit unlike any other individual, wherein the power which He displayed was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit within him, as opposed to innate power of his deity.
Jesus disrobed Himself of the attributes of deity, the outward manifestation of His power which we refer to as Omnipotence (“All-powerful, visible and invisible”), as well as His Omnipresence (“Existing everywhere all at once, Non-locality”), and Omniscience (“All knowing, knowing everything there is”).
He could not maintain these attributes of deity and still be completely a man, meaning that His humanity would be false if he could maintain these abilities. What man has these attributes – none, and those that have these attributes we refer to as God.
The mystery of the incarnation is that Jesus was all of God, lacking nothing; and all of man, completely lacking deity – or better stated the powers – the attributes of deity. Any man that can tell you that he completely understands this, is number one lying to you, rather intentionally or not; or at the least lying to himself.
Only God has the capacity to understand God, at least to the extent that we could approach such a topic as the incarnation – the paradox of Jesus Christ during His first visit.
If Jesus did not become fully man, then the Bible lies, and Jesus is a faker.
This is why it’s important to understand that while He laid aside His attributes: His power, His having all knowledge, and presence everywhere as a spirit being (“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” ~ John 4:24), He maintained His essence as deity.
This is what is seen at the Mount of Transfiguration.
Remember that he was lifted up – levitation is not a human ability, it is an attribute of deity; God the Father was displaying the attributes of Deity by lifting Jesus up and levitating Him as He conversed with Moses and Elijah. There is nothing in the passage that indicates that Jesus did this on His own, as a human.
It was a manifestation of the attributes of deity which the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus as He met with the lawgiver, and the prophet as they conversed about their roles (Some believe that Moses and Elisha are the two witnesses of Revelation, Moses being dead as the law became dead [“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” ~ Romans 7:6; “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances…” ~ Ephesians 2:15 KJV; Colossians 214; ] – yet revived in Christ as the fulfillment of the law, and Elisha as never having died because the prophetic word never dies, Those that believe these are the two witnesses also state that the event which occurred on the amount of Transfiguration was a strategy meeting between Jesus and them concerning their assignments as played out in the book of Revelation), yet Jesus never gave up His essences of deity, that inward agency of the spirit that cannot be seen.
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GREEK GRAMMAR ~ Does James Contradict Paul
Unfortunately, due to the fact that many of us do not understand koiné Greek we are unaware of many grammatical principles which alter the understanding of some verses when translated into the English vernacular, James 2:21 is one such passage. Once you understand the Greek grammar regarding the words that Paul and James are using, you see that they are presenting faith from to different perspectives, and there is no contradiction whatsoever.
There is a reason why God orchestrated that the New Testament was penned in koiné Greek language. Greek is very detailed and exact language, it is referred to as a dead language meaning it does not change and is therefore consistent (Consistency is one of the divine attributes we should most cherish). It is a language where many times it takes a dozen or more English words to translate one Greek word into English. God does nothing by accident, and it is understanding this particular language and it’s grammar, wherein many of what appear to be contradictions, are easily explained – the statements between James and Paul are good example.
GREEK GRAMMAR ~ Introduction to Greek & Hebrew Grammar
Have you ever heard someone make the comment that there are seems to be two different God’s seen in the Bible, the angry God of war in the Old Testament, and the loving God of the New Testament, Jesus. What is amazing is that the languages God used for these two Testaments illustrate the purpose of each one of them wherein faith grows in understanding God’s mighty power in that even the languages that He uses to communicate have purpose.
Hebrew of the Old Testament is a vague language, it is not very detail oriented. It is great for poetry and music, where rhymes and wordplay work together. It is a beautiful artistic language as seen in the Psalms. Yet due to its vagueness, you may need a half a dozen words to translate a Hebrew word into the English to fully understand what it means – it’s catchword is vague.
Whereas the Greek of the New Testament is a very specific and detailed language. It is well-suited for rigorous debate in law, medicine, and rhetoric. It is a skillful specific language that many times needs half a dozen words to translate into the English to fully understand what the Greek is intending to mean – it’s catchword is specific.
God orchestrated that the Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language, a vague language whereas He presents Himself as from behind the veil, where man could only experience God’s ways (“Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.” ~Hebrews 3:10 KJV, quoting Psalms 95:10), God’s behaviors and actions, as from afar, exhibiting God’s attributes.
As opposed to the detailed and specific oriented Greek language in the New Testament revelation of Jesus, who displayed the personage of God, revealing clarity as Jesus would reveal the Father, in Himself (“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father” ~John 14:9 KJV), up-close and personal, as face to face, exhibiting God’s essence.
Isn’t it amazing that God uses the vagueness of the Hebrew language in the Old Testament, and the exactness of the Greek language in the New Testament; both of which to serve His purpose. It is these small insights that should increase our faith, understanding that even the languages that God uses in His word are there by Divine design.
(SIDENOTE: The Old Testament Scripture that were used at the time of Jesus is called the Septuagint, which was a Greek translation of the Old Testament Hebrew Scripture. This explains why when we read Jesus quoting an Old Testament passage, the two passages don’t sound the same. Jesus is quoting the Greek translation of the Hebrew passage. Our current Old Testaments is taken from the Hebrew language directly, wherein when both are translated they do not sound exactly the same. How many people have their faith somewhat shaken witnessing the inconsistency of New Testament writers quoting an Old Testament passage, and witnessing what they appear to be an inconsistency – sometimes they appear very different. Any time that something in God’s word appears inconsistent, God appears inconsistent, and it causes doubt to spring forth. Yet, to God’s glory, how many people are increased in their faith by understanding God’s total control of all within His domain, that even the languages He uses to communicate to man are by divine control.)
Genesis chapter 5 contains the genealogy of the first ten generations of man, starting with Adam and ending with Noah. The following is a reproduction of Chuck Missler’s teaching on Genesis 5, which correctly translates the root meanings of these names. This shows a miraculous example of the Bible’s evidence of design wherein an all-knowing, all-powerful God whose exists outside of our time domain would engineer a message into the names of the first ten men on earth, whose names are:
Man – appointed – mortal – sorrow – the blessed God – shall come down – teaching – his death shall bring – the despairing – comfort
One of the ways that God expresses Himself in an indirect manner is by the titles that are used of Him – which He establishes. Titles that are so informative concerning His nature and roles that one could come to understand His attributes and even His essence based upon these titles which reflect who He is.
ISRAEL ~ 3500 Year Chronology of Israel
A bulleted chronological timeline of the history of the nation of Israel up until this past decade.
ISRAEL ~ God & Irony – “You will become like what you Worship” – Plagues (BB & KH)
One of the curses of God to those that refuse to worship Him, but choose to worship other things is the irony of the fact that these people become like the thing they worship.
ISRAEL ~ Sects at the time of Jesus
A classification and clarification of the different groups that were prevalent during the time of Jesus.
ISRAEL ~ The Leaven of the Pharisees
This article examines one of the many internal instances of how the word of God uses pictorials and symbolism in communicating spiritual insights which builds faith in the life of the believer, wherein the only conclusion is that this book was authored by God. It is in regards to the subject of “sin” in general, and also the sin (Which is the teachings of the false religious leaders) of the Pharisees in particular, that on two occasions each, both Jesus and Paul use the metaphor of leaven and its symbolism that closely parallel the makeup, condition, and effect of sin in amazing detail. Yet another one of those situations wherein a close examination of God’s word displays the intense consistency and specificity within God’s word even when using metaphor and similes (Also referred to as typing and shadows [Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11;Romans 15:4] within the subject of “Figures of Speech” within the Greek and Hebrew languages).
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LESSONS ~ The ABC’s of Faith (7-2014)
Biblical Faith
Biblical faith is found in God’s word because of the consistency of witnessing miracle after miracle exhibited in God’s word, with the end result being that truly this book could not have been authored by man, but must have been offered by He who can see the ending from the beginning – God Himself, wherein this book deserves our greatest attention as God’s revelation to man. Biblical faith is to be primarily based upon an interaction with God’s word, as is declared in Romans 10:17, which states:
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God“
The Source of Biblical Faith
Biblical faith is created and grown wherein as a person reads the Bible, and the Holy Spirit opens their spiritual eyes to perceive that which is laid out, it is a logical reasonable process of coming to the conclusion that this book could not have been written by mortal man (Isa. 46:9-10), because:
1) There are prophecies given in Old Testament, that are fulfilled in the New Testament.
2) There are prophecies given within the Bible as a whole, which are fulfilled since it’s closing.
3) There are scientific and natural insights presented in the Bible, which were once considered completely false; in time, science has caught up with the Bible proving that it was correct in the first place, and that it is beyond human insight.
4) There is deep wisdom that is written between its pages, which are far beyond the capacity of a human being to create.
5) There are internal evidences found in the Bible when it is crossed-referenced within itself in such a way that it is obvious that 40 different men could not have utilized the exact same type of “Figures of Speech,” including: typology, such as seen in metaphor, similes, models; along with prophetic symbols as seen in even the use of numbers, colors, events, material and substances, dates, mathematics, names, roles, and even people’s personality and lives; all done to portray a shadow of things to come rather in heaven, or in the particular case of Jesus, the fulfillment of the Messiah; as witnessed in His First and Second coming – as well as Last Days events – all done in such a way that the only explanation is that God orchestrated the creation of this Book.
All leading to the conclusion that this book was not written by man, but by a God that is outside of our time domain, who can see the ending from the beginning (Isa. 43:9; 45:21; 46:9-10); who is all-powerful, and in total control of His creation, and therefore worthy of our complete trust and faith in what He has said and what He will do.
LESSONS ~ What is Christianity
LESSONS ~ A Gun, a Dog, Burnt Hands, and the Cross
An article using three distinctly different object lessons concerning the grace of God as seen in the death of His Son upon the cross for the sins of mankind.
LESSONS ~ Books Referred to in the Bible
This short article presents “books” that are referred to within the Bible, and is meant as a primer for any research related to the topics which these books refer to.
LESSONS ~ Decline of a Democracy
This is a presentation of a historical commentary and observation regarding the existence of democracies and their progression as written by Professor Alexander Tyler at the time of the Revolutionary war. Dr. Tyler wrote concerning the Athenian Government in regards to the development of a democracy wherein human traits function in such a way that democracies never last over 200 years, normally speaking; and go through nine distinct stages of change starting with bondage, progressing through spiritual faith, great courage, liberty, abundance, selfishness, complacency, apathy, dependency, only to end back in bondage again.
Democracies never lasts past a few centuries due to the ability of individuals who make changes based upon their own sinful natures which result in the loss of that freedom and liberty they once gained. This is most innately seen within the ability of a democracy to vote in those individuals who give you things without charge, wherein that form of selfishness leads back to the dependence wherein bondage thrives – sound familiar.
LESSONS ~ Does the Bible Claim to be the Word of God
There are those that state that the Bible makes no claim that it was written by God. These individuals display that they have not studied God’s word as there are dozens of Scriptures wherein the writer proclaims the inspiration of God concerning the 66 books. This not only pertains to the Old Testament but writings within the New Testament where one author refers to another author’s writings as scriptural text, validating it of divine authorship.
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LESSONS ~ Doing the Right Thing
A foundational concept which is used by those that promote evil these days, Rather stated or not; is a concept that “The ends justify the means,” or “you do the wrong thing for the right reason for the greater good,” or the greater good is more important than the individual choices. This reflects a theory that came out a few decades ago referred to as “Situational Correctness,” which presented this concept that there are no ultimate right or wrong to control our behavior which are relevant in the here and now.
That there is no ultimate rulebook, that each situation must be treated differently based upon that situation and the players involved. The point of this article is that you must do the right thing the right way. Our current culture can be seen in the prophets words, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20)
LESSONS ~ Is America Post-Christian
The question is posed in light of the growth of Liberalism which opposes Christianity, ultimate authority and accountability, and many of the virtues that came out of the founding of this nation by men who honored God, even utilizing the Bible in many of their precepts, writings, and as founding documents within law, the arts, science, and the culture at large. Has the worldview of the unbeliever overruled the Christian belief system.
The subject of legalism is seen through the prism of pride and arrogance, wherein the subterfuge of religious self-righteousness is torn away and viewed as The pride that it really is. You cannot talk about legalism without addressing pride.
LESSONS ~ Many Shall Run To & Fro
This article examines a prophecy concerning the last days and how it perfectly fits our current culture chronologically speaking. Daniel 12:4, which says: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
LESSONS ~ Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
This article is an examination of Paul’s comments as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, regarding his thorn in the flesh, and examines the potential biblical interpretation that can be applied concerning this tribulation that he went through, as well as the perspective that the Christian should have concerning what we refer to his trials, which are synonymous with tribulation and persecution.
LESSONS ~ Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth (Short Version)
This is a somewhat lengthy article on biblical hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is the study of ways of interpreting the Bible. This article attempts to be thorough in examining tools of interpretation wherein the best understanding of what the Holy Spirit determined to communicate to man is achieved. While lengthy it is not exhaustive as this is a short version of the original article. The full article will be presented at some point.
LESSONS ~ Sauls Sin ~ Bad Leadership
A chronological and specific outline of the 13 behaviors exhibited by King Saul regarding his ungodly kingship, and poor leadership over Israel. This detailed examination displays the type of carnal behaviors that when recognize within leadership, Accountability needs to be conducted in order to stave off yet further movements away from God’s type of leadership. It is these type of behavior is as seen in the roles of elders and pastors that sets the ground for a decline in the spiritual growth within a church or denomination.
LESSONS ~ Self-Esteem & The Total Depravity of Man
This is an examination of the subject of self-esteem. It is a presentation by John MacArthur wherein the self-esteem movement is examined in regards to how the Bible treats the subject of “self.” It is an excellent presentation and is utilized because it is one of the best reviews of the subject which treats the issue of self-esteem better in regards to God’s Word, as opposed to a worldly view which does not believe in God, and elevates humans.
Yet pragmatically speaking, the tools and techniques of the self-esteem movement do not work. Attempting to validate an individual based on another person’s perspective, does not work. Either the outcome is temporary, or the individual becomes more self-centered and egotistical, or they become less authentic lowering standards in order to feel better about themselves, and worse yet become dishonest with themselves in the process, and usually more insecure. Wherein medication or other types of escape are sought at the least, or narcissism is enhanced at its worst.
Self-esteem does not come from others telling us that we are good at something, or have worth as individuals. We all know deep inside what sinners we really are, that we are not good, that our self-worth is a fraud in an attempt to make us feel better about our own sinful behaviors. Self-esteem comes from only one place – self. And not based upon a glorified deceitful attempt to find good in self. It is when fallen man becomes obedient because of his trust in God, believing that God’s directions are what is healthy and positive for him, and in that effort to follow that instruction reflect upon how God sees that individual.
It is when we see ourselves through God’s eyes, when we exercise faith and please God, that we understand the value we have as witnessed by HIS use of us.
There is nothing that makes a human feel more valued than to observe that the God of this universe is not only willing, but desirous to use them in the pursuit of HIS own will – this is where we gather any value concerning self.
Not in our own behaviors, but in God’s love, acceptance and use of us when we place our faith in HIM because HE is in absolute control of our lives, and HE is worthy to be trusted in obedience – this is the best that we will ever feel about ourselves incomplete sincerity, and truth.
It always gets back to GOD, as opposed to the world’s view, which always gets back to SELF.
.LESSONS ~ The Heart and the Mind – Final (PG)
In both the Hebrew and Greek languages the word “heart” does not refer solely to the emotions, but to the total inward man; 1) primarily the mind, 2) to a much lesser degree the emotions, and 3) the will.
Due to the fact that in the English language, our word for “heart” came for the Greek, which was a reference to the muscle itself, wherein over time this came to be solely connected with the emotions.
Because of this, many Christians find themselves puzzled by Jesus statement to “love one another,” (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17) which in the Greek is in the imperative, meaning it is command, and therefore Christians have puzzled over how to feel emotional love for other believers – because human emotions are achieved in response to other people or other stimulation, as opposed to when inward quality that is initiated on its own.
The point is Christ did not command us to have the emotional feeling of love one for another.
The emotion of love is a response, understanding that the prefix “re” means “again.”
Such as also seen in the word reaction. Both words indicating that something occurs first, and a response or a reaction then follows.
The emotion of feeling love is always contingent on something prior occurring, this is not what Jesus means. He is speaking about the behavior of love, wherein love is to sacrificially put someone first, (See 1 John 3:16) – it is giving; no matter what the other person does.
It is in understanding that we are commanded to love God with all of our hearts (“All of our inward being”), and our neighbors as well. This is where the understanding of the biblical word “heart” becomes important as it does not mean the emotions as a singular function.
Biblically speaking we are always to be led by our mind, and never by our emotions. God’s word cannot be hid in our emotions (Psalms 119:11), only in our mind.
Having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) mandates utilizing God’s word as we interpret the world around us based upon God’s word and how we act and respond within our daily walk. We are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind (Ephesians 4:23). We are to gird up the loins of your mind (1 Peter 1:13).
We are never to be led by our emotions, which are subject to deceit and false perceptions, we are to be led by our minds according to the word of God.
ISRAEL ~ The Ritual of the Seder
An example of how God built into the old testament Levitical system of religious ceremonies symbols and typology concerning New Testament principles, all which lead back as types and shadows of the coming Messiah of Israel, fulfilled completely in the person of Jesus Christ.
LESSONS ~ To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice
LESSONS ~ Turning the Cheek – Matthew 5-38
LESSONS ~ Yet, He Opened not His Mouth
@@@. The faith of Jesus – Final (CB) – FBMB
Jesus was the greatest example of faith, pleasing the Father in everything He did, trusting in the Father to the other most, committing His human life to God in obedient faith; fulfilling more than any man; what He demanded of His followers – faith.
Due to a misunderstanding and confusion between Christ’s essence of deity and His attributes of humanity, many have not focused on the faith that Jesus Christ is submitted in his life. Jesus was not a hypocrite, He live by faith as he demanded others to do as well.
For hundreds of years the church has misunderstood this key doctrine believing it was an assault upon Christ deity; even to the extent of utilizing many of the newer translations which appeared to hide the original Greek which demonstrates the validity of this teaching.
MESSIAH ~ Kinsman-Redeemer ~ Part 1 (Update).
MESSIAH ~ NT passages that refer to Jesus in the OT
MESSIAH ~ Predictions of Jesus from the OT
MESSIAH ~ Prophecy of the Messiah’s Coming – Daniel 9 (KH & BB)
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MESSIAH ~ Why the 4 Gospels are Meant to be Different
The Gospels are four different perspectives concerning Christ’s diverse roles in His First Coming. The reason that they are different is because God meant it that way. Matthew presents Jesus as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, to the Hebrews, with the genealogy that begins with Jesus as the son of David, reinforcing his kingship, and the son of Abraham reinforcing his leadership of Israel. It focuses on what Jesus says and presents verbatim teachings concerning the “kingdom of heaven” (A very particular term not used in any of the other Gospels for particular reason), and is the longest of the Gospels, and presents His legal bloodline of kingship. Main words “fulfilled,” (38x) with a concern of Jesus fulfilling prophecies concerning The Messiah.
The book of Mark presents Jesus as a Suffering Servant,(As also seen in Isaiah 52 and 53), it has no genealogy as servants have no pedigree. It focuses on what Jesus did and is the shortest of the Gospels. Main word “Immediately“(32x), with a concern of Jesus and His work of serving God and others; and of his sacrificial life as a ransom for humanity as the a scapegoat for man’s sin (Established within the seven feast of Israel).
The book of Luke focuses on Jesus as the Perfect Man, what Adam should’ve maintained in his lineage. It starts off with a genealogy that begins with the first man – Adam, His bloodline through Mary and presents what Jesus felt. Main word “came to pass” (40x), with a concern of the Universal availability of salvation to any man who would believe, so that whosoever could be all that God had intended for men to be – sinless sons of God, as the fulfillment of all that God had stated would occur.
The book of John focuses on Jesus’ Deity, as the Son of God. It has the most important genealogy of them all, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God; the same wasn’t in the beginning with God.” The word, logos in the Greek was a synonym used of Jesus Christ as the communication – the revelation of God Almighty to man. It focuses on who Jesus is, Main words, “truly truly,” with the concern of truth and reality regarding who Jesus truly was – God incarnate.
PROPHECY ~ Daniel 9 – When the Messiah would Arrive – Part 1
PROPHECY ~ Daniel 9 – When the Messiah would Arrive – Part 2 (A Chart)
PROPHECY ~ Parables & Israel Calling on Him
PROPHECY ~ The Bride of Christ ~ Not the church, Solely
SALVATION ~ 1 – Eternal Security – Its About God
SALVATION ~ 1 – Eternal Security (2nd) – Main Points
SALVATION ~ 2 – Eternal Security – Proof of – Eph 2-8
This article thoroughly examines Ephesians 2:8, and its grammar which indicates that according to the verb which is in the present tense, the action taking place; that of salvation was completed in the past, with results in the presence and can never be undone, while also in the passive voice, meaning that the subject – man receives the action of salvation, he does not contribute to it. The grammar of this verse indicates salvation solely comes from God, and can never be lost.
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SALVATION ~ 3 – Eternal Security – It Is Finished
Jesus Christ made 7 statements while on the cross according to the Gospels. This is an examination of the last words spoken by our Lord during His Incarnation, just before He died. Commonly translated, “it is finished,” is a connotative (Generally) rendering into the English. Yet, denotatively (Specifically), in the Greek it is more thoroughly translated, “paid in full.” While it is completely true that Jesus had finished His mission; many have mistakenly only taken this expression to mean that He had finished His life, or finished His mission, or finished his teachings, or even finished His last words.
And while all of these are definitely true, it misses the fact that He not only finished His mission, but that His mission was to pay for the sins of the world, and that in doing so He went beyond completing it fully, to the fact that nothing was left undone, whatsoever. Meaning, we cannot add to our salvation one bit. The fact is that Jesus “paid for our salvation,” but More important to you and I, He “paid in full” the price of our sins which mandates that there is nothing, not one thing that we can do to contribute to our salvation, that Jesus 100%, completely conclude The transaction of paying for our sins by His death on the cross. Eternal security is not a doctrinal issue, it is a Biblical fact!
SALVATION ~ 4 – Eternal Security – Work Out Your Own Salvation
This is an examination of the expression “work out your own salvation” as recorded in Philippians 2:12-13, which is not the same as “work for your salvation.” It is a mathematical term which would be synonymous for a teacher to work out a mathematical problem on a board, then advises students to work out the problem for themselves – they do not present the solution, they come to understand the price that was paid for the solution, which is why there is trembling and fear involved. Understanding that sin is such an immense problem that it was the blood of the innocent and sinless son of God that was mandated to pay for man’s sin.
SALVATION ~ 5 – Eternal Security – Being Saved in 3 Tenses
SALVATION ~ 6 – Eternal Security – Election & Self-Righteousness
SALVATION ~ 7 – Eternal Security – Justification & Sanctification
SALVATION ~ 8 – Believing Your Saved, Then Finding out You’re Not
SALVATION ~ Work Out Your Own Salvation
SCRIPTURES ~ As Thy Days (Deut. 33-25) Updated
SCRIPTURES ~ Crowns (Scriptures)
SCRIPTURES ~ Glorification of God (Scriptures Only)
SCRIPTURES ~ If My People (2 Chr. 7-14)
SCRIPTURES ~ Meek ~ Christ, The Great Example
SCRIPTURES ~ Murmuring (Scriptures Only)
SCRIPTURES ~ The Mind (Scriptures Only)
SCRIPTURES ~ Truth (Scriptures Only)
SIN ~ Wolves in Sheep Clothing – Update 2 [Complete]
THE CHURCH ~ Christian Rock ‘N Roll Music (Update)
Faith Bible Ministries Blog ~ An Online Study of the Bible 