Study to show thyself Approved

Study to show thyself Approved unto God

 

What does that title mean? Why do so many Christians quote those verses? Are they trying to get approval of God or man? I will endeavor to expound upon the following verses in the full context.

 

2Timothy 2:14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

 

First of all Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, is writing this to young Timothy who was struggling. By reading both letters you will understand that some must have been giving Timothy a hard time. As a Pastor, Timothy was more than likely Discouraged by “Christians” who were critical of his age. So Paul writes to him and to us about putting them to remembrance and charging (to attest or protest earnestly) them before the Lord Jesus to stop playing “word” games because they were “subverting” (an overturn (“catastrophe”), i.e. demolition; figuratively, apostasy) those who listen! So Paul was telling Timothy to rebuke those who were playing word games that was actually leading people away from the faith and truth! That is the context. So many still do this today and cause much confusion within the Body of Christ!

 

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

With the context now in focus let us look at verse where the title is derived. The word “study” means (to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:–do (give) diligence, be diligent) which is different from the English definition of the word “study.” The English definition of the word “study” means (The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, esp. by means of books.) What the Apostle Paul was actually telling Timothy was to be Diligent not to “get in the Word of God and study” as most Christians like to tell other Christians who may not agree with them on any given topic. Paul was telling Timothy that he needed to be diligent to show himself “approved” to God, not other people! The definition to the word approved means ( properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved:–approved, tried) So in context we could bring in a passage in James. 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, (the word “tried is the same Greek word that is used for “approved” in our topic Scripture lesson.) he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Paul was telling Timothy to endure the pressure to please God rather than men! Now, the phrase “ needeth not to be ashamed” is defined by the word irreprehensible. This word literally means Blameless or innocent before God! Now for the phrase “rightly dividing.” To define from the Greek the following is rendered; to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message). So Paul was saying “dissect” or “expound” the Divine Message! Which is the Word of Truth! So why do so many Christians throw these verses at other Christians when the Truth is we are to be “Diligent” to be “accepted or tried” before God, as one who “expounds” or “dissects” the Divine Message! This passage is not designed to be thrown around as a way to “condescend” or “discourage” another believer! That is exactly what others were doing to young Timothy! Let us now continue.

 

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: (Gangrene) of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

 

Remember, Paul is writing to young Timothy concerning these fellows who were twisting or playing games with words. Paul says their words are like gangrene! Eating away at peoples faith! Leading to more ungodliness! Infecting the “Body” of believers! This is very much the case for today!

 

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

 

Paul is stating plainly that these “word games” and ungodly men were “eating away” at the Faith with their “twisted truth” by saying that the Resurrection has already come to pass! Paul then states they are “overthrowing” or “subverting” others in the Faith! Be careful who you listen too and you MUST be “diligent” to be “approved” to God and not men! You MUST “rightly Divide” the Word of Truth. Again, not to be arrogant, or “condescending” to others but to be Strong in Your Faith!

 

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Hotline to Heaven in Jesus Name!

Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:

When in sorrow…………………………call John 14

When people fail you…………………………call Psalm 27

If you want to be fruitful…………………………call John 15

When you have sinned…………………………call Psalm 51

When you worry…………………………call Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger…………………………call Psalm 91

When God seems far away…………………………call Psalm 139

When your faith needs stirring…………………………call Hebrews 11

When you are lonely and fearful…………………………call Psalm 23

When you grow bitter and critical…………………………call I Corinthians 13

For Paul’s secret to happiness…………………………call Colossians 3:12-17

For understanding of Christianity…………………………call II Corinthians 5:15-19

When you feel down and out…………………………call Romans 8:31

When you want peace and rest…………………………call Matthew 11:25-30

When the world seems bigger than God…………………………call Psalm 90

When you want Christian assurance…………………………call Romans 8:1-30

When you leave home for labor or travel…………………………call Psalm 121

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish…………………………call Psalm 67

For a great invention/opportunity…………………………call Isaiah 55

When you want courage for a task…………………………call Joshua 1

For how to get along with fellow men…………………………call Romans 12

When you think of investments and returns…………………………call Mark 10

If you are depressed…………………………call Psalm 27

If your pocketbook is empty…………………………call Psalm 37

If you are losing confidence in people…………………………call I Corinthians 13

If people seem unkind…………………………call John 15

If discouraged about your work…………………………call Psalm 126

If you find the world growing small and yourself great…………………………call Psalm 19

ALTERNATE NUMBERS

For dealing with fear…………………………call Psalm 34:7

For security…………………………call Psalm 121:3

For assurance, …………………………call Mark 8:35

For reassurance…………………………call Psalm 145:18

All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!

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Three questions to ponder.

Three questions that were discussed between three friends. I thought it might be of interest to some who follow this blog!

Question one: Why do you suppose that God sent Jesus at the exact time that He did?
Erick and Glady did a great job. I would simply add this; Daniel 9:26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. {26 Or <off and will have no one>; or <off, but not for himself>} The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolation’s have been decreed.” He saw when Christ was coming to Atone for sin. Precise timing of God’s Revelation. Jesus mentions this; Luke 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes.
43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Notice Jesus said they did not recognize the timing of His Coming.

Question two: Why not be tolerant of other religions such as Muslim, Buddhist, etc as long as it does not effect how we believe?
Again Erick and Glady speaks volume’s on this issue. My input is this; Did the Prophet Elijah tolerate the Baal worshipers idol? NO. Did Moses tolerate the idolatry of Egypt and the idolatry of Israel? NO! Did Jesus ever teach His disciples to tolerate Pagans religions? NO! Does Jesus state any where that there are other religions that are valid? NO! He said John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Listen to Paul”s teaching in 2 Corinthians 6. 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” We a Bible Christians cannot tolerate what God does not tolerate, PERIOD! Love them and proclaim the Gospel but never tolerate religions offered by the World!

Question three: Do you believe smoking is a sin? if yes or no, what scripture backs your beliefs.
Again Erick and Glady spoke well on this issue. But I do disagree with their personal conviction on this issue. The reason I say this is simple. God defines what sin is and what it is not. The passage used by Paul is 1Corinthians 6:13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”– but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” Context is important. Paul is talking about Sexual sin. If we as believers tell people that anything that is bad for our bodies would be a sin against the Temple of God, we would be opening Pandora’s box. Caffeine, sugar, salt, eggs, trans fat, soda, most meat, too much sun….have all been determined to be bad for our bodies. So if we practice this passage we must abstain from all these things as well. Right? If a Christian has a conviction that smoking is a sin, stop smoking. Remember, saints of old thought woman should not wear pants because they thought it was a sin. Sin is well defined by God’s Word, we don’t need to add our own convictions on others. If a person is enslaved by smoking or any other substance not describe as a sin in God’s Word, then they need to ask God to help them.
Great discussion! Peace and Love to all!

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Pass through the Transformer!

Consider this passage of Scripture;  Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God– this is your spiritual {1 Or <reasonable>} act of worship.   2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  I am going to bring testimony of the Transforming power of the Holy Spirit!  As I had devotions with my sister last night, thoughts flooded my cranium.  I started to think about the Holy Spirit’s Presence and how He has brought conviction and Salvation to some family members through the teaching and Preaching of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ!  My dad for instance, used to be full of bitterness and anger, until knowledge of Jesus came to him by the Holy Spirit.  My dad has changed so much in recent years.  His life is full of joy and peace.  His face is happy!  His love for others has changed to the point where he is always talking with people about Jesus.  This is a testimony of how Jesus can change a persons life from the inside out!  The phrase, “in view of God’s Mercy” has a defining place in my dads lie now.  He seeks to please God now through offering himself to the Holy Spirit to enable him to live a holy life.  To know that the Almighty God has forgiven his offenses fills his lips with gratitude.  You know, if you dear reader need a new start, surrender to Jesus.  God wants to fill your heart with peace and joy as well.  The second part of the verse we are considering brings to mind the mindless folly this world system offers.  You can have it if you choose.  Paul the Apostle tells us not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world.  What does that mean?  Glad you asked!  1John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For everything in the world– the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does– comes not from the Father but from the world.
17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”  The world system leads to misery, deception, lust and the ultimate destruction of your soul!  Everything this world has to offer pulls us away from the Living God!  Another reason Paul tells us to not conform to the worlds system is you will become God’s enemy.  James 4:4 “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”  Now lets look at the rest of Paul”s instruction.  Being Transformed by the renewing of your mind can only happen by the Inspired Word of God as taught by the Holy Spirit.  To illustrate this concept let us view God’s Word as a plow.  Your heart is hard and fallow.  Sin and the world system is pounding at your heart  daily. For we know Scripture says that sin hardens the heart.  The Word of God will soften our hearts and bring nourishment.  Listen to an Old Testament Prophet. Hosea 10:12″ Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”  That is precisely what happened to my dad! That can happen to you as well!  Unless of course you continue to reject the Holy Spirit’s conviction and remain a Worldling!  Another illustration could be an electric pole.  If you go out and touch the wires, your dead!  That electricity is powerful and deadly.  So is sin!  If you ran the wires directly to your house it will burn it down.  In fact the electricity must pass first through the transformer then into your home before it can be used in a usefull and constructive way.  Well the Gospel of Jesus Christ ( death, burial and Resurrection of Christ) as made known by the Holy Spirit is the Transformer!   Be like my dad and give your life to Jesus.  He will bring a new life and new start.  The Holy Spirit will give you understanding beyond that of a thousand Theologians! Just a few thoughts. Peace!

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Thoughts on Rapture!

The Rapture or Resurrection of the Church!
Some say Christians will be gone (Raptured) before the Tribulation. Some say that Christians will have to persevere. I personally do not see anywhere conclusively in Scripture that indicates the Rapture happens before the Tribulation.
It would be wise for all Christians to study, without referring to commentaries, of all Scripture concerning the Rapture(Resurrection). Just something to think about and ponder as we wait for that Glorious Day!
Here are a few of the most common Scriptures used to highlight the event.

Mt 24:29 “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
30 “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

1Co 15:51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed–
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

1Th 4:14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

2Th 2:1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers,
2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.
3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Re 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17 saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
18 The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.

Notice the theme throughout these passages. Also a passage of importance is Daniel 12:11 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

With these can we conclude that the Rapture will be Mid-trib or Pre wrath Rapture?
Regardless, we are to Trust in Jesus to provide for Christians.
Mt 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.    Jesus is coming soon, so cling to Him and do not let go. Economic collapse, Food shortages, Disease, Earthquakes and Natural Disasters are increasing.  It is a great comfort to read and pray for understanding concerning all the events taking place in the world.
Lu 21:25-28 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.  Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Lift up your heads (ie Be of good cheer) because our Redemption is drawing near and is at the door. Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

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Who’s Ministry is it anyway?

Who’s Ministry is it anyway? So many claim to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,  but yet their focus seems to be on their careers and finances. I know, here’s another rant from a preacher about money. I know it takes money to live, but I also know that we must live by Faith, not by sight or our abilities to raise money! It is a slap in God’s face for a Church or Minister to be focused on money to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, instead of Lifting up Jesus in their Preaching  and their Living! Numbers seems to be the focus of most Pastor’s I know. Numbers in the pews, numbers in the financial books to do more programs and numbers of converts to keep up with the Church next door! This seems to be the theme in the Church today! Is this ego driven instead of Love for Christ?  So many articles recently have shown that the incorporated Church is decreasing in numbers. Some have had to cut the salaries of the Pastor and even staff members.  Some Churches have even filed for bankruptcy or even closed their doors.  Is this what Christ had in mind? Where in the Bible does it say that Ministers must raise money to do the work of Christ? Did the Apostle Paul have fund raisers? How about Peter, James, John and any of the other Apostles? How about this question; what did it cost Jesus to win our Salvation? Everything! Whining, grumbling and complaining about doing the Work of Jesus Christ seems to be out of place!  Should it not be a privilege and honor to exalt the Name of Jesus?  I would say turn to Scripture and obey what it says concerning the Ministry.
Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”  Is not our Love for Jesus the motivation behind Ministry? Does it take money to share the Love of Jesus with others?  Lets look at another Scripture; 2Co 6:3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”  Notice Paul makes references in verses 4 and 5 about serving God in spite of monetary distress!  Let look at these scriptures.  2Co 12:14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”  Paul is a good example of how all who minister for Jesus Sake should not be a burden.  On the flip side of this arguemment there are these verses. Acts 4:34 “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.”  This is not Socialism but devotion to Christ and His Work!  We will always support that which we Love! The Bible does say however; 1Co 9:11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. 15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. 16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. 19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” Notice Paul’s statements in verse 15 and 16. His argument is to build Christ Kingdom and not receiving monetary funds even though they are available.  All this ranting of mine can be summed up this way; Jesus deserves all we have, period! He should be the focus of Ministry, not the minister, not the people, not the prosperity of the Church, but Jesus alone!  Who’s Ministry is it anyway? Here is the answer!  Mt 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” It Christ Church and He builds His Church through His own Power and our Love for Him.  Mt 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” What is the cost of His Ministry? Everything!  Who’s Ministry is it anyway?

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Study of Ten Commandments!

Study of the Ten Commandments

First I would like to address the question of validity.  Some Christians say we need to get out of the Old Testament and get into the New Testament.  Listen to the words of Jesus in the New Testament.  Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  These words indicate that Christians still need the Moral Law of God.  Not for salvation purposes but out of Love for Jesus.  He said John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.  So the Ten Commands are to be obeyed out of love for Jesus.  Again Jesus says “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:17-19 If Jesus says we need to obey His Commands, well we need to obey them. It is as simple as that. If we think differently than what the Bible clearly teaches then we need to repent and obey. Proverb 30:5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.  Let us look and see if God needs to rebuke us!

Exodus 20:1-17

1 And God spoke all these words:

Notice who is speaking, God. This is His Words so we need to listen.

2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

LORD (self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:–Jehovah) Jehovah is speaking and reminding Israel who He is and what He has done for them through Moses. It is also noteworthy that Jesus delivers us from bondage as well.

First Commandment:

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

The First Commandment is clear; do not have anything in your life that is more important than Our Creator, our Father and our God! He delivered us and Saves us through Jesus His Son and deserves prominence in our lives. 1Corinthians 6:19 “know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Second Commandment:

4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”

5 “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

Idolatry, What is it? The Hebrew word translated in the King James version of the Bible is graven image. (to carve, whether wood or stone:–grave, hew). An idol is changing the image of God into our image. Thinking about God in ways other than who He is. To change His image is to worship God in your own image. Notice we are Created in His image, not vice versa. If we have anything in our lives which we hold dear to our hearts more than Him we are worshiping that thing instead of the Creator. What we will not surrender to Him we will ultimately worship! God is jealous? Yes. But the jealousy refers to His zeal or anger. What is He angry at or about? Idolatry, sin, putting other things ahead of Him! God says He will punish the children for the sins of their fathers to the third and forth generations of those who hate Him. Seems unjust or does it? The Hebrew word for visit or punish is as follows; [to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit]. Who suffers when parents are hateful toward God? Is it not the children? Adam Clark describes this portion of Scripture this way; ‘This necessarily implies-IF the children walk in the steps of their fathers; for no man can be condemned by Divine Justice for a crime of which he was never guilty; idolatry is however particularly intended, and visiting sins of this kind refers principally to national judgments’. Verse six shows the love and mercy of God toward those that love God and obeys His commands. Notice the difference between the judgment upon the generations of those who hate God is much less than the mercy or love He shows to those that live in loving obedience.

Third Commandment:

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Because God’s Name is Sacred and Holy any misuse of His name will automatically get God’s attention. To misuse or take His name in vain is to slander or empty God out of our hearts. Notice God says He will not allow a person to escape punishment for calling Him a liar or emptying His Name as useless. Jesus says in Matthew 5:33-37 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Again Jesus speaking concerning words in Matthew 12:36,37 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Let us therefore watch our words and not use them to slander or for evil speech.

Forth Commandment:

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.

11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

The Sabbath is a day of remembrance. One day in seven to rest from our labors and remember our Great Creator! Notice God made it Holy. No Christian is free to disobey what God has Commanded. Most Christians disobey this Command by not remembering and choose to say Sunday is the Sabbath. I challenge you to find in the New Testament where it says this Command is nullified. Also remember what Jesus said; Matthew 12:8 “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Believing in Jesus and walking in obedience to Him is remembering the Sabbath. Continued study of this topic, one should refer to Hebrews. 4:7-11 “Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’  8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”

Fifth Commandment:

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

This is the first Commandment with a promise attached.  “That you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Now what does He mean “honor your father and your mother?”  The Hebrew word for honor can be translated- to promote. The Etymology Dictionary defines the word honor this way; high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor. God’s first institution was the family. Father, mother and children. God knows that if children will honor their parents, they will certainly be more apt to honor Him. It is a disgrace to God’s character and love to dishonor our parents!

Sixth Commandment:

13 “You shall not murder.

First off let us realize that the KJV translated the word kill.  The Hebrew word means man-slayer, murder. So the word kill does not and is not what we are to obey hear. Murder is different from killing. Listen to other Scriptures define what God is saying in this Command. Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, {21 Exodus 20:13} and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother {22 Some manuscripts <brother without cause>} will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca, {22 An Aramaic term of contempt} ‘is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

1John 3:15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.”

Proverb 6:16-19 “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.”  Now we see the difference between murder and killing. The King James translators missed the translation from original Hebrew. “ ratsach” is a primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder:–put to death, kill, (man-)slay(-er), murder(-er).

To kill someone or to murder someone is different; to kill someone in self defense or in case of war does not fall into the same category as murder.

Here is an illustration for killing;

1Samuel 15:2 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.  3 Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'”

Israel went to war with the Amalekites. They were a wicked and Idolatress people. Israel was acting in self defense under the direction of God.

An illustration of murder is;

Ps 106:34 “They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, 35 but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.

36 They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.

37 They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.

38 They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.”

You see killing and murdering are two different things. The best illustration of murder today is abortion. The shedding of innocent blood!  Soldiers do not commit murder when fighting for our Country.

Seventh Commandment:

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

Adultery covers a multitude of sins pertaining to sex. Most people think that you have to be married in order to commit this sin. Not true! Listen to Jesus; Matthew 5:27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ {27 Exodus 20:14}  28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” It is also note worthy to apply this commandment to our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Part of being an obedient Christian if faithfulness. Going to Church, serving and loving others, witnessing, worshiping etc…are all part of what God wants for our lives. If we become unfaithful we have committed spiritual adultery!

Eight Commandment:

15 “You shall not steal.

To the simple minded, this commandment is easy. Do not take anything that does not belong to you or that you have not earned. This is absolutely what this command is saying! But, there is a spiritual aspect to stealing. Listen again to God speak; Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse– the whole nation of you– because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” God is a giving God and He wants us to be giving as well. Let us not steal from our neighbors or steal from God what is His!

Ninth Commandment:

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Again, what is hard about this command about lying? If your neighbor is doing well and you are not, the tendency of fallen man is to attack his neighbor’s character. Giving false testimony is a willful and premeditated act!  One of the best ways of bringing shame upon yourself is to lie about them in some way. Hear are a few Scripture to give greater understanding about this command; Proverb 6:16-19 “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Notice two of the seven things detestable to the Lord have to do with false testimonies, lying. Again, listen to Jesus; Matthew 5:33-37 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’

But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;

or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”  Proverb has selective passages concerning gossip-which is false testimony: Proverb 11:13 “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” 16:28 “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” 18:8 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.”  20:19 “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”  26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” The most stunning and straight forward passage is Revelation 21:8 “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Do not lie or gossip, enough said!

Tenth Commandment:

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Let us define covetous; to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others: to covet another’s property. The Hebrew word for covet literally means, to delight in. When you see something your neighbor has and you do not have the same thing and you start thinking things like, I wish I had that, I want what they have, I deserve what they have etc… that is coveting! Here again is other Scriptures to define this Commandment; Luke 12:13 “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ 14 Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.

17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ‘ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  21 “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Again listen to Paul; Colossians 3:1 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Finally, we reach this verse to bring this Commandment to full understanding.  Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

Now we have heard the Truth of God’s Commandments. God is enough! He wants you and I to live Free from the bondage of sin! God through His Son Jesus Christ wants us to be filled with Him, through the Holy Spirit.  God will bring every man into judgement. The question is not if we have kept all these Commandments, for this is impossible, it is whether we believe in Jesus Christ as the only sin substitute.  Jesus fulfilled the entire Law of God where we have broken them all! James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”

Here is a reminder; Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  These words indicate that Christians still need the Moral Law of God.  Not for salvation purposes but out of Love for Jesus.  He said John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  So the Ten Commandments are to be obeyed out of love for Jesus!  Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  The good works Paul is speaking of is obedience to the Law of the Ten Commandments.  Jesus died and shed His Blood to wash away our sins, disobeying the Law, and is calling us to a holy life. The only way to live a Holy life is repenting of our sins and believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and then walking and living in obedience to the Holy Law of God! “If you Love me, obey my Commands!” Jesus.

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Study of the Will of God

What is the will of God? What does God want for you? What does God’s Word say about His will for us? I am going to attempt to answer these questions in this study.
1). 1John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. So according to this passage if we do or obey the Will of God we will have Eternal life. John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 6:28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” God’s will for everyone is that all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1Timothy 2:4. Also Acts 2:36-38 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Why were you Created? Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” So first God’s will is to be saved next His will is to 1Th 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Eph 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise– the fruit of lips that confess his name. Psalms 50:23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him {23 Or } the salvation of God.” Ps 100:1 A psalm. For giving thanks. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; {3 Or } we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Be Saved and be Thankful. This is the Will of God.

2). What does God want for you? Romans 12:1,2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God– this is your spiritual {1 Or } act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. God’s wants us to worship with all of our lives. He does not want us to be like this world. 1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world– the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does– comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 1Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”
Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
2Timothy 1:6-10 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life– not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Now Jesus prays for believers in John 17 which is God’s will for us. In Summary Ecclesiastes 12:13&14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. I pray this will help each of you as you seek to do the will of God in your lives. Note this is not exhaustive but only a few nuggets to chew and meditate.

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Four Horsemen of Revelation!

1 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!”

Jesus is the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world! Only Jesus is worthy to open the seven seals. Refer back to Revelation 5. Voice like thunder means they are loud and authoritative.

2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”
4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.
6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”
8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

The Four Horseman of Apocalypse Revelation 6:2-8
Rev. 6:2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
First Horse is White
Study of the Anti-christ in the book of Daniel 7-12 reveals he will be a politician who will rise to power in the Revised Roman Empire AKA European Union. The anti-christ will come into power through peaceful means, after that will seek to destroy anyone who will not give him devotion. Riding on a White horse is a mockery of Jesus riding on a White horse in Revelation 19. White horse symbolizes purity which Anti-christ is not. Remember he will appear to be pure, but will be evil. Also it is note worthy that the teaching of Islam points to their Messiah will be the rider on the white horse. Could it be that Muslims will be helping anti-christ to conquer? Also look at the founder of the Arab Nation, Ishmael in Genesis 16:11-12 The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” Now where will this rider be going to conquer?
Cross reference Zechariah 6:1-8
Rider on white horse is going West, possible pointing to where Anti- Christ rises to power. Revised Roman Empire is west of Israel. This is where EU is centralized.

Rev. 6:4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
Second Horse is Fiery Red
Rider will have power to take peace from the earth. To make men slay each other. (ie Ethnic war, religious war). Jesus said Nation will rise against Nation and kingdom against kingdom in Matthew 24 which will increase until Jesus returns.
Cross reference Zechariah 6:2 Zechariah does not tell which direction the Red horse will be heading. Could it be World Wide?

Rev. 6:5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.
Re 6:6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Third Horse is Black
Rider indicates something about economics.(ie rising food cost. Oil and wine indicates the wealthy will continue to prosper for a time).
Cross reference Zechariah 6:6 Black horse heads toward North Country. Due north of Israel is Russia. Economic collapse will be world wide. Which brings into focus the One World Economy. The anti-christ will control all financial transactions. See Revelation 13:15-17.

Rev. 6:8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Fourth Horse is Pale(dapple green-sickly)
Riders name is Death and Hades follows with him. This horse goes toward the South. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Africa. All these South of Israel. These four Horsemen will have power over a fourth of the Earth. War, starvation, plagues such as Aids, west Nile virus, mad cow, and many others, are pestilence that come from the wild beasts of the Earth. The effects of these horse’s will be worldwide. All four horses are powerful, but only as God allows. Some say Christians will be gone before these riders are released. Some say that Christians will have to persevere. Regardless, we are to Trust in Jesus to provide for Christians. Remember Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Jesus is coming soon, so cling to Him and do not let go. Economic collapse, Food shortages, Disease, Earthquakes and Natural Disasters are increasing. It is a great comfort to read and pray for understanding concerning all the events taking place in the world. Luke 21:25-28 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea, ie (Hurricanes). Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Lift up your heads (ie Be of good cheer) because our Redemption is drawing near and is at the door.

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.

The fifth seal, when it is opened, reveals souls of saints of old who were murdered because they refused to reject Jesus as their Savior. There has been millions through the years who lost their lives for Jesus sake! They hold a great testimony indeed. The sight the apostle beheld at the opening the fifth seal was very affecting. He saw the souls of the martyrs under the altar; at the foot of the altar in heaven, at the feet of Christ. Persecutors can only kill the body; after that there is no more they can do; the soul lives. God has provided a good place in the better world, for those who are faithful unto death. It is not their own death, but the sacrifice of Christ, that gives them entrance into heaven. The cause in which they suffered, was for the word of God; the best any man can lay down his life for; faith in God’s word, and the unshaken confession of that faith. They commit their cause to Him to whom vengeance belongs. The Lord is the comforter of his afflicted servants, and precious is their blood in his sight. As the measure of the sin of persecutors is filling up, so is the number of the persecuted, martyred servants of Christ. The Lord will certainly grant their request later in the Tribulation that has certainly started with the opening of the first four seals. As indicated in the eleventh verse the martyrs are given white robes that symbolize the purity that comes only through the Blood of Jesus. They are told to be patient until the rest of the believers, who will become martyrs, join them. Only the Lord knows which believers will be murdered during the Tribulation.

12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red,

When the sixth seal is opened there will be an earthquake so great that is will cause so much dust that the Sun will not be able to penetrate. The Moon when it shines through the dust caused by this earthquake will look like blood. Some apply it altogether to the Jews, and that their destruction in Judea and at Jerusalem was so dismal, that it was represented to St. John as the darkening of the sun, and the moon looking like blood, and the stars falling, such calamities impending as if heaven and earth were dissolving: doubtless at and before the destruction of Jerusalem there was a confluence of such calamities, so dismal, and so dreadful, as can very difficultly be represented or described. Cross reference to this sixth seal; As Rev 6:4,6-8, the sword, famine, and pestilence, answer to Mt 24:6,7; Re 6:9,10, as to martyrdoms, answer to Mt 24:9,10; so this passage, Re 6:12,17, answers to Mt 24:29,30, “the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven; … then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming”; imagery describing the portents of the immediate coming of the day of the Lord. Also see Joel 2:10, 31.

13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.

Could this be referring to a meteor shower? There will be an Asteroid hit the Earth during the Tribulation. Revelation 8:10. This is the beginning of many Global disasters.

14 The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

This sounds like an Atomic bomb. Also the results of the other calamities befalling the Earth!

15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

After the opening of the Tribulation and the many billions of people dying from the results of the calamities described in this chapter people will still not repent of their sins. Instead of fleeing God’s wrath through the Death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus, people will be hiding in caves. What a cry of desperation when they pray that the mountains would fall on them to hide the face of God and the wrath of Jesus who is the Lamb. Listen to Psalm 2:9-12 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

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A Prophecy concerning Jesus!

Psalm 2 A Prophecy concerning Jesus

1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.
Why the question of conspiring and plotting in vain by the kings and people of the Earth? Simply the fallen nature of man. Everything the Creator did and is doing is for mankind’s benefit, but fallen kings and men want to control the Almighty. Sinful men and kings have always tried to manipulate their Creator; they rebel against His Love, Mercy and Grace. Now for the Truth; Jesus is the Anointed One! Matthew 16:13-17 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. Now the word Christ in Greek means Messiah or the Anointed One. Why do men plot against Him? One suggestion Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Men and kings of this Earth have always loved their sin more than the Savior! Jesus also said John 15:18 -25 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”
Bishop Horne well remarks, “we may see the ground of opposition; namely, the unwillingness of rebellious nature to submit to the obligations of Divine laws, which cross the interests, and lay a restraint on the desires of men. Corrupt affections are the most inveterate enemies of Christ, and their language is, We will not have this man to reign over us. Doctrines would be readily believed if they involved in them no precepts; and the Church may be tolerated in the world if she will only give up her discipline.” Men of the world hate the Absolute Unchangeable Moral Law of a Holy God, namely the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20)

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
Does God have a sense of humor? He is laughing in the Heavens at the absolute foulness of mans rebellion against His Anointed Son Jesus Christ! Satan and sinful men would love for their Creator to just die or somehow disappear. How funny it is to think that wicked men and Satan could overthrow the LORD God! The Lord shall scoff or have them in derision. These words spoken after the manner of men; shall utterly contemn their puny efforts; shall beat down their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices.

5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
Simply put God has always been hateful toward sin and wickedness. He is Holy and will not tolerate the malice of men who refuse to Repent and turn to His Son Jesus Christ!

6 “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
Zion is Israel and belongs to God Almighty. He gave this land to the Jewish people simply because Jesus is the Savior which came from the Jews. Jesus will Rule and Reign from Jerusalem for all Eternity!

7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Verses 7-9 will be totally fulfilled in the near future when Jesus Returns Revelation 19:11-15 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. All the wrath and punishment for mans sin was placed on Jesus Christ! We owed a debt we could not pay, Jesus paid a debt He did not owe.

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
This verse is a warning of the coming wrath. All through the ages God Almighty has been warning people of His coming Wrath. So as you read this be warned and be Wise, Repent and Trust in Jesus’s Death on the Cross and Resurrection and you will be spared Of the Coming Wrath. Romans 5:8-9 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Again John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
For those of us who have Repented, we rejoice with Reverence and Awe. The Bible testifies that even the Demons know there is but One God and they tremble or shudder and so should who flee from the Wrath to Come!
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
To kiss something or someone means simply devotion and adoration. Kiss Jesus the Son of the Living God for He is Worthy!! Does Jesus Christ have a Righteous Temper? Yes! Remember when Jesus came to Jerusalem to offer Himself as a Holy Sacrifice for man’s sin. Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.'” It goes without saying that Jesus hates perversion. His Righteous Anger will be flaring up in the near future. Hebrews 10:26-27 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Again Hebrews 10:29-31 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The last part of this verse tells us who read that we will be blessed if we take Refuge in Him. Refuge literally means to flee to for protection! Wow, let us all who read this Psalm Repent of our sins and flee to the Divine Protection of Jesus.

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