Tag: RELATIONSHIPS

“The Spirit Came into Me” (Ezekiel 2:2)

I’m hosting a Bible Study covering the Book of Ezekiel on my “Faith” podcast (spotify link), or (apple link). Incredible angelic visions and the throne of God are described by Ezekiel, but not only that, the Spirit of God significantly interacts with Ezekiel; “the Spirit came into me” this was around 571 BC!

A Christian will know that after Jesus’ crucifixion (around 30 AD) and his ascension 40 days later, the Holy Spirit came from God the Father, in the name of Jesus to his disciples; Jesus told them in advance of this happening as John, one of his disciples (students/followers):

[Jhn 14:26 NIV] 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
[Jhn 15:26 NIV] 26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father–the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father–he will testify about me.
[Jhn 16:7 NIV] 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Then the Holy Spirit did come, at Pentecost (50 days after Jesus’ -“the Lamb of God” sacrifice– crucifixion, which occurred on Passover). (Link with more detail of how Passover and Jesus’ crucifixion are significant). This is what was written about the event in the book of Acts Chapter 2 (link) as documented by Luke, a doctor who interviewed the people who saw this.

So I was curious and searched the Bible to find verses where the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) interacted with people from the beginning of the Bible in the Book of Genesis to the last book of the Bible Revelation. This interested me because I wanted to understand the difference between what happened at Pentecost compared to what had been happening since what scholars suggest was around 1915-1805 BC when Joseph at age 17 had his first dream documented in Genesis 37 and thereafter the Pharoah of Egypt recognized that he had “the spirit in him”.

The Holy Spirit was present on the earth earlier than this at the beginning of creation, Genesis 1:2, but I was looking for interaction with people. Why does this matter? It matters to me because Jesus said, we must have this interaction if we will be in the future Kingdom of God; that is to come, God’s kingdom coming to earth.

[Jhn 3:5 NIV] 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. (link) There are (2) baptisms: water and spiritual!

From studying the Bible, I learned:

  1. That the Holy Spirit may come before someone is baptized: [Act 10:47 NIV] 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (see link),
  2. The Holy Spirit may come at baptism [Luk 3:22 NIV] 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (see link)
  3. The Holy Spirit may come after baptism [Act 19:2 NIV] 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (link)

The water Baptism symbolizes a commitment of “repentance,” a commitment to “get right” with God, a commitment to live the way God wants us to from that point forward (obedience). It symbolizes “burying” our past when we are submerged and “rising up” out of the water to become “a new creation.”

[Act 19:4 NIV] 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

It is symbolic of being “born again” (is when we receive the Holy Spirit) which Jesus said we must do to enter the Kingdom:

[Jhn 3:3, 7 NIV] 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” … 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
[1Pe 1:23 NIV] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

When we truly believe in Jesus, have faith in Jesus ([Rom 10:17 NIV] 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Reading the Bible is important to have faith!) then we will receive:

[Eph 1:13-14 NIV] 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.

This is important information for all of us to know! What I found about the Holy Spirit interacting with people I put into a PDF document that you can download here:

The Spirit VersesDownload

Reading the word of God directly often has more personal impact, and it’s 21 pages long so posting the document seemed like a better way of doing this rather than copying and pasting it to this post. I hope it’s helpful to you!

Please share this with others, if you find it helpful, subscribe to this website for more faith content, or subscribe to Spotify or Apple to join me as I read the bible (daily is the goal). I hope 2026 is a year of blessings for you!

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, FAITH, GOALS, God, Healing, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

2026- What’s Your Word Heading into this Year?

Continuing the “Tradition” that began in 2022 with a Bible Study group of friends, I’m adding my word for 2026 to this list from prior years:

2026 Word: Christ

If you’ve been following my website or my podcast, you’ll know that I’ve been studying and learning from the Bible for the past 7 years. It truly changed my life: it awakened me to the truth and reality we all will face at some point in our lives so I decided to prepare now, not leave it to “chance” or wait until “time was up.” This is too important: it’s where I’ll end up forever, eternally. I’m so glad I became focused now because life is different, more peaceful, anxiety about the future gone, confidence and courage have increased, I’m enjoying and simply content living in the moment, rather than focusing on “what’s the next thing.” Just like anything requiring discipline: “if you don’t use it, you will lose it.” If I don’t intentionally focus on keeping the relationship with God, it will end up going away, and distractions will creep in affecting my priorities. Maintaining any relationship requires intentional focus. The podcast has become “my accountability” to “stay in the word” with the goal of a daily podcast: Link to Podcast My word for 2026 is “Christ.” I want to keep focused on Christ, “remaining in Christ” this year, even more so because of dream I had in 2021 where the year “2026” was shown: (Podcast Episode #88) I’ll reflect and see what happens once we arrive in the year 2027!

Here are some verses from the Bible telling us why it is important to “remain “in Christ:”:

But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Hebrews 3:6

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28

These were my words for prior years:

2025 Word: rûaḥ, רוּחַ (Hebrew)

I love what this word represents to me: “wind,” the freedom in Christ, when a person is guided by the Holy Spirit, we truly don’t know what comes next; it is the Holy Spirit who guides us:

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

I don’t know what lies ahead, but knowing that the Holy Spirit will guide me is a true blessing and also promises somewhat of an adventure: navigating the unknown.

I found this word studying the Old Testament, it’s found (378 times– click this for the definition and all the verses) throughout the Old Testament (From Genesis to Malachi) and is the Breath of Life, the Holy Spirit, the “wind” from God. The New Testament word corresponding to this is pneuma (Strongs G4151). The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead can reside within us, when we surrender our will to God’s will.

This year ahead, I truly want to be led by the Holy Spirit, submitting to God’s will. And starting off this year, as it frequently seems to happen with me: “coincidences occur” – I have been praying for God (the Holy Spirit) to guide me for awhile now, since 2017 and it’s been a slow but steady “spiritually refining” process thinking about this in hindsight and knowing that there’s still more work to be done within me, but progress is happening, thankfully. My life has been changing. I chose this word for 2025 and ironically on New Year’s Eve, someone asked me: “What are your goals for 2025?” My response was “Ruah” and then I had to explain that. I think God makes these things happen! The person who asked me this question was someone I didn’t know, but he told me, he had recently given his life to Christ! Wow was my reaction to finding that out! Then another study group I joined in the Fall of 2024 chose “The Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5) as the first study for 2025. See what I mean? God makes things happen, it’s not a coincidence and this is just the beginning, the first month of 2025!

2024 Word: Love

What gets thrown at us in life and happens in this world can make “doing everything out of love” challenging, but this is important for those who claim to be Christians. I’ll be honest, I feel like 2024 may be a rough year ahead. It would be wonderful if I’m wrong, and I hope I am! But if these bible prophecy events keep moving forward like they have been, that’s going to be the reality; we’re not going to stop what God has foretold. I also know that what we focus on becomes our reality so my focus this year is love. I wish I could fast forward and get to the end of this year right now, honestly if I could fast forward to 2026 that would be even better!

In hindsight: 2024 was a year of more change (which is rough): letting go of more in my life, turning it over to God and finding joy in new beginnings, evaluating what is “good” and how I need to spend my time and truly focusing on being loving towards others. “Do everything in love.“ 1 Corinthians 16:14.

In regards to Bible prophecy: current events still seem to be lining up with biblical prophecy, but maybe they have for sometime and I simply was unaware prior to 2020? Again, whatever is God’s will, will happen, so the most important part is to be led by the Holy Spirit, which maybe why I chose “Ruah” for 2025?

2023 Words: Trust and Obey

Many things in life “don’t make sense” to us, so this is when I need to “Trust and Obey” God. Ironically this was the first faith post I made: Trust and Obey –  I struggled/still struggle with this sometimes, but it’s getting easier! I guess God is making sure I comprehend this, because those words came back to me from 2017- 6 years later! Now, I trust God always, despite the circumstances, I know how it all will ultimately end, so I have peace in knowing what life holds in the future. We just need to get through the “tests and trials” until then. Often when I choose to obey (especially when I don’t want to), some “reward” seems to happen afterwards. I thank God for that when it happens because it is encouraging.

2022 Word: Joy

After the experiences of the prior years, I wanted Joy! I chose the word: ”Joy.” Looking back, God brought joy into my life through a supportive, Christ focused group of friends from this new Bible Study group that I unexpectedly joined in October of 2021. I think God may have had something to do with that too. I continued exploring God’s word through scripture and how it relates to living life (posts 39- 66). I often was inspired to write in the morning just as I wake up from a thought that didn’t seem to leave or from a prior conversation I had with someone. As much as I wanted “joy” to be my entire focus, I couldn’t ignore what I found through Bible Prophecy and it, weighed heavily on me. Too many world events were/are lining up with Bible Prophecy and many people (just like me) didn’t even have this “on the radar.” I didn’t come from a religion that focused on this, so this was all new to me, I only discovered it after reading the Bible. This is why it is so important to know what’s in the Bible: so we’re not blindsided by reality when it happens. There is nothing to fear (if we are “spiritually” prepared in advance- meaning “born again”).

2021 Word: Death

Even though I didn’t have a word for this year, in hindsight, this reflected reality: my 14 month old nephew suddenly died, the mother of my son’s best friend died suddenly, and my dog suddenly died within a span of 4 months. Not only that, but the closest person to me unexpectedly rejected me in a humiliating public way at the time when I needed support the most. (When it rains, it pours!) But only days later, I was asked to go with a friend to this Bible Study group (See what I mean? No coincidences, God provides.) It was a tough year. All the death made me question, what happens after death, for real? I realized I didn’t have a clear biblically based understanding- only what I had been told throughout life. I plan to write about this later because I think others might have this question too. Ironically- in hindsight, after all this “death” surrounded me, late summer when I was on my phone an email came through with something to the effect of “last notice to sign up for baptism”- I felt like it was time I committed and did this, so I signed up and was Baptized on September 12, 2021. Baptism is symbolic of the death of our sinful past and rebirth, a new life, “born again”- it was both symbolic and literal for me. I wrote (posts 22 – 38) during this year. I didn’t post about the dreams I started having the night of my Baptism, I was confused by them at the beginning, but the “name of Jesus” was featured heavily and sometimes verses from scripture and the dreams involved various people in my life: friends, family and former business colleagues. I know there is significance to these specific dreams because I would see something specific from my dream, that day, weeks or months later as I was going about the day- completely unexpected when it would occur, but I would immediately recall: I dreamt that! It still continues but I often don’t have the understanding of the symbolism until I see it happen. It’s hard to explain this to anyone, unless you experience this, you won’t understand, but it heavily contributed to the faith and belief I have in Jesus. Even though my word for 2021 would have been Death, it was changed to Life. Death is no longer permanent because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, death is a transition, a going to sleep because those who believe and turn away from sin will be changed and become immortal when Jesus returns. Jesus said that unless we are “born again” we will not see the kingdom of God. (John Chapter 3)

2020 Words: ”Wake Up”

2020 was a year of isolation for most of us in the world, and as a result, I had more time to explore the Bible. I had so many questions about life, I was seeking TRUTH, in January 2020, I wrote about Love, but abruptly by March 2020, I felt we were experiencing a “Wake Up Call” from God, collectively as the world, but also personally in my life, I reflected on many aspects of life this year (Posts #10-21) but what impacted me most was Bible Prophecy: facing judgement and end times/the last days prophecies.

2019 Words: ”Being Called” (Making God my Priority)

2019 was the year I decided to make God my priority (my last summary post for 2019) after reading the Bible for the first time. I didn’t have “a word” for that year but looking back, it would have been: “Being Called” – this was my 3rd “faith” related post on this website: see “Being Called” link in August 2019. 

I pray for all who read or share this with someone they care about: May God’s love for you be known and may you be led by the Holy Spirit this year! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, FAITH, FAMILY, Following Passions, FRIENDSHIP, GOALS, God, HAPPINESS, Healing, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, Parents, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Surrender? (Next Steps/Resources)

I should probably explain “Surrender.”

YOUR LIFE IS NOT WHAT YOU WANTED OR EXPECTED

First you realize your life isn’t happening the way you anticipated: you’ve been “let down,” or you’ve let others down, there’s a feeling of pain, suffering, disappointment, hurt, guilt, shame, or lack of enjoyment in life and you simply want those feelings to “go away!” You tried to solve this by: escaping from reality (numbing through alcohol or drugs), keeping busy with work so there is no extra time, moving from place to place to try a new venue, accumulating wealth or material things, avoiding people in general, isolation, or having shallow relationships with people to keep from being hurt, going from one relationship to another hoping to solve the problem, making plans to fill every moment of your day so there is no extra time, health and fitness focus (while this is good, excessively done it can be “an escape”) or travel (exploring the world), doing something to “keep busy” all the time. While some of these things are not necessarily “bad,” when they are done in excess, they keep you “busy,” keep you busy from “healing” because you are avoiding the real underlying problem. I say this from my own personal experience. Ultimately, feeling like this is the result of a distant relationship with God. Maybe you know “of” Him, you may have the “head” knowledge but you are not close to Him (you don’t “trust/love/obey” Him); you haven’t “surrendered” or received the Holy Spirit yet. You have this longing for something that remains unfulfilled. After you’ve tried some, or all of the things mentioned above, there remains an emptiness, a loneliness and you don’t know what else to do so you may ask yourself: “Is this all there is to life?” “Is this what life is like forever?”

SURRENDER

If you are fortunate, sometime during this process (above), you hear about “surrendering” it all to God (either through a church or a friend, or maybe even someone online) asking God for forgiveness of your sin, trusting in what Jesus did for you on the cross (enabling you to have access to God’s kingdom; the only way) and asking for the Holy Spirit to guide your life so you don’t go back to sin, but continue seeking God AND can enter God’s Kingdom. Since nothing else was solving the “emptiness” you feel, you decide to give it a try so you say a “surrender prayer.” But then what?

If you’re simply repeating words someone told you to say; if it’s not heartfelt, please understand these are not “magical words” so don’t expect anything to change.

But, the good news is if you understood what you were asking, affirming and requesting and were sincere when you prayed to God, it will happen (eventually) because God will guide you, but this still involves your participation. This isn’t an instantaneous event. There’s a lot to get to know about God. When you form a relationship with someone, you don’t truly know them instantaneously; it takes time. The same is true with God; He reveals more as you seek Him.

NEXT STEPS

PRAY: Pray as often as possible. The Bible actually says “pray without ceasing.” This is our communication with God. How can you grow a relationship with someone or know someone if you rarely talk to them? (You won’t truly know a friend (God), you’ll end up distant from a friend (God)- you’ll end up where you started: unfulfilled.) Pray before you go to bed; thank God for the good things that happened that day, ask Him for help with the trouble. In the morning, ask Him to guide. And throughout the day, instead of going to anyone else, talk to God about it first.

READ THE BIBLE: So how do you get to know God more? The best way is through reading and studying the Bible (daily) because it is the Holy Spirit inspired word of God. Try a chapter a day, make a plan, read a little bit every day- directly from the bible. Get to know how the bible is organized: “The Bible is a library, not a book.” Here is a video to watch about this: YouTube video link If you don’t have a Bible yet, download a free one at this YouVersion Bible App If you want to get really deep into studying the Bible use this website: BlueLetterBible link If you want a hard copy study bible, this is an excellent resource because it features the most often asked questions and answers: hard copy Bible link Many people start with devotionals or books written by Christian Authors and while those are good and have a place and a purpose, they are a further step away from the Holy Spirit’s inspired words found only in the Bible. There is something supernatural that comes from reading the actual Bible. The Holy Spirit will enlighten a person with wisdom and understanding the more often you are actually reading the Word of God (the Bible). Think about this: how diluted do you want the content to be? If you’re going to read something, get as close to the original source as possible: the Bible. You will miss out on so much if you don’t read the actual Bible.

FIND A CHURCH: There are many changes happening in churches today unfortunately, some are not adhering to the Bible teachings; they want to please everyone so they selectively choose the truth found in scripture to suit what the people want to hear and they omit parts that people don’t want to hear. The Bible warns us about this: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3 Because of this, I believe it is most important to read the Bible first and know what the Bible says. If you go to a church, pay attention to this: are they reading directly from scripture and speaking from scripture? Double check what they say with the Bible because I’ve come across churches that are doing what 2 Timothy 4:3 mentions. During the past 5 years (after reading the entire bible in 2019) I have been continually seeking God, so I made a playlist of videos I watched or listened to that align with what the Bible teaches. This is a resource/playlist of videos that I still add to as I listen and find something “helpful” and in agreement with the bible. Listening to these will keep you busy, filling your mind with God for “years!” (Here’s the YouTube Playlist link: Seeking God; Biblical Knowledge Resources) Joining an online church might be the best solution if you don’t find a church nearby teaching truth. I’m hesitant to recommend a church not knowing if their teaching has changed since I last watched online. Within the playlist link, there are several different churches’ videos, so you will find some churches through the videos in that link. Those are the specific teachings that align with the Bible.

SEEK OUT GODLY FRIENDS: Join a bible based study group, get to know other people who want a relationship with God. As I said before, especially if you are new to reading the bible, find a study group who uses the Bible so you can grow in faith. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 Besides studying the word of God, the friends you make as you do this will be a source of strength, support, encouragement and celebrations.

RESOURCE- BOOK RECOMMENDATION: First and most importantly, read the Bible, but there are some helpful books that pull together numerous sections of the Bible, aggregating information on a specific topic (from the 40 different authors who wrote the books found in the Bible and inspired from the same Spirit) so these types of books (outside of the Bible) are helpful bringing together the “hidden gems” you will find throughout while reading the Bible.

Because receiving the Holy Spirit (after you believe) is necessary to be in God’s Kingdom, this following book is worth reading and is an excellent resource to better understand “receiving the Holy Spirit” and more. Remember: Jesus answered (Nicodemus), “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5.

“Who is the Holy Spirit?” Experiencing God’s power by Nancy Taylor & Philip Ryken (click here to buy this book on Amazon)

These “next steps” are what I found when I was seeking, I didn’t have a mentor guiding me to this, so that is what I mean when I said that “God will (eventually) lead you to these things” like He did me, but I also think because I didn’t have a mentor may be why it took me so many years from initially seeking to receiving the Holy Spirit (5 years!) I may have received the Holy Spirit sooner if I had done these “next steps” more quickly? It took me 3 years after I surrendered (although I realize now, I hadn’t 100% surrendered at that time) to actually read the Bible, and then another 2 years after that before I saw evidence of having received the Holy Spirit. This was when I fully surrendered, 100%, and was baptized in 2021. There is a significant difference in me today compared to me in 2017 and the Holy Spirit is the only one who made this happen! Take the next steps to make this happen in 2025 if you haven’t already; it will be worth it!

by Categories: bible study, FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, FRIENDSHIP, GOALS, God, HAPPINESS, Healing, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, TRAVEL, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Time, Talent and Treasure (2025 Goal Setting)

There are only a few more days of 2024, then the calendar rolls to 2025. So what will next year be like? What’s in store? And most importantly it’s time to think about: what can I do with what I’ve been given? How will I make what I have grow?

TIME

Time is limited here on earth, there is a “time for everything”, time is a God given “resource” that isn’t replenished, once it passes, it’s gone; so how we spend our time is important. The Book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon was given both great wisdom and wealth and wrote about “time.” His conclusion is this:

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:13 written ~970-930 BC

The Book of Ecclesiastes has valuable insights we can apply to our own life, it’s a quick read, only 12 brief chapters. Here is a link to chapter 1: Ecclesiastes 1

Jesus reminded his disciple, John, of this “reward” in the vision when Jesus appeared to him on the island of Patmos after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus said:

“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”- Revelation 22:12-13 written ~90 – 96 AD

Every year of life we are given by God has a purpose; seek Him (pray to God) to understand the purpose He has for us; don’t waste time while living because we will be rewarded according to what we have done. God gave us free will to choose what we want to do with our time, but the wisdom is knowing that God ultimately gives us: what we choose. He allows us to choose evil rather than good, or good rather than evil, and one day we will get the “reward” for this (good or bad). So be intentional with choices; understand what the future holds and plan for this today.

TALENT

Each of us is created uniquely and gifted by God with a distinct personality, talent, ability, skill, etc. How are we using that talent we’ve been given (for God’s kingdom ultimately)? If we CHOOSE (of our own free will) to ask God for the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will start to change us so that we love what God loves and hate what God hates. (Yes God actually hates 7 things: here’s the list.) Once we willingly agree to “surrender” to God’s will (here is the surrender prayer Jesus taught), if we ask for the Holy Spirit, we will receive. The Holy Spirit gives us “gifts” as He determines what we are ready for, so these are God given spiritual talents. We know from Paul that these spiritual talents (gifts) are given for the following reason:

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:7

In other words, not for our benefit, but for the benefit of others.

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

1Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. 3Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

4Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. 8To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 9to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 10and to another the working of [a]miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 11All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

12For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so [b]it is with Christ. 13For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed–united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

14For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. 15If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 16If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. 19If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? 20But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; 23and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

27Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 28So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

[a] 10 I.e. wonderful events or occurrences beyond human capability which manifest the supernatural power of God and fulfill His purpose.
[b] 12 Lit is Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12 (Amplified Version)

Jesus told this story also:

Parable of the Talents

14“For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions. 15To one he gave five [b]talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey. 16The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he [made a profit and] gained five more. 17Likewise the one who had two [made a profit and] gained two more. 18But the one who had received the one went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19“Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20And the one who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted to me five talents. See, I have [made a profit and] gained five more talents.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

22“Also the one who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have [made a profit and] gained two more talents.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

24“The one who had received one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man, reaping [the harvest] where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed. 25So I was afraid [to lose the talent], and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is your own.’

26“But his master answered him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed. 27Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my return I would have received my money back with interest. 28So take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

29“For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away. 30And throw out the worthless servant into the outer darkness; in that place [of grief and torment] there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. Matthew 25 (Amplified version)

TREASURE

God gives wealth to some, He gave it to Solomon, He gave it Job, but just like “talents” and other gifts of the Holy Spirit, wealth is a resource, to be used for the benefit of others. When we have a healthy relationship with wealth, it will be used for the good of others. But if we love wealth more than God, it will lead us into evil. (For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself, but the love of it more than God. Here is a link to this topic in scripture.) This truth is the same for the gifts of the Spirit: if we don’t use the gifts properly for others and use it selfishly for our own benefit, it will lead us into evil. Gifts and wealth are “resources” to be used for a purpose and nothing more than that. Job is aware of this when he says:

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will return.

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. – Job 1: 20-22

This first chapter of the Book of Job is insightful: (link)

Jesus gave this example:

The Parables of the Treasure and the Pearl

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. Matthew 13: 44-46

Reading these verses again today, this stood out: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Treasure (when we discover it, we will give all we have to keep it) but also The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Merchant (a person) looking for “fine pearls” – God’s children (believers) are the “fine pearls” and Jesus is like the Merchant who gave his life (all he had) to “purchase” us (by Jesus’ death on the cross) from evil.

No greater love is this than for someone to give his life for another. – 1 John 15:13

God is looking for believers who love Him back. Jesus said this:

Treasures in Heaven
(Luke 12:32–34)

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus also said this:

I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:9-13

As we roll into 2025: What are your plans for the Time, Talents and Treasure God has given you?

I pray for abundant blessings to you, from God, for all who read and take this post to heart truly seek God’s will and purpose! Happy New Year!

by Categories: bible study, FAITH, FAMILY, GOALS, God, Improvement, Make It Count, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPSTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

Revelation Timeline (Commentary/Subject to Change!)

I started writing about the book of Revelation in February 2022 but stopped after the first sentence, then woke up this morning thinking it’s time to complete this. If you found my podcast, on Spotify or Apple (episodes 201 – 215), you will know I just completed a chapter by chapter reading and discussion on the book of Revelation, so I won’t go chapter by chapter here. This will be a summarization of the events.

My interest in Bible Prophecy (eschatology) started in 2020 when we had that global “pandemic” event, I felt there was a greater signficance, maybe a wake up call, a warning perhaps, and I believe it was, three years later (2023) because of the continuation of global events such as lawlessness, floods, hail, earthquakes, fires, etc. While all these events have been present as long as we can remember, there has been an increase in the intensity of these events since I started paying attention to them, search for yourself. This thought aligns with “Climate Change” focus (which I believe as a focus distracts us from what this really is: a warning from God).

Why is God warning us? I believe He is warning all mankind: there is prophecy written about thousands of years ago which remains yet to be fulfilled, and I believe it’s coming sooner than most people think: the return of Jesus Christ, which will bring about judgement on mankind: believers and unbelievers. I noticed that God often repeats things 3 times, or multiple times, when He wants us to pay attention to something in scripture. I say “God” repeats because I believe that the spirit of God inspired the 40+ authors who wrote what we refer to as “the Bible” telling a consistent message over thousands of years through prophets (in dreams and visions) and through the symbolism of actual events in history giving us a preview of what is to come.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:10

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

In 2020 when I started seeking to understand, it was so confusing, and I found so many opinions on the sequence, the timing of these events. While, I’m still not certain about the timing of events, I’ve prepared a “Timeline” based on what I found in scripture, but what I think is most important, is our preparation, becoming “Born Again,” (click this link to read more on what this means), I didn’t make a podcast of this post, but plan to soon. Jesus said:

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

John 3:5

The “preparation” is the most important part and once we are prepared, “Born Again,” we will have no fear of the future events because we will have made an alliance, promise, commitment, covenant with God and He sees us as “His Children” whom He protects, shelters and works all things for the good of those who love Him and keep His commands.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Deuteronomy 7:9 (written by Moses)

Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

Nehemiah 1:5 (written by Nehemiah the prophet)

I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

Daniel 9:4 (written by Daniel the prophet)

And before anyone claims, the commandments no longer apply , that was the Old Testament, please remember these quotes from the New Testament:

“If you love me, keep my commands.

John 14:15 (the words of Jesus as documented by John)

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

John 14:23 (the words of Jesus as documented by John)

Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

John 14: 24 (the words of Jesus as documented by John)

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Luke 11:28 (the words of Jesus as documented by Luke)

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 6:16 (Paul’s words: we are either obedient to evil spiritual forces or obedient to God)

For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:17 (Peter’s words)

So because of all this written above, especially for those who want to “wait until the last minute” to prepare- we may be “at the last minute”- seriously, take a look at what prophecy indicates, then compare this to world events. Knowing prophecy is for our benefit, it will happen, Jesus explains the sequence of events in the chapters of Matthew 24 (the signs) and Matthew 25 (preparation and judgement)

After studying the Book of Revelation, I put together this “End Time Timeline” dated 10/2023- no dates, just what I discovered while reading scripture and this is slightly different from what I’ve heard from other people, the events may not be in this order, but this is the best I could put together from my current understanding of scripture. (It will change, if scripture provides clear evidence that this order of events is not correct.) This is a timeline based on what I found in scripture only, not what others teach. I am seeking the truth, only found in scripture. When we have differing opinions, it’s because we are not fully understanding the word of God. So I welcome anyone who has scripture to support a variation of this timeline because I only want to know the truth, to understand. I’m providing a link to the PDF timeline document for you to reference, download, mark up as you read scripture. Please share any clarifications (with scripture references) that you find relative to the timeline after reviewing, if you find evidence for something different and I will update the document. Hopefully this document will be helpful in recognizing where we are today using this timeline as we watch and experience world events.

endtime-timeline-2023-10Download

As I read the Bible, I found many references to “End Times” throughout scripture, and while many scholars often quote from various places in the Bible, I didn’t have a consolidated reference, so I’m going to do that for you: reference various parts of scripture that you will want to familiarize yourself with if you want more detail. Scripture interprets scripture, gives clarity, and provides detail. There is something that scholars also know: while some events occurred in the past, they were not a complete fulfillment of scripture, but they were a “preview” or a “foreshadowing” of future events, please keep this in mind and pray, asking God for wisdom, discernment and clarification if it is not clear and I believe He will give it to “His Children” who ask for this.

PLEASE SCROLL PAST THESE REFERENCE LINKS FOR AN IMPORTANT FINAL SUMMARY/ACTION PLAN

REFERENCES (with links for further reading):

  • MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO ARE DISTANT FROM GOD
  • Isaiah 30
  • SPECIFIC MESSAGES RE: ISLANDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
  • Isaiah 11:11,

ACTION PLAN

The only preparation we need is to be “born again” as Jesus said in John Chapter 3. The normal reaction after hearing of the events described in the Book of Revelation is fear, but the spirit of fear this isn’t the spirit God wants us to keep, this is what we have when we DON’T have God’s spirit. If we have the Holy Spirit (we are born again, born of the spirit, a new creation), then we have nothing to fear because God provides EVERYTHING we will need- have faith and trust in Him. Faith comes from reading scripture (the Bible) seeing the repeated history of God’s character, His personality, who He is. Then when we KNOW God personally, from what is written in the bible and from our communication with Him, talking to Him through our prayers. Receiving the Holy Spirit isn’t some long drawn out process, the moment we are sincere in belief, wanting to change our ungodly ways, asking God for forgiveness, with a sincere “surrender” of my will to God’s will (obedience to God), asking Jesus for the Holy Spirit, we will receive the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit will begin to work in our life, we will begin to change (this part is a slower, more gradual process) but when we are sincere and our “hearts turn towards God”- God is merciful, loving, forgiving and restores us.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7
by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, Face Fear, FAITH, God, Healing, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, MUSIC, parenting, Parents, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, spiritual warfare, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

What is so Bad about Sex?!

According to the analysis, by age 44, 99% of respondents had had sex, and 95% had done so before marriage. Even among those who abstained from sex until age 20 or older, 81% had had premarital sex by age 44. “This is reality-check research.

2006- Guttmacher Institute

Many people justify sex without marriage by saying: as long as it’s two consenting adults, it’s a “committed relationship,” everyone does it, it’s not hurting anyone, we’re adults, we’re going to get married, so that’s okay, right? The “committed relationship” theory- really? You’re so committed, so ask: why are you not married? Apparently there is a reason you aren’t and that involves one, or both, NOT being committed enough for marriage!

Then there is the other side, religious people who condemn sex outside of marriage. But what’s the basis for this? Where did this “rule” come from? Why are religious people so strict about this rule? Most people who know about this religious rule will not be able to tell anyone why, but just know that’s what they’ve been taught, that’s what religion teaches. It becomes a weak reason for the rebellious who say I don’t agree with the religion about this! They may say this because they believe this teaching is “old-fashioned,” “out of date,” no longer relevant today because they were never told “WHY!” but only told DO NOT DO THIS! Most people don’t seek the answer to the “WHY” because they honestly don’t want to know, don’t care to know, don’t want to follow the rule anyway- so why bother?

The “Why” is the most important behind any “decision” or “rule”- people could list the physical risks involved, but read this and let me know what you think after you read this:

  • We lose our inheritance rights (eternity):“See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We are cast outside of God’s kingdom: “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Inside a Marriage is the only place for sex: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We lose our inheritance (eternity with God): “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • People who call themselves Christians/Believers: “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We lose our inheritance (eternity with God): “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We will be cast into “the fiery lake of burning sulfur”- the second death, following our physical death: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”” Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • It affects us personally, it affects our destination, no one (except Jesus/repentance) can change this destination for us: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • True Christians/Saved Christians don’t keep doing this: “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • FEELINGS mislead us-seek the truth: Jesus said: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • By participating we are setting ourselves up for the punishment of eternal fire: “In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Take action: ask for forgiveness, help from the Holy Spirit, then resist temptation and be a “new creation” in Christ/become saved:“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Christians/Saved People: “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Call to repent if we want to be in God’s Kingdom- it’s time for change: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Wake up, NO, “grace” doesn’t allow believers to keep on sinning! “For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Paul, the one who emphasizes grace, also reminds people that repentance (turning away from sin) is required: “I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We will not inherit the kingdom of God (if we don’t stop): “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • The day of Jesus’ return is getting close: “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Repentance (asking forgiveness from God, the Holy Spirit’s help, and stopping the sin) is required-this is describing those who survive the plague (God giving more time) but still: “Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We need the Holy Spirit, we can’t do it on our own: Jesus said: “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,” Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • When we have the Holy Spirit (once we truly surrender “our will” to “God’s will”), our lives will change: “As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • God receives us with love and happiness when we truly repent (change, turn to God in obedience): “But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’” Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 17:6

We are warned by more than three witnesses: Jesus, Paul, James, Jude, Peter, John in the scripture references above showing us the Truth (“The Why”). All people need to know WHY, because it may make a difference to some, but it won’t to all (we also know that from scripture) and there are even more witnesses to this truth found in the Bible than are shown above.

This is meant for the 95% of people having sex outside of marriage- pretty much the majority of people. This is one of the greatest threats for people who are currently deceived by the world’s permissive culture. Everyone needs to know this and make a decision before it’s too late. Share this with others you care about.

This summary is meant to save people from condemnation at Judgement Day. Anyone reading this has time (right now) to Repent, which means: ask God for forgiveness of the past, ask Jesus to give the Holy Spirit, so that we can receive the help of the Holy Spirit to remain in Christ (ie. obedient to God’s commands), choose to do what is right (God’s will) heading into the future, next time- with the help of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name. Jesus has provided us the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of God when he died on the cross for us (breaking the curse of death) for all who have sinned and rose from the dead. If you believe this and repent, as explained above, you will be saved and can be certain that you will be in God’s kingdom!

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, Face Fear, FAITH, FRIENDSHIP, God, Healing, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, Marriage, parenting, Parents, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, Sex, WellnessTags: , , , , , Leave a comment