Seasonal Greetings

 
Mike's Annual Peace on Earth Message

To all my Secular and Politically Correct Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, expressed or implied, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2025, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

This is, of course, neither to suggest nor imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country; also, this is not to imply that "America," as noted herein, is the only America in the Western Hemisphere.

May these heartfelt wishes be received with equal intensity regardless of distribution of individual wealth, documented carbon footprint, or perceived social privilege among the wishees addressed herein.

This wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or sexual preference of the wishee.

To Everyone Else: Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, New Year! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men. ~ Luke 2:12

Lest we forget, or trivialize, why Jesus came, " I have come that they may have life" ~John 10:10

My Gift To You

˛. (´• ̮•)*˛°*/.♫.♫*˛.* ˛_Π_____. * ˛*
.°( . • . ) ˛°./• '♫ ' •.˛*./______/~＼*. ˛*.。˛* ˛. *。
*(...'•'.. ) *˛╬╬╬╬╬˛°.｜田田 ｜門｜╬╬╬╬ .
¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯`´¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯` ´¯˜"*°´¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯`´¯˜"*

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing

 

Real vs Counterfeit

 

Christianity is an independent monotheistic religion and, like Islam and Judaism, goes back to Abraham, the progenitor of the Israelites. Christianity has the most followers worldwide with over 2.2 billion believers.

America's Christian majority is shrinking, and could dip below 50% by 2070. The U.S. Christian majority has been shrinking for decades. A Pew Research Center study shows that as of 2020, about 64% of Americans identify as Christian. Fifty years ago, that number was 90%.

Why is Christianity Decreasing?

More recent study published in 2022 by Pew Research Center, have found a retention rate among American Christian Churches closer to 67%, and cited that the decline of Christianity is primarily due to people leaving Christianity and choosing to have no religious affiliation. (rather than due to people converting to other religions)

Real Christians are not leaving Christianity... they are  leaving counterfeit Churchanity. Bible believing Christians are fed up with organized religion's false doctrines and unbiblical practices. Jesus himself separates real Christians from Church goers. ~ Matthew 25:32

 

Real Christians know that no Church has a franchise on God, or a monopoly on the truth.

 

The Church Jesus founded is not an earthly organization. True Christian assembly is with Believers, not institutions. Believers are individuals, searching for God by revelation, perseverance, and personal conviction. They worship in spirit and in truth, not in Articles of Faith, dogmatic ritual, or by unction from a hireling clergy.

Jesus Christ is the only person who changed the world with His sacrifice for all humanity. Just imagine what the Kingdom of God will accomplish when this same Jesus returns.

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 

~ Revelation 21:3-4

 

Actions speak louder than words. Who you really are is not shown in your words. It is shown in your deeds. Jesus came to earth to give us a perfect example. For millennia, his words have echoed throughout the ages. And even more so his deeds. He didn't just speak of God's Kingdom, He brought it to us. It became visible in his daily life. He did not only speak of love, He is God's love made touchable. He did not only speak about the price of discipleship, He paid the price. He did not only speak of suffering, but went all the way to the cross. Even more than his words, his actions show what God the Father is like.

Jesus Revealed The Father

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. He who has seen Me has seen the Father. ~ John 14:7-11

Be an echo of God's love that is visible in deeds! 

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

The Mechanic

 

 

 

The Mechanic

 

Suppose you were driving your car and all of a sudden it started sputtering and the engine stopped. You pull over to the side of the road and call roadside service. 

 

Finally, a man shows up and looks at your engine. He tells you he's a master mechanic and has seen this sort of problem many times. Your fuel line is clogged and you need to have your car towed to his shop for repair. With tow service, repair, and labor the bill will cost about $400.

As you were about to agree to his terms, a man drives up, gets out of his car and asks if he can help. He says he owns the factory where your car was manufactured. He says your car is out of gas and he always carries extra gas in case of emergencies. He will give you enough gas absolutely free to help you on your way.

Who Are You Going to Trust? The Mechanic or the Manufacturer?

This little story illustrates how organization religion is the "master mechanic" and tries to give you their solution to a simple problem. The "car" in this story is your life. Sometimes it sputters to a stop. So, you ask for help. Instead of paying for unnecessary repairs, all you really need is a fill up of the Holy Spirit which will get you on your way.

As it is written: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."  

~ John 14:26

 

No "Mechanic" has a franchise on God or a monopoly on the truth. The Church Jesus built is not an earthly organization, it's a body of Believers who seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus knows His Sheep and His Sheep hear His voice. ~ John 10:27

 

True Christian assembly is with believers, not institutions. Believers are individuals, searching for God by revelation, perseverance, and personal conviction. They worship in spirit and in truth, not in Articles of Faith, dogmatic ritual, or by unction from a hireling clergy.

Organized religion cannot give you the Holy Spirit. The best they can do is offer to help and pass the collection plate. All "cars" eventually experience breakdowns and will be recalled.

 

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

Pagans In The Pulpit

 

Pagans in the Pulpit is the story of how Christianity adopted pagan traditions brought in by the Roman Catholic Church. After centuries of observing these pagan practices, even the Protestant reformation "Christianized" these false doctrines.

Two of the most revered holidays in modern Churchanity* are Easter and Christmas... neither of which are in the Christian Bible.  

 

*pretending to be a Christian all the while ignoring God's instructions

 

Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of Heaven. The Gospel of the Kingdom cleanses, delivers, heals. The Word (seed) is implanted into the soil (heart) and only takes root and flourishes once the rocky parts, thorns and thistles (false doctrines) are removed. 

Never once did Jesus command His disciples to observe His birthday or His resurrection day. Christmas and Easter are so popular that people have a hard time letting them go.

 

So the first order of business is the removal of (unlearning, putting out of mind) all previous ideas, traditions, and religious programming. When that is done, the authors of the New Testament were positive you will connect with the TRUE God and His Holy Days. (where the word "holiday" comes from)

 

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Understanding The Bible

 

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

The Law of God

 

The LORD of the Law

By Pastor V. Mark Smith on March 25, 2019

Throughout the scriptures, the Law is known by many names, which means multiple passages reference the Ten Commandments without using what we regard as its most recognizable term. It is amazing to see how much the content of scripture relies on the information given in this short passage of Exodus 20. It was given more than 3500 years ago and yet remains the most impactful document in the history of man. 

Though human courts and self-proclaimed moralists disdain it and seek to remove it from every avenue of public life, it is the truth to which the Supreme Judge of the living and the dead will hold us accountable. It is established forever in the court that really counts—the court of Chief Justice, Jesus Christ.

The judge is identified as Yahshua (Yah's Salvation). His name is a description of His abilities and authority. His name gives authority to His Law; it is righteous and just by virtue of the character of the one who gave it. It is good and righteous because He is the ultimate good and righteousness. Every commandment we break is neither good nor helpful for man. It is not only a violation of God, but also a violation of man who is made in the image of God. This is why the Ten Commandments address our relationship to God and to each other.

The apostle Paul wrote that the Law was given to show us our offenses. Their magnitude is exceedingly great so that we are left helpless to defend ourselves against the Law’s relentless condemnation. We have no escape from its penalty and are offenders with nothing to shield us from its terrible consequences. In itself, the Law has no recourse for lawbreakers. It cannot fix any transgression. It is black and white with no ability to be anything other than what it is. It cannot be merciful—it is sterile, without personality or compassion. However, the judge who enforces it is personal, He is merciful, and He is compassionate. But, He does not clear the guilty by setting aside its punishment. Instead, He allows the penalty to be imposed on a substitute who stands good for the penalty on our behalf.

The Law is marvelous because it sets us up for the manifestation of God’s grace. We could never understand the merciful and gracious character of God without the Law to condemn us. God could have dealt with us on the basis of the Law alone and would have maintained His righteous character, but this would not teach us His whole character. God seeks to be glorified by everything that is inherent in the name Jesus (Yahshua). He shows us His justice by bringing us to the judgment seat of the Law, and then takes us around the bench to see the other side which is His mercy and grace. We learn to reverence, honor, respect, and glorify God the Father through the full revelation of His character.

When we study the names Yahweh and Yahshua, these amazing facts leap out at us. These holy names encompasse all these wonderful features—lawgiver, judge, sovereign, AND redeemer. Rejoice because God gave the Law. Obey it for His glory! The commandments are the beginning of the full revelation of Almighty God.

As it is written: Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may teach your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. ~ Deuteronomy 32:46

When we break man's laws, we are a criminal. When we break God's Laws, we are a sinner. Both sets of laws require a penalty. Under the Old Covenant, breaking any of the Ten Commandments required the death penalty.

Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ (Yahshua the Messiah) paid the penalty for us. If we truly love Jesus the very least we can do for Him is to obey His righteous Law. ~ John 14:15

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

Who Is Jesus?

Although many artists and sculptors have created images of "a Jesus" no one knows what the real Jesus looked like. 

 

The late great Dr. E.V. Hill was once asked if he thought Jesus was Caucasian as depicted in paintings. This was his reply:

“I don't know anything about a white Jesus... I know about Christ, a Savior named Jesus. I don't know what color He is. He was born in the brown Middle East; He traveled to black Africa; and He was in heaven before the gospel got to white Europe. So, I don't know what color He is.”

 

“I do know one thing: if you bow at the altar with color on your mind, you'll get up with color on your mind. Go back again - and keep going back until you no longer look at His color, but at His greatness and His power - His power to save!"

 

We don't even know the exact date of his birth. The Bible does not reveal this information. In fact, for a man as famous as Jesus there is very little evidence outside the Bible that he ever existed. Bible believers must take Jesus solely on faith and accept the eyewitness accounts of his birth, death, and resurrection as recorded in the Bible.

So the Question Arises, Who is Jesus?

 

Based on the biblical record, did you know...

-- Jesus was a tax paying operator of a family business?

-- he was so ordinary looking he couldn't be picked from a crowd?

-- he was a man who could laugh freely and see the humor in human frailty?

-- he knew moments of temptation just like any man?

-- he wined and dined in the homes of the wealthy, as well as slept on the bare ground?

-- he cast out demonic spirits and raised people from the dead?

-- Jesus was not born, on or anywhere near, December 25?

-- he owned at least one nice home in Nazareth and probably another home in Capernaum?

-- he was a member of a family with at least four brothers and two sisters?

-- he was strong, athletic, well-muscled and rugged?

-- he had known the families of most of his disciples for years?

-- Jesus may have worked for his great uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, to save up money for his ministry

-- he tried to back out of the crucifixion three times?

-- he died in agony and cried out in pain?

-- he did not die on "Good Friday" and was not resurrected on "Easter Sunday?

-- Jesus is alive today and preparing for a return trip to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords?

These are only a few of the insights that emerge from scripture about the life and character of this man Jesus. Some of these questions may insult you, shock you, please you, challenge you, surprise you, inspire you. But one thing for certain, Jesus will never bore you.

 

As it is written: "And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." Amen. ~ John 21:25

If you would like to know more about Jesus, You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

Mark of the Beast

 

 

A One World Religion Headquarters opened in 2022. The headquarters is called The Abrahamic Family House and is built on an island in the middle eastern city of Abu Dhabi.

The headquarters is being done in collaboration with Pope Francis and Sunni Muslim leader, Sheikh Ahmen al-Tayeb, after they both signed a global peace covenant called the Document of Human Fraternity for World Peace.

According to the World Economic Forum Christianity is Fake News

 “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is 666.” ~ Revelation 13:18 

This is one of the most debated verses in the entire Book of Revelation because of widespread disagreement over the identification and meaning of the number 666. The most common line of interpretation is that of gematria: in the ancient world, letters of the alphabet were often substituted for numerals (our numerical system derives from the later Arabic mathematicians). Hence, each letter stood for a number.

The prophecy of Daniel 11:30-39 already warned that apostates from the covenant community would be allies of the ungodly state and infiltrate the believing community. If John’s readers and believers today have spiritual perception, then they will remain faithful and “come off victorious from the beast and from his image and from the number of his name” (15:2). Revelation 13:18 is a warning against the activity of the satanic enemy in every generation, not just his activity in the time immediately preceding Christ’s return.

The Number is That of a Man; and His Number is 666

Concerning the term "antichrist", it has been used for many centuries. Its only Biblical use is in the first two epistles of John. In 1 John 2:18, the writer says: ..."as you have heard that (the) Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour."

Where did anybody ever hear anything about any antichrist? Jesus never used the term. Neither did Paul, not even once. John also wrote the Book of Revelation, but we look in vain for the term in that Book. It is not there.

The concept seems to have originated in Zoroastrianism, the religion of Persia about the 6 century B.C. It is well known that the Roman Church applied their terminology to deep-rooted or long standing pagan beliefs.

The Catholic Church acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah, but can only be accessed through "Mary, the Mother of God." So, let's paraphrase what John meant: You have heard about this antichrist business, but let me tell you something. They denied that Jesus is the Christ so that makes them "antichrists." ~ John 2:22

John was trying to dispel a popular myth by using "antichrists" to identify the numerous opposers to the true Gospel. The term is used again in 1 John 4:3 and 2 John 17, and nowhere else in the entire Bible!

The application of the term "the Antichrist" to Daniel's "Little Horn", Paul's "Man of Sin", or the 2nd beast of Revelation 13 is nothing more than conjecture or inference in the mind of the casual reader. However, the damage has been done, and the term has been used in all the centuries of Christian history with scarcely a challenge.

By the time of the reformation, 1400 years had passed since the end of the age of the Apostles. Wycliff, Luther, Knox and other reformers accused the Papacy of all the wrongs and excesses of the Man of Sin in 2 Thessalonians. John Foxe, who wrote the Book of Martyrs, applied the prophecy of the second beast of Revelation 13 to the Bishop of Rome.

The number 666 applies to "a man - the Papacy": "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed, and causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." 

With the word "or" it seems one does not necessarily need all three to be identified as a "complier." The tattoo or microchip theory is too obvious and easily resisted. The word "cause" can be translated, agree together. People will not be forced, but will voluntarily comply like they did during the mask mandate.

Cash will be outlawed. A new world currency will be created and strictly controlled by the One World Bank. In order to buy and sell with their Debit Card, people must agree to the "terms of service" which states all religions are equal, Christianity is just one among many. 

 

Most people will simply check "agree" to the terms of service "that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name, or the number. To include all three requirements, the "mark" could be a debit card, with your name and account number, that you hold in your right hand and use the PIN that you have memorized in your forehead.

 

Individuals, Churches, and Businesses that read the fine print and decline the "mark" will be locked out of their account. Anyone caught helping "non-compliers" will be severely punished.

Six Signs the World is Ending 

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Merchants of the Earth

 

 

A Roman Catholic Pope surrounded by his disciples

Reminiscent of the Last Supper with Jesus surrounded by His disciples.

Jesus said: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." ~ Matthew 16:18

Satan, the ever clever one and deceiver of the whole world, said: "Well, shucks! I can't destroy the church built on The Rock of Christ. So what I'll do is trick people into believing that Jesus meant Peter was the rock."

Shortly after the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the small faithful flock of Christ followers, Satan convened his merry band of demons to lay out his plan to create a counterfeit church. 

 

Since Christ's Church is universal, Satan named his church the Catholic (universal) Church. He instructed his band of demons to spread out and look for a human being that they could manipulate with power and wealth. "Pretend you're an angel of light", he said, quoting scripture. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:14

His plan worked. By the 3rd century the Catholic Church had established itself as the sole authority over all biblical doctrines. They created the office of an all-knowing-all-powerful Pope. They began to wear "priestly robes" and funny looking headgear to "appear religious." They created religious rituals to "appear holy." They built magnificent cathedrals, schools, universities, hospitals, and orphan homes to make it appear that God was blessing them for their "good works." 

A List of Some to Their False Doctrines

1. This counterfeit church,The Mother of Harlots, taught the people that the tithe was now owed to their organization since the Levitical priesthood had been abolished.

2. Salvation was only through their organization

3. Man has an immortal soul and will burn in an ever burning place called hell if he fails to join "the Church"

4. Changed the 7th Day Sabbath that God ordained to the 1st day of the week.

5. Created church "holidays" that turn people away from the Holy Days of God

6. Made the merchants of the earth rich with their counterfeit holidays. There are many more false doctrines, but you get the picture.

Satan's plan worked to perfection and is still working today in all denominational churches, and society at large. The Unholy Trinity of Easter, Halloween, and Christmas are huge money makers for the merchants of the earth. And "fun" to boot. Satan knows "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." ~ 1 Timothy 6:10

Merchants of the Earth

• Revelation 18:3
  For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication (spiritual fornication - messing with paganism), the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.
• Revelation 18:11
  And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: (what a wonderful day that will be)
  
• Revelation 18:23
  The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.

Revelation 18:23 is particularly interesting. The light (Christ) of a lamp (a professed Christian) shall not shine in you (very personal), and the voice of the bridegroom (Christ) and the bride (overcomers*) shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery (taking part in paganism) all the nations were deceived. (by your example)

*There are two types of Christians… overcomers and non-overcomers. Non-overcomers believe that the goal of salvation is to populate heaven with “saved sinners”. Overcomers know the real goal of salvation is to put on the mind of Christ. Do what He did… crucify the works of the flesh, and get what He got… a crown of Life. Read it for yourself in James 1:12 and Revelation 3:21.

Overcomers are professional assassins of their own carnality. An overcomer asks himself three questions every day.
1. Is what I am doing now building Christ-like character?
2. Is what I am doing now producing the fruit of the Spirit? ~ Galatians 5:22
3. Is what I am doing now helping me overcome the carnal mind?

 

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues." 

~ Revelation 18:4

Read The Mother of Harlots

 

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

 

Paradox

 

 

God Brings Us Out to Bring Us In

The Bible is full of paradoxes.. a statement or event that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true.  

 

Before the cross, most people did not have direct access to God; only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. Jesus’ death on the cross has made a path for us into the Father’s presence. God tore right through the veil that had always separated us from him. He can come out and embrace mankind, including prodigals and sinners, with no interference.

 

Consider Israel’s miraculous deliverance. As God’s people crossed over the Red Sea onto dry land, they saw the waves crash down on their enemy behind them. It was a glorious moment, and they held a mighty praise meeting with dancing, singing and thanksgiving. “We’re free! God has delivered us from the hand of oppression.”

 

Their first test came just a few days later, but they ended up murmuring and complaining, totally dissatisfied with the outcome. Yes, they had known God’s deliverance, but they didn’t yet understand his great love for them and their ultimate destination.

 

Israel’s story represents our own deliverance from the bondage and guilt of sin. We know that Satan was defeated at the cross and that we were set free from his iron grip. Yet God had something even greater in mind. You see, He never meant for Christians to just camp on the victory side of the Red Sea. His ultimate purpose for bringing us out of the bondage of sin is to bring us into the promised Kingdom of God. He brings us out to bring us into his love and embrace in the home He has prepared for us.

 

Here is the key: You cannot serve the Lord in peace and freedom until you see His delight in your deliverance… until you realize that every wall has been removed at the cross… until you know that your sinful past has been wiped away. God says, “I want you to move on! Come now into the fullness that awaits you in my presence!”

 

As God’s children, we rejoice in the wonderful benefits of the cross. We have moved out of bondage and are standing on the “victory side” of our Red Sea trial. We thank God continually for casting our oppressor into the sea. Now let us make sure that we don’t miss God’s ultimate purpose for us: to bring us into His Kingdom.

Bringing Many Sons to Glory

 

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.~ Hebrews 2:9-11

 

As it is written in 1 Corinthians 15:50 "flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom" To accomplish His purpose, God makes it possible to be born a second time... a paradox. Our first birth is earthly and we receive God's salvation (deliverance) through Christ. Salvation only gets us to a safe place until we die a physical death and are resurrected with our incorruptable spirit bodies. God's glorious Kingdom is our final destination.

 

Organized religion is our "wilderness experience"... we are fed manna every week, but we are only in a holding pattern. Don't wander around in the desert of organized religion your whole life. Start seeking God's Kingdom with all your heart. God's plan is greater than anything our preachers have ever told us.

 

As it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

Another paradox... the Apostle Paul had to be struck blind to "see" the Truth. As much as we love the comfort of our Church, and the brethren, they cannot bring us into the Kingdom. There comes a time when we must take that step of faith and cross over our Jordan river.

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group 

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Symbols

 

Symbols in the Bible and their meaning are something that are often overlooked but with careful study can reveal many wonders to us. Throughout the symbolism in the Bible, we can see that God uses people, things, or events that we can easily understand to represent those ideas that are more complex to help give us a better understanding.

For example: Satan's tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. ~ Revelation 12:4

What does "a third of the stars" mean to 21st century America?

The American flag has 50 stars to represent each of the 50 States - lovingly known as "Old Glory"

Old Glory is a nickname for the flag of the United States. The original "Old Glory" was a flag owned by the 19th-century American sea captain William Driver (March 17, 1803 – March 3, 1886), who flew the flag during his career at sea and later brought it to Nashville, Tennessee, where he settled. Driver greatly prized the flag and ensured its safety from the Confederates, who attempted to seize the flag during the American Civil War. In 1922, Driver's daughter and niece claimed to own the original "Old Glory," which became part of the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains at the National Museum of American History.

Driver was deeply attached to the flag, writing: "It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?"

^{The Connection Between Old Glory and Abortion}

 

^{Abortion is legal in 13 States in cases of danger to the woman's health, rape or incest, or likely damaged fetus. That's a very reasonable sounding law. The result is "a third of the stars" of America States have thrown the right to life to the ground. They claim abortion is a "right" and ALL unwanted children should be terminated.}

^{America has gone from 13 Colonies that revered God's laws of Right and Wrong to 13 States that approve of the satanic "legal and illegal laws" of degenerative man. Have you ever noticed the only people who favor abortion have already been born?}

^{As it is written: "They (abortionists) even sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons, And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan (the word Canaan means humiliated or shame); And the land was polluted with blood. Thus they were defiled by their own works, And played the harlot by their own deeds." ~ Psalm 106:37-39}

^{America is guilty of adopting the ghastly Canaanite practice of child sacrifice to the idol of "reproductive rights." In some cases, they attempted to attach this practice to worship of the Lord (Ezek 23:39). In others, they rejected Yahweh worship altogether and fully turned themselves over to the idols of Canaan (2 Kings 17:14-17). Kings Ahaz and Manasseh, the “shepherds of Israel,” even burned their own sons in the fires of sacrifice (2 Chr 28:2-3; 33:6). Certain Israelites (Christians) stood by and did nothing (Lev 20:4-5). Despite manifold warnings and admonitions from the Lord (Deut 12:29-31; 18:10), the Israelites persisted. As a result, God brought dreadful judgment upon their entire nation (Jer 19:3b-6).}

^{‘Thus says the Lord God: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations." ~ Ezekiel 14:6}

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.