Podcasts about whereas god

In this account of the Lord's calling of Matthew to be His disciple, we see a stark contrast between the heart of God and the attitudes of religious people toward unbelievers. Whereas God is merciful and aggressive in seeking to rescue lost people, religion tends to build up a wall of separation. First we need to understand how and why that wall builds up, then we need to look carefully at Jesus and listen to some of His pertinent parables to discover how God wants us to relate to unbelievers.   To purchase Pastor Steve's new book Understanding Acts: Life-Changing Lessons from the Early Church, visit Amazon.  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have free recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.  And check us out on Instagram as well!  

Psalm 1:3 says the blessed man, who meditates day and night in God's Word will "be like a TREE planted by the RIVERS of WATER that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Our ROOT system is our FAITH in God, which connects us to God's life and grace in His Spirit. The secret of a tree's success is its roots, which are invisible, underground, representing our heart. As we meditate in His Word, our faith-roots becomes stronger, which means that our ability to draw on the waters of the Holy Spirit increases, causing us to thrive, become strong, upright and evergreen, and bear much fruit. That fact that we are planted by the River of Life, means that in Christ, we have continual access to the grace of God in the Holy Spirit. We cannot bear fruit of ourselves - the key is drawing from the life of the River of God. Fruit that glorifies God is produced by the Divine life that flows in and through us (John 15:1-16). We allow God's life to flow by meditating on God's Word (to strengthen our faith) and drawing upon His Spirit by faith. We look at a number of other scriptures that use this same imagery of believers being like fruitful Trees planted by rivers of water (Jeremiah 17:5-8, Isaiah 61:3, 37:31). We see this imagery in the first earthly Temple of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3), and the Millennial Temple, in Ezekiel 47:12: “Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the Sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Also we see it in the everlasting heavenly Temple, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1-3). All of these are pictures of us (redeemed mankind), who are God's ultimate Temples. These gardens with trees planted by the river of life are a picture of garden of our soul. Our thoughts, emotions, convictions and commitments are like trees (Proverbs 3:18). If they are formed and filled by the Word and Spirit of God, they are fresh and fruitful, connecting us to His grace. We relate this to recent discoveries that show that our thoughts are imaged by protein structures in the brain. Whereas God's Word forms healthy tree-like structures, evil thoughts of bitterness and hatred manifest as ugly, twisted protein structures. By meditating in the Word, we can renew our mind, so that it becomes a garden full of fruitful trees, all well-watered by the river of life. Since: "as a man thinks in his heart, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7), it follows that the blessed man who is like a flourishing tree (1:3), is a reflection of the state of his heart (the trees growing in his heart). Likewise, the parable of the sower can in interpreted on both levels, for the seed (which is the word of God) can (1) represent the whole spiritual life of a man, or (2) a particular word of God, which grows by meditation in (hearing) the word (watering with the Word), and brings forth fruit. Thus, the measure of a man is determined by His meditation, and all the trees that he allows to grow in his soul determine the kind of man he becomes, that is, how much he becomes like the blessed, strong and fruitful tree described in Psalm 1:3.

Psalm 1:3 says the blessed man, who meditates day and night in God's Word will "be like a TREE planted by the RIVERS of WATER that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Our ROOT system is our FAITH in God, which connects us to God's life and grace in His Spirit. The secret of a tree's success is its roots, which are invisible, underground, representing our heart. As we meditate in His Word, our faith-roots becomes stronger, which means that our ability to draw on the waters of the Holy Spirit increases, causing us to thrive, become strong, upright and evergreen, and bear much fruit. That fact that we are planted by the River of Life, means that in Christ, we have continual access to the grace of God in the Holy Spirit. We cannot bear fruit of ourselves - the key is drawing from the life of the River of God. Fruit that glorifies God is produced by the Divine life that flows in and through us (John 15:1-16). We allow God's life to flow by meditating on God's Word (to strengthen our faith) and drawing upon His Spirit by faith. We look at a number of other scriptures that use this same imagery of believers being like fruitful Trees planted by rivers of water (Jeremiah 17:5-8, Isaiah 61:3, 37:31). We see this imagery in the first earthly Temple of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3), and the Millennial Temple, in Ezekiel 47:12: “Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the Sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Also we see it in the everlasting heavenly Temple, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1-3). All of these are pictures of us (redeemed mankind), who are God's ultimate Temples. These gardens with trees planted by the river of life are a picture of garden of our soul. Our thoughts, emotions, convictions and commitments are like trees (Proverbs 3:18). If they are formed and filled by the Word and Spirit of God, they are fresh and fruitful, connecting us to His grace. We relate this to recent discoveries that show that our thoughts are imaged by protein structures in the brain. Whereas God's Word forms healthy tree-like structures, evil thoughts of bitterness and hatred manifest as ugly, twisted protein structures. By meditating in the Word, we can renew our mind, so that it becomes a garden full of fruitful trees, all well-watered by the river of life. Since: "as a man thinks in his heart, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7), it follows that the blessed man who is like a flourishing tree (1:3), is a reflection of the state of his heart (the trees growing in his heart). Likewise, the parable of the sower can in interpreted on both levels, for the seed (which is the word of God) can (1) represent the whole spiritual life of a man, or (2) a particular word of God, which grows by meditation in (hearing) the word (watering with the Word), and brings forth fruit. Thus, the measure of a man is determined by His meditation, and all the trees that he allows to grow in his soul determine the kind of man he becomes, that is, how much he becomes like the blessed, strong and fruitful tree described in Psalm 1:3.

We start our studies in Psalms by introducing the Book of Psalms as a whole. It is God's Hymnbook, the longest book of Bible (150 chapters), which shows the importance of praise and worship. It is poetry, the language of the heart, set to music, designed to tune our hearts to God. It is given to inspire our response to God and His revelation. Just like the Torah, it is divided into 5 books. The first book is Psalms 1-41. There are many different kinds of Psalms – Psalms of Praise, Psalms of Thanksgiving, Psalms of Lament, Psalms of Confidence, Psalm of Kingship, Psalms of Wisdom and Messianic Psalms (which were written under prophetic inspiration). King David wrote over half of them (including almost all of the first Book). Other writers were Moses, Hezekiah, the sons of Asaph, and the sons of Korah. Psalm 1 is a special Psalm, described as the Entrance Hall into the Mansion of the Book of Psalms – a Wisdom Psalm, contrasting the nature, way and destiny of the righteous and the ungodly, who ignore God and go their own way in life. In the Bible, all mankind divided into these 2 groups and Psalm 1 spells this out in the strongest way, pointing out you are either righteous or ungodly, either part of God's people or not, and only the righteous qualify for the blessing of God. God makes this point in Psalm 1, because the rest of the Psalms are only for the righteous, so its pointless reading the other Psalms (like 23), if you are in the wrong camp, as it does not apply to you. So, Psalm 1 is saying, before you enter this Mansion, make sure first that you qualify. Placing Psalm 1 first also tells us that our WORSHIP (represented by the Psalms) is based on mediation on the WORD of God (the emphasis of Psalm 1). Psalm 1 describes the righteous as being characterised by holiness – being devoted to the Lord and His Word, and separated from evil, whereas the ungodly follow the way of the world (1:1-3). Whereas the righteous are blessed (with God's life), and are stable, strong, and fruitful, like trees (v1-3), the ungodly are cursed (cut off from God's life), unstable, weak and empty, like chaff (1:4-5). Whereas God watches over the way of the humble, and walks with them, and gives them His grace, so that they will reach their final destination (glory), the way of the ungodly will result in destruction, because God resists the proud (1:6). Psalm 1:1 describes the BLESSED man by contrast with the ungodly man, who starts by following the counsel of the ungodly world, which then leads to him hanging around sinners, and developing a sinful lifestyle and convictions. Thus, he becomes hardened in his heart, and stands for things that are ungodly. The next stage, if he continues on this path, is when he sits in the seat of the scornful, is even worse, for this is when he becomes one who is settled in his views and teaches others to reject God and His Laws, actively promoting his world-view, which mocks God and sacred things, and undermines His Word. These ones do not just live wrong, but encourage others to live wrong (Romans 1:32). These are now fully hardened in sin. The blessed man is marked by the fact that he says 'No' to this worldly viewpoint 91:1). Instead, he delights in God's Word, and meditates in it day and night, with the intention of basing his life upon it, seeing that it is the Law of the Lord (it carries the full authority of God). Thus he allows it to form his beliefs and lifestyle (1:2). We discuss what Bible meditation is and how to meditate (Joshua 1:8). The result of being a godly man who meditates on God's word, rather than following the world is that the blessing of God causes him to become like a strong, upright "TREE, planted by the rivers of WATER, that brings forth its FRUIT in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper" (1:3). When we receive Christ, we are PLANTED into Christ, by the RIVERS of WATER (the grace of the Holy Spirit, who now lives in us), and we become a TREE of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). Then, the more we meditate in God's Word, the stronger our ROOT-system (FAITH) becomes, enabling us to draw upon more of the WATERS of the HOLY SPIRIT.

We start our studies in Psalms by introducing the Book of Psalms as a whole. It is God's Hymnbook, the longest book of Bible (150 chapters), which shows the importance of praise and worship. It is poetry, the language of the heart, set to music, designed to tune our hearts to God. It is given to inspire our response to God and His revelation. Just like the Torah, it is divided into 5 books. The first book is Psalms 1-41. There are many different kinds of Psalms – Psalms of Praise, Psalms of Thanksgiving, Psalms of Lament, Psalms of Confidence, Psalm of Kingship, Psalms of Wisdom and Messianic Psalms (which were written under prophetic inspiration). King David wrote over half of them (including almost all of the first Book). Other writers were Moses, Hezekiah, the sons of Asaph, and the sons of Korah. Psalm 1 is a special Psalm, described as the Entrance Hall into the Mansion of the Book of Psalms – a Wisdom Psalm, contrasting the nature, way and destiny of the righteous and the ungodly, who ignore God and go their own way in life. In the Bible, all mankind divided into these 2 groups and Psalm 1 spells this out in the strongest way, pointing out you are either righteous or ungodly, either part of God's people or not, and only the righteous qualify for the blessing of God. God makes this point in Psalm 1, because the rest of the Psalms are only for the righteous, so its pointless reading the other Psalms (like 23), if you are in the wrong camp, as it does not apply to you. So, Psalm 1 is saying, before you enter this Mansion, make sure first that you qualify. Placing Psalm 1 first also tells us that our WORSHIP (represented by the Psalms) is based on mediation on the WORD of God (the emphasis of Psalm 1). Psalm 1 describes the righteous as being characterised by holiness – being devoted to the Lord and His Word, and separated from evil, whereas the ungodly follow the way of the world (1:1-3). Whereas the righteous are blessed (with God's life), and are stable, strong, and fruitful, like trees (v1-3), the ungodly are cursed (cut off from God's life), unstable, weak and empty, like chaff (1:4-5). Whereas God watches over the way of the humble, and walks with them, and gives them His grace, so that they will reach their final destination (glory), the way of the ungodly will result in destruction, because God resists the proud (1:6). Psalm 1:1 describes the BLESSED man by contrast with the ungodly man, who starts by following the counsel of the ungodly world, which then leads to him hanging around sinners, and developing a sinful lifestyle and convictions. Thus, he becomes hardened in his heart, and stands for things that are ungodly. The next stage, if he continues on this path, is when he sits in the seat of the scornful, is even worse, for this is when he becomes one who is settled in his views and teaches others to reject God and His Laws, actively promoting his world-view, which mocks God and sacred things, and undermines His Word. These ones do not just live wrong, but encourage others to live wrong (Romans 1:32). These are now fully hardened in sin. The blessed man is marked by the fact that he says 'No' to this worldly viewpoint 91:1). Instead, he delights in God's Word, and meditates in it day and night, with the intention of basing his life upon it, seeing that it is the Law of the Lord (it carries the full authority of God). Thus he allows it to form his beliefs and lifestyle (1:2). We discuss what Bible meditation is and how to meditate (Joshua 1:8). The result of being a godly man who meditates on God's word, rather than following the world is that the blessing of God causes him to become like a strong, upright "TREE, planted by the rivers of WATER, that brings forth its FRUIT in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper" (1:3). When we receive Christ, we are PLANTED into Christ, by the RIVERS of WATER (the grace of the Holy Spirit, who now lives in us), and we become a TREE of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). Then, the more we meditate in God's Word, the stronger our ROOT-system (FAITH) becomes, enabling us to draw upon more of the WATERS of the HOLY SPIRIT.

To the Christ-focused black women desiring more than prayer, fasting, prayer and worship to heal her anxiety, it's okay.  It's okay to feel like what you're doing is not enough. You don't have to feel guilty for needing more.  You don't have to feel guilty for desiring to feel better, not just temporarily, but long lasting peace and joy.  I know you're doing it all.  Daily devotion Prayer Fasting Going to church Watching sermons online  There is still some unknown you're charting. Something you just can't put your finger on.  I soon realized that Jesus is enough ONLY when I had the language and the words for what I was dealing with.  I soon realized that the Holy Spirit was leading me to seek help that would integrate his truth with what I was being challenged by. The reality is the enemy does not want you to put words to what you're dealing with.  He wants to keep you trapped in the unknown that leads to fear guilt and regrets  Whereas God wants to bring to light your challenges so he can heal your wounds you have suppressed.  You are worthy of God's ever lasting love and peace of mind.  In today's episode, you'll learn: 5 myths about anxiety what coping strategies can do for you Tune into this week's episode and let KiYada's download from God guide your journey to becoming the Godly version of yourself. Through KiYada's experiences and client case studies, she guides listeners with the blueprint to greater self awareness and intimacy with Christ. Resources mentioned in today's episode: ⁠⁠Download Flesh to Spirit: A Guide to Move You Out of Your Anxious Mind and Into the Mind of Christ: ⁠⁠Want to discover how to shift from your anxious mind to the mind of Christ? Discover my proven 3-step Christ-centered process to take every thought captive and cast it down. Download this complimentary 26 page guide that will launch you to boldly confess scripture, into greater self-awareness, and intimacy with Christ. This is a really great place to start if you want to be guided through the Biblical principles that GBGG is founded in. Want to win a FREE VIP Voxer Coaching Day with me? Leave a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcast AND take a screenshot of your review and tag me on IG at growblackgirl.grow. I want to hear from you! Have questions or an episode idea? Send me a DM on IG at growblackgirl.grow and have your questions or episode idea played right here on the podcast.  Shop GBGG ⁠⁠⁠Mindfulness: How to Strengthen Your Christian Mindset Purchase your copy from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠ Are you read to bring your awareness to the constant activity between your anxious mind & your Holy Spirit mind? Maybe you're ready to discover how to be more present, live in the moment, notice your surroundings, and engage your 5 senses? Certified Christian Life & Mindfulness Coach and Meditation Facilitator KiYada Upshaw will walk you through this 5-day devotional plan to help you get started deepening your faith and strengthening your Christian mindset by using the tool Christian mindfulness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growblackgirlgrow/support

Episode Summary:  Dive into a candid conversation on our podcast about the deep-rooted pain in body image issues. Join me with Heather Creekmore of Compared to Who as we share personal stories, challenges, and effective coping strategies. If you've ever felt the sting of self-inflicted shame or the hurtful words of others, this episode is a must-listen!   Quotables from the Episode: Nowhere in scripture, though, can I find a place that says the more you serve God, the less you're going to suffer. We all struggle with pride in some area of our life, but that mentality, that compensatory coping mechanism that I can't control my husband losing his job or my mom getting cancer, but I can control this area,  that's pride coming through that I need to be able to control something in my life. We are so pain averse that we just want God to take it away. Yesterday. And when he doesn't, that's when we start going down the slippery slope of believing lies, the same kind of lies that contribute to Body image issues. The more we think those thoughts, the more entrenched they come, the more they form our beliefs and our beliefs form our attitudes and our attitudes contribute to our actions. And that's where the enemy gets us because frequently we ruminate on those negative thoughts. Whereas God speaks over us positive thoughts. The neat thing about neuroplasticity is that we can train our brain to let the weeds grow on those ruts and form new pathways. But it takes conscious work. And if we don't slow down, we don't even notice the thoughts that we're having that wreak havoc. And we have between 50 and 70,000 thoughts a day. And when we're experiencing pain, we are more vulnerable to hearing and believing those lies, regardless of the type of pain. The enemy hates it when we praise God. And nothing will make him leave us alone faster than when we're praising and worshiping. There is a very fine line between complaining and lamenting. Complaint is very me focused. It is what I think I deserve and it's rooted in pride. God offers lament as a gift to us. Lament is really expressing our personal despair or loss. God can handle our emotions and he can handle our questions. And I would go so far as to say he'd rather hear all about it. Then let us walk away from him, because that's the other tendency with pain is to isolate ourselves and withdraw from God. What pain does is that it, it focuses us so inward. Whereas God offers the opportunity through pain for us to recognize our dependence on him.   Scripture References: Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”   Recommended Resources:  The 40-Day Body Image Workbook: Hope for Christian Women Who've Tried Everything (A Journey from Insecurity to Positive Body Image and Self-Worth) by Heather Creekmore The Burden of Better: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest by Heather Creekmore Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image by Heather Creekmore Aging Gratefully: A 30-Day Devotional for Women by Heather Creekmore  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader's Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Heather Creekmore: Website / Facebook / Instagram/ YouTube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Heather Creekmore writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. The host of the popular podcast, Compared to Who?, she has been featured on dozens of other shows and podcasts as well as on Fox News and HuffPost. She was a contestant on the hit Netflix bake fails show Nailed It. Heather and her marine-fighter-pilot turned pastor-husband, Eric, have four children and live in Austin, Texas.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Whereas God's job is to establish what you decree, you have got the responsibility to make the declaration. You need to speak to the mountain. This podcast will show you how. Be blessed.

Youths As Vessels Unto Honor Text: 2 Timothy 2:19-23 I want to begin with the opening word in our Bible reading today. "Nevertheless" - this word also means, "notwithstanding" or irrespective of popular opinions or despite the popular saying in this modern Christian age, God's solid foundation remains true. His truth has not changed in our ever-changing world of compromises and indulgences. You have been told that this time is different and that things must be done differently. The question I am asking is, how much impact are we making as we take this new path and neglect the ways of the scriptures? We have removed the ancient landmarks which our fathers have set, and this is against the will of God (Proverbs 22 verse 28). Whereas God is calling us to walk in the old path, but we have refused. (Jeremiah 6 verse 16). We have refused the way of rest and chosen the path of destruction - may God have mercy on us (Proverbs 14 verse 12; and 16 verse 25). In this kingdom, there is a standard foundation. In fact, there is no other foundation that needs to be laid than that which has already been laid, and that solid foundation is Jesus Christ. Everything must be built on this foundation (1 Corinthians 3 verse 11). Friends, God knows His own. Let no one deceive you, God's people know themselves. You might have heard people remark this way, "Only God knows His own". As true as that statement is, God's people also know themselves. If you are a child of God you can't but know. The Bible says in John 1 verse 12 that as many as received Christ have been given the right to be called God's children. If they are children and heirs of God, how can they not know? Let those who are called Christians, the choirs, youth leaders, evangelists, pastors, ministers, etc, depart from sin. They must flee from sin and must not sin. As it is written, Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6 verse 17‭ to 18) You have been bought with a price, not of corruptible seed but of the incorruptible seed of the word of God (1 Peter 1 verse 23). There must be zero tolerance for sin in your life. Until this condition is fulfilled, God can do nothing with your life. Many people, mostly the youths want to do something for God, but they don't understand the principle of God's anointing. There must be sanctification before ordination or anointing. Whenever God has a special mission, or important task to send a person, He will first make you holy (Jeremiah 1 verse 5).

It gives us a lot of perspective when we consider the end of our choices. The world (i.e., the broad way) promises life and happiness and pleasure now, but it ends in death. Whereas God's way  (i.e., the narrow way) starts with death - death to self and embracing the cross, but it ends in life and peace and rest. The choice to walk in the narrow way isn't just a one-time choice, but one we must make daily to have our actions and even our thoughts be in agreement with God. Whether you are going strong in your walk with the Lord or needing some encouragement, this study on the command Choose the Narrow Way will encourage you to choose and keep choosing deeper fellowship with Christ over anything else!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

We'll go over the concept of Hell in some detail before discussing why God would create Hell, knowing that some people will be condemned. Life is a test, with the test ending at death. Every atom of good and evil that one performs in their lifetime is recorded in their book of deeds, a book to be presented on the Day of Judgment--when every soul will be held accountable for their actions. While in the grave, the deceased souls that deserve to go to Hell will experience suffering, whereas those bound for Paradise will experience peace while awaiting the Day of Resurrection. God is the Arbitrator who will judge, recompense, reward, or punish His creation. When the hour comes, God will raise every deceased person, including the Jinn (supernatural creatures), to judge them according to their deeds in life. Whereas God is Most-Forgiving, He is also Just. If one's good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, they will enter Paradise and join the successful. By contrast, the individuals whose bad deeds outweigh their good deeds will suffer Hellfire. Standing among Islam's most fundamental aspects dictates that life's purpose is to save oneself from the punishment of Hellfire and enter Paradise eternally. "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained his desire. And what is the life of this world except for the enjoyment of delusion"  (Quran 3:185)Believing and accepting the reality of the Last Day, Judgment Day, Paradise, and Hellfire is a component of the Six Pillars of Iman (Faith) that every Muslim must believe and accept. Many references to Hellfire are listed throughout the Holy Quran and in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.The finite human mind cannot imagine the pain, horrors, anguish, hardship, humiliation, restlessness, and all forms of punishment of Hellfire. Not everyone lingering in Hell will suffer in the same manner. Those in Hellfire will suffer tremendously, both physically and spiritually. The gravity of one's sins will distinguish and dictate the severity of the suffering.Allah, the Exalted, prepares and reserves Hellfire for those who do not believe in Him, believe in gods other than Allah, rebel against God's Religion and Laws, and reject God's Message and Messengers. Hellfire is for sinners, criminals, murderers, tyrants, hypocrites, the proud and the arrogant, stubborn, unjust, and evil people."Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger - that for him is the Fire of Hell, wherein he will abide eternally? That is the great disgrace"   (Quran 9:63) Islam states that salvation is based on faith in Allah, His Messenger, good deeds, and God's Mercy. It is the nature of God to treat no one unjustly or unfairly. As part of the Justice of God, the Almighty, He punishes no one person or no group of people unless and until He has sent them a messenger relaying his Message."…And never would We punish until We sent a messenger" (Quran 17:15)Among the most severe cause of suffering that unbelievers and evildoers will face on the Day of Judgment is the realization that they did not follow God's Message nor His Guidance and have failed in life, thus earning God's Wrath. Many dwellers of Hellfire will instantly regret the choices they have made in their lives and beg for another chance. The Quran states:And those who followed would say: 'If only We had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us' Thus, will Allah show them the fruits of their deeds as nothing but regrets. Nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire" (Quran 2:167)

The degree we seek God and our relationship with Him versus seeking His blessings, determines our level of results. The world says to focus on what we want and we will get it. That's the world's formula and it's not protected by the blood of Jesus nor is it long term. The world's way is tied to satan's curse. Whereas God's way is THE BLESSING! THE BLESSING is inside every born again child of God. We experience this overflow of God's presence and manifestations in direct relation to our friendship with Him! This life is all about Him. He is all about you! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/KINGworldwide/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/KINGworldwide/support

September 07, 2022 Daily Devotion: "The Anointed One…" Zechariah 4:6 New International Version 6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. For those of us who believe, the question is not what God can do but what he will do, or perhaps does do. Could the answer to that question lie in the particular task at hand? Whereas God might leave us to our own devices to accomplish goals of our own making, of one thing we can be sure: If the task ahead is God's own plan, there is no way that we can fail! Does God's temple need to be rebuilt? It will happen! As will any other daunting task to Which Good might call us. To think that we've got to dream up powerful schemes to further God's kingdom is to forget that all God needs is one or two “who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth"! The daunting question is: Might I myself be one of those "one or two" through whom God's Spirit might even now be moving mightily to accomplish some seemingly impossible task? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gerzon-etino/message

     Continuing the reason for God's judgments on Israel, Moses stated, “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in the lack of all things; and He will put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you” (Deut 28:47-48). In this statement we are reminded that God's cursings would come upon His people “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart” (Deut 28:47a). Wiersbe comments: "It's quite depressing to read this long list of calamities, especially when you realize that Israel experienced all of them at one time or another and that innocent people suffered because of the sins of the guilty. Not only Deuteronomy 28, but also Jeremiah's Book of Lamentations is a solemn reminder that it doesn't pay to rebel against God and try to have your own way. And what was the reason for all this trouble? “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart for the abundance of all things” (Deut 28:47)."[1]      One would expect that God's magnificent kindness to Israel would result in humility and a natural expression of gratitude and service to Him. However, it appears in her prosperity and in her abundance of all things, that Israel would forget the Lord and pursue her gifts rather than her Giver. This language harkens back to Moses' previous words in which he warned the nation not to forget God because of His goodness (Deut 6:10-12). By failing to serve God with joy and gladness, Israel would bring God's judgment, and the result would be that the nation would serve its enemies whom the Lord would send against her. Israel's enemies, like all enemies, would be cruel. Israel would know hunger, thirst, nakedness, and a “lack of all things”, which are indicators of poverty. And this will be God's judgment upon them, as He will place an iron yoke on their neck until they are brought down. Most yokes were made of wood, so an iron yoke would be heavier and impossible to break. At a later time in Israel's history, Jeremiah used this language to explain God's judgment upon those who would not submit to Babylon (Jer 27:6-8).      God's judgment would come in the form of a foreign power whom He would raise up to attack Israel. Moses said, “The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as the eagle swoops down, a nation whose language you shall not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance who will have no respect for the old, nor show favor to the young” (Deut 28:49-50). This reveals that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe, that all nations are ultimately under His control, and He will raise up one and bring down another. The Assyrians are described as an eagle that swoops down with destruction on Israel (Hos 8:1), and the Babylonians when they were used by God to destroy Moab (Jer 48:40). Daniel Block offers this insightful comment: "Verses 49–50 characterize Yahweh's agent of doom with five bold brushstrokes, each of which intensifies the terror of Israel's demise. (1) The enemy will come “from the ends of the earth.” What is near is familiar; what is distant is mysterious and fearful. (2) The enemy will be fast. Like an eagle swooping down on his prey, he will attack his targets suddenly and without warning. (3) The enemy will speak an unintelligible language. This rules out negotiations and contributes to horror. (4) The enemy will be “fierce-looking” (lit., “strong of face”), which expresses both the terror of a victim and the resolve of the attacker. (5) The enemy will be heartless, showing no respect for the aged or mercy toward the young."[2]      Moses' description continued, saying, “Moreover, it shall eat the offspring of your herd and the produce of your ground until you are destroyed, who also leaves you no grain, new wine, or oil, nor the increase of your herd or the young of your flock until they have caused you to perish” (Deut 28:51). Here we observe a kind of scorched-earth tactic where the enemy would devastate the land and leave nothing for the inhabitants. And this would envelop the whole land, as “It shall besiege you in all your towns until your high and fortified walls in which you trusted come down throughout your land, and it shall besiege you in all your towns throughout your land which the LORD your God has given you” (Deut 28:52). Israel would make the mistake of trusting in its own fortified cities and abilities when they came under attack, but these would prove useless against the forces God would raise up to defeat them. If Israel would have maintained their walk with the Lord, He would have been their protection against all enemy forces (Deut 28:7). But turning away from God meant leaving the fortress of His love and care.      Then, in horrific detail, Moses explained the degree to with Israel would act when being starved while under siege, saying, “Then you shall eat the offspring of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, during the siege and the distress by which your enemy will oppress you” (Deut 28:53). When all food portions had run dry, Israelites would resort to cannibalism, even eating their own children. Moses continued, saying, “The man who is refined and very delicate among you shall be hostile toward his brother and toward the wife he cherishes and toward the rest of his children who remain, 55 so that he will not give even one of them any of the flesh of his children which he will eat, since he has nothing else left, during the siege and the distress by which your enemy will oppress you in all your towns” (Deut 28:54-55). Eugene Merrill states: "The intensity of the distress is emphasized by the fact that parents would eat their children, their only hope of earthly remembrance and posterity (v. 53). And not just the most crass or barbaric among them would do so. The gentlest soul would abandon all restraint and loyalty and in his hour of self-preservation would feed upon his own precious loved ones (v. 54), not retaining a shred of generosity toward others in similar plight (v. 55). The basest human (or animal?) instincts would prevail when choice had to be made between one's own life and another's."[3] Having discussed the gentle man who engages in cannibalism, Moses said of the gentle woman: "The refined and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and refinement, shall be hostile toward the husband she cherishes and toward her son and daughter, 57 and toward her afterbirth which issues from between her legs and toward her children whom she bears; for she will eat them secretly for lack of anything else, during the siege and the distress by which your enemy will oppress you in your towns." (Deut 28:56-57) Eugene Merrill states: "Lest it be thought that the maternal side of womanhood might preclude such abhorrent behavior, the text goes on to reveal, in terms that stagger the imagination, that women so refined and genteel as to avoid touching the ground with unshod feet would not hesitate to consume their own offspring (vv. 56–57a). In fact, they would keep for themselves their newborn infants and even the afterbirth even if it meant that their husbands and other children had to do without and starve. These they would hoard and eat secretly to preserve themselves in that day of unspeakable horror."[4]      These horrible acts of cannibalism occurred among the ten northern tribes of Israel during the Aramean siege by Ben-hadad II circa 850 B.C. (2 Ki 6:24-30), and the two southern tribes of Judah when they were besieged by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. (Jer 19:9; Ezek 5:9-10; Lam 2:20; 4:10).      What follows in Moses' speech is a summary statement that all the curses described herein would come upon God's covenant people if they turned away from Him. Moses said, “If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God” (Deut 28:58). Serving God and experiencing His blessings was not a guessing game. Moses had clearly communicated “all the words of this law”, which words, he said, were “written in this book” for Israel to know and follow (Deut 28:58a). Moses had referenced the words of the law before (Deut 17:18-19; 27:2-3, 8, 26), and he would reference them again as being “written” for posterity to study, understand, and follow (Deut 28:61; 29:20-21, 27; 30:10; 31:24, 26). Studying God's Word and walking in obedience meant they would fear and honor (כָּבַד kabad) His “awesome name”, which name embodied all that God is in character and conduct. According to Kalland, “This glorious and awesome name speaks of his essence, character, and reputation as the God of the promises, the true and living God revealed to the people, particularly at Horeb (Sinai).”[5] If Israel would not honor God's name, “then the LORD will bring extraordinary plagues on you and your descendants, even severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses” (Deut 28:59).      Unfortunately, throughout Israel's history, the book of Deuteronomy was rejected and Israel fell into all sorts of sinful behavior and judgment. It was during the reign of Josiah (2 Ki 22:1), that a copy of Deuteronomy was found in the temple (2 Ki 22:8-20), and the land was largely purged of idolatry and the temple restored to its proper place of function (2 Ki 23:1-25). However, after Josiah died in 609 B.C., the four subsequent kings all did evil in the sight of the Lord until eventually Judah and Jerusalem were destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.      The disobedience of Israel meant they would suffer diseases, sicknesses, and plagues, some of which Israel had seen God bring upon Egypt, but also included other maladies not mentioned here. Moses said, “He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. 61 Also every sickness and every plague which, not written in the book of this law, the LORD will bring on you until you are destroyed” (Deut 28:60-61). Merrill states, “the Hebrew construction in v. 61 allows the sickness to be viewed as a divinely ordained instrument of judgment, not just an illness of happenstance or of no apparent purpose.”[6] And such illnesses would decimate the nation's population, as Moses said, “Then you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of heaven, because you did not obey the LORD your God” (Deut 28:62). Whereas God had promised to bless the nation with a multitude of people, here the curse would cause their numbers to shrink, making them smaller and smaller as His judgments advanced, and this until they were destroyed.      God is righteous, and it pleases Him to bless His people when they walk in righteous conformity with His directives. However, it also pleases the Lord to act righteously to judge His people when they disobey Him. Moses said, “It shall come about that as the LORD delighted over you to prosper you, and multiply you, so the LORD will delight over you to make you perish and destroy you; and you will be torn from the land where you are entering to possess it” (Deut 28:63). God prefers to bless and not discipline; however, His attribute of righteousness demands He act justly toward His people. Block correctly observes: "Moses begins by speaking shockingly of a change in Yahweh's disposition toward his people. Where previously Yahweh had delighted in causing Israel to flourish, now he will delight in their destruction. The notion is troubling to modern readers, but read within the ancient conceptual environment, it contrasts sharply with the notions of Israel's neighbors. Where others attributed such calamities to demonic forces and hostile deities, Yahwism refuses to take the easy way out. These statements reflect the other side of Yahweh's passion: When his people trample underfoot his grace, his passions will be ignited against them."[7]      Not only would God remove Israel from their land because of idolatry, but He would scatter them among the pagan nations to worship and experience what they sought to elevate above God. Moses said, “Moreover, the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your fathers have not known” (Deut 28:64). Of course, the reality is that these idols are dumb—wood and stone—and are foreign to the living God who revealed Himself to their patriarchs.      The sad reality is that idols offer no real rest from the troubles of this world because they cannot deliver. Moses said, “Among those nations you shall find no rest, and there will be no resting place for the sole of your foot; but there the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing of eyes, and despair of soul” (Deut 28:65). There would be no rest physically “for the soul of your foot”, and there would be no rest mentally or emotionally, as they would have a heart that constantly trembles, eyes that never fail to see trouble, and a soul that despairs all that life offers. Merrill states, “External transience would be matched by internal, emotional upheaval. The mind would be anxious (lit., “there will be a quaking heart”), the eyes would fail because of longing (cf. 28:32), and the heart (nepeš; i.e., the inner being as a whole) would become faint. The very lives of the people would be hung up before them, that is, would be in suspense.”[8]      The state of their difficult condition would be constant. Night and day they would have no confidence about their condition. Moses said, “So your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you will be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life” (Deut 28:66). When blessed by God, Israelites would experience long life in the land of blessing. However, when cursed by God, they would never know from day to day whether their lives would be safe. They would be in a constant state of anxiety.      Internal fears and stress from life's experiences would cause them great anguish. Concerning their mental state throughout the day, Moses said, “In the morning you shall say, ‘Would that it were evening!' And at evening you shall say, ‘Would that it were morning!' because of the dread of your heart which you dread, and for the sight of your eyes which you will see” (Deut 28:67). Here is psychological and emotional disequilibrium that is caused by the uncertainty of a troubled life.      Slavery and subjugation would be the end result, as Moses said, “The LORD will bring you back to Egypt in ships, by the way about which I spoke to you, ‘You will never see it again!' And there you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but there will be no buyer” (Deut 28:68). These would become the lowest of slaves, regarded as so worthless that no one, not even their former captors in Egypt, would want to buy them. Deuteronomy 28:68 shows a final reversal of all God's blessings as the Lord, who had once brought them out of slavery in Egypt, would return them to their former captors, only in a worse state than before. According to Craigie, “In the blessing of God, the people had been brought out of Egypt and freed from that old servitude. In the curse of God, they would return to Egypt once again, and there they would experience the depth of humiliation; in offering themselves for sale, they would be deemed by the Egyptians to be substandard, not even worth making into slaves.”[9]      All of these cursings could have been avoided. None of them had to happen. In fact, God desired to bless His people, and all they had to do was to know His Word and walk in it, keeping covenant with the Lord. These curses served as a warning of the consequences of turning away from the Lord and pursuing a life of sinful rebellion. Constable states, “God designed these blessings and curses to persuade His people to obey His covenant with them. Stronger proof of the blessing of obedience and the blasting of disobedience is hardly imaginable. God's will was, and is, very clear and simple: obey His Word.”[10]And Wiersbe adds: "There's a sobering message here for the church in today's world. Like Israel of old, we are God's chosen people and a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9–10) and have been greatly blessed in Jesus Christ. We are here to “advertise” the virtues of the Lord and declare the good news of the Gospel. If we fail to glorify God and obey His Word, He will chasten us just as He chastened Israel (Heb. 12:1–14). “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) If God chastens His own people for their sins, what will He do to those who don't belong to the family and have resisted His will? But judgment will begin in God's family, and the only way we can avoid it is to turn from our sins and obey His will."[11]     [1] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series, 169. [2] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 658. [3] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 367–368. [4] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary, 368. [5] Earl S. Kalland, “Deuteronomy,” in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 176. [6] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary, 370. [7] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, 660–661. [8] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary, 371. [9] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 351–352. [10] Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible, Dt 28:58. [11] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, 171.    

June 24, 2022 Daily Devotion: "We are the Heirs of God... " Numbers 26:65 New International Version 65 For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. An inheritance is always by grace and favor. The person who has a legally valid will need not bequeath his or her estate to anyone in particular, though typically it is the spouse and then the children who inherit. In many ancient cultures, with lingering effect even today, it is the firstborn son who inherits all. Most importantly, the testator can always decide to disinherit someone previously named in the will. Without question a sovereign God could do that! But had he not promised? As God's children, we make a grave mistake if we assume God's promises are wholly unconditional Whereas God's initial covenants with mankind were clearly one-sided, all of his later covenants have been based upon mutual promises and obligations. While God will never breach his side of the covenant, is it not possible that we could write our own selves out of our inheritance? In case we are in any doubt about that, we might just ask a whole generation of God's children. The reassuring question is: If I hold to the faith that is the key to my eternal inheritance, need I have any doubt, whatsoever, that I will receive it? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gerzon-etino/message

Here it is in all it's wretched glory. Ep. 116 is filled with facts about the founding of the Mormon organization, it's wild as hell teachings, and mad prophets like founder Joseph Smith, and successor Brigham Young. We begin at the beginning of course, and i attempt to leave no seer stone unturned.(Pun intended) I hope you enjoy this history, and share with others. I can't wait to bring you the second part which will cover the priesthoods, marriages, or sealings as they call them including marrying the dead, and my favorite part, which is the Freemasonry influence. I'd say, the foundation actually. Now, it's time to go down that rabbit hole far beyond the mainstream which mazes underneath the Nauvoo Temple, all the way up to the Hill Cumorah in New York, and even up to an alleged star called Kolob!  Thank You for your support! Cheers, and Blessings The Odd Man Out   Show Notes   Three Main Books: BOM Doctrines, & Covenants Pearl of Great Price   Joseph Smith said, "the mind or the intelligence which man possesses is CO-equal [CO-eternal] with God himself" (TPJS 353) "The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end." Another teaching is that the words of The Living Oracles, or living prophets are greater than the Bible, BOM, or Doctrine, & Covenants Abraham 3:3 reads “And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God…”   Verse 9 in the same chapter adds that “Kolob is set nigh unto the throne of God.” Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, stated, “I wish to declare I have always and in all congregations when I have preached on the subject of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods” (History of the Church 6:474). Brigham Young, the second prophet and president of the LDS Church, said, “How many Gods there are, I do not know. But there never was a time when there were not Gods…” (Journal of Discourses 7:333). Mormon Apostle Orson Pratt taught, “We were begotten by our Father in Heaven; the person of our Father in Heaven was begotten on a previous heavenly world by His Father; and again, He was begotten by a still more ancient Father, and so one, from one generation to generation” (The Seer, pg. 132). The god of Mormonism is not immutable. Whereas God's perfection makes it never necessary for Him to change, the God of Mormonism changes both in his physical person and moral attributes. This is demonstrated by the fact that he evolved from a man into a God and that he has changed decrees which are theoretically “unalterable.” Examples of this would include the abandonment of polygamy in 1890, the reversal of the ban which withheld the LDS Priesthood from Blacks in 1978, and the changes in the LDS temple ceremony in 1980. The god of Mormonism is not eternally God. Joseph Smith taught that God was not always God when he stated, “We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see” (Teachings, pg. 345). Because the LDS God is limited to a physical body, he is not omnipresent. Brigham Young said, “Some would have us believe that God is present everywhere. It is not so” (Journal of Discourses 6:345). LDS Apostle James Talmage stated that neither God the Father, nor “any actual person of any one member of the Godhead can be physically present in more than one place at one time” (The Articles of Faith, pg. 39). The Mormon God's “omnipresence” is fulfilled through the Holy Spirit which, according to Mormon Apostle John Widtsoe, is not to be confused with the Holy Ghost (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 76-77). Mormon author W. Cleon Skousen stated that God is God only because another force sustains him as such. He wrote, “Through modern revelation we learn that the universe is filled with vast numbers of intelligences, and we further learn that Elohim is God simply because all of these intelligences honor and sustain Him as such…since God ‘acquired' the honor and sustaining influence of ‘all things' it follows as a corollary that if He should ever do anything to violate the confidence or ‘sense of justice' of these intelligences, they would promptly withdraw their support, and the ‘power' of God would disintegrate…'He would cease to be God'” (The First 2,000 Years, pp. 355-356). The Bible “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me” (Isaiah 43:10-11). It appears to me the end point of Mormonism like most occult religions is godhood. They teach the Hindu philosophy that humans are unrealized gods. On the afternoon of June 8, 1873, preaching from the pulpit of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, President Brigham Young declared: The devil told the truth ... I do not blame Mother Eve. I would not have had her miss eating the forbidden fruit for anything in the world.... They must pass through the same ordeals as the Gods, that they may know good from evil... .27 Former President Joseph Fielding Smith stated it in these words: The fall of man came as a blessing in disguise.... I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin.... We can hardly look upon anything resulting in such benefits as being a sin... Apostle Pratt wrote, If we should take a million of worlds like this and number their particles, we should find that there are more gods than there are particles of matter in those worlds. The Gods who dwell in the heaven have been ... exalted also, from fallen men to Celestial Gods to inhabit their Heaven forever and ever." Mormon President Spencer W. Kimball declared: In each of us is the potentiality to become a God-pure, holy, true, influential, powerful, independent of earthly forces.... We were in the beginning with God.... Man can transform himself.... He has in him the seeds of Godhood that can grow. He can lift himself by his very bootstraps.32 No salvation lest thou believe in Joseph Smith President Joseph Fielding Smith made that clear when he wrote: [There is] no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith. If Joseph Smith was verily a prophet, and if he told the truth when he said that he stood in the presence of angels sent from the Lord, and obtained the keys of authority, and the commandment to organize the Church of Jesus Christ once again upon the earth, then this knowledge is of the most vital importance to the entire world. No man can reject that testimony without incurring the most dreadful consequences, for he cannot enter the kingdom of God.' "No man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the Celestial Kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith." Brigham Young More Mormon Quotes On This Subject: https://www.mrm.org/no-salvation-without-joseph-smith For more info see: The Mormon Conspiracy The Mormon Cult The GOD Makers 1, & 2 documentaries, & book. No Man Knows My Story By Chapter https://youtu.be/0-DRJZLIUJw   Texe Marrs Secrets of The Temple https://youtu.be/OoOyilCeP6M   Terms Used By The LDS https://www.mrm.org/a-z   Odd Man Out Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theoddmanout     ACR- My Podcasting Family Visit the home of The Oddcast at "Alternate Current Radio, and check out all their other great shows including, Boiler Room, and be sure to subscribe to their Social Media to get updates on all the fantastic talk, and music shows. https://alternatecurrentradio.com/         
 Check out the ACR video: "Shilling For Sanity" https://youtu.be/TyQv1JL78Eg   

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     Their Order Is Not Our Order!

To silence the silent screams of a desperate conscience that longs to be free and forgiven Help! I keep sinning!!! Join us as we sit down with Sam Storms, author of "A Dozen Things God Did with Your Sin (And Three Things He'll Never Do): And Three Things He'll Never Do" (Crossway), and discuss assurance, doubt and rest. “It's called a defiled conscience... everyone knows exactly what I'm talking about when I refer to those occasions when your conscience feels dirty. I'm talking about what you feel and sense deep within as you lie on your bed at night and reflect on the events of the day: the harsh words you spoke to your kids, the lie that you told your boss hoping to gain advancement, the pride you felt in your heart when someone praised your efforts. I'm talking about what you feel and sense deep within when you wake up in the morning and lustful thoughts and sinful fantasies race through your mind. 'Where did that come from,' you wonder aloud? 'What will God think of me now?'... The fact that we could treat God with such indifference is profoundly unsettling.” “The single overriding and most debilitating factor that threatens to undermine everything in our Christian lives and in our relationship with God is the failure to understand, embrace, and enjoy the full and final forgiveness of our sins. The reason you and I struggle to enjoy God is because we live in constant fear that he doesn't enjoy us." “Let me tell you why we think this way. Let me tell you why you aren't living in the fullness of the joy and peace and satisfaction in your relationship with God that you so desperately desire. It comes down to one thing and one thing only: you and I have failed to believe what God himself says he has done with our sins. What consumes us is what we have done by sinning. What ought to consume us is grateful meditation on what God has done with our sinning.” “This is what I mean when I speak of your eternal union with God. It is your position as a saved, redeemed, forgiven, justified, adopted child of God. It is eternal in the sense that it lasts forever. Nothing can change it, undo it, or reverse it. But these are also nonexperiential realities. In other words, you don't “feel” justification when it happens. You may feel an emotion of joy and gratitude because you are justified, but justification is not something that you experience in your body or your hormones or even in your emotions or affections. Nothing that happens in this life can affect your eternal union. Your obedience doesn't add to it and your disobedience doesn't detract from it. It is perfect and complete and final. But that doesn't mean your disobedience has no effect whatsoever on your relationship with God.” “David had committed adultery. He had stolen from another man. He had defiled a woman who wasn't his wife. He had defiled himself. He schemed to have her husband killed. But worst of all, he had violated the honor, glory, and goodness of his God. Is forgiveness still possible for someone like that?” “Whereas God is now and always will be my Father, my experience of that truth can go up and down. One day, I might enjoy his fatherly affection, but on another day, I may have lived in such a way that this enjoyment diminishes. My sonship didn't diminish. My status as God's child is unchanged. But my capacity to enjoy and feel the glory of being a child of God can be undermined by unrepentant sin. Many have failed to properly differentiate between these two realities. They don't fully grasp the distinction between what is eternal and what is experiential, and they don't carefully differentiate between what is true of my union with God and my communion with him.”

INTRODUCTION As we embark on a new work here in Moscow, we must begin by getting our thinking in line as to how God builds. History is the story of how God built His house. He didn't do a cost/benefit analysis. He built it despite all the conniving of hell & earth. He built it without outside investors. He built it at the cost of His only Begotten Son. And, as we shall see, He's now filled it with fire. THE TEXT Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:41-47). SUMMARY OF THE TEXT As the miraculous day of Pentecost concluded, the shockwaves were only just beginning. At the end of Peter's sermon a multitude (3000 to be precise) gladly received his word and were baptized (v41); this is a callback to the first “Pentecost,” when 3000 Israelite idolaters were cut down after the Golden Calf debacle (Ex. 32:28). The early church is described in its corporate worship as being steadfast in the Apostles' teaching––the basis for their fellowship––breaking the bread, and prayers (v42). The remarkable signs & wonders continued––fulfilling the prophetic word in Joel 2:19, 30––and great awe came upon every soul (v43). Their corporate worship, daily in the temple, spilled over into the rest of life. The Believers were marked by generosity without compulsion, which manifested in a particular care for the host of sojourners in Jerusalem (vs.44-45). Not only did they gather daily in the temple, but also from house to house. The fellowship which they enjoyed through the Apostles' doctrine spilled over into a joyful singularity of heart (v46), and faithful praise to God. The fruit of their faithful diligence in formal & informal worship & fellowship was favor amongst the people. This, in turn, produced rapid growth (v47). THE GOD WHO SCATTERS The day of Pentecost is unmistakably mirroring the ancient events which took place at the Tower of Babel. Babel was man's attempt to climb into heaven to obtain a name for himself. Whereas God had tasked Adam & Eve to fill the world with His glory & name. The project of Babel was to find a unifying principle for the universe in man apart from God. So God scattered this blasphemous work. He confounded their language, fulfilling their worst fears (Gen. 11:4) of being scattering across the face of the earth. This imagery is picked up later in the warnings to Israel, when the Lord threatens them with being scattered due to covenant breaking. “And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you (Deu. 4:27).” Israel was also to be God's means of frustrating and scattering the city of man, which we see in their battle hymn, “And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee (Num 10:35).” When man sets out to build apart from God, and in rivalry to God, God will scatter him. The Hebrew word used for “scatter” means dashing a vessel into a million shattered pieces. When man sets himself in rivalry to God the end result isn't unity, it's all the unity of a tornado in a trailer park. If Israel, the household of God, abandoned God and sought to build the kingdom apart from their Covenant King, the result would be what we find in the book of Acts: an Israel scattered to the four winds. GATHERED TOGETHER IN CHRIST The nations which are represented at Pentecost echoes the Table of Nations in Genesis 10. These Seventy nations had been scattered and frustrated in their opposition to God's redemptive purposes. Now, however, these scattered nations, represented by Jews from the Diaspora, are gathered together as one by the mighty work of the Spirit. Peter warned the Pentecost crowd to flee from this wicked generation (Acts 2:40), referring to unbelieving Israel, which itself had become a new Babel, of sorts. The Lord Jehovah who'd descended upon Altars, and the Tabernacle/Temple as a flaming fire (Cf. Gen. 15:17, Lev. 9:24, Jdg. 13:20, 1 Kg. 18:38,  1Ch 21:26, 2Ch 7:1ff), now sent His Spirit to dwell in a house of people; even people from all nations. What marked these early Christians as a result of the Spirit's working? Fidelity to the Gospel as taught by the Apostles, fellowship, breaking the bread, prayers both spoken and sung, hospitality, glad simplicity, and praise to God. This was (and is) the secret sauce to church growth. Modern Christians think they can build the kingdom of God by using the bricks of Babel. We see it in the way evangelical leaders capitulate to the talking points of godless politicians. We see it in the way worship services are turned into entertainment events. We see it in how the plain Word of the Gospel is dulled and blunted in order to nuzzle into the same space as Oprah, Dr. Phil, and the self-care counselors on TikTok. We see it in the way we ignore the plain command to show hospitality, considering it an inconvenience to our personal schedule and possessions. But God gathers people into His house by the faithful preaching of the scandal of the Gospel. The house of Israel crucified Jesus, the promised Messiah, the rejected cornerstone. But God wasn't thwarted in His purpose. That same Jesus was now exalted to be the true & eternal King of Israel. His first act was to accompany the preaching of His Kingdom with the power of the Spirit to enable His citizens to joyfully obey their King. FILLED UP TO WORK OUT The Spirit was poured out, and the people weren't idle. Just as the Spirit equipped the ancient saints with skill to build the tabernacle, the Spirit now fills His people to build a temple of people. People in whom God pleases to dwell. The Spirit's outpouring became a flood of good works: fellowship, praise, covenant faithfulness, hospitality, and simplicity of heart. So, what is the work that God has set in front of you to do? The progression of our text makes one thing plain, the Apostles' doctrine was inseparable from the practice of the saints. The Word went forth, and the people lived out the Word. The works of righteousness followed the Word of the Righteous One. Nothing, in principle, has been altered since that day of Pentecost. The description of the early church is what the true church is & always shall be defined by. Pentecost displays in vivid detail how God builds. God builds by scattering the proud and their vain imaginations. Then, just because He can, He gathers up the humble as a house of people. God then filled that house with fire. The Spirit's fire equips the saints with His presence, the presence of the Almighty. Thus we're enabled to minister in His house. God's household isn't a silent, empty cathedral; it's full of the bustle & hum of joyful saints busy with sacred work. And what is that work? Our first duty is to believe the Apostles' teaching: God has made Jesus, whom the House of Israel crucified, both Lord & Christ (Acts. 2:36). Secondly, we faithfully worship. Third, we throw the best parties.

In Hebrews 1:1-4 the author contrasts God's former way of speaking with the perfect and complete revelation found in Christ in these last days. Whereas God's former speech was done in many parts over time and in various ways, the fullness and culmination of everything God has spoken is manifested in His Son, who is infinitely glorious. The question is, if Christ is this glorious, if he is the fullness of God's revelation to man, do you obey him?

Giving to God and for godly causes is a topic that has attracted mixed opinions over the years. Whereas there should be no debate as to whether we should support the activities of the local church or the Ministers of the gospel, giving to God should never be appear like we are trading with him. Tithes and offering were crucial in supporting godly work in the old testament and are still crucial today. The only difference is that believers in Christ are called to give from cheerful hearts. Whereas God will reward our faithfulness in giving, we should also recognise the many ways God has blessed us with blessings that money cannot buy rather than take offence when God does not come through for us as we anticipate. 

Excerpts of today's spirited Daily Star Devotion audio podcast dubbed - AN EVER PRESENT HELPER is by Pastor Mike S. Banda of Glorious Trinity Synagogues (G.T.S) in Accra, Ghana. God is our ever present helper so we must always look up to Him. Always consult and seek God first before asking or enquiring from anyone because God is our ever present helper. After all, scripture says, a man or woman can receive nothing except its given him or her from Heaven and it's God who makes provisions, grace, resources for heaven's usage. No matter the troubles, situations, conditions, oppositions or circumstances still believe and trust in God for success, victory, provisions, restorations, healings etc because He is always the ever present helper. The enemy is looking for your downfall but keep trusting and having faith in God for hope, turns arounds, Miracles, testimonies etc because He's an ever present helper. Never look up to yourself nor let anything or anybody comes first when in need, challenged, troubled because the arm of flesh, its structures and hands are failable and limited. Whereas God's hands and help are ever present and formidable against the fires, waters, valley of shadows of death, oceans, waves, demons etc. God's Spirit is also able to lift up another superior and glorious standard against whatever the enemy brings or manifest. Please listen to today's spirited & powered packed Daily Star Devotion Podcast for more insight, revelations, spiritual keys and blessings. For all enquiries & related issues. Contact Pastor Mike S. Banda of Glorious Trinity Synagogues (G.T.S), on +233266450929 (whatapps) or thewatered @aol.com.

 Audio recordingSermon manuscript:504 years ago today, October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses, or statements, against the Church's sale of indulgences to the door of St. Mary's Church in Wittenberg. Luther making this protest is the reason why October 31st was the date that is chosen to commemorate the Lutheran Reformation of the Catholic Church. But October 31, 1517 was just the beginning of the story. The pope's sale of indulgences was not going to be the main point of contention. Fairly quickly much bigger questions were raised. Who or what is authoritative for Christians? Do Christians need to submit to the pope or to the Scriptures? Who or what determines the doctrines that are taught? What if there are discrepancies and conflicts between the authorities in the church and the Scriptures? We could talk a long time about these questions and issues. But what I'd like to spend our time on today is what became the most important issue during the Reformation. The most important conflict was concerning how a person could be found to be acceptable in God's sight. When God renders his verdict concerning an individual, what will that verdict be? And why? What is the basis for God's verdict concerning the individual? These are the questions behind an important church word that it is good for you to know and understand, which is “justification.” How can a person be justified in God's sight? That is a pretty important and practical thing to know, since our eternal fate is dependent upon it. Before we speak about what Luther and the other reformers rediscovered from the Bible, let's first briefly describe how justification was understood in the Roman Catholic Church. Overall, the most important thing to understand is that according to the Catholic Church if we are to be justified before God it is because of a cooperative effort between God and I. God does his part. I am to do my part. God's part is largely a matter of several different graces or gifts, such as the seven sacraments, and some other less important things. (Included, by the way, among these less important things would be indulgences, which Luther posted the 95 theses about.) God gave these graces to Peter and the other apostles. Therefore, through the ministers of the church, God dispenses his grace to those who wish to receive it. This is God doing his part, and you can count on God doing his part. But, according to Roman Catholic teaching, I also have to do my part. What is my part? First and foremost, I must receive these graces that are given out by the clergy. Then I must live a good life, keeping God's and the church's commandments. Whereas God can be counted on for doing his part, the Christian is not so trustworthy. Even the Catholics recognize that. But there is a remedy for that. The Christian can go to confession with the priest. He can buy indulgences. If the Christian sins a lot, then (even if all else fails) he can still work off his guilt in purgatory after he has died. Purgatory is not taught by the Bible, but eventually it came to be understood as a place where imperfect Christians who have died can go to get cleaned up through suffering, through being purged of the guilt that has been accumulated. Eventually the Christian will have done his part and will be holy enough to become a saint and can enter heaven. There is a lot more that we could say about the Roman Catholic Church's teachings about being justified before God. Great big books have been written about this. Let it be said that the Roman Catholic Church's teaching is not wild and nonsensical. It is not something that can just be written off as stupid. There is a good deal of truth in Roman Catholicism, particularly with what they say about God doing his part. Indeed, the whole overall arrangement makes a lot of sense to our natural way of thinking. There are so many things in life where the one party does his part, and the other party does their part. It seems reasonable that a person's relationship with God should be that way too. But, as we heard in our reading from Isaiah 55 a couple weeks ago, God says: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways.” What is often reasonable and helpful in our daily, earthly life can be a roadblock if we transfer that thinking over to the kingdom of God. God doing his part, and we doing our part, sounds reasonable, but that's just not how it works. From long and bitter experience Luther learned how unreliable our reason is when it comes to the things of God. He tried his hardest to do his part. One of his problems, some Roman Catholics have said, was that he was too honest about his efforts. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't achieve what the church taught him he should be able to achieve. This made him very concerned about how he might be judged by God. How would God render his verdict concerning Martin Luther? Wanting to know God's will and judgments led Luther to search the Scriptures. What he found in the Scriptures was different from what the Church had taught him. It is not a situation where God does his part and I do my part. It is a situation where God does everything. I do nothing—at least not anything good. Our being justified before God is completely God's doing. God chose those whom he would save from eternity, before they were even born. The Son became man in order to redeem sinful mankind as the great atoning sacrifice. God causes his Word of salvation to be spoken so that sinners are justified through faith in Christ, through Christ's goodness, instead of the life that they had lived and are living.   The end point for the Christian is not purgatory. It is not a self-improvement project. It isn't a big fat bill of what we owe in order to do our part after God has done his part. The end point for the Christian is joy and thanksgiving at what God has done and is doing. It's like when the Angel spoke to the shepherds on Christmas Night. The Shepherds were encouraged to rejoice: “Fear not, for I bring you glad tidings of great joy that will be for all the people, for unto you is born this night in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” God gives a great gift of salvation to poor, miserable sinners. He distributes his salvation through the Word and the Sacraments. To receive these things we believe them, and thereby make good use of them. It is a dreadful thing to disbelieve these things, because that is calling God a liar. “But,” you might be wondering, “what about our part?” “Isn't there something that we have to do?” “What about our good works?” “The Bible talks a lot about us doing good works.” This is true. The Bible does talk a lot about good works. What is important is that we properly understand these works that a Christian does. They are not our part of the bargain, like it is in the Catholic system. They are an added gift, separate from how God regards us. Good works do not enter in to whether or how we are justified before God. If our works are considered for that judgment, it cannot result in any other verdict than condemnation. But we are not judged according to our works—good, bad, or otherwise—when we believe in Christ. Through faith in Christ we are judged according to a different basis, which is Jesus alone. Instead of good works being something that is required from us for our end of the bargain, good works must be understood as yet another gift from God on top of his justification of us sinners. He declares us not guilty with Jesus's resurrection from the dead. Jesus died for all our sins and atonement has been made. On top of that, together with faith in Christ, God begins to heal our sin-sick heart. Instead of being sold to sin and enslaved to the devil, we are set free to walk in the good works that God has prepared for us beforehand to walk in. The best picture for what is going on here is a picture that Jesus himself uses. He says, “Every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit.” As we are of ourselves, as we were born by nature, we are bad trees. We live in ignorance of God, or, if we learn of him, we rebel against him and his will. We care for nothing and for no one except ourselves and what is ours. We are bad trees. We cannot help but produce bad fruit. God creates a good tree by killing the old tree and uniting us with Christ. This is brought about by God converting us to faith in Christ. Those who believe in Christ are well pleasing to God. After all, it was for the purpose of believing in Christ that God sent his only begotten Son to begin with. Thus, through faith in Christ, a person's whole life is sanctified, is made holy. God does not count our sins against us, and all the activities that we do otherwise while believing in Christ are sanctified so that they are acceptable and pleasing sacrifices to God. Even if we pick up a single straw or give a cup of water to a child, such humble acts, done with faith in Christ, are better than anything we might come up with in our sinful flesh to establish our justification before God. Faith has the power to change our whole life. It doesn't change our life in an outward way, where people can see it. It might not even be changed in the way that we can always feel and know. But faith changes our life before God—which is all that matters. Entire lifetimes could be spent studying all the different facets of what happened and what was discussed in the Reformation. There are many other important, godly, and helpful things that we could talk about. But the most important thing that happened during the Reformation was the return to what the Bible says about our justification before God. Our relationship with God is not a matter of the Law. It is not a situation where God does his part and we have to do our part. Our justification before God is a matter of the Gospel. It is a situation where God pardons and forgives us for Jesus sake. He also gives us his Holy Spirit to fight against our sinful flesh. Even where you might anticipate that we are supposed to do our part—with our good works—it is a matter of grace.  For good works to be genuine, and not self-serving, they have to be created by the Holy Spirit. This is what the Bible teaches about our justification before God. Luther understood how hard it was to believe what the Bible says about our justification. He always warned those who were younger than him, who didn't go through the struggles that he went through, that this teaching could easily be lost. That is true. It can be and has been lost in vast swaths of our own Lutheran Church. Our Synod, also, is not immune to this being lost. This is not surprising. The fact of the matter is that our old Adam doesn't like the Gospel and cannot understand it. The grace of God, the giving and giving of God, is incomprehensible to our Old Adam. That is why the miracle of a conversion is necessary. It is only by the almighty power of the Holy Spirit that we can see God and his will for what it really is. If God has bless you and enabled you to know him from the Scriptures and to see from the Scriptures how God regards you, then you will rejoice even while you bear your cross. In order that we may enjoy this good life of knowing God and believing in Jesus, let us not forget to pray in all seriousness what Jesus taught us to pray. Let God's Name be regarded as holy among us. Let God's kingdom come among us. Let God's good and gracious will be done among us.

Today's spirited Daily Star Devotion audio podcast dubbed - DON'T BACKSLIDE by Pastor Mike S. Banda of Glorious Trinity Synagogues (G.T.S) in Accra, Ghana. Many are backsliding and compromising in the Christendom nowadays because of theirs desires, needs, prosperity, wrongful relationships & exposure, friends, money, future, plans etc. Backsliding is an attitude, realm, nature and manifestation of the devil and his darkned web of works. God is against backsliding and want every child of His to stay home because, He has more than enough and all sufficiency for those in Christ. He is also calling the backsliders back to Him in repentance and rekindled relationship. God has miracles, testimonies, breakthroughs, healings, prosperity, marriages, children, wealth etc or whatever we want. Backsliding eventually leads to hell, shame , destruction, frustrations, disgraces and death eventually. Whereas God's word says as we seek His kingdom and its righteousness, all other things which are glorious, beautiful, profiting, precious, needs shall be given unto us freely. Backsliding is not good and also disastrous so still stay with God in Christ and have a heaven on earth with all glory, joy, peace, provisions and abundance before going to be with Him in glorious Heaven eternally. Pls Listen to today's Spirited Daily Star Devotion for keys, revelations, teachings, deep insights etc. For all enquiries & related issues, contact Pastor Mike S. Banda of Glorious Trinity Synagogues (G.T.S), on +233266450929 (whatapps) or thewatered @aol.com.

Babyhood is a necessaey phase of life. But it must not be a state of life. We need to go unto spiritual maturity. Whereas God loves you, regardless, He demands that you grow.

God is a God of covenant and just as with Jacob, He longs to enter into a covenant relationship with each of us. We too, often, unfortunately, go to God only in a transactional relationship. There are times, when we make God as a means to our end. Whereas God intends a covenant relationship, through which you and I will be totally transformed to conform to the image of His Son.

Life is a test, and the test ends upon death. Every little atom of good and evil one performs in his or her lifetime is recorded in their book of deeds which will be presented to them on the Day of Judgement and every soul will be held accountable for their actions. When one dies, he or she will remain in the grave waiting to be resurrected. While in the grave, the deceased souls that deserve to go to Hell will experience some suffering in the grave whereas the deceased souls that are bound for Paradise will experience peace while they wait for the Day of resurrection. When the hour comes, God will raise every dead person including the Jinn (supernatural creatures) to judge them according to their deeds. God is The Judge, The Arbitrator who will Judge, recompense, reward and punish his creation. Whereas God is Most-Forgiving, he is also Just. If one's good deeds outweigh his bad deeds, he will enter Paradise and be amongst the successful. As for the one that his bad deeds outweigh his good deeds, he will enter the Hellfire. One of the most fundamental aspects of Islam is the purpose of life is to save oneself from the punishment of the Hell Fire and to enter Paradise eternally. "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except for the enjoyment of delusion" (Quran 3:185) Believing and accepting the reality of the Last Day, Judgement Day, Paradise and the Hellfire is a component of the six pillars of Iman (Faith) in which every Muslim must believe and accept to become a Muslim. There are many references to the Hell Fire throughout the Holy Quran. The ones in the Hell Fire will suffer tremendously both physically and spiritually. The pain, the horrors, the anguish, the hardship, the humiliation, the restlessness, and all forms of punishments of the Hellfire cannot be imagined nor perceived, nor grasped by the human finite mind. Not everyone in the hell Fire will suffer the same. The gravity of one's sin will distinguish the severity of one's suffering. Allah the exalted prepares the Hell Fire for those who do not believe in Him, believe in Gods other than Allah, rebel against God's Religion and Laws, and reject God's Message and Messengers. The Hellfire is also prepared for sinners, criminals, murders, tyrants, hypocrites, the proud and arrogant, the stubborn, and the unjust, and all forms of evil people. "Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger - that for him is the Fire of Hell, wherein he will abide eternally? That is the great disgrace" (Quran 9:63) Islam states one's salvation is based one's faith in Allah, His Messenger, good deeds, and God's Mercy. As part of the Justice of God the Almighty, He punishes no one or any group of people until He has sent them a Messenger relaying his Message and warning the people. It is the nature of God that he treats no one unjustly or unfairly. "…And never would We punish until We sent a messenger" (Quran 17:15) Of the biggest suffering the unbelievers and the evildoers will face is when they come into the realization on the Day of Judgment that they did not follow God's Message nor His Guidance and have failed, thus earning God's Wrath. Many of the dwellers of the Hellfire will instantly regret the choices they made in their lives and will beg for another chance. The Quran states: And those who followed would say: ‘If only We had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us’ Thus, will Allah show them (The fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets. Nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire” (Quran 2:167) The Quran shares a dialogue that will take place between the dwellers of the Hellfire and the Angel Gate Keeper of the Hell. “It almost explodes in rage. Whenever a group is thrown into it, its keepers will ask them, ‘Did there not come to you a warner?' They will reply: 'Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, 'Allah never sent down any (Message): You are but lost in a great delusion!' 'And they will add: 'Had we but listened [to those warnings], or [at least] used our own reason, we would not [now] be among those who are destined for the blazing flame!' They will then confess their sins: but far will be (Forgiveness) from the Companions of the Blazing Fire!” (Quran 67:8-10) However, no matter how much the sinners beg for forgiveness, it would be too late. The intensity of the Fire will be so terrifying that people will disown their closest and most beloved people in their lives on the Day of Judgement and flee from them on this great Day. "But when there comes the Deafening Blast. On the Day a man will flee from his brother. And his mother and his father. And his wife and his children. For every man, that Day, will be a matter adequate for him" (Quran 33-37) Man will give up everything he holds dearest to him to save himself from the Hellfire. They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children. And his wife and his brother. And his nearest kindred who shelter him. And whoever is on Earth entirely [so] then it could save him" (Quran 70:14) A quick dip in the Hellfire will have a person forgetting about all the pleasures he or she had in their lifetime. Our Prophet narrated: 'One of the people of Hell who found the most pleasure in the life of this world will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection and will be dipped into the Fire of Hell. Then he will be asked, 'O son of Adam, have you ever seen anything good?' Have you ever enjoyed any pleasure?' He will say, 'No, by God, O Lord.’ Whereas there are a minority of scholars that state the Hell Fire is not eternal, most Islamic scholars' state that the polytheist and unbelievers will reside in the Hell Fire forever and that the Hell Fire is eternal for most people that enter it. "Indeed, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared for them a Blaze. Abiding therein forever, they will not find a protector or a helper" (Quran 33:64-65) God, the Almighty created the Hell Fire and Paradise before mankind. Hell is so deep that if one were to drop a stone into it, it would take seventy years for that stone to hit its bottom. The Hellfire is black and dark as night. The Hell Fire has various levels of severity and punishment according to the extent of disbelief and sins of those being punished in it. The lower the level of the Fire, the greater the intensity and punishment one suffers. Our Prophet narrated the lightest punishment of the Hellfire will be a man under the arch of whose feet will be placed a smoldering ember, and his brains will boil because of it. As for the most severe punishment in the Hellfire, it will go to the hypocrites, as God states in His Book: "Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper"       (Quran 4:145) The Hell Fire has Seven Gates in which its inhabitants will enter. Each gate deals with a specific group or category of sinners and each gate contain different torture and punishments. The distance between each gate is equal to the length of seventy years. Before the inhabitants of Hell enter, they will stand before the gate feeling the heat in terror. They will be shoved and piled thru the first gate until it fills, then the rest will be stacked and shoved into the second gate until it fills, and so on. The Hell Fire has nineteen Angels who are led by the Chief Keeper of the Hellfire named Angel Malik who has never smiled since he was created. Angel Malik and the Angels of the Hellfire are very severe, harsh, and stern who would never disobey God's commandments. After the inhabitants of the Hellfire enter, its gates will be shut and there will be no hope of escape for the dwellers of the Hellfire. The dwellers of the Hellfire will beg and plea to Angel Malik to let them out and he will respond 'Be quiet, surely, you shall abide forever!' The Angels of the Hellfire will have wipes made of iron which will whip the inhabitants in it. The dwellers of Hellfire will bear animosity and hate amongst other inhabitants of the Hellfire. "Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.  (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein. And We did not wrong them, but it was they who were the wrongdoers. And they will call, ‘O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!’ He will say, ‘Indeed, you will remain. We had certainly brought you the truth, but most of you, to the truth, were averse.’ (Quran 43:-74-78) As for the Believers who practiced Tawheed (monotheism) and believed in the Prophet that was sent to them from God but lived a sinful life, they will be his punished in the Hell Fire for a length that commensurate the level of their sins. Then they would be brought out of it and eventually sent to Paradise. Some of them will be taken out of the Hell Fire with the intercession of their Prophets, some by the intercession of righteous individuals, and some will be taken out solely by the Mercy of God, the Most Merciful. The Hell Fire has different names with different descriptions that are mentioned in the Islamic tradition. Amongst the names of the Hell Fire are: Jaheem because of its blazing Fire Jahannam because of the depth of its pit Laẓā because of its blazing flames Sa'eer because it is kindled and ignited Saqar because of the intensity of its heat Hatamah because it breaks and crushes anything into debris that is thrown into it Haawiyah because whoever is thrown into it, is thrown from the top to the deep bottom of its chasm or abyss. The dwellers of the Hellfire will be made huge, so every part of their body can feel the punishment. A person's molar tooth will be as big as Mount Uhud (a Mountain in the city of Medina). The distance between the shoulders of the dwellers of Hell will be equivalent to three days of walking. The Fire that exists and burns in this world we live in is 1/70th of the severity and intensity of the Hellfire in the Hereafter. The Fire kindled by the Almighty will burn the skin of its inhabitants and every time their skin gets roasted; their skin will melt to their feet and God the Almighty will replace their burnt skin with a new one to be burnt again and the process will keep on repeating so they may taste the punishment. Other forms of punishment include super-heated scalding burring oil which will be poured on their heads in which will melt away and liquefy their internal organs. The inhabitants of the Hellfire will be in chains and shackles which will be tied around their necks and feet. "Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze"        (Quran 76:4) The clothing in the Hellfire will be garments of Fire tailored for them with copper so they will boil inside. And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in shackles, their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered by the Fire" (Quran 14:49-50) The Quran references three types of food in the Hellfire which in fact worsen a sinner's torment when consumed. The food and drink of the Hellfire do not provide nourishment, nor does it relieve hunger nor thirst. The dwellers of the Hellfire will experience intense thirst only to have hot boiling water mixed with puss given to them. Water so hot and intense, if a drop of it touches a mountain of this world today, it would turn it to dust. Amongst the food of the dwellers of the Hellfire is the tree of Zaqqum in the lowest level of Hell. Its branches are described like heads of devils. Its vicious fruits severely burn the insides of a sinner's stomach. If a drop of its juice lands on Earth, it will poison the whole Earth and everything it contains. God the Almighty, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, did not create the Hellfire to just throw people in it nor does he want to. In fact, God asks a rhetorical question in the Holy Koran stating: "What can Allah gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing" (Quran 4:147) God will get nothing from punishing anyone and he wants reasons not do it. In fact, God states in Holy Quran that He created mankind and Jinn to worship Him, glorify Him, and exalt Him, as He is the Only One worthy of worship, and he states in another verse, from his end, He created mankind so He can show them His Mercy: "Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them...." (Quran 11:119) One needs to realize that he is a slave, and that God is his Master and one cannot question Him nor His authority nor do they have any right to. A Master can be just and kind or can be unjust and unkind. Allah, the Exalted, is an All-Merciful Master. If one accepts that he is Allah's slave and submits to Him fully, he or she will find that God is The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Only when one submits to His Master, does one find his life become easier and better. Why would God want to punish an individual when He created him or her with love and mercy in the first place? God wants to warn his servants about Hell now, so one can fix themselves and avoid it to their best of ability. It is best to be informed about the Hellfire now and to recognize its severity, harshness, and how gruesome its punishment is in detail then it is to come across it in the Hereafter unprepared and not knowing. That is a Mercy as God the Almighty could have chosen not to warn one beforehand of the consequences of one’s actions. While God is All-Merciful, He is Also All-Just. He states in the Quran: "Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight..." (Quran 4:40) If one commits murder or oppresses an individual, God may punish that person to serve justice to the person killed or oppressed or to serve justice to the family members. God states every soul shall receive their full compensation for the good and evil deeds they commit on the Day of Judgement. If God allows the oppressors to oppress without punishing them, it would encourage people to oppress and to commit evil which would spread corruption even further. The fear of punishment prevents some people from committing evil. God has also stated he will surely forgive any soul that repents from their sin as He is Extremely Forgiving and Extremely Loving. There are certain individuals that want to blame God for Hell because they do not want to fix their act, face reality, or be held accountable for their actions. It's important to realize, whether you believe and accept in God and the Hellfire or not, it will not change the reality that God and the Hellfire do exist, and you will soon find out. "O, you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…" (Quran 66:6)

We think "little" is insignificant. Whereas God calls out “little” as substantial. The woman with two mites. The boy with the small lunch. And the church at Philadelphia. All little offerings…that God used in large ways. We will hone in on the Church at Philadelphia to talk about how endurance of a small group of people is of great value in the kingdom of God. Join us for the sixth of seven letters written to the church in Revelation.

We think "little" is insignificant. Whereas God calls out “little” as substantial. The woman with two mites. The boy with the small lunch. And the church at Philadelphia. All little offerings…that God used in large ways. We will hone in on the Church at Philadelphia to talk about how endurance of a small group of people is of great value in the kingdom of God. Join us for the sixth of seven letters written to the church in Revelation.

We think "little" is insignificant. Whereas God calls out “little” as substantial. The woman with two mites. The boy with the small lunch. And the church at Philadelphia. All little offerings…that God used in large ways. We will hone in on the Church at Philadelphia to talk about how endurance of a small group of people is of great value in the kingdom of God. Join us for the sixth of seven letters written to the church in Revelation.

We think "little" is insignificant. Whereas God calls out “little” as substantial. The woman with two mites. The boy with the small lunch. And the church at Philadelphia. All little offerings…that God used in large ways. We will hone in on the Church at Philadelphia to talk about how endurance of a small group of people is of great value in the kingdom of God. Join us for the sixth of seven letters written to the church in Revelation.

We think "little" is insignificant. Whereas God calls out “little” as substantial. The woman with two mites. The boy with the small lunch. And the church at Philadelphia. All little offerings…that God used in large ways. We will hone in on the Church at Philadelphia to talk about how endurance of a small group of people is of great value in the kingdom of God. Join us for the sixth of seven letters written to the church in Revelation.

The Bible is a book about broken people, causing broken relationships, and hence breaking the environment being redeemed to their creational purpose. Once our connection with God is restored, we learn to begin to love ourselves in an appropriate way, spilling over in love towards others, bring healing and restoration to the world we live in. So essentially the Bible and it’s message is about CHANGE. Constant change to mature and grow in our love towards God, others and changing the world. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev 22:11 Since the beginning we were called to subdue the Earth. (Gen 1:28) but also importantly rule over sin. (Gen 4:7) We sinned when we abandoned our divine purpose, giving in to carnal fleshly, animal instincts. Hence satan appearing in the figure of a snake… an animal. Our lower, state. The greatest gift the Bible, and Christianity ever gave the world is the concept, and belief that we are made in God’s Image. We are more than mere animals. (Gen 1:26; Gen 1:27; Gen 9:6; James 3:9) Voorbeelde: Gewoontes, werk, studie, reg eet, oefening, produksie, kliente sien, op tyd wees, humeur, emosies, depressie, rehabilitasie. So Gideon had to select only 300 men, making a distinction “Everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set apart by himself” Judg 7:5-7 God was looking for distinct, distinguished, high morale type of people, to win the battle. Temptation always wants to lead us lower, downward, towards our animal nature. Judah went down from his brethren Gen 38:1 And Samson went down to Timnath Judges 14:1 Whereas God wants to lead us upward. Taking the high moral road. Doing what is right. (Rom 8:5-9; Col 3:1-2; Phil 4:8) We are different than animals: the are not lazy, disloyal, overweight, get addicted no instinctively they merely survive the life-cycle. We have the ability to make choices. Society has adopted the mistaken belief that knowledge can solve all problems. The reality of our modern world is that knowledge and information are now more readily accessible than ever before. Just look at the Internet—knowledge has never been so cheap and readily available. And yet, have we seen improvements in our moral behavior? Do we make better choices for ourselves? No. On the whole, we do not. The problem is that knowledge alone does not alter our behavior. The only thing that will change our behavior is making the right decisions, and the only way to ensure we do that consistently is to build up the strength of our characters. We all hope for the Magic ferry, who will change our poor existence into that of a queen in a moment. This is not going to happen!! It takes a daily effort to continue to make the right choices, and do what is right! The hard part is not knowing what to do but actually doing it, day in and day out for the rest of your life. The dangers of smoking, overeating, and lack of exercise are well documented and understood by most. These are not failures of knowledge; they are failures of behavior. They are moral failures. You cannot pit real pain against imagined gain. Real pain wins every time. You are setting yourself up for failure by ignoring the way the human mind works. We have to find other motivators—imagined gain isn’t going to deter us when we face immediate pain. A summery of all the steps one needs to take to overcome temptation, and indulgences is found in 2 P et 1:3-8 1. FAITH πίστις pístis; gen. písteōs, fem. noun from peíthō (G3982), to win over, persuade. Faith. Subjectively meaning firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness (though rare). Objectively meaning that which is believed, doctrine, the received articles of faith. 2. VIRTUE (Deug) ἀρετή aretḗ̄; gen. aretḗs, fem. noun. Superiority or being pleasin

In #2 of the summer series, the Psalter, the Prayer Book of the Bible, we enter with Psalm 1 ... the doorway and interpretive key for reading the Psalter. The structure of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, sit, walk, stand, provides an interpretive key of fulfillment for reading the entire Old Testament. The structure of Ephesians, Sit, Walk, Stand, is taken from the book which bears its title by Watchman Nee. “The Christian life consists of sitting with Christ, walking by him and standing in him. We begin our spiritual life by resting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus. That rest is the source of our strength or a consistent and unfaltering walk in the world. And at the end of a grueling warfare with the hosts of darkness we are found standing with him at last in triumphant possession of the field.” (p.78) The Christian life begins not with a big do but with a big done! SIT - seated with Christ “All true spiritual experience begins from rest.” (p.27) “Whereas God worked six days and then enjoyed His sabbath rest, Adam began his life with the sabbath; for God works before He rests, while man must first enter into God’s rest, and then alone can he work.” (p.16) “God is waiting for your store of strength to be utterly exhausted before He can deliver you. Once you have ceased to struggle, He will do everything.” (p.23) WALK - a metaphor for living our life in Christ on mission “The all-important rule is not to ‘try’ but to ‘trust,’ not to depend upon our own strength but upon his… Too many of us are caught acting as Christians. The life of many Christians today is largely a pretense. They live a ‘spiritual’ life, talk a ‘spiritual’ language, adopt ‘spiritual’ attitudes, but they are doing the whole thing themselves.” (pp.38-9) “Too often we think that the actual doing is what matters. We have to learn the lesson of not doing – of keeping quiet for Him. We have to learn that if God does not move we dare not move… The abiding principle of all true Christian work is: ‘In the beginning God…’ … You ask me what I mean by natural power. Put very simply, it is what we can do without the help of God.” (p.67) “Have we discovered how good the Lord is? Then in us He is as good as that! Is His power great? Then in us it is no less great! Praise God, His life is as mighty as ever, and in the lives of those who dare to believe the Word of God the divine life will be manifest in a power not one whit less mighty that was manifest of old.” (pp.39-40) STAND - an image for occupation in battle; standing one's ground “Armies march into other countries to occupy and subdue. God has not told us to do this. We are not to march but to stand. The word ‘stand’ implies that the ground disputed by the enemy is really God’s, and therefore ours. We need not struggle to gain a foothold on it.” (p.54) “Today we do not fight for victory; we fight from victory… When you fight to get the victory, then you have lost the battle at the outset.” (p.55) “Because victory is His, therefore it is ours.” (p.56) Psalm 1 tells us where the Man of Righteousness does not sit, walk or stand; Ephesians tells us the fulfillment in Christ. The Prayer of Humble Access (before taking the Eucharist, we proclaim) We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, who always delights in showing mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. From here, we pray the Psalms.

Whereas God’s intention is that we are blessed (which according to the Amplified version means: happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable), many people are waiting for something or someone outside themselves to make them happy. Many are trapped in a prison … Continue reading →