# 225: Be Like Jesus?

We sing, "Be like Jesus is my song." To be Biblically correct, that song should go this way: "Be like Jesus is my life." I am certain many have wondered what Jesus Christ would teach if He came to earth for the second time in human form in this 21st century—even though we know His actual second coming will be at the end of time—with superhuman power to reward His chosen and condemn those who did not believe and obey the gospel. But let’s just suppose this premature coming of Christ would be advantageous for His cause to straighten up a few of the mis-beliefs being practiced by 21st-century Christians.

Jesus Christ did come back to earth as a human through the lives of His followers. Colossians 1:27. "To them [saints] God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is CHRIST IN YOU the hope of glory." [Emphasis added]. John 14:17. "But you know him, for he lives with you and will be/is in you." Yes, Christ is back on earth in the lives of His genuine followers. That is a somber truth that should shape how we live. Since Christ is living His holy life through our physical bodies, we must conform how we live as if Jesus Christ, not ourselves, was actually living again. Are we who call ourselves Christians living in that manner? It is sad to say, but the answer is no, not many. Why not?

You see, Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. Therefore, perfection must be our constant goal. Whether we believe it or not, we live in a realm of perfection. You may ask, "How so?" Answer: Luke 17: 20. "The kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say, ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God is where perfection exists. If that is so, we are living as if perfection is the core of our lives.

Why don’t we hear this call for perfection from the pulpit? Response: Some will say, "You must be kidding. How can we be like Jesus, since He lived the perfect life?” Others will say, "Regardless of what scripture commands, that bar for perfection is unreachable for the Christian community." Regardless of what we believe, this is what the New Testament commands with the following verses:

Matthew 5:48. "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

2nd Corinthians 13:11. "Finally, brothers, goodbye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal . . ."

2nd Corinthians 7:1. "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

2nd Corinthians 13:9. ". . . our prayer is for your perfection."

Hebrews 10:14. "Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."

You see, since we have been made perfect by the sacrifice of Christ, now we have the perfect incentive to put into action what was freely given to us. It is like someone giving us a billion dollars; and if we actually believed it, then and only then would we start to spend that money. The perfection which was given to us by Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross is synonymous with all that money. The only way we wouldn’t start to live in that realm of perfection is if we didn’t believe we were made holy. Webster’s dictionary describes holy as: "spiritually perfect or pure." When people believe they were made holy and perfect but don’t desire to live a holy life, they would be classified as hypocrites—the greatest enemies of God. Yes, even worse than ungodly atheists.

The following verses are commands which imply/infer that we must/can now live like Jesus.

1st John 2:6. "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus walked."

Ephesians 5:1. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love . . ."

Philippians 2:5. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

1st Thessalonians 1: 6. "You became imitators of us [Paul and other saints] and of the Lord in spite of severe suffering . . ."

2nd Thessalonians 3:9. ". . . but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow."

2nd Thessalonians 3:7. The apostle Paul speaking: "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example."

1st Peter 1:16. "For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’"

1st Corinthians 11:1. The apostle Paul speaking: "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ."

John 13:15. Jesus speaking: "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Philippians 3:17. "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."

1st Peter 2:21. "To this we were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his footsteps."

2nd Peter 3:14. ". . . make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him."

Colossians 1:28. ". . . so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

Matthew 19:21. "Jesus, answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.’"

1st John 3:2-3. "But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure."

Galatians 4:19. "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you."

As any fool can tell, there is overwhelming evidence that we are to "be like Jesus." When we have an all-consuming faith and desire to live in that fashion, it can be said that we are living and heading toward perfection, becoming more Christ-like every day.

There are many different categorizes of people on this earth. The majority are “run-of–the-mill” types, just settling for whatever comes along. Then there are the mediocre. They settle for just getting by in life. Then there are those who will settle for nothing but the best. This type of lifestyle requires much effort. The best of anything doesn’t come easy. If they are not genuine Christians, they will become famous in one way or another by their achievements.

This may be the main reason there are thousands of different types of Christians. The entire Bible is written by fallible humans—though the author is God—in such a way that most of us have a different picture of what the Bible is all about. I believe a perfect God can take advantage of human frailties that pop up mostly throughout the New Testament. That said, almost anyone can make the Bible say what they want by picking and choosing only the verses that fit their human makeup. For God, that is no problem. There are many verses that, when over emphasized, ignored or misunderstood, will become more than enough rope, if you will, for all "christian" heretics to hang themselves.

Christianity can be summarized with these words: The first and all- important area is having faith in all that Christ did to purchase our Salvation (the new birth). If that faith does not produce love for God, Christ and our fellow man/woman, along with obedience to all Biblical commands, that faith in Christ as Lord and Savior does not exist except as a form of worthless words.

The Christian life is the most complex and demanding life in existence. There isn’t much that is easy when living as God dictates. The reason is because authentic Christians are sharers of the life of Christ/God. 2nd Peter 1:4 "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." The Godly life is not only something to learn about, but it is a continual “in-the-first-person” experience. If it is not being experienced, it is not Christianity. And a person knows with certainty that they are experiencing the life of God if their desires and actions are Christ-like. Romans 8:9. "And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."

Since this is a Biblical blog, we have to make certain we are including all verses in the Christian Bible pertaining to the subject at hand. In other words, we are condensing all the information on this subject from the 26 books of the New Testament into one short post. When this subject of “be like Jesus” is omitted or underemphasized by any Christian organization, you can be sure those church leaders are propagating a deadly heresy. That is the reason we must become familiar with all the different aspects of living the Christian life, and there are many. Lack of understanding, disobeying, or avoiding just one segment can create a slippery slope ending in the arms of the great deceiver.

Putting together this Biblical blog has become an astronomical, life-or- death responsibility for this author. Believe me: This blog, as you can tell, is not being written to pamper the readers by telling them what they want to hear. The professional clergy does more than enough of that.

Many Bible truths, which this blog brings to the surface, are hard, if not seemingly impossible, to put into practice. Those who are offended and think that these somewhat sarcastic/caustic words are the work of a disgruntled lunatic should compare your lives with the New Testament. If your lives are not in unison with the written Word of God, then you have the right to believe as you do, and eventually pay the price with the possible destruction of your souls.

Finally, “be like Jesus” is the foundation holding up the holiness and perfection of Christianity. The only thing is, Who’s making every effort to live a holy life? Modern Christianity has been made into this mediocre saying: "I have been saved years ago, and therefore have been a Christian for many years, so leave me alone with all this talk about living a life that is on the path to perfection."

Yes, the "religious" have made the most precious and important aspect of life into a formality of going to church on Sunday and being "good" the rest of the week, if even that. This fact says that Satan, the father of lies, has won the battle for human souls, except for a very few dedicated followers who desire with all their heart, soul, mind and strength to “be like Jesus.” No easy task.

The epilogue of this post is this: When anyone is about to do or avoid doing anything, be it good or bad, we must ask ourselves, Would Jesus Christ be doing this or that? Would He avoid doing this or that? If we truly know Him, love Him and obey His commands, we cannot “be like Jesus” without doing what He would and would not do. These are tough but necessary words, which is the highest form of Christianity. Jesus Christ had to live it. We must emulate it. Will you and I conform to such a rigorous standard? It is possible, but never will it come naturally and never will it be easy. “Be like Jesus”’ is the backbone of genuine Christ-like Christianity (becoming the best Christians possible). This is a far cry from what the majority of organized religions have been, and still are, preaching. Why is that?

# 224: Spiritual Substance

This post is extremely short and to the point. As we understand the word “substance,” it is something real. Basic matter is real. Substance has solid qualities. That would seem to disqualify anything that is spiritual as having substance. Not so. The best example of spiritual substance is the God who made the universe out of nothing physical (spiritual substance). That is the Almighty God many of us put our faith in. Of course, atheists, etc. believe life ends when we die; they believe genuine Christians are having delusions. If they only knew what they are missing out on: life at its best.

Also, good evidence of spiritual substance is our thinking process. Although our ability to think in cognitive ways originates in our mind, thoughts and memory, etc. are the workings of a physical instrument which encases the mind, our brain. A better definition of the mind: thoughts, perception, feels, wills, intellect and the seat of our consciousness. None of these attributes are physical. Therefore, the workings of the mind are spiritual, yet they all exist. What I am attempting to say is that invisible attributes do exist which have spiritual substance.

Another aspect of the spiritual realm is sin. What is sin? A condition of being guilty of continued offenses against God, religion or good morals. Sinners may forget or not be aware of their sins. People may be forgiven of their sins by the one offended, and yet those sins are spiritual stuff that does not go away. Therefore, at death, the sins we committed—whether they are forgiven or not by God or man/woman—still cling to the sinners (complete and detailed files compilied on every individual that always did and always will exist). They are in the hands of the creator, God Almighty. We will all be judged according to what those files tell the Judge on the last day, the judgment day.

All the good a person does is also spiritual substance. Whatever good Christians have done, which is also part of the spirit world attributed to the Holy Spirit, even if forgotten, at death, they still cannot be taken from our files. As it says in Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." ------ All of these are evidence of our love, belief and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. These virtues are all part of the spirit world, which display themselves with action. This is also the place where God and all His angels abide, along with Satan and his evil angels. Ephesians 6:12. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

All that has ever been done or thought of since the beginning of time is recorded in the spirit realm for eternity. No one can keep any secrets from this Godly spirit world. Therefore, if you desire to please God and be obedient to His will, before you think of or do anything that is contrary to what is good and holy, think again. It is being recorded verbatim for all to see when the time comes.

Now the question comes up: What is going to happen to the sins of those who belong to God and will live for eternity? This is the wonderful part of God’s plan. There is a way to remove the wrongdoings of God’s saints. All the sins of genuine believers were taken by Jesus Christ and became a part of Him. For our sins, He was killed and sent to a spiritual prison in hell. 1st Peter 3:18-20. But because of His perfection, that eternal death could not hold Him. He had to be freed; death had no power over a sinless person. [Paraphrased]. That was the only way to obliterate our sins for all eternity.

A nice part of being freed from our sins is that we will never be reminded of them, since they won’t exist anymore. We will be in that spiritual place we have been longing for: God’s presence, where even the thought of sins is eradicated. We will be given spiritual amnesia concerning the evil that was so prevalent on this earth.

As you can tell, the spirit world of God is eternal and invisible, which we cannot see with our earthly eyes, and is made up of invisible substance, while the physical world is inferior and temporal. Scripture is silent, to a large degree, as to the spirit world, other than calling it heaven. The little we may have learned from this post can help us to realize that even though we are continually surrounded by the physical world, it should not be the primary realm of importance for us to strive for. We worship a God who is invisible; therefore, let us dwell, pray and meditate on things that will make the invisible substance as real—which it is—as the material world. I am sure there is so much more to the spirit world which is not mentioned in this post. But possibly this post may give us food for thought and action.

In ending, when it comes to what does and doesn’t have substance, physical substance—with which we are well acquainted—will be abolished and everything will be made new. Revelation 21:5. "He who sits on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’" That “new”’ stuff is made of spiritual matter, our new home, and will be with us forever. Amen.

This next paragraph is taken verbatim from post # 210: "Forty Interesting and Shocking Notes." I thought it would add a few thoughts to spiritual matters.

42) Thoughts are a critical component of God’s invisible realm. They have an extremely long shelf life, till the end of time (judgment day). They just hang around waiting to manifest themselves, by making their home in receptive individuals. For that reason, whatever we wish on others will in time come full-circle and we will pay the price/receive the benefits—good or bad—when what we secretly wished on others ends up in our lives. Galatians 6:7. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Actually, this is a universal law. For that reason, and for love’s sake, we should wish good things on all other people, if possible, even our enemies. That also is a variation of this principle: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If we love, we will be loved, if not by humans, by God. This is something to remember: Once a thought is manifested, try to destroy it. It can’t be done! (I didn’t say to forget it.) Have we ever wondered why a certain disagreeable or blessed event may have happened to us? Think back; most likely, we wished that same thing/s on a certain person or persons, possibly years ago. This principle is for real; believe it.

# 223: The Cross

Though we hear much of the cross of Christ in Scripture, the cross is the least preached when it comes to the cross the disciples of Christ are instructed to bear. The cross as used in modern times as an ornament around the neck or as a pin, along with the subtle worship of the cross by many who call themselves Christians, is a disgrace to the actual meaning of a cross.

If I am not mistaken, the cross as an object/ornament of worship was started by the Roman Catholic Church. That belief/practice supposedly was to fulfill the command to carry our cross daily. That practice could be one of the most widely practiced desecrations of Holy Scripture.

Against that background of use, this post will unequivocally display the meaning of the cross as described in the New Testament. Let's start by giving Webster’s meaning of the cross in context as it is presented in Scripture. "Cross: any trouble or affliction that one has to bear; also, anything that thwarts or frustrates."

First are the verses that command Christians to take up their cross in order to qualify as followers of Jesus:

Matthew 10:38. "And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

Matthew 16:24-25. "Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.’"

Mark 8:34-35 is identical to Matthews 16:24-25, except Mark made a little addition: "whoever loses his life for me and for the ‘gospel’ will save it." Mark also uses the word “save” instead of “find.”

Luke 9:23-24 is identical to Matthew 16: 24-25, except Luke adds the word “daily”: "take up his cross ‘daily’. . . "

Galatians 6:12. ". . . the only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ." As the word “cross” is used in Scripture, it signified suffering, hatred, persecution and trouble.

Luke 14:27. "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Plainly, the cross is a word symbolizing disagreeable circumstances; that is the stigma the cross represents. No one in their right mind purposely would want any of these unpleasant conditions to come their way. That is the main and only reason the truth of the cross is not preached or practiced in these modern times. We want our lives to be pleasant and easy.

Ask yourselves this question: Why did many, if not most, of the religious leaders and many of the Jews hate Jesus Christ? One very simple answer: John 7:7. "The world cannot hate you but it hates me [Jesus] because I testify that what it does is evil." Are we as disciples of Christ commanded to make Jesus our role model? Yes, at least 6 verses require that He be our only paradigm. This above verse is telling us, in no uncertain terms, that if we live and act as Jesus did, we will have our cross, which may be with us daily.

Also, John 7:7 is the powerhouse of a verse that inspired this author to go public with the evil the religious world is and has been doing from the beginning. Being as bold as this blog has been, especially against the religious hierarchy, has made this the most hated blog/website or any other Biblical Internet information center in the complete World Wide Web. And the only reason is because it exposes the shenanigans (cotton-candy-and-holy-bull gospel) the majority of organized religion has been engaged in by brainwashing the laity into believing what they preach is gospel truth. What they proclaim from the pulpit may sound reasonable enough to the spiritually naive, but what they don’t preach converts their silence into a pleasant but demonic heresy.

In the next month or two, a post will be published simply entitled "Omissions," telling what most have never heard and will never hear from the pulpit. This post on our cross is one of them which we are commanded to bear. Of course, if the majority who are not aware of or turn a blind eye to (remain silent) what is being passed off as genuine Christianity, they will continue to believe that carrying their ornamental cross around their neck is enough evidence to display they are Christians. Ha-ha!

The New Testament dictates that we, as disciples of Christ, must bear the bad circumstances the cross symbolizes. Again, why don’t we see these evil things happening to those who take on the name of Christians in America? I ask this question: What are these generic "christians" doing that would infuriate—as Jesus did and this blog does—any of those in high religious positions? Simply put: nothing. That is the crime against God which we are now exposing. The only thing is, what weight will this “still-small voice” carry among millions of people that like their religion the way it is? And if some believe it is not our place to rock the boat, that may mean that they may be part of the problem or that they are indifferent (a subtle form of hatred) to Biblical truth. And yet, I am sure there may be other ungodly, though seemingly logical, reasons for our inaction and silence.

Before we get into describing the tough part of the Christian life, let’s look at the wonderful life that will become a reality when we play by the rules. Above and beyond the difficulties our cross will bring us, the Christian life can only be describe as “life at its very best.” This sounds like a contradiction in terms. Here is the reason why: Jesus Christ will be living His life through us, by His Holy Spirit. What is it like when we live for the desires and motivations of another (Jesus Christ)? There is so much good which is derived from living the Christian life as it was meant to be, that it overrides and is able to glorify the difficulties of our cross. How? Because we have been allowed to participate in God’s Divine Nature. This fact is an incredible truth, to actually be sharers in God’s nature. 2nd Peter 1:4.

First and foremost, the realm of love we are living in: This God-type (agape) love we receive from God allows us to live with an attitude of unbelievable security: not only the security we have for all eternity, but a love that gives us strength and confidence, regardless of what the world throws at us. What I mean is that we become invincible—or it at least seems that way—against all the schemes and plots of the devil. I believe it would take volumes to describe all that God’s love is able to accomplish. The best way to describe this love is that it is not even close to the human love many of us live by. If human love was valued at one dollar, the love we receive from God is worth one billion dollars, and even that is not a good comparison. That love gives us the ability and desire to love our hurting neighbors and even our despised enemies. This love must actually be experienced to be understood.

Then comes the completeness we become aware of. What is meant by this is that we don’t need or desire the admiration and approval of others to make us feel good about ourselves. In short, we don’t need the things that bring satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment that the world so dearly needs: things that puff us up inside; in our own small way, we feel as if we must keep up with the Joneses (keeping in style with all the latest fashions, etc). The best way to describe this completeness is that, we Christians are so full of God-given greatness which nothing outside of us can complement. Let me tell you a secret: We all unknowingly desire this completeness, and in an attempt to satisfy our desire for wholeness, we pile up material things and attitudes so that the world will think we are the greatest. Continuing with the secret. . . we can tell how empty people are of real value on the inside by the amount of material things they have accumulated. Inwardly wealthy people (genuine Christians) don’t need—or better yet, don’t desire—any of that stuff, since they are inwardly satisfied with spiritual treasures.

And thirdly, this one is important for people who are concerned mostly, if not only, with their own spiritual welfare. We were not saved, born again, sanctified, justified, etc. by God as a means in itself. Though our holiness is necessary and important to God, it is a means of bringing others to God by how we live, what we say and how we love. That must be the Christian’s first and main concern. You see, we don’t count. Don’t get me wrong; God loves us with an undying love. But His concern is more so for the souls of the lost; somehow through our continued effort, God can convince them that His way is the only way to living a complete life.

These Godly attributes are the things that make our cross nothing more than pesky mosquitoes, if you will. We will survive the mosquitoes. And even if they bring our human body to the grave, we lose nothing, but actually gain real life. We must at all times keep in mind that this life is only a prelude/prologue to eternity. For that reason we must not place too much emphasis on this life, but keep our energies on all that God commands. For they are what will keep us walking the line Jesus Christ marked out for us, even though no one loves it when it seems the whole world is out to get us (the cross). It is in God’s plan, and for our own good, to bear the cross. If there is no cross in the lives of some, that is a good indication that their lives are not being lived in compliance with a God-ordained necessity, be it in the first century or in our present freedom-of-religion type of atmosphere. Let me paraphrase John 7:7. If the world hates us, it is because we testify that what it does is evil. Of course, we won’t know what evil the religious world is doing if we don’t make our life one with God’s Word, the New Testament. Don’t believe this blog, except for the New Testament verses; then check for yourself to see if they are in context with the rest of Scripture.

There are many, many verses that clearly describe the vile events that will follow those who willingly take up their cross daily. The following 25 verses are such: They may be boring and unreal in this culture with our freedom of religion. In America, that freedom we so treasure may have contributed to our lackadaisical attitude in continuing to proclaim and live what Christ started. And yet, when people in America and elsewhere adamantly live a lifestyle of obedience as commanded in the New Testament, many disagreeable situations (the cross) will follow them.

The majority of church-going people will never hear a sermon on these verses from the pulpit, regardless of how loving and godly the preachers may seem.

Romans 8:17. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory."

Acts 14:22. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

2nd Timothy 3:12. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Hebrews 12:7. "Endure hardships as discipline: God is treating you as sons."

Matthew 10:22-23. "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another."

Matthew 24:9-10. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other."

Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . ."

2nd Corinthians 1:3. "Praise be to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Luke 6:22. "Blessed are you when men hate, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man."

Luke 21:17-19. "All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will save yourselves."

Luke 21:12. "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you."

Luke 11:49. "‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of them whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’"

John 15:18-20. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belong 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 . . . If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." Who Is Jesus referring to by the word “they”? Is it not the religious leaders? Things haven’t changed much in the last 2,000 years. Many of them are still the culprits.

John 17:14. Jesus speaking to our Heavenly Father: "‘I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am not of this world.’"

Acts 11:19. "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen. . . ."

Acts 12:1 "It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them."

Romans 12:14. "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

1st Corinthians 4:12. "When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it."

Romans 8:35. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardships or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"

2nd Corinthians 4:9. ". . . persecuted but not abandoned . . ."

Galatians 5:11. ". . . why am I still being persecuted?"

1st Thessalonians 3:4. "In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted."

2nd Timothy 2:3. "Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

2nd Timothy 4:5. ". . . endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

Revelation 2:3. "You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary."

All these will be the result of carrying our cross, which most often is a blessing in disguise. There are at least two reasons we don’t see this cross in America: This country has become a nation of religious tolerance because of our freedom of religion, and secondly, the cross we are commanded to bear is not preached from the majority, if not all, of organized religion. Our cross has several specific purposes: Romans 5:3-5. "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Finally, even though this post on the cross, which openly displays what every genuine Christian must be prepared to bear, has been in the Bible for over 2,000 years, I am certain this teaching will seem new and therefore may be rejected by most, believing it is not relevant in our modern society. This may seem true, but if a good number of disciples of Christ started to become adamant about desiring to live as Scripture requires, and start exposing what many churches remain silent on, they will, in no time, be carrying their crosses. Amen.

# 222: Need God?

As the last few words were being written, to this author’s surprise, many of the precepts in this post were new to him, as they might be to some of the readers. The question comes up, Where did the source of this information come from? Become a part of this blog. Feedback would be appreciated.

All life, especially human life, is needy. Our needs are many. We all have basic needs such as food, water, clothing, shelter, etc. Then we may have needs that start out as “wants,” but in time, some of these “wants” somehow are converted into basic needs.

The fewer needs we have or desire, apart from the basics, the better off we are. This may sound strange to some, and yet, if we examine our needs closely, we will discover that we become dependent on the very things that are supposed to enrich our lives. This fact indicates that the more dependent we are on our needs, the more our lives become enslaved by them. (Our needs and desires possess us, instead of us possessing them).

Therefore, looking at life from a Godly point of view, those with fewer needs are, in a real sense, wealthier than those who are dependent (dependency exposes weakness) on more of whatever needs have been acquired. That fact seems to say that fulfilling our desires and needs, even though they satisfy, makes some people poor though they may have piles of money in the bank.

There is a verse, Matthew 5:3, that would defy understanding from a worldly perspective. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Why would God bless the spiritual poor? Wouldn’t you think God would bless those who are rich in spiritual commodities? The answer may sound like a riddle, but not so. Those who are in desperate need for all that God offers are the blessed poor; they are poor because they, to a great degree are completely dependent on God, while those who believe they are spiritually rich in God’s sight may be of little or no account to Him. Again, that seems to be an oxymoron. A continual need for God, along with the lasting wealth He offers, is of great value to God, Christ and the human respondents.

Need and love are partners. If and when love and need are separated, they both will cease to exist. Love is no more than words when there isn’t need for that love. In order for us to love God as He requires, which is with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, there has to be a strong and growing need for Him. Without a display of that love and need for God, we are only fooling ourselves. We display that love for Jesus by being obedient to His teaching. John 14:23-24. "Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching . . . He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.’" These verses and at least four more identical verses in John, Chapter 14 and 15, describe a binding connection between love and obedience. Without love, there can be no obedience; without obedience, there is no love; without a need for both, we may be delving into nothing but beautiful yet empty religious words. The awareness of our spiritual needs starts our Divine ball rolling, which under the right conditions will never stop.

Why does God love His children with a special love? Because He, in a way, needs them. That statement is not a sacrilege. Without us to love Him, He would, in a sense, not be a God of love. Even as Almighty as God is, His love for us must be attached with need. If God’s love was not combined with need for His earthly children, then who would continue His Son’s work? Therefore, it is a privilege and honor to be loved and needed by God through Jesus Christ. Human love must be mutual for each other in order to function properly—love combined with need makes the two, one—Divine love does the same, but to an even greater degree.

Do you and I have a deep, all-consuming love for God which springs from need and makes us one with Him? Before we can answer this question, we must first of all be honest with ourselves, and second, find out what ways are we dependent on Him. This is a critical question. Remember, our complete Salvation works this way: Faith in Christ and all He has done for us comes first; that faith, if genuine, produces love and need for our heavenly Father; finally, that faith along with our love-need combination for God, produces obedience. Take just one of the above criterion away and we end up with a bunch of powerless words. Said another way, those requirements cannot be compromised. I did not make up these absolutes; this Biblical blog is more than descriptive, in bringing them emphatically out into the open. This test will tell us if we are just fooling ourselves. It is bad enough to be fooled by others (Satan working through the lives of many deceptive church leaders), but even worse is to fool ourselves. Who wants to play the part of a fool?

Several of the major problems in Christianity are: We—including this author—do not love/need God as much as is required, nor do we love our neighbors as ourselves. If that isn’t difficult enough, we are commanded to love our enemies. I can tell you from experience; it isn’t an easy task to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, along with loving our neighbors and enemies. They are the main criteria that unequivocally tell us we are worshiping the true God. To my knowledge, no other religion incorporates those three.

That is where the hard part of being a genuine Christian comes into play. Besides love for other humans, which isn’t always peaches and cream, I ask this question: Why does God expect/demand the type of passionate intensity in our love for Him which should make all our other loves seem like hatred?

Answer: Anything less would endorse/espouse mediocrity; Christianity could not and would not function as required with half-baked followers. Then some would ask: "Who can actually love God to that degree?" God’s high standard is such that no matter how holy and devoted people may be, they still will not reach the zenith of love for God; there will always be need for more. That would imply that one can never come to the point where he/she can start resting on one’s laurels. There will always be a need to strive to a higher degree of love for God: That Holy Grail is perfection.

This all-encompassing love for God is the main foundation for all else that follows. Even faith in Christ for Salvation would be null and void without an active desire to continue to love God as described in the aforementioned manner. Put another way, it could be summed up in these few words: "From first to last, Christianity is a religion of Divine love for God and neighbor." No more, no less.

Every genuine Christian is at a different level of love for God. A person just born again today (being saved) may not be aware of the importance to have love for God and our need to receive His love to survive in a world-in-rebellion that is dominated by self-interest. But in a very short time, he/she will become aware of the need for our mutual love relationship, which we must have with our Creator. That is an absolute. Of course, it all hinges on whether one is a genuine Christian.

This type of setup for loving God makes every believer qualified to have their names written in heaven, regardless of what level of love for God they are at. Only one dire word of caution: no stonewalling; there must be growth in love for God at all times. Love for God is never dormant; it is like having one foot on a banana peel and one in hell. It is a crying shame that there are many in a stagnant relationship with God, which is no relationship at all.

Loving God with all our faculties is an active venture of continually negating many worldly things and attitudes we had been engaged in; though they may not be sinful in themselves, they rob us of what is needed to devote prime time to Godly activities. This unpleasant part of Christianity—which isn’t unpleasant at all once we actually are starting to experience the life of Christ—is what many denominations are silent on; they somehow or another circumvent this most crucial part of God’s plan of Salvation with feel-good holy bull, which many accept as truth and therefore may be denied passage into real life.

In conclusion, as one can tell, there is need in every phase of the Christian life. Become aware of those needs and then pray to God that He inspires us to fulfill them. All life is needy in one way or another. Let us examine our lives to see if we truly need God. He needs us, although His need is not desperate, where our need for Him must be whole hearted; halfhearted love will never do to please God. Please, for your sake, keep your love for God alive and growing. That is the secret to living the Christian life to its fullest. Every human on earth needs God’s love, although the majority are not aware of that fact. Remember, love is the solution to every earthly problem. Let your need for love (God’s love) be known by loving God and those in need. That is the Christian life. Amen and amen. God will bless all who take the words in this post to heart and put them into practice. jc@exposing-pseudo-Christianity.org

# 221: Be on Guard

Living in a world where just about everyone is looking out for their own skin, it is extremely necessary to be on our guard from people who want to take advantage of us for their own selfish interests. Even though the majority of the world’s population is honest, quite often their honesty is self-motivated.

There are millions of us being scammed by con-artists and unscrupulous people on the Internet. Their kind is growing by leaps and bounds. Identity theft is always on the increase. It is difficult to guard ourselves since we use our credit card whenever possible. And all it takes is for one thief to get hold of our credit card number, and they can, with false identity, rob us blind and make our future a living hell in trying to clear our name.

But the most prevalent and successful of all con-artists—abbreviation for confident man/woman—are those who are accepted by the majority as upright and loving people. These are the ones that are almost impossible to detect. I am talking about many of the religious leaders around the world. They will say and do anything to get our money and devotion. One of the ways they do this is to “whitemail” us by using Holy Scripture in no uncertain terms: If we don’t give to the cause of Christ—actually, it is their own cause—we will go to hell.

The main reason for the origin of this blog is to expose pseudo- Christianity. They are the ones we must be on our guard against. Many of them are as slippery as deadly snakes. They are killers of our souls, the most important part of us. They know exactly what to say and not to say that seems in agreement with the Holy Bible. They emphatically use holy words from Scripture as the upright clergy uses. Matthew 16:6 and 12. "‘Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” It is repeated in verse 16; then the apostles understood what He was saying: "Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Luke 12:1 says: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Webster says that hypocrisy is: “a pretending to be what one is not; a pretense of virtue, piety, etc." Also read Matthew, Chapter 23, to see what Jesus thought of the religious leaders. It is no different today in many churches.

In that case, how are we to tell the difference between those who would give their lives to save our souls, and those that have been lovingly exploiting us since who-knows-when? The answer is not cut-and-dry; it depends on one’s desires. If one is intimately familiar with the New Testament and has a desire to be obedient to what it commands, most likely they can’t be tricked. For those who are not acquainted with New Testament Scripture, there is little hope for them of knowing the difference.

Another excellent way of telling who is who is to look at the ones who preach material wealth and prosperity and the good things in this life according to the Old Testament; they are the slippery snakes along with those who preach how easy it is to be Christians: Just accept Christ as Lord and Savior and you are heaven-bound. The “‘once saved, always saved” crowd, and there are millions of them, especially the Baptists, etc.: Billy Graham has been their main spokesman since the 1950s. Click on post # 152: “Billy Graham: Man of God?” Every false preacher has his own ploys ; so as to keep his/her seats full and their coffers overflowing. They use the holy name of Jesus Christ to their own advantage. They are attractive, always smiling: lazy experts, shrouded in deceptive greed.

Then there are those (the laity) who live in a worldly way, accepting most of what is going on in the world as okay for them to indulge in, be it sports, visual entertainment, making life as easy as possible, or always looking forward to having a good time. They would be easy prey for slick-mouth preachers. The largest group, who may never know the difference are those who keep their religion in their back pocket and never once think of God, Christ or Godly things during the day. The only time God comes to their conscious mind is when in a church building or in desperate need and yell out, "O God, please help me."

There are many more indications of false religious leaders, and the New Testament could, and most likely would, expose them all. As I have said dozens of times, read the New Testament and put into practice what is commanded; then God and I guarantee that you will be on the straight and narrow road to heaven. Any less is putting one’s own soul (spiritual being) into deadly danger.

Another evil force we must be constantly on guard against is demonic terrorists. They are the silent terrorists who don’t bomb large buildings but kill their enemies (God’s people) with sly, subtle and insidious ways. We all are prone to this evil force. Our country is on guard against Islamic terrorists, and rightly so. But the bigger and more deadly force comes from the enemy within. Listen to what Luke has to say in Luke 12:4-5. "I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body [Islamic terrorists, etc.] and after that can do no more. But I will show you who you should fear: fear him [God] who, after killing the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Proverbs 1:7. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." The Old Testament gives several hundred verses that exhort us to fear only the Lord God Almighty, while the New Testament tells about a dozen times to fear the Lord. Here is just one: Acts 10:34- 35. "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

This above section of scripture has been distorted because of a misunderstanding in several ways. It does not mean we should not guard against those who mean us harm, but more importantly, we are to guard ourselves against having a lack of fear of Almighty God. Along with that, Jesus is indirectly saying that, as grievous as the death of our physical body is, the death of our soul (inner spirit) is a million times greater in value.

Also, Jesus is implying when we are in the good grace of our Savior, death is not to be feared. That doesn’t mean we should kill ourselves, which would annihilate all the good we have done so far. Of course, there is a time when life is more precious than other times: when we have small children who need a father and mother, a spouse whose life depends on our survival, or people who totally depend on us; it would be devastating to them if we were to die. For most genuine Christians, it would be beneficial to go with the Lord. In most cases, the ones who suffer are those left behind.

When all things are considered which are of primary importance, we must be constantly on guard as to all our actions to make certain they conform with all that New Testament Scripture commands, while also having an awesome fear of our God, since He has no choice but to send us where we don’t desire to go when our lives do not conform to His law of love. Our lives on earth will tell Him how we desire to act when in His presence. His mercy and grace, as wonderful and essential as they are, cannot bend the rules, even though He is a God of love. For that reason, we must always be on our guard, making certain our church leaders are on the up- and-up. And again I must emphasize that the New Testament is the only source of truth, when it is read with a pure heart and not attempting to justify our preconceived beliefs.

Just remember that the Holy Book has been read by thousands, even millions of people, and just about everyone comes up with conflicting views as to what it teaches. You and only you must be certain your understanding is the purest, holiest and most loving, which can be given to what it is attempting to teach us. That in itself is an awesome task, to say the least. I personally have been doing that for over 40 years. That is the reason some of what is written in this blog may seem farfetched. We must always remember that if Jesus Christ did nothing else, He turned the world’s values, which are derived from our sinful nature, upside down.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is no small task; it will take every fiber of our internal fortitude to live in a way that pleases the one who loves us and gave Himself for us. Isn’t that what every person who calls themselves Christian should be doing? This is a solemn warning: Be on your guard.

# 220: Inwardly Satisfied

What are some of the things, attitudes, etc. that could satisfy us inwardly? This is an extremely complex question that will not be easy to answer. In fact, this may be the most challenging post I have ever attempted to put together.

When we are dissatisfied inwardly, we will be groping and grabbing, without even knowing it, at whatever in order to somehow find satisfaction. This could be the genesis for much of the world’s problems. Most of us don’t consciously think about whether we are inwardly satisfied or not. Instead, if circumstances are going our way, we are happy and we feel satisfied. And when things are not going our way, we feel sad and unfilled.

The problem could be that we are attempting to cater to a spiritual part of us with worldly events and things. Even though we can see only our physical body, we are just as much a spiritual being (in our cognitive, emotional, reasoning, etc. attributes), which is extremely elusive in pinning down. In order to function in a way that leaves us inwardly content, we must feed that invisibly spiritual part of us.

The secret to actively accessing the inner self comes when a person is discontent with one’s life to the point where there is a desperate need for something—anything that sounds like it may relieve the disappointments and “humdrumness” of life.

To the contrary, like the song says, when "Everything’s going my way," there is little or no hope of tapping into real life (life’s spiritual enigma). The reason for that attitude is because our spirit being demands/requires to be “front and center” in one’s life, with little or no competition. That is where the difficulty comes in and never seems to end.

The reason that spirit is all-demanding is because it will be God’s Holy Spirit which will be activated. And that Spirit insists all our love and devotion go to Him and His Son Jesus Christ. This type of tough talk, which is prevalent throughout the New Testament, is what will disqualify many from tapping into the source of real life. "We want to have our cake and eat it too," or as some of the masculine gender would say, "We want our Kay and Edith too."

In reality, this puts humans between a rock and a hard place. We want to be content inwardly, but the price we must pay may seem much too high even though, through God's grace, entering into God's heavenly kingdom is a free gift. Here is the reason why: Our physical bodies were created in the likeness of animals (primates) whose nature is sinful (me first), while our spirit was created in the image of Almighty God, whose nature is love. For that reason, when a person desires to allow the spirit being to come to life, there may be a continue struggle: What is good for God’s Holy Spirit within us is usually distasteful to our physical instincts. And what is pleasing to our physical being is most often contrary to what our spirit desires.

That doesn’t seem fair. That is the very reason living the Christian life will be difficult; the closer we get to Christ, the more demanding our lives will be. 1st Peter 4:19. "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinner?" For that reason, in the eyes of the world and those who just take on the name Christian, there is no logic in living as Christ commands.

The earthly reward for living as our spirit life requires is a satisfied inner being. Living as our human nature demands gives transient satisfaction, if even that, while always searching for something better or more of whatever.

So what are we to do? Is it worth it to sacrifice many of our worldly joys and activities in an attempt to achieve a lasting inner contentment? In order to answer that question, we have to look at the whole picture concerning God’s plan of Salvation. Our satisfied spirit is only a fringe benefit, or a windfall; the main object of our Christian life is to allow God’s Spirit, through the holiness and love in our lives, to draw as many people as possible to Him, but more importantly, it is to live our holy lives of faith in obedience to Christ’s commands. And yet, the greatest blessing of all will be the eternal benefit of spending eternity with God and Christ.

The answer to the above question is yes, it is worth it, and here is why: The joy and satisfaction of living the spiritual life will eventually make the worldly joys we used to indulge in frivolous and a waste of good time. In fact, there is no comparison between the two forms of satisfaction. And the only way I can describe the difference is that worldly satisfaction is dependent on what happens, while the spiritual contentment is lasting in all circumstances. That doesn’t mean the Christian life will be easy. Temptations and hardships will continually be around, always trying to trip us up, and we will be hated by many because we will no longer conform to their way of life, be what it may. Matthew 10:22-23. "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another."

Here is the crux of having a satisfied inner being: Luke 11:13. ". . . how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7. "Ask and it will be given to you. . ." Those who actually receive God’s Holy Spirit will have God living in them. This is not such a great mystery. You have heard of people who are possessed by demons or even the devil himself. It becomes clear by their demonic action. They are tormented by their inner spirits.

Therefore, when we are indwelt by God’s life, our desires, actions, life and inner being are allowing Jesus Christ to control much, if not all, of what we do and desire. That Spirit is a serene Spirit, and that is where our satisfied inner being comes from.

We must remember that there is a multitude of people who claim to have been baptized with God’s Spirit, but live and act like worldly people, and have anything but a contented inner spirit. Anyone can tell when God’s Spirit is in us; it becomes evident through a dramatic change in who we are being controlled by. Matthew 7:20. "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

As previously mentioned, the main reason God gives us His Spirit is not to give us only a placid inner being, but to continue the work that Christ started 2,000 years ago. Regardless of what gift we have received, it is every person's job—by those who call themselves Christians (disciples of Christ)—to actively make Christ known as He is described in the New Testament. Other than the Holy Scripture, I believe this blog is invaluable in making our mission clear, and gives the reasons for such action which sometimes Scripture does not give. But don’t take my word for it; find out for yourself.

Read or listen on your CD player to large portions of New Testament Scripture daily, and put into practice what you read. Luke 8:21. "He [Jesus] replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’" Better advice could not be given, even though there will be many verses that cannot be understood or make no sense. Don’t be concerned with them: Just obey the ones that can be understood. Then we can be more certain of how to live, love and believe. Don’t take the opinions of the professionals who get paid; they must preach what sounds pleasing to our worldly ears. Don’t even trust what this blog says. You be the judge of how to live according to your understanding. And if one is truly sincere, regardless of what Scripture commands, the correct meaning will be given to whoever continues to seek God’s truth.

In conclusion, the human benefits of being obedient to all that Christ commands are contentment and serenity under all circumstances, which human words cannot accurately describe; it must be experienced. For whatever reason, God has blessed this author with that gift, which makes for a complete person. Believe the above words, since this message is coming from the horse’s mouth, as it were. God will expediently bless with a Godly contentment all who have a wholehearted desire to actually—not only in word—live in a way that is in accordance with the New Testament.

# 219: American Idol

The K.I.S.S. acronym, “Keep it Simple, Stupid” is fitting to start this post. We all know what an idol is, and what idolatry is, or do we? Just to keep the meaning straight, let’s quote Webster.

Idol: 1) “an image of god, used as an object or instrument of worship; 3) any object of ardent or excessive devotion or admiration; . . . .” Idolatry: 1) “worship of idols; 2) excessive devotion to or reverence for some person or thing.”

In the Old Testament, most often an idol refers to statues made by the hands of Israelites, for purposes of worshiping gods. This infuriates/ed the Lord God more than most anything else.

In the New Testament, idolatry is used several times as things other than statues of worship. Ephesians 5:5. “For this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such as an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

Colossians 3:5-6. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”

What is the most desired and worshiped object in America, actually the world? Answer: MONEY. Yes, money is one of America’s most adored idols. And it is not money itself that is worshiped, but the power to give the possessors just about anything their hearts desire. Money makes life controllable, like living in heaven on earth. Putting it another way: find a hundred people in America who would refuse to be materially wealthy people. I doubt you will find them. Wealth—most often unknowingly—becomes a much-adored idol. That is the reason why God detests wealth; it replaces Him as the main object of power and superiority. Whatever the idols are, be it wealth or a person/s, those idols become the object/s of adoration/worship.

When a wealthy or prosperous person is called “greedy,” that handle is worse than a dirty, multi-lettered expletive. Therefore, they don’t use it to label anyone, at least to their face. They use countless ubiquitous words that make the word “greedy” into something honorable and respected. Let’s name just a few: “one is doing well, has reached the American dream, is ambitious, a go-getter, wealthy, prosperous, wise when it comes to money, a financially successful entrepreneur, has a good head when it comes to financing, knows where to put his/her money so that it grows leaps and bounds,” etc. All these people are looked up to by the majority of Americans. They love that feeling of superiority and they cherish the good feelings money brings. Can anyone blame them for embellishing an “Easy and Secure Life,” which is their idol?

Another way we don’t use the word “idol” is when we admire a person/s much more than is warranted. In fact, we silently look up to them as gods. I am speaking of church leaders, especially the loving ones and those of large and successful churches. They (the laity) believe that, regardless of what their clergy preach, it is gospel truth.

Then there are the dignitaries and high officials of government, along with those who have made names for themselves in business, sports, and many other respected endeavors. They won’t say it, but they worship these people and make them their role models, or paradigms. In short, they would love to be in their shoes. Of course, the majority would deny that accusation.

This verse has been used dozens of times in this blog and it would readily apply in this context: Luke 16:15. “What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” Another verse that gives an explanation is in Luke 16:13. “You cannot serve both God and money.”

One reason God abhors wealth and highly desired things or people is because they bring secret pride, and pride in worldly things leaves God out in the cold. Our only pride must be in God and Christ.

That is not to say that wealthy or prominent people can’t become Christians. They can, but must not continue to be role models for other Christians who aspire to their stature. They must give generously to the work of Christ and devote prime time to knowing Christ and His holiness. They must denounce their wealth by generously helping the less fortunate and living a modest life. In no way are they to exhibit any signs of wealth, like large houses in exclusive neighborhoods, expensive motor vehicles, etc.

The main reason for the transformation of their lives is so that other people who are wannabe rich Christians, etc. won’t seek wealth as a Godly attribute. If they do, all other absolutely pertinent to Godly virtues, like love for God and neighbor, faith in Christ Jesus, obedience, etc., will unknowingly be put on the back burner. Money is that powerful and deceptive. As said previously, money and the power it gives are God’s biggest and strongest competition and Satan’s best friend.

Another must: When the wealthy give generously to charities and other notable avenues—can the rich be overly generous with all the needs in this world? It is impossible for them to be too generous—they must be certain their generosity is being channeled only through establishments that teach according to New Testament directives. The reason I say that is because if their money does not somehow lead a few people—hopefully many—to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and thus being saved, their generous giving will have no Godly value. Nothing will be added to their heavenly account. They will only be giving as secular charity does, and as important and necessary as that is, Christ and the giver receive no eternal credit or glory.

Here is a verse which tells what the rich, wealthy or prosperous who claim Christ as their Lord and Savior are to do with their wealth. 1st Timothy 6:17-19. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of life that is truly life.” In contrast to this single section, there are dozens upon dozens of verses that condemn wealth. I have already brought them to the surface in other posts, so I won’t be redundant, as I often am. Click on post # 175: “The Dark Side of Money” and post # 153: “Anatomy of Wealth.”

Do you and I have a firm foundation for the coming age? 2nd Peter 1:10: “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall . . .”

Do we in the world, especially in America, know the difference between good and evil? Or have we blurred the dividing line between the two and made it into an overwhelmingly popular gray area that has taken over the arena of moral values? Ouch.

I am certain this type of teaching will not go over well in our materialistic culture. And that is sad to say. Many conventional churches promote wealth and back it up with the Old Testament, which has been revised/fulfilled by Christ. This is worthy of a loud repeat: From Matthew to Revelation, the New Testament says the contrary. There is only that one section, as mentioned above, in the New Testament that CONDITIONALLY justifies wealth in the genuine Christian life. Why is that? Please answer.

In conclusion, the overall lifestyle in America unequivocally says that the American Idol is people and/or money. What does God think about our condition? Is that a blessing from God, or is it something else, like condemnation? Remember, the title of one of our most patriotic songs is: “God Bless America.” In what way is/has God spiritually blessed America in accordance with the New Testament? This is an extremely important question. If you remain silent, your silence will speak louder than words. Leave your comments and criticisms.

# 218: What is Love?

Love is the only answer to all of the world’s problems. Love is the solution for the Christian church’s complacency. Love is the fulfillment of all good things, as God puts it in three little words: “I love you.” All true and lasting love originates from God since God says, "I am Love." And yet, we don’t see much of His love in the world. Why not? The main reason is that Godly type Agape love is contrary to the love our human nature produces. Another reason is because it isn’t easy to reciprocate God’s divine love to others as He requires. Still, that love is the main criteria for living in a way which pleases God. Without it we are living in a glorified, worldly self-centeredness.

Although we may not be aware of it, love for God and from God is the most valuable possession we could desire or possess. And if/when that love is not fulfilled, we turn to humans for love. That is where the problems start and never end. If it is love for a mate, a parent, a child, a friend or whatever other type of human love, it will not totally satisfy. We still have a silent but gnawing need to be loved with intimate desperation. There remains an emptiness within us that continually says, "Please love me; I need/want to be loved." What we are crying out for is wholehearted, mutual devotion with God. And when we become aware of and start to experience that form of love with God and for God, we, for the first time, feel complete, even if every person in the world hates us.

That type of love doesn’t come suddenly or without much cultivation. It comes from our continual devotion to God and all that He requires. God’s devotion for us is already there, just waiting to be received; and when received through faith, we will start to reciprocate that love.

God is not able to bless us with His love unless and until we get ourselves out of His way. Let me explain: Even if we desire to know His love, when we are concerned with only our spiritual needs and wants, along with our material wants (how am I going to make out?)—and many other things that have to do with our own personal lives—there is little room left for God to squeeze in even a bit of His love into our busy lives.

We can know with certainty we are equipped with God’s love when we are concerned with others’ needs: spiritual, material, etc. God desires to reach out to others through us. Jesus Christ can continue His work only through His people. We are his hands, feet and mouth. Repeating, when we start to get ourselves, with our many needs, out of God’s way, then He can start to give us His love. Then, armed with His love, we will be genuinely concerned about others. That is one sure way we will know we are experiencing that life-giving love.

Several reminders: 1) It is next to impossible to have God’s love and keep it to ourselves. 2) We activate God’s love when it is shared. 3) The more of God’s love we are experiencing, the less human love and attention we will need or desire. That is another way we can know God’s love is working through us; the only thing is that we must be honest with ourselves.

Scripture could rightly be called the book of love. And 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13, could without a doubt be, the chapter of love. Verses 2 and 3 clearly tell that no matter what heights we acquire/d in our Christian walk—whether it’s to speak in the language of angels, have the gift of prophecy, fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, have the faith to move mountains and surrender our bodies to the flames, etc.—without love for those in need, we are nothing.

In God’s plan of Salvation, repentance of our sins—which gives us a complete pardon and belief in Christ—starts the ball rolling, but it is an active love for God, coupled with God’s love for us, which keeps it going. Without genuine love, that priceless faith fades into the shadows of death. To be brutally honest, without an active love for God and our neighbors in need, we are no more than gonging disks (false brothers and sisters). It is hard to believe that when one vital component is missing, all other Godly virtues we thought we possessed are trash waiting to be burned in the sight of God.

This truthful fact presents a gigantic issue in Christianity. We can rightfully say that Christianity is a system of obedience based on faith/belief, but even more importantly it is a system of faith expressing itself through love. That says that faith without love isn’t worth a diddle. Galatians 5:6 confirms that principle: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Ouch!

Do you and I have that holy love which is required by Scripture? Let us live with Biblical love. Continuing with the love chapter, starting with verse 4: "Love is patient." Do we have patience when other Christians/people malign our dedication to Christ? Do we have patience when we don’t get what we want when we want it? Do we have patience when things just don’t go our way? Without painting honorable pictures of ourselves, are we patient in all circumstances? Personally, I can’t give myself a very high grade on patience.

"Love is kind." Webster’s definition of kind: “sympathetic, friendly, gentle, tenderhearted, generous, etc.” I get a fair grade on this virtue. How do you see yourself? We have to be honest; if we are not, we are cheating only ourselves. Remember, we are attempting to discern if we have the required Christian love.

"Love does not envy." Definition of envy: “a feeling of discontent and ill-will because of another’s advantage, possessions, etc.; resentful dislike of another who has something one desires." There isn’t much more one can say about envy. I truly believe every authentic Christian—which excludes those who just take that holy name—has no desire to envy anyone, since they desire others to be better than themselves in every way, material and spiritual. Yes, lack of envy is a sure sign of having love for others and for God. If I were the judge, I would give all mature Christians, meaning those who possess God’s Spirit, an “A+”. For myself, I also would get a high grade.

"Love does not boast, it is not proud." The main reason we boast or are proud is because we are attempting to make up for something lacking in our lives to prove we are as good as or better than others. Any person who has the life of Jesus Christ should be lacking nothing. Completeness is waiting for us in Christ. The only virtue we should desire is to be more like Jesus. Yes, we should boast in the Lord and of His greatness and love, but not to display an air of piety or pride, tacitly saying, "Ha-ha; I am better than you because I am a disciple of Christ."

I have an ungodly though silent pride in my physical health and youthful physique, but I have been doing my best to somehow destroy that feeling of pride and have made some gains. I am an older man and most old people are dilapidated in one way or another. Because of that pride, I give myself a lousy grade of “C-” or less. I am not pleased with the fact that I am proud. It is an extremely difficult attitude to conquer. But now that I have spoken up, it will be easier to get an upper hand on my secret pride. James 5:16. "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man [woman] is powerful and effective." Let us exchange prayers; I will pray for you and you pray for me. My question is this: What am I lacking inwardly to need this pride? I should lack nothing, but evidently, I do lack something. I welcome comments and suggestions. Also, check your own life to see if you have pride, and then ask yourself, What am I lacking? This self- examination is only for people of God who desire and know the value of spiritual house-cleaning. The reason I say that is because pride is greatly valued, and rightfully so, by people who don’t belong to Christ. Find more info. in post # 187: "Anatomy of Pride & Humility."

"Love is not rude." We all know what it means to be rude. The question is, Why are some people rude?. It certainly is not a Godly trait. I am certain there are several reasons. I believe the main reason is that a rude person is not concerned with others’ feelings, and most likely is selfish. I don’t think there are many real Christians who are rude. Most of us get fairly high marks on rudeness.

"Love is not self-seeking." That is self-descriptive. I believe the majority of Christians get a failing grade when it comes to our “me-first” attitude. Although I am not aware of my own self-seeking attitude, I am certain I am guilty. I don’t think many of us, with a few exceptions, deserve any more than a “D-” if even that. The reason I give us a bad grade is because we are so used to catering to our own needs, or having others waiting on us, without thinking of those without. It could be that if we don’t change our ways concerning our self-seeking attitude, we may end up in a place we don’t expect.

"Love is not easily angered." I believe the key word is “‘easily.” What is the core reason we get angry? I believe there are legitimate reasons for getting angry when evil people do evil things to innocent people, and at the same time, not being easily angered at petty things. My anger comes out in this blog when people call themselves Christians and at the same time live ungodly lives. If you have a strong stomach, click on the first post # 145: "Just a Touch of Hell"—I accidentally have two # 145s—but basically, I am not an angry person. There are people—hopefully not Christians—who have an attitude of anger. How do you grade yourself when it comes to getting angry? I will be generous with my grade and give myself a “B.” There is a time to get angry.

"Love keeps no record of wrongs." This is where forgiveness can help; even forgive when there is no repentance on the part of the offender. If we don’t forgive with our heart, we are only hurting ourselves more than the offender. This is easier said than done. I don’t even know how to grade myself on this one. But, let’s continue to think about the harm we cause ourselves when we keep a record of wrongs.

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." Is the Apostle Paul saying that anything not connected with God’s truth is evil? It sounds that way to me. I honestly believe Christians do not delight in evil. I am certain most American Christians get high grades on this one.

"It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I ask this question: protects what or whom? Give me your answer. When it comes to “trusts, hopes, and perseveres,” I say yes, in God and Jesus Christ. My complete trust and hope are in God’s blessed plan of Salvation. And I pray I will persevere. Other than the protecting part, I give myself an “A.” I have no place else to turn to. I am lovingly stuck with Jesus Christ. Where is your hope and trust?

Galatians 5:22. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These virtues are self-explanatory, and don’t need any commentary.

There are many more aspects of love not mentioned in this section. The greatest is: Do we really love God? We can easily tell if we truly love Him by asking ourselves this question: "Do we obey the teachings commanded in the New Testament?” Amen. To find out what a few of these commands are in Scripture, click on post # 170: "Crimes in Christ’s Name Exposed."

# 217: Global Warming and God’s Part

The status quo the world dictates is this: "Birth, self promotion, and finally, death.” That’s life: no more, possibly much less. And yet, a hidden lie lurks in that widely- accepted hypothesis.

Those who believe intelligent life made its appearance on this planet just by chance, via Darwin’s natural selection—through an unguided evolution process—should think again as to what the overall accomplishment/s is/are for this continual cycle of birth, change, and finally, death. When one looks at our form of life with a weebit of an open mind, along with out-of-this-world seriousness, it is utter nonsense, since nothing is being achieved physically which has permanent value.

Then some will quickly say, "Our great technology is our achievement." That much-worshiped technology—since we think we just can’t live without it—is what will eventually be our doom. The reason our seemingly heaven-on-earth technology has/will continually work against us is because it is contrary to nature. We are no more than hybrid animals who were for eons physically active (made to move)—click on post # 109: "Creation, Evolution and Intelligent Design." When we wander from that form of natural activity, our slow demise will be what we reap. It is already happening: the 66% obesity rate in America, along with the myriad of other chronic diseases we have never seen to this degree in past generations, along with a prescription medicine for our every boo-boo. The majority of those medicines do work well in covering up our symptoms or whatever else they accomplish, while at the same time contaminating our bodies with their side effects; some are evident almost immediately, while others may never be known until it is too late.

In short, already our technology has spoiled us rotten to an unprecedented degree: laziness, which gives us much more time to engage in entertaining activities, which will increase our visits to the doctor and hasten our appointment with the undertaker. That sounds like technology in reverse.

The fruit of that technology has so far given us a toxic atmosphere, a polluted environment that is insidiously killing us, and now global warming, along with global dimming. That warming and dimming will, in a few generations (about 50 to 60 years), make life on this earth unbearable.

Let me explain: As most already know, greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and several other greenhouse gases) get trapped in our upper atmosphere, acting as a canopy, slowing down the release of earth's heat beyond our atmosphere. As those gases continue to accumulate in our atmosphere, the result is the warming of our planet.

A new phenomenon we were recently made aware of is “global dimming.” The way this comes about is particulate matter (from the combustion of diesel fuels, smoke stacks from electric power plants, from the exhaust of the thousands of airplanes flying day and night over our skies, etc.) gets trapped in the clouds and the upper air itself, thus restricting the amount of sunlight passing through them. That dimming has increased in the last 50 years or so, 22% in the U.S. to about 10% to 30% in other continents. The countries with the greatest amount of dimming are the industrial nations of China, Russia, the Unites States, even India and Europe.

In a way it has been a godsend, by cooling our planet a bit. Here is the problem: As we attempt to lower our CO2 emissions mostly from smoke stacks—we will succeed to a small degree—we also will lower the amount of particulate matter being released. That will lessen the global dimming, which will in turn slow down its cooling process; the result will be more global warming. If you have any comments or questions concerning global dimming, click on the comment section, or search Internet Explorer.

This is the pending paradox: As we decrease the amount of greenhouse gases we emit, thus having a slight cooling effect, we inadvertently decrease the particulate matter, which will have a warming effect. At this time, no one knows exactly which one will have the greater effect on the temperature of our planet. They are just shooting from the hip.

There has to be a delicate balance between CO2 and particulate matter. We have to figure out a way to continually decrease greenhouse gases—regardless of what it takes—while maintaining or increasing the particulate pollution. Good luck!

What will somehow have to happen is to install super-effective scrubbers in every smoke stack—a gigantic expense—or eliminate/replace them altogether with a clean source of electricity and have a mandate to dramatically increase solar energy on an individual basis, along with utilizing clean energy like wind, water, mandatory conservation and rationing. Eventually, gas-powered motor vehicles will have to be phased out of production. All these efforts will do little to reduce the present amount of greenhouse gasses already giving us problems; scientists say that a significant reduction of greenhouse gasses presently in our atmosphere will take up to 10 to 20 years to reduce, but that is only an educated guess.

If the global dimming is not decreased, the rate at which the polar icecaps are melting, along with the continual melting of Greenland’s ice sheet, our planet will be in the neighborhood of 18 degrees F. hotter by the end of the century. But if the earth’s dimming is weakened significantly by our efforts to clean our air, that catastrophic result may be in our midst much sooner, not to mention the rise in the levels of the oceans. I heard that by the year 2100, if drastic measures are not taken now, all the oceans may rise about 20 feet. That does not include some of our low-lying freshwater lakes. They will also, to a degree, be affected by that rise. A vast amount of the world’s real estate will be under water. Some of us may not be around if and when that happens. I really wonder if those “in the know” (atmospheric eggheads) are really aware of the propensity of the total damage to our beloved planet.

That is not the only problem. Our food supply will be lessened to a great degree, since many of our plants cannot tolerate that kind of heat. Even worse than that, a vast majority of the world's trees will die. That will mean less oxygen for us to breathe since those trees give us much of the oxygen we breathe on a daily basis. And the loss of trees and other vegetation unable to withstand the excess temperatures will mean more CO2 for earth, since CO2 is consumed by most, if not all, green life. In fact, greenhouses that grow green leafy plants inject CO2 into their greenhouses to produce a larger crop. I participated in that study when it was in the experimental stages.

Taking all the negative effects of global warming into account, the most devastating result of all may be the erratic and unpredictable weather changes: droughts in some places and floods in others. We have seen that happening this year and with severity. And that is with only ½ of a degree of increase of temperature worldwide. What will happen when it increases two- or threefold? In that same category, the oceans will also increase in temperature. What can we expect from hurricanes? Many, many more that will be super severe, which will be the norm. We have already had two Category 5 hurricanes reach landfall this year. That was the first time in the recorded history of hurricanes that it happened. These predictions are not wild guesses of a mad man, but actual predictions of known data.

What can we do about this pending catastrophe other than living green? One of two things: Buy some property in northern Canada or above the Arctic Circle while the price is still cheap (or in the Scandinavian countries or Siberia); or better yet, believe, love and live as God dictates so that death and suffering will not be a devastating event, but actually a blessing. That is the reason I previously used the clause, “it will be unbearable.”

Doing what we will in living green, the damage already incurred will not just disappear. As has been said previously, "The writing is on the wall." To believe otherwise is nothing less than being pollyannaish.

Could these upcoming verses be speaking of that unbearable period? Revelation 6:15-17: "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. They called to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the thrown and from the wrath of the lamb.’ For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" This scenario may be only a bit of holy conjecture. Nevertheless, now is the time to repent and change our ways; read large portions of the New Testament daily and believe what it says with action, with no passivity. God is waiting with open arms for all who are real, or desire to be real, disciples of Jesus Christ.

Even though God knew the end from the beginning, many times God works His ways through nature—even man-/woman-made nature, which is not really nature. Therefore, God through Christ will capitalize on these extreme conditions to draw more people to Himself when all hope of living a normal life on earth has vanished.

When we think highly of our human status, just remember that about 96 % or more of our DNA and physical makeup is the same as the chimpanzee and the orangutan. That tells us that we are animals with intelligence. Some will say, "How can you say that? The Bible says we were created in God’s image.” That is true. But our physical bodies are animal and our potential spiritual bodies/lives are made in the image of God. To give these words a finer point, being created in God’s spiritually image gives us the potential to become children of God; I like using this phrase: Clones-of-Christ-in-the-making.

Now if our intelligence came about without any help from God, then we could boast of our human greatness. Only thing, that boast would last until our death. At that time we will end up as a pile of bones and ashes. There isn’t much greatness in that except as fertilizer for the garden. Without God, life would be meaningless, except to live as educated/conniving animals. Isn’t that the way a majority of us are living? Without God, life would be a free-for-all: “Hooray for me and screw everyone else.” Of course, most of us do that in a dignified way. Like the philosopher once said, "I love me; who do you love?"

What does Christ say? John 12:25. "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." Some will say, "Christ couldn’t really mean that." If one believes the New Testament, they will believe it and make maximum effort to live accordingly.

Jesus reiterates that verse in Luke 14:26. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." Also, Matthew 10:37: "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." The apostle Paul gives us the essence of those commands when he says in Philippians 2:3-4, ". . . but in humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." You say, "But, to actually live that way is not normal or natural." That is absolutely true. But the true Christian life takes one big giant step above the natural.

This teaching of having greater love for others than self is underscored by the fact that our God is a jealous God. He commands us all to love and worship Him more than any other person or thing. And we display our love and worship for Him by our obedience to His command to love our neighbor. Matthew 22:27-39. "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.’" Those two commands must be every genuine Christian’s holy grail. Also, Biblical evidence as to God being a jealous God: Nahum 1:2. "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God." Exodus 20:5. "‘I, the Lord your God am a jealous God . . .’" 1st Corinthians 10:22. "Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealously?" Most churchgoers may never have heard about our God’s jealousy.

Could you imagine what a wonderful world we would be living in if every person was living as God commands? Guess what? Every genuine Christian is, or will soon be, living that way. Is that one of our Christian criteria? That is a command, not just a friendly suggestion. I am not saying that; the Bible says that, and I am just repeating what it said. Yes, having belief in and obedience to Almighty God is that important. Listen to what Paul said in Romans 1:5. ". . . we received grace and apostleship to call people from among the Gentiles (us who are not Jews) to the obedience that comes from faith." If we truly have faith, we will be obedient. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Although this is mandatory, it is not an easy teaching. But when one starts to experience this type of love for God and others, it will be easier. Does your church preach this type love and obedience? If not, they are suspect.

In ending, those who don’t believe in God, either by flatly denying the existence of God, or by not believing what His Son taught by ignoring His commands, are living in an animalistic world without God.

Although it doesn’t seem this way at this present time, God is fulfilling His prophesy as a result of our selfish free will. That means He is in control of global warming and all other earthly situations. A time is coming when it will be best for us to be certain we are in God’s favor. Now is that time. Where do you and I stand?

# 216: The Blessed Thorn

This post will help to explain the reason God’s ways are not our ways. Many of us wonder why God’s favor goes to the poor, the wearied, those in need, those with a quarrelsome and/or ill-tempered spouse, the lowly, the burdened, the weak, the humble, the downtrodden, those in dire straits, having an unruly or disobedient child/children, the gentile, those loaded down with continual problems, the destitute, those with physical handicaps, the underprivileged, the despondent, those caught in the grips of constant tribulation, etc. This list could be endless.

There is a story of a poor saint who kept praying to God to give him patience. He said to the Lord, "Lord, I keep praying and asking you to give me patience, but all I keep getting is tribulation." The Lord said to him, "Through tribulation comes patience." I believe at that time he may have stopped praying for patience. There may be some truth to this story.

1st Corinthians 1:27: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” As one can tell, the apostles Jesus chose were simple fishermen, the unlearned/unschooled and those of no account.

Luke 9:48. "For he who is the least among you—he is the greatest."

Luke 14:11. "For he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 16:29. "But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are agony.’"

Luke 18:17. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Wouldn’t you think God would have chosen the learned, the talented, the gifted, the brilliant, the stately, the wealthy, the prominent, the prosperous, the proud, high officials, the strong, and the lazy religious leaders? The religious leaders of today are not much different than those of 2,000 years ago, except there are thousands upon thousands more, making their influence much more formidable. And guess who is caught in the clutches of their beautiful religious words?

Matthew 11: 28. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Did you notice that Christ did not call any of those listed in the above paragraph?

There are several reasons for His selection: Those that have it made on earth have little need or hope for the good life in heaven since they already are living the good life, and they are proud of it, and their minds are set on enjoying their worldly pride and this present life. Some might ask, "Can’t those that are content in this world still be looking forward to eternity?” Absolutely. The only thing is, there is one big problem: The ones who truly live as required by Scripture are those that have a desperate need for the hereafter. And the falsely "blessed" group does not need what they already have. Need is one of the attitudes which keeps God’s less-fortunate people faithful, loving, hopeful and obedient.

You might ask, "Does that mean those who constantly have the theme on the tip of their mind that ‘life is good’ are excluded from becoming disciples of Christ?" Again, no. But in order to qualify as the less fortunate, the privileged and the wealthy are commanded to relinquish much, if not all, of the good things they have in this world. And that just doesn’t happen very easily or that often; they make deceptive alibis as to how their money can/has helped the cause of Christ. Sure, while they enjoy the good things this world makes available, but only to those who can afford them.

Luke 14:33. "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything, he has cannot be my disciple."

That is why the apostle Luke devotes a good portion of the 16th chapter of the book of Luke to the good life on this earth and the harm it will do—by the way, the book of Luke was a personal letter to “the most excellent Theophilus,” most likely a wealthy dignitary, possibly already a disciple of Christ, but not aware of the full gospel massage. I have often wondered if Theophilus was able to accept all that Luke was teaching in his letter about, of how God views the wealthy and privileged.

This teaching condemning wealth and prosperity is the most contested of all teachings by the wealthy and the wannabes because it is the most natural desire for all peoples to desire to be wealthy. They call it “survival of the fittest.” And that belief is understandable to those who do not possess the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit). Again, they attempt to prove the value of their wealth by all the great things God is doing by spreading the gospel where it has never been heard. The only thing, the gospel they are spreading is contaminated with much of what organized religion has been spreading since who knows when.

I have already written extensively on God’s attitude toward the wealthy—click on post # 133: "Anatomy of Wealth"—therefore, I will just mention it briefly in this post. Luke 16:13-15. "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. . . . What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight."

Scripture uses the word “thorn” as any disagreeable condition one has to live with. As one can plainly tell, because of their discontent with their lives, they are the ones most likely to become true disciples of Christ while they are eagerly looking forward to a better life. However, for those who love singing the song, "Everything’s going my way," they may profess Christianity since they are readily accepted by most established churches because of their status and the large sums of money they place in the weekly coffers. Also, it is nice for them to be respected and looked up to by others, since being a Christian usually means a person/family is honest and possesses many good and holy qualities.

But, as mentioned several times in previous posts, the greater damage done to the cause of Christ by those who live the good life is that they put wealth and prosperity in first place as a holy status in the Christian life. They do this without saying a single word to anyone, or even being aware of it. Then those who emulate them will also desire to be blessed by God with wealth, and thus have others’ respect and admiration. Then, what automatically happens to those who have been deceived into believing the great value of wealth in the Christian life? They will place the acquiring of good things first, then put love, faith, holiness, obedience, etc. on the back burner. The reason for this demonic distortion in Christian values is because money and wealth, which are highly valued by those who don’t know God, trump anything and everything which God has to offer.

From a human point of view, the above is understandable. Yet, it is totally contrary to all that New Testament Scripture teaches. Then many churches go to the Old Testament to validate the physical blessings God gives His people; that was before the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of the Old Testament. That old dispensation was a failure, except for a few of His holy people, in producing people who live as God’s love dictates. The Pharisees, Sadducees and the religious leaders are a perfect example of the harm wealth does in the hands of people who just claim to be people of God. Read Matthew, Chapter 23 to see how Jesus treated those religious fakes. Is it any different today? Did the clergy have the right/power to change Christ's teaching since the New Testament was written? Absolutely not.

Therefore, it is those of us who are living with a thorn in our flesh who are the most eligible, because of the great needs in our lives which this world cannot suffice.

Listen to what the apostle Paul had to say about his thorn: 2nd Corinthians 12:7-9. "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." To learn what Paul’s thorn was, click on post # 145.

Let me bring up another Christian group. There are many people who are not wealthy or prosperous and who don’t have a thorn of any sort. They are fairly content with how life is treating them; their need for Christ as their Savior is not apparent to any great degree. They have to make certain their Christianity is in tune with all the requirements as presented in the New Testament. That is of vital importance. This applies especially to those who are members of Christian churches. They should examine how their church leader believes about the privileged few, and what their stance is on wealth and prosperity. By making these inquiries, they will know if their clergy is attempting to pull the wool over their eyes for material gain.

When all things are considered, Christians with a thorn, of one sort or another, are blessed to a greater degree than all others. Although they would give their right arm to be relieved of their thorns, those thorns are the very things that keep them on the straight and narrow. They can’t afford to mess up since all their eggs are, or should be, in the Lord’s basket. This world is of little value to them, except to somehow continue to make the cause of Christ known. Amen.

How and why has the Christian church per se gotten involved with such unbiblical beliefs? The answer to that question is what this blog is all about, along with a remedy. Even though we are mostly Biblical, very few can or will embrace it, because as the apostle Peter wrote in 1st Peter 4:18, "And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinner?" That is the churches’ major problem. They have made it easy and enjoyable to live the Christian life. No thorns allowed. Those who have thorns are, to a great degree, shoved by the wayside.

Believe what is written in this post, not only because it is based on Biblical truth, but it is like words coming from the horse's mouth. This author is one of those with a blessed thorn, and if it wasn’t for that thorn, who knows where or what I would now be doing.