Pastor Joseph J. Reine's two new books.


" Unlocking The Mysteries Of Prayer"

This short ebook could change your thinking about prayer, forever!


and

"SALVATION We Are Not Afraid!"

Catholicism Versus The Word Of God.

Traditions Of Men And What Saith The Lord.

Read first hand what your Bible says, you'll be

surprised to learn The Truth!

This book was written for thousands of people

to be liberated from ecclesiastical prisons.


http://www.amazon.com


Saturday, February 27, 2010

Bible Lesson: Parables-Our Lord's -The Talents

Bible Lesson: Parables-Our Lord's.
Parable: The Talents.

Text: Matthew 25:14-30 KJV
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This parable is not the parable of the “pounds,” as found in Luke 19:12-27. The servants were given the commission “(vs 13...Occupy till I come.”
In this parable, ten servants received one pound each, one increased his lot ten fold, still another by five, but another had gained nothing.

The first became ruler over ten cities, the second ruler over four cities, the last servant, lost the one pound that he had, for it was given to him who had ten pounds.


In the parable of Matthew twenty five, one servant received five talents, an other two talents, and a servant received one talent, all (verse 15) “..to every man according to his several ability;..”

The servant who had been given five talents, gained another five talents, the servant who had been given two talents, gained another two talents, and both were made rulers over “many things,” and who would “enter into the joy of their Lord”. But the servant who had been given one talent, gained nothing, and lost the talent he had, for we read “(vs. 28) Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.”

Whether in the story of the pounds or talents, each servant had been given “gifts,” from the King, and was expected to use those gifts to their best ability.

How many talents do you have, many or few?
What matters is how well you use what you have!

I Corinthians 12:12-27 NLT
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.
13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.
15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.
16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it.
19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part!
20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.
21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen,
24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.
25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.
26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Ephesians 4:16 NLT
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

II Corinthians 5:10 NLT
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

I Corinthians 15:58 KJV
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Faithful servants who use and multiply their talents for the king, will one day hear “...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

And those who have not used nor multiplied their “God given talents,” for the king will one day hear “...cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Every day, the choice is ours. Our God, keeps perfect records!

Daniel 7:10 KJV
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Revelation 20:12 KJV
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the 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.

Selah

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Seventy-The

Bible Questions Answered:
Why did Jesus, choose seventy disciples to be sent out?
Jerome/ Maple Plain, Minnesota

Bible Answers:
There remains little dispute that our Lord, choose twelve men to be His disciples, patterned after the twelve tribes of Israel.
Their task was to represent the Lord Jesus, to the extent of their lives.

And what of the seventy?

The calling of the Seventy was a temporary commission, that of preparing the way of the Lord (Making Christ known, in all of Palestine and Judea.).
They were sent out two by two, and they had great success.

Text:
Luke 10:1,17 KJV
1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Why, the number seventy?

* When Jacob traveled into Egypt, his family had seventy members.
* Moses appointed seventy elders.
* The Sanhedrin (The National Jewish Council.), had seventy members.
* The general thought of the Jews in Christ's day, was that the earth was composed of some
“seventy,” nations.

Our Lord is “always,” in the recruiting business.
Has He called you? If He has called you, He will equip and keep you, granting you success.

John 4:34-36 KJV
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

I Corinthians 15:58 KJV
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Mark 16:15,16 KJV
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

II Timothy 4:1-5 KJV
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Anger

Bible Questions Answered:
How do you reconcile Romans 12:19 and Ephesians 4:26?
Gordon/ Adelaide,South Australia

Bible Answers:

Romans 12:19 KJV
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19 NLT
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

Ephesians 4:26 KJV
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:26 NLT
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,


As Romans 12:19 so plainly states, as Christians people, we are “not,” to be our own “avengers,” this is work of God, and God is holy.

Psalm 145:17 KJV
The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all his works. His anger is “not,” sinful, but righteous.

Regarding Christians:

Ephesians 4:26, there is such a thing as “righteous anger.”
We see crimes of all kinds against the innocent whether it be individuals or countries, and there arises in the heart of Christian people, anger.
And yet, we are not to avenge ourselves or “...give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:27 KJV).

When injustices upset us, may Godly desire to make things right through the power of God, consume us.

Anger is a fire if fed, grows and eventually consumes all.
The Apostle Paul, warns us “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (Ephesians 4:26 KJV).

Oh, that men everywhere, would obey this Godly principle.
Be it leaders of countries or individuals, never letting the sun go down on our wrath.
Oh, the marriages, and friendships that would be saved.

Psalm 37:8 KJV
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Proverbs 16:32 KJV
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

James 1:19,20 KJV
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Psalm 19:14 KJV
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my Strength, and my Redeemer.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Bible Lesson: Parables-Our Lord's- The Ten Virgins

Bible Lesson: Parables-Our Lord's.
Parable: The Ten Virgins.

Text:
Matthew 25:1-13 KJV
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

We will in this blog, give the Christian interpretation of this parable, in another blog to come, we will give another interpretation of this story of Jesus.

The Bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 3:29 KJV
He that hath the bride is the Bridegroom: but the friend of the Bridegroom, which standeth and heareth Him, rejoiceth greatly because of the Bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

John 3:29 NLT
It is the Bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with Him and hear His vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at His success.

His coming is delayed.

II Peter 3:9 KJV
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


The Marriage, that of Christ's and His born-again believers, the church.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJV
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Revelation 19:17-19 KJV
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.


The Oil, is a type of God the Holy Spirit.

Oil (a type of God the Holy Spirit) was used in anointing for separating one to Godly service.

Acts 10:38 KJV
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.

John 13:15 KJV
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Luke 1:15 NLT
For He (Jesus Christ) will be great in The Eyes Of The Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with The Holy Spirit..."

Ephesians 5:18 KJV
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with The Spirit;


The Wise Virgins are the true Spirit filled believers, with abundance of oil in their vessels.

Acts 13:52 KJV
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.


The Foolish Virgins, are professing Christians, without any possession of the Spirit of God (the oil), their faith is a ritualistic, empty religion, based upon the "traditions of men."

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

(A church, that did religious works etc..but who were “workers of iniquity.” Why, because they lead men into a false religion, one of rituals and works not one of faith and the grace of God!)

All had been warned, “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him. (vs 6)”
All arose, from their slumber.
All virgins, trimmed their lamps.

The wise virgins, had an abundance of oil for the long wait, but the foolish virgins did not.

Matthew 25:8 NRSV
The foolish said to the wise, “Give* us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out

Give*-Greek-Didomi (Did-o-mee): Deliver up, yield....etc... (Abingdon / Strong)

Who among you think this a loving request?
Not so.

This demand by the foolish virgins was due to their being “discovered,” without oil.
“Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

How are we to reckon this?
One must bring to mind the Apostle Paul's words....

Ephesians 6:11 KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles* of the devil.

Wiles*-Greek-Methodeia (Meth-od-i-ah): Trickery, wile, lie in wait.

How does this apply, to our world? The false and the true, side by side in many respects difficult to discern the differences between the two.
And yet, if we do not, we ourselves shall one day hear...”But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (vs.12)”

The Word of God, is the demarcation, between what is true and what is false, what is light, and what is darkness.

Revelation 22:18,19 KJV
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Isaiah 8:20 KJV
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

What had the Foolish Virgins demanded of the wise?
One word, and it is what the true church of the Blessed Lord Jesus, must be on guard for all our lives, and that dear brothers and sisters -
is the all to common call of today....of “COMPROMISE!”

Genesis 3:1 (The serpent.)
"...Yea, hath God said,...?"

Compromise, your oil!

Church of the Lord Jesus, NEVER, ever, under any circumstances compromise the precious Word of God!

Revelation 12:11 KJV (The early believers.)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Church of God, compromise your oil!
Lessen your standards regarding “abortion, immorality, sexuality, clergy, worldliness, honesty, truth, etc. etc. etc. etc..

Dear brother and sister, the hour is late, the coming of the Bridegroom draws nigh, do not be deceived!
Those who “Compromise,” their oil, will end in darkness, lost.

Matthew 24:42 KJV
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

II Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Mark 13:37 KJV
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Balaam's Doctrine

Bible Questions Answered:
Pastor, in Revelation 2:14 there is the doctrine of Balaam, what is Balaam's doctrine?
Don/Knoxville, Tennessee

Bible Answers:

The Story of Balaam may be read here...
Numbers chapters twenty two through chapter twenty five.

Revelation 2:14 KJV
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Jude 11
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

II Peter 2:9-19 KJV
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

The story of Balaam.
King Balak of Moab, when he saw mighty Israel, camped in the plains of Moab, became fearful of them and asked Balaam to curse them.
Balaam was warned of God not to do so.
Balaam, forsook God's blessings (separation and holiness) for the evil temptations of wealth and power.
Knowing that God, would never curse His own people, he devised a plan for them to fall into evil and out of favor with God.

Numbers 25:1-3 NLT
1 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women.
2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab.
3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against His people.

First came sexual immorality, followed closely by spiritual impurity.
Impure sexual relationships, intermarriage, followed by idol worship.

The result.

Numbers 31:16 KJV
Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

Numbers 25:9 KJV
And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

What was Balaam's end?

Joshua 13:22 KJV
Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer (diviner, sorcerer), did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

Joshua 13:22 NLT
The Israelites had also killed Balaam son of Beor, who used magic to tell the future.

Be wary of false prophets!

II Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

II Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

James 4:4 KJV
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Where there is no separation, from the world, and all of it's allurements, love of wealth, power, adoration, immorality, etc.etc.etc.etc..there is the doctrine of Balaam.

Hebrews 12:14 KJV
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

II Corinthians 7:1 KJV
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: God-Seeing

Bible Questions Answered:
Will we as Christians see God?
Holly/ Pueblo, Colorado

Bible Answer:

Exodus 33:20 KJV
And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.

John 1:18 KJV
No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.

John 5:37 KJV
And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape.

Colossians 1:15 KJV
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

I Timothy 1:17 KJV
Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only Wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I Timothy 6:16 KJV
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man* can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

*Man-Greek-Anthropos (Anth-ro-pos): A human being, (i.e. of the flesh).

I John 4:12 KJV
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.

No one in the flesh, no human being has ever seen God in His full glory, “for there shall no man see Me, and live. “ Exodus 33:20 KJV.

Seeing God:
One day, resurrected, glorified man will see God.

Job 19:26,27 KJV
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Isaiah 33:17 KJV
Thine eyes shall see the king in His beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

Daniel 7:13,14 CEV
13 As I continued to watch the vision that night, I saw what looked like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven,and He was presented to the Eternal God.
14 He was crowned king and given power and glory,so that all people of every nation and race would serve Him. He will rule forever,and His kingdom is eternal,never to be destroyed.

Matthew 5:8 KJV (Jesus)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Luke 1:19 KJV (Gabriel)
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

John 14:6-11 KJV
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
7 If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.
8 Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 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, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.
11 Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake.

Colossians 2:9 KJV
For in Him (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

I John 3:2 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

Revelation 5:6-11 NLT
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.
7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne.
8 And when He took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
9 And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.

Revelation 5:6-11 CEV
6 Then I looked and saw a Lamb standing in the center of the throne surrounded by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb looked as if it had once been killed. It had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God, sent out to all the earth.
7The Lamb went over and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who sat on the throne.
8 After He had taken it, the four living creatures and the 24 elders knelt down before Him. Each of them had a harp and a gold bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.
9 Then they sang a new song, “You are worthy to receive the scroll and open its seals,because you were killed. And with your own blood you bought for God people from every tribe,language, nation, and race.
10 You let them become kings and serve God as priests,and they will rule on earth.”
11 As I looked, I heard the voices of a large number of angels around the throne and the voices of the living creatures and of the elders. There were millions and millions of them,

Isaiah 65:4 KJV
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Death-What After

Bible Questions Answered:
Does some one who dies go directly to heaven or hell? Many people have many different beliefs, what does the Bible say?
Andrew/ Somerset, Kentucky

Bible Answers:
Yes, they do!

Hebrews 9:27 KJV
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

After death, comes the judgment, of where one has determined, ”spiritually,” to spend eternity.

Genesis 5:22-24 KJV (Enoch, never died, but certainly left this world, to dwell with God.)
22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Enoch, and God, kept walking and talking together, from this world to the father's house of many mansions (John 14:2).

Matthew 17:1-3 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.

Moses and Elijah who had been dead for centuries, were very much alive, and appeared at Christ's transfiguration.

Matthew 22:32 KJV
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Luke 20:28 KJV
For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him.

Luke 16:19-31 KJV (As told by Jesus.)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The rich man, and Lazarus, both died, but Lazarus was immediately “ carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom,” verse 22.
The rich man, immediately “in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments.”

Luke 23:39-43 KJV (At Calvary)
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.

Philippians 1:21-24 NLT (The Apostle Paul.)
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;
24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

Paul, said that if he were to die, he would immediately be with Christ.

II Corinthians 5:8 KJV (For the believer.)
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1 KJV
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses , let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

These clouds of witnesses are the individuals mentioned in the previous chapter (Chapter 11 the heroes of faith chapter.), and countless other Godly people, who have died in the faith!
They are ever watching, cheering the people of God, on!

Bible Questions Answered:

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Bible Lesson: Parables-Our Lord's-The Unmerciful Servant

Bible Lesson: Parables-Our Lord's:
Parable: The Unmerciful Servant.

Text:
Matthew 18:21-35 KJV
21 Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Matthew 18:23-35 NLT
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.
24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.
25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.
26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’
27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.
28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.
29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded.
30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.
31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.
32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.
33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’
34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.
35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

The eighteenth chapter of Matthew is a chapter filled with “offenses.”

Matthew 18:1-35 KJV

The Offense:
1)Aggrandizement: verses 1-3.
2)Pride: verses 4,5.
3)Harm to children: verse 6.
4)Personal Sins: verses 7-9.
5)Harm to children: verses 10-14.
6)Brotherly Offenses: verses 15-20.
7)Lack of Forgiveness: verses 21,22.
8)Unmerciful: verses 23-35.

This is “no-place,” for the child of God!

This parable, begins with our Lord's reference to the previous thought, that of Peter's question, “...how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”

Jesus instructs Peter, that as for His followers, forgiveness, has no end!

And what of us, who have been forgiven a life time of sin.

I John 1:8-10 KJV
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Our Sins:

1)Sins of Commission (i.e. willful).
2)Sins of Omission (Things we should do, that we don't.)
3)Sins of Innocence (Sinned, and not even known it.)

Acronym of the word “coy: innocence (for our purpose-spelled C.O.I.: “don't be coi about sin, we have sinned!”)


Our responsibility:

Matthew 6:12 KJV
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 7:2 NLT
For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging (In this case, forgiving.) is the standard by which you will be judged (forgiven).

Mark 11:25,26 KJV
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Luke 17:3,4 KJV
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Colossians 3:13 KJV
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Matthew 5:7 KJV
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.


Oh, the greatness, of forgiveness with God!

Notice in the story that the servant, asked king, verse 26 “...Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.”
The servant owed the king, millions of dollars, and yet we read...

verse 27 “Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.”

The King in his pity and compassion, did not “extend the time of payment”, as the servant had begged, no much more wonderful than that, he “forgave him of all his debt!”

Our debt was so great that no man, could pay it, and yet the King in His Wonderfulness, paid our debt for us, forever forgiving us!

Psalm 103:8-12 KJV
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 1:18 KJV
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Romans 5:8,9 KJV
8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

II Corinthians 5:21 KJV
For He hath made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Colossians 2:11-14 NLT
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.
12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins.
14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

How careful we must be to forgive others.

Ephesians 4:32 KJV
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I John 3:14,15 KJV
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Hell And Its Occupants

Bible Questions Answered:
My friends and I wonder just what do the people do who go to hell?
Pete/ Fayetteville, North Carolina

Bible Answers:

They do, what they are accustomed to do.
Blaspheming, brawling, hating, sexual sins of all kinds, gossip, thievery, murder, rape, molestation, perversions, disrespectful, demeaning, irreligious,mock piety, selfish, proud, religious (false), lying, cheating, deceiving, etc. etc..etc..etc..etc..etc..etc..

Revelation 22:11 KJV
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Depending upon what one's choice has been in “earthly-life,” so they will forever, time without end, spend eternity!
Could it be that is why man's choice here and now is so very, very important?
And that being why there is no deception or wile, that our enemy is not willing to perform, to deceive someone!

Our little every day earthly choices, determine “in part,” where we will spend eternity!

In hell, those who are there, having “all,” committed the “unpardonable-sin,” of resisting God's Spirit, are forever, “locked-in,” to their earthly choices.

Are they having a party in hell, as Hollywood, depicts?

Far, far from it dear friend.
Should you be allowed to spend even an hour in hell, the word foremost on your mind would be, madhouse!
Where the only rule, is that of chaos, and torment.

There is no organization, no temperance, no judgment in hell, only the sinful selfish ways of millions upon millions of lost souls trashing about in the torments of their captor, Satan, and his minions.

The unjust are unjust still, no matter how many centuries have passed! There is no salvation in hell, what a devils lie, but then he is the father of all lies.
The filthy are filthy still, no matter how many millennia may have passed!

How many a dear soul, has had the thought, oh if Mr or Mrs so and so, could only come back from the grave, surely they would change their ways.
Never, how one dies, is how one is for eternity!

Oh the deception of sin!

Satan, the enemy of our souls is a master of deception!

I John 2:15-17 KJV
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Our Lord's Warning: (Three times Jesus warns.)

Mark 9:44:43-48 KJV (Our Lord is speaking symbolically.)
43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Men who constantly feed on the baser things of life, and who refuse to “die to self, and it's earthly lusts of the flesh,” forever the worm, the larva (never the liberated, ascending butterfly) forever.

See: Parables-Our Lord's: The Rich Man And Lazarus

The time for change is “now,” and when this day is over, so to is the time for change!
The day of “spiritual metamorphosis, by the precious blood of Christ,” forever gone!

Romans 12:1,2 KJV
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed* to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Conformed-Greek-Suschematizo (Soos-khay-mat-id-zo): To fashion alike, conform to the same pattern, conform to, fashion self according to.
Abingdon/Strong

Romans 12:1,2 NLT
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Hell, is a real place, and eternal prison.

Matthew 25:41 KJV
Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Psalm 55:15 KJV
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

Psalm 55:15 NLT
Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.

Proverbs 27:20 KJV
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Revelation 20:10-15 KJV
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the 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.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Salvation Prayer

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Presumptuous Sins

Bible Questions Answered:
What are the sins that are presumptuous?
Sheila/ Baguio, Philippines

Bible Answers:
Old Testament:

Psalm 19:7-14 KJV
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous* sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Presumptuous*-Hebrew-Zed (Zade): Arrogant, proud.
Hebrew/ Abingdon's Strong's Concordance.

New Testament:
II Peter 2:9-22 KJV
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous* are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Presumptuous* Greek-Tolmetes (Tol-may-tace): Daring, audacious, bold, rude, brazen. (Audacious: Bold, fearless, not restrained by a sense of shame or propriety. New World Dictionary.)

Greek/ Abingdon's Strong's Concordance.

II Peter 2:9-22 NLT
9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling.
11 But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings.
12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed.
13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals.
14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse.
15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor,who loved to earn money by doing wrong.
16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.
17 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness.
18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception.
19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before.
21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.
22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

Presumptuous Sins:

When individuals love to live in sin, all the while knowing the warnings of God against such, yet continue in them just the same. Perhaps some may think that God is too good, to send anyone to hell.

Presume: To take for granted, to rely on taking liberties. (New World Dictionary.)

But the simple fact is that God, doesn't send “anyone,” to hell!
Men, send themselves!

And again, some may be in a church or religious organization, thinking they can pretty well live as they want, only to go to church and have their sins absolved on a regular basis. God is not a fool!

Those who claim to be Christians, and yet the fruit of their lives show, just the opposite, fool no one but themselves!

Matthew 7:14-20 KJV
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Presumptuous Sins:

James 4:17 KJV
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Woe to the church or people, who say it is well, to claim Christianity, and yet to pursue the world with all its evil allurements as well!

II Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Matthew 7:21-27 KJV
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock (Jesus Christ).
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Philippians 2:12 KJV
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Luke 1:74,75 KJV
74 That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.

II Corinthians 7:1 KJV
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:14 NLT
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:29 KJV
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

I Peter 1:15,16 KJV
15 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

II Peter 3:11 KJV
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Baptism Of The Holy Spirit

Bible Questions Answered:
Pastor, what is the baptism of the Spirit?
Robert/ Russell, Kansas

Bible Answers:l
Text:
(The risen Lord Jesus, instructs His men.)
Acts 1:1-5;8,9;12-14 NLT
1 In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach
2 until the day He was taken up to heaven after giving His chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
3 During the forty days after His crucifixion, He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
4 Once when He was eating with them, He commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the Gift He promised, as I told you before.
5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking Him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see Him.
10 As they strained to see Him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them.
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!”
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile.
13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.


Acts 2:1-47 NLT
1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.
2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem.
6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee,
8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!
9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia,
10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome
11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.
15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that.
16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
18 In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on My servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy.
19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.
21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through Him, as you well know.
23 But God knew what would happen, and His prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed Him to a cross and killed Him.
24 But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip.
25 King David said this about Him:‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
26 No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts His praises! My body rests in hope.
27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’
29 “Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us.
30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne.
31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave Him among the dead or allow His body to rot in the grave.
32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.
33 Now He is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as He had promised, gave Him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said,‘The Lord said to My Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at My right hand
35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Verse 39 KJV
“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. The Believers Form a Community
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—
47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

The disciples, here that the risen Lord Jesus spoke to, were “Born-Again Believers.”
Yes, the Holy Spirit is received at conversion.
Promised by the Saviour.

John 14:15-18 KJV
15 If ye love Me, keep My commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 15:26,27 KJV
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me:
27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning.

John 16:5-15 NLT
5 “But now I am going away to the One who sent Me, and not one of you is asking where I am going.
6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you.
7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (Comforter) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send Him to you.
8 And when He comes, He will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in Me.
10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see Me no more.
11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.
13 When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future.
14 He will bring Me glory by telling you whatever He receives from Me.
15 All that belongs to the Father is Mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me.’

Romans 8:9 KJV
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

I Corinthians 12:13 KJV
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Every Christian has been Baptized of the Holy Spirit, that is we have The Holy Spirit living within.

 Now once a Christian has been baptized of The Spirit, he may also be (secondly)  "endued with power from The Holy Spirit." -

Acts 2:39.KJV
 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
That which has been called a second work of grace the power of God The Holy Spirit, "the enduement of power" said by the Lord Jesus, to empower God's people to “witness.”

Luke 24:49 KJV
And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with Power from on high. 
Acts 1:8 KJV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

A little digression:

Years ago, it was not uncommon for foreign missionaries come to the United States, always asking the same question, “Why do you have so many different kinds of churches here?”

Perplexed by America's vast array of different houses of worship, they couldn't understand, why if there is but “one Word and one God” why so many different churches?

Well we know of course, the reason is because of their “different beliefs.”
Which begs the question, why are there so many different beliefs?

And that is a very good question!
Pause here to arrive at your own answer, before going on!
Selah


The answer:
Every church, has there “perfectly trained” doctors of the law, to be sure.
Every church, claims that they know the word.
Every church, claims that they are obedient to the word.
Etc. etc..etc...

What then is the answer?
The answer is at the heart of men.

The Baptist's believe baptism is by immersion.
The Lutheran's believe baptism is by sprinkling.

And this just one example of different beliefs.

Isn't it odd, that mankind always “justifies what it believes to be right.
Men, can always find the scripture to back up almost anything, if they wish to.
(Exegetically incorrect as that surely is!)

We have different “faiths,” because of “different,” personalities.
Based upon many things to be sure, yet the real crux of the matter.

Alright, could it be then that some more highly educated, more socially elite, do not want to stoop to going under the muddy Jordan, for baptism?
Of course, and their theology, obviously reflects those beliefs.

Be this as it may be, the Lord Jesus promised the out pouring of God the Holy Spirit, and His enduement of witnessing power to any and to all who would lovingly receive Him!

Acts 1:8 KJV  (Luke 24:49 KJV our Lord's promise.)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:39 KJV
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

Now, some today, do not covet this enduement of power by God the Holy Spirit.
And that, as in “different theologies,” has to do with personal temperament, though they will claim it to the death, that it is scriptural!

First of all, may it be said that God is “not,” in the forcing or coercing business!
Please read that again!

We would think that any and all would surely know this.
But, God is not in the coercing business!

When the Apostle Paul, speaks of the gifts of the Spirit, he makes this interesting addendum.

I Corinthians 12:29-31 KJV
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles?
30 Do we all have the gift of healing?
Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages?
Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages?
Of course not!

God never, ever forces, coerces anyone to do anything he or she does not wish to do! Amen!

Knowing this, what do we have known?

Not all choose this extra benefit (Gift) of God the Holy Spirit.
And this by itself, is of course by personal choice.
And yet some individuals will lovingly submit to the Holy Spirit, to become empowered witnesses for Christ.

Now if this were the end of the story, all well and good, but unfortunately it is not!

Matthew 23:13 NLT
What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.

Some from the group of people who want nothing to do with this “Enduement of power of The Holy Spirit,” belittle those who do!
And this belittlement, oft, nothing less than pure hatred.

Personal experience:
As a pastor, one day I went to the post office, and a ordained clergyman from another church, openly addressed me in a crowd of people there as, “Hello there holy roller!”

When did the Lord Jesus teach His followers to hate or belittle anyone?
When?

Answer, Never! By their fruits, ye shall know them, stated Jesus.

Matthew 12:31,32 KJV
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.


The Homily:

Every one always loves a pastor's personal stories, because they usually involve something revealing about himself, and to get to know him, they thus adhere to his stories.

In the early years of marriage, and college, my wife, Barbara and I purchased a wonderful car, from a local car dealership.
It wasn't new, a few years old, but in pristine condition.

Now, we certainly did not worship a car, any Christian, would know better than that, but we did our level best to take care of it well, because it had to last us for some time.

Having studied mechanics, among other things in high school, I knew very well how the automobile operated, and just what it needed!

I always carried in the car, extra motor oil, extra transmission oil, extra power steering oil, extra anti-freeze, extra brake fluid, etc...etc...etc..

That way, where ever we might be, I could check under the hood, and see if any thing was need, if it was, I would take care of it right there.

Well, all went fine for some time, what a fine car it was.
As time went on as any college student can tell you, finances, some times becomes a bigger and bigger obstacle to overcome.

The dark day came when my wife and I agreed, that our car, must go, go back to the auto dealer, we just no longer could afford it, the payments and that of college expenses, were just too much.

We parked the car at the auto dealers lot, and walked home.

Several days later, we received an irate phone call from the sales man who sold us the car saying, “Now that you've wrecked this car you bring it back, we saw all the oil you had to carry in the trunk," he said.

Pause....

Can you see the scene? We were devastated. The car was actually in much “better,” condition when we returned it, then when we had bought it.

Oh,
the sales man, had misunderstood the oil! (read this three times before passing.)
The oil was not there because of ruin, it was there for regeneration.


Dear friend of the Lord Jesus Christ,  the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all Christians.
The Holy Spirit's enduement of power is for those who "tarry,' in faith longing to be witnesses for The Lord.

Do not misunderstand the oil of God's goodness!
Yes, if you want a deeper spiritual life.
Yes, if you want to be an empowered witness for the Master, seek that enduement of power.

Can't you be a witness for Christ, without the enduement of the Holy Spirit?
Yes, but you will never be as “powerful,” a witness, as you could be, with the power of the Spirit!
Jesus called all His people to wait in the upper room for the endument of power from on high.

Interestingly, Mary the mother of Jesus, was among those, needing this special enduement of God the Holy Spirit.
All the disciples, Mary included, as well as one hundred and seven other Christians waited for the promise of the Father.

We all speak in tongues, some of us speak in two or more “languages.”
On the day of Pentecost, Spirit baptized believers, spoke in over some eighteen different dialects.

What was the Spirit saying through them?

Acts 2:4-11 NLT
4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem.
6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee,
8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!
9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia,
10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome
11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

The Spirit of God, was witnessing to all visitors to Jerusalem, of “the wonderful things God had done!”
And what a witness it was, for the early church added some three thousand souls to it.

Friends, what is the end of this matter?
Prayerfully, with an open heart, let the wonderful Word of God, speak for itself!
Christian, you have been baptized in The Holy Spirit, for many this is as far as they may want to travel in their spiritual journey.

For others, they may wish to follow The Lord's call  "tarry ye,..until ye be endued with power from on high." so that they may powerfully fulfill the great commission.

Let each decide.

I John 2:27 NLT
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

The Apostle Paul, speaks for himself, the author of fourteen books of your New Testament!

I Corinthians 13:1 KJV

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels..."

I Corinthians 14:5,6,18,39 KJV
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues...
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues...
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Matthew 7:7-11 KJV
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?

James 1:17 KJV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Amen