Who Is Jesus?

I asked AI if Jesus Christ is a real person, this is the answer.

Yes, based on the vast majority of modern historical and archaeological research, Jesus of Nazareth was/is a real person who lived in first-century Roman Judea. While the "Christ of faith" involves supernatural beliefs that He rose from the grave, the "Jesus of history" is widely accepted by secular and religious scholars alike due to several lines of evidence: 

 

• Broad Scholarly Consensus: Virtually all reputable historians of antiquity agree that a Jewish man named Jesus existed, was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified under the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate.
• Non-Christian Historical Records: He is mentioned by several non-Christian sources within a century of his life, including:
  • Josephus: A Jewish historian who referred to Jesus and his brother James in his work Antiquities of the Jews (c. 93–94 AD).
  • Tacitus: A Roman senator and historian who recorded that "Christus" was executed by Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius (c. 116 AD).
  • Pliny the Younger: A Roman governor who wrote to the Emperor Trajan (c. 112 AD) about early Christians worshipping "Christ as to a god".
• Earliest Christian Writings: The letters of the Apostle Paul, written within roughly 20–30 years of Jesus' death, mention meeting Jesus' immediate family and disciples, such as his brother James and his childhood friend, Peter.

Archaeological Context: While there is no direct physical "relic" of Jesus (such as the Shroud of Turin) that is universally accepted as authentic, archaeology has confirmed the existence of places and figures central to his story, such as Nazareth and Pontius Pilate.  

 

 

While "mythicist" theories—the idea that Jesus was entirely a fictional creation—exist on the fringes of internet and popular culture, they are rejected by the overwhelming majority of academic experts. 

 

End of AI's answer

 

Obviously, human intelligence programed AI to come to this conclusion. However, I like the fact that they separated the man, Jesus, from the risen Christ. 

The religious leaders of Jesus's day were not confused by His statement that He was Elohim (God in English)—they got the message. ​Elohim means the family of God.Three times He claimed to be God, and three times they wanted Him dead for it. 

So the end result is we must accept Jesus the Christ on faith which is exactly what the Bible tells us. ~ Hebrews 11:6 

 

Although many artists and sculptors have created images of "a Jesus" no one knows for sure 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/Yahshua was not a Jew. There is no Jewish race, only Jews by religion. 

-- Jesus was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah as was prophesied. 

-- When the man we know as "Jesus" came to earth He was given earthly parents. His Aramaic name was Yeshua ben Yosef. Growing up, he may have been called Immanuel by family and friends. Bible references: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 8:8, Matthew 1:21-23, Matthew 13:55. The man known as "Jesus" today was never called by that name until the Bible was translated into English? His Hebrew Name is Yahshua which means "Yahweh is salvation"

-- Jesus was intelligent beyond his years, at age 12 he was able to discuss scripture with very learned men. And he probably spoke several languages as well.

-- Jesus observed the weekly Sabbath and the annual Sabbaths.  

-- Jesus came to seek the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

-- Jesus only preached the gospel of the Kingdom. 

-- 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.

-- although Jesus only taught in parables, did you know He could be plain spoken? In Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33 and Luke 3:7, Jesus calls the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees "serpents and brood of vipers." Why would Jesus say this if it was not true? We can see why the high and mighty self righteous religious leaders hated Jesus. Sometimes the truth hurts, but Jesus loves you enough to always tell you the truth. It gives you the opportunity to rethink your situation and turn your life in the right direction. 

-- the Church that Jesus built is not an earthly organization. It's a Body of spirit-filled Believers who are seeking first the Kingdom of God.

-- Jesus is the "spitting image" of His Father. Jesus revealed the "invisible God." Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ~ John 14:8-9.  

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

 

One of the most misunderstood things about Jesus is the doctrine that God the Father and Jesus the Son are the same person in different forms or situations based on Deuteronomy 6:4; “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 

God does not have multiple personality disorder. Jesus is not his own 'father'. 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 Body of Christ consists of many members, but all one body with Jesus as the Head (not some church organization). God is not a trinity, God is a unity.

When Jesus said: "I and My Father are one (family),” He meant it. ~John 10:30  

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

 

The Bible does not tell us what Jesus did between the ages of 12 and 30, but it had to be very interesting. 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

Why the Four Gospel Accounts About Jesus Are Important

Matthew tells us what Jesus said.

Mark tells us what Jesus did.

Luke tells what Jesus fulfilled.

John tells us who Jesus is today.

 

If you don't know where you came from or where you're going, you need a Guide. Jesus said, "Follow Me," not join some Church or try to find the right path on your own. Jesus was born as a human being, was tempted as we are, paid the penalty for mankind's sins once and for all, suffered and died and rose from the dead. Jesus set a pattern for all other humans to follow. 

Jesus KNOWS exactly how you think, feel, and act. He's been there, done that. Jesus is the only person qualified to give you advice. Listen to Him!

 

Jesus Christ is the only person who gives you the unvarnished truth. In Matthew 15:14 Jesus uses "The blind leading the blind" as an idiom to describe religious leaders who are ignorant or unqualified to give advice or direction to someone who is equally uninformed. It highlights the danger of relying on guidance from preachers and teachers who lack the necessary wisdom, skills, or knowledge to rightly divide the word of truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 

 

What can we learn from following the teaching of Jesus? Jesus taught us how to live and treat others. Jesus is the greatest teacher who ever lived. Not only does Jesus teach us how to live a happy earthly life, but shows us how to gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Christianity is not just a religion, it's a secret passage to eternal life.

 

The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there is nothing new under the sun. One meaning of this phrase is that throughout human history people have lived and died. Satan tries to convince people life is meaningless... you live, you die, nothing to hope for. When Jesus came, He crushed the head of the serpent and broke the cycle of death.  

 

Jesus never promised His followers a "mansion in heaven," He promised a Kingdom on earth. One reason people have a hard time believing the Gospel (Good News) is because it seems too good to be true. A man named Jesus/Yahshua claims to be the Son of God, comes down from heaven and is birthed of a virgin, grows up like any other human, takes all the sins of the world on Himself, dies on a cross, rises from the grave, promises to resurrect all people from the dead, and offers them eternal life in the Kingdom of God!? Yeah, right... that's too good to be true.

So, organized religion created a "reasonable" Jesus. He loves you, but will send you to an ever-burning hell if you mess up. He will not resurrect you, He will "rapture" you. You must belong to the "right" church or you will burn in hell forever. You must go through certain rituals, wear your collar backwards, pray, light candles, give 10% of your income to a Church, celebrate His birthday, and hunt Easter eggs to honor Him. Now that makes sense to the carnal mind. We can handle that "truth."

 

Basically, Churchianity teaches the same lie that Satan told Eve: "You will not surely die, you will go to heaven and be like God." All the "bad" people will spend eternity in an ever burning hell. These two doctrines meet with overwhelming approval by many Churchgoers. Jesus said: Broad is the way that leads to destruction.   

 

Five Things Jesus Never Said

1. Ignore the Sabbath Day, I changed it to the Sunday.

2. I came to destroy the Law and the Prophets.

3. I promise you will go to heaven if you believe in me.

4. Don't worry about enduring tribulation, I will rapture you.

5. To honor me, hunt Easter eggs and celebrate my birthday.

Five Things Jesus Did Say

1. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. ~ Matthew 12:8

2. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. ~ Matthew 5:17-18

3. I came to announce the Kingdom of God on earth. ~ Luke 4:43

4. He that endures to the end will be saved. ~ Matthew 24:13

5. Jesus told Paul to remind His followers to observe the Passover. ~ 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

 

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.

As a gesture of Christian hospitality, the Vatican Apostolic Library provides a private room with a carpet for visiting Muslim scholars to pray during their on-site research. On the other hand, Muslim institutions, academic and cultural centers, in the Islamic world do not provide dedicated private rooms specifically for Christian liturgical prayer. It's always a one-way street with Muslims. 

A religious and political allegiance with Islam was foretold by the apostle Paul and confirmed by the apostle John. Paul wrote: "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12  

Satan is really slick. When he sets out to deceive the followers of Jesus Christ, he uses language that sounds reasonable. For example: In Arabic, the word Muslim (مُسْلِم) literally means "one who submits to God" or "one who surrenders to God." That's why Yahweh made His name known the One and Only true God. 

 

We read in Revelation 20:4:  "Then I (John) saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God." There is only one religion that the preferred method of executing infidels is by beheading.

Further evidence: For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape." (no rapture)~ 1 Thessalonians 5:3

 

Pope Francis died April 21, 2025, He was the 266th "vicar of Christ" which means in place of Christ. The next Pope is number 267. In the Bible, the number 267 symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and awakening. What kind of "enlightenment and awakening?" Since taking office in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has made outreach to the Muslim community one of his central priorities. Remember, Satan can transform himself into an angel of light. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:14

The year 2025 is an historic milestone in the plan of God. With the second term of President Donald Trump in the United States and the election of a new Pope, that's two of the most powerful institutions in the political and religious arena. If King Charles of Great Britain dies this year, or there's regime change in China or Russia, it will really shake up the world scene. The Bible states "everything that can be shaken will be shaken." ~ Hebrews 12:27. 

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  

The Antichrist will sit in the Temple does not mean a physical building in Jerusalem. Christians are the Temple of God and all Roman Catholic Popes have claimed divine authority over that spiritual Temple. The number six represents man. The papacy’s number 666 represents the ultimate idolization of man over God. The Pope’s title Vicarius Filii Dei says it all: It propagates the belief that a man, the Pope, takes the place of God on earth. VICARIUS FILII DEI means in place of the Son of God. Since the Reformation, this papal title has been used to calculate the number 666.  

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. It's only Biblical use is in the first two epistles of John. In 1 John 2:18, the writer says: ..."as you have heard that antichrist (the was added) 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 THE 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 (modern day Iran) 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.

Antichrists came before the first Pope declared himself to be infallible and sits in the place of Christ. From that day to the present each Pope is just one of many antichrists. Anyone who is against Jesus and His teachings is an antichrist. 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 the false prophet, "a man - the Papacy": "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast (the one world government), that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship (serve) 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 COVID mask mandate.

The mark of the beast could very well be an AI generated system headed by a man that controls everything we will be allowed to buy or sell... https://www.facebook.com/reel/9891360387548909

In the original Greek, a “mark” is defined as “a badge of servitude.” So, fascinatingly, this “mark” is an indication of who you serve or worship. Cash will be outlawed. A new digital 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. We must acknowledge that The Abrahamic Family House is superior to all religions.

 

Digital Currency is now a reality. Like China, American President Joe Biden authorized a “Digital Dollar” turning your money into ‘spyware’ that can search your bank accounts, dictate what you purchase, and delete everything with the click of a button. President Trump is on record opposing digital currency, however, when he leaves office who knows what will happen.

 

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. 

As it is written: And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. (some kind of drone with a laser?) ~ Revelation 9:5  

A scorpion sting, in a spiritual context, can represent a variety of concepts, including pain, resilience, the need for defense, and even the potential for transformation. It's often seen as a painful event that forces a response, symbolizing the need to navigate challenging situations with courage and determination. 

Revelation 9:5 describes a period where demonic locust-like creatures torment unbelievers ("non-compliers") for five months, their torment being likened to the sting of a scorpion. These beings are not allowed to kill, only to inflict intense pain, making people desperately seek death but find it elusive. Not one word in the book of Revelation about a "rapture" to escape tribulation, But he who endures to the end shall be saved. ~ Matthew 24:13

For when they (false teachers) say,  “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (no rapture) ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:3

The Good News is: Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” ~ Revelation 11:15

 

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.

 

 

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. ~ Revelation 21:7. 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 (called Christians today) 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.

 

 

 

Journalism

 

 

  

I can remember when journalism was an honorable profession. Journalism schools taught the 5 "W's"... Who, Where, When, What, and Why. News Editors made reporters verify the facts before a story went to print or was broadcasted.

 

In 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in broad daylight on national television, the three major networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC all covered the story. I don't recall the ABC and NBC reporter's names. Both of those networks reported that Kennedy had died from his wounds. News networks are very competitive and being "first" is more important than being correct.

Walter Cronkite, the CBS reporter, acknowledged that the other networks were reporting Kennedy had died. Cronkite refused to say that Kennedy was dead until it was verified by Parkland Hospital. Walter Cronkite was as liberal as they come, but when it came to hard news he was first and foremost a journalist.

That's honest reporting. That's integrity. That's journalism.

Somewhere along the way journalism turned into sensationalism where facts do not matter. Now the talking heads spend more time advertising than actual reporting. When national and international new stories are reported they often are not factual or outright lies.

Americans cannot trust the mass media to tell it like it is. They use fake photos and video game images to paint a picture that fits their agenda. Alternative media too often gets into conspiracy theories instead sticking to the facts. We can't believe anything we hear and less than half of what we see. The public is played for fools by both sides.

We no longer know who to believe or what to believe. Even American Churches cannot be trusted to tell the Truth. America, indeed the whole world, is being deceived 24/7/365.

Perilous Times and Perilous Men

 As it is written:

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good... ~ 2 Timothy 3:1-9

 

So what is the answer? As always, Jesus Christ is the answer. Sounds simplistic doesn't it? It is simple. Instead of trying to sort out all the propaganda and misinformation spewed out by "despisers of good", go to the source of ALL TRUTH. Christians do not have to endure liars, and it really does not matter what they say or do. When Jesus returns He will put everything in order.

 

Learn as much as you can about 

Heavenly Citizenship

 

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.

 

 

Seven Words

 

Seven Hebrew and Greek Words Christians Need to Know

The original text of the Bible was written in the Hebrew and Greek languages. Why did the writers choose the words they wrote? Every Christian needs to know the correct definition of these words to better understand the Bible. 

 

Listed below are seven words translated into English. Use Strong's Concordance of Hebrew and Greek Lexicons for the Biblical definition of each word.

1. God                  Hebrew                 Greek

2. Hell                  Hebrew                 Greek

3. Israelite            Hebrew                 Greek

4. Jew                  Hebrew                 Greek

5. Kingdom           Hebrew                 Greek

6. Soul                 Hebrew                 Greek

7. Spirit                Hebrew                Greek

The correct definition of words God inspired to be written clears up false doctrines and gives Christians the ability to "rightly divide the Word of Truth" ~ 2 Timothy 2:15

Understanding The Bible

 

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.