Sunday, November 6, 2022

Idols that SPEAK

 

Exodus 20:5

King James Version

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 

nor serve them: 

for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, 

visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 

unto the third and fourth generation 

of them that hate me;


Ten days ago, we wrote a post.

We quoted Scripture on "dumb idols".

And here's what those two words mean:

speechless idols

mute idols

false gods that can’t even speak

idols, which can’t speak at all

idols that cannot even talk

idols—things that have no life

idols—things that could not speak

gods who couldn’t even speak

lifeless idols

idols that could not speak

idols—things that have no life

idols that couldn’t even speak

from one idol to another, not one of which could speak a single word

one phony god to another

false gods who couldn’t even speak

statues of gods that couldn’t even speak

false gods. None of these gods could speak

ELILIM ILLEMIM ("Dumb idols, idols incapable of speech" 

idols that cannot speak

voiceless idols

mere images carved by human hands

idols that could not talk

dumb maumets

dumb simulacra


Well, what do you know.

Sly, sly Satan.

He found a way around that.

He gave us idols that speak.

For the longest time, there have been real, live, speaking, breathing, dancing, acting, singing, teaching, preaching idols.

They've even named shows with the word "idol".

All the people in the industries (for there are many) show off their wealth, power, looks, prestige, knowledge, and talent.

One industry feeds upon another.

Sponsors feed upon beauty, sports, arts, music, culture, and evnagelism industries, and vice-versa.

If they are true believers in JESUS, they'd know the command:

1 Corinthians 10:31

King James Version

31 Whether therefore ye eat, 

or drink, 

or whatsoever ye do, 

do all to the glory of God.


Your popularity is judged by your most recent song, movie, business, invention, win, lecture, or false preaching.

If you're out of the loop, then what are you doing in that industry, when there are many more able-bodied, power, money, and fame-hungry people who want to take your place?

There are enough managers and marketers to tell you that the power, money, and fame industry is brutal.

You're only as good as your last "performance" or "offer".

Everyone wants a slice of the popularity pie.

With matching likers, followers, and sponsors.

Everyone trying to profit from each other.

Can you now imagine the neuroses involved in this?

And now, everyone has access to the internet.

Aren't all these the tools of Satan to mock GOD, and destroy us?

Aren't all these the enemy's tools so we don't focus on JESUS?


Now, everyone has a digital platform, and potential presence to boast in.

And how GOD hates anyone who boasts.

Jeremiah 9:23

King James Version

23 Thus saith the Lord, 

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, 

neither let the mighty man glory in his might, 

let not the rich man glory in his riches:


The internet has become the devil's playground.

He now has captured the minds, souls, and pockets of the viewing public.

He influences promoters, businessmen, and creative people to host concerts, make movies, show off ideas and inventions, even let false prophets speak.

On the pretext he wants people to be happy, to be entertained, to be taught.

When in truth, Satan wants us to look up to him.

He wants us to idolize him, instead of looking to GOD.

How the enemy knows our desires.

He has mapped out our brain.

He knows the buttons to push.

JESUS was clear how to differentiate who are His, and who belong to Satan.

Matthew 7:20

King James Version

20 Wherefore by their fruits 

ye shall know them.


Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.


John 10:27

King James Version

27 My sheep hear my voice,

 and I know them, 

and they follow me:


Naturally, man gravitates to the popular, the rich, the smart.

Even the weird.

These days, hardly anyone wants to be obscure, or be left out.

But everything has become idolatrous, and cult-like.

A total abomination to GOD.

When you adore others, you cannot possibly adore GOD.

The LORD was clear about His FIRST commandment:

Exodus 20:1-7

King James Version

20 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, 

which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, 

out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 

or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, 

or that is in the earth beneath, 

or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 

nor serve them: 

for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, 

visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 

unto the third and fourth generation 

of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands 

of them that love me, 

and keep my commandments.

7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; 

for the Lord will not hold him guiltless 

that taketh his name in vain.


Satan will continue to find holes in our armor.

That's his character.

That's his agenda.

That's his reason for being.

May we not fall into his deadly trap.

TRUE born agains can't.

We are not wired to do so.

Hebrews 10:26

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,


We only listen, and share, the WORD of GOD.

Jeremiah 9:24

King James Version

24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, 

that he understandeth and knoweth me, 

that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, 

judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: 

for in these things I delight, 

saith the Lord.


That all may be blameless when JESUS returns.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

King James Version

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; 

and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body 

be preserved blameless 

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Related material:

Idolatry

The IDLE word

JESUS and Satan

DEFINITELY a copycat

The devil's devices

How demons MESS with our MIND

That OLD serpent

FULL ARMOR


Image: Unsplash


Wednesday, September 14, 2022

USURY money

 

Proverbs 28:8

King James Version

8 He that by usury and unjust gain 

increaseth his substance, 

he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.


Beware the Shylocks of this world.

The one not shy of charging high interest.

Keeping people forever in debt.

Usurers could be a person.

They could be establishments.

What happens to all the money they've enriched themselves with?

What does "he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor" mean?

To get clearer, we explore other Bible versions:


Proverbs 28:8

American Standard Version

8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase,

Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

Complete Jewish Bible

8 He who increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest

    amasses it for someone who will bestow it on the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

Contemporary English Version

8 If you make money by charging

    high interest rates,

you will lose it all to someone

    who cares for the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

Easy-to-Read Version

8 If you get rich by charging high interest rates, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

Expanded Bible

8 Some people get rich by ·overcharging others [L interest and surcharge; Ex. 22:25; Deut. 23:20],

but their wealth will be given to those who are ·kind [gracious] to the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

International Children’s Bible

8 Some people get rich by overcharging others.

    But their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

Living Bible

8 Income from exploiting the poor will end up in the hands of someone who pities them.


Proverbs 28:8

The Message

8 Get as rich as you want

    through cheating and extortion,

But eventually some friend of the poor

    is going to give it all back to them.


Proverbs 28:8

New Catholic Bible

8 Whoever increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest[a]

    amasses it for another who will be generous to the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

New International Reader's Version

8 Someone might get rich by taking interest or profit from poor people.

    But that person only piles up wealth for someone who will be kind to poor people.


Proverbs 28:8

New International Version

8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor

    amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

New Living Translation

8 Income from charging high interest rates

    will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

8 One who augments wealth by exorbitant interest

    gathers it for another who is kind to the poor.


Mishle 28:8

Orthodox Jewish Bible

8 He that by neshekh (interest) and increase increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the dalim (poor ones).


Proverbs 28:8

The Voice

8 Anyone who increases his wealth by charging a high rate of interest

    is only collecting it for another who will deal more liberally with the poor.


Proverbs 28:8

Young's Literal Translation

8 Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor doth gather it.


In SUMMARY, "he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor" means:

Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor

amasses it for someone who will bestow it on the poor

you will lose it all to someone  who cares for the poor

your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor

their wealth will be given to those who are ·kind [gracious] to the poor

their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor

will end up in the hands of someone who pities them

some friend of the poor is going to give it all back to them

amasses it for another who will be generous to the poor

that person only piles up wealth for someone who will be kind to poor people

amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor

will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor

gathers it for another who is kind to the poor

he shall gather it for him that will pity the dalim (poor ones)

is only collecting it for another who will deal more liberally with the poor

one favouring the poor doth gather it


Related material:

Beggar Thy Neighbor: A History of Usury and Debt

BASIS for BIBLE versions

WORD study


Image: Love Pik


Friday, July 8, 2022

Worship NOT the creature

 

Romans 1:25

King James Version

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, 

and worshipped and served the creature 

more than the Creator, 

who is blessed for ever. 

Amen.


The born again faith is not a wavering faith.

It is the faith that honors GOD's WORD alone.

We believe in JESUS.

We believe He is the SON of GOD.

We believe in His death, crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection.

We believe in the Rapture, and the Tribulation.

We believe the Rapture can happen ANY moment.

That's why we get our beliefs straight.

We cannot therefore honor creatures, for GOD is the only ONE who deserves WORSHIP.

Exodus 20:2-4

King James Version

2 I am the Lord thy God, 

which have brought thee 

out of the land of Egypt, 

out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 

or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, 

or that is in the earth beneath, 

or that is in the water under the earth.


Even God's TRUE angels don't want to be worshiped.

Revelation 19:10

King James Version

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. 

And he said unto me, 

See thou do it not: 

I am thy fellowservant, 

and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: 

worship God: 

for the testimony of Jesus 

is the spirit of prophecy.


What creatures does man worship?

As many as there are animals, are there cult worship.

Two that come to mind are the snake, and the dragon.

Am I the only one wondering about this?

But doesn't the Bible refer to these two creatures as "Satan"?

Revelation 12:9

King James Version

9 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.


What is a dragon, but a flying serpent?

What is a serpent, but one that was cursed by GOD?

Genesis 3:14

King James Version

14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, 

Because thou hast done this, 

thou art cursed above all cattle, 

and above every beast of the field; 

upon thy belly shalt thou go, 

and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:


God had also put enmity between woman and the serpent.

Genesis 3:15

King James Version

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, 

and between thy seed and her seed; 

it shall bruise thy head, 

and thou shalt bruise his heel.


If GOD did that, what business do we have consorting with serpents, of any kind?

We have GREATLY grieved the LORD, with our abominations, pride, and disobedience.

We have flirted with evil carelessly.

May we all come to the knowledge of JESUS, that we may be taught by the HOLY SPIRIT to revered the LORD alone.

1 Corinthians 2:16

King James Version

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, 

that he may instruct him? 

but we have the mind of Christ.


As born again, everything became clear to me.

Thus, the BIBLE discoveries Spirit led me to.

If the world is in such chaos right now, is it any surprise?

We have revered the serpent, rather than the CREATOR.


Related material:

That OLD serpent

On Knowing the Enemy of Christ

JESUS and Satan

BORN AGAIN articles

Idolatry


Image: Png


Monday, June 20, 2022

What is HELL like?


 Philippians 3:19

King James Version

19 Whose end is destruction, 

whose God is their belly, 

and whose glory is in their shame, 

who mind earthly things.)


What is hell like?

Who are bound for hell?

Who can save us from it?

As always, SPIRIT leads me to Scripture.

Here's what the LORD JESUS says of "hell":

Matthew 5:21-22

King James Version

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, 

Thou shalt not kill; 

and whosoever shall kill 

shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say unto you, 

That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause 

shall be in danger of the judgment: 

and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, 

shall be in danger of the council: 

but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, 

shall be in danger of hell fire.


Matthew 13:49-50

King James Version

49 So shall it be at the end of the world: 

the angels shall come forth, 

and sever the wicked from among the just,

50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: 

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.


Matthew 23:29-33

King James Version

29 Woe unto you, 

scribes and Pharisees, 

hypocrites! 

because ye build the tombs of the prophets, 

and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

30 And say, 

If we had been in the days of our fathers, 

we would not have been partakers with them 

in the blood of the prophets.

31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, 

that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

33 Ye serpents, 

ye generation of vipers, 

how can ye escape the damnation of hell?


Matthew 24:50-51

King James Version

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day 

when he looketh not for him, 

and in an hour that he is not aware of,

51 And shall cut him asunder, 

and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: 

there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


Matthew 25:40-41

King James Version

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it 

unto one of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, 

Depart from me, 

ye cursed, 

into everlasting fire, 

prepared for the devil and his angels:


Matthew 25:45-46

King James Version

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye did it not 

to one of the least of these, 

ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away 

into everlasting punishment: 

but the righteous into life eternal.


Mark 9:43

King James Version

43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: 

it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, 

than having two hands to go into hell

into the fire that never shall be quenched:


Mark 9:44

King James Version

44 Where their worm dieth not, 

and the fire is not quenched.


Luke 10:15

King James Version

15 And thou, Capernaum, 

which art exalted to heaven, 

shalt be thrust down to hell.


Luke 12:4-5

King James Version

4 And I say unto you my friends, 

Be not afraid of them that kill the body, 

and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: 

Fear him, 

which after he hath killed 

hath power to cast into hell; 

yea, I say unto you, 

Fear him.


Luke 16:23-24

King James Version

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, 

being in torments

and seeth Abraham afar off, 

and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, 

Father Abraham, have mercy on me, 

and send Lazarus, 

that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, 

and cool my tongue; 

for I am tormented in this flame.


John the Baptist speaks of JESUS, and the wicked:

Matthew 3:11-12

King James Version

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. 

but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, 

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: 

he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, 

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand, 

and he will throughly purge his floor, 

and gather his wheat into the garner; 

but he will burn up the chaff 

with unquenchable fire.


Here's what the Bible says of JESUS, and "hell":

Isaiah 66:23-24

King James Version

23 And it shall come to pass, 

that from one new moon to another, 

and from one sabbath to another, 

shall all flesh come to worship before me, 

saith the Lord.

24 And they shall go forth, 

and look upon the carcases of the men 

that have transgressed against me:

 for their worm shall not die, 

neither shall their fire be quenched; 

and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.


Romans 6:23

King James Version

23 For the wages of sin is death

but the gift of God is eternal life 

through Jesus Christ our Lord.


2 Thessalonians 1:9

King James Version

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction 

from the presence of the Lord, 

and from the glory of his power;


Hebrews 10:26-27

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for 

of judgment and fiery indignation, 

which shall devour the adversaries.


Jude 7

King James Version

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, 

and the cities about them in like manner, 

giving themselves over to fornication, 

and going after strange flesh, 

are set forth for an example, 

suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.


Jude 13

King James Version

13 Raging waves of the sea, 

foaming out their own shame; 

wandering stars, 

to whom is reserved 

the blackness of darkness for ever.


Revelation 14:9-10

King James Version

9 And the third angel followed them, 

saying with a loud voice, 

If any man worship the beast and his image, 

and receive his mark in his forehead, 

or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, 

which is poured out without mixture 

into the cup of his indignation; 

and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone 

in the presence of the holy angels, 

and in the presence of the Lamb:


Revelation 14:11

King James Version

11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up 

for ever and ever: 

and they have no rest day nor night, 

who worship the beast and his image, 

and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.


Who has power to save us?

JESUS holds the keys to hell, and death.

Matthew 10:28

King James Version

28 And fear not them which kill the body, 

but are not able to kill the soul: 

but rather fear him which is able to destroy 

both soul and body in hell.


Revelation 1:18

King James Version

18 I am he that liveth, 

and was dead; 

and, behold, 

I am alive for evermore, 

Amen; 

and have the keys of hell and of death.


Psalm 145:20

King James Version

20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: 

but all the wicked will he destroy.


In SUMMARY, "hell", as described from the verses above:

hell fire

the furnace of fire

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth

damnation of hell

everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels

everlasting punishment

the fire that never shall be quenched

Where their worm dieth not

the fire is not quenched

being in torments

tormented in this flame

he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire

their worm shall not die

neither shall their fire be quenched;

an abhorring unto all flesh

the wages of sin is death

everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power

fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries

the vengeance of eternal fire

the blackness of darkness for ever

the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation

he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb

smoke of their torment

they have no rest day nor night


Related material:

LAZARUS and the RICH MAN

The WICKED shall PERISH

FEAR the LORD verses

WHO shall be SAVED?

AWARENESS of sin

REPENTANCE

SALVATION

JUDGMENT


Image: Wallpaper Access


Friday, May 20, 2022

AVOID the I's

 

 Proverbs 17:15

King James Version

15 He that justifieth the wicked, 

and he that condemneth the just, 

even they both are abomination to the Lord.


Lust.

Pride.

Greed.

Vanity.

Disobedience.

World domination.

Enough of that foolishness.

These are abominations to GOD:

IGNORANCE is dangerous

INDIFFERENCE is lethal

IDOLATRY is an abomination

IMPERIOUSNESS is foolishness


Related material:

AWARENESS of sin

Idolatry


Image source: Unsplash


STOP the muckraking

   The LORD JESUS rebukes us all : Matthew 7:3-5 King James Version 3 And why beholdest thou  the mote that is in thy brother's eye,  bu...