#caste heaven chap 29
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Caste heaven's latest chapter is either we're back to square one or azusa and karino's fucked up relationship will be somehow fixed even just a little bit
My heart aches along with azusa
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Do you know when chap 28 and 29 will be out for caste heaven? :)
Chapter 28 was released in early january. I don't have the full chapter but I will make a summary about it.
Chapter 29 is out today. As soon as I receive the magazine, I publish it here :)
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GAY MARRIAGE IS LEGAL BY STEVE FINNELL
According to the Supreme Court gay marriage is legal in the United States of America. The problem is being legal does not make it any less sinful. Being a homosexual is legal. Being an adulterer is legal. Having children out of wedlock is legal. Rejecting Jesus as the Son of God is legal. Being a liar is legal. Perverting the gospel by denying that water baptism is essential to the forgiveness of sins is legal.
Because men keep the laws of man is no guarantee they are free from sin.
SCRIPTURES ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL SIN
Marriage is between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6 (NASB)
Homosexuality was a sin under the old covenant and is a sin under the new covenant. Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (NASB) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.s (NASB)
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017
HAS BELIEVED AND BEEN BAPTIZED! BY STEVE FINNELL
Jesus made the terms for salvation very simply. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
Repentance and confession are connected to belief and water baptism. Terms of salvation: Belief-Repentance-Confession-Water Baptism.
BELIEF
Acts 2:36-37 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall do?"(NASB)
REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM
Acts 2:38 And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. (The Living Bible-Paraphrased)
The 3000 converts on the Day of Pentecost believed, repented, and were immersed in water. That was the first day of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
BELIEF
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, (NASB)
BELIEF, CONFESSION AND BAPTISM
Acts 8:34-38.....37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. (NASB)
BELIEF
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish , but have eternal life. (NASB)
REPENTANCE
Acts 17:30-31 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (NASB)
BAPTISM
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NASB)
CONFESSION
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. (NASB)
BELIEF: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:34-38, John 3:16, John 6:40, John 14:6, John 8:24, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 10:43
REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Luke 24:47, Acts 17:30-31.
CONFESSION: Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:34-38
IMMERSION IN WATER: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-7, Galatians 3:27, Titus 3:5, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:25-27, Acts 2:38, 40,41,47.
It takes a master of deception, a skilled professional, and a willing student, for anyone to believe that Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Immersion in water are not essential in order to be saved.
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Why Are There So Many Churches?
by David Vaughn Elliott
Why are there so many different churches? When did all the religious confusion begin? Some would say it began with Martin Luther. However, the truth of the matter is that religious confusion started in the Garden of Eden. God said, "Don't." Satan said, "Do." If you are a student of the Bible, you know that religious confusion continued unabated from the offerings of Cain and Abel to the harlot and bride of Revelation.
It is nothing unusual, therefore, to hear this prediction via Paul: "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats" (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Two false doctrines are named. Both prohibit what God has not prohibited. The abstinence might seem to be spiritual by denying pleasures of the flesh. However, they are actually demonic prohibitions.
Discussing the issue of teachings which do not come from God, Jesus once said: "These people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:8-9). At the end of the Bible we read this warning: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18). One way of adding to God's Word is to prohibit what God has not prohibited. And, as Jesus said, if we teach such human (demonic) doctrines, our worship of God is in vain, empty, futile.
We can find specific fulfillment of 1 Timothy 4 in the second century among the Gnostic sects. Irenaeus (A.D. 130 to 202) said this about some Gnostics: "Many offshoots of numerous heresies have already been formed from those heretics we have described. This arises from the fact that numbers of them—indeed, we may say all—desire themselves to be teachers... they insist upon teaching something new... To give an example: Springing from Saturninus and Marcion, those who are called Encratites (self-controlled) preached against marriage, thus setting aside the original creation of God, and indirectly blaming Him who made the male and female for the propagation of the human race. Some of those reckoned among them have also introduced abstinence from animal food, thus proving themselves ungrateful to God, who formed all things" ("Against Heresies," Book I, Chap. 28).
Let's make some important distinctions. In Romans 14:2-3, Paul teaches: "For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God has received him." This upholds a Christian who has a personal conviction against eating meat -- as long as he does not judge his brother. But, according to the Timothy text, if a person makes a doctrine of it and teaches that nobody is permitted to eat meat, that person is guilty of teaching a demonic doctrine.
The same distinction is true with regard to marriage. Paul was not married, and under certain situations he says it may be best not to marry (1 Cor. 7:26-28). However, he makes it clear that "should you marry, you have not sinned." So anyone can decide to stay single and even advise people that under certain situations it may be better to stay single. However, to prohibit marriage is demonic.
Why are there so many churches today? Because men and women teach their own doctrines (demons' doctrines) rather than God's doctrine. They prohibit what God has not prohibited and they command what God has not commanded. It all started in Eden, as Satan fought against God; and it will not end until Jesus returns and casts Satan into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). In this world, there has always been religious confusion and always will be. It is up to each one of us to behave as the Bereans did when we hear anybody's teaching. They were "examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). Let's do the same. That's how I see it. How about you?
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017
IT MUST BE FALSE BY STEVE FINNELL
If the majority disbelieves it, then it must be false. There are over 7 billion people in the world and only 2.2 billion believe that Jesus is the Son of God, does it mean it is false to say Jesus is the Son of God? No, it does not. Why would anyone place their belief on majority opinion?
Of the 2.2 billion who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior the majority do not believe in the New Testament terms for pardon, does that make God's terms for pardon untrue? No, it does not.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
The majority of believers in Christ do not believe what Jesus said in Mark 16:16, does that make it false doctrine?
Example: Many say you do not have to be baptized in water to be saved.
Example: Many say you can be saved and have your sins forgiven before you believe; because as an unbelieving infant you were baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and added to the body of Christ.
All non-believers and most believers in Christ deny God's terms for pardon.
1. Faith, John 3:16
2. Repentance, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Luke 24:47
3. Confession, Romans 10:9, Acts 8:36-37
4. Immersion in water, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Colossians 2:11-13, Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-7, 1 Peter 3:20-21, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:25-27, Titus 3:5
DOES DENYING GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON MAKE THEM FALSE DOCTRINE?
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THE ABSURDITY OF ORIGINAL SIN BY STEVE FINNELL
Original Sin: a depravity, or tendency to evil, held to be innate in humankind and transmitted from Adam to all humans in consequence of his sin. [Ref:Dictionary .com]
The doctrine of original sin is that all men inherited the guilt of Adam's sin and are sinners at birth.
It gives absurdity a bad name to suggest that all men are born with a sinful spiritual DNA, of which they inherited from Adam and are therefore guilty of sin at birth.
If men are born sinners, then they are born as fornicators, sodomites, drunkards, thieves, homosexuals, extortioners, murders, sorcerers, pedophiles and idolaters. Would God create men guilty of these sins, due to no fault of their own, and then condemn them to hell? It is not only irrational, but contrary to Scripture.
Men are guilty of sin because they sin. They are not guilty of sin because of Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the word, and death spread to all men, because all sinned---(NKJV)
Spiritual death spread to all men, BECAUSE ALL SINNED.
Physical death spread to all men because Adam sinned.
No one is guilty of sin until they commit sin.
The unborn and small children are not capable of committing sin.
The doctrine of original sin is absurd, nonsensical, irrational, illogical, and most importantly contrary to the doctrine of God.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017
ORIGINAL CHRISTIANITY? BY STEVE FINNELL
Are the Christians today the same as the first century Christians? Do contemporary Christians believe the New Testament, as it was
originally written or do they believe it is a living, breathing document? All Scripture contain in the Bible was completed by AD 100 .
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (NKJV) (NOTE: Jude was written in AD 65 )
The common salvation was handed down to all the Christians. There was not a new faith handed down nor was the faith amended to fit the will of individual churches.
Acts 2:42 They continually devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...(NKJV)
They did not devote themselves the teaching of the scribes, the Pharisees nor the Judaizers.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
The apostles doctrine was all Scripture. That was all that was needed for teaching. The original Christians not need the doctrine of the Roman Catholic catechism, the writings of John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, Charles Spurgeon, nor John Wesley in order to know and practice God's truth, that was presented by the apostles.
Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (NKJV)
The apostle Paul knew the whole purpose of God, he did not have to consult with Billy Graham, the Pope, Rick Warren, Max Lucado, nor John Piper.[NOTE: None of those even understand the correct terms of pardon.]
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Revelation after the first 100 years of, original Christianity, is not found in the Bible; because everything Christians need for faith and practice in found in the 66 books of the Bible.
Proverbs 30:6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. (NKJV)
DOCTRINES ADDED TO GOD'S WORD
1. Water baptism is not essential for salvation.
2. Water baptism is for a testimony of faith, not in order to the forgiveness of sins.
3. Men are saved by grace alone. God causes men whom He has selected for salvation to have faith so they will be saved.
4. Sprinkling and pouring are just other modes of baptism.
5. Men are saved by faith alone. Immersion in water is a work, therefore is not required in order to be saved.
6. All men are sinners at conception because Adam and Eve sinned. Non-believing infants can have the sin of Adam as well as all future sins wash away by being baptized. In other words sin can be forgiven without faith in Jesus Christ.
7. Jesus is one of many ways to enter heaven.
8. Men can live a unrepentant sinful lifestyle and still enter the kingdom of God.
9. God approves of many denominations, even though they teach different terms of pardon.
10. Denominations have the right to man-made doctrines even if they are contrary to Scripture, because God will not judge sincere people.
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Speaking In Tongues
GEORGE L. FAULL
Dear Brother Faull,It is my understanding that you do not practice "Speaking in tongues." Why?Let me give you the reasons why I do not wish to "speak in tongues."
1. I could not defend it as having practical value.
It does not prove that I am saved, nor that I'm spiritual, nor that I have the truth, for men of every creed claim this gift.
2. I could not defend it as an aid to devotions.
It does not do anything the Holy Spirit does not do for every believer. He searches out our unspeakable requests and make intercession for us.
Romans 8:26-27,
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."
3. I could not defend it as a sign for unbelievers.
If I do it publicly, men of all conflicting doctrines do the same. If I do it in my prayer closet, how will the unbeliever know of it?
4. I could not defend its "continual existence" from the Word of God.
The Scriptures neither imply nor promise the continuance of the gift, but, in fact, states that they will cease while faith, and hope yet abide.
I Corinthians 13:8-13,
"8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I under-stood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity."
5. I could not defend its "continual existence" from Church History.
History records that the gifts did cease. History records when and how the gift was supposedly revived. History records the deceitfulness of the modern day movement to increase the supposed gift among churches.
6. I could not defend its "continual existence" by commonsense.
Since prophecy and divine knowledge have ceased, [I neither know, nor know of anyone with these gifts] commonsense assumes that the lesser gift has ceased.
7. I could not defend its "continual existence" by the clichés of modern tongue speakers.
Clichés such as:
"God is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
"God does not change."
"He could do it, therefore, He does do it."
"He once did it, and therefore, He is doing it."
Doesn't our God ever do anything singular or unique? Is He still making women out of man's ribs? Have you seen any world wide floods lately? Are there still virgins having babies?
8. I could not defend it as "unifying the Body of Christ."
It is setting believer against believer. The only unity it promotes is unity of men of a thousand different conflicting doctrines agreeing to disagree. It may well be
Romans 8:26-27,
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."
9. I could not defend it in light of those who have "spoken in tongues," who now admit that it was not of God.
We are told that we cannot deny a man's experience. Can a man deny his own interpretation of his experience? He once thought that it was of God. He now concludes that it was not. Hundreds, who have spoken in tongues, now deny that the experience was of God. How can I defend that my experience was of God when others with the same experience admit that theirs was not of God?
10. I could not defend it "as a promise from God."
He did not promise it to me, therefore I cannot accept it by faith. I can accept salvation, forgiveness, and redemption by faith. These were promised to all believers. I believe the promises. I "enjoy" them because I believe the promises. I cannot accept tongues by faith because they were not promised to every believer.
I Corinthians 12:30,
"Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"Therefore, my "feelings" about tongues may be imaginary rather than real.
11. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift that I had to hide.
Imagine having a gift for which you could not thank God publicly. If it is known that you possess tongues, YOU:
Cause division among your brethren.
Are suspected of false doctrine by those whom you know are Christian.
Lose opportunities for service with your real talents and abilities. I wouldn't want a billion dollars if it did those things to my witness.
12. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift which I could not know was genuine.
Who would want a diamond or a ruby if it could not be proven to be such? it would have no real value. It would cause only bickering, arguments, and debates. Since there is no way to tell the apostate's "tongue speaking" from mine, why should I want it?
13. There are more desirable gifts mentioned which would edify the Church.
If it is an aid to devotions, I would get the benefit. [Incidentally, Paul didn't say it was.] But if I could prophesy or heal, I would be able to help others. I would enjoy being the steward of such abilities as these, but I would find "tongue speaking" in private or public a difficult stewardship with no real value.
Conclusion:
Tongue speaking is therefore undesirable because it is unneeded, unhelpful, undefendable, and uncertain.Posted by
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
ARE WE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN? BY STEVE FINNELL
Are Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, atheists, and all other men, God's children? No, they are not. They are all created by God, but they are not all God's children. God loves them all, but they are not all God's children.
Who are God's children? Christians are God's children.
Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)
Men become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus and being baptized into Him.
John 11-12 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name;(KJV)
The Jews who rejected Jesus as the Christ were not God's children. Those who believe in Jesus have the opportunity to become God's children.
GOD LOVES ALL MEN, HOWEVER, SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL.
Terms to become the children of God.
A. Faith: John 3:16
B. Repentance: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19
C. Confession: Romans 10:9
C. Immersion in water: Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21.
All men have the opportunity to become God's children. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you all one in Christ Jesus.(KJV)
ALL MEN ARE NOT GOD'S CHILDREN, HOWEVER, THEY ALL CAN BE.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
THE DOCTRINE OF FREE-WILL BY STEVE FINNELL
The teaching that men do not have free-will evolved from the false doctrine that men are saved by grace alone. There is not one place in the Bible that has grace and alone in the same sentence. If in fact men are saved by grace alone and have no free-will, there are many things that would be true.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to have faith so they could be saved.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to repent.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to confess Jesus as the Christ.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
If men have no free-will, then God would be responsible for all of the sins of mankind.
If men have no free-will, why did the men on the Day of Pentecost ask "Brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37)
If men have no free-will, then why did the jailer ask Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)
If men have no free-will, then why did Saul ask, "What shall I do Lord?" (Acts 22:10)
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appear has appeared to all men.
God's grace is available to all men. Grace is not forced nor is it denied to any man. MEN HAVE FREE-WILL!
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
BIBLE TRANSLATIONS BY STEVE FINNELL
The thought process of some Christians is puzzling to say the least. Why do some believers in Christ question that God has the power to guide men to translate Bibles that are inerrant, trustworthy, accurate, faultless, reliable, infallible.
Some of the same Christians who believe the following miracles of the Bible, doubt that God can produce an inerrant translation of the Bible.
They believe that Aaron's staff became a serpent. (Exodus 7:10-12) However they do not believe that translations of the Bible are trustworthy.
They believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead. (John 21:14) However they do not agree that Bible translations are inerrant.
They believe that the dead man Elisha stood up on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20-21) However they doubt that Bible translations are infallible.
They believe Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead. (John 11:37-44) However they do not affirm that Bible translations are reliable.
They believe that God turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) However they are not convinced that God has given us a translation of the Bible that is accurate.
Even those who state that the King James translation is the only accurate translation, believe that Mark 16:16 does mean what is says: They say "Has been baptized shall be saved" actually means, "Has already been saved before they were baptized." The assert that Acts 2:38 actually means "Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ because your sins have already been forgiven." They really do not trust the KJV either.
Ninety-nine percent of the Bible translations are accurate, trustworthy, inerrant translations of God's word.
A few of my favorites are New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New King James Version, English Standard Version, and New International Version. There are also many other reliable translations.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017
GOD'S WORD VERSUS BAPTIST DOCTRINE BY STEVE FINNELL
If Baptist doctrine contradicts the word of God, which one is correct?
Baptist Doctrine: Perseverance of the saints, AKA as once saved always saved.
God's Word: Galatians 5:1-4.... You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. (NKJV)
God's Word: Hebrews 6:4-6 4 For it is impossible......6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance.....(NKJV)
God's Word: Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; (NKJV)
God's Word: 1 Timothy 4:1...some will depart from the faith...(NKJV)
Christians can become lost.
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Baptist Doctrine: Water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness of sins and is not essential in order to be saved.
God's Word: Acts 2:38 ....and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.....(NKJV)
God's Word: Mark 16:16 ....and is baptized will be saved...(NKJV)
God's Word: 1 Peter 3:21 There is an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism...(NKJV)
God's Word: Acts 22:16...Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins...(NKJV)
God's Word: Colossians 2:12 -13 buried with Him in baptism...13...having forgiven you all trespasses,(NKJV)
God's Word: Ephesians 5:25-27 ....Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it 26 that He might sanctify and wash it with the washing of water by the word,(NKJV)
God's Word: Romans 6:4-7 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death.......7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.(NKJV)
God's Word: John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJV)
Being immersed in water is an essential part of the gospel plan of salvation.
Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (NKJV)
The apostles did not preach Baptist doctrine, they preached the word of God.
Denominations were not formed so they could preach the apostles' doctrine. Denominations were formed so they could change the apostles' doctrine. If all denominations preached only God's word, there would be just one church, the church of Jesus Christ.
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QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ABOUT SABBATH KEEPING BY STEVE FINNELL
Why do believers in Christ who claim to be sabbath keepers fail to keep the laws of the sabbath? Christians were never instructed to remember the sabbath and keep it holy.
The command to remember the sabbath and keep it holy was given to Israel and Israel alone. It was not restated under the New Covenant.
Deuteronomy 5:1-15 Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully.......12 'Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you......
New Testament instructions concerning Old Covenant sabbath keeping.
Romans 14:5-6 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in h
is own mind. 6 He who observes the day , observes it for the Lord.....
Colossians 2:14-16....Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day---
Christians are free to worship any day they wish, be it Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc. Christians are free to work any day they wish. There is no New testament command to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
SO-CALLED MODERN DAY SABBATH KEEPERS DO NOT KEEP THE SABBATH NOR DO THEY PUNISH THEIR MEMBERS WHO BREAK IT.
Exodus 31:15 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord, whoever does work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.
Numbers 15:32-36 Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the sabbath day........35 Then the Lord said to Moses, "The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp." .......
THERE ARE ONLY FALSE SABBATH KEEPERS TODAY.
REMEMBER THE SABBATH AND KEEP IT HOLY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN LAW.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017
INSIGHT INTO BIBLE TRUTH #253
DID JESUS CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY?
by David Vaughn Elliott
No, He did not. Nor did He condone it. It is a topic He never discussed. What are we to conclude from this silence?
This is not the only issue that Jesus did not discuss. For example, we never hear Him condemning idolatry. Jesus was born into the world as a Jew, an Israelite. He "was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 15:24). Before Jesus, Israel had a long history of idolatry. It is commonly believed that the captivity cured the Jews of this sin. That offers a reason why Jesus did not need to condemn the Jews on the issue. This could also be a clue regarding Jesus' silence about homosexuality. But let's go further.
To say that Jesus never condemned this or that, keep in mind that such statements are based on the record we have in the four Gospels. Is there any record of Jesus discussing sorcery or witchcraft? What of drinking blood? What about drunkenness?
And then there is the issue of breaking the Sabbath. During Israel's long history, Sabbath breaking was a frequent issue, even after their return from captivity. Jesus lived under the OT law, so Sabbath keeping was still in force. Luke 4:16 tells us that Jesus "came to Nazareth... and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath." Although Jesus kept the Sabbath, He was frequently accused of breaking it. On the other hand, there is no record of Jesus accusing others of breaking the Sabbath. In short, there are various sins that Jesus "never condemned."
The Gospels Are Neither Complete Nor Final
We have four Gospels, four biographical accounts of Jesus' life on earth. Some would say that the four should not even be called biographies because they cover so little of Jesus' life. True enough. The fourth Gospel ends with these picturesque words: "There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written." This does not mean that we do not have enough written. John himself said a little earlier, "Many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). We don't have it all, but we have enough to believe in Him so we can have life.
Only some of what Jesus "did" is recorded. What about what He taught? Well, teaching is doing, so we don't have all He taught either. Here is a specific example. "They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were amazed at His teaching" (Mark 1:21-22). Nothing is said about what He taught on that occasion.
In short, everything that Jesus did, taught, and said is not recorded. Therefore it is impossible for us to say that Jesus never condemned so-and-so. As in all of life, negative statements are often impossible to prove. We can only say that there is no record of Jesus saying so-and-so.
But there is more to this.
In court, we are told to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In Jesus' ministry as recorded in the four Gospels, Jesus did "tell the truth." He did tell "nothing but the truth." However, He did not – repeat "not" – tell "the whole truth." Wow, what an assertion to make! But it is true. Jesus himself said so. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus said to the eleven (Judas had already left):
"I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:12-13).
There it is in black and white (maybe red in your Bible). While Jesus was on earth, He did not say everything that needed to be said. Rather, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus' apostles would be guided into "all the truth." Anyone who wants all the truth must look further than Jesus’ words during his earthly ministry – must read more than the four Gospels.
The four Gospels make up roughly half of our New Testament. According to Jesus' own word, we dare not ignore the second half. Much of the second half was written by the Apostle Paul. Why is it that some people pit what Jesus did not say against what Paul did say? Could it be that those people are really pitting their own preconceived ideas against what the inspired Apostle Paul taught? There are various proofs that Paul was made an apostle by Jesus after Jesus' ascension. Did you ever notice what the Apostle Peter had to say about Paul's writings? "Our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:15-16). If we distort what Paul wrote, we are heading for destruction.
There is no Scriptural basis to justify anything on the basis of what Jesus did not say. Negatives such as "Jesus never condemned..." can never be proven. Furthermore, even if He didn't, the four Gospels are only a portion of God's divine revelation. They are an extremely important portion, but only a portion. We cannot treat the NT as a smorgasbord from which to select the portions we prefer. We must take it all. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Scripture quotations taken from the
NASB
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WHICH CHURCH? BY STEVE FINNELL
Which church was established to teach the apostles doctrine. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine..(NKJV)
Which church was established to teach the apostles' doctrine?
Was the Community Church established to preach the apostles' doctrine or the Community Church doctrine?
Was the Roman Catholic Church formed in order to teach the apostles' doctrine or to teach the Catholic catechism?
Was the Methodist Church founded in order to teach the apostles' doctrine or to proclaim Methodism?
Was the Baptist Church established to evangelize using the apostles doctrine or to preach Baptist doctrine?
If churches really wanted to preach the apostles' doctrine would they not use the identity of the church found in Scripture. Examples: Romans 16:16...The churches of Christ greet you. (NKJV), Acts 20:28 ...the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.(NKJV), 1 Corinthians 1:2...the church of God...sanctified in Christ Jesus.(NKJV).
Denominations take names other than those found in Scripture so as to identify the differences from their doctrine and that of the apostles' doctrine.
Jesus is the head of one church, His church. God did not establish multiple churches.
If all churches taught from the Bible and the Bible alone, then, denominational names would not necessary.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017
SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION. REALLY? BY STEVE FINNELL
Scripture is subject to interpretation. Is honesty and lack of pride a requirement in order to interpret Scripture accurately ?
Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)
My interpretation of Mark 16:16 is, he who believes and is immersed in water will be saved.
-------------------------------------------
The following are some denominational interpretations of Mark 16:16.
1. He who believes is saved and shall be baptized as a testimony of their faith.
2. He who is baptized as an unbelieving infant will be forgiven of the guilt of Adam's sin as well as all sins they commit in the future, and they will be added to the body of Christ. [ Note: The only person guilty of Adam's sin, is Adam.]
3. He who is dead and is baptized by proxy will be forgiven.
4. Dead infants will be baptized and will have faith imputed to them by God so they will be saved. [Note: No infant dead or alive is guilty of sin.]
5. He who believes is saved by faith only and should be baptized because Jesus commanded baptism.
6. He who believes, believes because God forced him to believe, therefore he is saved by grace alone. Baptism is a work, therefore it is not essential for salvation.
7. He who believes is saved, however, he needs to be baptized in order to join a denominational church of his choice.
8. Belief and water baptism are not essential in order to be saved, because God will save all men.
9. Mark 16:16 does not apply because the church catechism of my denomination overrules all Scripture. Man-made creeds are more reliable than Scripture.
10. Mark 16:16 is invalid because the majority of those who claim Jesus as Savior do not believe it to be true.
11. He who believes and is baptized will be saved is a false statement, because there are many other ways to get heaven rather than Jesus.
Scripture is subject to interpretation, however, Scripture more likely to be misinterpreted.
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JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN BY STEVE FINNELL
Jesus died for all men, however, all men will not be saved. God loves everyone, but salvation is conditional.
JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN
1 Timothy 2:5-6.....the man Jesus Christ, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.
Jesus paid the price of salvation for all men, not just for a selected few.
Hebrews 2:9 But we do see Him who was made a little lower than the angels, namely Jesus , because of the suffering death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Jesus tasted death for everyone. Jesus did not die for a preselected few.
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Jesus did not send the disciples to preach to only those that had been hand picked by God for salvation. The disciples were to preach to all the world. Jesus died for every person in the world then and now.
THERE WILL BE ONLY A FEW WHO WILL BE SAVED.
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Heaven will not be crowded.
SALVATION IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL, BUT IT IS CONDITIONAL.
Romans 1;16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Salvation is available to all who believe. Salvation is conditional.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
All men who have heard the gospel have been called. The chosen are the ones who believe. It is a personal choice. Men have free will.
CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Romans 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
How do men call on the name of the Lord? They call on His name by FAITH-REPENTANCE-CONFESSION-and WATER BAPTISM.
FAITH: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 17 30-31 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring that all people everywhere should repent, 31......
All people who want to be saved need to repent of their unbelief and make the commitment to turn from their sinful lifestyle and turn toward God.
CONFESSION: Matthew 10:32 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10.......Acts 37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may, And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]
WATER BAPTISM: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 3:20-21 ....safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN, HOWEVER, ALL MEN WILL NOT BE SAVED BECAUSE SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL!
SALVATION IS A CHOICE. MEN HAVE THE FREE-WILL TO MAKE THAT CHOICE.
MEN CAN BE SAVED IN TWO HOURS MORE OR LESS. MEN JUST HAVE TO MEET GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON.
(All Scripture from : NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)
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THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, FROM THE LATIN VULGATE BIBLE
Chapter 22
PREFACE.
St. Luke, who had published his gospel, wrote also a second volume, which, from the first ages, hath been called the Acts of the Apostles. Not that we can look upon this work, as a history of what was done by all the apostles, who were dispersed in different nations; but we have here a short view of the first establishment of the Christian Church, a small part of St. Peter's preaching and actions, set down in the first twelve chapters, and a more particular account of St. Paul's apostolical labours, in the following chapters, for about thirty years, till the year 63, and the 4th year of Nero, where these acts end.
Chapter 22
Paul declares to the people the history of his conversion. He escapes scourging by claiming the privilege of a Roman.
1 Men, (about the year A.D. 58) brethren, and fathers, hear ye the account which I now give you.
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Hear ye the account. In the Greek, to the apology, or defence. (Witham) --- St. Paul, in this exordium, as also in Acts vii. 2. shews himself not ignorant of the art of pleading. He adds the name of Fathers, supposing there may be some of his hearers of senatorial dignity, and others deserving the title for their rank and age. (Mat. Pol.)
Note:
Ver. 1. Quam reddo rationem, akousate...tes apologias.
2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence.
Ver. 2. No explanation given.
3 And he saith: I am a Jew, born at Tarsus, in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the truth of the law of the fathers, zealous for the law, as also all you are this day:
Ver. 3. The scholars sat much below their master; and the nearest the master were such as had made the greatest proficiency. (Philo, de Essenis)
4 And I persecuted this way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
Ver. 4. This way. That is, the Christian faith, which now I profess. (Witham)
5 As the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the ancients: from whom also receiving letters to the brethren, I went to Damascus, to bring them bound from thence to Jerusalem, that they might be punished.
Ver. 5. As the high priest doth bear me witness. That is, as the letters which he gave me, bear witness. (Witham)
6 And it came to pass, as I was going and drawing nigh to Damascus, at mid-day, that suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me:
Ver. 6. No explanation given.
7 And falling on the ground, I heard a voice saying to me: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Ver. 7. No explanation given.
8 And I answered: Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me: I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
Ver. 8. No explanation given.
9 And they that were with me, saw indeed the light, but they heard not the voice of him that spoke with me.
Ver. 9. Heard not the voice. To reconcile this with chap. ix. ver. 7. where it is said that they heard the voice; it may be answered that they heard a noise, and a voice, but heard it not distinctly, nor so as to understand the words. (Witham) --- They heard not the voice of him who spoke to the apostle, but they heard the latter speak; (Acts ix. 7.) or perhaps they heard a noise, which they could not understand. They perhaps heard the voice of Paul answering, but not that of Christ complaining.
10 And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me: Arise, and go to Damascus: and there it shall be told thee of all things thou must do.
Ver. 10. No explanation given.
11 And whereas I did not see for the brightness of that light, being led by the hand by my companions, I came to Damascus.
Ver. 11. No explanation given.
12 And one Ananias, a man according to the law, having a good character from all the Jews dwelling there,
Ver. 12. No explanation given.
13 Coming to me, and standing by me, said to me: Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And I the same hour looked upon him.
Ver. 13. No explanation given.
14 And he said: The God of our fathers hath preordained thee that thou shouldst know his will, and see the Just One, and shouldst hear the voice from his mouth.
Ver. 14. Shouldst...see the Just One. Our Saviour appeared to St. Paul, as it is said; (chap. ix. 7.) and he is divers times, both in the Prophets and in the Testament, called the Just One. (Witham) --- To see and hear the Just One; Him, who is just by excellence, that you also may prove a witness of his resurrection from the dead.
15 For thou shalt be his witness to all men, of those things which thou hast seen and heard.
Ver. 15. No explanation given.
16 And now why delayest thou? Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling upon his name.
Ver. 16. Wash, &c. The contrition and charity of St. Paul had, no doubt, merited for him the remission of his sins at the moment of his conversion. Still were these effects to be attributed to the desire of the sacrament of baptism, without which the council of Trent defines that the forgiveness of sins, and the punishment due to them, are not obtained. It likewise added a new degree of lustre to his innocence and purity. (Tirinus) --- Calling upon his name. In such manner, says St. Chrysostom, (hom. xlvii.) as we invoke the only true God; and as we invoke the saints, and pray to them, that they would pray for us. (Witham)
17 And it came to pass, when I was come again to Jerusalem, (about the year A.D. 37) and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance,
Ver. 17. To Jerusalem...that I was in a trance. This might be when he went to Jerusalem, three years after his conversion, or at some other time. It might be in this ecstacy that he was wrapt to the third heaven, as he tells the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians xv. 9.[2 Corinthians xii. 2.?] (Witham)
18 And saw him, saying unto me: Make haste, and go quickly out of Jerusalem: because they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
Ver. 18. No explanation given.
19 And I said: Lord, they know that I cast into prison, and beat in every synagogue, them that believed in thee.
Ver. 19. No explanation given.
20 And when the blood of Stephen, thy witness, was shed, I stood by and consented, and kept the garments of them who killed him.
Ver. 20. Of Stephen, thy witness. Or thy martyr, as the Greek word signifies. (Witham)
21 And he said to me: Go, for unto the Gentiles afar off will I send thee.
Ver. 21. Hence we see that not only principals, but all that consent to the persecution of God's servants for the cause of religion, do highly offend; and this St. Paul mentions here, that the mercy of God may be more remarkably glorified in him hereby. (Bristow)
22 And they heard him until this word, and then lifted up their voice, saying: Away with such a one from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
Ver. 22. This word. That is, until he told them that God had sent him to preach to the Gentiles, whom they could not bear to hear preferred before themselves. Not that the Jews forbad preaching to the Gentiles; on the contrary, our Saviour reproached the Pharisees, that they would go over land and sea for the sake of making one proselyte. They were likewise enraged that St. Paul had not laid on the Gentiles the heavy yoke of the law. (Calmet) --- Hence they exclaim: take away this wicked man from amongst us, for it is a sin to let him live. (Bible de Vence)
23 And as they cried out, and threw off their garments, and cast dust into the air,
Ver. 23. Threw off their garments. Or pulling them open to shew themselves ready to stone him. (Witham) --- This is nicely descriptive of the fury of a populace, who, when unable to vent their rage in some more effectual way, indignantly throw into the air, and against the object of their indignation, such harmless trifles as dust, clothes, &c. (Menochius)
24 The tribune commanded him to be brought into the castle, and to be scourged, and tortured: that he might know for what cause they cried out thus against him.
Ver. 24. No explanation given.
25 And when they had bound him with thongs, Paul saith to the centurion standing by him: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
Ver. 25. A Roman. That is, a Roman citizen, a freeman of Rome. (Witham) --- The apostle, on this occasion, not to injure the faith of some weak Christians, who might be scandalized at his public disgrace, prevents the scourging, which on another occasion he patiently submitted to. By the thongs he was probably bound to a pillar; (Tirinus) or being tied hand and foot, was stretched on the ground, with his face downwards. This was frequently done among the Romans. (Calmet) --- See also Gretser de cruce, lib. i. chap. 10; who declares that it was the Roman custom to bind to a stake or pillar, such as were condemned to be flogged.
26 Which the centurion hearing, went to the tribune, and told him, saying: What art thou about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.
Ver. 26. No explanation given.
27 And the tribune coming, said to him: Tell me, art thou a Roman? But he said: Yes.
Ver. 27. No explanation given.
28 And the tribune answered: I obtained the freedom of this city with a great sum. And Paul said: But I was born so.
Ver. 28. Civilitatem; that is, Civitatem, Græcè, politeian, the rights of citizenship. These privileges were granted by Antonius to the city of Tarsus. (Appianus, civilium 5.)
29 Immediately, therefore, they that were about to torture him, departed from him. The tribune also was afraid after he understood that he was a Roman citizen, and because he had bound him.
Ver. 29. The same law which forbad a Roman citizen to be scourged, forbad him also to be bound. (St. Augustine, lib. i. de Serm. Dni. chap. 29.) --- It was under Claudius that the abuse of buying the freedom of Rome was introduced. At first the name of a Roman was esteemed much, and bought at a great price. Now (such is the emptiness and vanity of titles) it is refused, and despised; nay, it is fled from, and reckoned disgraceful. (Salvian. De Gubern. Dei, lib. v.) --- If St. Paul, on this occasion, makes use of his privilege, it is not that he was unprepared, or afraid to die for Christ; but because it was lawful to use ordinary means to extricate himself from difficulties, and preserve himself for future services to religion. (Denis the Carthusian)
30 But on the next day, wishing to know more diligently, for what cause he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him, and commanded the priests to come together and all the council: and bringing forth Paul, he set him before them.
Ver. 30. No explanation given.
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Jeremiah 14
Only in Jeremiah do we get 5 verses announcing the word of Yahweh where the first word in the verse is the relative pronoun אשׁר. My coach explains that there is a difference in the form of the word to be in these five sentences (1.2, 14.1,46.1, 47.1, 49.34): "The form of ויהי traditionally refers to actual events, whereas אשר היה (which was) pertains to the record of what was said, or occurred." It is almost too subtle to put across in English, since both verbs are rendered by a past participle.
The poignancy of little ones in verse 3 seems simply wrong. To date I have used טף for little ones. The contrast here is between the majestic ones and those of lesser account sent to do the hard work of finding water. It is a drought, but the word used in verse 1 is not related to thirst (צמא), but to enclosure (בצר). If we read the text, we don't need to be told it is a drought in verse 1.
Verse 4 - chapped is a nice word - but I didn't use it. The ground is dismayed and, like the gates in verse 2, is personified. But the cracked surface of a dried out ground is nicely caught by chapped.
Jeremiah 14 Fn Min Max Syll אֲשֶׁ֨ר הָיָ֤ה דְבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֶֽל־יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ עַל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הַבַּצָּרֽוֹת 1 The word of Yahweh that happened to Jeremiah, over the words of the enclosure. 3e 4C 20 אָבְלָ֣ה יְהוּדָ֔ה וּשְׁעָרֶ֥יהָ אֻמְלְל֖וּ קָדְר֣וּ לָאָ֑רֶץ
וְצִוְחַ֥ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם עָלָֽתָה 2 Worn out is Judah and her gates are enfeebled. They are in mourning for the land,
and the complaint of Jerusalem has gone up. 3e 4B 17
10 וְאַדִּ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם שָׁלְח֥וּ צְעִירֵיהֶ֖ם לַמָּ֑יִם
בָּ֣אוּ עַל־גֵּבִ֞ים לֹא־מָ֣צְאוּ מַ֗יִם שָׁ֤בוּ כְלֵיהֶם֙ רֵיקָ֔ם בֹּ֥שׁוּ וְהָכְלְמ֖וּ וְחָפ֥וּ רֹאשָֽׁם 3 And their majestic ones have sent those of lesser account to the water.
They go to the arches. They do not find water. They have returned, their vessels empty. They were ashamed and humiliated, and they hooded their heads. 3e 4C 14
27 בַּעֲב֤וּר הָאֲדָמָה֙ חַ֔תָּה כִּ֛י לֹא־הָיָ֥ה גֶ֖שֶׁם בָּאָ֑רֶץ
בֹּ֥שׁוּ אִכָּרִ֖ים חָפ֥וּ רֹאשָֽׁם 4 The ground was dismayed, for there were no showers in the land.
The farmers were ashamed. They hooded their heads. 3d 4C 17
9 כִּ֤י גַם־אַיֶּ֙לֶת֙ בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה יָלְדָ֖ה וְעָז֑וֹב
כִּ֥י לֹֽא־הָיָ֖ה דֶּֽשֶׁא 5 C For even the hart in the field gave birth and forsook,
for there was no vegetation. 3e 4C 13
5 וּפְרָאִים֙ עָמְד֣וּ עַל־שְׁפָיִ֔ם שָׁאֲפ֥וּ ר֖וּחַ כַּתַּנִּ֑ים
כָּל֥וּ עֵינֵיהֶ֖ם כִּי־אֵ֥ין עֵֽשֶׂב 6 And the wild donkeys stood at protruding places. They sighed heavily in the wind like dragons,
their eyes fainting, for there was no field-grass. 3e 4B 17
9 אִם־עֲוֺנֵ֙ינוּ֙ עָ֣נוּ בָ֔נוּ יְהוָ֕ה עֲשֵׂ֖ה לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמֶ֑ךָ
כִּֽי־רַבּ֥וּ מְשׁוּבֹתֵ֖ינוּ לְךָ֥ חָטָֽאנוּ 7 If our iniquities answer against us, Yahweh, do for the sake of your name,
because our turnings are multiplied. Against you we have sinned. 3e 4B 19
12 מִקְוֵה֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מֽוֹשִׁיע֖וֹ בְּעֵ֣ת צָרָ֑ה
לָ֤מָּה תִֽהְיֶה֙ כְּגֵ֣ר בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּכְאֹרֵ֖חַ נָטָ֥ה לָלֽוּן 8 O expectation of Israel, saviour in a time of trouble,
why should you be as guest in the land, and as a wayfarer stretching out to lodge? 3e 4C 12
17 לָ֤מָּה תִֽהְיֶה֙ כְּאִ֣ישׁ נִדְהָ֔ם כְּגִבּ֖וֹר לֹא־יוּכַ֣ל לְהוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
וְאַתָּ֧ה בְקִרְבֵּ֣נוּ יְהוָ֗ה וְשִׁמְךָ֛ עָלֵ֥ינוּ נִקְרָ֖א אַל־תַּנִּחֵֽנוּ 9 C Why should you be as a person astounded, as one who prevails that is not able to save?
But you are among us, Yahweh, and your name over us is called. Do not leave us. 3c 4C 17
22 כֹּֽה־אָמַ֨ר יְהוָ֜ה לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֗ה כֵּ֤ן אָֽהֲבוּ֙ לָנ֔וּעַ רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם לֹ֣א חָשָׂ֑כוּ
וַיהוָה֙ לֹ֣א רָצָ֔ם עַתָּה֙ יִזְכֹּ֣ר עֲוֺנָ֔ם וְיִפְקֹ֖ד חַטֹּאתָֽם 10 Thus says Yahweh to this people, Thus they have loved to waver to and fro. Their feet they do not resist,
but Yahweh does not accept them. Now he will remember their iniquity and visit their sins. 3e 4C 23
18 וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י
אַל־תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל בְּעַד־הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה לְטוֹבָֽה 11 And Yahweh said to me,
Do not pray concerning this people for good. 3d 4A 7
13 כִּ֣י יָצֻ֗מוּ אֵינֶ֤נִּי שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙ אֶל־רִנָּתָ֔ם וְכִ֧י יַעֲל֛וּ עֹלָ֥ה וּמִנְחָ֖ה אֵינֶ֣נִּי רֹצָ֑ם
כִּ֗י בַּחֶ֙רֶב֙ וּבָרָעָ֣ב וּבַדֶּ֔בֶר אָנֹכִ֖י מְכַלֶּ֥ה אוֹתָֽם 12 B When they fast, there is no me to hear their shout, and if they offer up a burnt offering and a gift, there is no me to accept them,
but by the sword and by famine and by pestilence, I myself will consume them. 3c 4C 29
20 וָאֹמַ֞ר אֲהָ֣הּ ׀ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה הִנֵּ֨ה הַנְּבִאִ֜ים אֹמְרִ֤ים לָהֶם֙ לֹֽא־תִרְא֣וּ חֶ֔רֶב וְרָעָ֖ב לֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם
כִּֽי־שְׁל֤וֹם אֱמֶת֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָכֶ֔ם בַּמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּֽה 13 And I said, Aye yai yai, my Lord Yahweh. Behold, the prophets are saying to them, You will not see sword or famine. It will not be there for you,
but true peace I will give to you in this place. 3e 4C 32
14 וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י שֶׁ֚קֶר הַנְּבִאִים֙ נִבְּאִ֣ים בִּשְׁמִ֔י לֹ֤א שְׁלַחְתִּים֙ וְלֹ֣א צִוִּיתִ֔ים וְלֹ֥א דִבַּ֖רְתִּי אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
חֲז֨וֹן שֶׁ֜קֶר וְקֶ֤סֶם וֶֽאֱלִיל֙ וְתַרְמִ֣ית לִבָּ֔ם הֵ֖מָּה מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֥ים לָכֶֽם 14 And Yahweh said to me, The prophets prophesied falsehood in my name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them, nor did I speak to them.
With a vision of falsehood and soothsaying and good for nothing, they deceive themselves in their heart from their prophesying to you. 3e 4C 33
22 לָכֵ֞ן כֹּֽה־אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה עַֽל־הַנְּבִאִ֞ים הַנִּבְּאִ֣ים בִּשְׁמִי֮ וַאֲנִ֣י לֹֽא־שְׁלַחְתִּים֒ וְהֵ֙מָּה֙ אֹֽמ��רִ֔ים חֶ֣רֶב וְרָעָ֔ב לֹ֥א יִהְיֶ֖ה בָּאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את
בַּחֶ֤רֶב וּבָֽרָעָב֙ יִתַּ֔מּוּ הַנְּבִאִ֖ים הָהֵֽמָּה 15 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the prophets prophesying in my name and I not have sent them, but they are saying, Sword and famine will not be in this land,
By the sword and by famine, those prophets will be completed. 3e 4C 41
16 וְהָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־הֵ֣מָּה נִבְּאִ֣ים לָהֶ֡ם יִֽהְי֣וּ מֻשְׁלָכִים֩ בְּחֻצ֨וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם מִפְּנֵ֣י ׀ הָרָעָ֣ב וְהַחֶ֗רֶב וְאֵ֤ין מְקַבֵּר֙ לָהֵ֔מָּה הֵ֣מָּה נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶ֑ם
וְשָׁפַכְתִּ֥י עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם אֶת־רָעָתָֽם 16 And the people to whom they prophesy will be cast out into the streets of Jerusalem in the face of the famine and the sword, and there will be none to entomb them, themselves, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters,
and I will pour out on them their evil. 3e 4C 52
11 וְאָמַרְתָּ֤ אֲלֵיהֶם֙ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה תֵּרַ֨דְנָה עֵינַ֥י דִּמְעָ֛ה לַ֥יְלָה וְיוֹמָ֖ם וְאַל־תִּדְמֶ֑ינָה
כִּי֩ שֶׁ֨בֶר גָּד֜וֹל נִשְׁבְּרָ֗ה בְּתוּלַת֙ בַּת־עַמִּ֔י מַכָּ֖ה נַחְלָ֥ה מְאֹֽד 17 And you will say to them this word, Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not be mute,
for he has broken with a great break the virgin daughter of my people, striking sickness excessively. 3d 4C 30
20 אִם־יָצָ֣אתִי הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה וְהִנֵּה֙ חַלְלֵי־חֶ֔רֶב וְאִם֙ בָּ֣אתִי הָעִ֔יר וְהִנֵּ֖ה תַּחֲלוּאֵ֣י רָעָ֑ב
כִּֽי־גַם־נָבִ֧יא גַם־כֹּהֵ֛ן סָחֲר֥וּ אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ וְלֹ֥א יָדָֽעוּ 18 If I go forth into the field, then behold those profaned by sword, or if I enter the city, then behold those diseased with famine,
for both prophet and priest are vendors to a land that they do not know. 3c 4B 28
17 הֲמָאֹ֨ס מָאַ֜סְתָּ אֶת־יְהוּדָ֗ה אִם־בְּצִיּוֹן֙ גָּעֲלָ֣ה נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ מַדּ֙וּעַ֙ הִכִּיתָ֔נוּ וְאֵ֥ין לָ֖נוּ מַרְפֵּ֑א
קַוֵּ֤ה לְשָׁלוֹם֙ וְאֵ֣ין ט֔וֹב וּלְעֵ֥ת מַרְפֵּ֖א וְהִנֵּ֥ה בְעָתָֽה 19 Have you refused Judah? Has your integrity loathed Zion? Why have you struck us and there is for us no healing?
We waited for peace and there was no good, and for a time of healing, and behold alarm. 3e 4C 33
18 יָדַ֧עְנוּ יְהוָ֛ה רִשְׁעֵ֖נוּ עֲוֺ֣ן אֲבוֹתֵ֑ינוּ
כִּ֥י חָטָ֖אנוּ לָֽךְ 20 We know, Yahweh, our wickedness, the iniquity of our ancestors,
because we have sinned against you. 3c 4B 14
5 אַל־תִּנְאַץ֙ לְמַ֣עַן שִׁמְךָ֔ אַל־תְּנַבֵּ֖ל כִּסֵּ֣א כְבוֹדֶ֑ךָ
זְכֹ֕ר אַל־תָּפֵ֥ר בְּרִֽיתְךָ֖ אִתָּֽנוּ 21 Do not spurn for the sake of your name. Do not make senseless the throne of your glory.
Remember. Do not annul your covenant with us. 3e 4B 18
11 הֲיֵ֨שׁ בְּהַבְלֵ֤י הַגּוֹיִם֙ מַגְשִׁמִ֔ים וְאִם־הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם יִתְּנ֣וּ רְבִבִ֑ים
הֲלֹ֨א אַתָּה־ה֜וּא יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ וּ֨נְקַוֶּה־לָּ֔ךְ כִּֽי־אַתָּ֥ה עָשִׂ֖יתָ אֶת־כָּל־אֵֽלֶּה 22 Are there rain-makers among the futilities of the nations? Or the heavens, can they give copious showers?
Are not you, he, Yahweh our God? So we will wait for you because you yourself have made all these. 3e 4C 21
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(03/04/18) “A God of Love Not A God of Stone” (Glory wk 2)
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Steve continues his series on The Glory of God, this week focusing on Exodus 24
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‘The Glory of God’, part 2.
Last week [part 1]: Law of the First, Ex 16 & Jn 6
The first time the Glory of the Lord is demonstrated is in the Wilderness. God’s desire to reveal His Goodness, Honor His children by revealing His Glory [honor], encouraging a Relationship where they would Obey [“Children obey your parents” Eph 6:1], Trust, that ‘these may eat’ [‘cast bread on the waters, cast cares on Him’]
Refreshing the Soul (Isa 55), came down from Heaven [not from here, ‘What is it?!]!
Today: Exodus 24, the 2nd reference [appearance] of the ‘Glory of God’.
Crossed the Red Sea, 3 days later Marah, to Elim (12 wells, 70 palm trees), 45 days later Bread from Heaven, to Meribah (‘no water … water from the rock’, tested God, “Is the Lord among us or not?”, Ex 17:7), the Amalekites attack, “in the third month” they arrive at Sinai, ‘the mountain’ (Ex 19).
Read Ex 19:3-8. Since Ex 13 and through the Wilderness, ‘pillar of cloud by day, of fire by night’ was His Presence. Ex 16, ‘glory of the Lord’ appears in a ‘cloud’. Intimacy.
Read vss 8-12 (Heb 12:18-29 contrasts this scene to ours). Jn 20:17, with Mary!
Read vss 21-24. Moses reminds God He warned them, they can’t touch it, and they said they would obey. God knows the heart of man [Jn 2:24-25, “He knew what was in man”]. The Glory refreshed their Soul. Now, something else is about to be the emphasis.
The Decalogue [10 Commandments] in Ex 20:1-17.
Read vss 18-21, “that you may not sin”. Termination & Separation of relationship due to Fear, “You speak … not God”. Religion over Relationship due to Fear. Deut 5:5.
‘Sin’: How did they process this without the Law? Rom 5:12 & 19, ‘sin entered’
Gen 4:7 - God warns Cain re: his Anger [soul]. He kills his brother.
Gen 13:13 & 18:20 - Sodom’s activities [Ezek 16:49-50, 6 things; Rom 1:18-25]
Gen 20 - God to Abimelech, ‘sinning against Me’; then, Abimelech to Abraham
Gen 31 - Jacob asks Laban what ‘sin’ he’s done after Laban does not find his ‘gods’ Gen 39 - Joseph to Potiphar’s wife, ‘against God’
Gen 42 - Reuben to his brothers when Joe sends them back to Canaan to get Ben, how
they ‘sinned against’ Joe
Gen 50 - The boys ask forgiveness of Joe through messengers for their ‘sin’ [Gen 37]
Exodus 9 [their present], before the 7th Plague [hail – Each plague was a judgment against a specific ‘god(s)’].
Read vs 16 Pharaoh’s purpose [Rom 9:17, Rom 13]. Read vss 27-28 & 33-35 [Ex 4:21 before the Plagues, ‘I will harden his heart’].
Illustration: Water becoming ice.
Ex 10:16-20, following 8th Plague [locusts]. Read these verses.
All of the above are BEFORE the Decalogue. Many have an aspect of the Decalogue.
“Sin is lawlessness” (1 Jn 3:4; Gal 2:19-21, 3:19-25, Jas 2:10-12), then adds, “All unrighteousness is sin” (1 Jn 5:17)! They knew this by their history, ‘without the Law’ (Rom 2, ‘conscience’).
Chaps 20-23 Laws: Moral [personal], Civil [communal], and Worship [based on Obedience, not Love]!
EXODUS 24
Read vss 1-2, 13-18. The Manna, the Refreshing of the Soul, came down in the Glory of the Lord. The Law, the Word, descends in the Glory: Restoration of Righteousness & Removal of Separation due to Fear.
Religion: A ‘system’ is opted for where there is no Righteousness. It is Fear based. “There is no fear in Love” (1 Jn 4:18). Religion would never be chosen or preferred in the place of His Presence if one knows the Love of the Father. Rom 3:20-22.
Righteousness & Relationship were the Issues all along. “Will they obey My voice, spoken Word, ‘come near’? Or opt for a ‘stone’ relationship?” 2 Cor 3:7-18.
Mt of Transfiguration in Synoptics, as well as 2 Pet 1:16-18. Read Matt 17:5-8. “Hear Him”, the Sermon on the Mount. In Matt 5-7, 109 verses, ‘sin’ is mentioned once, our ‘Father’ 17 times!
‘Blessed … You are … ‘You have heard it was said to those of old, but I say’ … [concluding] Whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them’
The Glory of God Refreshes our Soul & Restores Righteousness, a Relationship based on Love in Jesus Christ, removing Separation due to Fear & Sin. “Perfect Love casts out fear” (1 Jn 4:18 above).
God’s Plan was the Word all along, a Word that says Love and leads us to the Father.
#notes#well#churchatthewell#TheWellROC#christ#jesus#salvation#redeem#glory#powerofgod#GloryofGod#god#spirit#commandments#moses#egypt#desert#Word#bible#church
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New Post has been published on PC Invasion
New Post has been published on https://www.pcinvasion.com/paragons-new-hero-drongo-revealed-patch-v-42-3-notes
Paragon's new hero Drongo detailed and patch v.42.3 notes
Paragon will be updated to patch v.42.3 tomorrow and this is a big update for a number of reasons.
The new hero Drongo had been seen before in leaked images but now we have full details on the hero and his abilities. Drongo is a scrappy chap with radioactive bullets, a boomerang which can be guided, silencing grenades and a large blasting Shrapnel Cannon. All these are on show in the new hero spotlight video.
In other Paragon news, tomorrow bring much-needed balance changes to the game. Thankfully Epic will be sorting out the overpowered Kallari, Wukong, Kwang and Iggy and Scorch. In .42 these heroes have been single-handedly winning games for teams. They have ruined many a match.
A few cards are also being nerfed including Godmother Vigilante, Flame of Zechin, and Shadow Dancer. There are more card changes which can be found in the patch notes.
Mastery costs have been reduced for ranks 1-4 have also been reduced and “adjustments” have been made to how quickly players begin gaining cards from chests. This is to help new players joining the game.
The Deckbuilkder UI has been changed along with changes to the scoreboard and card description. All aspects needed fixing quite urgently to make life easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWkrj2JHbGs&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5_z59aaQJc
Head to the next page for the full patch notes.
Paragon v.42.3 Patch Notes
MAJOR FEATURES
Drongo will be available on 8/29
Drongo cosmetic content added to the store:
Skin: Scavenger Drongo
Emote: Yeehaw – Drongo
HEROES
Hero balance
Wukong
Base health from 672 to 590
Health per level from 68 to 59
Base Health regen from 1.14 to 0.98
Health regen per level from .13 to 0.10
Base basic defense from 25.2 to 22.68
Basic defense per level from 3.24 to 2.27
Basic attack damage per level from 3.24 to 2.84
Attack speed per level from 2.25 to 1.8
Cloudwalker
Cooldown from 12/11/10/9 to 14/13/12/11
Control Aggression
Gold bounty from 20/30/40/50 to 10/15/20/25
Iggy
Base health from 663 to 624
Health per level from 67 to 69
Base health regen from 1.30 to 1.04
Health regen per level from 0.14 to 0.11
BLAZE!
damage per tick from 13/23/33 to 12/22/31
Power scaling per tick from 0.37 to 0.34
Kallari
Shadow Dance
Cooldown from 12/10/8/6 to 14/13/12/11
Basic attack base dmg from 59 to 56
Basic attack dmg per level from 4 to 3
Attack speed per level from 2.7 to 2.5
Base Basic Defense from 25 to 20
Basic defense per level from 3 to 2.6
Shadow Walk
Mana cost from 50 to 60
Kwang
Light of the Heavens
Ability defense from 40/60/80/100 to 20/40/60/80
Basic defense from 40/60/80/100 to 20/40/60/80
Basic defense per level from 3.2 to 2.9
Gideon
Cosmic Rift
Power scaling from 3.03 to 3.55
Burden
Power scaling from 1.79 to 2.09
Black Hole
Power scaling from 3.57 to 4.18
Wraith
Base Attack Time (BAT) from 0.95 to 0.85 (increases attack speed)
Base health from 554 to 566
Health per level from 57 to 61
Base health regen from 0.96 to .94
Zinx
Kitty Claws
Mana cost from 60/70/80/90 to 35/41/47/53
Power scaling from .21 to .75
Base dmg from 41/64/88/111 to 35/56/77/98
Revenant
Polish and Bug Fixing
Fixed a bug where Revenant wouldn’t automatically reload if his RMB was leveled.
CARDS
NOTE: All updates are based on Level 1 card values, but will affect cards of all levels.
DEATH
Awaken the Emeric
Increased the cost from 4 VIT / 6 INT to 4 VIT / 8 INT.
Increased the rate at which minions with Drain Life lose health from 3% Max Health to 5% Max Health per second.
Increased structure damage against Toxic Horde minions, they’ll now be killed in one attack.
Increased volume of card activation and the range at which it can be heard.
Fixed an issue where minions would path directly to core after being converted while between objectives.
Guard Piercer
Reduced basic armor penetration from 22 to 16.
Invader Mage
Reduced ability armor penetration from 12 to 10.
Lord Volstok
Renamed ability from ‘Experienced’ to ‘Dark Price’.
Nameless Curse
Increased damage per second from 50 to 60.
Reduced duration from 18 seconds to 16 seconds.
Numbing Rogue
Fixed an issue where the debuff aura would sometimes be lost on death.
Shadow Dancer
Increased cost from 3 VIT / 6 INT to 4 VIT / 7 INT.
Reduced duration from 15 seconds to 10 seconds.
Increased Power from 14 to 18.
Swamp Stalker
Reduced isolated basic damage bonus from 35 to 30.
Vampiric Blade
Adjusted cost from 9 AGI / 4 VIT to 7 AGI / 6 VIT.
KNOWLEDGE
Corrosive Walker
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
Cryo-Agent
Reduced internal cooldown from 10 seconds to 4 seconds.
Echelon Soldier
Reduced fade time from 2 seconds to 1.5 seconds.
Generator
Reduced cost from 1500 gold to 1200 gold.
Reduced mana regen per second from 100 to 75.
Rejuvenator
Now has 2 charges.
Increased cost from 200 gold to 300 gold.
Sleeper Agent
Fixed an issue where it could be used to target enemies in the Shadowplane without vision of them.
Supply Sergeant
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
Wetware Virus
Increased flat damage reduction from 30 to 50.
Increased attack speed slow from -30 to -50.
ORDER
Brilliant Fortification
Increased duration from 6 seconds to 7 seconds.
Reduced cost from 1000 Gold / 4 INT to 1000 Gold / 3 INT
Domain of Stillness
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
Gates of Salvation
Increased heal from 225 to 275.
Reduced base cooldown from 45 seconds to 35 seconds.
Increased the elevated effect frequency increase per attribute point from 2% to 4%.
Godmother Vigilant
Reduced base Max Health bonus from 15% to 10%.
Reduced Max Health from 565 to 240.
Now grants 190 Max Mana.
Knight of Ashur
Increased base basic damage from 25 to 30.
Increased the elevated effect basic damage per attribute point from 1.5 to 2.5.
Mallenks Grace
Increased % Max Health shield granted from 15% to 25%.
Reduced mana cost from 100 to 75.
Mallenks Prayer
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
Mallenks Tribute
Reduced maximum shield value from 20% Max Health to 15% Max Health.
No longer grants attack speed.
Now grants 290 Max Health.
Radiant Healer
Tooltip has been updated for consistency.
Yomi Guardian
Reduced cost from 3 DEX / 9 VIT to 3 DEX / 7 VIT.
Increased damage block from 50 to 70.
Reduced Basic Armor from 36 to 24.
Reduced Max Health from 300 to 240.
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
Yomi Scepter
Now displays the pink ‘Revealed’ eye above players heads while debuffed.
No longer affects enemy minions, will only apply to Heroes.
GROWTH
Battle Shepherd
Increased minion health regen aura from 10 to 55.
Renamed ability from ‘Minion Leader Aura’ to ‘Split Pusher’.
Exoskeleton
Reduced flat damage block from 8 to 6.
Flame of Zechin
Increased cost from 2000 Gold to 3000 Gold.
Reduced base damage from 500 to 400.
Reduced damage per activation from 150 to 100.
Increased cooldown from 45 seconds to 60 seconds.
Increased mana cost from 25 to 50.
Growth Totem
Increased Power gained per minute from .8 to 1.0
Increased Max Health gained per minute from 15 to 20.
Pack Leader
Affected minions now have 150 increased movement speed when chasing a marked target.
Reduced duration from 30 seconds to 15 seconds.
Increased cast range from 800 to 1200.
Spry-Kin
Reduced cost from 2 VIT / 5 INT to 2 VIT / 4 INT.
Reduced cooldown from 120 seconds to 65 seconds.
Reduced percentage gained on activation from 60% missing health and mana to 50% missing health and mana.
Thundercleaver
Fixed an issue which would cause card active functionality to break occasionally.
Vengeful Mire
No longer remove you from the Shadowplane on activation.
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
CHAOS
Deathcrawler
Reduced attack speed reduction from 65 to 50.
Reduced critical damage bonus from 300% to 250%.
Now has visual FX while active.
Nukeblood Mutant
Increased movement speed per stack from 15 to 20.
Increased attack speed per stack from 4 to 5.
Tireless Reaper
No longer remove you from the Shadowplane on activation.
Thorned Yomi
Cooldown now displays properly.
Unstable Cyborg
No longer remove you from the Shadowplane on activation.
Fixed an issue which would cause card functionality to break occasionally.
GEMS
NOTE: All updates are based on PVP normalized gem values, but will affect gems of all rolls.
Multishot
Reduced damage of additional projectiles from 80% to 60%.
Polish and Bug Fixing
Fixed a bug that made it possible to lose the ability to equip or unequip cards after selecting other cards while unequipping.
MONOLITH
Jungle Bot refinements: – Overall goal for refinements is keeping the Jungler in the field more & increasing how often they help push lanes
Jungle Bots will push lane after successful gank instead of retreating back to jungle
Raised Gold recall requirements by 1000 to keep them in the field more often
Mid game, Jungle Bots will help push lanes mid game unless friendly white camps have >=4 minions
Removed gold spent qualification from attack Green camp objective
Removed spending & enemy distance requirements from stealing Gold camp
Jungle bots will no longer clear a 1-minion white camp mid game
Aim Assist – fixed an issue where the aim assist was happening on targets that weren’t visible to the enemy.
UI AND GAME SYSTEMS
Economy and Progression Updates
Lowered the prices of Mastery Ranks 1 – 4 across all heroes:
Rank 1: 25,000 Reputation or 25 Coins
Rank 2: 75,000 Reputation or 75 Coins
Rank 3: 150,000 Reputation or 150 Coins
Rank 4: 250,000 Reputation or 250 Coins
Added Mastery Tokens. These tokens can be claimed for a Mastery Rank for any hero and any rank. They can be found in various reward systems.
Refunded all ranks purchased between Rank 1 and 4 with a free Mastery Token.
Added a Mastery Token to the Week 1 September Mega Vault track.
Increased the chance to get the Reputation Reward for a Daily Quest.
Removed all card level restrictions from finding them in chests. Now all cards can be found in any chest at any level.
Increased the Loot Crate substitution reward (when all Common items are owned) to 500,000 Reputation (from 100,000).
You can now purchase a Mega Vault Key during the final week of the month.
The first week in the September Monthly Mega Vault now has a Mastery Token as the 60-Star reward (replacing the normal Diamond Chest).
Changed the account level at which PvP is unlocked from 5 to 3.
Scoreboard Updates
Reorganized the layout for better readability and comparability.
Added team totals
Added Total Gold. Total Gold is only visible on yourself until the match is over.
Local Player now stands out better and is always on the top.
Time text is now accurate when the scoreboard shows at the end.
Enemy heroes that were not visible at the end of a match are now shown as visible with their values updated when the match ends.
Improved Post Match scoreboard readability
Bot difficulty is now represented with text and not stars
Deck Builder
Reorganized the layout so that it’s tab-based rather than a wizard. This allows you to take any step at any time.
You can now see gems and cards in your deck at any step.
Players can now click on summary cards to deselect them from deck.
Selected cards in your deck now stand out as much brighter.
Gem Selection UI generally updated for a cleaner flow.
Cards are now smaller on PC.
Scrolling is now much faster.
Bug Fix: Fixed a bug where sometimes your decks would create a copy rather than save the existing deck.
Bug Fix: Fixed several layout issues related to different safe zone settings on PS4.
Cards and Gems UI
Cards now clearly state if they are Active or Passive.
Cards are now dimmed on the HUD when you don’t have enough mana to cast them.
Toggle State cards now dim/lighten based on if they’re currently active or not.
Searching for gems and cards now searches the description text.
Sorting should now always function as expected.
Scrolling is now much faster.
Gems are now more compressed in the screen.
Sort button is now a dropdown on PC.
Updated the art on Black Ice Routine and Rejuvenator.
Bug Fix: Fixed mana regen value formatting when showing level up delta.
Bug Fix: Gems should no longer vanish when hovered in certain conditions.
Bug Fix: Fixed a bug where PS4 controllers could not use the search field.
Card Shop
Added Stats panel to the Card Shop, showing the current value of all stats.
Displayed gold cost now correctly updates on Cultivate cards.
Added a special display for when you attempt to play a card that you cannot afford.
Bug Fix: Gems no longer show duplicates after swapping decks or rejoining a match.
Bug Fix: “Points Available” on attributes will now be translated.
Bug Fix: Fixed a rare crash that could occur with attribute tooltips.
Bug Fix: Fixed an issue where Lifesteal was not showing correctly on major attribute points.
Bug Fix: Fixed an issue where you could end up in an odd state while quickly selecting slots and cards.
Misc
Restored Time Played and Total Stars to the stats panel.
Bug Fix: Fixed a layout issue with Mastery Rank 99. No, nobody hit it yet.
Bug Fix: Fixed a rare crash on the Daily Login Screen
Bug Fix: Fixed several instances of using a controller hotkey on a dialog and the screen behind it accepted the input.
Bug Fix: Fixed a rare crash that could occur if we failed to download client settings.
Bug Fix: Fixed a display issue where the Home Screen animations did not include Mastery Stars.
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‘Most mushroom poisonings happen to the mushroom hunter who relies on myths’... the cap on a mushroom is called a pileus, named after hats worn by some ancient Romans...
===
About your neck you will want to wear a silk kerchief. This is to keep out dust, and to prevent your neck from becoming reddened and chapped. It... should be of the best quality. The poorer grades go to pieces soon, and their colors are not fast. Get it big enough. At night you will make a cap of it to sleep in; and if ever you happen to be caught without extra clothes where it is very cold, you will find that the kerchief tied around your middle, and next the skin, will help surprisingly.
A coat is useless absolutely. A sweater is better as far as warmth goes; a waistcoat beats it for pockets. You will not wear it during the day; it wads up too much to be of much use at night. Even your trousers rolled up make a better temporary pillow. Leave it home; and you will neither regret it nor miss it.
[Stewart Edward White, Camp and Trail]
===
Some time before most of [the] reviews had appeared, the most interesting criticism of all had been published. It was printed in The Brooklyn Times of September 29, 1855, and was written by the man who best understood the purposes of the poems and was not unaware of their faults and probable reaction of the public. The author was Walt himself:
‘Very devilish to some, and very divine to some, will appear the poet of these new poems... an attempt, as they are of a naïve, masculine, affectionate, contemplative, sensual, imperious person to cast into literature not only his own grit and arrogance, but his own flesh and form, undraped... the begetter of a new offspring out of literature... preferring always to speak for himself rather than have others speak for him’.
And so he does, and very modestly for a Whitman who from now on proposes to fight the world until it accepts his poems.
[Henry Seidel Canby]
===
Former circus magician Timothy Drew... operated the ‘Moorish American Science Temple’, with fez-clad disciples in Newark, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Chicago. Drew, who taught that black Americans were actually Moors from Morocco, foresaw ‘the inevitable destruction of the white or European rule, of which the sign from heaven would be a star with a crescent moon’. His movement would become the Nation of Islam.
[1920]
===
This is Exodus, a wholly uncomprehended book. In proof thereof let us quote from one of our professors of ‘Biblical Literature and Religion’. ‘The culminating incidents of the Exodus was the crossing of the Red Sea. That this was accomplished miraculously, is a matter of clear history’. And what is this ‘clear history?’ The Bible, of course, three times over. ‘The record furnishes us with the facts in triplicate narrative’. Therefore it must be true. But to continue: ‘True there is the admission that, up to the present time no direct reference to the Exodus has been found among the Egyptian inscriptions’. And then follows the credulous reason: ‘Such silence causes no surprise; it is the expected silence of a proud and contemptuous people regarding an event of humiliating circumstances’. This represents modern enlightenment concerning Causation, Truth and Reality, and then we wonder what’s wrong with us morally. Morals, like faith, are the evidence of things not seen, namely, consciousness, enlightenment, wisdom. These our spiritual leaders cannot give us, because they haven’t them to give. Our rabbis, priests and ministers are but ‘innocents abroad’ in an occult world. The scriptures are to them as the Egyptian hieroglyphics before the Rosetta Stone.
There is no end to the explanations these apologists find to prove the historicity of Hebrew mythology; they must prove it lest their own house of cards come tumbling down.
[Deceptions and Myths of the Bible]
===
...I returned to Baltimore, and before leaving the Smart Set office gathered up an armful of review books to examine on the train. Among them was a set of proofs from Harcourt, Brace & Company. Ordinarily, I refused to read books in proof, for handling the loose sheets was an unpleasant chore, but this time, on a sudden and aberrant impulse, I took up the sheaf as soon as the train plunged into the Pennsylvania tunnel. By the time it got to Newark I was interested, and by the time it got to Trenton I was fascinated. At Philadelphia I called a Western Union boy and sent a telegram to Nathan. I forget the exact text, but it read substantially: ‘That idiot has written a masterpiece’. The book was Main Street.
[H.L. Mencken, My Life as Author and Editor]
===
❚NASA's Cassini Begins Its Final Mission Before Self-Destruction
Start mixing your Arnold Palmers, it's time for The Masters.
Sweating, Shaking Pharmaceutical CEO Says He Can Stop Profiting Off Opioid Epidemic Anytime He Wants
Global Meat News is another one of those industry newsletters I follow closely.
At 73, Barry Manilow comes out of closet
White supremacist Bannon removed from National Security Council
Wingnut: God Will Curse Children and Grandchildren of Trump Critics
Fascist former Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s infamous tent city jail is being shut down by his successor after a commission recommended that it be closed. Arpaio, of course, blames it all on George Soros, presumably because Saul Alinsky is dead and Karl Marx isn’t returning his calls.
This Farthead Wants to Rename the St. Louis Zoo 'The Midwest Abortion Sanctuary City Zoological Park'
Can you imagine hating something so much that you think, our only option is to involve the zoo animals? I understand that zoo animals don’t care about politics because they don’t understand them. I also can infer that they wouldn’t care even if they could understand them, because zoo animals are prisoners without rights or the hope of parole.
But Missouri State Sen. Bob Ond...
Rose Hamlin, a One-Hit Wonder With ‘Angel Baby,’ Dies at 71
Ms. Hamlin’s group, Rosie and the Originals, had only one Top 40 hit, but it was a memorable one. A bittersweet song of teenage love recorded in a converted airline hangar in 1960, “Angel Baby” reached No. 5 on the Billboard singles chart in January 1961 and remains a mainstay of oldies radio.
John Lennon was one of the song’s biggest fans. He recorded it in 1973 at the sessions for his album “Rock ’n’ Roll,” although it was not released until 1986, on the album “Menlove Ave.” His recording begins with a spoken introduction: “This here is one of my all-time favorite songs. Send my love to Rosie, wherever she may be.”
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Penn State University trustee who said he was “running out of sympathy” for people he described as “so-called victims” of Jerry Sandusky is no longer seeking a second term on the board.
Outing mit 73... Barry Manilow spricht über sein Schwulsein
YouTube is launching a streaming TV service Wednesday. It's one of many — Sling, PlayStation Vue and local cable companies among them. But Google-owned YouTube TV offers several features the others don't.
They include a cloud-based DVR with no storage limits, allowing users to record as many shows as they want for later playback. Membership also gives access to original series and movies featured on its other subscription streaming service, YouTube Red. And customers can create up to six accounts on one membership, with up to three streams running at once.
A subscription costs $...
Helsingborg in southern Sweden is set to become the home of a museum dedicated to some of the biggest flop products of all time, including the Betamax player, the Harley Davidson perfume and an ill-advised "female" pen.
If a prime minister wants to truly unite a nation – one way not to do it is to cook a pizza with spaghetti topping.
This seems to be the lesson that New Zealand’s leader, Bill English, can take away after he dabbled in the kitchen and sprinkled his result on social media this week.
On Tuesday night English cooked dinner for his family – a 1980s rural Kiwi classic: tinned spaghetti and pineapple pizza. Later, he posted a series of photos of his home-spun efforts on Facebook.
The photographs, blurry and un-retouched, caused a culinary uproar on Facebook and Twitter, with some Kiwis declaring they couldn’t vote for a prime minister who so wantonly bastardised Italian cuisine.
DID YOU KNOW THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A REPORTED DEATH LINKED TO THE OVERDOSING OF MARIJUANA?
Adorable CAT Plays with COW
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Hello ! Just wanted to thank you so much, I love Caste Heaven so I'm glad that you put up the work to translate it because I just can't. Also chap 29 broke me just like it did to you... Anyway thanks again, and have a great day ;)
I know I'm late but thank you very much 💕
Chapter 29 also broke my heart. I knew a dark time would come, but I didn't expect it to be so painful. What hurts the most is Azusa's face at the end of the chapter... a mixture of anger but also disappointment.
His heart is broken and mine too.
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I've been waiting for the teacher character to come back in caste heaven for soooooo looonnggg!!! Do you think maybe ogawa chise forgot about him? Of course shes human so I get it aidhsisis but I thought the dynamic between karino, azusa, and the teacher would be really really interesting to see. Maybe with the events of chap 29 the teacher will come back and be there for azusa in his time of need and try to steal him away from karino or smthn!!
ABSOLUTELY ME TOO! I remember when I finished reading chapter 10 I thought "this manga is so fucking cool, I wanna know what will happen with this pervy teacher". It's a pity he didn't return in the school :( Honestly, maybe the appearance of this teacher was just a trick to keep the story going, so I have no idea if he will come back 🥺 even if I don't think, given the current situation..
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GAY MARRIAGE IS LEGAL BY STEVE FINNELL
According to the Supreme Court gay marriage is legal in the United States of America. The problem is being legal does not make it any less sinful. Being a homosexual is legal. Being an adulterer is legal. Having children out of wedlock is legal. Rejecting Jesus as the Son of God is legal. Being a liar is legal. Perverting the gospel by denying that water baptism is essential to the forgiveness of sins is legal.
Because men keep the laws of man is no guarantee they are free from sin.
SCRIPTURES ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL SIN
Marriage is between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6 (NASB)
Homosexuality was a sin under the old covenant and is a sin under the new covenant. Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (NASB) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.s (NASB)
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017
HAS BELIEVED AND BEEN BAPTIZED! BY STEVE FINNELL
Jesus made the terms for salvation very simply. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
Repentance and confession are connected to belief and water baptism. Terms of salvation: Belief-Repentance-Confession-Water Baptism.
BELIEF
Acts 2:36-37 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall do?"(NASB)
REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM
Acts 2:38 And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. (The Living Bible-Paraphrased)
The 3000 converts on the Day of Pentecost believed, repented, and were immersed in water. That was the first day of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
BELIEF
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, (NASB)
BELIEF, CONFESSION AND BAPTISM
Acts 8:34-38.....37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. (NASB)
BELIEF
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish , but have eternal life. (NASB)
REPENTANCE
Acts 17:30-31 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (NASB)
BAPTISM
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NASB)
CONFESSION
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. (NASB)
BELIEF: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:34-38, John 3:16, John 6:40, John 14:6, John 8:24, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 10:43
REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Luke 24:47, Acts 17:30-31.
CONFESSION: Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:34-38
IMMERSION IN WATER: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-7, Galatians 3:27, Titus 3:5, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:25-27, Acts 2:38, 40,41,47.
It takes a master of deception, a skilled professional, and a willing student, for anyone to believe that Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Immersion in water are not essential in order to be saved.
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Why Are There So Many Churches?
by David Vaughn Elliott
Why are there so many different churches? When did all the religious confusion begin? Some would say it began with Martin Luther. However, the truth of the matter is that religious confusion started in the Garden of Eden. God said, "Don't." Satan said, "Do." If you are a student of the Bible, you know that religious confusion continued unabated from the offerings of Cain and Abel to the harlot and bride of Revelation.
It is nothing unusual, therefore, to hear this prediction via Paul: "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats" (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Two false doctrines are named. Both prohibit what God has not prohibited. The abstinence might seem to be spiritual by denying pleasures of the flesh. However, they are actually demonic prohibitions.
Discussing the issue of teachings which do not come from God, Jesus once said: "These people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:8-9). At the end of the Bible we read this warning: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18). One way of adding to God's Word is to prohibit what God has not prohibited. And, as Jesus said, if we teach such human (demonic) doctrines, our worship of God is in vain, empty, futile.
We can find specific fulfillment of 1 Timothy 4 in the second century among the Gnostic sects. Irenaeus (A.D. 130 to 202) said this about some Gnostics: "Many offshoots of numerous heresies have already been formed from those heretics we have described. This arises from the fact that numbers of them—indeed, we may say all—desire themselves to be teachers... they insist upon teaching something new... To give an example: Springing from Saturninus and Marcion, those who are called Encratites (self-controlled) preached against marriage, thus setting aside the original creation of God, and indirectly blaming Him who made the male and female for the propagation of the human race. Some of those reckoned among them have also introduced abstinence from animal food, thus proving themselves ungrateful to God, who formed all things" ("Against Heresies," Book I, Chap. 28).
Let's make some important distinctions. In Romans 14:2-3, Paul teaches: "For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God has received him." This upholds a Christian who has a personal conviction against eating meat -- as long as he does not judge his brother. But, according to the Timothy text, if a person makes a doctrine of it and teaches that nobody is permitted to eat meat, that person is guilty of teaching a demonic doctrine.
The same distinction is true with regard to marriage. Paul was not married, and under certain situations he says it may be best not to marry (1 Cor. 7:26-28). However, he makes it clear that "should you marry, you have not sinned." So anyone can decide to stay single and even advise people that under certain situations it may be better to stay single. However, to prohibit marriage is demonic.
Why are there so many churches today? Because men and women teach their own doctrines (demons' doctrines) rather than God's doctrine. They prohibit what God has not prohibited and they command what God has not commanded. It all started in Eden, as Satan fought against God; and it will not end until Jesus returns and casts Satan into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). In this world, there has always been religious confusion and always will be. It is up to each one of us to behave as the Bereans did when we hear anybody's teaching. They were "examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). Let's do the same. That's how I see it. How about you?
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017
IT MUST BE FALSE BY STEVE FINNELL
If the majority disbelieves it, then it must be false. There are over 7 billion people in the world and only 2.2 billion believe that Jesus is the Son of God, does it mean it is false to say Jesus is the Son of God? No, it does not. Why would anyone place their belief on majority opinion?
Of the 2.2 billion who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior the majority do not believe in the New Testament terms for pardon, does that make God's terms for pardon untrue? No, it does not.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
The majority of believers in Christ do not believe what Jesus said in Mark 16:16, does that make it false doctrine?
Example: Many say you do not have to be baptized in water to be saved.
Example: Many say you can be saved and have your sins forgiven before you believe; because as an unbelieving infant you were baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and added to the body of Christ.
All non-believers and most believers in Christ deny God's terms for pardon.
1. Faith, John 3:16
2. Repentance, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Luke 24:47
3. Confession, Romans 10:9, Acts 8:36-37
4. Immersion in water, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Colossians 2:11-13, Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-7, 1 Peter 3:20-21, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:25-27, Titus 3:5
DOES DENYING GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON MAKE THEM FALSE DOCTRINE?
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THE ABSURDITY OF ORIGINAL SIN BY STEVE FINNELL
Original Sin: a depravity, or tendency to evil, held to be innate in humankind and transmitted from Adam to all humans in consequence of his sin. [Ref:Dictionary .com]
The doctrine of original sin is that all men inherited the guilt of Adam's sin and are sinners at birth.
It gives absurdity a bad name to suggest that all men are born with a sinful spiritual DNA, of which they inherited from Adam and are therefore guilty of sin at birth.
If men are born sinners, then they are born as fornicators, sodomites, drunkards, thieves, homosexuals, extortioners, murders, sorcerers, pedophiles and idolaters. Would God create men guilty of these sins, due to no fault of their own, and then condemn them to hell? It is not only irrational, but contrary to Scripture.
Men are guilty of sin because they sin. They are not guilty of sin because of Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the word, and death spread to all men, because all sinned---(NKJV)
Spiritual death spread to all men, BECAUSE ALL SINNED.
Physical death spread to all men because Adam sinned.
No one is guilty of sin until they commit sin.
The unborn and small children are not capable of committing sin.
The doctrine of original sin is absurd, nonsensical, irrational, illogical, and most importantly contrary to the doctrine of God.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017
ORIGINAL CHRISTIANITY? BY STEVE FINNELL
Are the Christians today the same as the first century Christians? Do contemporary Christians believe the New Testament, as it was
originally written or do they believe it is a living, breathing document? All Scripture contain in the Bible was completed by AD 100 .
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (NKJV) (NOTE: Jude was written in AD 65 )
The common salvation was handed down to all the Christians. There was not a new faith handed down nor was the faith amended to fit the will of individual churches.
Acts 2:42 They continually devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...(NKJV)
They did not devote themselves the teaching of the scribes, the Pharisees nor the Judaizers.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
The apostles doctrine was all Scripture. That was all that was needed for teaching. The original Christians not need the doctrine of the Roman Catholic catechism, the writings of John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, Charles Spurgeon, nor John Wesley in order to know and practice God's truth, that was presented by the apostles.
Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (NKJV)
The apostle Paul knew the whole purpose of God, he did not have to consult with Billy Graham, the Pope, Rick Warren, Max Lucado, nor John Piper.[NOTE: None of those even understand the correct terms of pardon.]
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Revelation after the first 100 years of, original Christianity, is not found in the Bible; because everything Christians need for faith and practice in found in the 66 books of the Bible.
Proverbs 30:6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. (NKJV)
DOCTRINES ADDED TO GOD'S WORD
1. Water baptism is not essential for salvation.
2. Water baptism is for a testimony of faith, not in order to the forgiveness of sins.
3. Men are saved by grace alone. God causes men whom He has selected for salvation to have faith so they will be saved.
4. Sprinkling and pouring are just other modes of baptism.
5. Men are saved by faith alone. Immersion in water is a work, therefore is not required in order to be saved.
6. All men are sinners at conception because Adam and Eve sinned. Non-believing infants can have the sin of Adam as well as all future sins wash away by being baptized. In other words sin can be forgiven without faith in Jesus Christ.
7. Jesus is one of many ways to enter heaven.
8. Men can live a unrepentant sinful lifestyle and still enter the kingdom of God.
9. God approves of many denominations, even though they teach different terms of pardon.
10. Denominations have the right to man-made doctrines even if they are contrary to Scripture, because God will not judge sincere people.
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Speaking In Tongues
GEORGE L. FAULL
Dear Brother Faull,It is my understanding that you do not practice "Speaking in tongues." Why?Let me give you the reasons why I do not wish to "speak in tongues."
1. I could not defend it as having practical value.
It does not prove that I am saved, nor that I'm spiritual, nor that I have the truth, for men of every creed claim this gift.
2. I could not defend it as an aid to devotions.
It does not do anything the Holy Spirit does not do for every believer. He searches out our unspeakable requests and make intercession for us.
Romans 8:26-27,
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."
3. I could not defend it as a sign for unbelievers.
If I do it publicly, men of all conflicting doctrines do the same. If I do it in my prayer closet, how will the unbeliever know of it?
4. I could not defend its "continual existence" from the Word of God.
The Scriptures neither imply nor promise the continuance of the gift, but, in fact, states that they will cease while faith, and hope yet abide.
I Corinthians 13:8-13,
"8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I under-stood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity."
5. I could not defend its "continual existence" from Church History.
History records that the gifts did cease. History records when and how the gift was supposedly revived. History records the deceitfulness of the modern day movement to increase the supposed gift among churches.
6. I could not defend its "continual existence" by commonsense.
Since prophecy and divine knowledge have ceased, [I neither know, nor know of anyone with these gifts] commonsense assumes that the lesser gift has ceased.
7. I could not defend its "continual existence" by the clichés of modern tongue speakers.
Clichés such as:
"God is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
"God does not change."
"He could do it, therefore, He does do it."
"He once did it, and therefore, He is doing it."
Doesn't our God ever do anything singular or unique? Is He still making women out of man's ribs? Have you seen any world wide floods lately? Are there still virgins having babies?
8. I could not defend it as "unifying the Body of Christ."
It is setting believer against believer. The only unity it promotes is unity of men of a thousand different conflicting doctrines agreeing to disagree. It may well be
Romans 8:26-27,
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."
9. I could not defend it in light of those who have "spoken in tongues," who now admit that it was not of God.
We are told that we cannot deny a man's experience. Can a man deny his own interpretation of his experience? He once thought that it was of God. He now concludes that it was not. Hundreds, who have spoken in tongues, now deny that the experience was of God. How can I defend that my experience was of God when others with the same experience admit that theirs was not of God?
10. I could not defend it "as a promise from God."
He did not promise it to me, therefore I cannot accept it by faith. I can accept salvation, forgiveness, and redemption by faith. These were promised to all believers. I believe the promises. I "enjoy" them because I believe the promises. I cannot accept tongues by faith because they were not promised to every believer.
I Corinthians 12:30,
"Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"Therefore, my "feelings" about tongues may be imaginary rather than real.
11. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift that I had to hide.
Imagine having a gift for which you could not thank God publicly. If it is known that you possess tongues, YOU:
Cause division among your brethren.
Are suspected of false doctrine by those whom you know are Christian.
Lose opportunities for service with your real talents and abilities. I wouldn't want a billion dollars if it did those things to my witness.
12. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift which I could not know was genuine.
Who would want a diamond or a ruby if it could not be proven to be such? it would have no real value. It would cause only bickering, arguments, and debates. Since there is no way to tell the apostate's "tongue speaking" from mine, why should I want it?
13. There are more desirable gifts mentioned which would edify the Church.
If it is an aid to devotions, I would get the benefit. [Incidentally, Paul didn't say it was.] But if I could prophesy or heal, I would be able to help others. I would enjoy being the steward of such abilities as these, but I would find "tongue speaking" in private or public a difficult stewardship with no real value.
Conclusion:
Tongue speaking is therefore undesirable because it is unneeded, unhelpful, undefendable, and uncertain.Posted by
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
ARE WE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN? BY STEVE FINNELL
Are Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, atheists, and all other men, God's children? No, they are not. They are all created by God, but they are not all God's children. God loves them all, but they are not all God's children.
Who are God's children? Christians are God's children.
Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)
Men become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus and being baptized into Him.
John 11-12 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name;(KJV)
The Jews who rejected Jesus as the Christ were not God's children. Those who believe in Jesus have the opportunity to become God's children.
GOD LOVES ALL MEN, HOWEVER, SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL.
Terms to become the children of God.
A. Faith: John 3:16
B. Repentance: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19
C. Confession: Romans 10:9
C. Immersion in water: Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21.
All men have the opportunity to become God's children. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you all one in Christ Jesus.(KJV)
ALL MEN ARE NOT GOD'S CHILDREN, HOWEVER, THEY ALL CAN BE.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
THE DOCTRINE OF FREE-WILL BY STEVE FINNELL
The teaching that men do not have free-will evolved from the false doctrine that men are saved by grace alone. There is not one place in the Bible that has grace and alone in the same sentence. If in fact men are saved by grace alone and have no free-will, there are many things that would be true.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to have faith so they could be saved.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to repent.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to confess Jesus as the Christ.
If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
If men have no free-will, then God would be responsible for all of the sins of mankind.
If men have no free-will, why did the men on the Day of Pentecost ask "Brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37)
If men have no free-will, then why did the jailer ask Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)
If men have no free-will, then why did Saul ask, "What shall I do Lord?" (Acts 22:10)
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appear has appeared to all men.
God's grace is available to all men. Grace is not forced nor is it denied to any man. MEN HAVE FREE-WILL!
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
BIBLE TRANSLATIONS BY STEVE FINNELL
The thought process of some Christians is puzzling to say the least. Why do some believers in Christ question that God has the power to guide men to translate Bibles that are inerrant, trustworthy, accurate, faultless, reliable, infallible.
Some of the same Christians who believe the following miracles of the Bible, doubt that God can produce an inerrant translation of the Bible.
They believe that Aaron's staff became a serpent. (Exodus 7:10-12) However they do not believe that translations of the Bible are trustworthy.
They believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead. (John 21:14) However they do not agree that Bible translations are inerrant.
They believe that the dead man Elisha stood up on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20-21) However they doubt that Bible translations are infallible.
They believe Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead. (John 11:37-44) However they do not affirm that Bible translations are reliable.
They believe that God turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) However they are not convinced that God has given us a translation of the Bible that is accurate.
Even those who state that the King James translation is the only accurate translation, believe that Mark 16:16 does mean what is says: They say "Has been baptized shall be saved" actually means, "Has already been saved before they were baptized." The assert that Acts 2:38 actually means "Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ because your sins have already been forgiven." They really do not trust the KJV either.
Ninety-nine percent of the Bible translations are accurate, trustworthy, inerrant translations of God's word.
A few of my favorites are New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New King James Version, English Standard Version, and New International Version. There are also many other reliable translations.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017
GOD'S WORD VERSUS BAPTIST DOCTRINE BY STEVE FINNELL
If Baptist doctrine contradicts the word of God, which one is correct?
Baptist Doctrine: Perseverance of the saints, AKA as once saved always saved.
God's Word: Galatians 5:1-4.... You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. (NKJV)
God's Word: Hebrews 6:4-6 4 For it is impossible......6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance.....(NKJV)
God's Word: Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; (NKJV)
God's Word: 1 Timothy 4:1...some will depart from the faith...(NKJV)
Christians can become lost.
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Baptist Doctrine: Water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness of sins and is not essential in order to be saved.
God's Word: Acts 2:38 ....and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.....(NKJV)
God's Word: Mark 16:16 ....and is baptized will be saved...(NKJV)
God's Word: 1 Peter 3:21 There is an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism...(NKJV)
God's Word: Acts 22:16...Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins...(NKJV)
God's Word: Colossians 2:12 -13 buried with Him in baptism...13...having forgiven you all trespasses,(NKJV)
God's Word: Ephesians 5:25-27 ....Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it 26 that He might sanctify and wash it with the washing of water by the word,(NKJV)
God's Word: Romans 6:4-7 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death.......7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.(NKJV)
God's Word: John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJV)
Being immersed in water is an essential part of the gospel plan of salvation.
Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (NKJV)
The apostles did not preach Baptist doctrine, they preached the word of God.
Denominations were not formed so they could preach the apostles' doctrine. Denominations were formed so they could change the apostles' doctrine. If all denominations preached only God's word, there would be just one church, the church of Jesus Christ.
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QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ABOUT SABBATH KEEPING BY STEVE FINNELL
Why do believers in Christ who claim to be sabbath keepers fail to keep the laws of the sabbath? Christians were never instructed to remember the sabbath and keep it holy.
The command to remember the sabbath and keep it holy was given to Israel and Israel alone. It was not restated under the New Covenant.
Deuteronomy 5:1-15 Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully.......12 'Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you......
New Testament instructions concerning Old Covenant sabbath keeping.
Romans 14:5-6 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in h
is own mind. 6 He who observes the day , observes it for the Lord.....
Colossians 2:14-16....Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day---
Christians are free to worship any day they wish, be it Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc. Christians are free to work any day they wish. There is no New testament command to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
SO-CALLED MODERN DAY SABBATH KEEPERS DO NOT KEEP THE SABBATH NOR DO THEY PUNISH THEIR MEMBERS WHO BREAK IT.
Exodus 31:15 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord, whoever does work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.
Numbers 15:32-36 Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the sabbath day........35 Then the Lord said to Moses, "The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp." .......
THERE ARE ONLY FALSE SABBATH KEEPERS TODAY.
REMEMBER THE SABBATH AND KEEP IT HOLY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN LAW.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017
INSIGHT INTO BIBLE TRUTH #253
DID JESUS CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY?
by David Vaughn Elliott
No, He did not. Nor did He condone it. It is a topic He never discussed. What are we to conclude from this silence?
This is not the only issue that Jesus did not discuss. For example, we never hear Him condemning idolatry. Jesus was born into the world as a Jew, an Israelite. He "was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 15:24). Before Jesus, Israel had a long history of idolatry. It is commonly believed that the captivity cured the Jews of this sin. That offers a reason why Jesus did not need to condemn the Jews on the issue. This could also be a clue regarding Jesus' silence about homosexuality. But let's go further.
To say that Jesus never condemned this or that, keep in mind that such statements are based on the record we have in the four Gospels. Is there any record of Jesus discussing sorcery or witchcraft? What of drinking blood? What about drunkenness?
And then there is the issue of breaking the Sabbath. During Israel's long history, Sabbath breaking was a frequent issue, even after their return from captivity. Jesus lived under the OT law, so Sabbath keeping was still in force. Luke 4:16 tells us that Jesus "came to Nazareth... and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath." Although Jesus kept the Sabbath, He was frequently accused of breaking it. On the other hand, there is no record of Jesus accusing others of breaking the Sabbath. In short, there are various sins that Jesus "never condemned."
The Gospels Are Neither Complete Nor Final
We have four Gospels, four biographical accounts of Jesus' life on earth. Some would say that the four should not even be called biographies because they cover so little of Jesus' life. True enough. The fourth Gospel ends with these picturesque words: "There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written." This does not mean that we do not have enough written. John himself said a little earlier, "Many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). We don't have it all, but we have enough to believe in Him so we can have life.
Only some of what Jesus "did" is recorded. What about what He taught? Well, teaching is doing, so we don't have all He taught either. Here is a specific example. "They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were amazed at His teaching" (Mark 1:21-22). Nothing is said about what He taught on that occasion.
In short, everything that Jesus did, taught, and said is not recorded. Therefore it is impossible for us to say that Jesus never condemned so-and-so. As in all of life, negative statements are often impossible to prove. We can only say that there is no record of Jesus saying so-and-so.
But there is more to this.
In court, we are told to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In Jesus' ministry as recorded in the four Gospels, Jesus did "tell the truth." He did tell "nothing but the truth." However, He did not – repeat "not" – tell "the whole truth." Wow, what an assertion to make! But it is true. Jesus himself said so. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus said to the eleven (Judas had already left):
"I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:12-13).
There it is in black and white (maybe red in your Bible). While Jesus was on earth, He did not say everything that needed to be said. Rather, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus' apostles would be guided into "all the truth." Anyone who wants all the truth must look further than Jesus’ words during his earthly ministry – must read more than the four Gospels.
The four Gospels make up roughly half of our New Testament. According to Jesus' own word, we dare not ignore the second half. Much of the second half was written by the Apostle Paul. Why is it that some people pit what Jesus did not say against what Paul did say? Could it be that those people are really pitting their own preconceived ideas against what the inspired Apostle Paul taught? There are various proofs that Paul was made an apostle by Jesus after Jesus' ascension. Did you ever notice what the Apostle Peter had to say about Paul's writings? "Our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:15-16). If we distort what Paul wrote, we are heading for destruction.
There is no Scriptural basis to justify anything on the basis of what Jesus did not say. Negatives such as "Jesus never condemned..." can never be proven. Furthermore, even if He didn't, the four Gospels are only a portion of God's divine revelation. They are an extremely important portion, but only a portion. We cannot treat the NT as a smorgasbord from which to select the portions we prefer. We must take it all. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Scripture quotations taken from the
NASB
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WHICH CHURCH? BY STEVE FINNELL
Which church was established to teach the apostles doctrine. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine..(NKJV)
Which church was established to teach the apostles' doctrine?
Was the Community Church established to preach the apostles' doctrine or the Community Church doctrine?
Was the Roman Catholic Church formed in order to teach the apostles' doctrine or to teach the Catholic catechism?
Was the Methodist Church founded in order to teach the apostles' doctrine or to proclaim Methodism?
Was the Baptist Church established to evangelize using the apostles doctrine or to preach Baptist doctrine?
If churches really wanted to preach the apostles' doctrine would they not use the identity of the church found in Scripture. Examples: Romans 16:16...The churches of Christ greet you. (NKJV), Acts 20:28 ...the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.(NKJV), 1 Corinthians 1:2...the church of God...sanctified in Christ Jesus.(NKJV).
Denominations take names other than those found in Scripture so as to identify the differences from their doctrine and that of the apostles' doctrine.
Jesus is the head of one church, His church. God did not establish multiple churches.
If all churches taught from the Bible and the Bible alone, then, denominational names would not necessary.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017
SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION. REALLY? BY STEVE FINNELL
Scripture is subject to interpretation. Is honesty and lack of pride a requirement in order to interpret Scripture accurately ?
Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)
My interpretation of Mark 16:16 is, he who believes and is immersed in water will be saved.
-------------------------------------------
The following are some denominational interpretations of Mark 16:16.
1. He who believes is saved and shall be baptized as a testimony of their faith.
2. He who is baptized as an unbelieving infant will be forgiven of the guilt of Adam's sin as well as all sins they commit in the future, and they will be added to the body of Christ. [ Note: The only person guilty of Adam's sin, is Adam.]
3. He who is dead and is baptized by proxy will be forgiven.
4. Dead infants will be baptized and will have faith imputed to them by God so they will be saved. [Note: No infant dead or alive is guilty of sin.]
5. He who believes is saved by faith only and should be baptized because Jesus commanded baptism.
6. He who believes, believes because God forced him to believe, therefore he is saved by grace alone. Baptism is a work, therefore it is not essential for salvation.
7. He who believes is saved, however, he needs to be baptized in order to join a denominational church of his choice.
8. Belief and water baptism are not essential in order to be saved, because God will save all men.
9. Mark 16:16 does not apply because the church catechism of my denomination overrules all Scripture. Man-made creeds are more reliable than Scripture.
10. Mark 16:16 is invalid because the majority of those who claim Jesus as Savior do not believe it to be true.
11. He who believes and is baptized will be saved is a false statement, because there are many other ways to get heaven rather than Jesus.
Scripture is subject to interpretation, however, Scripture more likely to be misinterpreted.
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JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN BY STEVE FINNELL
Jesus died for all men, however, all men will not be saved. God loves everyone, but salvation is conditional.
JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN
1 Timothy 2:5-6.....the man Jesus Christ, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.
Jesus paid the price of salvation for all men, not just for a selected few.
Hebrews 2:9 But we do see Him who was made a little lower than the angels, namely Jesus , because of the suffering death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Jesus tasted death for everyone. Jesus did not die for a preselected few.
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Jesus did not send the disciples to preach to only those that had been hand picked by God for salvation. The disciples were to preach to all the world. Jesus died for every person in the world then and now.
THERE WILL BE ONLY A FEW WHO WILL BE SAVED.
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Heaven will not be crowded.
SALVATION IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL, BUT IT IS CONDITIONAL.
Romans 1;16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Salvation is available to all who believe. Salvation is conditional.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
All men who have heard the gospel have been called. The chosen are the ones who believe. It is a personal choice. Men have free will.
CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Romans 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
How do men call on the name of the Lord? They call on His name by FAITH-REPENTANCE-CONFESSION-and WATER BAPTISM.
FAITH: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 17 30-31 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring that all people everywhere should repent, 31......
All people who want to be saved need to repent of their unbelief and make the commitment to turn from their sinful lifestyle and turn toward God.
CONFESSION: Matthew 10:32 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10.......Acts 37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may, And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]
WATER BAPTISM: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 3:20-21 ....safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN, HOWEVER, ALL MEN WILL NOT BE SAVED BECAUSE SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL!
SALVATION IS A CHOICE. MEN HAVE THE FREE-WILL TO MAKE THAT CHOICE.
MEN CAN BE SAVED IN TWO HOURS MORE OR LESS. MEN JUST HAVE TO MEET GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON.
(All Scripture from : NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)
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GAY MARRIAGE IS LEGAL BY STEVE FINNELL
According to the Supreme Court gay marriage is legal in the United States of America. The problem is being legal does not make it any less sinful. Being a homosexual is legal. Being an adulterer is legal. Having children out of wedlock is legal. Rejecting Jesus as the Son of God is legal. Being a liar is legal. Perverting the gospel by denying that water baptism is essential to the forgiveness of sins is legal.
Because men keep the laws of man is no guarantee they are free from sin.
SCRIPTURES ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL SIN
Marriage is between a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6 (NASB)
Homosexuality was a sin under the old covenant and is a sin under the new covenant. Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (NASB) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.s (NASB)
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017
HAS BELIEVED AND BEEN BAPTIZED! BY STEVE FINNELL
Jesus made the terms for salvation very simply. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
Repentance and confession are connected to belief and water baptism. Terms of salvation: Belief-Repentance-Confession-Water Baptism.
BELIEF
Acts 2:36-37 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall do?"(NASB)
REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM
Acts 2:38 And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. (The Living Bible-Paraphrased)
The 3000 converts on the Day of Pentecost believed, repented, and were immersed in water. That was the first day of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
BELIEF
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, (NASB)
BELIEF, CONFESSION AND BAPTISM
Acts 8:34-38.....37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. (NASB)
BELIEF
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish , but have eternal life. (NASB)
REPENTANCE
Acts 17:30-31 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (NASB)
BAPTISM
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NASB)
CONFESSION
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. (NASB)
BELIEF: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:34-38, John 3:16, John 6:40, John 14:6, John 8:24, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 10:43
REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Luke 24:47, Acts 17:30-31.
CONFESSION: Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:34-38
IMMERSION IN WATER: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-7, Galatians 3:27, Titus 3:5, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:25-27, Acts 2:38, 40,41,47.
It takes a master of deception, a skilled professional, and a willing student, for anyone to believe that Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Immersion in water are not essential in order to be saved.
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Why Are There So Many Churches?
by David Vaughn Elliott
Why are there so many different churches? When did all the religious confusion begin? Some would say it began with Martin Luther. However, the truth of the matter is that religious confusion started in the Garden of Eden. God said, "Don't." Satan said, "Do." If you are a student of the Bible, you know that religious confusion continued unabated from the offerings of Cain and Abel to the harlot and bride of Revelation.
It is nothing unusual, therefore, to hear this prediction via Paul: "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats" (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Two false doctrines are named. Both prohibit what God has not prohibited. The abstinence might seem to be spiritual by denying pleasures of the flesh. However, they are actually demonic prohibitions.
Discussing the issue of teachings which do not come from God, Jesus once said: "These people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:8-9). At the end of the Bible we read this warning: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18). One way of adding to God's Word is to prohibit what God has not prohibited. And, as Jesus said, if we teach such human (demonic) doctrines, our worship of God is in vain, empty, futile.
We can find specific fulfillment of 1 Timothy 4 in the second century among the Gnostic sects. Irenaeus (A.D. 130 to 202) said this about some Gnostics: "Many offshoots of numerous heresies have already been formed from those heretics we have described. This arises from the fact that numbers of them—indeed, we may say all—desire themselves to be teachers... they insist upon teaching something new... To give an example: Springing from Saturninus and Marcion, those who are called Encratites (self-controlled) preached against marriage, thus setting aside the original creation of God, and indirectly blaming Him who made the male and female for the propagation of the human race. Some of those reckoned among them have also introduced abstinence from animal food, thus proving themselves ungrateful to God, who formed all things" ("Against Heresies," Book I, Chap. 28).
Let's make some important distinctions. In Romans 14:2-3, Paul teaches: "For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God has received him." This upholds a Christian who has a personal conviction against eating meat -- as long as he does not judge his brother. But, according to the Timothy text, if a person makes a doctrine of it and teaches that nobody is permitted to eat meat, that person is guilty of teaching a demonic doctrine.
The same distinction is true with regard to marriage. Paul was not married, and under certain situations he says it may be best not to marry (1 Cor. 7:26-28). However, he makes it clear that "should you marry, you have not sinned." So anyone can decide to stay single and even advise people that under certain situations it may be better to stay single. However, to prohibit marriage is demonic.
Why are there so many churches today? Because men and women teach their own doctrines (demons' doctrines) rather than God's doctrine. They prohibit what God has not prohibited and they command what God has not commanded. It all started in Eden, as Satan fought against God; and it will not end until Jesus returns and casts Satan into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). In this world, there has always been religious confusion and always will be. It is up to each one of us to behave as the Bereans did when we hear anybody's teaching. They were "examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). Let's do the same. That's how I see it. How about you?
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017
IT MUST BE FALSE BY STEVE FINNELL
If the majority disbelieves it, then it must be false. There are over 7 billion people in the world and only 2.2 billion believe that Jesus is the Son of God, does it mean it is false to say Jesus is the Son of God? No, it does not. Why would anyone place their belief on majority opinion?
Of the 2.2 billion who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior the majority do not believe in the New Testament terms for pardon, does that make God's terms for pardon untrue? No, it does not.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)
The majority of believers in Christ do not believe what Jesus said in Mark 16:16, does that make it false doctrine?
Example: Many say you do not have to be baptized in water to be saved.
Example: Many say you can be saved and have your sins forgiven before you believe; because as an unbelieving infant you were baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and added to the body of Christ.
All non-believers and most believers in Christ deny God's terms for pardon.
1. Faith, John 3:16
2. Repentance, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Luke 24:47
3. Confession, Romans 10:9, Acts 8:36-37
4. Immersion in water, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Colossians 2:11-13, Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-7, 1 Peter 3:20-21, John 3:5, Ephesians 5:25-27, Titus 3:5
DOES DENYING GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON MAKE THEM FALSE DOCTRINE?
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THE ABSURDITY OF ORIGINAL SIN BY STEVE FINNELL
Original Sin: a depravity, or tendency to evil, held to be innate in humankind and transmitted from Adam to all humans in consequence of his sin. [Ref:Dictionary .com]
The doctrine of original sin is that all men inherited the guilt of Adam's sin and are sinners at birth.
It gives absurdity a bad name to suggest that all men are born with a sinful spiritual DNA, of which they inherited from Adam and are therefore guilty of sin at birth.
If men are born sinners, then they are born as fornicators, sodomites, drunkards, thieves, homosexuals, extortioners, murders, sorcerers, pedophiles and idolaters. Would God create men guilty of these sins, due to no fault of their own, and then condemn them to hell? It is not only irrational, but contrary to Scripture.
Men are guilty of sin because they sin. They are not guilty of sin because of Adam's sin.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the word, and death spread to all men, because all sinned---(NKJV)
Spiritual death spread to all men, BECAUSE ALL SINNED.
Physical death spread to all men because Adam sinned.
No one is guilty of sin until they commit sin.
The unborn and small children are not capable of committing sin.
The doctrine of original sin is absurd, nonsensical, irrational, illogical, and most importantly contrary to the doctrine of God.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017
ORIGINAL CHRISTIANITY? BY STEVE FINNELL
Are the Christians today the same as the first century Christians? Do contemporary Christians believe the New Testament, as it was
originally written or do they believe it is a living, breathing document? All Scripture contain in the Bible was completed by AD 100 .
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (NKJV) (NOTE: Jude was written in AD 65 )
The common salvation was handed down to all the Christians. There was not a new faith handed down nor was the faith amended to fit the will of individual churches.
Acts 2:42 They continually devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...(NKJV)
They did not devote themselves the teaching of the scribes, the Pharisees nor the Judaizers.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
The apostles doctrine was all Scripture. That was all that was needed for teaching. The original Christians not need the doctrine of the Roman Catholic catechism, the writings of John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, Charles Spurgeon, nor John Wesley in order to know and practice God's truth, that was presented by the apostles.
Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (NKJV)
The apostle Paul knew the whole purpose of God, he did not have to consult with Billy Graham, the Pope, Rick Warren, Max Lucado, nor John Piper.[NOTE: None of those even understand the correct terms of pardon.]
-----------------------------------------------------
Revelation after the first 100 years of, original Christianity, is not found in the Bible; because everything Christians need for faith and practice in found in the 66 books of the Bible.
Proverbs 30:6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. (NKJV)
DOCTRINES ADDED TO GOD'S WORD
1. Water baptism is not essential for salvation.
2. Water baptism is for a testimony of faith, not in order to the forgiveness of sins.
3. Men are saved by grace alone. God causes men whom He has selected for salvation to have faith so they will be saved.
4. Sprinkling and pouring are just other modes of baptism.
5. Men are saved by faith alone. Immersion in water is a work, therefore is not required in order to be saved.
6. All men are sinners at conception because Adam and Eve sinned. Non-believing infants can have the sin of Adam as well as all future sins wash away by being baptized. In other words sin can be forgiven without faith in Jesus Christ.
7. Jesus is one of many ways to enter heaven.
8. Men can live a unrepentant sinful lifestyle and still enter the kingdom of God.
9. God approves of many denominations, even though they teach different terms of pardon.
10. Denominations have the right to man-made doctrines even if they are contrary to Scripture, because God will not judge sincere people.
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Speaking In Tongues
GEORGE L. FAULL
Dear Brother Faull,It is my understanding that you do not practice "Speaking in tongues." Why?Let me give you the reasons why I do not wish to "speak in tongues."
1. I could not defend it as having practical value.
It does not prove that I am saved, nor that I'm spiritual, nor that I have the truth, for men of every creed claim this gift.
2. I could not defend it as an aid to devotions.
It does not do anything the Holy Spirit does not do for every believer. He searches out our unspeakable requests and make intercession for us.
Romans 8:26-27,
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."
3. I could not defend it as a sign for unbelievers.
If I do it publicly, men of all conflicting doctrines do the same. If I do it in my prayer closet, how will the unbeliever know of it?
4. I could not defend its "continual existence" from the Word of God.
The Scriptures neither imply nor promise the continuance of the gift, but, in fact, states that they will cease while faith, and hope yet abide.
I Corinthians 13:8-13,
"8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I under-stood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity."
5. I could not defend its "continual existence" from Church History.
History records that the gifts did cease. History records when and how the gift was supposedly revived. History records the deceitfulness of the modern day movement to increase the supposed gift among churches.
6. I could not defend its "continual existence" by commonsense.
Since prophecy and divine knowledge have ceased, [I neither know, nor know of anyone with these gifts] commonsense assumes that the lesser gift has ceased.
7. I could not defend its "continual existence" by the clichés of modern tongue speakers.
Clichés such as:
"God is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
"God does not change."
"He could do it, therefore, He does do it."
"He once did it, and therefore, He is doing it."
Doesn't our God ever do anything singular or unique? Is He still making women out of man's ribs? Have you seen any world wide floods lately? Are there still virgins having babies?
8. I could not defend it as "unifying the Body of Christ."
It is setting believer against believer. The only unity it promotes is unity of men of a thousand different conflicting doctrines agreeing to disagree. It may well be
Romans 8:26-27,
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."
9. I could not defend it in light of those who have "spoken in tongues," who now admit that it was not of God.
We are told that we cannot deny a man's experience. Can a man deny his own interpretation of his experience? He once thought that it was of God. He now concludes that it was not. Hundreds, who have spoken in tongues, now deny that the experience was of God. How can I defend that my experience was of God when others with the same experience admit that theirs was not of God?
10. I could not defend it "as a promise from God."
He did not promise it to me, therefore I cannot accept it by faith. I can accept salvation, forgiveness, and redemption by faith. These were promised to all believers. I believe the promises. I "enjoy" them because I believe the promises. I cannot accept tongues by faith because they were not promised to every believer.
I Corinthians 12:30,
"Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"Therefore, my "feelings" about tongues may be imaginary rather than real.
11. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift that I had to hide.
Imagine having a gift for which you could not thank God publicly. If it is known that you possess tongues, YOU:
Cause division among your brethren.
Are suspected of false doctrine by those whom you know are Christian.
Lose opportunities for service with your real talents and abilities. I wouldn't want a billion dollars if it did those things to my witness.
12. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift which I could not know was genuine.
Who would want a diamond or a ruby if it could not be proven to be such? it would have no real value. It would cause only bickering, arguments, and debates. Since there is no way to tell the apostate's "tongue speaking" from mine, why should I want it?
13. There are more desirable gifts mentioned which would edify the Church.
If it is an aid to devotions, I would get the benefit. [Incidentally, Paul didn't say it was.] But if I could prophesy or heal, I would be able to help others. I would enjoy being the steward of such abilities as these, but I would find "tongue speaking" in private or public a difficult stewardship with no real value.
Conclusion:
Tongue speaking is therefore undesirable because it is unneeded, unhelpful, undefendable, and uncertain.Posted by
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
ARE WE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN? BY STEVE FINNELL
Are Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, atheists, and all other men, God's children? No, they are not. They are all created by God, but they are not all God's children. God loves them all, but they are not all God's children.
Who are God's children? Christians are God's children.
Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)
Men become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus and being baptized into Him.
John 11-12 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name;(KJV)
The Jews who rejected Jesus as the Christ were not God's children. Those who believe in Jesus have the opportunity to become God's children.
GOD LOVES ALL MEN, HOWEVER, SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL.
Terms to become the children of God.
A. Faith: John 3:16
B. Repentance: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19
C. Confession: Romans 10:9
C. Immersion in water: Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21.
All men have the opportunity to become God's children. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you all one in Christ Jesus.(KJV)
ALL MEN ARE NOT GOD'S CHILDREN, HOWEVER, THEY ALL CAN BE.
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THE PROPHECY OF JONAS - From The Latin Vulgate Bible
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION.
Jonas prophesied in the reign of Jeroboam II, as we learn from 4 Kings xiv. 25., to whom also he foretold his success in restoring all the borders of Israel. He was of Geth-Opher, in the tribe of Zabulon, and consequently of Galilee; which confutes that assertion of the Pharisees, (John vii. 52.) that no prophet ever arose out of Galilee. He prophesied and prefigured in his own person the death and resurrection of Christ, and was the only one among the prophets who was sent to preach to the Gentiles. (Challoner) --- The most incredible mystery in our religion, and the vocation of the Gentiles, are thus insinuated. (Calmet) --- The latter shall be saved if they repent, like Ninive. (Worthington) --- [Thomas?] Paine's supposition, that this book was written by a pagan "to satirise the malignant character of a predicting priest," requires no refutation. (Haydock) (Watson)
Chapter 1
Jonas being sent to preach in Ninive, fleeth away by sea: a tempest riseth: of which he being found, by lot, to be the cause, is cast into the sea, which thereupon is calmed.
1 Now (Year of the World about 3197, Year before Christ 807) the word of the Lord came to Jonas, the son of Amathi, saying:
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. No explanation given.
2 Arise, and go to Ninive, the great city, and preach in it: for the wickedness thereof is come up before me.
Ver. 2. Ninive, the capital city of the Assyrian empire. (Challoner) --- It was 150 stadia long and 90 broad, (Diod. ii.) on the western bank of the Tigris. (Pliny, [Natural History?] vi. 13.) --- Mosul, which some mistake for it, stands on the northern side. See Genesis x. 10. At the time when Jonas preached, Ninive would contain about 600,000, chap. iv. 11. They were people less favoured by God, (Acts xiv. 15.; Calmet) but not abandoned. (Theodoret) --- God took sufficient care of all his creatures, and foretold many things relating to foreign nations. (Calmet) --- Romans iii. 29. (Worthington) --- For the. Septuagint add, "cry of," Genesis iv., and xviii. (Haydock)
3 And Jonas rose up to flee into Tharsis from the face of the Lord, and he went down to Joppe, and found a ship going to Tharsis: and he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them to Tharsis from the face of the Lord.
Ver. 3. Tharsis. Which some take to be Tharsus of Cilicia, others to be Tartessus of Spain, others to be Carthage. (Challoner) --- Joppe, now Jaffa, (Menochius) a miserable seaport. (Haydock) --- It was formerly the best near Jerusalem, (2 Paralipomenon ii. 16.) though very dangerous. (Josephus, Jewish Wars iii. 15. or 29.) --- It is said to have been built before "the inundation" of the world, (Mela. i. 11.) and was famous for the adventure of Andromeda, rescued by Perseus from a sea monster. (Pliny, [Natural History?] v. 13.) (Calmet) --- Lord. He feared being accounted a false prophet, (Worthington) knowing how much God was inclined to shew mercy, (chap. iv. 2.) and being disheartened at the difficulty of the undertaking, like Moses and Gedeon. (Calmet) --- He might also think that if the Ninivites repented, it would be a reflection on the obstinacy of the Jews. (St. Gregory, Mor. vi. 13.) (St. Jerome)
4 But the Lord sent a great wind into the sea: and a great tempest was raised in the sea, and the ship was in danger to be broken.
Ver. 4. Broken. Seeing no natural cause of such a sudden tempest, they concluded (Worthington) that some on board must be guilty; as the sailors argued (Haydock) when the noted atheist, Diagoras, was in similar circumstances. (Calmet) --- They had recourse to lots, and the prophet consented by God's inspiration, (Worthington) though this is not written, (Haydock) and the lots were superstitious. (Menochius) --- The oriental writers add many things to this sufficiently marvellous account. (Lyranus; D'Herbelot.) (Calmet)
5 And the mariners were afraid, and the men cried to their god: and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship, into the sea, to lighten it of them: and Jonas went down into the inner part of the ship, and fell into a deep sleep.
Ver. 5. God. They were idolaters, ver. 6. --- Wares, which is commonly done in storms. (Calmet) --- This loss was in punishment of their sins; though they seem not devoid of some fear of God and man. (Haydock) --- Sleep. This is a lively image of the insensibility of sinners, fleeing from God, and threatened on every side with his judgments; and yet sleeping as if they were secure. (Challoner) --- Yet Jonas was sleeping through grief. (St. Jerome) (Matthew xxvi. 40.) (Calmet)
6 And the shipmaster came to him, and said to him: Why art thou fast asleep? rise up, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think of us, that we may not perish.
Ver. 6. No explanation given.
7 And they said every one to his fellow: Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know why this evil is upon us. And they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonas.
Ver. 7. No explanation given.
8 And they said to him: Tell us for what cause this evil is upon us, what is thy business? of what country art thou? and whither goest thou? or of what people art thou?
Ver. 8. No explanation given.
9 And he said to them: I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made both the sea and the dry land.
Ver. 9. Fear, and therefore fly from the face of the Lord, ver. 3, 10. (Haydock) --- He knew that God is every where, ver. 3., and Psalm cxxxiii. 8. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "I worship." Fear is often taken in this sense. (Haydock)
10 And the men were greatly afraid, and they said to him: Why hast thou done this? (for the men knew that he fled from the face of the Lord: because he had told them.)
Ver. 10. No explanation given.
11 And they said to him: What shall we do to thee, that the sea may be calm to us? for the sea flowed and swelled.
Ver. 11. No explanation given.
12 And he said to them: Take me up, and cast me into the sea, and the sea shall be calm to you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.
Ver. 12. Cast me. God intimates that he required this sacrifice. (Menochius)
13 And the men rowed hard to return to land, but they were not able: because the sea tossed and swelled upon them.
Ver. 13. Hard. They were unwilling to destroy the prophet, (Calmet) fearing to incur fresh guilt by thus treating one who had intrusted his life to them. (Josephus, Antiquities ix. 11.)
14 And they cried to the Lord, and said: We beseech thee, O Lord, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.
Ver. 14. Blood. We act thus by his direction, and through necessity.
15 And they took Jonas, and cast him into the sea, and the sea ceased from raging.
Ver. 15. No explanation given.
16 And the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and sacrificed victims to the Lord, and made vows.
Ver. 16. Lord. They were converted by this prodigy, and offered sacrifice immediately, or (Calmet) when they came to port. (Menochius) --- All know by the light of reason that sacrifice and vows are acceptable to the Lord. (Worthington)
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THE SECOND BOOK OF MACHABEES. - From The Latin Vulgate Bible
Chapter 10
INTRODUCTION.
This Second Book of Machabees is not a continuation of the history contained in the First; nor does it come down so low as the First does, but relates many of the same facts more at large, and adds other remarkable particulars, omitted in the First Book, relating to the state of the Jews as well before as under the persecution of Antiochus. The author, who is not the same with that of the First Book, has given (as we learn from chap. ii. 20., &c.) a short abstract of what Jason, of Cyrene, had written in the five volumes, concerning Judas and his brethren. He wrote in Greek, and begins with two letters, sent by the Jews of Jerusalem to their brethren in Egypt. (Challoner) --- Hence the whole book has been considered by some as an epistle. (Cotelier, Can. Ap. p. 338.) --- But it is easy to distinguish the letter from the history, (Calmet) to which a preface is prefixed, chap. ii. 20. Yet the Alexandrian copy has at the end, "A letter concerning the acts of Judas Mach.[Machabeus.]" (Haydock) --- The appendix of two epistles was added to the First Book by him who wrote the second, (Worthington) abridging the work of Jason. (Haydock)
Chapter 10
The purification of the temple and city. Other exploits of Judas. His victory over Timotheus.
1 But *(Year of the World 3840, Year before Christ 164) Machabeus, and they that were with him, by the protection of the Lord, recovered the temple and the city again.
Note & Commentary:
Ver. 1. City. He had done both before the death of Epiphanes, (Calmet) after the fourth battle against Lysias, 1 Machabees iv. (Worthington) --- The author has given the journey and death of Antiochus together, and now returns to his subject.
2 But he threw down the altars, which the heathens had set up in the streets, as also the temples of the idols.
Ver. 2. Altars. Such were erected before the houses, 1 Machabees i. 50., and Jeremias xi. 13.
3 And having purified the temple, they made another altar: and taking fire out of the fiery stones, they offered sacrifices after two years, and set forth incense, and lamps, and the loaves of proposition.
Ver. 3. Stones; "heated," (Greek; Syriac; Serarius) or by miracle, (Arabic; Gorionides; Tirinus) or striking fire with a flint upon tinder. In this manner the Church still renews fire on Holy Saturday. The Jews could not use profane fire in the temple, Leviticus x. 1. God restored the sacred fire by miracle, chap. i. 18., &c. Pagans have had many superstitious customs with regard to fire. (Calmet)
Adde quod arcana fieri novus ignis in æde
Dicitur et vires flamma reflecta capit. (Ovid, Fast. iii.)
--- They obtained fire by means of a burning glass. (Calmet) --- If the vestal suffered it to go out, she was scourged by the pontiff. (Sextus.) --- Two, dating from the administration of Judas, and three since the temple was defiled. (Usher, the year [of the world] 3840.)
4 And when they had done these things, they besought the Lord, lying prostrate on the ground, that they might no more fall into such evils; but if they should at any time sin, that they might be chastised by him more gently, and not be delivered up to barbarians and blasphemous men.
Ver. 4. No explanation given.
5 Now upon the same day that the temple had been polluted by the strangers, on the very same day it was cleansed again; to wit, on the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu.
Ver. 5. No explanation given.
6 And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner of the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long before they had kept the feast of the tabernacles, when they were in the mountains, and in dens like wild beasts.
Ver. 6. Manner, with the like ceremonies and solemnity. (Calmet) --- Green branches might be procured in November and December, as those months in Palestine are as fine as our spring. (Roger.)
7 Therefore they now carried boughs, and green branches, and palms, for him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.
Ver. 7. Green. Greek, "beautiful;" probably the orange tree, Leviticus xxiii. 40. See diss.[dissertation?] on mandrakes. (Calmet) (Haydock)
8 And they ordained by a common statute, and decree, that all the nation of the Jews should keep those days every year.
Ver. 8. Days. Beza allows that Christ complied, John x. It is wonderful then that Protestants should reject this book.
9 And this was the end of Antiochus, that was called the Illustrious.
Ver. 9. Illustrious. Go to 1 Machabees v. 1. (Worthington)
10 But now we will relate the acts of Eupator the son of that wicked Antiochus, abridging the account of the evils that happened in the wars.
Ver. 10. No explanation given.
11 For when he was come to the crown, he appointed over the affairs of his realm one Lysias, general of the army of Phenicia and Syria.
Ver. 11. Appointed. So Lysias gave out, chap. ix. 29. He had been governor before the journey of Epiphanes, 1 Machabees iii. 32.
12 For Ptolemee, that was called Macer, was determined to be strictly just to the Jews, and especially by reason of the wrong that had been done them, and to deal peaceably with them.
Ver. 12. Macer, "lean." Greek makros, "tall." See chap. iv. 45., and viii. 8. Polybius styles him "a prudent and active man." (Calmet)
13 But being accused for this to Eupator by his friends, and being oftentimes called traitor, because he had left Cyprus, which Philometor had committed to him, and coming over to Antiochus the Illustrious, had revolted also from him, he put an end to his life by poison.
Ver. 13. Revolted. So they interpreted (Haydock) his disapprobation of the cruelties exercised upon the Jews. (Calmet) --- Greek, "had not yet any honourable place o[][of?] power entrusted to him, being dispirited, he," &c. (Haydock) --- It is never a proof of fortitude, but of pusillanimity, to kill oneself to get rid of temporal misery. But it is very heroical to die willingly for God's glory.
14 But Gorgias, who was governor of the holds, taking with him the strangers, often fought against the Jews.
Ver. 14. Gorgias, who had been defeated, 1 Machabees iv. (Worthington) --- He was an experienced captain in Idumea, and the country south of Carmel. (Calmet) --- Fought. Greek, "prolonged the war." (Grotius)
15 And the Jews that occupied the most commodious hold, received those that were driven out of Jerusalem, and attempted to make war.
Ver. 15. The Jews, &c. He speaks of them that had fallen from their religion, and were enemies of their country, who joining with the Idumeans or Edomites, kept possession of the strong holds, and from thence annoyed their countrymen. (Challoner) --- Greek and Syriac, "Idumeans," who appear in the sequel.
16 Then they that were with Machabeus, beseeching the Lord by prayers to be their helper, made a strong attack upon the strong holds of the Idumeans:
Ver. 16. No explanation given.
17 And assaulting them with great force, won the holds, killed them that came in the way, and slew altogether no fewer than twenty thousand.
Ver. 17. No explanation given.
18 And whereas some were fled into very strong towers, having all manner of provision to sustain a siege,
Ver. 18. Some; probably the sons of Bean, 1 Machabees v. 4.
19 Machabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zacheus, and them that were with them, in sufficient number to besiege them, and departed to those expeditions which urged more.
Ver. 19. No explanation given.
20 Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for the sake of money by some that were in the towers: and taking seventy thousand didrachmas, let some of them escape.
Ver. 20. No explanation given.
21 But when it was told Machabeus what was done, he assembled the rulers of the people, and accused those men that they had sold their brethren for money, having let their adversaries escape.
Ver. 21. No explanation given.
22 So he put these traitors to death, and forthwith took the two towers.
Ver. 22. No explanation given.
23 And having good success in arms, and in all things he took in hand, he slew more than twenty thousand in the two holds.
Ver. 23. Holds; strong places, defended with towers. Some Judas burnt. (Calmet)
24 But Timotheus, who before had been overcome by the Jews, having called together a multitude of foreign troops, and assembled horsemen out of Asia, came as though he would take Judea by force of arms.
Ver. 24. Timotheus, who had been defeated (1 Machabees viii. 30.; Worthington) soon after Nicanor.
25 But Machabeus, and they that were with him, when he drew near, prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their heads, and girding their loins with haircloth,
Ver. 25. No explanation given.
26 And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar, besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law saith.
Ver. 26. Altar, between it and the porch, Joel ii. 17. --- Law. Exodus xxiii. 22., Leviticus xxvi. 7., and Deuteronomy vii. 15. (Calmet)
27 And so after prayer taking their arms, they went forth further from the city, and when they were come very near the enemies they rested.
Ver. 27. No explanation given.
28 But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined battle: the one part having, with their valour, the Lord for a surety of victory, and success: but the other side making their rage their leader in battle.
Ver. 28. No explanation given.
29 But when they were in the heat of the engagement, there appeared to the enemies from heaven five men upon horses, comely, with golden bridles, conducting the Jews:
Ver. 29. No explanation given.
30 Two of them took Machabeus between them, and covered him on every side with their arms, and kept him safe; but cast darts and fire-balls against the enemy, so that they fell down, being both confounded with blindness, and filled with trouble.
Ver. 30. No explanation given.
31 And there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
Ver. 31. No explanation given.
32 But Timotheus fled into Gazara, a strong hold, where Chereas was governor.
Ver. 32. Gazara, different from Gaza, which is so called elsewhere. (Menochius) --- This Gazara was a fortress against the inroads of the Idumeans. --- Chereas, brother of Timotheus. (Calmet)
33 Then Machabeus, and they that were with him, cheerfully laid siege to the fortress four days.
Ver. 33. No explanation given.
34 But they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and cast forth abominable words.
Ver. 34. No explanation given.
35 But when the fifth day appeared, twenty young men of them that were with Machabeus, inflamed in their minds, because of the blasphemy, approached manfully to the wall, and pushing forward with fierce courage, got up upon it:
Ver. 35. Men. Gorionides (iii. 13.) says they were Assideans, mentioned before [in] 1 Machabees ii. 42., and vii. 13. (Worthington) --- Got. Greek, "slew every one they met." (Haydock)
36 Moreover, others also getting up after them, went to set fire to the towers and the gates, and to burn the blasphemers alive.
Ver. 36. After. Greek, "by a back way (Haydock; undefended, perispasmo. Grotius) to those within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive. But these cut down the gates; and giving entrance to the rest of the army, took the city and killed Timotheus, who had hidden in a hole," (Haydock) or cistern; lakko. (Calmet) --- Vulgate had perhaps lacu. (Sa) (Menochius)
37 And having for two days together pillaged and sacked the fortress, they killed Timotheus, who was found hid in a certain place: they slew also his brother, Chereas, and Apollophanes.
Ver. 37. No explanation given.
38 And when this was done, they blessed the Lord with hymns and thanksgiving, who had done great things in Israel, and given them the victory.
Ver. 38. No explanation given.
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THE FIRST BOOK OF MACHABEES. - From The Latin Vulgate Bible
Chapter 2
INTRODUCTION.
These Books are so called, because they contain the history of the people of God under the command of Judas Machabeus and his brethren; and he, as some will have it, was surnamed Machabeus from carrying on his ensigns, or standards, those words of Exodus xv. 11., "Who is like to thee among the strong, O Lord;" in which the initial letters, in the Hebrew, are M. C. B. E. I. It is not known who was the author of these books. But as to their authority, though they are not received by the Jews, saith St. Augustine, (liber[book] xviii., City of God, chap. xxxvi.) they are received by the Church; who, in settling her canon of the Scriptures, chose rather to be directed by the tradition she had received from the apostles of Christ, than by that of the Scribes and Pharisees. And as the Church has declared these two books canonical, even in two general councils, viz., Florence and Trent, there can be no doubt of their authenticity. (Challoner)
Chapter 2
The zeal and success of Mathathias. His exhortation to his sons at his death.
1 In *(Year of the World 3837) those days arose Mathathias, the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and he abode in the mountain of Modin:
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Joarib. This family was the most distinguished, as Josephus, who sprung from it, asserts, (Haydock) being the first of the twenty-four families of priests, 1 Paralipomenon xxiv. 7, 19. (Menochius) --- Mathathias was probably a descendant of Phinees, (ver. 54.) and was officiating when the impious orders arrived. Whereupon he retired to Modin, (Calmet) near Diospolis. (St. Jerome) --- Many say he was chosen high priest; and therefore decided the question about fighting on the sabbath. But any other, in similar emergencies, might have given that decision. (Calmet) --- Judas was chosen, (Josephus) and Jonathas exercised the functions. (Antiquities xx. 8.) --- To verify the prediction of Jacob, some have concluded that the Machabees were allied to the tribe of Juda by the mother's side. (St. Jerome; St. Augustine, contra Faust. i. 72.) --- Yet this is not proved, nor requisite. They were called Asmoneans, either from the town of Asamon, (Josue xv. 27.) or from Assamoneus, great grandfather of Mathathias. (Josephus, Antiquities xii. 8.) --- This family ruled till Herod, 128 years. (Calmet) --- Here an account is given of their wars, and more fully in the eight last chapters of the second Book[2 Machabees]. (Worthington) --- Perhaps John, Mathathias, &c., were chosen high priests by the people, while the king sent others. (Selden)
2 And he had five sons: John, who was surnamed Gaddis;
Ver. 2. Gaddis, "a troop, fortunate, or a heap of wheat." (Calmet)
3 And Simon, who was surnamed Thasi;
Ver. 3. Thasi, Syriac, "ardent," or feeble, (Calmet) or a destroyer. (Pagnin)
4 And Judas, who was called Machabeus;
Ver. 4. Machabeus. The common etymology has been given [in the Introduction]. (Haydock) --- But Judas had then no banners, and there is no proof that the Jews used such abbreviations, (Calmet) though moderns write Rambam, for "R. Moses, son of Maimon," Moce-bie, (Haydock) "conquering in God," (equivalent to Nicator, the title of Sedeucus) seems better, particularly as the word is written Machabee. (Calmet) --- Yet this is liable to the objection of c being placed instead of k, which occurs invariably in the Chaldean and Syriac. (Haydock)
5 And Eleazar, who was surnamed Abaron; and Jonathan, who was surnamed Apphus.
Ver. 5. Abaron, "passing," undaunted, (Calmet) or "potent." --- Apphus, "the wrath or flying of counsel," (Pagnin) "fainting, abundant, or dissipating." (Calmet) --- This small help, of great importance, was foretold by Daniel, xi. 34. (Worthington)
6 These saw the evils that were done in the people of Juda, and in Jerusalem.
Ver. 6. No explanation given.
7 And Mathathias said: Wo is me, wherefore was I born to see the ruin of my people, and the ruin of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it is given into the hands of the enemies?
Ver. 7. Ruin. St. Polycarp used a similar expression. (Eusebius, [History of the Church] v. 19.)
8 The holy places are come into the hands of strangers: her temple is become as a man without honour.
Ver. 8. No explanation given.
9 The vessels of her glory are carried away captive; her old men are murdered in the streets, and her young men are fallen by the sword of the enemies.
Ver. 9. No explanation given.
10 What nation hath not inherited her kingdom, and gotten of her spoils?
Ver. 10. No explanation given.
11 All her ornaments are taken away. She that was free is made a slave.
Ver. 11. No explanation given.
12 And behold our sanctuary, and our beauty, and our glory is laid waste, and the Gentiles have defiled them.
Ver. 12. No explanation given.
13 To what end then should we live any longer?
Ver. 13. No explanation given.
14 And Mathathias and his sons rent their garments, and they covered themselves with haircloth, and made great lamentation.
Ver. 14. Lamentation. By voluntary mortification, he sought to appease God's indignation. (Menochius)
15 And they that were sent from king Antiochus, came thither, to compel them that were fled into the city of Modin, to sacrifice, and to burn incense, and to depart from the law of God.
Ver. 15. No explanation given.
16 And many of the people of Israel consented and came to them: but Mathathias and his sons stood firm.
Ver. 16. No explanation given.
17 And they that were sent from Antiochus, answering, said to Mathathias: Thou art a ruler, and an honourable, and great man in this city, and adorned with sons, and brethren.
Ver. 17. No explanation given.
18 Therefore, come thou first, and obey the king's commandment, as all nations have done, and the men of Juda, and they that remain in Jerusalem: and thou, and thy sons, shall be in the number of the king's friends, and enriched with gold, and silver, and many presents.
Ver. 18. They. Josephus mentions Apelles. Persecutors have thus frequently attempted to delude the faithful; first by flattery, and then by torments.
19 Then Mathathias answered, and said with a loud voice: Although all nations obey king Antiochus, so as to depart every man from the service of the law of his fathers, and consent to his commandments:
Ver. 19. No explanation given.
20 I and my sons, and my brethren will obey the law of our fathers.
Ver 20. No explanation given.
21 God be merciful unto us: it is not profitable for us to forsake the law, and the justices of God:
Ver. 21. Profitable. But quite the reverse both for this world and for the next. It is a dreadful crime.
22 We will not hearken to the words of king Antiochus, neither will we sacrifice and transgress the commandments of our law, to go another way.
Ver. 22. Way. Greek, "to the right or to the left." (Haydock)
23 Now as he left off speaking these words, there came a certain Jew in the sight of all to sacrifice to the idols upon the altar in the city of Modin, according to the king's commandment.
Ver. 23. No explanation given.
24 And Mathathias saw, and was grieved, and his reins trembled, and his wrath was kindled according to the judgment of the law, and running upon him he slew him upon the altar:
Ver. 24. Law. Deuteronomy xi. 6., (Menochius) and xiii. 9. Those who attempted to introduce the worship of idols, were to be slain without farther trial. (Calmet) --- Mathathias was then judge and high priest. (Worthington) --- He acted not though private revenge. (St. Cyprian, exhort. 5.; St. Bernard, ep. 158.) (Worthington)
25 Moreover the man whom king Antiochus had sent, who compelled them to sacrifice, he slew at the same time, and pulled down the altar.
Ver. 25. No explanation given.
26 And shewed zeal for the law, as Phinees did by Zamri, the son of Salomi.
Ver. 26. No explanation given.
27 And Mathathias cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying: Every one that hath zeal for the law, and maintaineth the testament, let him follow me.
Ver. 27. No explanation given.
28 So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that they had in the city.
Ver. 28. No explanation given.
29 Then many that sought after judgment, and justice, went down into the desert:
Ver. 29. And justice. The ceremonial and moral law, (Calmet) or to live piously. (Menochius)
30 And they abode there, they and their children, and their wives, and their cattle: because afflictions increased upon them.
Ver. 30. No explanation given.
31 And it was told to the king's men, and to the army that was in Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king's commandment, were gone away into the secret places in the wilderness, and that many were gone after them.
Ver. 31. No explanation given.
32 And forthwith they went out towards them, and made war against them on the sabbath day,
Ver. 32. No explanation given.
33 And they said to them: Do you still resist? come forth, and do according to the edict of king Antiochus, and you shall live.
Ver. 33. No explanation given.
34 And they said: We will not come forth, neither will we obey the king's edict, to profane the sabbath day.
Ver. 34. Sabbath. By sacrificing to idols, or by coming forth to fight. (Haydock) --- They were of opinion that the latter was unlawful, and their ignorance might be excused. (Menochius)
35 And they made haste to give them battle.
Ver. 35. No explanation given.
36 But they answered them not, neither did they cast a stone at them, nor stopped up the secret places,
Ver. 36. No explanation given.
37 Saying: Let us all die in our innocency: and heaven and earth shall be witnesses for us, that you put us to death wrongfully.
Ver. 37. Innocency. Literally, "simplicity," has often this sense. Their piety was not, however, enlightened, as the ceremonial law gives way on such occasions. (Calmet) --- Their simplicity is commended by St. Ambrose, Of. i. 40. Yet they had not the prudence of serpents, which is also requisite. The Church remains. (Worthington)
38 So they gave them battle on the sabbath: and they were slain with their wives, and their children, and their cattle, to the number of a thousand persons.
Ver. 38. No explanation given.
39 And Mathathias and his friends heard of it, and they mourned for them exceedingly.
Ver. 39. No explanation given.
40 And every man said to his neighbour: If we shall all do as our brethren have done, and not fight against the heathens for our lives, and our justifications: they will now quickly root us out of the earth.
Ver. 40. No explanation given.
41 And they determined in that day, saying: Whosoever shall come up against us to fight on the sabbath day, we will fight against him: and we will not all die, as our brethren that were slain in the secret places.
Ver. 41. Come up. They say not that they will attack. (Calmet) --- Pompey perceived this, and made his advances and works on the sabbath, without opposition. (Josephus, Jewish Wars i. 5.) --- Pompey I had thus taken Jerusalem. (Josephus, Antiquities xii. 1.) --- The Samaritans will not move on that day. (Exodus xvi. 29.; ep. 2. ad Scaliger) --- The Jews now take care of the sick, but will not help a beast out of the ditch on the sabbath, though in our Saviour's time they did just the reverse, Luke xiv. 5. The law has thus been variously explained. The Machabees judged with prudence. Yet superstition had again gained ground, when Josephus (vita) would not fight or assemble his forces on the sabbath, as being contrary to the law. In a storm, a Jewish pilot abandoned the helm till the danger was evident. (Synes. ep. iv.)
42 Then was assembled to them the congregation of the Assideans, the stoutest of Israel, every one that had a good will for the law.
Ver. 42. The Assideans. A set of men that led a religious life; and were zealous for the law and worship of God. (Challoner) --- They fought like the knights of Malta. (Cornelius a Lapide) --- Esidim (Haydock) means "the pious," Ecclesiasticus xliv. 10. Many think they were the same with the Cinites, Rechabites, and Essenes. From them sprung the Pharisees. (Calmet) --- The society was intent on adorning the temple, (Scaliger) by which they swore, Matthew xxiii. 6. (Calmet) --- They were like monks in the old law. (Simon.) (Menochius) --- These Essenes followed piety, avoiding the hypocrisy and error of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Worthington) (Josephus, Jewish Wars ii. 12.)
43 And all they that fled from the evils, joined themselves to them, and were a support to them.
Ver. 43. No explanation given.
44 And they gathered an army, and slew the sinners in their wrath, and the wicked men in their indignation: and the rest fled to the nations for safety.
Ver. 44. Sinners. Apostate Jews. (Calmet)
45 And Mathathias and his friends went round about, and they threw down the altars:
Ver. 45. No explanation given.
46 And they circumcised all the children whom they found in the confines of Israel that were uncircumcised: and they did valiantly.
Ver. 46. No explanation given.
47 And they pursued after the children of pride, and the work prospered in their hands:
Ver. 47. No explanation given.
48 And they recovered the law out of the hands of the nations, and out of the hands of the kings: and they yielded not the horn to the sinner.
Ver. 48. Horn. That is, they suffered not the power of Antiochus, that man of sin, to abolish the law and religion of God.
49 Now the days drew near that Mathathias should die, and he said to his sons: Now hath pride and chastisement gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
Ver. 49. No explanation given.
50 Now, therefore, O my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
Ver. 50. No explanation given.
51 And call to remembrance the works of the fathers, which they have done in their generations: and you shall receive great glory, and an everlasting name.
Ver. 51. No explanation given.
52 Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was reputed to him unto justice?
Ver. 52. No explanation given.
53 Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept the commandment, and he was made lord of Egypt.
Ver. 53. Lord, next to the king, Genesis xli. 40.
54 Phinees, our father, by being fervent in the zeal of God, received the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
Ver. 54. Everlasting, as long as the old law should subsist. (Calmet)
55 Jesus, whilst he fulfilled the word, was made ruler in Israel.
Ver. 55. Jesus; i.e., Josue. (Challoner) --- He and Caleb alone gave a true relation. (Haydock)
56 Caleb, for bearing witness before the congregation, received an inheritance.
Ver. 56. No explanation given.
57 David, by his mercy, obtained the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
Ver. 57. Mercy. This virtue was characteristic. (Calmet)
58 Elias, while he is full of zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven.
Ver. 58. No explanation given.
59 Ananias and Azarias and Misael, by believing, were delivered out of the flame.
Ver. 59. No explanation given.
60 Daniel, in his innocency, was delivered out of the mouth of the lions.
Ver. 60. No explanation given.
61 And thus consider, through all generations: that none that trust in him, fail in strength.
Ver. 61. No explanation given.
62 And fear not the words of a sinful man, for his glory is dung, and worms:
Ver. 62. No explanation given.
63 To-day he is lifted up, and to-morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his earth, and his thought is come to nothing.
Ver. 63. No explanation given.
64 You, therefore, my sons, take courage, and behave manfully in the law: for by it you shall be glorious.
Ver. 64. No explanation given.
65 And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel: give ear to him always, and he shall be a father to you.
Ver. 65. No explanation given.
66 And Judas Machabeus, who is valiant and strong from his youth up, let him be the leader of your army, and he shall manage the war of the people.
Ver. 66. People. Order is peculiarly requisite in all things, so here the proper persons are chosen, to whom each must submit in their sphere. (Worthington) --- Mathathias speaks as chief of the nation. (Calmet) --- Judas was his eldest son, and Simon the fourth. (Josephus; Seder., &c.)
67 And you shall take to you all that observe the law: and revenge ye the wrong of your people.
Ver. 67. No explanation given.
68 Render to the Gentiles their reward, and take heed to the precepts of the law.
Ver. 68. No explanation given.
69 And he blessed them, and was joined to his fathers.
Ver. 69. No explanation given.
70 And he died in the hundred and forty-sixth *year( Year of the World 3838): and he was buried by his sons in the sepulchres of his fathers, in Modin, and all Israel mourned for him with great mourning.
Ver. 70. Year. Not of his age, but of the Greeks, (Menochius) after being at the head about twelve months. (The year of the world 3838.) (Calmet)
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