Many think they are ‘led of the Holy Spirit’. Many think they ‘walk in the Holy Spirit’.
But, are they 'led of the Holy Spirit'?
Can a Christian be ‘led of the Spirit’ sometimes, and ‘led of the flesh or devil’ at other times?
A. Your Choices
Have you chosen to use a birth control that murders babies? All birth control pills and IUDs murder babies.
If you have, has the Holy Spirit led you to this sin? 1 John 3:15
B. Your Weight
Are you overweight?
Is gluttony sin? Deut. 21:20; Proverbs 23:21; Mat. 11:19; Luke 7:34
Did the Holy Spirit lead you to over eat?
C. Your Church
If I went to your Apostolic church for four Sunday morning meetings, could I write an order of the meetings? First the church does this, then this, then this, the sermon follows this, and then the church closes with this. What does 1 Corinthians 14:26 say? It says every church member could have a part. The Holy Spirit should be allowed to give you a part in your next church meeting.
But, the reality is for most to have a part they must first get someone’s permission – to preach, to teach, to sing, to pray, etc. If the member is given by the Holy Spirit something to preach during the meeting, forget it! The Holy Spirit is not in control, man is! The meeting is not Holy Spirit led; it is man led – tradition led.
In Azusa Street Mission, the Holy Spirit led the meetings. Brother William Seymour may never have started a meeting. He let the Holy Spirit start the meetings. Someone being led of the Holy Spirit would start to sing or pray or speak in tongues then someone would interpret, so the meeting has started, what happens next? No one knows but the Holy Spirit! Have you been in meetings like those? They are very, very exciting! NOT boring! They are very anointed; everyone receives ministry. These meetings are not a one man show! http://www.freewebs.com/bibleteach/churchmeetings.htm
Don’t you desire to be in a ‘Holy Spirit led meeting’?
The following is from a book I have written on ‘walking in the Holy Spirit’.
When you walk in Holy Spirit you will (Gal.5:16-25)
Definition of walking in Holy Spirit: You will be doing God's will
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:16-25
When you walk in Holy Spirit: - You will not sin - You will show the fruit of Holy Spirit
A result of walking in Holy Spirit is the fruit of Holy Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit means not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. The Spirit is against the flesh The flesh lusteth against the Spirit
The works of the flesh are:"..Adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and, such like:.." Galatians 5:19-21
The works (fruits) of the Spirit are:"..Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:.." Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of Spirit with examples:Love -
Love your neighbor as yourself, Mt.19:19,22:39; Mk.12:31; Ro.13:9; etc.
Joy - Jesus had joy to go to the cross, Heb.12:2
Peace - Gospel of peace, Eph.6:15
Do the things that make for peace, Ro.14:19
Longsuffering - Jesus is longsuffering, not wanting any to go to hell, 2 Pe.3:9
Gentleness - The gentleness of Jesus, 2 Cor.10:1
Goodness - "..the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Romans 2:4
Faith - "..The just shall live by faith.", Ro.1:17; Ga.3:11; Heb.10:38
Meekness - The meekness of Jesus, 2 Cor.10:1
Temperance - self-control, 1466
To walk in the Spirit, we must have crucified the flesh Galatians 5:24"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25 do "we live in the Spirit"?
What can keep someone from walking in the Spirit?
1. "Desirous of vain glory" Galatians 5:26
2. "Provoking one another" " "
3. "Envying one another" " "
How should one respond? Who is walking in the Spirit?"..in the spirit of meekness.." Galatians 6:1
"Bear ye one another's burdens.." Galatians 6:2
Think of yourself as Jesus does, Galatians 6:4
"..every man prove his own work....then…. rejoice in himself alone, Gal.6:4
"..not be weary in we'll doing.."(in due season we shall reap), Gal.6:9
"..do good unto all [men], especially..the household of faith." Gal.6:10
"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal.6:8
The WALK:"..walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called," Ephesians 4:1
"..walk not..in the vanity of (your) mind," Ephesians 4:17
"..walk as children of light:" Ephesians 5:8
"..walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise," Ephesians 5:15
If a Christian walks in the vanity of their mind and the blindness of their spirit:
- their understanding is darkened Ephesians 4:18
- they will be alienated from the life of God "
- they will be past feeling " 4:19
- they will give themselves over to lasciviousness " "
- they will do all uncleaness with greediness " "If a Christian walks in the Holy Spirit: Many of the following verses can be tied w/ Galatians 5 & 6
- They put off former conversation of the old man Ephesians 4:22
- They renew the spirit of their mind " 4:23
- They put on the new man " 4:24- They put away lying " 4:25
- They may be angry, but they sin not " 4:26
- They do not give place to Satan " 4:27- They do not steal " 4:28- They labor " 4:28
- They have substance to give to the needy " 4:28
- They do not speak corrupt communication " 4:29
- They communicate words of edification, ministering grace " 4:29
- They grieve not Holy Spirit " 4:30
- They let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking & malice be put away " 4:
- They are kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another " 4:32
- They are followers of God, as dear children " 5:1
- They walk in love (speaking the truth in love) " 5:2 (4:15)
- They commit no fornication, uncleaness, or covetousness " 5:3
- They commit no filthiness, foolish talking, or jesting " 5:4
- They give thanks " 5:4
- They let no one deceive them with vain words " 5:6
- They walk as children of light " 5:8
- They have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but reprove them " 5:11
- They don't speak of things done of them in secret " 5:12
- They walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise " 5:15
- They redeem the time " 5:
- They are wise, understanding what the will of Jesus is " 5:17
- They are not drunk with wine " 5:18
- They are filled with Holy Spirit " 5:18
- They speak to themselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their spirits to Jesus " 5:19
- They give thanks always for all things unto God " 5:20- They submit themselves one to another in the fear of God " 5:21
- Wives, submit to their own husbands " 5:22,24
- Husbands, love your wives " 5:25,28
- Children, obey your parents " 6:1-3
- Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath " 6:4
- Fathers, bring children up in the nurture and admonition of Jesus " 6:4
- Employees, be obedient to employers, w/ singleness of spirit " 6:5
- They do the will of God from the spirit " 6:6
- They will to do good service as unto Jesus " 6:7
- Employers, will to do good service as unto Jesus " 6:9
- They are strong in Jesus, and in the power of His might " 6:10
- They put on the armour of God, to stand against Satan " 6:11
- They stand against the wiles of Satan " 6:11
- They wrestle against rulers of darkness, & against spiritual wickedness in high places " 6:12
- They stand in the evil day " 6:13
- They stand w/ their loins girt about w/ truth " 6:14
- They have on the breastplate of righteousness " 6:14
- They have their feet shod w/ the preparation of the gospel of peace " 6:15
- They take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked " 6:16
- They take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the Spirit " 6:17
- They pray always w/ prayer & supplication in Spirit " 6:18
- They watch w/ all perseverance & supplication for saints " 6:18
Practically how can you know if you are "Walking in the Spirit"?
** When you are walking in the Holy Spirit you will be acting like Jesus! 1 Peter 2:21
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance.." Galatians 5:22-23
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Galatians 5:24
What keeps a person from fully "walking in the Spirit"?
The following is from one of my books.
There are prerequisites to being fully led of the Holy Spirit.
Such as:
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:6
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28
Jesus is coming for a holy church, one without spot or wrinkle.“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5{18
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now being made free (1659) from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22
“But now having been set free (1659) from sin, and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification (38), and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’. JG is Jay Green's The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible. It is available for Esword.net.
“To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (5046), be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” Philippians 3:15
“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness (or sanctification, 38) with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:15
“And the very God of peace sanctify (37) you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless (274) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness (or sanctification, 38), without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
"Being then made free (1659) from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18 “And having been set free (1659) from sin, you were enslaved to righteousness.” Romans 6:18 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’. The New Covenant in the correct Greek text is inspired. The KJV is not inspired
But now being made free (1659) from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22“But now having been set free (1659) from sin, and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification (38), and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’. New Covenant in the proper Greek text is inspired. The KJV is not inspired.
So, how did the Apostolic Oneness church get into this sinful condition? Once upon a time there was a man at Azusa Street Mission. He taught 'entire sanctification'. His problem was he taught it as a ‘work of grace’ coming from Methodist theology. His understanding of the need for sanctification was right; his way of arriving at sanctification was wrong.
Along comes a Baptist from Chicago. At Azusa Street Mission, he receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He returns to Chicago where he continues as a Baptist pastor. The Baptist teach ‘progressive sanctification’. He doesn’t change his theology to ‘entire sanctification’ also called ‘sinless perfection’, etc. He travels among Pentecostals making his ‘progressive sanctification’ popular.
Along comes the Apostolic Oneness group which somehow acquires much Baptist/protestant doctrine. Thankfully, Jesus has given us a way to have ‘sinless perfection’! How does one acquire ‘sinless perfection’? The answer is given in Jesus’ Holy Bible.
My testimony of personally being led of the Holy Spirit:
In a church meeting or out, I can ask the Holy Spirit about anyone’s spiritual condition, and receive an answer from the Holy Spirit. Should I publicly tell the church the sins of an individual because the Holy Spirit has told me? No, of course not. Why would the Holy Spirit tell me or you the spiritual condition of another Christian? For ministry. We are to minister to each other. When the Holy Spirit tells me the sins, I know their needs. I know what ministry they need. Also, consequently, I know who not to minister to. I am told more - like their spiritual gift(s). How they should be ministering. Etc.Example, in a church meeting, a man asks for the laying on of hands for healing. Should I lay hands on everyone who asks? No. The Holy Bible says to not lay hands suddenly on anyone. If this man has been turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (1 Corinthians 5:5), should I be laying hands on him for healing? NO! Just because many churches have healing lines where those who wish can line-up for healing, and everyone has hands laid on them does not make it right!!!!!
Since most ministers are not led of the Holy Spirit, they cannot spiritually know one Christian from another, so they lay hands on everyone who asks. Is it sin to lay hands on someone who has been turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh? Matthew 7:21-23
What about mass deliverances where lots of people needing demons cast out sit in a room with someone in front commanding demons to leave? Obvious to me, they are doing a lot more damage than good! One definitely shouldn’t cast demons out of a non-Christians by mass deliverance! Etc.
So given this Biblical criteria, how many Apostolics are Holy Spirit led? How many church meetings are Holy Spirit led? How many church meetings are boring?
Some of my websites:
http://www.freewebs.com/bibleteach/
http://www.freewebs.com/acseminary/
http://www.freewebs.com/marriagehelp/
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Prayer Requests
Hello All!
If you are led to pray for me:
Yesterday attending the 3 meetings in a Mormon church. I need to write a Biblical manual on Mormons for the seminaries overseas. What they believe, how to witness to them, what kind of people they reach, etc. Will put some of the info on the new website I am writing.
This fall in Nigeria, Brother Dave's Azusa Charismatic Seminary students will be completing their Master of Theology degrees. They need another 6 Biblical manuals. These manuals need finishing touches before they are sent. Some need a lot of work.
A local class on the Biblical languages is being formed. May the Holy Spirit do the gathering of students.
Those needing marital help contact me. Seminary teachers from overseas contact me for doctrinal teaching. Pastors located in the USA contact me for help. Prayer request: that proper instruction (guidance) is given to all!
Etc., Etc., Etc. If you know how to pray in the Spirit please do!
Thank you for praying!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
If you are led to pray for me:
Yesterday attending the 3 meetings in a Mormon church. I need to write a Biblical manual on Mormons for the seminaries overseas. What they believe, how to witness to them, what kind of people they reach, etc. Will put some of the info on the new website I am writing.
This fall in Nigeria, Brother Dave's Azusa Charismatic Seminary students will be completing their Master of Theology degrees. They need another 6 Biblical manuals. These manuals need finishing touches before they are sent. Some need a lot of work.
A local class on the Biblical languages is being formed. May the Holy Spirit do the gathering of students.
Those needing marital help contact me. Seminary teachers from overseas contact me for doctrinal teaching. Pastors located in the USA contact me for help. Prayer request: that proper instruction (guidance) is given to all!
Etc., Etc., Etc. If you know how to pray in the Spirit please do!
Thank you for praying!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Why MY Important Biblical Studies are NOT on the Internet
Many have asked me why I haven't placed all of my 30 plus books and 500 plus Biblical studies on the internet.
The answer is - the Holy Spirit has told me to guard these pearls. Jesus gives truth to those He selects. He directs me as to what I place on the internet, and which manuals I should send to the seminaries overseas, etc. He is the boss.
Non-charismatics are constantly looking for new Biblical information. They do not have the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so they don't normally receive direct revelation. They must get it from us Charismatics/Pentecostals!
Most who have the baptism of the Holy Spirit have no idea of how to be led of the Spirit (walk in the Spirit) or how to receive direct revelation! They may think they know, but they really don't.
The Holy Bible is a Book of absolutes! Not maybe this is truth or maybe that is truth????
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
The answer is - the Holy Spirit has told me to guard these pearls. Jesus gives truth to those He selects. He directs me as to what I place on the internet, and which manuals I should send to the seminaries overseas, etc. He is the boss.
Non-charismatics are constantly looking for new Biblical information. They do not have the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so they don't normally receive direct revelation. They must get it from us Charismatics/Pentecostals!
Most who have the baptism of the Holy Spirit have no idea of how to be led of the Spirit (walk in the Spirit) or how to receive direct revelation! They may think they know, but they really don't.
The Holy Bible is a Book of absolutes! Not maybe this is truth or maybe that is truth????
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Birth Control
Hello All!
There is a new Biblical study added to Azusa Charismatic Seminary's website on 'Birth Control'.
http://www.freewebs.com/acseminary/birthcontrol.htm
It still needs some work, but it is a start.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
There is a new Biblical study added to Azusa Charismatic Seminary's website on 'Birth Control'.
http://www.freewebs.com/acseminary/birthcontrol.htm
It still needs some work, but it is a start.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Separation from False Doctrine
Separation from a Brother Who is Teaching False Doctrines
I had put subject titles and website addresses for a ministry dealing with the plurality of elders on my websites. That particular Brother is involved in false doctrines, namely ‘annihilation of the wicked’ and ‘the post tribulation rapture’. Doctrines which may result in people ending in Hell, eventually the Lake of fire.
A different Brother saw the plurality of elders ministry information on my website. He thought I agreed with the ‘annihilation of the wicked’ teaching. The ‘annihilation of the wicked’ is a doctrine taught by the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists. Soul sleep is taught by the Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, etc. Many believe these 'doctrines of devils'! Why not Apostolics?
Weeks ago, I sent a study on ‘soul sleep’, ‘annihilation of the wicked’, etc. to the first Brother. After not receiving a response, I emailed him. Greek philosophers are not a part of Biblical theology that is not a valid defense. My study is based on the Holy Bible only!
http://www.freewebs.com/bibleteach/lifeafterdeath.htm
‘Annihilation of the Wicked’
The people of today must be warned that they face eternal damnation, if they reject Jesus! This eternal damnation involves suffering! To teach that eternal damnation is not Biblical is deceiving people! I will not have the blood of anyone on me, because I sent people to a website where their soul may come into jeopardy. The danger is too great that someone maybe deceived by this Brother.
‘The Post Tribulation Rapture'
What is the problem with a post trib rapture? Is it Biblical? Yes, it is Biblical. But, who is teaching both a pre trib rapture and a post trib rapture.
When one teaches only a post trib rapture, the believers believe for that rapture. When the pre trib rapture takes place they won’t be raptured; they didn’t believe in it. Faith is required for healing. Faith is required to be raptured.
Will a Christian make it through the tribulation period? Some will, but some will take the mark and follow the anti-christ. Those who take the mark will be given eternal punishment. I will not have the blood of anyone on me, because I sent people to a website where their soul may come into jeopardy. The danger is too great that someone maybe deceived by this Brother.
Why are Apostolics falling for false doctrines? ‘Preterism’ and ‘Jesus died spiritually’ (taught by Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, etc.), are other false doctrines being adopted by some Apostolics. Why? Who is protecting the flocks? Why is the devil allowed to make such inroads into the believer’s mind?
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
I had put subject titles and website addresses for a ministry dealing with the plurality of elders on my websites. That particular Brother is involved in false doctrines, namely ‘annihilation of the wicked’ and ‘the post tribulation rapture’. Doctrines which may result in people ending in Hell, eventually the Lake of fire.
A different Brother saw the plurality of elders ministry information on my website. He thought I agreed with the ‘annihilation of the wicked’ teaching. The ‘annihilation of the wicked’ is a doctrine taught by the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists. Soul sleep is taught by the Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, etc. Many believe these 'doctrines of devils'! Why not Apostolics?
Weeks ago, I sent a study on ‘soul sleep’, ‘annihilation of the wicked’, etc. to the first Brother. After not receiving a response, I emailed him. Greek philosophers are not a part of Biblical theology that is not a valid defense. My study is based on the Holy Bible only!
http://www.freewebs.com/bibleteach/lifeafterdeath.htm
‘Annihilation of the Wicked’
The people of today must be warned that they face eternal damnation, if they reject Jesus! This eternal damnation involves suffering! To teach that eternal damnation is not Biblical is deceiving people! I will not have the blood of anyone on me, because I sent people to a website where their soul may come into jeopardy. The danger is too great that someone maybe deceived by this Brother.
‘The Post Tribulation Rapture'
What is the problem with a post trib rapture? Is it Biblical? Yes, it is Biblical. But, who is teaching both a pre trib rapture and a post trib rapture.
When one teaches only a post trib rapture, the believers believe for that rapture. When the pre trib rapture takes place they won’t be raptured; they didn’t believe in it. Faith is required for healing. Faith is required to be raptured.
Will a Christian make it through the tribulation period? Some will, but some will take the mark and follow the anti-christ. Those who take the mark will be given eternal punishment. I will not have the blood of anyone on me, because I sent people to a website where their soul may come into jeopardy. The danger is too great that someone maybe deceived by this Brother.
Why are Apostolics falling for false doctrines? ‘Preterism’ and ‘Jesus died spiritually’ (taught by Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, etc.), are other false doctrines being adopted by some Apostolics. Why? Who is protecting the flocks? Why is the devil allowed to make such inroads into the believer’s mind?
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Monday, June 18, 2007
Hamas Turns on Gaza Christians
Having vanquished their rivals in Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement, Gaza-based Hamas gunmen are now turning their attention to the area's small Christian communities.
On Sunday a group of militants stormed the Latin Church and the adjacent Rosary Sisters School in Gaza City.
Father Manuel Musalam, leader of the small Latin community in Gaza, told The Jerusalem Post that the Muslim gunmen used rocket-propeled grenades (RPGs) to blow through the doors of the church and school, before burning Bibles and destroying every cross they could get their hands on.
Leaders of Gaza's even smaller Evangelical Christian community who spoke to Israel Today earlier this month expressed similar concern over their situation, but said they were determined to remain in the volatile Strip to fulfill God's Will there.
To receive free news from Israel get 'Israel Today'
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/Default.aspx?tabid=86
"But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all." Galatians 4:26
Jerusalem is your spiritual Mom. Get news from home, spiritual home.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
On Sunday a group of militants stormed the Latin Church and the adjacent Rosary Sisters School in Gaza City.
Father Manuel Musalam, leader of the small Latin community in Gaza, told The Jerusalem Post that the Muslim gunmen used rocket-propeled grenades (RPGs) to blow through the doors of the church and school, before burning Bibles and destroying every cross they could get their hands on.
Leaders of Gaza's even smaller Evangelical Christian community who spoke to Israel Today earlier this month expressed similar concern over their situation, but said they were determined to remain in the volatile Strip to fulfill God's Will there.
To receive free news from Israel get 'Israel Today'
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/Default.aspx?tabid=86
"But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all." Galatians 4:26
Jerusalem is your spiritual Mom. Get news from home, spiritual home.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Moslems at the Twin Towers
Our son Greg has just returned from a business trip to New York City. While there he took a city tour. One of the stops was the empty space once occupied by the Twin Towers.
With a city permit and police protections were Moslem demonstrators. Their message to Amercians is to convert to Islam before we kill the rest of you!
Greg said the people listening to the Moslem's chant were an emotional group. Having remembered the scenes on TV, some having lost loved ones, etc. Now the enemy is in their face threatening to kill again! Even kill them!
But, this is America!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
With a city permit and police protections were Moslem demonstrators. Their message to Amercians is to convert to Islam before we kill the rest of you!
Greg said the people listening to the Moslem's chant were an emotional group. Having remembered the scenes on TV, some having lost loved ones, etc. Now the enemy is in their face threatening to kill again! Even kill them!
But, this is America!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Single + Dating = Married
There seem to be many Christian singles.
Many wish to be married but aren’t!
What is the solution?
How does a person find or get a spouse?
To send a lady/lamb among wolves to find a husband seems to be impractical and dangerous!
I prayed about this dilemma. This is I believe what the Holy Spirit gave me for an answer.
In the New Covenant not much is mentioned about how to find a spouse. Why? The Old Covenant explained how Jehovah was involved in providing a spouse.
Can Old Covenant teaching be used while under the New Covenant? Let’s take Abraham finding a spouse for Isaac. Did he send Isaac out to find a lady to marry? No. Abraham sent a trusted servant to find a spouse. Was Jehovah involved in this matchmaking? Yes. Did Jehovah set-up the events for His choice? Yes. Genesis 24
Did the marriage work? Yes. Why? Because, Jehovah was behind the matchmaking.
How could this work today?
If a Christian was ready and Biblically qualified to take a mate, they would ask their dad/mom to help them find a mate. What should dad/mom do? Talk with the elder(s) of their church. Get his/her/their help. Is there someone they would recommend in the church? Maybe the answer is no. Next, with the elder’s guidance contact the elder(s) of other churches. Of course all involved should be praying for Jesus’ guidance. A prospect maybe found, but the ultimate choice rests with the single.
Since most Apostolics have no idea how to be led of the Holy Spirit, this way may not totally work. Abraham didn’t have the baptism of the Holy Spirit as today’s Christian. Jesus expects us to be led by Him, but most don’t know how to be led by Him.
You may respond as a single by saying or thinking, ‘I will find my own mate!’; ‘I don’t think my parent's choice would be my choice!’ Looking at the divorce rate among Apostolics, something must be done to correct that problem! An Apostolic making their own personal choice independent of their parents and elder(s) may not be the perfect way. There is wisdom in counsel.
* Elders - Explaination: http://www.freewebs.com/bibleteach/churchleadership.htm
As a candidate for marriage, you will be measured on:
Spiritual condition
Do you attend the church meetings, but make three trips to the restroom out of boredom? Sure, most Apostolic churches are not Spirit led, so they are very boring, but you are expected to look spiritual, anyway.
Ladies seem to want a husband who knows the Bible better than them.
Physical condition
Over weight, under weight
Body odor – You do not want someone saying you take a bath every other month, and obviously this is not the month you take a bath!
Teeth – clean or unclean, some say floss then brush then floss again.
Hair – greasy, unkept, etc.
Politeness
Men, do you open the doors, walk on the street side of a sidewalk? Help her with her chair? Help her with her coat? Etc.Ladies do you let a man help you as the cared for female? Or, do you take care of yourself?
Talk
Are you a chainsaw talker? You cut through everyone you know?
Are you a non-stop talker? I met one the other day. After about 3 hours, I got in half a story. Then she cut me off to talk for another hour.
Are you the silent type? They are considered boring.
Good job vs. Bad job
Working hard and smart is a good testimony.
I remember managing 5 restaurants. I would tell all my staffs that I worked harder than all of them, so they would try to out work me. We need to try to be the best at what we do. My son wanted a job in the Detroit area where these restaurants were. I called the owner. Told him my son needed a job. His answer was ‘when can he start?’ My son now had to live up to my testimony which he did.
Factory jobs in the USA may be very unstable. Factories here in the north are closing, regularly. Is education the solution?
Measure yourself before you go out.
Most people’s favorite topic is ‘I’. What is your favorite topic?
Will you act like Jesus? What would Jesus do/say? 1 Peter 2:21
Measuring after the time out
After your time together, do you think you went out with Jesus or Judas Iscariot?
Did you go out with ‘the builder of the brethren’ or ‘Satan the accuser of the brethren’?
Did your new friend think he/she went out with Jesus or Judas Iscariot?Did your new friend think he/she went out with ‘the builder of the brethren’ or ‘Satan the accuser of the brethren’?
Changing your mate’s problem area(s) or getting your mate into salvation.
Some think they will change their mate after marriage. They may think, ‘I took psychology in high school/college; I will change him/her after marriage’. I have never met anyone who changed their spouse. A person either wants to change or not. Once they want to change that change may only be possible through God’s help.
Mate hunting
Apostolic single cruises and tours
An Apostolic single lady friend says she has been on many Apostolic cruises. She reports that every time there are about 1 guy to 7 gals, great if you are a guy looking for a gal! She says Apostolic tours are the same.
Many contact me looking for a spouse or with marital problems.
www.freewebs.com/marriagehelp
I can’t personally help you find a mate.
My website does offer Biblical helps for singles.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Many wish to be married but aren’t!
What is the solution?
How does a person find or get a spouse?
To send a lady/lamb among wolves to find a husband seems to be impractical and dangerous!
I prayed about this dilemma. This is I believe what the Holy Spirit gave me for an answer.
In the New Covenant not much is mentioned about how to find a spouse. Why? The Old Covenant explained how Jehovah was involved in providing a spouse.
Can Old Covenant teaching be used while under the New Covenant? Let’s take Abraham finding a spouse for Isaac. Did he send Isaac out to find a lady to marry? No. Abraham sent a trusted servant to find a spouse. Was Jehovah involved in this matchmaking? Yes. Did Jehovah set-up the events for His choice? Yes. Genesis 24
Did the marriage work? Yes. Why? Because, Jehovah was behind the matchmaking.
How could this work today?
If a Christian was ready and Biblically qualified to take a mate, they would ask their dad/mom to help them find a mate. What should dad/mom do? Talk with the elder(s) of their church. Get his/her/their help. Is there someone they would recommend in the church? Maybe the answer is no. Next, with the elder’s guidance contact the elder(s) of other churches. Of course all involved should be praying for Jesus’ guidance. A prospect maybe found, but the ultimate choice rests with the single.
Since most Apostolics have no idea how to be led of the Holy Spirit, this way may not totally work. Abraham didn’t have the baptism of the Holy Spirit as today’s Christian. Jesus expects us to be led by Him, but most don’t know how to be led by Him.
You may respond as a single by saying or thinking, ‘I will find my own mate!’; ‘I don’t think my parent's choice would be my choice!’ Looking at the divorce rate among Apostolics, something must be done to correct that problem! An Apostolic making their own personal choice independent of their parents and elder(s) may not be the perfect way. There is wisdom in counsel.
* Elders - Explaination: http://www.freewebs.com/bibleteach/churchleadership.htm
As a candidate for marriage, you will be measured on:
Spiritual condition
Do you attend the church meetings, but make three trips to the restroom out of boredom? Sure, most Apostolic churches are not Spirit led, so they are very boring, but you are expected to look spiritual, anyway.
Ladies seem to want a husband who knows the Bible better than them.
Physical condition
Over weight, under weight
Body odor – You do not want someone saying you take a bath every other month, and obviously this is not the month you take a bath!
Teeth – clean or unclean, some say floss then brush then floss again.
Hair – greasy, unkept, etc.
Politeness
Men, do you open the doors, walk on the street side of a sidewalk? Help her with her chair? Help her with her coat? Etc.Ladies do you let a man help you as the cared for female? Or, do you take care of yourself?
Talk
Are you a chainsaw talker? You cut through everyone you know?
Are you a non-stop talker? I met one the other day. After about 3 hours, I got in half a story. Then she cut me off to talk for another hour.
Are you the silent type? They are considered boring.
Good job vs. Bad job
Working hard and smart is a good testimony.
I remember managing 5 restaurants. I would tell all my staffs that I worked harder than all of them, so they would try to out work me. We need to try to be the best at what we do. My son wanted a job in the Detroit area where these restaurants were. I called the owner. Told him my son needed a job. His answer was ‘when can he start?’ My son now had to live up to my testimony which he did.
Factory jobs in the USA may be very unstable. Factories here in the north are closing, regularly. Is education the solution?
Measure yourself before you go out.
Most people’s favorite topic is ‘I’. What is your favorite topic?
Will you act like Jesus? What would Jesus do/say? 1 Peter 2:21
Measuring after the time out
After your time together, do you think you went out with Jesus or Judas Iscariot?
Did you go out with ‘the builder of the brethren’ or ‘Satan the accuser of the brethren’?
Did your new friend think he/she went out with Jesus or Judas Iscariot?Did your new friend think he/she went out with ‘the builder of the brethren’ or ‘Satan the accuser of the brethren’?
Changing your mate’s problem area(s) or getting your mate into salvation.
Some think they will change their mate after marriage. They may think, ‘I took psychology in high school/college; I will change him/her after marriage’. I have never met anyone who changed their spouse. A person either wants to change or not. Once they want to change that change may only be possible through God’s help.
Mate hunting
Apostolic single cruises and tours
An Apostolic single lady friend says she has been on many Apostolic cruises. She reports that every time there are about 1 guy to 7 gals, great if you are a guy looking for a gal! She says Apostolic tours are the same.
Many contact me looking for a spouse or with marital problems.
www.freewebs.com/marriagehelp
I can’t personally help you find a mate.
My website does offer Biblical helps for singles.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Word ‘being’ in Philippians 2:6
There are at least three ways to determine the meaning of the word ‘being’ in Philippians 2:6. The best and most accurate way would be to compare this Greek present tense participle with its other uses in the Greek New Covenant. Another way is to use what some may consider scholarly sources to prove the proper use of the word ‘being’ in Philippians 2:6.
This study uses two lexicons and three Greek grammars.
The Holy Spirit should be asked for the truth before starting! Typically, the Holy Spirit tells me the truth before He gives me the supporting verses.
Scriptures
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Philippians 2:6
Php 2:6ος Who 3739 R-NSM εν in 1722 PREP μορφη the form 3444 N-DSF θεου of God 2316 N-GSM υπαρχων being 5225 V-PAP-NSM Present, Nominative, Singular, Masculine, Participle ουχ it not 3756 PRT-N αρπαγμον robbery 725 N-ASM ηγησατο thought 2233 V-ADI-3S 3rd Person, Singular, 1 Aorist, Indicative το 3588 T-ASN ειναι to be 1511 V-PXN Present, Infinitive ισα equal 2470 A-NPN θεω with God. 2316 N-DSM“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,” Acts 7:55
Please notice that in Philippians 2:6 ‘υπαρχων‘ is the same word as in Acts 7:55, did Stephen always have the Holy Ghost? No. At some point Stephen became Holy Ghost baptized. The word ‘being’ in Greek does not mean’ being forever - eternally’. Meaning – ‘υπαρχων’ cannot be used to show the eternal sonship of Jesus. Jesus at his conception was God in flesh. Obviously, Jesus as the Son of God (humanity) did not exist until His conception. God’s name in the Old Covenant is ‘Jehovah’. God’s name in the New Covenant is ‘Jesus’. God is eternal; Jesus’ sonship is not eternal.
Act 7:55 υπαρχων he being 5225 V-PAP-NSM δε But 1161 CONJ πληρης full 4134 A-NSM πνευματος Ghost 4151 N-GSN αγιου of the Holy 40 A-GSN ατενισας looked up steadfastly 816 V-AAP-NSM εις into 1519 PREP τον 3588 T-ASM ουρανον heaven 3772 N-ASM ειδεν and saw 1492 V-2AAI-3S δοξαν the glory 1391 N-ASF θεου of God 2316 N-GSM και and 2532 CONJ ιησουν Jesus 2424 N-ASM εστωτα standing 2476 V-RAP-ASM εκ on 1537 PREP δεξιων the right hand 1188 A-GPM του . 3588 T-GSM θεου of God 2316 N-GSM
“For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.” 2 Corinthians 8:17 At what point did he become ‘forward’?
Greek Lexicons
ὑπάρχω huparchō
Thayer Definition:
1) to begin below, to make a beginning1a) to begin2) to come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand3) to bePart of Speech: verbA Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G5259 and G756G5225 ὑπάρχω huparchō
Strong’s Definition:
hoop-ar'-kho From G5259 and G756; to begin under (quietly), that is, come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, participle, adverb or preposition, or as auxilliary to principal verb): - after behave, live.
Greek Grammars
‘The present participle indicates action which is contemporaneous with the action of the main verb.”Essentials of New Testament Greek, Ray Summers, p. 90
“The tense of the participle is relative to the time of the leading verb. The present participle, therefore, is used if the action denoted by the participle is represented as taking place at the same time as the action denoted by the leading verb, no matter whether the action denoted by the leading verb is past, present, or future.”New Testament Greek for Beginners, J. Gresham Machen, P. 105-106
“There is no time significance to a participle;” P. 245
“Most grammars use the term ‘present’ participle because this participle is built on the present tense stem of the verb. This nomenclature is helpful in learning the form of the participle. However, it tends to do a serious disservice because the student may infer that the present participle describes an action occurring in the present time, which it may not. It describes a continuous action. Because the participle is not in the indicative, there is no time significance to the participle. We suggest adopting the terminology ‘continuous participle’ because it rightly emphasizes the true significance of the participle that is built on the present tense stem: its aspect.” P.247
“Relative Time. There is an important distinction between absolute and relative time. An indicative verb indicates absolute time. For example, if a indicative verb is present tense, then it usually indicates an action occurring in the present. If the Greek participle indicated absolute time, then the present participle would indicate an action occurring in the present.However, the Greek participle does not indicate absolute time. It indicates relative time. This means that the time of the participle is relative to the time of the main verb. The present participle describes an action occurring at the same time as the main verb.” P. 255
Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, William D. Mounce
Boldness is added.
The grammars are teaching the following:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Philippians 2:6Php 2:6ος Who 3739 R-NSM εν in 1722 PREP μορφη the form 3444 N-DSF θεου of God 2316 N-GSMυπαρχων being 5225 V-PAP-NSM Present, Nominative, Singular, Masculine, Participle ουχ it not 3756 PRT-N αρπαγμον robbery 725 N-ASMηγησατο thought 2233 V-ADI-3S 3rd Person, Singular, 1 Aorist, Indicative το 3588 T-ASN ειναι to be 1511 V-PXN Present, Infinitive ισα equal 2470 A-NPN θεω with God. 2316 N-DSMSince ‘ηγησατο’ is the main verb, one must base the time structure on its tense. It is a 1st Aorist verb. So, at a certain point in the past ‘Christ Jesus … thought it not robbery to be equal with God’.
Eternal sonship is not taught in this verse. Anyone can come along and try to prove the doctrine of the trinity or eternal sonship using this verse, but they would obviously be wrong. Jesus the Christ equals God, clearly here in Scripture! Jesus is God!
Conclusion
The word ‘being’ must be understood based on the Greek structures of the verse not a doctrine. The context of Philippians 2:6 is Jesus thinking since His time in the flesh, not before. Eternal sonship is definitely not taught here. The Biblical truth is Jesus’ physical sonship started at His conception. The fact is Jesus is God! More could be written!
In Jesus,
BroBruce
This study uses two lexicons and three Greek grammars.
The Holy Spirit should be asked for the truth before starting! Typically, the Holy Spirit tells me the truth before He gives me the supporting verses.
Scriptures
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Philippians 2:6
Php 2:6ος Who 3739 R-NSM εν in 1722 PREP μορφη the form 3444 N-DSF θεου of God 2316 N-GSM υπαρχων being 5225 V-PAP-NSM Present, Nominative, Singular, Masculine, Participle ουχ it not 3756 PRT-N αρπαγμον robbery 725 N-ASM ηγησατο thought 2233 V-ADI-3S 3rd Person, Singular, 1 Aorist, Indicative το 3588 T-ASN ειναι to be 1511 V-PXN Present, Infinitive ισα equal 2470 A-NPN θεω with God. 2316 N-DSM“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,” Acts 7:55
Please notice that in Philippians 2:6 ‘υπαρχων‘ is the same word as in Acts 7:55, did Stephen always have the Holy Ghost? No. At some point Stephen became Holy Ghost baptized. The word ‘being’ in Greek does not mean’ being forever - eternally’. Meaning – ‘υπαρχων’ cannot be used to show the eternal sonship of Jesus. Jesus at his conception was God in flesh. Obviously, Jesus as the Son of God (humanity) did not exist until His conception. God’s name in the Old Covenant is ‘Jehovah’. God’s name in the New Covenant is ‘Jesus’. God is eternal; Jesus’ sonship is not eternal.
Act 7:55 υπαρχων he being 5225 V-PAP-NSM δε But 1161 CONJ πληρης full 4134 A-NSM πνευματος Ghost 4151 N-GSN αγιου of the Holy 40 A-GSN ατενισας looked up steadfastly 816 V-AAP-NSM εις into 1519 PREP τον 3588 T-ASM ουρανον heaven 3772 N-ASM ειδεν and saw 1492 V-2AAI-3S δοξαν the glory 1391 N-ASF θεου of God 2316 N-GSM και and 2532 CONJ ιησουν Jesus 2424 N-ASM εστωτα standing 2476 V-RAP-ASM εκ on 1537 PREP δεξιων the right hand 1188 A-GPM του . 3588 T-GSM θεου of God 2316 N-GSM
“For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.” 2 Corinthians 8:17 At what point did he become ‘forward’?
Greek Lexicons
ὑπάρχω huparchō
Thayer Definition:
1) to begin below, to make a beginning1a) to begin2) to come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand3) to bePart of Speech: verbA Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G5259 and G756G5225 ὑπάρχω huparchō
Strong’s Definition:
hoop-ar'-kho From G5259 and G756; to begin under (quietly), that is, come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, participle, adverb or preposition, or as auxilliary to principal verb): - after behave, live.
Greek Grammars
‘The present participle indicates action which is contemporaneous with the action of the main verb.”Essentials of New Testament Greek, Ray Summers, p. 90
“The tense of the participle is relative to the time of the leading verb. The present participle, therefore, is used if the action denoted by the participle is represented as taking place at the same time as the action denoted by the leading verb, no matter whether the action denoted by the leading verb is past, present, or future.”New Testament Greek for Beginners, J. Gresham Machen, P. 105-106
“There is no time significance to a participle;” P. 245
“Most grammars use the term ‘present’ participle because this participle is built on the present tense stem of the verb. This nomenclature is helpful in learning the form of the participle. However, it tends to do a serious disservice because the student may infer that the present participle describes an action occurring in the present time, which it may not. It describes a continuous action. Because the participle is not in the indicative, there is no time significance to the participle. We suggest adopting the terminology ‘continuous participle’ because it rightly emphasizes the true significance of the participle that is built on the present tense stem: its aspect.” P.247
“Relative Time. There is an important distinction between absolute and relative time. An indicative verb indicates absolute time. For example, if a indicative verb is present tense, then it usually indicates an action occurring in the present. If the Greek participle indicated absolute time, then the present participle would indicate an action occurring in the present.However, the Greek participle does not indicate absolute time. It indicates relative time. This means that the time of the participle is relative to the time of the main verb. The present participle describes an action occurring at the same time as the main verb.” P. 255
Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, William D. Mounce
Boldness is added.
The grammars are teaching the following:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Philippians 2:6Php 2:6ος Who 3739 R-NSM εν in 1722 PREP μορφη the form 3444 N-DSF θεου of God 2316 N-GSMυπαρχων being 5225 V-PAP-NSM Present, Nominative, Singular, Masculine, Participle ουχ it not 3756 PRT-N αρπαγμον robbery 725 N-ASMηγησατο thought 2233 V-ADI-3S 3rd Person, Singular, 1 Aorist, Indicative το 3588 T-ASN ειναι to be 1511 V-PXN Present, Infinitive ισα equal 2470 A-NPN θεω with God. 2316 N-DSMSince ‘ηγησατο’ is the main verb, one must base the time structure on its tense. It is a 1st Aorist verb. So, at a certain point in the past ‘Christ Jesus … thought it not robbery to be equal with God’.
Eternal sonship is not taught in this verse. Anyone can come along and try to prove the doctrine of the trinity or eternal sonship using this verse, but they would obviously be wrong. Jesus the Christ equals God, clearly here in Scripture! Jesus is God!
Conclusion
The word ‘being’ must be understood based on the Greek structures of the verse not a doctrine. The context of Philippians 2:6 is Jesus thinking since His time in the flesh, not before. Eternal sonship is definitely not taught here. The Biblical truth is Jesus’ physical sonship started at His conception. The fact is Jesus is God! More could be written!
In Jesus,
BroBruce
Jesus as God vs. Jesus as the Son of God
Jesus is eternally God. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is not eternal AS the Son of God. The Son of God had a birthday.
Many try to prove their doctrinal statements which include:
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit
God in three persons blessed trinity.
A point:
‘God the Son’ is never mentioned in Scripture! Why? Because ‘God the Son’ would show that God is eternally a ‘Son’ which He is not.
A challenge:
Did Father walk as a person on earth?
Did the Holy Spirit walk on earth?
Did Jesus walk on earth?Which is the only person?
Obviously not three persons! Manmade traditions don’t need to be right; they are just believed.
Many try to pervert Jesus! Just like devil tried to deceive Adam and Eve, 2 Corinthians 11:3.
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4
Verses to show that God would have a Son, FUTURE.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
The Eternality of Jesus"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. {59} Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." John 8:58-59
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2
Did Jesus exist before the foundation of the world? YES
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." John 17:5
"With the glory which I had with thee before the world was."John 17:24
"Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." John 1:1-5
"All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.(v.3)"John 1:2,14;8:58;17:5; Revelation 1:8,17,18
Is God a created being? NO! Why was God placed in a human body? Why have a ‘Son of God’?
To reveal God to humans John 1:18
To set an example for believers 1 Peter 2:21
To provide a perfect sacrifice for sin Hebrews 10:1-10
To destroy the works of the devil (undue Satan’s works 1 John 3:8
To enable Him to be our High Priest Hebrews 5:1-2
To fulfill prophecy Job 19:25
To heal sickness and overcome infirmities 1 Peter 2:24
To show God's glory Luke 18:18
To be a miracle worker in the flesh Acts 10:38
To be our friend John 15:15
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
Conclusion
At birth, Jesus was both 100% God and 100% man. At times He responded from His deity, and at other times He responded from His humanity.
Jesus as a Son – humanity. This is the start of Jesus’ sonship
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Galatians 4:4
Jesus is the Godhead.
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:10
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Many try to prove their doctrinal statements which include:
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit
God in three persons blessed trinity.
A point:
‘God the Son’ is never mentioned in Scripture! Why? Because ‘God the Son’ would show that God is eternally a ‘Son’ which He is not.
A challenge:
Did Father walk as a person on earth?
Did the Holy Spirit walk on earth?
Did Jesus walk on earth?Which is the only person?
Obviously not three persons! Manmade traditions don’t need to be right; they are just believed.
Many try to pervert Jesus! Just like devil tried to deceive Adam and Eve, 2 Corinthians 11:3.
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4
Verses to show that God would have a Son, FUTURE.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
The Eternality of Jesus"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. {59} Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." John 8:58-59
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2
Did Jesus exist before the foundation of the world? YES
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." John 17:5
"With the glory which I had with thee before the world was."John 17:24
"Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." John 1:1-5
"All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.(v.3)"John 1:2,14;8:58;17:5; Revelation 1:8,17,18
Is God a created being? NO! Why was God placed in a human body? Why have a ‘Son of God’?
To reveal God to humans John 1:18
To set an example for believers 1 Peter 2:21
To provide a perfect sacrifice for sin Hebrews 10:1-10
To destroy the works of the devil (undue Satan’s works 1 John 3:8
To enable Him to be our High Priest Hebrews 5:1-2
To fulfill prophecy Job 19:25
To heal sickness and overcome infirmities 1 Peter 2:24
To show God's glory Luke 18:18
To be a miracle worker in the flesh Acts 10:38
To be our friend John 15:15
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
Conclusion
At birth, Jesus was both 100% God and 100% man. At times He responded from His deity, and at other times He responded from His humanity.
Jesus as a Son – humanity. This is the start of Jesus’ sonship
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Galatians 4:4
Jesus is the Godhead.
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:10
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Where Do Your Thoughts Come From?
Christians must have holy thoughts! Are your thoughts always acceptable to God?
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Your thoughts come from basically 4 areas:
1. Yourself
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.” Psalms 10:4
“The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.” Psalm 94:11
“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Psalm 119:59
“SAMECH. I hate [vain] thoughts: but thy law do I love.” Psalm 119:113
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” Psalm 139:23
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21
“The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.” Proverbs 21:5
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.” Proverbs 23:7
“The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.” Proverbs 24:9 “If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.” Proverbs 30:32
“I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;” Isaiah.65:2
“O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” Jeremiah 4:14
“Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, [even] the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” Jeremiah 6:19 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34
“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” Matthew 9:4 “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Mark 7:21) Matthew 15:19
“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.” Acts 8:22
“Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another” Romans 2:15
“And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” 1 Corinthians 3:20 “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 1 Corinthians 10:5
“For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James 2:4
2. Others The World - People - TV - Radio - Movies – Friends – Etc.
“Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15-16
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:3
“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1 John 4:5
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.” 1 John 5:4
“[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 1:7
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9
3. Demon(s) / Satan
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
“Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.” Psalm 56:5
“The thoughts of the righteous [are] right: [but] the counsels of the wicked [are] deceit.” Proverbs 12:5
“The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26
False prophets Jeremiah 28, False pastors John 10, False Evangelists, False Teachers, False Apostles
4. God
“For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Conclusion
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
If you have a thought you know you should not be thinking, come against it. If you think a demon is putting the thought there, come against the demon/Satan using Jesus as your authority. Example: ‘In the name of Jesus I command you demon/Satan to not put thoughts into my mind or to bother me. You are to stay away from me in the name of Jesus!’ Satan tempted Jesus; he maybe tempting you. If your friend(s) is saying things that are causing you to have bad thoughts, explain the problem to your friend(s). Friends do play a big part in our thought life. Please be careful what you read or listen to. Ask Jesus what you should do in all situations.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Your thoughts come from basically 4 areas:
1. Yourself
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.” Psalms 10:4
“The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.” Psalm 94:11
“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Psalm 119:59
“SAMECH. I hate [vain] thoughts: but thy law do I love.” Psalm 119:113
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” Psalm 139:23
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21
“The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.” Proverbs 21:5
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.” Proverbs 23:7
“The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.” Proverbs 24:9 “If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.” Proverbs 30:32
“I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;” Isaiah.65:2
“O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” Jeremiah 4:14
“Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, [even] the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” Jeremiah 6:19 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34
“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” Matthew 9:4 “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Mark 7:21) Matthew 15:19
“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.” Acts 8:22
“Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another” Romans 2:15
“And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” 1 Corinthians 3:20 “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 1 Corinthians 10:5
“For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James 2:4
2. Others The World - People - TV - Radio - Movies – Friends – Etc.
“Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15-16
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:3
“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1 John 4:5
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.” 1 John 5:4
“[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 1:7
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9
3. Demon(s) / Satan
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
“Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.” Psalm 56:5
“The thoughts of the righteous [are] right: [but] the counsels of the wicked [are] deceit.” Proverbs 12:5
“The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26
False prophets Jeremiah 28, False pastors John 10, False Evangelists, False Teachers, False Apostles
4. God
“For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Conclusion
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
If you have a thought you know you should not be thinking, come against it. If you think a demon is putting the thought there, come against the demon/Satan using Jesus as your authority. Example: ‘In the name of Jesus I command you demon/Satan to not put thoughts into my mind or to bother me. You are to stay away from me in the name of Jesus!’ Satan tempted Jesus; he maybe tempting you. If your friend(s) is saying things that are causing you to have bad thoughts, explain the problem to your friend(s). Friends do play a big part in our thought life. Please be careful what you read or listen to. Ask Jesus what you should do in all situations.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Demon Busting
Thursday, Mar 9, 2006
Hello Friends,
Yesterday evening at our Church's Wednesday evening Bible study which I teach, a friend having had demons for a long time needed them cast out. Having gotten his permission, I commanded the gate keeper to manifest by telling me his name. He gave his name as 'Jacho'. He was asked 'what does your name mean?' He said it means 'hatred'. Having asked a few more important questions and a little more dialogue, I cast out fifteen demons by Jesus' authority. My friend was a different person after the demons left. He now speaks in two different tongues, one of which he can interpret, and he is seeing God-given visions. I was teaching on how one can increase his/her faith, James 2:22 etc. This work of Jesus increased everyone's faith during the Bible study. Praise you Jesus!!!!!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
PS. If you need help with demons, please email me. Bibleteach@hotmail.com
Hello Friends,
Yesterday evening at our Church's Wednesday evening Bible study which I teach, a friend having had demons for a long time needed them cast out. Having gotten his permission, I commanded the gate keeper to manifest by telling me his name. He gave his name as 'Jacho'. He was asked 'what does your name mean?' He said it means 'hatred'. Having asked a few more important questions and a little more dialogue, I cast out fifteen demons by Jesus' authority. My friend was a different person after the demons left. He now speaks in two different tongues, one of which he can interpret, and he is seeing God-given visions. I was teaching on how one can increase his/her faith, James 2:22 etc. This work of Jesus increased everyone's faith during the Bible study. Praise you Jesus!!!!!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
PS. If you need help with demons, please email me. Bibleteach@hotmail.com
One of My Spiritual Warfare Testimonies
Friday, Apr 14, 2006
Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Some years back, while living in Minneapolis, MN. Had joined a coffehouse ministry. Was to be a security guard, but after the first night the leadership saw that Jesus wanted me to be a counselor. I was their only counselor. The power of Jesus was like this: I would walk in and sit down in a booth. People would walk into the coffeehouse and line-up to speak with me. There wasn't a sign. Very few people knew me, but each time there would counsel for 4 hours straight. One time my voice was beginning to fade. I ignored the problem. My voice got to the point that I could not talk. Finally realizing it was a demonic attack went to the basement to do spiritual warfare. My voice somewhat came back, so I finished the night. The following weekend just as I entered the coffeehouse, I felt something around my throat. Immediately I went to the basement to do spiritual warfare. Coming out of the basement had no further problems. From that point on if I am under attack resulting in a headache, stomach ache, etc. as soon as I feel something wrong I go into spiritual warfare. Haven't been to a doctor for sickness or taken medicine in over 13 years, praise you Jesus!!!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Some years back, while living in Minneapolis, MN. Had joined a coffehouse ministry. Was to be a security guard, but after the first night the leadership saw that Jesus wanted me to be a counselor. I was their only counselor. The power of Jesus was like this: I would walk in and sit down in a booth. People would walk into the coffeehouse and line-up to speak with me. There wasn't a sign. Very few people knew me, but each time there would counsel for 4 hours straight. One time my voice was beginning to fade. I ignored the problem. My voice got to the point that I could not talk. Finally realizing it was a demonic attack went to the basement to do spiritual warfare. My voice somewhat came back, so I finished the night. The following weekend just as I entered the coffeehouse, I felt something around my throat. Immediately I went to the basement to do spiritual warfare. Coming out of the basement had no further problems. From that point on if I am under attack resulting in a headache, stomach ache, etc. as soon as I feel something wrong I go into spiritual warfare. Haven't been to a doctor for sickness or taken medicine in over 13 years, praise you Jesus!!!
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
A Challenge for All!
As a teacher, I don’t see gray areas. To me issues are either black or white, sin or not sin, guilty or not guilty, going to Heaven or going to Hell. The overall problem with the church today is? SIN. The church as a whole ignores or justifies away many verses in Jesus’ Word!
Such as:
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:6
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:18
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28
Jesus is coming for a holy church, one without spot or wrinkle.“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now being made free (1659) from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22
“But now having been set free (1659) from sin, and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification (38), and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22 JG
* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’.JG is Jay Green's The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible. It is available for Esword.net.
“To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (5046), be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” Philippians 3:15
“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness (or sanctification, 38) with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:15
“And the very God of peace sanctify (37) you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless (274) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness (or sanctification, 38), without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
Being then made free (1659) from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18 “And having been set free (1659) from sin, you were enslaved to righteousness.” Romans 6:18 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’. The New Covenant in the correct Greek text is inspired. The KJV is not inspired.
“But now being made free (1659) from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22
“But now having been set free (1659) from sin, and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification (38), and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’.
The New Covenant in the proper Greek text is inspired. The KJV is not inspired.So, how did the Apostolic Oneness church get into this sinful condition? Once upon a time there was a man at Azusa Street Mission. He taught 'entire sanctification'. His problem was he taught it as a ‘work of grace’ coming from Methodist theology. His understanding of sanctification was right; his way of arriving at sanctification was wrong. Along comes a Baptist from Chicago. At Azusa Street Mission, he receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He returns to Chicago where he continues as a Baptist pastor. The Baptist teach ‘progressive sanctification’. He doesn’t change his theology to ‘entire sanctification’ also called ‘sinless perfection’, etc. He travels among Pentecostals making his ‘progressive sanctification’ popular. Along comes the Apostolic Oneness group which somehow acquires much Baptist/protestant doctrine.Thankfully, Jesus has given us a way to have ‘sinless perfection’!How does one acquire ‘sinless perfection’? The answer is given in Jesus’ Holy Bible.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Such as:
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:6
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:18
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28
Jesus is coming for a holy church, one without spot or wrinkle.“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now being made free (1659) from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22
“But now having been set free (1659) from sin, and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification (38), and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22 JG
* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’.JG is Jay Green's The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible. It is available for Esword.net.
“To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (5046), be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” Philippians 3:15
“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness (or sanctification, 38) with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:15
“And the very God of peace sanctify (37) you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless (274) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness (or sanctification, 38), without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
Being then made free (1659) from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18 “And having been set free (1659) from sin, you were enslaved to righteousness.” Romans 6:18 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’. The New Covenant in the correct Greek text is inspired. The KJV is not inspired.
“But now being made free (1659) from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22
“But now having been set free (1659) from sin, and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification (38), and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22 JG* This is a Greek participle (1659) which is in the passive mood in the first aorist tense. Meaning the word must be translated as having taken place in the past, ‘now having been set free from sin’.
The New Covenant in the proper Greek text is inspired. The KJV is not inspired.So, how did the Apostolic Oneness church get into this sinful condition? Once upon a time there was a man at Azusa Street Mission. He taught 'entire sanctification'. His problem was he taught it as a ‘work of grace’ coming from Methodist theology. His understanding of sanctification was right; his way of arriving at sanctification was wrong. Along comes a Baptist from Chicago. At Azusa Street Mission, he receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He returns to Chicago where he continues as a Baptist pastor. The Baptist teach ‘progressive sanctification’. He doesn’t change his theology to ‘entire sanctification’ also called ‘sinless perfection’, etc. He travels among Pentecostals making his ‘progressive sanctification’ popular. Along comes the Apostolic Oneness group which somehow acquires much Baptist/protestant doctrine.Thankfully, Jesus has given us a way to have ‘sinless perfection’!How does one acquire ‘sinless perfection’? The answer is given in Jesus’ Holy Bible.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
The 5 Ministries
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” Ephesians 4:11
All 5 ministries are to correct those in and out of the church. They correct in different ways.The Apostle’s doctrine now (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5) corrects the church. Yes, Paul the Apostle came after the original twelve, showing the continuation of Apostles.
Apostles build a church from the foundation, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11; Romans 15:20. This building involves correcting world views.
Now the Prophets prophesy to correct the church, Ephesians 3:5.
The Evangelists correct the lost people. I am a called by Jesus teacher; I very much dislike debating lost people. I would prefer to leave correcting the lost to the evangelists.
The Pastors correct the flock. He/she chases after those who are wandering. He/she watches for immorality, etc. He/she acts as a dad or a mom.
The Teachers correct all of the church, but he/she especially corrects those in the local church. He/she uses the original Biblical languages to prove doctrine if need be.Sure, this is very basic.
I have written an entire book on the subject.
All 5 ministries are to correct those in and out of the church. They correct in different ways.The Apostle’s doctrine now (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5) corrects the church. Yes, Paul the Apostle came after the original twelve, showing the continuation of Apostles.
Apostles build a church from the foundation, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11; Romans 15:20. This building involves correcting world views.
Now the Prophets prophesy to correct the church, Ephesians 3:5.
The Evangelists correct the lost people. I am a called by Jesus teacher; I very much dislike debating lost people. I would prefer to leave correcting the lost to the evangelists.
The Pastors correct the flock. He/she chases after those who are wandering. He/she watches for immorality, etc. He/she acts as a dad or a mom.
The Teachers correct all of the church, but he/she especially corrects those in the local church. He/she uses the original Biblical languages to prove doctrine if need be.Sure, this is very basic.
I have written an entire book on the subject.
Our God's Name Vs. Allah
'Allah' means 'god' in Arabic.Islam does not have a personal name for their god.I am saying Satan is behind 'Allah'. Our God's personal name is Jesus. He loves us, so allows us to use His name to address Him when praying, when casting out demons by His authority, when healing by His power, when water baptizing, etc.
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
In Jesus,
Brother Bruce
Christmas
Are the following verses describing a Christmas tree?
“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, ... For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.” Jeremiah 10:2-5
“God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
The Origin of Christmas
Osiris and Isis are the foundation for a pagan Christmas. They are from Egypt circa 3000 BC, before Jesus was on the earth in flesh. Osiris died an early death. Isis, his wife, told a story of Osiris’s spirit making a full grown evergreen tree spring-up overnight from an old stump. On December 25th, according to our calendar, Osiris would leave gifts around this tree. (The start of the history of the Christmas tree, which God spoke against.) Isis became known as the “Queen of Heaven”. She had a son called Horus. “Mother and child” became chief objects of worship in many different cultures of the world. Cybel & Deoius in Asia; Fortuna & Jupiter in Rome. Since the Romans already had a pagan “goddess & god-child”, they simply added “Mary & Jesus” to the list of their names.
Emperor Constantine added Jesus Christ to a list of the names of the sun-god. Jesus is now another name for Mithra the Roman sun-god. He needed to unite his kingdom which according to his view was composed of pagans and Christians. This trick worked uniting Christians with pagans! “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Corinthians 6:14
The Roman Catholics made December 25th popular through Pope Liberius. In 435, the first “Christ mass” on record was officiated by Pope Sixtus III. This date was picked because it was the birth date of the Roman’s -Mithra, the Phoenican’ - Baal their main god, the Sun. Christmas means a mass for CHRIST. Does CHRIST need a mass?
The Greek Orthodox Church chose January 6th as their birth date for Christmas. January 6th is the date that the Greeks celebrated the birth of their god Dionysus.
The Egyptian’s god Horus has the same birthday. The Babylonian god Tammuz has the same birthday.
The God of the Jews never had a birthday to celebrate: why? He has no origin or birth! The Bible and early church historians do not record a date for Jesus’ birthday, so two of the liturgical denominations (Roman & Greek) of the period chose their own dates. What is the date that Jesus was born? If He wanted us to know, He would have told us! If He wanted us to celebrate His birthday, He would have told us to! Those who celebrate Christmas on December 25, do so because they follow the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, Not Jesus’!
Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911 Edition, published by the Roman Catholic Church
“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church...the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.” “Pagan customs centering around the January calends gravitated to Christmas.” “...In the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his [Jesus] birthday. It is only sinners who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world”
Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946 edition“...Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church....”
Encyclopedia Americana, 1944 Edition“Christmas... It was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons [eg Communion - death of Christ] rather than their birth...” “...A feast was established in memory of this event [the birth of Jesus] in the fourth century. In the fifth century the Western Church ordered it to be celebrated forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol (Sun), as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed.”
Encyclopedia Americana
“In the fifth century, the Western Church ordered it [Christ's birth] to be observed forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol [the sun god], as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed” (1944 edition, “Christmas”).
The New Covenant Church clearly understood that they were not to make their own holy days, so they didn’t! In the second century religious leaders started to make man-made holy days. Easter 135 AD was the first.
What time of the year was Jesus born?
Luke 2:1-7 “...a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ... all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also ... Bethlehem;...To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. ... And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; ...”
The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible "broadly speaking, weather phenomena and climatic conditions as pictured in the Bible correspond with conditions as observed today" (R.B.Y. Scott, Vol. 3, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1962, p. 625). -Snow is almost an annual occurrence in Bethlehem in December and January. With snow the roads would be unusable. -“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8
-Shepherds during this period were in the fields from April to September or October. They certainly would not be in the field in December at night!
-The Romans would not take a census during the winter months. A census in the winter would have made them very unpopular. They would normally take a census in September or October after the fall harvest.
Why did the wise men give gifts?
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrh." Matthew 2:11
The wise men gave Jesus gifts because He is God. They worshipped Him. They didn’t give Him gifts because of His birthday. Why give Christmas gifts today?
Christians have taken a stand against “Christmas”
The Christmas Almanac "America was later in recovering from the Puritan influence than England. Christmas was outlawed in New England until the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1856, Christmas Day was still an ordinary work day in Boston and failure to report to a job was grounds for dismissal. Classes were held in Boston public schools as late as 1870. It was probably the influence of immigrants from Germany and Ireland that finally convinced the Yankees that Christmas could be a harmless, pleasant, and even religious festivity. The first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday was Alabama in 1836. The last was Oklahoma in 1890. -The Puritans who controlled the English Parliament in 1644 declared that Christmas was not to be practiced calling it “The Profane Man’s Ranting Day”. All church buildings were closed on December 25th. In 1659 a New England law barred all Christmas observances. Most Christians in the North rejected Christmas as pagan till the end of the 19th century. The Puritans rejected Christmas because: (1) it perverted the Sabbath, (2) pagan traditions stain true Christianity, (3) it perverted ones image of Jesus.”
Charles H. Spurgeon on Christmass
“We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly, we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, ...; and, secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Saviour; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority. Superstition has fixed most positively the day of our Saviour's birth, although there is no possibility of discovering when it occurred. ... It was not till the middle of the third century that any part of the church celebrated the nativity of our Lord, and it was not till very long after the Western church had set the example that the Eastern adopted it. Because the day is not known, therefore superstition has fixed it; while, since the death of our Saviour might be determined with much certainty, therefore superstition shifts the date of its observance every year. Where is the method in the madness of the superstitious? Probably the fact is that the holy days were arranged to fit in with the heathen festivals. We venture to assert, that if there be any day in the year, of which we may be pretty sure that it was not the day on which the Saviour was born, it is the twenty-fifth of December.”
From a sermon delivered on 24th December, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, London
Santa Claus
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Santa Claus is from “Sinterklass” (Saint Nicholas). He was a bishop in Myra in Asia Minor in the 300’s AD. He was very generous. This good man became a folk hero. Long after his death people made this good man into a god.
Is Santa, Satan in disguise?
“I (Lucifer, Satan) will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I (Satan) will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:14
SANTA CLAUS JESUS CHRIST
1. Hour of his coming is a mystery 1. Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33;
2. Tells children to obey parents 2. Ephesians 6:1; Proverbs 6:20; Colossians 3:20
3.Knows all 3. Revelation 19:6
4. Ageless, eternal 4. Revelation 1:8,21:6; Hebrews 3:8
5. Makes a List, good or bad 5. Revelation 20:12; 14:7; 21:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10
6. Places Children on his knee 6. Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:16
7. Everywhere -sees good or bad 7. Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6
How can a “Christian” become united with the “world” to celebrate a pagan holy day? Has the Christian connected to the spirit of Christmas? They are bound by the same Christmas spirit? If you say that the Spirit of God motivates you to celebrate Christmas, then what motivates the man who rejects God, to celebrate the same Christmas in the same manner?
What or who is the spirit (demon?) of Christmas?
“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.” I Corinthians 10:21
“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath CHRIST with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement has the Temple of God with idols? For ye that are of the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:14-18
- Our religion must be pure and undefiled before God! James 1:21-27 - - - Can we worship anyway we choose or has God prescribed a specific way? (John 4:19-24) Consider the case of Cain in Genesis 4.
JESUS CHRIST is truth (John 14:6)! Almost everything associated with Christmas is a lie. It is not a mass for CHRIST. Santa Claus does not exist. The date of December 25 as CHRIST's birth is a lie. The brotherly love at Christmas is fake. Depression is at its’ highest point. Selfishness is paramount. The average debt is increased.etc.etc.
Mom or Dad have you lied to your child about Santa Claus? About flying reindeer?. About Santa Claus seeing everything they do? About him giving them gifts, etc. etc.? It is sin to lie!!! So when you tell them the truth about Jesus, maybe subconsciously, they don’t know if Jesus is another lie or not.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
The tree was and is decorated and worshipped by pagan groups, ancient and recent. The Holy Bible, in the Old Covenant, has under a “green tree” as the place of idolatry, which is sin!
Druids used holly and mistletoe in their celebrations. They worshipped a decorated oak tree. Balls, on the trees, symbolize the sun. Tammuz, the sun-god, was worshipped by his followers hanging red balls on a tree. What did these balls represent? His testicles!
The bottom line is that December 25th is a pagan holy day!
In the New Covenant, only pagans celebrate birthdays.
Does your church add tradition to God’s commands?
“'...In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men...All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” Mark 7:7-9
“. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto,nor diminish from it.” Deuteronomy 12:30-32
“[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” II Thessalonians 2:9-12
Bruce Allen Klein
MA, MDiv, ThM, ThD
Pastor-teacher, theologian, missionary, writer
Bibleteach@hotmail.com
Madison, Ohio (440) 428-6329
“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, ... For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.” Jeremiah 10:2-5
“God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
The Origin of Christmas
Osiris and Isis are the foundation for a pagan Christmas. They are from Egypt circa 3000 BC, before Jesus was on the earth in flesh. Osiris died an early death. Isis, his wife, told a story of Osiris’s spirit making a full grown evergreen tree spring-up overnight from an old stump. On December 25th, according to our calendar, Osiris would leave gifts around this tree. (The start of the history of the Christmas tree, which God spoke against.) Isis became known as the “Queen of Heaven”. She had a son called Horus. “Mother and child” became chief objects of worship in many different cultures of the world. Cybel & Deoius in Asia; Fortuna & Jupiter in Rome. Since the Romans already had a pagan “goddess & god-child”, they simply added “Mary & Jesus” to the list of their names.
Emperor Constantine added Jesus Christ to a list of the names of the sun-god. Jesus is now another name for Mithra the Roman sun-god. He needed to unite his kingdom which according to his view was composed of pagans and Christians. This trick worked uniting Christians with pagans! “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Corinthians 6:14
The Roman Catholics made December 25th popular through Pope Liberius. In 435, the first “Christ mass” on record was officiated by Pope Sixtus III. This date was picked because it was the birth date of the Roman’s -Mithra, the Phoenican’ - Baal their main god, the Sun. Christmas means a mass for CHRIST. Does CHRIST need a mass?
The Greek Orthodox Church chose January 6th as their birth date for Christmas. January 6th is the date that the Greeks celebrated the birth of their god Dionysus.
The Egyptian’s god Horus has the same birthday. The Babylonian god Tammuz has the same birthday.
The God of the Jews never had a birthday to celebrate: why? He has no origin or birth! The Bible and early church historians do not record a date for Jesus’ birthday, so two of the liturgical denominations (Roman & Greek) of the period chose their own dates. What is the date that Jesus was born? If He wanted us to know, He would have told us! If He wanted us to celebrate His birthday, He would have told us to! Those who celebrate Christmas on December 25, do so because they follow the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, Not Jesus’!
Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911 Edition, published by the Roman Catholic Church
“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church...the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.” “Pagan customs centering around the January calends gravitated to Christmas.” “...In the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his [Jesus] birthday. It is only sinners who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world”
Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946 edition“...Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church....”
Encyclopedia Americana, 1944 Edition“Christmas... It was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons [eg Communion - death of Christ] rather than their birth...” “...A feast was established in memory of this event [the birth of Jesus] in the fourth century. In the fifth century the Western Church ordered it to be celebrated forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol (Sun), as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed.”
Encyclopedia Americana
“In the fifth century, the Western Church ordered it [Christ's birth] to be observed forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol [the sun god], as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed” (1944 edition, “Christmas”).
The New Covenant Church clearly understood that they were not to make their own holy days, so they didn’t! In the second century religious leaders started to make man-made holy days. Easter 135 AD was the first.
What time of the year was Jesus born?
Luke 2:1-7 “...a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ... all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also ... Bethlehem;...To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. ... And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; ...”
The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible "broadly speaking, weather phenomena and climatic conditions as pictured in the Bible correspond with conditions as observed today" (R.B.Y. Scott, Vol. 3, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1962, p. 625). -Snow is almost an annual occurrence in Bethlehem in December and January. With snow the roads would be unusable. -“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8
-Shepherds during this period were in the fields from April to September or October. They certainly would not be in the field in December at night!
-The Romans would not take a census during the winter months. A census in the winter would have made them very unpopular. They would normally take a census in September or October after the fall harvest.
Why did the wise men give gifts?
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrh." Matthew 2:11
The wise men gave Jesus gifts because He is God. They worshipped Him. They didn’t give Him gifts because of His birthday. Why give Christmas gifts today?
Christians have taken a stand against “Christmas”
The Christmas Almanac "America was later in recovering from the Puritan influence than England. Christmas was outlawed in New England until the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1856, Christmas Day was still an ordinary work day in Boston and failure to report to a job was grounds for dismissal. Classes were held in Boston public schools as late as 1870. It was probably the influence of immigrants from Germany and Ireland that finally convinced the Yankees that Christmas could be a harmless, pleasant, and even religious festivity. The first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday was Alabama in 1836. The last was Oklahoma in 1890. -The Puritans who controlled the English Parliament in 1644 declared that Christmas was not to be practiced calling it “The Profane Man’s Ranting Day”. All church buildings were closed on December 25th. In 1659 a New England law barred all Christmas observances. Most Christians in the North rejected Christmas as pagan till the end of the 19th century. The Puritans rejected Christmas because: (1) it perverted the Sabbath, (2) pagan traditions stain true Christianity, (3) it perverted ones image of Jesus.”
Charles H. Spurgeon on Christmass
“We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly, we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, ...; and, secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Saviour; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority. Superstition has fixed most positively the day of our Saviour's birth, although there is no possibility of discovering when it occurred. ... It was not till the middle of the third century that any part of the church celebrated the nativity of our Lord, and it was not till very long after the Western church had set the example that the Eastern adopted it. Because the day is not known, therefore superstition has fixed it; while, since the death of our Saviour might be determined with much certainty, therefore superstition shifts the date of its observance every year. Where is the method in the madness of the superstitious? Probably the fact is that the holy days were arranged to fit in with the heathen festivals. We venture to assert, that if there be any day in the year, of which we may be pretty sure that it was not the day on which the Saviour was born, it is the twenty-fifth of December.”
From a sermon delivered on 24th December, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, London
Santa Claus
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Santa Claus is from “Sinterklass” (Saint Nicholas). He was a bishop in Myra in Asia Minor in the 300’s AD. He was very generous. This good man became a folk hero. Long after his death people made this good man into a god.
Is Santa, Satan in disguise?
“I (Lucifer, Satan) will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I (Satan) will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:14
SANTA CLAUS JESUS CHRIST
1. Hour of his coming is a mystery 1. Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33;
2. Tells children to obey parents 2. Ephesians 6:1; Proverbs 6:20; Colossians 3:20
3.Knows all 3. Revelation 19:6
4. Ageless, eternal 4. Revelation 1:8,21:6; Hebrews 3:8
5. Makes a List, good or bad 5. Revelation 20:12; 14:7; 21:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10
6. Places Children on his knee 6. Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:16
7. Everywhere -sees good or bad 7. Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6
How can a “Christian” become united with the “world” to celebrate a pagan holy day? Has the Christian connected to the spirit of Christmas? They are bound by the same Christmas spirit? If you say that the Spirit of God motivates you to celebrate Christmas, then what motivates the man who rejects God, to celebrate the same Christmas in the same manner?
What or who is the spirit (demon?) of Christmas?
“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.” I Corinthians 10:21
“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath CHRIST with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement has the Temple of God with idols? For ye that are of the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:14-18
- Our religion must be pure and undefiled before God! James 1:21-27 - - - Can we worship anyway we choose or has God prescribed a specific way? (John 4:19-24) Consider the case of Cain in Genesis 4.
JESUS CHRIST is truth (John 14:6)! Almost everything associated with Christmas is a lie. It is not a mass for CHRIST. Santa Claus does not exist. The date of December 25 as CHRIST's birth is a lie. The brotherly love at Christmas is fake. Depression is at its’ highest point. Selfishness is paramount. The average debt is increased.etc.etc.
Mom or Dad have you lied to your child about Santa Claus? About flying reindeer?. About Santa Claus seeing everything they do? About him giving them gifts, etc. etc.? It is sin to lie!!! So when you tell them the truth about Jesus, maybe subconsciously, they don’t know if Jesus is another lie or not.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
The tree was and is decorated and worshipped by pagan groups, ancient and recent. The Holy Bible, in the Old Covenant, has under a “green tree” as the place of idolatry, which is sin!
Druids used holly and mistletoe in their celebrations. They worshipped a decorated oak tree. Balls, on the trees, symbolize the sun. Tammuz, the sun-god, was worshipped by his followers hanging red balls on a tree. What did these balls represent? His testicles!
The bottom line is that December 25th is a pagan holy day!
In the New Covenant, only pagans celebrate birthdays.
Does your church add tradition to God’s commands?
“'...In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men...All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” Mark 7:7-9
“. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto,nor diminish from it.” Deuteronomy 12:30-32
“[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” II Thessalonians 2:9-12
Bruce Allen Klein
MA, MDiv, ThM, ThD
Pastor-teacher, theologian, missionary, writer
Bibleteach@hotmail.com
Madison, Ohio (440) 428-6329
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