EZEKIEL 47 & Revisiting a DREAM

Several days after our Savior’s birth, a dream I previously was given, was brought back to my attention.  Dream mentioned July 8^th 2013 of blog entry.   I wrote these words of reflection in my journal.

“Do not partake from the sea of humanity but take from the Mountain, the ROCK- that gives only good sustaining water.  For the water that comes from the sea makes one sick and naked and fruitless.  I have seen the seawater do what is unnatural.  Instead of staying in the sea it is pouring onto the land stripping the trees of their bark leaving them unprotected and exposed.   There are no leaves in their canopies; all the fruit has been laid to waste.  The lands have been poisoned.  The way into these lands is fenced off to my companions and I, to only witness the shame.  It is a hopeless land.  It is a cursed place.  It has trusted and given into the ways of man instead of God, the GREAT MOUNTAIN and ROCK.  But still there is hope for those who don’t submit to these seas.  For those who realize this place is not their home and place their hope in the LORD, who is all light and adorns us with His light by his grace and mercy through our Savior JESUS CHRIST.”

EZEKIEL 47

I was then guided by the Spirit to Ezekiel 47:1-12

“Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side. And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed. He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river. When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. Then he said to me: “This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the river goes, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. It shall be that fishermen will stand by it (The Dead Sea) from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea), exceedingly many. But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt. Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

This passage from Ezekiel has reminded me how that the Spirit puts the puzzle pieces of God’s truth together through both the New and Old Testament.  They not only compliment each other but reveal each other by what is being spoken of as well.

Jesus said, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52

So what is the Spirit revealing to us in this passage?  Let’s take a look at the objects and things He has chosen to illustrate truth.

THE TEMPLE

In the beginning of the 47th Chapter, Ezekiel continues in what I believe is a vision or dream.  He is at the “temple of God.” What does the Spirit of God remind us of in New Testament about the word temple? 
 

We, the believer in Jesus Christ, are the temple of God.

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 6:16

THRESHOLD OF GOD

Next Ezekiel notices water is coming out from under the threshold of the temple.

It is as if water is being drawn up like a sponge through the foundation and is pouring out from the threshold. 

Note: The Christian’s foundation is set upon God’s truth. (Matthew 7:25)

What is a threshold?  A threshold is an entrance/door. 
 

John 10:9 Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

John 14:6 Jesus also said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is the threshold of the consciousness/reality of God.  Only through Jesus do we discover what is means to walk in the ways, God intended for us to walk, discover and live in the truth of God and have life through God’s plan and purpose.  Only through Jesus are the veils removed, the unseen- seen.  The impossible made possible.  He is the one who puts pieces together and reveals the deep things of God at precisely the right time.  A person has a wasted life or might as well have had no life at all if they don’t have God.

Note: Jesus is also known as the “Word”.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

“And the Word became flesh and dwell among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and mercy.” John 1:14

“He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Psalm 107:20.  

WATER

Water can represent baptism (the old has passed away and new life as began in Christ/God).  Water in this case represents the Spirit of God/ Holy Spirit.  In the temple's case, it represents the Spirit of God living in us ( the believer in Christ Jesus).

The threshold (Jesus) gives water (the Holy Spirit) to the temple of God (the believer in Christ).   

“That he might sanctify and cleanse her (the church/body of Christ) with the washing of water by the word.”  Ephesians 5:26

• Think of Jesus, the WORD, is sanctifying and cleansing us with His Spirit-Holy Spirit. 

”And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” Ezekiel 36:26-27  (Cleansing and sanctification)

Jesus said “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14

IMPORTANT NOTE: John 3:3-6 Holy Spirit who gives eternal/everlasting life.

Fountain is translated as a “spring of water.”  The “Spring of Water” and “Rivers of living water will flow from your heart” is represented as the Holy Spirit living and working in the believer of Christ.

“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)”  John 7:37-39

Psalm 36:9 says,  “They feast on the bounty of your house; you let them drink from your river of pure joy.  Within you is the spring of life. In your light, we see light.

Again, we can’t receive  and drink God’s living water, the Holy Spirit, unless we give our life to Jesus.   

This is important to remember because the people of this world can’t understand the word of God and even at times when we try to understand God’s word in our own understanding instead of submitting to His Spirit, we too won’t understand what is being said.  We can’t embrace it.   We can’t see and understand with Godly understanding unless we submit our life to Jesus for He is the one who gives the Holy Spirit and understanding through the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus is the Threshold.  He is the birth into the Spirit of God in our lives.

THE DEEPENING OF THE RIVER

Ezekiel then writes, “Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.”

The deepening of the river is the illustration of us gaining a deeper “living” understanding of the things of God- things that we could not come to see or understand, build upon, and live in without the Spirit.   By the Spirit we learn and build upon precept to precept/understanding upon understanding.  By the Spirit we see and live and are equipped in the things that are far beyond our understanding and what we can imagine. 

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

“But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets.” 1 Corinthians 2:10

Living by/according to the  “river of God” is a choice but notice everything that the River/Spirit doesn’t touch is given over to salt are remains salty.  Everything the Spirit doesn't touch simply dies.

SALT 

Salt is a tasty and a good thing for preserving.  Jesus speaking a warning to his followers said, “You are salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it useful again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13  

But here in Ezekiel salt is looked at in an entirely differently.  Jeremiah has the same sentiment.

Jeremiah 17 says the same thing.  This is what the LORD says, “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD.  They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.  They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives.”

Remember what happened to Lot’s wife in Genesis 19? She didn’t heed the warning of the angels who said, “Run for your lives! Do not stop anywhere in the valley.  And do not look back! Escape to the mountains, or you will die.”  “But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26

Her heart was not on the word, warnings of or the things of God but on the evils in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Her heart was on the things that were going to be destroyed.  She had her focus on the things of this world.  She loved her life that was in Sodom and Gomorrah.  

Jesus tells us the world and the heavens (sky/stars) are going disappear/be destroyed. Matthew 24:35-37.  He tells us to not the love this life or this world and whoever does not love this life or this world will preserve their life forever into eternity.  John 12:25.  For life is not in this world but in God/Jesus.  God didn’t design this world to be corrupt but man has corrupted it with his sin.  Sin corrupts and ends in death- where no one lives.
     

“For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.” Romans 8:13-14

TREES

Ezekiel then speaks of the “trees” along the riverbank.  These trees along the riverbank represent the children of God who draw up nourishment and strength from God’s truths by the Spirit of God.
  

Jeremiah 17:5-8.  This is what the LORD says, “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD.  They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.  They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives.  But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.”

  
THE SEA, FISH, FISHERMEN

We know by looking at the map, En Gedi is located on the Dead Sea.  And according to "experts" the Dead Sea is SO saturated with salt that no fish or frog can survive in it.  

However... the Jordan River that flows into the Dead Sea does have fish in it.

Let's take that picture in our mind and compare it to the word of God.   The Dead Sea is the "Sin and death" and the Jordan River is the "Spirit".  What does the word of God say about the "sin and death" and the "Spirit" 

"Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.  So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."  Romans 8:5-6

Living in the Dead Sea is living in/practicing "sin" which leads to death but living in the "River" is living in the Spirit of God that leads to life and peace.

Jesus said  "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"  Matthew 16:26

 Ezekiel writes: "When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the river goes, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea), exceedingly many."       

We (Christians) are told to go into all the world (The Sea of Humanity) and share the word of saving grace of Jesus Christ.   The Holy Spirit lives in us.  We are healed from the life of practicing sin and we find out what it means to live in God, who is life.   And as we allow the Spirit of God to work in us, he uses us to heal, encourage, and reconcil people with Himself. 

2 Corinthians 5:19-21 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sin against them. And he gave us this wonderful message or reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"  For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

   1 Peter 2:24 "He personally carried our sin in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

By Christ we are saved, he makes us acceptable to God.   When God sees a person who has given their life to Christ, God sees a child of God.   He sees His Son's holy blood that paid for all our unrighteousness. 

   

 Jesus said "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world.  The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the godly, throwing the wicked into the fire.  There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Do you understand?” Matthew 13:47-49

THE NETS and EN GEDI & EN EGLAIM  

I have really struggled on En Gedi and En Eglaim and what to make of En Gedi and En Eglaim.  I have sought the Lord some MORE and you might be as surprised by the answers. 

Jesus said, “This is the way it will be at the end of the world.”  Why are nets just at En Gedi and En Egliam?  Is there something important we should know about their position?

"Then fishermen will stand on its shores spreading their nets all the way from ‘Ein-Gedi to ‘Ein-‘Eglayim. There will be as many kinds of fish as there is in the Great Sea, [the Mediterranean,] a great variety. However, its mud flats and marshes will not become fresh but will remain salty." Ezekiel 47:10-11 Complete Jewish Bible.

En Gedi is the spring of male young goat/kid.  It's 80 degree life giving water is surrounded by harshness- from 100 degree days to bitter tasting sea waters, mud, heavy salted beaches, desert, to 400 foot high desert walls.   (No doubt a spring a goat would find.)  The Spring of En Gedi itself is a welcome oasis from the harshness that hides and surrounds it.  It provides water for grapevines and date palms.   It has been a sight of for archaeologist and a tourist.  After all it was the place David hid from Saul - The stronghold of En Gedi.  (More info here: http://classic.net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=En+Gedi)

En Eglaim is the spring of two calves. A place that seems to be a mystery to any modern map or theologian.  However Isaiah 15:8 speaks of it in the land of Moab which is in modern day Jordan.  Moab in Isaiah's vision was under the judgement of God.  More info here: http://classic.net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=En+Eglaim

So taking into account the site of En Gedi and En Egliam seem to be on opposite sides of the Dead Sea, goes right along with Jesus' dragnet illustration.   Angels standing on opposites of the shores and gathering their catch of humanity in their nets at the end of the world. 

When I was thinking of the spring of En Gedi and all the harshness that surrounds, I thought "Nothing is impossible with God."  With all the elements and circumstances that surround the spring of En Gedi, it still pours forth life sustaining water.   It rises to the height of 656 feet above the Dead Sea.   It waters the fruit trees and vines below it.  It is a sanctuary for animals to come eat and drink.  And even gives people pools to wade in and cool off.  Does this not illustrate who God is in our life?  Here we are surrounded by the harshness of life and here God is giving us living water to sustain us in the middle of this harsh and fallen world. 

What is probably the most interesting fact of all is the source of it's water.  The source of it water comes from the Hebron Hills were it seeps through a "complicated" network of tectonic plates to En Gedi.   Hebron is where Abraham built an alter to the Lord. Genesis 13:18.  AND in Hebron God promised Abraham his descendants would be like dust, that could not be counted.  Genesis 13:16.

And we read, "The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.  What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentile, too, on the basis of their faith.  God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, 'All the nations will be blessed through you.'" Galatians 3:8

Yes! Lots of FISH of many different kinds.

So by Hebron the spring of En Gedi flow and so by Christ the Holy Spirit is given, making us children of God by faith. 

So what does that say about En Eglaim?  Does En Eglaim represent evil?

En Eglaim a mystery yet it's waters are probably flowing into the Dead Sea right now.  And since no one knows where it is, no one knows the source of it's water. 

If we were to stay on this route of two spirits what would that mean?  Just like the Dead Sea, the world has two springs that flow into it.  It has two spirits, flowing into the sea of humanity.  It has the Spirit of Christ- the Holy Spirit and the spirit of evil, - the Devil/Lucifer. 

One is Spring of Life and the other is the spring of death.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

John 8:37-47 Jesus said, "I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has not place in you.  I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father."  

They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father."

Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.  But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God.  Abraham did not do this.  You do the deeds of your father."

Then they said to Him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father-God."

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have come of Myself, but He sent Me.  Why do you not understand My speech?  Because you are not able to listen to My word.  You are of  your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because  there is not truth in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe.  Which of you convicts Me of sin?  And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?  He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."

En Engliam is a mystery indeed.  And sometimes a mystery is meant to be a mystery on purpose- for in time it will be revealed.  

“For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed-the one who brings destruction.  He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship.  He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.  Don’t you remember that I told you this when I was with you?  And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when the time comes.  For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.  Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.  This evil man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.  He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction because they refuse to believe the truth that would save them.”  2 Thessalonians 2:3-10

 “Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth.  He had two horns like those of a lamb, and he spoke with the voice of a dragon.  He exercised all authority of the first beast.  And he required all the earth and those who belong to this world to worship the first beast, whose death-wound had been healed.  He did astounding miracles such as making fire flash down to earth from heaven while everyone was watching.  And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world.  He ordered the people of the world to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and came back to life.  He was permitted to give life to this statue so it could speak.  Then the statue commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.  He required everyone-great and small, rich and poor, slave and free- to be given a mark on the right hand or one the forehead.  And no one could buy or sell anything without the mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.  Wisdom is needed to understand this.  Let the one who has understanding solve the number of the beast, for it is the number of man.  His number is 666.” Revelation 13:11-18 
   

Note: The mark 666 signifies the replacement the Godhead/Holy Trinity- (Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, Son -Jesus Christ) and replacing them with the unholy trinity- Satan, false prophet, and beast.

The world is evil now but there is coming day when the spirit of evil in all its bitter strength will be unleashed and will succumb the world with its treachery and darkness.  And the horrors the world deemed as horrors, will only be tales of what will be experienced

But evil and those who love evil, their days will end.  Jesus will come.  And as all things began in the beginning with the Word, evil is be struck down by the power of the Word.
 

“He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.  The armies of heaven, dressed in pure white linen, followed him on white horses.  From his mouth came a sharp sword, and with it he struck down the nations.  He ruled them with an iron rod, and he trod the winepress of the fierce wrath of almighty God. On his robe and thigh was written this title: King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:13-16

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Through Jesus Christ, the Spirit gives life and yes even takes life. (Remember Ananias and Sapphria. Acts 5)

FINAL WORD  

JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE.

It is incredible that we as Christians carry the Holy Spirit?  We carry God the Creator within us.  We “dedicated” ourselves to God/Jesus and he came to live in us.  We- the imperfect building, have within the perfect God living inside- changing us from the inside out.  

  

And now as we walk through this life, in the sea of humanity, God’s Spirit goes with us and gives us the ability to touch people’s lives with Christ’s love and message of saving grace. 
  

Jesus told his disciples, “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you; you will receive power and tell people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.“ Acts 1:8

Through Christ Jesus the veils of darkness comes down and the prisoners are set free.   Through Christ Jesus the blind, deaf and lame are healed and made new.  Through Christ, we are saved from tortures of hell.  We are made over as vessels of God's saving grace by Jesus.

WHEREVER the RIVER GOES THE SEAS ARE HEALED. 

God, may we be found and submitted to YOUR RIVER, YOUR WATERS, in Jesus Name, Amen.

"Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

Mining God's Mountain

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Mining God’s Mountain

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Last week I was given this word picture as I was studying.  It was a picture of one of the dwarves on a swing lowered down deep into the Lonely Mountain from, The Hobbit.  The dwarf was carefully mining on one of the walls for jewels and veins of precious metal.  I believe God was showing me I was like this dwarf.  I was mining in the Great Mountain- HIMSELF.  By His Spirit I was mining God’s jewels and veins of gold.  I was mining that timely word and gathering precept upon precept.  I was mining God’s Mithril, the stuff that protects us from the lethal blows of Lucifer.  Oh that we may be thoroughly equipped and dressed in dazzling clothes of white.

Mining Drawf from THE HOBBIT. Huh...there is a resemblance there. (wink)

 For the word of God says, “Counsel in the heart of the man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 20:5

Oh how the counsel of your Spirit is like deep water, my Lord.  How deep is your understanding!  How wonderful it is to be in your counsel.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

“Happy is a person who finds wisdom and gains understanding.  For the profit of wisdom is better then silver, and her wages are better then gold.  Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.  She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.  Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.  By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens.  By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain.”  Proverbs 3:13-20

Grab your chisels and pickaxes. Fetch a pail. There is good stuff down here!

Sin & Homosexuality

How is it some are so easily persuaded away from the truth.. saying such things as "If God is the God of love then why does He hate homosexuals?  This is made worse by Christians who spew hatred of homosexuals instead of watching where they stand.  

Homosexuality is wrong but it's not a Christian's job to judge but God's job.  Sin is a sin.  We are to hate the sin but love the sinner. 

Some churches/church leaders are embracing the ways or values of the world and because of this they have allowed the floodgates of sinful society to poison and corrupt.  Their congregations must wonder... "The word of God says this but you are contradicting what the word of God says by your words and actions."  

Have we gone into the dark ages? 

The Word of God is the Authority of the Body of Christ
Man was never to dictate the morals and values of the church.  God has set them in stone and when the morals, values, principles are not followed the dark evil root of uncertainty aims to kill, steal and destroy.  Truth is solid ROCK… lies and deceits are sand and will soon be exposed for the winds of God’s time will show their nakedness.

Society is angered when Christians speak the truth and don’t embrace such social topics as  homosexuality.  Of course the way the truth is spoken has a great affect on how it is received.

Homosexuality  

Homosexuality is wrong but it is not all by itself in the wrong column list.  It is just as wrong as murder, lying and adultery.  There isn't any degree difference.  A wrong is a wrong. 
  
The World Media
World media is controlled by public opinion, mostly liberal public opinion but why doesn’t the media just consult the bible instead of asking these so-called “religious experts”?  I mean "THE SOURCE" itself is better then hearsay every time.

I come to these two conclusions about the media when it comes to the word of God.  Either the word of God is so veiled to them that they cannot read and comprehend it or they don’t want to read it and be convicted themselves by what the word of God says.   They rather go by hearsay, that way they won’t be responsible… but that is self serving ignorance and regardless of this ignorance... and if they want to admit it or not, they know right from wrong.
  

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”  John 3:19-20

Minister Matthew Henry wrote: “Sinful works are works of darkness.  The wicked world keeps as far from the light as they can, lest their deeds should be reproved.  Christ is hated, because sin is loved.  If they had not hated saving knowledge they would not sit down contentedly in condemning ignorance.  On the other hand, renewed hearts bid the light welcome. A good man acts truly and sincerely in all he does.  He desires to know what the will of God is, and to do it, though against his own worldly interest.”

Jesus said “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Romans 2:14-16 says “Even the Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong.  They demonstrate that God’s law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is right. The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone’s secret life. This is my message.”

What is scary is people are going to doctors for answers to homosexuality.  Doctors are people, they are not God.   Don't put your soul in the opinion of men/women (no matter what endorsements they may have hanging on their wall.)  Put you soul in what God's word says. 

If you want to know the truth… consult the source, not people who can be easily persuaded, manipulated, play favorites and give into pressure.

What does the Bible Say?

The bible DOES say homosexual is a sin and is wrong. It is as wrong as murder, lying and contradicting the right teaching that comes from the glorious Good News (Jesus is the ONLY WAY into heaven- just another thing the world has a problem with.) 
 

Let’s read 1 Timothy 1:5-11.  “The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and sincere faith.   But some teachers have missed this whole point.  They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking about foolishness.  They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident.  We know these laws are good when they are used as God intended.  But they were not made for people who do what is right.  They are fore people who are disobedient and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy who murder their father and mother or other people.  Theses laws are for people who are sexually immoral, for homosexuals and slave traders, for liars and oath breakers, and for those who do anything else that contradicts the right teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.”

God/Jesus considers a marriage to be between a man and woman.  Jesus/God created a woman for a man and NOT a man for a man or a woman for a woman, if homosexuality was God’s intent, he would had created Adam and Steve or Eve and Eva not Adam and Eve.
   
Jesus says, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

In the Old Testament before Jesus came in the flesh to earth- there was no grace given to homosexuals or man and woman who committed adulterous acts.  The punishment was death.  If you were caught you were killed.  (Read for yourself in Leviticus 20.)  Jesus came that we might turn away sinful ways, be healed and be saved. 

Yes there are people who have been healed of homosexuality.  Look it up for yourself.  This isn't out some religious obligation but by the power of the Holy Spirit working in a person's life.
 

Look at 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 “Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.” 

Now read Romans 1:26-32 “ That is why God abandon them to their shameful desires.  Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.  And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationships with women, burned with lust for each other.   Men did shameful things with other men and, as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved.  When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never be done.  Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.  They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud and boastful.  They are forever inventing new ways of sinning and are disobedient to their parents.  They refuse to understand, break their promises, and are heartless and unforgiving.  They are fully aware of God’s death penalty for those who do these things, yet they go right ahead and do them anyway.  And, worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.”

The only way out of such a death sentence is to acknowledge and turn to God and admit you have sinned against God and be sincerely sorry/repentant for your sins.  The only way out of such a death sentence is to give your life to Christ/God who took your punishment of your sins on a cross 2014 years ago.   Only he has the power to forgive you, transform you and give you the ability to overcome sin in your life by His Holy Spirit. 
  

Am I a hater of those who claim to be homosexual? Of course not! If so I would have to hate all people who do not acknowledge God and fall into sin. 
   

Besides hate is to be unforgiving and I don’t want to go to hell for someone else’s sin for the word of God says if we don’t forgive then we won’t be forgiven for our sins.  Matthew 6:12, 6:15.   We are to hate the sin that shackles people to death but love the person, hoping they will come to Jesus to be set free from the sin in their life.

Why do I say this? Because GOD is the only one and has the right to judge.  And people are the ones who make the decision to sin - so really they are condemning themselves by the sinful lifestyle.

If you are hating homosexuals think about this:
 
Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:11. 

Jesus who, could have had the woman stoned, stopped the woman’s condemners by saying, ““He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

They all knew they were guilty of “some” sin in their life so they could not stone her.   We are all guilty of some sin in our life so who are we to “throw” judgment?   Jesus was kind and merciful yet he spoke the truth.  That is the way he wants us to be.

You are living a sinful lifestyle think about this:

Jesus being God told the woman to, “sin no more”.  Don’t you think, rescued from sudden death, these words from Jesus were swallowed with a deep sense of weight and gratitude that remained with her the rest of her life?

For this woman who committed adultery knew what were the consequences of her actions if she got caught.  She knew she would be stoned if she got caught but like the rest of humanity, she thought she would not be caught. She thought she could get away with it.

Why does it seem the reality of our judgment takes a back seat?   Why doesn’t it take a prominent seat?   Why are we so careless with our soul? 
 

Maybe you have read something in this blog post that has awakened you to your carelessness of your soul.  Maybe you are not guilty of homosexuality but one of the other things mentioned and God is saying to you “Make it right now, make it right before it is too late”.

The reality of the matter is if we get caught in this life or not, we will still have to answer for our sins by God.  The reality of the matter is no matter if the world thinks our ways are right or not, we will have to still answer to God for our sin.

There is no way in our own facilities to get away from the punishment of our sins.  We cannot pay them off or work them off or barter them off by putting them on a scale and weighting our good deeds against our bad deeds.  For God knows who we truly are.

The only saving grace we have is if we turn to Jesus for our redemption/salvation, Jesus who paid for the punishment of our sins on the cross so those who accept and believe in him and his sacrifice will not perish in the hell but have everlasting life in heaven.

Romans says, “We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins.  And we all can be saved in this same way, not matter who we are or what we have done.  For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty.  He has done this through Jesus Christ, who has freed us by taking away our sins.  For God sent Jesus to take the punishment of ours sins to satisfy God’s anger against us.  We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us…” Romans 3:22-25

Some people may take the sacrifice of Jesus for granted and think they can go right ahead and keep practicing sin but sin only leads to death.  Note: Romans 6:15-16 It should be that by your faith in Jesus that you have been given power to not give into sin and don’t want to sin.  After all God changes the heart and gives us His Spirit.  

“And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new obedient heart.  And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command.” Ezekiel 36:25-27

People need to know what is wrong in the sight of God.  God is the one who condemns.   

God’s church is to speak boldly the truth (Scripture) in the Spirit of love. “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 2 Timothy 3:16 AMP

The spirit of this world makes it sound like if you tell someone you don’t agree with them or what they are doing is wrong that you are judging them or hating them but is that true?

 God’s Word is like a word of warning, telling us the stove is hot but some don’t listen.  Many touch the hot stove and many souls have been lost because they simply don’t care or want to listen.

We are living in the end times.  The signs are indicating the end is near.  These signs of people loving the things of sin and darkness and not the light.  Jesus said, “Just as the gathering of vulture shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.”  Matthew 24:28

Jesus also said “Then you will be arrested, persecuted and killed.  You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to me.   And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.  And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray.  Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved.  And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally the end will come.”  Matthew 24:9-14

Read the word of God for yourself.  Don’t take a well-known Rev. or Pastor’s word for it.  Some of them of have poisoned and seared their conscious, they may have a form of godliness but deny the power of God’s word in what they say and do. 

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”   1 Timothy 3:2-5 

For those who are being mocked, persecuted and lied about for standing up for what is right, I am reminded of a scene in The Lord of the Rings, were Gandalf stands up against the Balrog in the caverns Moria.  Gandalf is on a narrow bridge and he makes his stand against a monstrous fierily horned beast armed with a giant cleaver and ever stretching whip of fire.   Gandalf makes a stand against the Balrog to allow his companions to escape.
 

 He declares to the beast, “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!”  And with a blow of his staff, the bridge of rock crumbles underneath the beast’s feet.  The beast falls into the deep but not easily defeated the Balrog snags Gandalf off his perch and takes the old man down with him.  As they tumble Gandalf takes his sword and repeatedly smites the beast.  The battle continues onto a mountain where Balrog is finally defeated.   Gandalf awakes after the battle as Gandalf the White instead of Gandalf the Gray.

Sometimes we must take a stand against the Balrog situations in this life. Those situations where there is unrighteous and injustice and lies and deceit.  We must stand against the Balrogs in life for the sake of others.  We must speak the truth when others have been persuaded, manipulated and belittled not to.  The battles cause us to seek God who is greater then ourselves and in the process we not only see God’s word (the Sword) is true but we are transformed and encouraged in the things of God.  We go from the Gray (old) to the White (new).

For the word of God says “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:6

In word of love and caution, J.D. JOHNS