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== Lists == | |||
Many people have desired a simple checklist of things we can do to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Christ provided such a list in the context of the gospel. Paul and the apostles also provided lists of do's and don'ts within their epistles and shared warnings about how to check the sincerity and veracity of our [[repent]]ance and [[faith]]. | |||
We have written a [[Christians check list]] and a [[First to do List]] but there could be a value in having a short overall list of the basic parameters to repenting and seeking the [[kingdom of God]] and His [[righteousness]] which would give us simple and short outline of instruction by Jesus to the people who desired to follow Him and His Church in general. | |||
# [[Repent]] | |||
# [[Seek]] | |||
## [[Kingdom of God]] | |||
## [[Righteousness]] of God | |||
# [[Forgive]] | |||
## So you maybe [[forgive]]n | |||
# [[Persevere]] | |||
## [[Hear]] | |||
## [[doer|Do]] | |||
# [[Love]] one another | |||
## [[Sacrifice|Lay down your life daily]] | |||
## [[Charity|Give]] | |||
## [[Daily ministration]] | |||
# [[Gather]] | |||
## [[free assemblies]] as [[Commanded]] by [[Christ]] | |||
## In the [[name]] of [[Christ]] | |||
## According to the [[Doctrines of Jesus]] | |||
## Attend to the [[weightier matters]] | |||
== Men must change == | |||
Someone contemplating the state of mankind, problems with the governments of the world, and a need for change in their relationships with each other, mentioned the line from a movie,'' "Before kingdoms can change, men must change."'' <Ref>Post on the ekklesiachurch email group October 14, 2008 from DJ. | |||
: ''"Before kingdoms can change, men must change." I credit this line to a movie, but at the .moment can't remember which one.'' | |||
: The [[shortlist]]? I must change. "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Transformed= metamorphous, i.e. caterpillar to butterfly. "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." "Unless you become like little children you shall not see the kingdom of God." While I am ego-driven, little children, infants, do not have egos. I must be spirit-led. The real battle for the kingdom transpires inside me. Am I in control of my ego, or is my ego in control of me? The ego is what is keeping us divided.'' Ego is the chainsaw falling the United States, as well as the so-called modern "church." A house divided against itself cannot stand. Ego is the fundamental element that divides, the primary element an adversary relies on to conquer. The enemy can and does exploit this, especially against those who are unconscious of the means by which the ego works. | |||
: The [[shortlist]]? We must each recognize the ego within us and others, and learn the mechanics of its functioning. From there, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth because we will be able to be guided. We need only follow. We cannot follow the lead of the Holy Spirit if we are unconsciously allowing the ego to drive while we sit back in the capacity of a mere passenger. We cannot follow the Holy Spirit if we are constantly led by our ego. If we cannot distinguish our ego at work, we are hopelessly blind. | |||
: Control. Are we in control of our ego, or is our ego in control of us? If my ego is in control of me, the governments of the world have a stake in me. If I am in control of my ego, and I have given my allegiance to my Father, no government of the world can have a hold on me. | |||
: Fear, doubt, and disbelief all reside in the ego. Love is the power that can transform these residents of the ego. Sanctification is the means of cleansing, and this is accomplished by surrender. I must therefore sacrifice my ego to the transforming power of love. | |||
: What would a man look like, what would a man be like, whose ego has been completely transformed? | |||
: The kingdom of God is within us. So is the United States. The choice is ours. Ego is the chain binding us to the latter, preventing us from entering fully into the former. Preventing us from cooperating. Preventing the kingdom from being fully manifest in us, both individually and collectively. | |||
: The Kingdoms of this world are ego based, ego driven, as are all institutions of the world, and this would include some if not most churches. Is this church ego based, ego driven? If it is, it is no difference than any other church, as it is still of the world, notwithstanding our legal appearance of separation from the world. Unless our Father build the house, they who build it labor in vain. The kingdom of heaven is not of this world, i.e. not ego-based. The gates of hell will not prevail against a church that is not ego-based, as such a church is spirit-based and spirit-led. All other churches will invariably fail. | |||
: Our king "killed," his ego at Calvary, thereby showing us the means by which we too may enter the heavenly state. "Pick up your cross, daily, and follow me," he said. I will interpret that as meaning: "address the issue of your ego daily, sacrifice it for the sake of others, for the sake of the kingdom, and you will lead them by following my example." He "died so that we might live." What about him died? His ego and his body. He was still alive, though he were dead, and thereafter his whole being was resurrected. If there is any doubt that his ego is what he was putting to death during this process, that the ego was what he was sacrificing, why then was he sweating drops of blood in prayer the night before. | |||
: It is easy for me to see ego at work because I am so good at being led by my ego. It is easy for me to recognize in others what I do not like about myself. I see much ego driven conversation in this group. This needs to be recognized for what it is, and ultimately curtailed. The kingdom of God will not flourish in an ego driven environment. | |||
: The shortlist? We must each recognize the control our respective ego's have over us personally. In so doing we will recognize the control the ego at work in others. In recognizing this, we can begin our work by taking the impediment into consideration. | |||
: Interesting. My ego is deriving a certain satisfaction in writing this. I look forward to the day when I speak from pure spirit."</Ref> What is often keeping us from changing is what we think is true but just isn't so. The [[strong delusion]] we have been warned about was to come from God that we would believe a lie.<Ref>2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them [[strong delusion]], that they should believe a lie:</Ref> There is, of course, a reason God does that which is explained in earlier verses. The Bible should always be read in the context of the Bible which includes the times, language and who is being written. | |||
I knew the quote mentioned above was from the movie ''Jesus of Nazareth'' and the actor was Michael York playing [[John the Baptist]].<Ref>you can hear him say it 2:24 minutes into (Part One) [https://youtu.be/JU_FzYoolsw Jesus of Nazareth] </Ref> He was speaking to Herod Antipas while in prison waiting for what would be his political execution. | |||
I recently searched in the Bible and on the internet for the quote in that and other similar forms of the phrase.<Ref>"Before governments will change, men must change" most of the search results, at least on Google, were my own writings, articles, and books or people quoting them.</Ref> While the quote is not specifically found in the Bible, there are numerous people that attribute it to [[John the Baptist]]. | |||
To be honest, Christ came to change the hearts of men, not the governments of the [[world]] directly. He did come that the world might be saved. What many people do not remember is that He did say He was going to take the government, specifically the ''[[kingdom of God]]'', away<Ref>[[Matthew 21]]:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.</Ref> from the "chief priests and [[Pharisees]]".<Ref>Matthew 21:45 And when the chief priests and [[Pharisees]] had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.</Ref> | |||
I | He would do this by the words of their own mouth<Ref>Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:</Ref> and appoint it to another,<Ref>[[Luke 12]]:32 Fear not, [[little flock]]; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.</Ref> which He did<Ref> [[Luke 23]]:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. | ||
: John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. | |||
: John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. | |||
: Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. | |||
: Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;</Ref> with the [[Cross|approval and acceptance of the Roman Empire sealed by his blood]]. | |||
It is true also that [[repent]]ance<Ref>Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. | |||
: Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. | |||
: Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. | |||
: Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. | |||
: [[Luke 13]]:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. | |||
: Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. | |||
: Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. | |||
: Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; | |||
: Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.</Ref> and seeking [[righteousness]] together<Ref>Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. | |||
: Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | |||
: Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. | |||
: Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. | |||
: Matthew 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. | |||
: [we... might serve him without fear]Luke 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. | |||
: John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment | |||
</Ref> are changing the way one thinks and relates to others. And certainly "being born again"<Ref>John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. | |||
: 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.</Ref> also involves change. Do we have the [[power to change]] ourselves and if we did where do we get the knowledge to know how to change? Eating of the [[trees|tree of knowledge]] is how we got in trouble back in the Garden. | |||
== The changeling Spirit == | |||
So we can agree that we needed to "change" by some sort of ''transformation'' of the mind.<Ref>[[Romans 12]]: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.</Ref> But do we have the personal ability and power to transform our own minds with our own mind? | |||
God is a | It should be clear that it is not the words of ''preachers or even prophets'' written upon our minds, nor our own alterations to our mind which transform us but the actual ''writing of God'' and His [[Holy Spirit]] ''upon our hearts and minds''.<Ref>Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: | ||
: Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;</Ref> The original witness of this process of change being implemented in us by God and not by our own efforts was at least in Jeramiah.<Ref>Jeremiah 31:33 But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.</Ref> | |||
This writing by God's Spirit is not accomplished by [[flesh and blood]] but [[revelation]].<Ref>Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.</Ref> But how do we know it is the revelation of God that we see and not our own imagination?<Ref>{{3053}}</Ref> Paul's [[warnings]] about man's ''imagination'' had already been referred to in Romans 2:15 where their imagination could lead not only to ''accusing'' but ''excusing'' sin.<Ref name="imagine"> | |||
: 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; | |||
: Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) | |||
: Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their [[1261|imaginations]], and their foolish heart was darkened. | |||
: Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the [[1271|imagination]] of their hearts.</Ref> | |||
We | We cannot save ourselves simply by our own words and deeds. We see evidence of this with Paul's teachings about "not by works" but by "regeneration, and renewing of the [[Holy Ghost]]".<Ref>Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;</Ref> | ||
== Faithful Romans == | |||
Paul wrote to the remaining Roman Christians after many ''Christian Jews'' were expelled by Claudius from Rome.<Ref>Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.</Ref> Their practice of [[Pure Religion]] and refusal to sign up for the [[free bread]] of the Roman [[welfare]] state provided through their government [[temples]] made them outcasts and would eventually lead to the [[Christian conflict]] with the [[Imperial Cult of Rome]]. | |||
The remaining Roman Christians were considering conforming to the rules and traditions of the Jews like those concerned with these traditions when Paul writes for several chapters about "circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit".<Ref>Romans 2:29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.</Ref> | |||
Being saved is an act of [[grace]] by God who transforms and changes us through no physical act or mental alteration of our own will. There must be free will in order for there to be love. That choice may be seen in the prayer, "not my will, but thine".<Ref>Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.</Ref> | |||
Paul writes to the Romans, who were not cast out with the ''Christian Jews'' but allowed to stay in Rome, that if they were to [[confess]] with their mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.<Ref name="romans109">[[Romans 10]]:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.</Ref> To whom was Paul speaking, why was he saying it and what did he mean? | |||
Paul was careful to warn them in Romans 10 verse 3<Ref>[[Romans 10]]:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.</Ref> not to be ''going about to establish their own righteousness''. | |||
And again Paul had warned in verse 6 that we should not try to say in our hearts who is saved and going to heaven<Ref>Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above]:)</Ref> but many [[Modern Christians]] are going about saying they are saved or tempting others to profess that they are saved because they comply with verse 9<Ref name="romans109"></Ref> | |||
We need to realize that the use of the word [[salvation]] was not just about if you were going to heaven after death. [[Early Christians]] were daily seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus was clear that real repentance and faith brings forth the fruits of repentance.<Ref>Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: | |||
: Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.</Ref> If we believe in Jesus as Lord unto righteousness we will see the ''fruits of the spirit''<Ref name="fruitsspirit">Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.</Ref> and not desiring the [[wages of unrighteousness]] nor the [[free bread]] of [[Rome]] nor the [[workers of iniquity|works of iniquity]]. | |||
It is both a ''vain deceit and a false philosophies''<Ref>Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.</Ref> that has been creeping<Ref>2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,</Ref> into [[Modern Christians|modern Christianity]] that has spoiled the people to think that all you have to do is ''confess [[Jesus]] with your mouth'' and believe in your heart that he was raised from the dead and you are automatically saved. | |||
In the very next verse, Paul makes it clear that real belief in the heart of man will manifest unto [[righteousness]]. If the actions of mankind are unrighteous then he clearly does not believe unto [[righteousness]]. Paul's statement about ''confessing with your mouth unto salvation''.<Ref>Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.</Ref> is simply reassuring those Romans that the faithful who ''say there is another king, one Jesus''<Ref name="kingjesus">Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.</Ref> and are providing the [[daily ministration]] through [[fervent charity]] by their faith will continue to be saved as a viable part of the faithful [[network]] of the Church according to Paul. | |||
Local congregations were providing all the social [[welfare]] for Christians, caring for the widows and orphans of their society through [[pure religion]] and rightly dividing free bread from house to house as needed. Paul was delivering emergency aid all over the Roman Empire to the Christian community during [[dearth]]s. [[Rome]] was also providing free bread and emergency aid for the needy of their society through men who called themselves [[benefactors]] but exercised authority one over the other. They did that through their government [[temples]] and the [[Imperial Cult of Rome]] in a way like the [[Corban]] of the [[Pharisees]] and therefore ''made the word of God to none effect''. Christians were forbidden to be like that by ''their king, one Jesus''.<Ref name="kingjesus"></Ref> | |||
The Emperor was called the [[Patronus]] of Rome or Our Father who are in Rome. The king of the Christians also commanded ''to call no man on earth [[Father]]''. Augustus Caesar was "Soter" or [[4990|Savior]] and offered [[salvation]] for those who would [[repent]] and follow [[The Way|His way]] of [[righteousness]]. | |||
James tells us that even devils ''believe''.<Ref>James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.</Ref> but he doe not do the will of God. Jesus had several parables about those who do the will of God and those who do not do the will of God<Ref>[[Matthew 21]]:28 ¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons... | |||
: [[Luke 15]]:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: | |||
"Even Satan and the angle Michael are created sons of God. One obedient and the other disobedient and cast out.</Ref> even to the point of being sent away.<Ref>Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] '''[[workers of iniquity]]'''.</Ref> Jesus even went so far as to say that it is the doers of the will of aHis Father that will enter into the kingdom of heaven.<Ref>Matthew 7:21 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. | |||
: Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.</Ref> | |||
Not only Jesus and the Old Testament<Ref>Job 8:20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers: | |||
: Psalms 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. | |||
: Psalms 101:8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.</Ref> but James clearly repeats this same principle of needing to be a doer of righteousness according to the word of God.<Ref>James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:</Ref> | |||
James warns us about the vain man <Ref>James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. | |||
: James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? | |||
: James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?</Ref>and his false religion. He goes on to warn us against boasting about anything <Ref>James 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.</Ref>that if you know something is good and you do not do it then it is a sin.<Ref>James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.</Ref> | |||
Despite all the [[warnings]] of Jesus and the apostles including Paul's [[warnings]] that the "unrighteous shall [[not inherit the kingdom]] of God?" and instructs us to not be deceived that there is a long list of people ''doing things'' that will keep them from inheriting the kingdom.<Ref>1 Corinthians 6:9 ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor [[covet]]ous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.</Ref> | |||
Yet, many modern preachers use an age-old tactic of Satan. They deceive you with the truth. What they fail to tell you is the whole truth which Paul and others repeat over and over again. If you love him in your heart with true faith you will [[keep the commandments]]. Paul repeats that long list of things you should not be doing if you have real faith. Yes, it is true that if you confess Jesus as your risen king who [[appoint]]ed a kingdom at hand to His [[little flock]] and believe this in your heart you will be saved through no work of your own where God owes you. Yes, it is true that if are led of the Spirit you are not under the law.<Ref>Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.</Ref> | |||
But if you are led of the Spirit you will not manifest the long list that Paul gives us concerning the works of the flesh.<Ref>Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; [[Adultery]], fornication, uncleanness, [[lasciviousness]], 20 [[Idolatry]], witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 [[covet|Envyings]], murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall [[not inherit]] the kingdom of God.</Ref> | |||
The whole conversation between Paul and the Romans was to clarify that that ''there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek''.<Ref>Romans 10:12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.</Ref> Paul was only talking about the traditions of the Jews about ''circumcision of the flesh'' and ''counting days and moons''<Ref>Galatians 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.</Ref> being done away with with the same topic appearing again in Colossians.<Ref>Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the [[sabbath]] [days]:</Ref> Paul was assuring them that they would continue to be a part of the international network of charity providing welfare for the faithful even if they did not get circumcised or take on the ritual practice common among some Jews. | |||
Paul was not giving Christians of the [[early Church]] a license to fornicate, murder, or [[covet]] their neighbor's goods. He did not say nor even suggest that we do not have to [[keep the commandments]]. The will of God remains the same and true faith will instill in us the deeds of repentance. If we love God we will [[keep the commandments]]. If our claim of faith is a lie to ourselves and others then our faith is dead we will not [[keep the commandments]]. | |||
== Study the will of God == | |||
Then the question may arise as to how do we know the will of God? | |||
Is it by our "study" of ourselves or our heart or even the "study" of the Bible and the endless publications of books<Ref>Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. | |||
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.</Ref> that we will know the will of God for us? | |||
Is "studying" anything more than our [[flesh and blood]] works to pick the fruit and eat of the [[trees|tree of knowledge]]? | |||
We know that it is not knowing by [[flesh and blood]] that we will know the truth<Ref>Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for [[flesh and blood]] hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.</Ref> nor inherit the kingdom.<Ref>1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. | |||
: Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: | |||
: Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.</Ref> | |||
We are told to [[repent]] and to [[seek]] but the places in the Bible where we are told to study the author was apparently telling us something quite different. | |||
In Thessalonians we are "commanded" to "study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands".<Ref>1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;</Ref> But the word "study" in the original text is philotimeomai<Ref>{{5389}}</Ref> which actually mean to bring something to pass because of your love of honor, striving. In [[socialism]], you often provide for yourself with the hands of others through men who [[exercise authority]]. That idea is more and more acceptable by millions who say they are Christians and believers. [[Was_Jesus_a_socialist|Jesus was not a socialist]] and condemned the [[Pharisees]] and their [[socialist]] agenda. Many modern Christians do not know this because the [[modern Church]] is not preaching the whole [[gospel of the kingdom]]. | |||
In 2 Timothy Paul tells us to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman"<Ref>[[2 Timothy 2]]:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing[orthotomeo [[3718]] "to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course, equiv. to doing right] the word of truth.</Ref> But again the word ''"[[study]]"'' is from the Greek ''spoudazo'' <Ref>{{4704}}</Ref> which has to do with ''exerting oneself'', endeavoring and to ''give diligence'' which as workmen seems to have to do with what you do, your ''works''. | |||
The only time the Bible speaks to us about ''study'' it seems more a warning.<Ref>Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.</Ref> not that there is any prohibition for the tree of knowledge is placed in the garden but it is just not to be the source from which we are given direction and the power to act or even change. | |||
== The Teacher == | |||
You can only learn the will of God from God. | |||
When the people sought a ruler, a government who could exercise authority we were warned by God in [[1 Samuel 8]] that the rulers would take and take and take and when we cried out God would not hear us. God would not hear us until we heard the cries of others. | |||
This principle repeats itself in the teachings of Christ. We are only forgiven if we forgive others.<Ref>Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. | |||
: Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. | |||
: Mark 11:25 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. </Ref> | |||
We see t also expressed in the ''golden rule''<Ref>Matthew 7:12 ¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.</Ref> and identified as the strait gate.<Ref>Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:</Ref> Modern preachers widen the way by taking Paul out of the context of Paul<Ref>Matthew 7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.</Ref> deceiving many with their version of the gospel which is short of the whole truth.<Ref>Matthew 7:15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.</Ref> | |||
You know who are real Christians and if you really believe by the ''fruits of the Spirit''<Ref name="fruitsspirit"></Ref> or the fruits of the flesh.<Ref>[[Matthew 7]]: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.</Ref>This is why Christ was adamant that by their fruits you will know them and Paul preached Christ first.<Ref>[[Matthew 7]]20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.</Ref> | |||
The [[modern Church]] preacher has taken Paul out of the context of Paul and even out of the context of [[Christ]], preaching a false gospel because they are not preaching the whole gospel. | |||
One of the reasons we gather together is so that we may forgive because only if we forgive others<Ref>: Luke 17:3 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.</Ref> can we be forgiven. While we may not be under the law that are the statutes of [[Moses]], Jesus makes it clear that we are expected to do those things commanded by God.<Ref>Luke 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.</Ref> | |||
Christ requires the fruits of the Spirit<Ref name="fruitsspirit"></Ref> and not merely lip service.<Ref>Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but their heart is far from me.</Ref> | |||
The law imposed upon you from the outside you will probably not be able to keep but if the Spirit of God is in you because you truly repent and believe then the law is written in your heart.<Ref>Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)</Ref> | |||
== The Shortlist == | |||
: The [[shortlist]] | |||
=== Listed === | |||
# [[Repent]] of trying to establish a Utopian government ruled by [[gods]], men who call themselves [[benefactors]], the ''[[fathers]] of the earth'', or the [[covet]]ous who all use ''[[force]] and violence'' | |||
# [[Gather]] by ranks of [[tens]] in the [[love]] of [[Christ]] as He [[commanded]] | |||
# [[Forgive]] so that we may be forgiven or you will fail to [[persevere]]. | |||
# [[Care]] for one another in a [[daily ministration]] of [[fervent charity]]. | |||
# Attend to the [[weightier matters]] of the [[kingdom of God]] through [[faith]], [[hope]], and [[charity]]. | |||
# Give so that you may be given to. | # Give so that you may be given to. | ||
If I repent my thinking has changed. | |||
But have I changed in a truly Christian way taught by Jesus? | |||
* "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." | |||
* Transformed = metamorphous, i.e. caterpillar to butterfly. | |||
We cannot Transform ourselves by our own will. We may need to seek and strive and do those things that allow ourselves to be transformed. It is the [[Holy Spirit]] of God that must change us by writing on our hearts and minds. | |||
We cannot save our selves or design that change for we do not know how to change simply with our own efforts and study because: | |||
* "Flesh and blood cannot [[inherit]] the [[kingdom of God]]." | |||
"Unless you become like little children you shall not see the kingdom of God." | |||
Young Children are full of "I want", "I need", and "ego" driven attitudes. They can have very little appreciation, knowledge or concern of or for the work that actually goes into providing or sustaining the basics they ''demand''. | |||
Little children do have ''egos'' but they are also overwhelmed by the power and presence of their parents because they know they are helpless without them. What young children are is pliable, and accepting. They have a natural loyalty to their parents, at least at first, because their parents are the ones they look up to and depend upon. | |||
We are often ego-driven but what father do we look to for our personal welfare or daily bread? Many today look to the [[fathers]] of the earth in the same way that many people looked to [[Rome]] and [[Herod]] and their temples for their daily [[free bread]]. | |||
But our spiritual [[Father]] is in heaven and we must learn to be spirit-led by His [[Holy Spirit]] which will produce different fruit worth of repentance. If we are truly transformed by His [[Holy Spirit]] we would not be tempted by the [[covetous practices]] of the [[world]], nor the self-righteousness of [[false religion]] nor enticed by the [[wages of unrighteousness]] that [[curse children]] turning the people into both [[merchandise]] and [[perfect savages]]. | |||
If the “The real destroyers of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations, and benefits”<Ref> [[Plutarch]]</Ref> then the real battle for the kingdom transpires inside our own hearts. | |||
We need to not only fast from those "bounties, donations, and benefits" offered by men who exercise authority one over the other but we need to provide through [[charity]] those "bounties, donations, and benefits" to our fellowman in [[Pure religion]] unspotted by the [[world]] of [[public welfare]] provided by [[force]] . | |||
To remain faithful in our fast and persevere in setting the table of the Lord we will need a humble heart void of the ''ego of self-righteousness''. We are not in control of our ego but our ego can be controlled by the spirit of God if I will lay down our willful and selfish nature. Our ego life will diminish as we serve God by serving others in righteousness. | |||
This begins when we [[love]] our neighbor at least as much as we love ourselves. We certainly cannot [[covet]] our neighbors' goods or scheme to take from your neighbor through ''unrighteous institutions'' and honestly claim to love our neighbor. But more than that you should not, must not, be [[slothful]] in setting the table of the Lord or in caring for the needs of your neighbor through [[charity]]. | |||
If we are the instrument of righteousness we will diligently come together to provide for others in need. For if we are not diligent we will be yielding our neighbor to ''unrighteous institutions'' of the [[world]].<Ref>[[Romans 6]]:13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.</Ref> | |||
If we judge it is okay to take from our neighbor then it is also okay for our neighbor to take from us.<Ref>Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. | |||
: Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: | |||
</Ref> If we seek the blood of our neighbor for gain by [[consent]] then we are giving consent for our own blood to be seized and we shall be trapped and [[snare]]d by our own [[consent]] and [[wantonness]].<Ref>[[Proverbs 1]]:10 ¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: | |||
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: | |||
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: | |||
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: | |||
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: | |||
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. | |||
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. | |||
18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.</Ref> | |||
We may love our families but we need to love our neighbor's family with equal dedication and fervor.<Ref>[[Matthew 5]]:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?</Ref> One way to ''lay down'' your ego is to lay down your not only your wantonness but also your selfishness by not only fasting from [[covetous practices]] but by sacrificing to care for others in a [[daily ministration]] like the [[early Church]]. | |||
The word ''ego'' is the Latin verb for ''I am''. | |||
The "I AM" is a good thing depending on what "I AM"... | |||
''The creator is called ''I am'' and we were supposed to be made in His image. When we disobeyed the wisdom of our Father and gave birth to our own opinion and self-righteousness we were remade in another "self-serving I am" other than the "I AM" of our Father.'' | |||
If we look to ''our Father who art in Heaven'' for our [[daily bread]] by faith through [[charity]] we shall be regenerated into a child of light. Just as we were [[Polybius|degenerated]] when we [[covet]]ously desired the [[wages of unrighteousness]] and began to look to the "[[fathers]] of the earth" for their daily [[free bread]]. | |||
This is why we have to be as little children. It is not the destruction of the ego but the conformity of our ego to the "I AM of God" as our Father. But ''what is the shortlist of the I am of God.'' | |||
God is a ''worker of righteousness, a [[doer]] of deeds, a provider of blessings, a creator life, a giver of gifts, and a forgiver of mankind.'' Are we willing to be made in that image even if it means we must lay down our life daily? | |||
Are we these things or even diligently seeking to be these things and shall we persevere in our search for these characteristics of the [[Holy Spirit]] of God? | |||
We are not changed by the doctrines of men, the catechisms of religious philosophies. ''We are changed by the Spirit of God dwelling in us which is made possible by not putting your will first but by doing the will of the Father.<Ref>Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.</Ref> | |||
While there may be a humble admission that we are often not doing things according to the will and nature of God which is the nature of Christ, when we rise up from the prayer of faith in Christ "not my will, but thine, be done" we should manifest that obedience to [[Doctrines of Jesus|His doctrines]]. | |||
The Plan of Christ was a "viable workable plausible plan" of action and doing that people can actually implement to establish those communities and congregations [[commanded]] by Christ. | |||
| Line 146: | Line 267: | ||
The law in the kingdom of God is a simple | The law in the kingdom of God is a simple [[Ten Commandments]] summarized in [[Two commandments]]. Loving and following that law of God, which is merely [[the way]] of God. | ||
You will [[love]] others even if they are [[sinners]], [[foolish]], or "know not what they do". | |||
You will [[forgive]] others whether they hate you, [[rebuke]] you justly or not. | |||
You will be giving to others, sacrificing your time, your wealth, and even your life for others. | |||
We are supposed to tear down the altars of men who worship [[Satan]], the devil, i.e. the adversary of God. | |||
People [[worship]] at those altars every time they "pray" to them for [[benefits]] provided at the expense of their neighbor by men who call themselves [[benefactors]] but [[exercise authority]]. | |||
We can only tear down those altars of the [[world]] and their [[temples]] of unrighteous [[mammon]] by building the [[altars]] of God mad of [[Lively Stones of a Living Altar]] which operate by [[faith]], [[hope]] and [[charity]] and the [[perfect law of liberty]]. | |||
You are not going to conquer anything, defeat anything, beat anything... You can only hope to conform to [[Christ]], and the ''Father'' and become a brother to all men through giving and forgiving or you are going to perish. | |||
There is work to be done. | |||
{{Template:Network}} | |||
== Footnotes == | |||
<references /> | |||
{{Template:Gregory-info}} | |||
1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; | |||
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. | |||
[[Category:Articles]] | |||
Latest revision as of 21:17, 28 November 2023
Lists
Many people have desired a simple checklist of things we can do to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Christ provided such a list in the context of the gospel. Paul and the apostles also provided lists of do's and don'ts within their epistles and shared warnings about how to check the sincerity and veracity of our repentance and faith.
We have written a Christians check list and a First to do List but there could be a value in having a short overall list of the basic parameters to repenting and seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness which would give us simple and short outline of instruction by Jesus to the people who desired to follow Him and His Church in general.
- Repent
- Seek
- Kingdom of God
- Righteousness of God
- Forgive
- So you maybe forgiven
- Persevere
- Love one another
- Gather
- free assemblies as Commanded by Christ
- In the name of Christ
- According to the Doctrines of Jesus
- Attend to the weightier matters
Men must change
Someone contemplating the state of mankind, problems with the governments of the world, and a need for change in their relationships with each other, mentioned the line from a movie, "Before kingdoms can change, men must change." [1] What is often keeping us from changing is what we think is true but just isn't so. The strong delusion we have been warned about was to come from God that we would believe a lie.[2] There is, of course, a reason God does that which is explained in earlier verses. The Bible should always be read in the context of the Bible which includes the times, language and who is being written.
I knew the quote mentioned above was from the movie Jesus of Nazareth and the actor was Michael York playing John the Baptist.[3] He was speaking to Herod Antipas while in prison waiting for what would be his political execution.
I recently searched in the Bible and on the internet for the quote in that and other similar forms of the phrase.[4] While the quote is not specifically found in the Bible, there are numerous people that attribute it to John the Baptist.
To be honest, Christ came to change the hearts of men, not the governments of the world directly. He did come that the world might be saved. What many people do not remember is that He did say He was going to take the government, specifically the kingdom of God, away[5] from the "chief priests and Pharisees".[6]
He would do this by the words of their own mouth[7] and appoint it to another,[8] which He did[9] with the approval and acceptance of the Roman Empire sealed by his blood.
It is true also that repentance[10] and seeking righteousness together[11] are changing the way one thinks and relates to others. And certainly "being born again"[12] also involves change. Do we have the power to change ourselves and if we did where do we get the knowledge to know how to change? Eating of the tree of knowledge is how we got in trouble back in the Garden.
The changeling Spirit
So we can agree that we needed to "change" by some sort of transformation of the mind.[13] But do we have the personal ability and power to transform our own minds with our own mind?
It should be clear that it is not the words of preachers or even prophets written upon our minds, nor our own alterations to our mind which transform us but the actual writing of God and His Holy Spirit upon our hearts and minds.[14] The original witness of this process of change being implemented in us by God and not by our own efforts was at least in Jeramiah.[15]
This writing by God's Spirit is not accomplished by flesh and blood but revelation.[16] But how do we know it is the revelation of God that we see and not our own imagination?[17] Paul's warnings about man's imagination had already been referred to in Romans 2:15 where their imagination could lead not only to accusing but excusing sin.[18]
We cannot save ourselves simply by our own words and deeds. We see evidence of this with Paul's teachings about "not by works" but by "regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost".[19]
Faithful Romans
Paul wrote to the remaining Roman Christians after many Christian Jews were expelled by Claudius from Rome.[20] Their practice of Pure Religion and refusal to sign up for the free bread of the Roman welfare state provided through their government temples made them outcasts and would eventually lead to the Christian conflict with the Imperial Cult of Rome.
The remaining Roman Christians were considering conforming to the rules and traditions of the Jews like those concerned with these traditions when Paul writes for several chapters about "circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit".[21]
Being saved is an act of grace by God who transforms and changes us through no physical act or mental alteration of our own will. There must be free will in order for there to be love. That choice may be seen in the prayer, "not my will, but thine".[22]
Paul writes to the Romans, who were not cast out with the Christian Jews but allowed to stay in Rome, that if they were to confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.[23] To whom was Paul speaking, why was he saying it and what did he mean?
Paul was careful to warn them in Romans 10 verse 3[24] not to be going about to establish their own righteousness.
And again Paul had warned in verse 6 that we should not try to say in our hearts who is saved and going to heaven[25] but many Modern Christians are going about saying they are saved or tempting others to profess that they are saved because they comply with verse 9[23]
We need to realize that the use of the word salvation was not just about if you were going to heaven after death. Early Christians were daily seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus was clear that real repentance and faith brings forth the fruits of repentance.[26] If we believe in Jesus as Lord unto righteousness we will see the fruits of the spirit[27] and not desiring the wages of unrighteousness nor the free bread of Rome nor the works of iniquity.
It is both a vain deceit and a false philosophies[28] that has been creeping[29] into modern Christianity that has spoiled the people to think that all you have to do is confess Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that he was raised from the dead and you are automatically saved.
In the very next verse, Paul makes it clear that real belief in the heart of man will manifest unto righteousness. If the actions of mankind are unrighteous then he clearly does not believe unto righteousness. Paul's statement about confessing with your mouth unto salvation.[30] is simply reassuring those Romans that the faithful who say there is another king, one Jesus[31] and are providing the daily ministration through fervent charity by their faith will continue to be saved as a viable part of the faithful network of the Church according to Paul.
Local congregations were providing all the social welfare for Christians, caring for the widows and orphans of their society through pure religion and rightly dividing free bread from house to house as needed. Paul was delivering emergency aid all over the Roman Empire to the Christian community during dearths. Rome was also providing free bread and emergency aid for the needy of their society through men who called themselves benefactors but exercised authority one over the other. They did that through their government temples and the Imperial Cult of Rome in a way like the Corban of the Pharisees and therefore made the word of God to none effect. Christians were forbidden to be like that by their king, one Jesus.[31]
The Emperor was called the Patronus of Rome or Our Father who are in Rome. The king of the Christians also commanded to call no man on earth Father. Augustus Caesar was "Soter" or Savior and offered salvation for those who would repent and follow His way of righteousness.
James tells us that even devils believe.[32] but he doe not do the will of God. Jesus had several parables about those who do the will of God and those who do not do the will of God[33] even to the point of being sent away.[34] Jesus even went so far as to say that it is the doers of the will of aHis Father that will enter into the kingdom of heaven.[35]
Not only Jesus and the Old Testament[36] but James clearly repeats this same principle of needing to be a doer of righteousness according to the word of God.[37]
James warns us about the vain man [38]and his false religion. He goes on to warn us against boasting about anything [39]that if you know something is good and you do not do it then it is a sin.[40]
Despite all the warnings of Jesus and the apostles including Paul's warnings that the "unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" and instructs us to not be deceived that there is a long list of people doing things that will keep them from inheriting the kingdom.[41]
Yet, many modern preachers use an age-old tactic of Satan. They deceive you with the truth. What they fail to tell you is the whole truth which Paul and others repeat over and over again. If you love him in your heart with true faith you will keep the commandments. Paul repeats that long list of things you should not be doing if you have real faith. Yes, it is true that if you confess Jesus as your risen king who appointed a kingdom at hand to His little flock and believe this in your heart you will be saved through no work of your own where God owes you. Yes, it is true that if are led of the Spirit you are not under the law.[42] But if you are led of the Spirit you will not manifest the long list that Paul gives us concerning the works of the flesh.[43]
The whole conversation between Paul and the Romans was to clarify that that there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek.[44] Paul was only talking about the traditions of the Jews about circumcision of the flesh and counting days and moons[45] being done away with with the same topic appearing again in Colossians.[46] Paul was assuring them that they would continue to be a part of the international network of charity providing welfare for the faithful even if they did not get circumcised or take on the ritual practice common among some Jews.
Paul was not giving Christians of the early Church a license to fornicate, murder, or covet their neighbor's goods. He did not say nor even suggest that we do not have to keep the commandments. The will of God remains the same and true faith will instill in us the deeds of repentance. If we love God we will keep the commandments. If our claim of faith is a lie to ourselves and others then our faith is dead we will not keep the commandments.
Study the will of God
Then the question may arise as to how do we know the will of God?
Is it by our "study" of ourselves or our heart or even the "study" of the Bible and the endless publications of books[47] that we will know the will of God for us?
Is "studying" anything more than our flesh and blood works to pick the fruit and eat of the tree of knowledge?
We know that it is not knowing by flesh and blood that we will know the truth[48] nor inherit the kingdom.[49]
We are told to repent and to seek but the places in the Bible where we are told to study the author was apparently telling us something quite different.
In Thessalonians we are "commanded" to "study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands".[50] But the word "study" in the original text is philotimeomai[51] which actually mean to bring something to pass because of your love of honor, striving. In socialism, you often provide for yourself with the hands of others through men who exercise authority. That idea is more and more acceptable by millions who say they are Christians and believers. Jesus was not a socialist and condemned the Pharisees and their socialist agenda. Many modern Christians do not know this because the modern Church is not preaching the whole gospel of the kingdom.
In 2 Timothy Paul tells us to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman"[52] But again the word "study" is from the Greek spoudazo [53] which has to do with exerting oneself, endeavoring and to give diligence which as workmen seems to have to do with what you do, your works.
The only time the Bible speaks to us about study it seems more a warning.[54] not that there is any prohibition for the tree of knowledge is placed in the garden but it is just not to be the source from which we are given direction and the power to act or even change.
The Teacher
You can only learn the will of God from God.
When the people sought a ruler, a government who could exercise authority we were warned by God in 1 Samuel 8 that the rulers would take and take and take and when we cried out God would not hear us. God would not hear us until we heard the cries of others.
This principle repeats itself in the teachings of Christ. We are only forgiven if we forgive others.[55]
We see t also expressed in the golden rule[56] and identified as the strait gate.[57] Modern preachers widen the way by taking Paul out of the context of Paul[58] deceiving many with their version of the gospel which is short of the whole truth.[59]
You know who are real Christians and if you really believe by the fruits of the Spirit[27] or the fruits of the flesh.[60]This is why Christ was adamant that by their fruits you will know them and Paul preached Christ first.[61]
The modern Church preacher has taken Paul out of the context of Paul and even out of the context of Christ, preaching a false gospel because they are not preaching the whole gospel.
One of the reasons we gather together is so that we may forgive because only if we forgive others[62] can we be forgiven. While we may not be under the law that are the statutes of Moses, Jesus makes it clear that we are expected to do those things commanded by God.[63]
Christ requires the fruits of the Spirit[27] and not merely lip service.[64]
The law imposed upon you from the outside you will probably not be able to keep but if the Spirit of God is in you because you truly repent and believe then the law is written in your heart.[65]
The Shortlist
- The shortlist
Listed
- Repent of trying to establish a Utopian government ruled by gods, men who call themselves benefactors, the fathers of the earth, or the covetous who all use force and violence
- Gather by ranks of tens in the love of Christ as He commanded
- Forgive so that we may be forgiven or you will fail to persevere.
- Care for one another in a daily ministration of fervent charity.
- Attend to the weightier matters of the kingdom of God through faith, hope, and charity.
- Give so that you may be given to.
If I repent my thinking has changed.
But have I changed in a truly Christian way taught by Jesus?
- "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
- Transformed = metamorphous, i.e. caterpillar to butterfly.
We cannot Transform ourselves by our own will. We may need to seek and strive and do those things that allow ourselves to be transformed. It is the Holy Spirit of God that must change us by writing on our hearts and minds.
We cannot save our selves or design that change for we do not know how to change simply with our own efforts and study because:
- "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."
"Unless you become like little children you shall not see the kingdom of God."
Young Children are full of "I want", "I need", and "ego" driven attitudes. They can have very little appreciation, knowledge or concern of or for the work that actually goes into providing or sustaining the basics they demand.
Little children do have egos but they are also overwhelmed by the power and presence of their parents because they know they are helpless without them. What young children are is pliable, and accepting. They have a natural loyalty to their parents, at least at first, because their parents are the ones they look up to and depend upon.
We are often ego-driven but what father do we look to for our personal welfare or daily bread? Many today look to the fathers of the earth in the same way that many people looked to Rome and Herod and their temples for their daily free bread.
But our spiritual Father is in heaven and we must learn to be spirit-led by His Holy Spirit which will produce different fruit worth of repentance. If we are truly transformed by His Holy Spirit we would not be tempted by the covetous practices of the world, nor the self-righteousness of false religion nor enticed by the wages of unrighteousness that curse children turning the people into both merchandise and perfect savages.
If the “The real destroyers of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations, and benefits”[66] then the real battle for the kingdom transpires inside our own hearts.
We need to not only fast from those "bounties, donations, and benefits" offered by men who exercise authority one over the other but we need to provide through charity those "bounties, donations, and benefits" to our fellowman in Pure religion unspotted by the world of public welfare provided by force .
To remain faithful in our fast and persevere in setting the table of the Lord we will need a humble heart void of the ego of self-righteousness. We are not in control of our ego but our ego can be controlled by the spirit of God if I will lay down our willful and selfish nature. Our ego life will diminish as we serve God by serving others in righteousness.
This begins when we love our neighbor at least as much as we love ourselves. We certainly cannot covet our neighbors' goods or scheme to take from your neighbor through unrighteous institutions and honestly claim to love our neighbor. But more than that you should not, must not, be slothful in setting the table of the Lord or in caring for the needs of your neighbor through charity.
If we are the instrument of righteousness we will diligently come together to provide for others in need. For if we are not diligent we will be yielding our neighbor to unrighteous institutions of the world.[67]
If we judge it is okay to take from our neighbor then it is also okay for our neighbor to take from us.[68] If we seek the blood of our neighbor for gain by consent then we are giving consent for our own blood to be seized and we shall be trapped and snared by our own consent and wantonness.[69]
We may love our families but we need to love our neighbor's family with equal dedication and fervor.[70] One way to lay down your ego is to lay down your not only your wantonness but also your selfishness by not only fasting from covetous practices but by sacrificing to care for others in a daily ministration like the early Church.
The word ego is the Latin verb for I am. The "I AM" is a good thing depending on what "I AM"...
The creator is called I am and we were supposed to be made in His image. When we disobeyed the wisdom of our Father and gave birth to our own opinion and self-righteousness we were remade in another "self-serving I am" other than the "I AM" of our Father.
If we look to our Father who art in Heaven for our daily bread by faith through charity we shall be regenerated into a child of light. Just as we were degenerated when we covetously desired the wages of unrighteousness and began to look to the "fathers of the earth" for their daily free bread.
This is why we have to be as little children. It is not the destruction of the ego but the conformity of our ego to the "I AM of God" as our Father. But what is the shortlist of the I am of God.
God is a worker of righteousness, a doer of deeds, a provider of blessings, a creator life, a giver of gifts, and a forgiver of mankind. Are we willing to be made in that image even if it means we must lay down our life daily?
Are we these things or even diligently seeking to be these things and shall we persevere in our search for these characteristics of the Holy Spirit of God?
We are not changed by the doctrines of men, the catechisms of religious philosophies. We are changed by the Spirit of God dwelling in us which is made possible by not putting your will first but by doing the will of the Father.[71]
While there may be a humble admission that we are often not doing things according to the will and nature of God which is the nature of Christ, when we rise up from the prayer of faith in Christ "not my will, but thine, be done" we should manifest that obedience to His doctrines.
The Plan of Christ was a "viable workable plausible plan" of action and doing that people can actually implement to establish those communities and congregations commanded by Christ.
The law in the kingdom of God is a simple Ten Commandments summarized in Two commandments. Loving and following that law of God, which is merely the way of God.
You will love others even if they are sinners, foolish, or "know not what they do".
You will forgive others whether they hate you, rebuke you justly or not.
You will be giving to others, sacrificing your time, your wealth, and even your life for others.
We are supposed to tear down the altars of men who worship Satan, the devil, i.e. the adversary of God.
People worship at those altars every time they "pray" to them for benefits provided at the expense of their neighbor by men who call themselves benefactors but exercise authority.
We can only tear down those altars of the world and their temples of unrighteous mammon by building the altars of God mad of Lively Stones of a Living Altar which operate by faith, hope and charity and the perfect law of liberty.
You are not going to conquer anything, defeat anything, beat anything... You can only hope to conform to Christ, and the Father and become a brother to all men through giving and forgiving or you are going to perish.
There is work to be done.
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Footnotes
- ↑ Post on the ekklesiachurch email group October 14, 2008 from DJ.
- "Before kingdoms can change, men must change." I credit this line to a movie, but at the .moment can't remember which one.
- The shortlist? I must change. "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Transformed= metamorphous, i.e. caterpillar to butterfly. "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." "Unless you become like little children you shall not see the kingdom of God." While I am ego-driven, little children, infants, do not have egos. I must be spirit-led. The real battle for the kingdom transpires inside me. Am I in control of my ego, or is my ego in control of me? The ego is what is keeping us divided. Ego is the chainsaw falling the United States, as well as the so-called modern "church." A house divided against itself cannot stand. Ego is the fundamental element that divides, the primary element an adversary relies on to conquer. The enemy can and does exploit this, especially against those who are unconscious of the means by which the ego works.
- The shortlist? We must each recognize the ego within us and others, and learn the mechanics of its functioning. From there, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth because we will be able to be guided. We need only follow. We cannot follow the lead of the Holy Spirit if we are unconsciously allowing the ego to drive while we sit back in the capacity of a mere passenger. We cannot follow the Holy Spirit if we are constantly led by our ego. If we cannot distinguish our ego at work, we are hopelessly blind.
- Control. Are we in control of our ego, or is our ego in control of us? If my ego is in control of me, the governments of the world have a stake in me. If I am in control of my ego, and I have given my allegiance to my Father, no government of the world can have a hold on me.
- Fear, doubt, and disbelief all reside in the ego. Love is the power that can transform these residents of the ego. Sanctification is the means of cleansing, and this is accomplished by surrender. I must therefore sacrifice my ego to the transforming power of love.
- What would a man look like, what would a man be like, whose ego has been completely transformed?
- The kingdom of God is within us. So is the United States. The choice is ours. Ego is the chain binding us to the latter, preventing us from entering fully into the former. Preventing us from cooperating. Preventing the kingdom from being fully manifest in us, both individually and collectively.
- The Kingdoms of this world are ego based, ego driven, as are all institutions of the world, and this would include some if not most churches. Is this church ego based, ego driven? If it is, it is no difference than any other church, as it is still of the world, notwithstanding our legal appearance of separation from the world. Unless our Father build the house, they who build it labor in vain. The kingdom of heaven is not of this world, i.e. not ego-based. The gates of hell will not prevail against a church that is not ego-based, as such a church is spirit-based and spirit-led. All other churches will invariably fail.
- Our king "killed," his ego at Calvary, thereby showing us the means by which we too may enter the heavenly state. "Pick up your cross, daily, and follow me," he said. I will interpret that as meaning: "address the issue of your ego daily, sacrifice it for the sake of others, for the sake of the kingdom, and you will lead them by following my example." He "died so that we might live." What about him died? His ego and his body. He was still alive, though he were dead, and thereafter his whole being was resurrected. If there is any doubt that his ego is what he was putting to death during this process, that the ego was what he was sacrificing, why then was he sweating drops of blood in prayer the night before.
- It is easy for me to see ego at work because I am so good at being led by my ego. It is easy for me to recognize in others what I do not like about myself. I see much ego driven conversation in this group. This needs to be recognized for what it is, and ultimately curtailed. The kingdom of God will not flourish in an ego driven environment.
- The shortlist? We must each recognize the control our respective ego's have over us personally. In so doing we will recognize the control the ego at work in others. In recognizing this, we can begin our work by taking the impediment into consideration.
- Interesting. My ego is deriving a certain satisfaction in writing this. I look forward to the day when I speak from pure spirit."
- ↑ 2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
- ↑ you can hear him say it 2:24 minutes into (Part One) Jesus of Nazareth
- ↑ "Before governments will change, men must change" most of the search results, at least on Google, were my own writings, articles, and books or people quoting them.
- ↑ Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
- ↑ Matthew 21:45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
- ↑ Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
- ↑ Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
- ↑ Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
- John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
- John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
- Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
- Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
- ↑ Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
- Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
- Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
- Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
- Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
- Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
- ↑ Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
- Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- Matthew 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
- [we... might serve him without fear]Luke 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
- John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment
- ↑ John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
- 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
- ↑ Romans 12:2 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.
- ↑ Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
- Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
- ↑ Jeremiah 31:33 But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- ↑ Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
- ↑ 3053 ~λογισμός~ logismos \@log-is-mos’\@ from 3049; TDNT-4:284,536; {See TDNT 449} n m AV-thought 1, imagination 1; 2
- 1) a reckoning, computation
- 2) a reasoning: such as is hostile to the Christian faith
- 3) a judgment, decision: such as conscience passes
- ↑
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
- Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
- Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
- Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
- ↑ Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
- ↑ Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
- ↑ Romans 2:29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
- ↑ Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
- ↑ Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
- ↑ Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above]:)
- ↑ Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
- Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
- ↑ Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
- ↑ 2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
- ↑ Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.
- ↑ James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
- ↑ Matthew 21:28 ¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons...
- Luke 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
- ↑ Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.
- ↑ Matthew 7:21 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.
- Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
- ↑ Job 8:20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
- Psalms 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
- Psalms 101:8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
- ↑ James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
- ↑ James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
- James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
- James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
- ↑ James 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
- ↑ James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
- ↑ 1 Corinthians 6:9 ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
- ↑ Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
- ↑ Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
- ↑ Romans 10:12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
- ↑ Galatians 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
- ↑ Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:
- ↑ Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
- ↑ Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
- ↑ 1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
- Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
- Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
- ↑ 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
- ↑ 5389 ~φιλοτιμέομαι~ philotimeomai \@fil-ot-im-eh’-om-ahee\@ middle voice from a compound of 5384 and 5092; ; v AV-strive 1, labour 1, study 1; 3
- 1) to be fond of honour
- 1a) to be actuated by love of honour
- 1b) from a love of honour to strive to bring something to pass
- 2) to be ambitious
- 2a) to strive earnestly, make it one’s aim
- 1) to be fond of honour
- ↑ 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing[orthotomeo 3718 "to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course, equiv. to doing right] the word of truth.
- ↑ 4704 ~σπουδάζω~ spoudazo \@spoo-dad’-zo\@ from 4710; TDNT-7:559,1069; {See TDNT 735} v AV-endeavour 3, do diligence 2, be diligent 2, give diligence 1, be forward 1, labour 1, study 1; 11
- 1) to hasten, make haste
- 2) to exert one’s self, endeavour, give diligence
- ↑ Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.
- ↑ Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
- Mark 11:25 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.
- ↑ Matthew 7:12 ¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
- ↑ Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
- ↑ Matthew 7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
- ↑ Matthew 7:15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
- ↑ Matthew 7:16 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.
- ↑ Matthew 720 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
- ↑ : Luke 17:3 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.
- ↑ Luke 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
- ↑ Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but their heart is far from me.
- ↑ Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
- ↑ Plutarch
- ↑ Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
- ↑ Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
- Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
- ↑ Proverbs 1:10 ¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: 16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
- ↑ Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
- ↑ Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
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1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.