Arky51's Blog

Some have said that if Jesus had called out "COME FORTH!" and had not called Lazarus by name, every grave would have opened and every soul would have come to life and walked forward at the sound of His Command!

You see? If Jesus the Christ, Y'shua ha Messiach, did not have power over DEATH, then nothing else He could do, no Miracle He could perform would have had the slightest importance. He would not have had the impact on History that we have seen these past two thousand years.

But He said to the sisters of Lazarus, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”

It's not over yet, folks. We've not seen the last of Him. He is that Great Promise Keeper, and He promised to come back at such a time when it would seem no flesh would survive if He did not intervene. It's scary to think about things getting that bad; but, at the same time I am ready because I believe.

Are You Ready?  Do You Really Believe?

Many thanks to Carman Licciardello for the writing and production of this song.

TB

Please understand: the greatest problem for the Jewish People is also found in the Book if Isaiah, as Jehovah God said to Isaiah, "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." (Isaiah 6:9-10 NIV)

So, the Jewish People, in general, are bound by the Word of God, pronounced upon them by that Prophet. They read his book very selectively; as the convict might read the Psalms to find those which call for God to defeat or destroy their enemies, whom they perceive to be the Justice System. (Though I do not defend the corruption and abuse extant in the Justice System.) It is doubtful you will ever hear the passage we call the 53rd Chapter read in an Orthodox, Hacetic, or Conservative Congregation, and certainly never in a Reform Congregation. Adding insult to injury, a large number of their Talmuds are tainted by Babylonian Philosophy which turns them away from the TORAH.

There are exceptions, however, in what are known as Messianic Congregations and Temples. One must realize that THE WAY, as it was called before being renamed in Antioch, was inaugurated in Jerusalem, fifty days after the Passover which Tradition now calls “The Last Supper.” The first Christians were five thousand Jewish People who heard Jesus' Disciple, the Apostle Peter, speak on that Pentecost Day!!

Sooner than most people believe, the many Prophesies will rush to their conclusion. Sure, we hear the unbelieving scoffing and poking fun at us, saying "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."

And, sometimes, we begin to think as they do; but don't do it.

Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it!

Jehovah God is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will send up a stench; the mountains will be soaked with their blood.

All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; see, it descends in judgment on Edom, the people I have totally destroyed. The sword of Jehovah God is bathed in blood, it is covered with fat-- the blood of lambs and goats, fat from the kidneys of rams. For Jehovah God has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a great slaughter in Edom. And the wild oxen will fall with them, the bull calves and the great bulls. Their land will be drenched with blood, and the dust will be soaked with fat. For Jehovah God has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion's cause. (Isaiah 34:1-8 NIV)

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of Jehovah God, the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of Jehovah God will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:1-10 NIV)

ORL

Please understand: the greatest problem for the Jewish People is also found in the Book if Isaiah, as Jehovah God said to Isaiah, "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." (Isaiah 6:9-10 NIV)

So, the Jewish People, in general, are bound by the Word of God, pronounced upon them by that Prophet. They read his book very selectively; as the convict might read the Psalms to find those which call for God to defeat or destroy their enemies, whom they perceive to be the Justice System. (Though I do not defend the corruption and abuse extant in the Justice System.) It is doubtful you will ever hear the passage we call the 53rd Chapter read in an Orthodox, Hacetic, or Conservative Congregation, and certainly never in a Reform Congregation. Adding insult to injury, a large number of their Talmuds are tainted by Babylonian Philosophy which turns them away from the TORAH.

There are exceptions, however, in what are known as Messianic Congregations and Temples. One must realize that THE WAY, as it was called before being renamed in Antioch, was inaugurated in Jerusalem, fifty days after the Passover which Tradition now calls “The Last Supper.” The first Christians were five thousand Jewish People who heard Jesus' Disciple, the Apostle Peter, speak on that Pentecost Day!!

Sooner than most people believe, the many Prophesies will rush to their conclusion. Sure, we hear the unbelieving scoffing and poking fun at us, saying "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."

And, sometimes, we begin to think as they do; but don't do it.

Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it!

Jehovah God is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will send up a stench; the mountains will be soaked with their blood.

All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; see, it descends in judgment on Edom, the people I have totally destroyed. The sword of Jehovah God is bathed in blood, it is covered with fat-- the blood of lambs and goats, fat from the kidneys of rams. For Jehovah God has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a great slaughter in Edom. And the wild oxen will fall with them, the bull calves and the great bulls. Their land will be drenched with blood, and the dust will be soaked with fat. For Jehovah God has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion's cause. (Isaiah 34:1-8 NIV)

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of Jehovah God, the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of Jehovah God will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:1-10 NIV)

TB

Please just take a few minutes, here, and understand some very important facts about what America is really all about, and how Certain Factions of the Politico are truly our enemies when the demand that all vestiges of godliness be taken out of not only our Government, but out of our Society, as well.

I am talking about those such as the A.C.L.U., (which I honestly believe to be a Front Organization of the K.G.B.). It is easier to understand Barry W. Lynn, of “Americans United for Separation of Church and State,” as his fear reflects the very real possibility that Governmental Definitions in Classifying Acceptable Religion and Religious Practice could come about. But still, in my opinion, his line of thinking could lead to the same end.

There has been a great deal of misunderstanding regarding the letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut. January 1,1802. While his stance that there is “a wall of separation between Church and State,” and that does indeed mean that those who do not claim to be religious have the right not to have religion imposed upon them by the State, it more importantly means that those who are religious have the right not to be silenced by the State.

That can be plainly seen in Thomas Jefferson's penning of the VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.  I know it's a lot to read, but it is so important to know and understand.  It is what those who hate God don't want you to know, and THUS be made free of their Tyranny.

[excerpts Sec. 1] Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as it was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; . . . that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right; that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of worldly honors and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles on supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them:

ORL

Please just take a few minutes, here, and understand some very important facts about what America is really all about, and how Certain Factions of the Politico are truly our enemies when the demand that all vestiges of godliness be taken out of not only our Government, but out of our Society, as well.

I am talking about those such as the A.C.L.U., (which I honestly believe to be a Front Organization of the K.G.B.). It is easier to understand Barry W. Lynn, of “Americans United for Separation of Church and State,” as his fear reflects the very real possibility that Governmental Definitions in Classifying Acceptable Religion and Religious Practice could come about. But still, in my opinion, his line of thinking could lead to the same end.

There has been a great deal of misunderstanding regarding the letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut. January 1,1802. While his stance that there is “a wall of separation between Church and State,” and that does indeed mean that those who do not claim to be religious have the right not to have religion imposed upon them by the State, it more importantly means that those who are religious have the right not to be silenced by the State.

That can be plainly seen in Thomas Jefferson's penning of the VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.  I know it's a lot to read, but it is so important to know and understand.  It is what those who hate God don't want you to know, and THUS be made free of their Tyranny.

[excerpts Sec. 1] Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as it was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; . . . that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right; that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of worldly honors and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles on supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them:

TB-FAITH

Unfortunately, though, too many elevate her to near deity, when that just is not the way it is. Understand, Mary was not the "Mother of God," but the Mother of the Christ Child. He was in existence long before she came onto the scene.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-4, 14)

Mary was a common Hebrew girl who had been raised right, and whose faith in God, and submission to Him was pure. I have no doubt that she was also taught to have a living hope for the advent of Messiach. She was not immaculately conceived, as her son was. She was not deity. She was totally taken by surprise and puzzled by the Angel's greeting.

After the Christ Child was born, Mary was, without question, a submissive and faithful wife to her husband, Joseph. "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" (Mark 6:3) She is not the perpetual Virgin.

After Y'shua reached adulthood, and at age thirty eligible to be called Rabbi, Mary did not tell Y'shua what to do . . . she no longer exercised any control over Him. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." (John 2:3-4) He was not being disrespectful; He still loved his mother with His heart. But, He was telling her what she already knew, that not even a mother has the right to tell a grown man what to do.

At this point, we see that she proceeded to exercise the only authority she had in the situation . . . she commanded the servants. His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:5)

So, people; if you truly love and respect Mary the Mother of the Christ Child, you must also love and respect her only recorded Commandment.

“WHATEVER JESUS SAYS TO YOU, DO IT!!”

One last point of information for you to take to heart: from the Revelation of the Apocolypse, given to the Apostle John, Then I fell at his feet to worship him.  But he [the Angel]  said to me, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev 19:10)

We are not to worship Angels, I do not have a doubt in my mind that Mary would say the same thing to those of you who worship her . . . "Do not do that!"

DC

The Commandment (#3) says:  You shall not take the name of Jehovah your God in vain.  I will not hold him guiltless, who takes My Name in vain.

The red herring: Lotsa folks push off from the real meaning of this commandment with talk of cursing and swearing and using the word "god" in that cursing and swearing.

What I believe is actually being said is:  [Don't you dare claim to be one of My people, then make absolutely no effort to obey Me or seek My Will.  If you act like the godless heathens, I will not let you off the hook for it.]

DC

The Commandment (#3) says:  You shall not take the name of Jehovah your God in vain.  I will not hold him guiltless, who takes My Name in vain.

The red herring: Lotsa folks push off from the real meaning of this commandment with talk of cursing and swearing and using the word "god" in that cursing and swearing.

What I believe is actually being said is:  [Don't you dare claim to be one of My people, then make absolutely no effort to obey Me or seek My Will.  If you act like the godless heathens, I will not let you off the hook for it.]

TB

Unfortunately, though, too many elevate her to near deity, when that just is not the way it is. Understand, Mary was not the "Mother of God," but the Mother of the Christ Child. He was in existence long before she came onto the scene.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-4, 14)

Mary was a common Hebrew girl who had been raised right, and whose faith in God, and submission to Him was pure. I have no doubt that she was also taught to have a living hope for the advent of Messiach. She was not immaculately conceived, as her son was. She was not deity. She was totally taken by surprise and puzzled by the Angel's greeting.

After the Christ Child was born, Mary was, without question, a submissive and faithful wife to her husband, Joseph. "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" (Mark 6:3) She is not the perpetual Virgin.

After Y'shua reached adulthood, and at age thirty eligible to be called Rabbi, Mary did not tell Y'shua what to do . . . she no longer exercised any control over Him. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." (John 2:3-4) He was not being disrespectful; He still loved his mother with His heart. But, He was telling her what she already knew, that not even a mother has the right to tell a grown man what to do.

At this point, we see that she proceeded to exercise the only authority she had in the situation . . . she commanded the servants. His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:5)

So, people; if you truly love and respect Mary the Mother of the Christ Child, you must also love and respect her only recorded Commandment.

“WHATEVER JESUS SAYS TO YOU, DO IT!!”

One last point of information for you to take to heart: from the Revelation of the Apocolypse, given to the Apostle John, Then I fell at his feet to worship him.  But he [the Angel]  said to me, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev 19:10)

We are not to worship Angels, I do not have a doubt in my mind that Mary would say the same thing to those of you who worship her . . . "Do not do that!"

TB

But, I am here to tell you, if a person's faith is true, they won't be walking around crying and grumbling.  They will be filled with joy and fun, as well as being interesting, even when their circumstances appear bleak.

Oh, they might cry at times, if something really hurts.  They might be sad and depressed at times, if some cruel fate has befallen them.  But, once they find their focus again on their faith, the joy will spring up again.

The only way you might not think they are fun would be if your idea of fun centers around going to excesses, getting drunk or drugged out, being mean or even cruel, or being involved in debauchery and promiscuity . . . reveling, as they say.

For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
And all of us wither like a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
-- (Isaiah 64:6)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith YHWH:
Though your sins be as scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they be red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land:
-- (Isaiah 1:18)

Can the Word of God be trusted?  I have found it so.  I am a far cry from perfect, but:

I am Holy, as "Holy" is defined: "To be Dedicated to God."
I am a Saint, as "Saint" is defined as "Someone who is sanctified by God's blessing, and designated to go to heaven after death."
I am a Sanctified, as "Sanctified" is defined as "Someone whose sin is forgiven through faith by the grace of God."
I am a Disciple, as "Disciple" is defined as "A student of a particular Master."
I am an Apostle, as "Apostle" is defined as "An Envoy; someone who is commisioned to go forth with a Message

Jesus said, "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:"  (John 15:16)

BUT, (and here's the kicker); I am no more than you would be if you would believe and pursue the calling with diligent dedication.

People from every Nation, Tribe, and Culture on Earth have some definition of Heaven and Hell; Paradise and Punishment. Many of those definitions have common elements, while some are notably diverse. As one who is ever studying, ever learning, ever thinking, I like to share my thoughts. From earliest record it was said, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

There are two base premises:

1.) There is a spirit in the human being which eternally survives the demise of the physical (and therefore animal) body.
The first point of divergence is:
a.) That spirit inhabits but one physical body, and afterward faces a judgment by the Creator. In said Judgment, the “soul” (the combination of the spirit and its life memories) is primarily evaluated on the basis of performance (behaviors, deeds) and motives.
  - If that soul is found to have met certain standards and requirements, it is rewarded with a new body, designed to exist for eternity, and a permanent avenue of communion with the Creator. (Proper motives can often trump failures in performance.)
  - If that soul is found not to have met certain standards and requirements (ungodly behaviors and evil motives), it is punished with separation from the Creator and all who met the standards and requirements. (The best definition of “hell” is “separation from God — exile from His presence.”)
b.) That spirit inhabits but one physical body, and afterward, as the result of certain defined performances, attains to a state of “enlightenment” similar to the common monotheistic definition of a god.
c.) That spirit inhabits more than one physical body, and afterward numerous reincarnations attains to a state of “enlightenment” similar to the common monotheistic definition of a god.

1. 2.) The spirit in the human being, if such exists, does not survive the demise of the physical body, and enters into oblivion; one simply ceases to exist.

Being conservative, an evangelical Christian in practice as well as profession, I subscribe to Premise #1a, and reject Premise #2 out of hand. As well, I reject points #1b and #1c. If you are one who embraces one of these, it is certainly your option, as reflected in Joshua's pronouncement, "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah." (Joshua 24:15)

Going forward with the premise of humanity possessing an immortal spirit, despite the obvious mortality of our flesh, let's look at the implications.

Heaven: Mortality swallowed up in immortality; corruption displaced by the incorruptible; rest from earthly drudgery; no more sadness; no more pain; no more sickness; no more death; eternal bliss; continuous communion with the Creator; a completed sense of purpose; laboring only for an absolutely benevolent Master Who loves beyond measure.

Oh yes, I said laboring. That's not far fetched; after all, when Jesus was asked why He did certain things on the Sabbath, He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." (John 5:17) What? Did you really think I was going to talk about sprouting wings, receiving wings, and strumming a harp? Please . . . no! Not at all.

My vision (or speculation) is of a Kingdom of Priests for the Most High God, on various and sundry junkets through the limitless Universe, Envoys of Ministry to countless other worlds, as assigned by the Great “I AM.” Persons who have a compassion derived from personal knowledge of what it feels like to fail miserably, and having been reconciled and redeemed despite those failures. What a glorious occupation! Carrying the Gospel (good news) of the opportunity to rise from being simply a creation of the Author of Life, to being adopted into His Eternal Family . . . to be called “A Child of God.”

My view, by the way, is in contrast to that of many others. The Bible tells me He said He is preparing a “dwelling place” for me, and that I will be one of a “Kingdom of Priests.” Others want to see a Mansion waiting for them, where they will be kings and priests. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to be left out.

So then, let us not fail to focus on the alternative. Hell is not so much a place as it is the circumstance of “separation from God.” Jesus spoke of Hell more than any other person in the Bible. "If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:30) In those discourses, two pictures are painted. One picture is of being cast into a lake of fire, burning in torments, without relief, forever.

"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;” (Matthew 25:41)

And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. (Revelation 19:20)

The other is a picture of being cast into eternal darkness. My vision is of one being alive out of body, aware, naked of any physical facility, but with a sense of knowing there are others out there; of being unable to see, hear, speak, touch, taste, smell. Alone with only the events of your memories playing over and over in your mind, and the regret of regrets — “It wouldn't be like this if I had only believed, and obeyed.”

"Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:13-14)

Whether or not they are convergent is not entirely clear to me. It is popularly taught that the one is incorporated into the other. However, if they are not different views of the same place, they are equally as frightening from the viewpoint of the average normal social human being. Perhaps, then, it is easy to understand why so many deny the very existence of Hell. They reason to themselves and aloud, “Mankind is too noble a creature for God to sentence to eternal punishment.” They also might say, “God is too noble to sentence any living creature to eternal punishment.”

Don't believe it. While it is written, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9), it is also written, “He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)

ORL

People from every Nation, Tribe, and Culture on Earth have some definition of Heaven and Hell; Paradise and Punishment. Many of those definitions have common elements, while some are notably diverse. As one who is ever studying, ever learning, ever thinking, I like to share my thoughts. From earliest record it was said, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

There are two base premises:

1.) There is a spirit in the human being which eternally survives the demise of the physical (and therefore animal) body.
The first point of divergence is:
a.) That spirit inhabits but one physical body, and afterward faces a judgment by the Creator. In said Judgment, the “soul” (the combination of the spirit and its life memories) is primarily evaluated on the basis of performance (behaviors, deeds) and motives.
  - If that soul is found to have met certain standards and requirements, it is rewarded with a new body, designed to exist for eternity, and a permanent avenue of communion with the Creator. (Proper motives can often trump failures in performance.)
  - If that soul is found not to have met certain standards and requirements (ungodly behaviors and evil motives), it is punished with separation from the Creator and all who met the standards and requirements. (The best definition of “hell” is “separation from God — exile from His presence.”)
b.) That spirit inhabits but one physical body, and afterward, as the result of certain defined performances, attains to a state of “enlightenment” similar to the common monotheistic definition of a god.
c.) That spirit inhabits more than one physical body, and afterward numerous reincarnations attains to a state of “enlightenment” similar to the common monotheistic definition of a god.

1. 2.) The spirit in the human being, if such exists, does not survive the demise of the physical body, and enters into oblivion; one simply ceases to exist.

Being conservative, an evangelical Christian in practice as well as profession, I subscribe to Premise #1a, and reject Premise #2 out of hand. As well, I reject points #1b and #1c. If you are one who embraces one of these, it is certainly your option, as reflected in Joshua's pronouncement, "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah." (Joshua 24:15)

Going forward with the premise of humanity possessing an immortal spirit, despite the obvious mortality of our flesh, let's look at the implications.

Heaven: Mortality swallowed up in immortality; corruption displaced by the incorruptible; rest from earthly drudgery; no more sadness; no more pain; no more sickness; no more death; eternal bliss; continuous communion with the Creator; a completed sense of purpose; laboring only for an absolutely benevolent Master Who loves beyond measure.

Oh yes, I said laboring. That's not far fetched; after all, when Jesus was asked why He did certain things on the Sabbath, He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." (John 5:17) What? Did you really think I was going to talk about sprouting wings, receiving wings, and strumming a harp? Please . . . no! Not at all.

My vision (or speculation) is of a Kingdom of Priests for the Most High God, on various and sundry junkets through the limitless Universe, Envoys of Ministry to countless other worlds, as assigned by the Great “I AM.” Persons who have a compassion derived from personal knowledge of what it feels like to fail miserably, and having been reconciled and redeemed despite those failures. What a glorious occupation! Carrying the Gospel (good news) of the opportunity to rise from being simply a creation of the Author of Life, to being adopted into His Eternal Family . . . to be called “A Child of God.”

My view, by the way, is in contrast to that of many others. The Bible tells me He said He is preparing a “dwelling place” for me, and that I will be one of a “Kingdom of Priests.” Others want to see a Mansion waiting for them, where they will be kings and priests. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to be left out.

So then, let us not fail to focus on the alternative. Hell is not so much a place as it is the circumstance of “separation from God.” Jesus spoke of Hell more than any other person in the Bible. "If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:30) In those discourses, two pictures are painted. One picture is of being cast into a lake of fire, burning in torments, without relief, forever.

"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;” (Matthew 25:41)

And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. (Revelation 19:20)

The other is a picture of being cast into eternal darkness. My vision is of one being alive out of body, aware, naked of any physical facility, but with a sense of knowing there are others out there; of being unable to see, hear, speak, touch, taste, smell. Alone with only the events of your memories playing over and over in your mind, and the regret of regrets — “It wouldn't be like this if I had only believed, and obeyed.”

"Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:13-14)

Whether or not they are convergent is not entirely clear to me. It is popularly taught that the one is incorporated into the other. However, if they are not different views of the same place, they are equally as frightening from the viewpoint of the average normal social human being. Perhaps, then, it is easy to understand why so many deny the very existence of Hell. They reason to themselves and aloud, “Mankind is too noble a creature for God to sentence to eternal punishment.” They also might say, “God is too noble to sentence any living creature to eternal punishment.”

Don't believe it. While it is written, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9), it is also written, “He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)

The smartest person who has ever lived was ignorant.

There really is no shame in ignorance. To say one is ignorant should not be considered to be an insult. It means, simply, that you don't know. Although ignorance cannot be fully cured, since no Human knows it all, even though they may act like it. But, with proper Education, the effects of ignorance can be largely alleviated. On the other side of that coin, though a person may be very intelligent, that one displays abject stupidity when they refuse to be educated.

A huge problem is found in the fact that most people believe “Faith in God through Jesus” is just (generic) religion and they do not understand the real meaning of the majority of the terms we refer to. A small part of that is because it is “lost in translation,” but, more importantly, it just is not taught! Then, in those few places where it is taught, there are always some who simply will not believe it.

There are two places in the Bible where the subject of insufficient teaching is directly addressed. The Prophet Isaiah put the onus is on the people in general. Each individual is responsible to the Creator. The Prophet Hosea called the Teachers and Ministers on the carpet, with no small threatenings.

Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; but they do not pay attention to the deeds of the LORD, nor do they consider the work of His hands. Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude is parched with thirst. (Isaiah 5:12-13)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. They feed on the sin of My people and direct their desire toward their iniquity. (Hosea 4:6-8)

Saved? Saved From What?

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

An American, giving witness of his Faith to a fellow he had met in London, asked, “Are you saved?” The cheeky Brit answered, “I was not aware I was drowning, chap.” Unfortunately, the American was ill prepared to answer, and stood there dumbfounded.

“. . . it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27)

For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. (1 Th 1:9-10)

If you, like the Sadducees of Jesus time, do not believe that the spirit riding in your body continues to live after the mortal coil of your flesh has given up, you are going to be truly amazed when you become aware of the other side. Don't become too excited, though; because, while you will sense your environment, you will not be able to communicate with it in any way. You will be “out of Body.” We are told that those who were obedient to the Faith will rest near the throne of God until Jesus returns to the World to give the final call. At that time, Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (John 3:18-19)

So many misunderstand the meanings of Humility and Holiness.

There is no shame in humility. Humility is not defined as being open to humiliation. The true definition of humility is "being open to instruction." The coach says, "Do it this way," and you do your best to do it that way. The coach says, "There's no gain without pain," and you do your best to work up a burn.

If we would be as coachable with our God, as we are in training for a mere athletic endeavor, what kind of world would it be?

Holy, then, goes on to to prepare that one for presentation. Our God is clean and pure and righteous . . . in a word, perfect. Holy refers to "set aside for service to," "dedicated for the use of," "completely prepared for" . . . God. To stand before Him - even though our sin is covered by the Blood of the Lamb - we must be as clean and pure and righteous as we can attain to.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Peter 1:14-16)

ORL

There really is no shame in ignorance. To say one is ignorant should not be considered to be an insult. It means, simply, that you don't know. Although ignorance cannot be fully cured, since no Human knows it all, even though they may act like it. But, with proper Education, the effects of ignorance can be largely alleviated. On the other side of that coin, though a person may be very intelligent, that one displays abject stupidity when they refuse to be educated.

A huge problem is found in the fact that most people believe “Faith in God through Jesus” is just (generic) religion and they do not understand the real meaning of the majority of the terms we refer to. A small part of that is because it is “lost in translation,” but, more importantly, it just is not taught! Then, in those few places where it is taught, there are always some who simply will not believe it.

There are two places in the Bible where the subject of insufficient teaching is directly addressed. The Prophet Isaiah put the onus is on the people in general. Each individual is responsible to the Creator. The Prophet Hosea called the Teachers and Ministers on the carpet, with no small threatenings.

Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; but they do not pay attention to the deeds of the LORD, nor do they consider the work of His hands. Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude is parched with thirst. (Isaiah 5:12-13)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. They feed on the sin of My people and direct their desire toward their iniquity. (Hosea 4:6-8)

Saved? Saved From What?

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

An American, giving witness of his Faith to a fellow he had met in London, asked, “Are you saved?” The cheeky Brit answered, “I was not aware I was drowning, chap.” Unfortunately, the American was ill prepared to answer, and stood there dumbfounded.

“. . . it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27)

For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. (1 Th 1:9-10)

If you, like the Sadducees of Jesus time, do not believe that the spirit riding in your body continues to live after the mortal coil of your flesh has given up, you are going to be truly amazed when you become aware of the other side. Don't become too excited, though; because, while you will sense your environment, you will not be able to communicate with it in any way. You will be “out of Body.” We are told that those who were obedient to the Faith will rest near the throne of God until Jesus returns to the World to give the final call. At that time, Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (John 3:18-19)

So many misunderstand the meanings of Humility and Holiness.

There is no shame in humility. Humility is not defined as being open to humiliation. The true definition of humility is "being open to instruction." The coach says, "Do it this way," and you do your best to do it that way. The coach says, "There's no gain without pain," and you do your best to work up a burn.

If we would be as coachable with our God, as we are in training for a mere athletic endeavor, what kind of world would it be?

Holy, then, goes on to to prepare that one for presentation. Our God is clean and pure and righteous . . . in a word, perfect. Holy refers to "set aside for service to," "dedicated for the use of," "completely prepared for" . . . God. To stand before Him - even though our sin is covered by the Blood of the Lamb - we must be as clean and pure and righteous as we can attain to.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Peter 1:14-16)

TB