he Family, Chapter 12                                                                

   T0: 32,756 subscribers ‘Church of God teaching.’ God’s 3rd Mo. Sivan 20, 5,781, 5/31/21.

   Repentance is gifted when God calls, reveals Jesus as He’s manifested to be in Holy Scripture, our inherited sin nature, and gifts a desire and effort to know Him intimately. That’s God changing the inherited from Adam sin nature to Jesus’ nature, that He described as being ‘born again’ - ‘born from above’, becoming at One with Himself and God the Father. Knowing through revealed faith that God the Father and God the Son are One in family and purpose. (Phil 2:13; for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort — for the sake of His good pleasure — is God.)

   Another definition for repentance is, ‘a turning from what had previously seemed right, to Jesus’ prescribed way’, an immersion in, a clothing, and obedience to Jesus as He’s manifested to be. Another could be, ‘being spiritually led to turn from, having lived according to what had seemed right, ‘usurping God’s authority’ to Jesus led practices. His apostle Paul shared Jesus’ attitude and motivation, Christians must grow to.

    (Philippians 2:3-11; Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. As a result God, exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth –  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.)

    Genuine repentance recognizes the need for a nature change. Since Jesus’ personal ministry on earth, ‘particularly since His ascension’, His followers, ‘regardless of heritage’ becomes spiritual Israelites. It’s by promise, predestined, ‘a sanctified people of God’s choosing.’ As Israel’s heritage was predestined by promise to Abraham, their delivered from Egyptian bondage, representing sin, ‘so too followers of Jesus are delivered from this world’s system of things. God’s deliverance isn’t ‘for people’s good works or righteousness’, but by promise to Abraham. These things were revealed to Jesus’ apostles and now to His followers.

   (2Timothy 1:9-10; He is the One who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on His own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.)

   Heavenly Father: make us mindful that Your rules are for our well being. Give us to understand, ‘Your way is holy, righteous and good, that Your righteous planning is on our behalf, and the reason we’re called. Please gift each with a desire for Your kingdom’s soon coming. We ask in Jesus’ holy name. AMEN

    The world doesn’t understand God‘s grace, mercy, love and perpetual planning. It rejects God, and makes its own rule fit their particular liking. Becoming vulnerable to the fleshly inherited from Adam nature and Satan’s demonic way. Until God intervenes, reveals Himself and grants repentance, each individual is an idolater. In the flesh people idolize worldly possessions, revere others with power, and heroes to fit their fleshly ideals. That natural inclination is the way to eternal death.

    (Prov 14:12; There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.)

    Few are spiritually led to understand that all people inherited several problems at birth. (1) The fleshly nature wants its own way, (the way that seems right) rather than God’s Way. (2) Satan’s ‘get way’ appeals to the self serving nature. (3) People don’t naturally discern that repentance is, ‘a yielding to what God says is right, a forsaking of what may seems right to the fleshly inherited nature.

     Only when God spiritually intervenes do people discern that, ‘it’s idolatry to reject God.’ That deciding for self regarding, what’s right, wrong, good and evil is idolatry; ‘which makes each little gods.’ Yielding to worldly generated influences is demonic. We know this because God says, ‘Satan is the god of this world, ‘age.’) People yielding to influences that disagrees with God’s Way, is proof that they aren’t believers IN God.

    Now many believe, there’s a supernatural deity’ but few are led to study His Word and seek to know Him as He is manifested to be in His own inspired prophetic revelations through His prophets and apostles. Even fewer people are spiritually gifted to discern that Jesus is the Creator Son of God. Thus, until God reveals Himself, people are not naturally willing to forsake the way that seems right to their fleshly inherited nature, to Jesus’ prescribed way. Consider Paul’s words to called people who’re led to believe.

    (2Corinthians 4:1-6; Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, we do not become discouraged. But we have rejected shameful hidden deeds, not behaving with deceptiveness or distorting the word of God, but by open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience before God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing, among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. For, we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.) (See Isaiah 9:2 & Gen 1:3, also.) Jesus is the Spokesperson’ saying; (Let there be light. And there was light!)

    People living the way that seems right to themselves are rejecting God’s Way and, perishing. Satan’s influence blinds the minds of fleshly minded unbelievers. Making that they can’t grasp that Jesus manifested Himself as, the Christ, ‘the image of God the Father.’ So, what about, those who are perishing, among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of? Those who don’t believe because of Satan’s influence so they’d not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ? Are they doomed to eternal punishment? NO. Are they in a place of torment? NO. Will they be resurrected and face God’s righteous judgment? YES.

      The worldly can’t grasp the grace, mercy and loving ways of our Creator God. They don’t know His planning is certain as prophesied through Isaiah.

    (Isa 14:24; The Lord who commands armies makes this solemn vow, be sure of this; just as I have intended, so it will be; just as I have planned, it will happen.)

    Preferring to believe a demonic doctrine of, an ongoing ever burning hell fire that punishes bad folks forever. Satan’s lie causes an erroneous belief that people are born immortal at birth. These views come from Satan’s two lies and his deceptiveness.

     After the devil questioned Eve about what God had said, Eve replied, ‘God said, we must not eat from it, and not touch it, or else we will die.’ Gen 3:3) Then the devil called God a liar, saying, ‘surely you will not die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who know good and evil.’ Gen 3:4-5) Lie number one is surely you will not die. Meaning you are born immortal, that is: born to live forever someplace.) Lie number two, ‘You will be like divine beings who know good and evil.’ That is; ‘as divine beings, you’ll know what’s right for you.’

    (All worldly religions practice living, as if they believe in one or more of these demonic lies!)

   These doctrinal foundations hinges on Satan’s lies. The Islam’s, Catholics, Protestants and the rest, teach some form of these two lies.

    People believing in, the God of Abraham, yield to God’s View, regarding what’s right, wrong, good, and evil. They refuse the way, God’s Word says are an abomination to Him, are mindful that abominations to God, are to His people also. Things God’s Word says are holy to Him, are holy to Believers in Him.

    When worldly religions question Jesus’ teaching through Paul regarding, “those who are perishing, among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, assume their particular group is enlightened. But, when they’re resurrected, they’ll see God‘s Way in progress, it‘s goodness, and then many will be gifted with repentant minds! (All will be resurrected, each in their own order.) (1Cor 5:22-23; For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; then when Christ comes, those who belong to Him.) As Jesus restored Lazarus’ back to fleshly life; after being dead four days, He can restore life, after hundreds or thousands of years! All will be righteously judged.

    Christians, having these precious truth revealed in this age, are a ‘born from above people’, recipients of His Holy Spirit, and will be in the first resurrection. Jesus’ promises are certain. To His disciples Jesus says; (Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in Me. There are many dwelling places in My Father’s house. ‘Otherwise, I would have told you,’ because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and TAKE you to be with Me, so that where I am you may be too. And you know the way where I am going.) John 14:1-3)

     Followers of Jesus are spirit led to turn from what seems right to the fleshly inherited nature and stand firm, to the end. Digest Paul’s words to Believers, at 1Cor 15:1-11.

   T0: 32,710 subscribers ‘Church of God teaching.’ God’s 3rd Mo, Sivan 18, 5,781, 5/28/21.

    Born from above Christians are under the New Covenant with Jesus. His followers need to consider, what is sin? How does Jesus define sin? He reveals and His apostle John wrote.

    (1John 1:8; Now this is the gospel, (good news) message we have heard from Him and announce to you; God (Jesus) is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him and yet keep on walking in the darkness, (practicing sin) we are lying and not practicing the truth. But if we walk in The Light, as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.)

    (1John 2:1-2; My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not (practice) sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate, with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, and He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.)

   “Jesus Christ, the righteous One” is the advocate, and practicing things God defines as sin, is to walk in darkness. Jesus defines Himself as, (The Light.) If we aren’t clothed with and immersed in Christ Jesus, (we aren’t walking in His Light.) Because; (He Himself is the atoning sacrifice.) Thus, Jesus’ spirit in us is the advocate. (Italicized words are for support in second and third John.) (How does a person know they love God? They love His commandments.)

       (1John 2:3-6; Now by this we know that we have come to know God, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, I have come to know God, and yet does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in such a person. But whoever obeys His word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him. The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.) (So simple, yet hostile professing Christians love the pagan way.)

    Remember Jesus said after His parable about Lazarus and the rich man; “if they didn’t obey Moses and the prophets, neither will they hear; if one is raised from the dead speaks.”)

    (Luke 16:30-31; Then the rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Jesus replied to him, ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.)

    The resurrected Jesus speaking through His apostle said, ‘the blood of Abel still speaks to us, if we know why he was murdered.’  See Heb 12:24.

    (1John 2:7-11; Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. On the other hand, The old commandment is the word that you have already heard. I am writing a new commandment to you which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. The one who says he is in the light but still hates his fellow Christian is still in the darkness. The one who loves his fellow Christian resides in the Light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his fellow Christian is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.) (Difference in old and new commandment is, Jesus‘ spirit, - the advocate, lives in Believers. thus the true Light is shining. How so? Allow Jesus’ words through His apostle Paul.

    (1Corinthians 15:20-23; But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, (Adam) the resurrection of the dead also came through a man (Jesus.) For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the first fruits; then when Christ comes, those who belong to Him.)

     Pentecost is the ‘Feast of First Fruits’ Jesus is the first fruits, meaning, Jesus is the first spirit begotten to be resurrected to eternal life.

    Various idolatrous theologies are developed through people yielding to fleshly logic. People putting personal beliefs and those of hero’s ahead of our Creator’s word as did Adam and Eve. Many religions come about through people’s fleshly logic. Religions promoting acceptable life styles evolve, from what was once NOT acceptable to demonic paganism God hates. For example, Jesus’ apostle Paul taught, ‘people practicing abominable to God lives, should be shunned. Until recent years, even worldly organized churches taught congregations to live according to the apostles’ teaching, regarding moral values. What did Paul teach on the subject? He wrote Corinthians during or in close proximity with the Passover season, thus his terminology regarding eating with Christians.

  (1Corinthians 5:9-13; I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside? But God will judge those outside. Remove the evil person from among you.)

   In this end time church age, Jesus’ teaching through Paul is practically ignored. The point! People with only Fleshly logic, think congregations representing Jesus can‘t associate with people who practice abominable to God life styles. Time keeping for example, we know the earth’s annual revolving around the sun denotes the passing of years. We know the history of why the pagan Roman calendar makes July and August have 31 days, and why February has 28, except 29 every fourth year, was all to fit man’s calendar to the sun worshiping winter equinox. If possible the powers developing the Roman calendar would have altered the new moon’s appearance, and the seven day week cycle; but that isn’t possible. Only if God stopped the earth’s spin on it’s axis, could the moon and seven day week cycle change!

   People can call the seventh day by another name, but it’s still God’s Sabbath, holy to Him and His followers. No person nor organization of men can change what’s holy to God.

    (Gen 2:3; God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it He ceased all the work that He had been doing in creation.) (Exodus 20:8-11; remember the Sabbath day to set it apart as holy. For six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your cattle, or the resident foreigner who is in your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and He rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.)

    (Mark 2:27-28; Then JESUS said to them, The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. For this reason the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.) THE point! People with only fleshly logic, should be able to  discern that only God can change His holy times.

    Emperor Constantine had no authority in the year 321 AD, to change God’s Sabbath to the first day! In people’s fleshly inherited nature they’re gullible, like sheep in need a Shepherd. Until the true Shepherd is revealed people like sheep, follow what seems right.

    Jesus was dealing with the fleshly logic in people when He said, (John 3:11-13; I tell you the solemn truth, we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you people do not accept Our testimony. If I have told you people about earthly things, and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in HIM may have eternal life.)

    People can’t believe IN Jesus, through the inherited from Adam fleshly nature - logic! People can believe, ‘there’s a Jesus’ but that isn’t believing in. People’s fleshly nature and logic wants things to be, as seems right.’

    The proverbs writer said, ’there’s a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is death.” It’s why ‘through believing in Jesus’ we’re ‘supernaturally born from above’, ‘our nature changed from, ‘hostile to a yes Lord mentality of obedience.’ A gifted calling, as was Moses’. A gifted circumcision of the heart, as Jesus revealed the same Old Covenant to Jeremiah.

   (Jeremiah 9:23-26; The Lord says, Wise people should not boast that they are wise. Powerful people should not boast that they are powerful. Rich people should not boast that they are rich. If people want to boast, they should boast about this: They should boast that they understand and know Me. They should boast that they know and understand that I, the Lord, act out of faithfulness, fairness, and justice in the earth and that I desire people to do these things, says the Lord. The Lord says, Watch out! The time is soon coming when I will punish all those who are circumcised only in the flesh. That is, I will punish the Egyptians, the Judeans, the Edomites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, and all the desert people who cut their hair short at the temples. I will do so because none of the people of those nations are really circumcised in the Lord’s sight. Moreover, none of the people of Israel are circumcised when it comes to their hearts.)

    Circumcision of heart is to, ‘be gifted with a nature change.’ Study Paul’s explanation to followers of Jesus again, regarding our inherited fleshly logic.

    (Romans 8:8-11; Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover if the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through His Spirit who lives in you.)

    Even fleshly logic teaches; we need help to overcome this bondage of sin, we each inherited.

    (2Cor 5:17-21; So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come! And all these things are from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. In other words in Christ, God, was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and He has given us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” God made the one who did not know sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God.)

       We pray that each called person understands that our inherited from Adam nature is the way of death and that eternal life is only through Jesus.

   T0: 32,682 subscribers ‘Church of God teaching.’ God’s 3nd Mo. Sivan 11, 5,781, 5/22/21.

    Lost ten tribes of Israel from many countries were in Jerusalem to celebrate ‘Feast of First Fruits’ – Pentecost. Jesus had ascended about seven days prior, asking His apostles to stay in the city until ‘power from on high’ would come. Midmorning ‘Pentecost’, a noise was heard as the Holy Spirit came visibly, manifested it’s self as tongues of fire, landing on each gathered. These mostly Galatia’s confused the tourist by began speaking wonderful words of God, in their native tongues.

    Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them: (”You men of Judea and all you, ‘know this and listen carefully to what I say.’ You are hearing what was spoken of by Joel, “in the last days it will be,‘ God says, ‘that I will pour out My Spirit on all people, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. And I will perform wonders in the sky above and miraculous signs on the earth below, blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be changed to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. And then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.‘)

     On that Pentecost, believers experienced and are still experiencig a partial fulfillment of Joel 2: The millennial fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy is what the world will see after Satan is bound, and confusion eliminated.     

    Today at sunset is Pentecost; we’re 50 days from the Wave Sheaf Sabbath during the “Feast of Unleavened Bread season.” Pentecost is the third of seven annual Sabbaths, and ‘the birth date of God’s New Covenant church.’ See Jesus’ prophecy through His prophet Joel’s to learn more.   

    Use of pure words, their meaning, ‘how discerned and understood’ creates beliefs and is the foundation for spiritual character. Accurate translation of God’s Word” is very important. We must put away agenda’s and believe as Jesus did. Allow Paul’s explanation.  

    (Phil 2:3-11; Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross! As a result God exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.)

    When Jesus’ prophecy through Joel is being fulfilled, denominations will cease to exist, scripture give us to understand that God is going to make all people desire to serve, and give acceptable praise. What’s keeping the world from understanding God’s truth today? Satan’s deceptions, and our inherited from Adam sin nature. Consider Jesus’ prophecy through Zephaniah.

   (Zephaniah 3:6-18; I destroyed nations; their walled cities are in ruins. I turned their streets into ruins; no one passes through them. Their cities are desolate; no one lives there.)

  (When God allows destruction from warring nations or personally destroys; ‘it’s His doing, His allowing people go the way of choice. Most prophecy is from the point of view; ‘it’s done, because God’s Word, and plans are sure.’ Consider also the prophetic events described in Revelations.)

    (Zeph 3:7-18; I thought, ‘Certainly you, will respect Me, now you will accept correction.‘ If she had done so, her home would not be destroyed by all the punishments I have threatened. But they eagerly sinned in everything they did.)

   (Other prophecies indicate that people harden their hearts rather than turn to God when punishment is rendered. Few recognize that wars and destructive conditions are the result of sin, and few choose turning. That is few repent for having lived the way that seemed right to the fleshly intellect. Zephaniah’s prophecy parallels Isaiah’s and Jeremiah’s.)
(Zeph 3:8-18; Therefore you must wait patiently for Me, says the Lord, for the day when I attack and take plunder. I have decided to gather nations together and assemble kingdoms, so I can pour out my fury on them – all My raging anger. For the whole earth will be consumed by My fiery anger. Know for sure that I will then enable the nations to give Me acceptable praise. All of them will invoke the Lord’s name when they pray, and will worship Him in unison. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, those who pray to Me will bring Me tribute. In that day you will not be ashamed of all your rebelliousness against Me, for then I will remove from your midst those who proudly boast, and you will never again be arrogant on My holy hill. I will leave in your midst a humble and meek group of people, and they will find safety in the Lord’s presence. The Israelites who remain will NOT act deceitfully. They will not lie, and a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouth. Indeed, they will graze peacefully like sheep and lie down; no one will terrify them.” Shout for joy, Daughter Zion! Shout out, Israel! Be happy and boast with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!”

    “The Lord has removed the judgment against you; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s king, the Lord, is in your midst! You no longer need to fear disaster. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion! Your hands must not be paralyzed from panic! The Lord your God is in your midst; He is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; He renews you by His love; He shouts for joy over you.” “As for those who grieve because they cannot attend the festivals – I took them away from you; they became tribute and were a source of shame to you.)

    The world will keep God’s festivals. His chosen will be ashamed of those not wanting to keep His festivals. (Understand that ‘Israel’ literally means, God fights or fights for.) Israel includes followers of Jesus, and He inspired His apostle Paul to identify true Israelites. Review Galatians 3:26-29.

   (Zeph 3:19-20; Look, at that time I will deal with those who mistreated you. I will rescue the lame sheep and gather together the scattered sheep. I will take away their humiliation and make the whole earth admire and respect them. At that time I will lead you – at the time I gather you together. Be sure of this! I will make all the nations of the earth respect and admire you when you see ME restore you,” says the Lord.)

     Notice, there is No works, it’s all mercy and grace on the part of His Chosen People. As with the gift of salvation, God does it all. We need to only boast in the Lord. Words matter. SO we need to realize the degree in which the god of this age, (Satan) twist and camouflages truths.

    When God is camouflaged in the minds of people, worshiping Him in spirit and truth is near impossible. Thinking in terms of ‘words mattering’ while considering Jesus’ Words at Matt 7:7-8.

    The one who is led to seek truth finds, knocking mean being persistent. ‘Open door indicates an understanding of what’s grasped.’ Can we suppose Jesus is okay with our asking through the name of one of the many denominations?

    (Matt 7:12; In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.) God’s law, prophets, and His manifestation of Jesus, is the foundations in which Jesus is revealed. In relation to Jesus’ parable about the rich man and Lazarus; Jesus made it clear that if folks didn’t believe the prophets and Moses, they wouldn’t believe, though one came back from the dead.

      (Luke 16:31; Jesus replied to him, ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.)
Through His apostle Paul, Jesus teaches us that Satan is the god of this age. (See 2Corinthians 4:4) Jesus tells us that our god is that which we respond to. With these truths in mind we must conclude that seeking includes truthfulness of mind in scriptural study, prayer and meditation.

    Follower of Jesus are spirit led to know Him as He’s manifested to be in Holy Scriptures. Manifesting Himself as the Son of God, Creator, Re-Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Mediator and coming King of Kings. He’s revealed through His apostles John, Paul, and in Hebrews. He’s all in all, the Alpha and Omega, and originator of Life. (Review John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:15-20, and Hebrews 1)

     Jesus prayed to His Father, and reveals through John; that at the end of His millennial rule, God the Father will come down with New Jerusalem, He and all creation will be subject to God the Father. (Study Revelations 21: & 22)

  T0: 32,676 subscribers ‘Church of God teaching.’ God’s 3rd Mo. Sivan 9, 10, 5,781, 5/20/21.

    (Jeremiah 31:27-28; Indeed, a time is coming, says the Lord, when I will cause people and animals to sprout up in the lands of Israel and Judah. In the past I saw to it that they were uprooted and torn down, that they were destroyed and demolished. But now I will see to it that they are built up and firmly planted. I, the Lord, affirm it!) Study God’s promises to Israel’s tribes and followers of Jesus through the prophets.

    Israel’s continuance, and Jerusalem enlargement is promised. When Satan is bound, and God’s righteousness seen, many will turn, and repent for having lived as what seemed right.

    (Ezek 18:30-32; Therefore I will judge each person according to his conduct, O house of Israel, declares the sovereign Lord. Repent and turn from all your wickedness; then it will not be an obstacle leading to iniquity. Throw away all your sins you have committed and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I take no delight in the death of anyone, declares the sovereign Lord. Repent and live!)

     In this prior to Jesus’ return age, Satan is allowed to be this world’s god, but Jesus’ new righteous age is coming. Until then Satan is enjoying deceiving the majority. Jesus inspired Paul to reveal certain people types followers of Jesus need to watch for in this age.

    (2Thess 2:1-12; Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be easily shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, (we apostles) to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, (the son of destruction.)

    He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, and as a result he takes his seat in God’s temple, displaying himself as God. Surely you recall that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you. And so you know what holds him back, so that he will be revealed in his own time. For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work.

   However, the One who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the breath of His mouth and wipe out by the manifestation of his arrival. The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working, with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders, and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.

    Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, and so all of them who have not believed the truth, but have delighted in evil will be condemned.)

    Lawless one is likely a person Satan uses, characteristically opposed to God’s righteousness and manifesting himself as an angel of light.

Pure words and the truth.

    Words, and their meaning, ‘how discerned’, creates beliefs and becomes the foundation of character. Thus, an accurate translation of God’s inspired Word is important. Consider a portion of God’s millennial prophecy from two translations. (NET BIBLE: Zephaniah 3:9 Know for sure that I will then enable the nations to give Me acceptable praise. All of them will invoke the Lord’s name when they pray, and will worship Him in unison.) (KING JAMES:(Zeph 3:9; For then I will turn to the people, a pure language, that they all call upon the name of the Lord to serve Him with one consent.) Both reveal understanding to the nations, and God reveals understanding to the people.)

    Multiple denominations will cease to exist; understanding is gifted, God makes all people serve, ‘give acceptable praise’ with knowledge. So, what’s keeping the world from understanding God’s truth? (Demonic deceptions and the nature inherited from Adam.)

    God’s plan for His people is more awesome than denominational minded folks can imagine. Jesus inspired the prophets to share the result of disobedience.

    (Zep 3:6; I destroyed nations; their walled cities are in ruins. I turned their streets into ruins; no one passes through them. Their cities are desolate; no one lives there.) Whether destruction is allowed by warring nations, or God personally destroys, it’s His doing by allowing people go their way of choice. Most prophecy is from the point of view, ‘it is done’, because God’s Word and plans are sure. Consider the prophetic events described in Revelations. It’s evident that most people will not view punishments as reason to repent and respect God.
(Zeph 3:7; I thought, ‘Certainly you will respect Me, now you will accept correction.‘ If she had done so, her home would not be destroyed by all the punishments I have threatened. But they eagerly sinned in everything they did.)

    Other prophecies indicate that people harden their hearts rather than turn to God when punishment is rendered. Few recognize that wars and destructive conditions are the result of sin; ‘not choosing a turning.’ That is, not repenting for having lived the way that seemed right to the fleshly intellect. Zephaniah’s prophecy parallels Isaiah’s and Jeremiah’s.

   (Zeph 3:8-18; Therefore you must wait patiently for Me, says the Lord, for the day when I attack and take plunder. I have decided to gather nations together and assemble kingdoms, so I can pour out my fury on them – all My raging anger. For the whole earth will be consumed by My fiery anger. Know for sure that I will then enable the nations to give Me acceptable praise. All of them will invoke the Lord’s name when they pray, and will worship Him in unison. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, those who pray to Me will bring Me tribute. In that day you will not be ashamed of all your rebelliousness against Me, for then I will remove from your midst those who proudly boast, and you will never again be arrogant on My holy hill.

    I will leave in your midst a humble and meek group of people, and they will find safety in the Lord’s presence. The Israelites who remain will NOT act deceitfully. They will not lie, and a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouth. Indeed, they will graze peacefully like sheep and lie down; no one will terrify them. Shout for joy, Daughter Zion! Shout out, Israel! Be happy and boast with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem.

     The Lord has removed the judgment against you; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s king, the Lord, is in your midst! You no longer need to fear disaster. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion! Your hands must not be paralyzed from panic! The Lord your God is in your midst; He is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; He renews you by His love; He shouts for joy over you.” “As for those who grieve because they cannot attend the festivals – I took them away from you; they became tribute and were a source of shame to you.)

    The world will KEEP GOD’S festivals. God’s people will be ashamed of those not wanting to keep His festivals. Understand much prophecy, is for the millennial age, and the word, ‘Israel’ literally means, ‘those God fights for.’ Israelites include followers of Jesus, and He inspired His apostle Paul to identify true Israelites, (Review Galatians 3:26-29)

    (Zeph 3:19-20; Look, at that time I will deal with those who mistreated you. I will rescue the lame sheep and gather together the scattered sheep. I will take away their humiliation and make the whole earth admire and respect them. At that time I will lead you – at the time I gather you together. Be sure of this! I will make all the nations of the earth respect and admire you when you see ME restore you,” says the Lord.)

     Note, there is No works on the part of His Chosen People. As with the gift of salvation, God does it all. We need only boast in Him. We need to realize the degree in which the god of this age, has twisted and camouflages words. When God is camouflaged in the minds of people, worshiping Him in spirit and truth is impossible. Thinking in terms of, ‘words mattering’ consider Jesus’ words to Israelites.

    (Matt 7:7-8; Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For, everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.) Meaning; ones led to seek truthfully finds, and knocking has the meaning of being persistent. Does anyone suppose Jesus is okay with people asking through the name of one of the many denominations? With these truths in mind we must conclude that seeking includes truthfulness of mind, in scriptural study, prayer and meditation. A questioning of various theologies is a must, in order to be a follower of Jesus, and worship Him in spirit and truth. Thus, a follower of Jesus is spiritually led to know Jesus as He manifest Himself to be in the Holy Scriptures.

   T0: 32,667 subscribers; ‘God’s view teaching.’ God’s 3rd Mo. Sivan 7, 5,781, 5/18/21.

   Concerning the world at large Jesus continued answering the hostiles. (Matt 13:14-15; The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will listen carefully yet will never understand, you will look closely yet will never comprehend. For the heart of this people has become dull; they are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, so that they would not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.) (Quote from Isaiah 6:9-10)

    Fleshly minded folks are dull of understanding, ‘hard of hearing and have closed minds.’ Don’t regard God‘s awesomeness, because the inherited from Adam nature desires deciding for self, ‘rather than trust and believe in God.’ (Let’s call it the ‘Adam and Eve inherited syndrome.’) All who aren’t called depend on their fleshly, own rationale. Dependency on ‘fleshly intellect’ rather than our Creator God is idolatry.

    Jesus is saying, ‘you hostiles listen carefully, try to comprehend’ your minds aren’t attuned to spiritual matters. (Example could be, ‘hostile people rationalize that God didn’t really speak to a prophet, through the mouth of a donkey,’ or ‘God didn’t really allow the devil to speak to Eve through a serpent.’) These don’t see the significance of exact fulfillment of prophecy, and that God’s Word regarding Abraham’s descendents being in bondage 430 years was fulfilled.

    (Exodus 12:40-41; Now the length of time the Israelites lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, on the very day, all the regiments of the Lord went out of the land of Egypt.) (Always study whole.)

    A look at Paul’s letter in two translations show the need for proving.

   (Titus 2:11, ‘the Net Bible translation reads, for the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.) ‘Has appeared & bringing’ indicate that salvation has already been brought to all people.

    (The King James translation reads, ‘now the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.’ Consider translations, and allow scripture interpret scripture.

    (Titus 2:12-13; It (the gifted grace of God) trains us to reject godless ways, and worldly desires, to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.)

    Jesus promises to return and bring peace to this planet, and His gifted spirit trains us to reject the fleshly, reliance on intellect. The many teach, ‘decides for self, what’s right, wrong good and evil’, reject God’s Word, which explicatively spells it out. The Christian hope? ‘The happy fulfillment of Jesus’ appearing and His promises.’

     (Titus 2:14; He, gave Himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness, and purify for Himself a people who are truly His, who are eager to do good.)

     When believed in, ‘Jesus’ lovingly giving of Himself sets us free from our inherited fleshly nature, which is bondage. Lawlessness is in our fleshly nature, and causes folks to lean on their own minds. Paul explains to God’s chosen.

    (Rom 8:6-7; For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the spirit is life and peace, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.)

    The fleshly mind can’t grasp, ‘the nature we inherited from Adam is naturally hostile toward God.’

    (Example; remembering the Sabbath looks back to, ‘the Lord’s resting after re-creating a (void and without form earth), creating mankind in His image, looks forward to His return, a millennial of rest, Satan bound, peace, judgment, and God the Father’s coming down with New Jerusalem.)

    Jesus said, when Judea faces, ‘the abomination of desolation spoken about by Daniel the prophet’, they’re to flee to the mountains, and pray your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.’ See Matthew 24:15-20 and remember God’s Sabbaths are perpetual.

    Satan is the culprit, causing worldwide deceptions and confusion ‘he will be held responsible’, but God is yet going to deliver Israel, and take away their sins. Years after delivering Israel from Egypt through Moses, the Lord God Jesus prophesied a future deliverance through Isaiah.

    (Isaiah 51:1-11; There’s hope for the future, Listen to Me, you who pursue godliness, who seek the Lord! Look at the Rock from which you were chiseled, at the quarry from which you were dug! Look at Abraham, your father, and Sarah, who gave you birth.

     When I summoned Abraham he was a lone individual, but I blessed him and gave him numerous descendants. Certainly the Lord will console Zion; He will console all her ruins. He will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the Garden of the Lord. Happiness and joy will be restored to her, thanksgiving, and the sound of music.

     Pay attention to Me, My people! Listen to Me, My people! For I will issue a decree, I will make My justice a light to the nations. I am ready to vindicate, I am ready to deliver, I will establish justice among the nations. The coastlands wait patiently for Me; they wait in anticipation for the revelation of My power.

    “Look up at the sky, Look at the earth below! For the sky will dissipate like smoke, and the earth will wear out like clothes; its residents will die like gnats. But the deliverance I give is permanent; the vindication I provide will not disappear.

     “Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people who are aware of My law! Don’t be afraid of the insults of men; don’t be discouraged because of their abuse! For a moth will eat away at them like clothes; a clothes moth will devour them like wool. But the vindication I provide will be permanent; the deliverance I give will last.”

     Wake up! Wake up! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of the Lord!

Wake up as in former times, as in antiquity! Did you not smash the Proud One? Did you not wound the sea monster? Did you not dry up the sea, the waters of the great deep? Did you not make a path through the depths of the sea, so those delivered from bondage could cross over? Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return; they will enter Zion with a happy shout. Unending joy will crown them, happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and suffering will disappear.

    (Isa 51:12-15; I, I am the One who consoles you. Why are you afraid of mortal men, of mere human beings who are as short-lived as grass? Why do you forget the Lord, who made you, who stretched out the sky and founded the earth? Why do you constantly tremble all day long at the anger of the oppressor, when he makes plans to destroy? Where is the anger of the oppressor? The one who suffers will soon be released; he will not die in prison, he will not go hungry. I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves surge. The Lord who commands armies is His name!) (See also Isaiah 22: 35: 51: & 65)

     God doesn’t love Israel or Jesus’ followers for sake of their goodness, not their being numerous, but because they are His chosen people and for His perpetual promise to Abram, Isaac and Jacob. He will yet deliver; keeping all promises, restore Israel and Judah.

    Jeremiah 31:1-21; At that time I will be the God of all the clans of Israel and they will be My people. I, the Lord, affirm it!” The Lord says, “The people of Israel who survived death at the hands of the enemy will find favor in the wilderness as they journey to find rest for themselves. In a far-off land the Lord will manifest Himself to them. He will say to them, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love. That is why I have continued to be faithful to you. I will rebuild you, my dear children Israel, so that you will once again be built up. Once again you will take up the tambourine and join in the happy throng of dancers. Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria. Those who plant them will once again enjoy their fruit.”

     “Yes, a time is coming when watchmen will call out on the mountains of Ephraim, “Come! Let us go to Zion to worship the Lord our God!” Moreover, the Lord says, “Sing for joy for the descendants of Jacob. Utter glad shouts for that foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard. Then say, ‘Lord, rescue your people. Deliver those of Israel who remain alive.’ Then I will reply, ‘I will bring them back from the land of the north. I will gather them in from the distant parts of the earth. Blind and lame people will come with them, so will pregnant women and women about to give birth. A vast throng of people will come back here. They will come back shedding tears of contrition. I will bring them back praying prayers of repentance. I will lead them besides streams of water, along smooth paths where they will never stumble. I will do this because I am Israel’s father; Ephraim is My firstborn son.’

    Hear what the Lord has to say, O nations. Proclaim it in the faraway lands along the sea. Say, “The One who scattered Israel will re-gather them. He will watch over His people like a shepherd watches over His flock.” For the Lord will rescue the descendants of Jacob. He will secure their release from those who had overpowered them. They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion. They will be radiant with joy over the good things the Lord provides, the grain, the fresh wine, the olive oil, the young sheep and calves He has given to them. They will be like a well-watered garden and will not grow faint or weary any more.”

     The Lord says, “At that time young women will dance and be glad. Young men and old men will rejoice. I will turn their grief into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy in place of their sorrow. I will provide the priests with abundant provisions. My people will be filled to the full with the good things I provide.”

    The Lord says, “A sound is heard in Ramah, a sound of crying in bitter grief. It is the sound of Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are gone.” The Lord says to her. “Stop crying! Do not shed any more tears! For your heartfelt repentance will be rewarded. Your children will return from the land of the enemy. I, the Lord, affirm it!

    “Indeed, the people of Israel are My dear children. They are the children I take delight in. For even though I must often rebuke them, I still remember them with fondness. So I am deeply moved with pity for them and will surely have compassion on them.” I, the Lord, affirm it! I will say, ‘My dear children of Israel, keep in mind the road you took when you were carried off. Mark off in your minds the landmarks. Make a mental note of telltale signs marking the way back. Return, My dear children of Israel. Return to these cities of yours“.

     “How long will you vacillate, you who were once like an unfaithful daughter? For I, the Lord, promise to bring about something new on the earth, something as unique as a woman protecting a man!’)

     See last study to comprehend the covenant portion of Jeremiah 31:

           T0: 32,677 subscribers, ‘Church of God teaching.’ God’s 2nd Mo. Sivan 5 30, 5,781, 5/16/21.

   Israel, ‘Judaism’ has not accepted their Messiah, and as a result will suffer plagues with the rest. Some in Christendom think God is protecting present day Israel, when He doesn’t many may loose faith. Jesus revealed His new covenant with His called out people through Jeremiah, ‘a spiritual covenant with a spiritually begotten people, called to be Christ like.’ His laws to be planted in the minds, making each follower, one with Himself. (Jeremiah 31:31-40; Indeed, a time is coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I delivered them from Egypt. For they violated that covenant, even though I was like a faithful husband to them,” says the LORD.

    But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land, says the LORD. I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will be My people.

    People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know Me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know Me, says the LORD. For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done. The LORD has made a promise to Israel. He promises it as the one who fixed the sun to give light by day and the moon and stars to give light by night. He promises it as the one who stirs up the sea so that its waves roll. He promises it as the one who is known as the LORD who rules over all.

   The LORD affirms, “The descendants of Israel will not cease forever to be a nation in my sight. That could only happen if the fixed ordering of the heavenly lights were to cease to operate before me.” The LORD says, “I will not reject all the descendants of Israel because of all that they have done. That could only happen if the heavens above could be measured or the foundations of the earth below could all be explored, says the LORD.

   Indeed a time is coming,” says the LORD, “when the city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt as my special city. It will be built from the Tower of Hananel westward to the Corner Gate.The boundary line will extend beyond that, straight west from there to the Hill of Gareb and then turn southward to Goah. The whole valley where dead bodies and sacrificial ashes are thrown and all the terraced fields out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far north as the Horse Gate will be included within this city that is sacred to the LORD. The city will never again be torn down or destroyed.)

   No follower of Jesus desires usurpation of   God’s authority in any way, and, many unbelieving don’t know they are, because minds and conscience are corrupted, by the god of this age, who is to be bound when Jesus returns. Then the world will learn and know Jesus as He is manifest to be in the Holy Scriptures.

    Then Satan will no longer be deceiving. Jesus revealed and Paul shared the characteristics of deceived people, while pointing the Way for Jesus’ followers in this pre-millennial age.) 

    (Titus 1:16; They profess to know God but with their deeds, they deny Him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.)

    Deceived people denies God’s Sabbaths, keep pagan times, and ways that are abominable to God. Paul’s letter to Titus teaches The Way we should live in this pre-millennial age.

    (Titus 2:1-10; But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.

    Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

    Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.)

    The lesson? Be content with our state of being. Some, such as Philemon were called while being a slave. (Study ‘Philemon’ and consider Paul’s letter.

     Paul gives more instruction on this subject in his letter to the Corinthians.

      (1Cor 7:20-23; Let each one remain in that situation in life in which he was called. Were you called as a slave? Do not worry about it. But if indeed you are able to be free, make the most of the opportunity. For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price. Do not become slaves of men. In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God.)

     Attitudes toward God’s established authorities are important; laws of the land should be obeyed when they don’t conflict with God’s law.

    (Titus 2:11; For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.) (Greek; ‘all men’ is generic here, referring to both men and women. Obviously God’s grace has appeared for the purpose of bringing salvation to each in their own order. (See 1Cor 15:23)

    (Titus 2:12-15; It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people who are truly His, who are eager to do good. So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.) Grace, bringing salvation to all, expands to His millennial reign! We can’t over emphasize Jesus resurrection chapter revealed through Paul. Let’s re-study a portion.

   (1Corinthians 15:20-28; But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; then when Christ comes, those who belong to Him.

    (Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He has brought to an end all rule and all authority and power.)

    For, He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be eliminated is death. For He (God the Father) has put everything in subjection under His (Jesus) feet. But when it says ‘everything’ has been put in subjection, it is clear that this does not include the One who put everything in subjection to Him, And when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be subjected to the One who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all.)

   May we understand, may we worship the God of Abraham, in spirit and truth.)

    There are no contradictions in God’s Word, as He inspired it to be written. Unbelievers relish the idea of finding, supposed contradictions and, enjoy debates. With this in mind, digest the reason Jesus spoke in parables.

     Then the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ Jesus replied, ‘You have been given the opportunity to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but they have not.’ (Matt 13:10-11, & Quote from Isaiah 6:9-10.)

    Secrets include God’s preplanned events, who He calls and who He gives understanding to. How could people worship a God of lesser abilities? Not only is God’s preplanning precisely accurate, but He’s holy, righteous and loving. Believers are gifted to know, “God knows what’s best for each individually and, what’s best for this planet.” Believers don’t question His sovereignty.

       Jesus continued the parable subject; for whoever has will be given more, and will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” For this reason, I speak to them in parables: Although they see they do not see, and although they hear they do not hear nor do they understand.” (Matt 13;12-13, Quote from Isaiah 6:9-10)

       Theology schools don’t get it. Only His called are gifted to understand, that our awesome Creator predestined the outcome of this world’s system of things, and know He’s the Architect.

T0: 32,632 subscribers ‘Church of God teaching.’ God’s 3rd Mo. Savan 3, 5,781, 5/14/21.

     Difference between Godly and animalistic love need exploring. We’re in the age Jesus spoke of; (Matt 24:9-13; Then they’ll hand you over to be persecuted, and will kill you.’ ‘Followers of Me will be hated by all the nations because of My name.’ Many will be led into sin, and will betray one another, hate one another, many false prophets will appear, and deceive many, and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved.) (Question; what sort of love?)

    Unbelieving peoples, animalistic love is everywhere, but for true believers in Jesus, ‘love is expanding even to enemies; because Godly love is gifted to recipients’ of His spirit.’

    Today’s news is filled with hate crimes, and authorities don’t seem to have any answers about how to handle bad people, imagining all sorts of quick fixes. People who’re suppose to know don’t realize, ‘many are demon possessed.’ Natural love of many has grown cold, which is Jesus’ prophesied sign of this latter day age. Whole religious movements are victims of Satan’s, ‘end of age wrath,’ victim of Satan’s deceptions, and adding to the problem is imaginary deities. Organized divided religions, pray to deities of their imagination. Who supposes the Almighty God would hear and answer such prayers of people who don’t know Him, as He’s manifested to be in Holy Scripture?

    The Lord God of Noah, Abraham, Jesus’ prophets, and apostles isn’t believed IN by those using His name. True believers that know Jesus as Re-creator, Creator, Deliverer, Savior, Mediator, and coming King of Kings are few, but these aren’t confused about this age’s condition.

    Satan has the many believing God reveals Himself differently to various religions, and people groups, ‘which means they think God is divided.’ Holy Scripture reveals, ‘God the Father and God the Son are One in purpose, and devine planning.’ Planning the next millennia’s end, New Jerusalem coming down, God the Son submitting to God the Father, and this earth being unified. (Study Revelations 21: & 22)

    Jesus’ apostles John, and Paul identifies, God the Son, and God the Father.

    (John 1:1-5; In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word, was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. In Him, was life, and the Life, was the light of mankind. And the Light, shines on in the darkness but the darkness has not mastered it.) (See Colossians 1:15-20, and the following portion of Hebrews.

    (Hebrews 1:1-4; After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, in these last days He has spoken to us in a Son, (Jesus) whom He, appointed heir of all things, and through whom He created the world. The Son, is the radiance of His, glory and the representation of His, essence, and He, sustains all things by His powerful word, and so when He, had accomplished cleansing for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Thus He, became so far better than the angels as He has inherited a name superior to theirs.) ‘Compare with the two paragraphs above.’

    (Hebrews 1:5-9; For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are My Son! Today I have fathered you”? And in another place He says, “I will be His Father and He will be My Son.” (Quote from 2 Sam 7:14 & 1 Chronicles 17:13) But when He again brings His firstborn into the world, He says, “Let all the angels of God worship Him!” And He says of the angels, “He makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire,” but of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and a righteous scepter is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed You, over Your companions with the oil of rejoicing.)

   Soon after Jesus’ return the whole world will know Him as He’s manifested to be  in these scriptures. (Jesus’ identification and powers continue below.)

    (Heb 1:10-12; And, You, founded the earth in the beginning, Lord, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They will perish, but You continue. And they will all grow old like a garment, and like a robe You will fold them up and like a garment they will be changed, but You, are the same and Your years will never run out.)

    Note these text identify Jesus as Creator, R-ecreator, Sustainer and Deliverer, whose kingdom is forever. He must be worshiped with loving knowing knowledge that He doesn’t change.

      (Heb 1:13-14; But to which of the angels has He, (God the Father) ever said, “Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet? Are they, not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those, who will inherit salvation?) 

      Jesus is the Lord God, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the prophets, His twelve apostles, and each called believer believes in. While our Creator was revealing Himself to these and many others, He was, and still is  allowing, humanity go the way that seemed right to their fleshly inherited from Adam nature. Remember, God knows each individual, ‘but only reveals Himself to those predestined to KNOW Him in this, ‘prior millennial age.’ All others in this age, make gods fit their imagination.

    Consider these facts; pagan, unbelieving folks, whether calling themselves atheist, or something else, are looking to imagined deities. For the most part they have a sense of doing right by others, ‘particularly of their same persuasion.’ Some are taught, and believe, ‘killing folks of different persuasions is the will of their god.’ Thinking such action is doing their god a service is their demonic outlook.

    This is only a part of Satan, and his demonic followers characteristics that divide, deceive, and conquering people made in God‘s image and likeness, but God always had a plan to put Satan and followers out of commission.

     God calls, and covenants with a chosen spiritual people as He did physical Israel, ‘making them - converting them to His ways’, a people who aren’t divided, but one with Him and one another; miraculously makes these, ‘born from above.’ To these God gives the mind to love His revealed way, and serve one another in Godly love. Followers of Jesus are spirit led to be ONE with God the Father, God the Son, and one another. These are spirit led to love as God loves and hate what He hates.

    Consider Paul’s relationship to Jesus, and how that relates to Titus.

   (Titus 1:1-3; From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began. But now in His own time He has made His message evident through the preaching I was entrusted with according to the command of God our Savior.)

    Paul affirms that he is, (1) A slave of God. (2) An apostle of Jesus Christ, in whom God’s spirit lives, but NEVER does he nor any of our Lord’s apostles ever do salutations that includes the holy spirit.

    God’s spirit, is likened to the wind, not, likened to a person. His spirit lives IN each called, ‘believing in Jesus person’, making each a temple of His spirit; and spirit power giving each recipient, ‘the desire to be One with God the Father and God the Son.’

    Jesus explained to Nicodemus: (John 3:7-8; Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’ The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.)

     Paul wrote advancing the faith of God’s CHOSEN, giving knowledge of the truth and hope of ETERNAL LIFE. The same was promised long before, ‘knowledge of THE truth’, not knowledge of ‘an imagined truth.’

    Followers of Jesus recognize the difference in, ‘professing Christians attempting to be friends with the world’ and ‘Believers knowing this world’s system of things is demonic.’ Professing Christians, ‘Christendom’ mix paganism, such as Christmas, Easter etc. (James explains; referring to these as adulterers.)

    (James 4:4-7; Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostilities toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy. Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, “The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning”? But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.” So submit to God, but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”) Quoting from Proverbs 3:14, Likewise Paul taught in his letter to Titus.

   (Titus 1:4; To Titus, my genuine son in a common faith. Grace, and peace from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Savior!)

    Paul was Titus’ tutor, Titus a spiritual son in the common faith.) ‘Paul an apostle’, was AT ONE with, ‘God Father and God the Son.’ Paul and each apostle could say, “my teaching was from God the Father and Jesus Christ!”

    (Titus 1:5-9;The reason I left you in Crete was to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion. For the Overseer (Elder) must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain. Instead he must be hospitable, devoted to what is good, sensible, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must hold firmly to the faithful message as has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.)

   There must be evidence that an Elder, Pastor etc. ‘is born from above’ ‘is Fathered by God.’ Paul explains why.

    (Titus 1:10-11; For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, and deceivers, especially those with Jewish connections, who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.) Jesus’ teaching through Paul doesn’t differ from revelation to Jeremiah.

   (Jeremiah 17:9‘ The human mind is more deceitful than anything else. It is incurably bad. Who can understand it?)

    Characteristically, the fleshly minded want to lord over others, make merchandise of them. Paul, Peter and our Lord’s brother “James” were each gifted with the same insight. (Review 2Peter 1:1-3)

     Paul, Peter, James, Jude and called out Believers in Jesus have witnessed the fulfillment of Jesus’ words for then, and today.