LIGHTNING CRASHES-
https://youtu.be/dHNSrCyNPOc Lightning Crashes
ON VIDEO [past posts- verses below]
.Trump will win
.Cop stuff
.Media circus
.No pain killers for me!
.CCPD
.Chicago
.Black people were right about killing him
.Politics of war
.Russia- Putin
.Phone addiction
.60 years old- 38 years clean- still calling a sponsor?
.AA- co-dependency- face it
.Focus- effective ministry
.Gnosticism- Marcion- Dualism
http://caller.com/news/energy-effects/water/special-meeting-on-boil-water-advisory-set-for-monday-3332d600-cb05-28ae-e053-0100007f8258-380154951.html Even she can’t believe it!
PAST POSTS-
‘Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom that can not
be moved, let us HAVE GRACE, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence
and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire’ Though Paul doesn’t say it [I
think he should have!] but this alludes to the ‘God’ of Moses day, who did not
consume the burning bush, compared to the ‘God’ of today [new covenant] who
will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire! This fits in with the theme of a
harsher punishment for those who reject the covenant of grace as opposed to
those who rejected the covenant of law. I know these themes are not popular,
but this is clearly the way Paul is presenting them. I also am not saying the
‘God’ of the Old Testament is different from the ‘God’ of the new [this is the
heresy of Marcion! I think that was his name. He was an early Christian heretic
who comprised the first canon of scripture for a ‘new testament’ it included
basically Paul’s letters, and he taught that The God of the new testament was
different from the God in the old] but Paul is presenting the new covenant in a
way that says ‘don’t neglect this new way of salvation, those who do will
receive a harsher judgment than those who rejected the law’.
END NOTES-
A HEAVENLY CITY.
DON’T BE SAD,
HE’S TREATING YOU LIKE A SON.
NO REPENTANCE-
OUTSIDE OF CHRIST THAT IS.
CULTURE SHOCK IS
HARD ON US ALL.
Once again we see the contrast between ‘he that spoke from earth’ [Moses-
the law]- and he that ‘speaks from heaven’ [Jesus covenant is more strict- to
those outside of it and reject it- because he has heavenly authority- Moses had
earthly].
Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not
who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn
away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with
sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are
partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Remember this-
though the message of grace and Jesus as the Messiah is wonderful- especially
to us Gentile believers-
Yet- it was
indeed a cultural shock to the 1st century Jew-
Why?
Even though
Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophets- yet in order for the Jewish person
to accept this [Like the apostle Paul]
He had to accept
a real cultural change in the religion he practiced from his youth-
He was being
asked to stop the animal sacrifices- to ‘move on’ from the Law covenant- and to
embrace Christ.
Now- in reality-
it would be the fulfillment of all that was contained in the law- but it’s
often hard for anyone to ‘move on’ from former religious practices that are
embedded in his culture.
So- in context
‘Don’t be sad- God is disciplining you- showing you new stuff- and it’s tough
for sure- but he does this with all the sons he receives’.
We also see the promise of the heavenly city- As
opposed to the earthly one.
Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living
God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
which are
[parts]
. Now, this
would eventually lead up to the development of the strong nation states, an
independent identifying with your state/region as opposed to being under Rome and the papacy. This
type of independence would allow for the 16th century reformation to
happen under Luther. If it were not for Frederick
the Wise, the regional authority in Germany where Luther lived, he
would have never had the protection or freedom to launch his reformation.
Luther also had the influence of being a scholar at Wittenberg . Around the 12th-13th
centuries you had the first university pop up at the great cathedral of Notre
Dame in Paris .
The word university simply meant a co-operative effort from two or more people.
It applied to many things besides learning. It was also during this time that
the church began to develop a system of harmonizing Christian doctrine; she
began to do systematic theology. The writings of the Greek philosophers
[Aristotle] were rediscovered after centuries of them being hidden, and the
great intellectual Saint Thomas Aquinas would wed Aristotle’s ideas with
Christian truth. This became known as Scholasticism. Aquinas believed that men
could arrive at a true knowledge of God
from pure reason and logic. But man could not know all the truths about God and
his nature without ‘special revelation’ [the bible and church tradition]. All
Christians did not agree with Aquinas new approach to Christian truth, the very
influential bishop Bernard would initially condemn Aquinas over this. Bernard
said ‘the faith that believes unto righteousness, believes! It does not doubt’.
The Scholastic school taught that the way you arrive at knowledge was thru the
continuous questioning and doubting of things until you come to some basic
conclusions. These issues would be debated for centuries, and even in the
present hour many argue over the issue of Divine revelation versus natural
logical reasoning. Tertullian, an early North Afrcian church father, said ‘I
believe because it is preposterous, illogical’ he became famous for his saying
‘what does Jerusalem have to do with Athens ’ meaning he did not
believe that Greek philosophy should have any part with Christian truth.
Origen, his contemporary, believed the other way. So the debate rages on. Why
talk about this here? Some believers ‘believe’ in a type of knowledge called
‘revelation knowledge’ they mean something different than the historic use of
the term. Historically ‘revelation’ meant that which God revealed to us THRU
THE BIBLE, not something outside of the bible. For instance, the first canon of
scripture put together was by a man called Marcion. His ‘bible’ contained the
letters of Paul and parts of :Luke. He believed the revelation God gave Paul
was for us today, not the Old Testament or the historical gospels. He was
condemned by the church as a heretic. The point being some took Paul’s writings
about receiving knowledge from God as an indicator that what God showed Paul
was different than what the church got thru the other apostles. In point of fact
the things that God revealed to Paul, or to you or me; all truth is consistent,
it will not contradict any other part of Gods truth. Paul’s letters are
consistent with the gospels, not in contradiction. When believers cling to an
idea that their teachers are sharing ‘special revelation’ or a Rhema word that
is somehow above the scrutiny of scripture, then they are in dangerous
territory. Paul did appeal to his experience with God as a defense of his
gospel, but he backed up everything he said with Old Testament scripture. God
wasn’t ‘revealing’ things to Paul that were outside of the realm of true
knowable ‘truth’. You could examine and test the things Paul was saying, he
wasn’t saying ‘because God showed it to me, that’s why I’m correct’. So in
today’s church world, we want all the things we learn and believe to be
consistent with what the church has believed thru out the centuries. Sure there
are always things that are going to be questioned and true reform entails this,
but beware of teachers who come to you with ‘revelation knowledge’ or a ‘Rhema
word’ that goes against the already revealed word of truth.
(846)ROMANS 8:29-30 ‘for whom he
did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed into the image of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did
predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified:
whom he justified, them he also glorified’. Let’s talk a little. When I first
became a Christian I began a lifelong study of scripture, where I continually
read a certain amount of scripture every day for many years. Over the years I
have varied on how fast I should read [that is how many chapters per day and so
forth]. But during the early stages I always took these verses to teach
predestination in the classical sense. Simply put, that God ‘pre chose’ me [and
all whom come to him] before we ‘chose him’. The Fundamental Baptist church I
began to attend [a great church with great people!] taught that ‘classic
Calvinism’ [predestination] was false doctrine, and they labeled it ‘Hyper
Calvinism’. I simply accepted this as fact. But I never forgot the early
understanding that I first gleaned thru my own study. I also was very limited
in my other readings outside of the scripture. I did study the Great awakenings
and Charles Finney. I read some biographies on John Wesley and other great men
of God. These men were not Calvinistic in their doctrine [which is fine], as a
matter of fact Wesley would eventually disassociate from George Whitefield over
this issue. Whitefield was a staunch Calvinist! Over time I came to believe the
doctrine again, simply as I focused on the scriptures that teach it. Eventually
I picked up some books on church history and realized that Calvinism was [and
is] a mainstream belief among many great believers. I personally believe that
most of the great theologians in history have accepted this doctrine. Now, for
those who reject it, they honestly struggle with these portions of scripture.
Just like there are portions of scripture that Calvinists struggle with. To
deny this is to be less than honest. The Arminians [Those who deny classic
predestination- the term comes from Jacob Arminias, a Calvinist who was writing
and studying on the ‘errors’ of ‘arminianism’ and came to embrace the doctrine
of free will/choice] usually approach the verses that say ‘he predestined us’
by teaching that Gods predestination speaks only of his foreknowledge of those
who would choose him. This is an honest effort to come to terms with the
doctrine. To be ‘more honest’ I think this doesn’t adequately deal with the
issue. In the above text, as well as many other places in scripture, the idea
of ‘Gods foreknowledge and pre choosing’ speak specifically about Gods choice
to save us, as opposed to him simply knowing that we would ‘choose right’. The
texts that teach predestination teach it in this context. Now the passage above
does say ‘those whom he foreknew, he also did predestinate to be conformed into
the image of Christ’ here this passage actually does say ‘God predestinated us
to be like his Son’. If you left the ‘foreknowledge’ part out, you could read
this passage in an Arminian way. But we do have the ‘foreknowledge’ part. So I
believe Paul is saying ‘God chose us before we were born, he ‘knew’ ahead of
time that he would bring us into his Kingdom. Those whom he foreknew he also
predestinated to become like his Son.’ Why? So his Son would be the firstborn
among many. God wanted a whole new race of ‘children of God’. Those he
predestinated he ‘called’. He drew them to himself. Jesus said ‘all that the
Father give to me will come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in no way
cast out’. Those who ‘come’ are justified, those who are justified are [present
tense] glorified. Gods design and sovereignty speak of it as a ‘finished task’
like it already happened. God lives outside of the dimension of time. I believe
in the doctrine of predestination. Many others do as well. You don’t have to
believe it if you don’t want to, but I believe scripture teaches it.
[parts]
THE DOOR OF HEAVEN
ON VIDEO-
.Mystery family tree
.I had a dream
.Meth a demon?
.Granpa’
.Floppin’ on the floor n speakin’ in tongues?
.Agonize thru the door
PAST POSTS [verses below]-
Okay- why do Philosophy- or Physics- or any other of a
number of schools of thought? Because
too often Christians abandon these fields- and then when someone from that
field says ‘this is why we don’t need God’ we usually have no answer.
When we think about philosophy- most of us think about the 3
great big shots- Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. While it is true that these
guys were the major guys at right around the 5th century B.C.- yet
we actually date the beginning point to the early 6TH Century B.C.
to a man by the name of Thales.
Thales accurately predicted a solar eclipse in the year 585
B.C. and he gained notoriety because of this. Thales was the first Greek
thinker to grapple with the idea that there must be one reality that makes up
all things.
He would argue that Water was this element- that contained
being and Motion and life. Many of these pre Socratic thinkers were obsessed
with the idea of motion- where did it come from?
Thales observed that streams and rivers- and all types of
water sources flow- so to him this was a logical source of motion.
This idea- that only one element makes up all reality- is
called Monism. Monism is not be confused with Monotheism- the belief in one
God- Monism actually leads to another religious view- called Pantheism- the
belief that God is everything- and everything is God.
This is not the historic Christian view.
Now- the pre Socratic guys- Parmenides, Zeno, Heraclitus-
these guys would challenge Thales view that water was the main thing.
Some said ‘maybe it’s Air’ another said ‘Earth’ and some
Fire. These 4 elements [Earth, Air [wind] Fire and Water- are the 4 basic
elements of the early Greek philosophers.
We see these things in the naming of musical groups [Earth
Wind and Fire] as well as the themes in movies [fantastic 4- based on 4 basic
elements- powers].
Now- one of the thinkers said ‘wait- maybe the reality
behind all things is not any one of these elements- maybe there is a 5th
dimension [another musical name- and also the famous Bruce Willis flick- called
the 5th Element] a Boundless being- outside of time and matter-
maybe this 5ht element is the foundation for all things.
Of course this view would lead to the more developed view of
God that Socrates and his followers would embrace- an early view of God- much
like the later Christian view [absent the Trinity].
By the way- the view that 2 or more elements make up all
reality is called Pluralism- not to be confused with religious Pluralism [that
all religions lead to the same God]. The most common form of Pluralism is
Dualism [2 realities equally true] but all non Monists who embrace more than
one reality are Pluralists.
Okay- maybe a bit much with the 10 dollar words- but it
might spark the interest of some.
The church has debated for centuries on whether or not
Philosophy should be taught to Christians. One of the early church fathers-
Tertullian- said no- his famous quote is ‘what does Jerusalem have to do with
Athens’.
Meaning what does Philosophy have in common with
Christianity [Athens- Greece was the seat of philosophy in Jesus’ day].
For the most part- the early church fathers would embrace
the study of philosophy- and try to make arguments for the Christian faith by
presenting Christianity as ‘thee’ philosophy that best answers the questions of
man.
These early Christian thinkers are called Apologists- men
like Justin Martyr are in this class.
Apologist is a word we use to describe those who defend the
faith- it comes from the Apostle Peter’s letter in the N.T. where Peter says
‘give an answer to those who ask you about the faith’. In the Greek language-
the original language the N.T. was written in- this phrase is talking about a
defense- an ‘apology’ in the sense of ‘making the case’ not in the common sense
of apologizing.
In the book of Acts- chapter 17- we read the famous sermon
of the apostle Paul- given at Mars Hill.
He was in Athens at the time- and he was debating with all the philosophers of
the day. He tells them ‘as I was looking around town- I saw that one of your
altars is addressed to The Unknown God’.
He would go on and declare unto them that this Jesus is the
true God- the one raised from the dead.
Paul also said ‘in Him we live and MOVE and have our being’.
Kind of a popular verse quoted by preacher’s today- but we often overlook the
significance of the MOVE part.
I mean- why say we MOVE in him too? Paul was a smart guy- he
knew these children of Socrates questioned where motion came from [Remember
Thales?] So he was basically saying ‘I am declaring to you the one true
reality- the true 5th Element- the missing God particle from your
system’ and he went on and preached Christ- being raised from the dead.
Paul knew that you can’t really do true philosophy- to
grapple with the questions of life and being and ‘motion’ without realizing
that God is indeed the ultimate answer to all things.
Even Peter Singer- who claimed that you don’t need God or
religion in order to do Ethics- even he unknowingly quoted Jesus in attempting
to give a basis for his Philosophy- yes- he quoted a God- one unknown to him-
just like the altar at Athens- but a God never the less.
An inescapable 5th element- the missing part to
the whole puzzle.
VERSES-
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I
fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came
upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Psalm 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall
not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek
after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to
behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his
pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up
upon a rock.
Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies
round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I
will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Psalm 27:7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also
upon me, and answer me.
Psalm 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto
thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Psalm 27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away
in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my
salvation.
Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD
will take me up.
Psalm 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path,
because of mine enemies.
Psalm 27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for
false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the
goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall
strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at
meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because
they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but
he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my
name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and
they shall recover.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was
received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord
working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
facebook.com/john.chiarello.5
Note- Please do me a favor, those who read/like the posts-
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