How to Settle Doctrinal Disputes

 

Disputes and difference of opinion are always going to happen in any Church. When this occurs it means God is calling your attention to the Scriptures. So what if someone disagrees with you... what does God's word say? Your relationship to your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is yours and yours alone. Churchanity demands conformity, God simply asks for harmony.

The Apostle Paul's perspective on Jesus Christ and the gospel of the kingdom was different from that of the original twelve. The disciples Jesus called before his crucifixion knew Him as a man. Paul knew the risen Jesus and was taught by Him: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter (aka Cephas), and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. ~ Galatians 1:17-19

The Apostle Peter admitted that some of Paul's letters were... hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. ~ 2 Peter 3:16

The conflict that Peter and Paul had revolved around a letter Paul wrote to the Galatians whether or not people needed to convert to Judaism before they could become Christians. Becoming Jews first would mean that the men would have to be circumcised and they would have to follow the Jewish ritual law. Read the account in Galatians 2. Notice in verse 9 how they resolved this dispute over doctrine without falling out with one another as so many Christians do today.

Don't let difference of doctrine, or opinion, discourage you from searching for hidden treasure. As it is written: The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ~ Matthew 13:44

No individual, or Church, has a franchise on God or a monopoly on the Truth. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, don't allow someone to keep you from what God has for you.

To learn more about your Heavenly Father's plans, You are cordially invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html

 

 

 

The New Jerusalem

 

Intelligence is not knowing everything. It's the ability to challenge everything you think you know. Understanding the meaning and intend of the Word of God requires critical thinking. 

As it is written: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:16

Organized religion preaches a gospel of salvation and emphasizes the need for a savior whereas the Gospel of the Kingdom relates to Jesus as our King. Pastors are hired to preach only their organization's doctrines. If they preached the whole truth, they would most likely lose their cushy job.

The gospel of the kingdom is a message that Jesus preached about the coming Kingdom of God, and is a central part of the Christian faith: 

The kingdom of God

A place where God's reign is openly and gladly recognized. The kingdom of God is also known as the kingdom of heaven. The gospel of the kingdom is mentioned four times in the Bible: Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, and Mark 1:14. A kingdom is made up of: The King, the King's domain, the King's subjects, and the King's laws.

The gospel

The good news of Jesus' work to overcome resistance to God's kingdom. The word "gospel" comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means "good news". The gospel of the kingdom is a message about:

1.Turning from sin (live a clean wholesome  life)

2.Trusting in Jesus Christ  (obedience to His commandments)

3.Beginning a new way of life (actually practicing what God says rather than following traditions of men)

4.The Kingdom of God is the only place of perfect righteousness and peace (This is a peace that transcends, outdoes, surpasses, excels, rises above, goes beyond and over the top of any other kind of peace)

The promise: The promise is not that people go to heaven or hell, but go the the grave and await their resurrection to dwell in the Kingdom of God on earth. The gospel of the kingdom is the promise of the new heavens and new earth.

 

To learn more about the Kingdom of God, You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html

 

Gathering Manna

 

Manna is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 16 when the Israelites, wandering the Sinai Desert after leaving Egypt, (Egypt represents the bondage of sin) begin complaining to Moses about the shortage of food. God promises Moses to “rain bread from heaven” to feed the people. “In the morning there was a layer of dew round about the camp. And when the layer of dew was gone up, behold upon the face of the wilderness a fine, scale-like thing, fine as the hoar-frost on the ground.” 

The Israelites asked “What is it?” or “Mann hou?” in ancient Hebrew, and that was the origin of the name manna (mann in modern Hebrew). In the same chapter, manna is described as “like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.”

Manna came with its own user manual. People were instructed to gather exactly as much as they needed every day and never to save it, as the precious food would spoil. Manna would appear six days a week, and on Friday they were instructed to gather twice as much—since there would be no manna coming down on Saturday, the day of rest. The extra portion for Shabbat, the Israelites were promised, would not spoil.

The description of manna in the Bible matches what Danin found in the Sinai Desert. He soon discovered that the white drops on the shrub’s stems were the digestive byproduct of insects that feed on the plant’s sap, known as honeydew. The secretion, formed at night, is loaded with sugar. The sweet liquid hardens to the form of white granules and is still collected from spring to early fall in many places in the Middle East today. Manna is produced by "substance exuded by the tamarisk tree".

What is the significance of the tamarisk tree in the Bible?

Why did Abraham take the time to plant such a tree? We might deduce that there was much to celebrate in Abraham's life and so he creates a monument to declare God's provision. The tree represents YAHWEH, the Everlasting God who blessed him with a child, a peace treaty, and a water supply. Another very important reason was that God blessed the tamarisk tree to multiple so the Israelites would have plenty of wholesome food in the desert.

The tamarisk tree has several spiritual meanings, including: Strength and Resilience

The tamarisk tree is able to survive extreme conditions, such as heat, fires, and dry spells. This can serve as a reminder that with faith and determination, one can overcome any obstacle.

Jesus Provides a Supernatural Manna

Jesus tells his followers that he provides supernatural provision for all needs, and that he is the true bread from heaven. He says, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty". ~ John 6:30-35. The manna that sustained the Israelites was a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Christ. The manna mentioned in Revelation 2:17 is also a symbolic reference to Christ.

Jesus says, "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever". ~ John 6:48-58

Food is Satan's Secret Weapon 

When the Hebrews went to Egypt in search of food, they ended up in slavery. Today many Christians are slaves to food. Obesity is epidemic in the American Church. False teachers tell their congregation to ignore God's health and food laws. Satan loves this teaching because it destroys health and turns God's people to the sin of pharmaceutical witchcraft. Satan has turned the entire food industry into a weapon of toxic chemical laden food.

God never forces people to do what is right and good. HE gives us a choice. Which "manna" do you want to gather? Come judgment day which do you prefer, smoking or non-smoking?

To learn more about healthy living, subscribe to Renew Your Strength Bible Study

 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

 

Like Father, Like Son. God the Father Yahweh and His only begotten Son Yahshua (aka Jesus) like to reveal truth in stories and parables about people and their many trials and temptations. They do this so you and I can relate. Since God is sovereign and rules in the affairs of men and nations, from generation to generation, He inspired a story to be written in 1900 for our edification.

One such story is the book, made into a movie in 1939, titled The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland. If you are of a younger generation, you may not have seen this movie. I highly recommend you watch this very entertaining movie as the "veil is lifted." At the time I watched it, I had no clue that it contained a hidden message inspired by God.

The book was first published in the United States in May 1900 by the George M. Hill Company. In January 1901, the publishing company completed printing the first edition, a total of 10,000 copies, which quickly sold out. It had sold three million copies by the time it entered the public domain in 1956. 

 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a 1900 children's novel written by author L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. It is the first novel in the Oz series of books. A Kansas farm girl named Dorothy ends up in the magical Land of Oz after she and her pet dog Toto are swept away from their home by a cyclone. Upon her arrival in the magical world of Oz, she learns she cannot return home until she has destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West. 

What lesson is hidden in the "magical world of Oz"? What Was The Wizard of Oz Really About?... Let's See

 

For more spiritual insights, You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

Holy Spirit

 

 

Guest Contributor: Kristopher Keeney

The doctrine of the Trinity
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! ~Deuteronomy 6:4

God does not have multiple personality disorder. The key to understanding the trinity is to know the definition of the word "God" in Hebrew, the original language of the Bible. The English translation of God causes much confusion because it is singular, The original word is Elohim, a uni-plural word like team, church, family. The family of God consists of many members, but all one family. God is not a trinity, God is a unity.   

 

"The Holy Spirit is referred to as a gift (Acts 10:45; 1 Timothy 4:14). We are told that it can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19), that it can be poured out (Acts 2:17; Acts 10:45), and that we are baptized with it (Matthew 3:11). It must be stirred up within us (2 Timothy 1:6), and it also renews us (Titus 3:5). These are certainly not attributes of a person.

This Spirit is also called "the holy Spirit of promise . . . the guarantee of our inheritance . . . the spirit of wisdom and revelation" (Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 1:17).

In contrast to God the Father and Jesus Christ, who are consistently compared to human beings in Their form and shape, the Holy Spirit is just as consistently represented in a completely different manner. It is described as appearing as a dove (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32) and as "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Jesus compared it with "living water" (John 7:37-39).

The Gospels record further evidence that the Holy Spirit is not a person. In Matthew 1:20, we read that Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit (Moffatt translation). Yet Christ continually prayed to and addressed the Father, not the Holy Spirit, as His father (Matthew 10:32-33; Matthew 11:25-27; Matthew 12:50; Matthew 15:13; Matthew 16:17; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 18:10; Matthew 18:35). Never did He represent the Holy Spirit as His father.

Nor did Jesus speak of the Holy Spirit as a third divine person; instead He only spoke of the relationship between God the Father and Himself (Matthew 26:39; Mark 13:32; Mark 15:34; John 5:18; John 5:22; John 8:16; John 8:18; John 10:30; John 13:3; John 17:11).

If the godhead were a Trinity, surely the apostle Paul would have understood and emphasized this in his teaching. Yet we find no such concept in his writings. Paul's standard greeting in his letters to churches, as well as individuals to whom he wrote, is, "Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." There is no mention of the Holy Spirit.

This same greeting, with only minor variations, appears in every epistle that bears Paul's name: Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; and Philemon 1:3. The Holy Spirit is always left out of these greetings—an unbelievable oversight if the Holy Spirit were indeed a person coequal with God and Jesus.

This is even more surprising when we consider that the churches to which Paul wrote had many gentile members from polytheistic backgrounds who had formerly worshipped numerous gods. Paul's epistles record no attempt on his part to explain the Trinity or Holy Spirit as a divine person equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul states clearly that "there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things" (1 Corinthians 8:6). He makes no mention of the Holy Spirit as a divine person.

The final book of the Bible (and the last to be written) describes "a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1) wherein "the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them" (Revelation 21:3). Jesus Christ, "the Lamb," is also there (Revelation 21:22). The Holy Spirit, however, is again not explicitly mentioned—another inconceivable oversight if this Spirit is the third person of a Trinity.

"God is Spirit" (John 4:24)—that is, He consists of it. And it also flows out from Him. The Spirit emanating from God, the Holy Spirit, is described by an angel as "the power of the Highest" (Luke 1:35). It is the same power we can receive directly from God.

Many other scriptures also show the connection between the Holy Spirit and God's power. For example, Paul reminded Timothy that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7; see also Zechariah 4:6; Micah 3:8).

Luke 4:14 records that Jesus Christ began His ministry "in the power of the Spirit." Speaking of the Holy Spirit, which would be given to His followers after His death, Jesus told them, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:8).

Peter relates that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, [and Jesus] went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38). The Holy Spirit is here associated with the power by which God was with Him—the power through which Jesus Christ performed mighty miracles during His earthly, physical ministry. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God's power actively working in His servants (Psalm 51:11; Psalm 139:7).

Paul expresses his desire that church members would "abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," in the same way that Jesus had worked through him "in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God" (Romans 15:13, Romans 15:19).

The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live a life of growing and overcoming, of transforming their lives to become like Jesus Christ.

When the Holy Spirit is referred to by personal pronouns such as "he" or "himself" in the Scriptures, this does not prove the Holy Spirit is a person. The translators of the King James Version, influenced by their belief in the Holy Spirit as a third person in the Trinity, generally translated pronouns referring to the Holy Spirit as personal and masculine rather than neuter.

Translators of later English versions of the Bible, also operating from the premise of the Trinity, have gone a step further and most often translated all references to the Holy Spirit as masculine. Thus God's Spirit is almost always incorrectly referred to with such personal pronouns as "he" or "him" in English Bible translations.

 

For more insight on doctrines of the Bible, You are cordially invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study

 

Healthy Eating

 

Some of today's healthiest known foods are part of the biblical diet. These include olives, olive oil, pomegranates, grapes, goat milk, raw honey, lamb, and bitter herbs. Bitter herbs are probably better taken in capsule form or made into tea. Bitter Herbs Include:

• Dandelion
• Gentian root
• Wormwood
• Artichoke leaf
• Chamomile
• Yarrow
• Hops

Scripture also contains a few accounts of people eating highly unusual and supernatural foods such as manna, but that was a temporary situation. This "grocery list" consists of spices, fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, fish, fowl, meats, and drinks to eat on a daily basis. They range in taste and aroma from sweet to savory to pungent. References to the passages are provided for each of the Bible foods.

Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs

Spices and herbs consumed as food in the Bible were used to flavor bread, cakes, meats, soups, stews, and were taken as digestive aids. Coriander, the seed of cilantro, is known today to be a powerful antioxidant with natural cleansing qualities.

• Anise (Matthew 23:23
  
• Anise contains chemicals that might have estrogen-like effects, decrease swelling, and help fight off insects. People use anise for indigestion, constipation, migraine, menopausal symptoms, and many other purposes.
• Coriander (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7)
• Cinnamon (Exodus 30:23; Revelation 18:13)
• Cumin (Isaiah 28:25; Matthew 23:23)
• Dill (Matthew 23:23)
• Garlic (Numbers 11:5)
• Mint (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42)
• Mustard (Matthew 13:31)
• Rue (Luke 11:42)
• Externally, rue is applied as a skin antiseptic and insect repellent, as well as a poultice against rheumatic pain. Due to its toxicity, the use of this plant is now considered obsolete by modern scientific herbalism (phytotherapy).
• Salt (Ezra 6:9; Job 6:6) Sea salt is best
  

Pure water, fruit juices, tea, coffee

Fruits and Nuts

People of the Bible ate many of today's most nutritious "superfoods" in this grouping of fruits and nuts. Pomegranates, for example, are believed to have highly beneficial anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties.

• Apples (Song of Solomon 2:5)
• Almonds (Genesis 43:11; Numbers 17:8)
• Dates (2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:3)
• Figs (Nehemiah 13:15; Jeremiah 24:1-3)
• Grapes (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 23:24)
• Melons (Numbers 11:5; Isaiah 1:8)
• Olives (Isaiah 17:6; Micah 6:15)
• Pistachio Nuts (Genesis 43:11)
• Pomegranates (Numbers 20:5; Deuteronomy 8:8)
• Raisins (Numbers 6:3; 2 Samuel 6:19)
• Sycamore Fruit (Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14)
• Pecans, peanuts, walnuts, and coconuts
  

Vegetables and Legumes

God provided vegetables and legumes packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein to power the people of the Bible. In Babylon, Daniel and his friends observed a diet of only vegetables (Daniel 1:12).

• Beans (2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
• Cucumbers (Numbers 11:5)
• Gourds (2 Kings 4:39) Yellow squash and acorn squash
  
• Leeks and green onions (Numbers 11:5)
  
• Lentils (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
• Onions (Numbers 11:5) All types of onions
  
• Many other vegetables are also healthy
  

Grains

Healthy grains are a primary staple. Grains are some of the easiest natural foods to keep preserved for years. Throughout the Bible, bread is a symbol of God's life-sustaining provision. Jesus Himself is the "Bread of Life"—our true source of spiritual life. The bread that Jesus represents never perishes or spoils.  

• Barley (Deuteronomy 8:8; Ezekiel 4:9)
• Bread (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 6:19; 16:1; Mark 8:14) I prefer whole wheat bread.
  
• Corn (Matthew 12:1; - refers to "grain" such as wheat or barley)
• Flour (2 Samuel 17:28; 1 Kings 17:12)
• Millet (Ezekiel 4:9)
• Spelt (Ezekiel 4:9)
• Spelt, with its mild, nutty flavor, is a popular alternative to wheat. It also provides several essential nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Consuming spelt and other whole grains may improve heart health, aid digestion, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help people achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
• Unleavened Bread (Genesis 19:3; Exodus 12:20) Unleavened bread is usually eaten at Passover time.
  
• Wheat (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8)
  

Fish

Seafood was another staple in the Bible. However, only certain fish and other seafood were suitable for eating. According to Leviticus 11:9, edible seafood had to have fins and scales. Shellfish was prohibited. Today we know that fish such as Tuna, Salmon, Cod, Red Snapper, and many others are high in protein and healthy omega fats, which can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and provide many other health benefits.

Only eat fish that have scales and fins

• Matthew 15:36
• John 21:11-13

Fowl

These birds are healthy and suitable for eating according to the Bible. (provided they are range fed)

• Partridge (1 Samuel 26:20; Jeremiah 17:11)
• Pigeon (Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 12:8)
• Quail (Psalm 105:40)
• Dove (Leviticus 12:8)
• Although not mentioned by name, range fed chicken and turkey are good for human consumption.
  

Animal Meats

The Bible distinguishes between clean and unclean animals. According to the book of Leviticus, clean healthy meats are those from animals that have a cloven hoof and chew the cud. Dietary laws teach God's people not to eat the blood of animals or any meat that had been sacrificed to idols. These foods are unclean. Healthy clean animal meats of the Bible are:

• Calf (Proverbs 15:17; Luke 15:23)
• Goat (Genesis 27:9)
• Lamb (2 Samuel 12:4)
• Oxen (1 Kings 19:21)
• Sheep (Deuteronomy 14:4)
• Venison (Genesis 27:7

Dairy

Along with bread, fish, meat, olives, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables, dairy products are important foods of the Bible. They provided great variety and significant nutrition to the ancient world. Fresh, raw products from grass-fed cows, sheep, and goats constituted the dairy portion of the biblical diet.

• Butter (Proverbs 30:33)
• Cheese (2 Samuel 17:29; Job 10:10)
• Curds (Isaiah 7:15) curds is cottage cheese
  
• Milk (Exodus 33:3; Job 10:10; Judges 5:25) Half & Half and whole cow's milk. No non-dairy "nut-milk"
  

Miscellaneous Foods of the Bible

Many of these foods of the Bible, such as raw honey, contain disease-fighting and energy-boosting nutrients, allergy defense builders, and probiotic support.

• Eggs (Job 6:6; Luke 11:12)
• Grape Juice (Numbers 6:3)
• Raw Honey (Genesis 43:11; Exodus 33:3; Deuteronomy 8:8; Judges 14:8-9)
• Olive Oil (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8) No canola or soybean oil
  
• Vinegar (Ruth 2:14; John 19:29)
• Wine (Ezra 6:9; John 2:1-10)
• Organic fruits and vegetables grown without toxic chemicals.
  

Foods To Avoid

Pork

Shellfish

GMO and bio-engineered

Artificial sweeteners

Highly processed foods

Soft drinks

Raw or under-cooked meats

Alcohol (beer and wine in moderation is OK)

90% of the "food" in the grocery store did not exist 90 years ago. Guess what else? 90% of the diseases we have today did not exist either.  If God does not make it, you don't want it.

To learn more about God's instructions for a healthy lifestyle, You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

Salt and Light

 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8

 

Jesus Tells Believers They Are Salt and Light

 

 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." ~ Matthew 5:13-14

 

If you put salt on your eggs and then decide you don't like the salt, you must throw the eggs away and cook more eggs. You cannot un-salt the eggs... the same is true about the love of God. God loves you and there is not a darn thing you can do about it. God will never un-love you. Faithful Believers in Jesus Christ who apply His teachings to their life will never lose their flavor or hid their light. 

As it is written: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.~ Matthew 5:16

 

Many Christians forget (or never knew) their role and responsibility as a Believer and follower of the teaching of Jesus Christ. Christians are called to love and forgive as Jesus loves and forgives, The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. The Father judges. When Christians try to do convict people of their sins, and judge people for not following Jesus, they over step their assigned role. People would rather see a sermon than hear a sermon.

It's a 24/7 job minding our own business. As it is written: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.: for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. ~ Philippians 2:12-13

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. (the restoration of friendly relations) ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18. If you are not on friendly terms with God, you may want to consider asking Him to make you salt and light ~  Luke 11:10

 

Christianity is not about belonging to some Church. The Church Jesus built is not an earthly organization, it's a Body of Believers, with Christ as the Head, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. 

If you would like to learn more about the teachings of Jesus, You are cordially invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study