A RESPONSE TO A READER

Jacob Israel18 Comments


A RESPONSE TO A READERS COMMENT

This morning, very early I found another email which was aimed at proving how wrong I was. An earlier email from this reader’s friend/ collegue, Victor stated I need to put on ashes and sackcloth and tear my blog down. He got real upset with one of my posts, or comments. Which is fine, each to their own. But instead of giving a long response to Sara in the comment section, I figured it was best to address her here. We may all learn something.

This all stemmed, when I stated to Victor, that if I was immature in my faith, his harsh comment would have kept me up all night worrying. I’ve been there, not a fun place to be, under the YOKE of another’s condemnation. But I no longer live my life that way. As you’ll see in this essay, I live my life and judge accordingly, if it ain’t love it ain’t God. This is why I thought it was so important to respond here. Because there are so many that are condemned and attacked when they step out of the box their religious leaders have put them in. I pray, that when the Victor’s and Sara’s of this world come to you and say, REPENT and put you under their control, you can step back and seek God for approval, not the Victor’s or Sara’s of the world for approval. The purpose of this blog, which Victor told me to tear down immediately (on God’s authority he believes he speaks from) is to encourage many to seek God and NOT MAN.

So, I wanted to put my response here because I have a feeling some good stuff may come out of it. I don’t deal with every jot and tittle of Sara’s email but I do overall deal with it. So please enjoy, my response.

DEAR SARA,

What a lot of thought and energy went into your comment. I commend your effort, I see you belong to the same belief system as Victor, “Pathfromtruth”, I believe it is… In any event, I thank you for your comments, it will give me the oppurtunity to grow in grace and learn. You know I could delete this comment and never let it see the light of day, but Sara I want everyone to see the LIGHT OF CHRIST.

Now it seems you, like your friend Victor really want to “rebuke me” or “put me in my place” saying who is right and who is wrong. I understand your need to do this. It is hard to hear things that are very different than you believe. The day of the Lord is a scary (not the way you think scary is) day, because truly the “fear” that is coming from it, comes only from the CARNAL Mind.

That’s right, I’ll state it again. In God there is no FEAR, condemnation, guilt, shame, etc. In the spirit of TRUTH and LOVE there is none of these things. When you are united with God, when you seek first the Kingdom of God, all your spiritual needs are met (there is nothing to “fear” then) –

In fact, I believe it is “fear” that has put you and Victor up to writing me. Because if you cannot prove me wrong (which isn’t needed with love, for I could be wrong, but I’m okay knowing God will correct me if and when I am). But if what I have written is TRUE, then the axe indeed has been laid to your roots and you have to change your beliefs. And who wants to admit they have been misled…. Well, I will. I have been misled for years. No longer, praise God.

So I think it is a great thing to see all the scriptures you posted on here. It will give me the oppurtunity ti show you how I see them. Not to prove you wrong, because even if I did, my words alone cannot change your heart, Only God Can.

Not everyone is on the same page yet, but I have faith one day we all will be. God makes everything beautiful in its time. So whether you are right or I am, really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Because both of us will come to the Knowledge of the Truth and the stature of the perfect man. This is why I don’t worry about your comments, I seek God daily, always praying for the same thing, “teach me the truth, take away everything I believe that isn’t true, let me love and forgive, let me now the light, and be one with the light, to be a light in this world.”

Now this is a great lesson for me, because I like you at times, when I see others that are wrong I feel the urge to correct them, and we should correct people absolutely. But there is a right and wrong way to do it. So let us both pray that we know how to gently lead others to the truth, instead of bashing them, accusing them, and tearing them down. You don’t go to a homeless person and say, “YOUR A BUM, GET A JOB, YOUR LOST!” No, you say, “Let me help you find a home.”

Now you have stated that I have rejected salvation. That, I have to admit is a bit silly to me, considering I spend each day seeking God, knowing I have salvation and understanding what is truly is I am saved from. For one, I am saved from being yoked by religious people who codemn instead of save. (Jesus did not condemn others he came to save them. He came to give SIGHT to those that could not see (didn’t understand or claim to understand) and make blind those who did (thought they knew God = The Condemning Religious) – This is my prayer as well, I simply hope to inspire and encourage others, where so many have only beaten people to believe what they believe, I hope to heal and love and forgive and allow GOD to do his work, which I have complete faith in.

I want to RAISE UP CHRIST (THE WHOLE TRUTH) for the world to see, WITHIN ME, because I know CHRIST will draw ALL MEN.

But as for your many scriptures, which I will answer a few and not each one, as I do have LIFE. Notice I didn’t say a LIFE 🙂

Let’s go into your email a bit, perhaps we will all learn something from it.

First, let me point out the scripture I was referring to.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

So, God doesn’t give us this spirit. Which means, fear comes from another spirit giver (place of thought) = Carnal Mind.

This is why Jesus, was always saying BE NOT AFRAID, not of HIM, nor of God. That was ADAM’S problem, the carnal man FEARS GOD. Now look at that verse you quoted from one of the Gospels, I’ll use Luke’s. I believe you used this scripture as well.

4And 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. 5But 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.

FEAR HIM who has power to CAST YOU into HELL. Fear HIM! Now you mistakingly believe that is God. But it is not GOD that casts us into HELL, it is our VANITY that leads us there for CORRECTION. The Grave isn’t a bad thing, suffering teaches us to crawl out of our ignorant whole back to the light… But let’s look at the next line in LUKE, Jesus clearly once again tells them not to worry, that God is in control of their lives.


6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. FEAR NOT therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

You see Sara, when we look at the whole scripture, clearly Jesus is not saying FEAR GOD, he is saying FEAR HIM who has power to cast you into HELL. The question is, who is that?

The answer is the CARNAL MIND, the LIE. The strange woman in scripture, that HARLOT, and yes the LIES OF THE RELIGIOUS, for they do indeed inspire FEAR.

You see it is UNBELIEF that brings you into the PITS OF HELL. It’s not God, it’s your self effort and vain attempt to be God.

Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell (the grave/death/ignorance).

If what you believe isn’t true, get rid of it, or you will suffer because of it.

Proverbs 5
1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. 3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on HELL.

When we listen to LIES, the end result is HELL/death/ignorance/suffering/the grave.

Now one could say, God does this, sure. But truly it is MAN that does this to himself, by seperating himself from the TRUTH. So of course, once you LEAVE the Kingdom of God (righteousness, peace, and joy) – you will be cast into HELL (Ignorant suffering)

Now, let’s look at the next verse in PSALMS you quote.

“And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall in wisdom think of His doing” (Psalms 64:9 MKJV).

The word FEAR in the HEBREW “Yare” means to to stand in awe of, be awed to fear, reverence, honour, respect.

You see, very big difference then how you have presented it here. As if all men are cowering because a vengeful God is standing above them, waiting to punish their every misstep.

What that verse really means, is this.

“And all men shall stand in awe, revere, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall in wisdom think of His doing” (Psalms 64:9 MKJV).

I stand in AWE of God, and REVERANCE God each and every day. And yes, I know once I leave that, I too, could suffer in the pits of hell. So I stay in scriptures that tell me “Be STILL and know that I am the Lord”, the THOUGHTS GOD gives are not ones of terror, but ones of peace.

We are not to be SCARED of our FATHER in heaven. MAN IS MADE in God’s image. Only an ABUSIVE PARENT a child is scared of. And God is LOVE.

Now let’s look at you’re next example,

“And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and expired. And great fear came on all those who heard these things” (Acts 5:5 MKJV).

Now, of course, ANANIAS DIED (he was ignorant of the Truth) – Ananias kept back part of the land, in other words he didn’t trust God was in control, this has nothing to do with literal money of course, it has to do with holding onto self effort and will. So when he “DIED” – Of course this inspired FEAR, “To be carnally minded is DEATH” – It was the CARNAL MIND of ANANIAS, HIS DEATH, that inspired FEAR. –

You see, most people who condemn in the name of God, and believe they are in control, and rely on “their” works and hold back part of the LAND (God’s temple) INSPIRE FEAR in those around them.

It’s interesting to point out that you are trying to prove that God wants us to be scared, ashamed, and guilty, as opposed to pointing to SALVATION – which is deliverance from ALL OF THAT. (which you said I don’t have)

Moving on to your next passage.

“And the man in whom the evil spirit resided leaped on them, and overcoming them he was strong against them, so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks who lived at Ephesus, and fear fell on all of them, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19:16-17 MKJV).

Once again, I will say, YES being possesed by LIES will cause FEAR IN MANY. And this FEAR only MAGNIFIES the PEACE AND TRUTH of CHRIST. – Without the DARK how would the LIGHT be MAGNIFIED?

Next passage of yours.

“Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be high-minded, but fear” (Romans 11:20 MKJV).

Once again, this word means fobeÑomai – “to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience” The WORD ORIGIN actually speaks of REVERANCING a HUSBAND.

This is good advice, we shouldn’t be PROUD, and think we know it all, and I know there is even a good possibility that I could be wrong. But this is how I know TEST the spirits of God, if I don’t see LOVE, I don’t see CHRIST IN THE FLESH. And if I don’t see Christ than I know it is not truth.

Next passage of yours:

“For if I have boasted anything about you to him, I was not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting as to Titus became truth. And his tender feelings are more abundant toward you, remembering the obedience of you all, as you received him [a man] with fear and trembling” (2 Corinthians 7:14-15 MKJV).

Now here, the word FEAR, actually means FEAR.- FO/BOV = fear, dread, terror, that which strikes terror

But read that passage again. HOW DO MOST PEOPLE FIRST ACCEPT JESUS? That’s right with FEAR! Because they are taught this. Go up a couple of verse and see how PAUL is actually REJOICING, that NOW in their faith, they DON’T HAVE FEAR 🙂

1 COR 7:13 – Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

Paul is commending them, because at FIRST they were carnal scardey cats! But now they rejoice and are COMFORTED at THEIR COMFORT. – Hey don’t get me wrong, I was taught to be SCARED of God and Christ too, and this is ALSO how I first came to Christ, in FEAR AND TREMBLING. My carnal mind, however is what caused all of that, not GOD, for GOD DOES NOT GIVE US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR! 🙂

YOUR NEXT VERSE:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, cultivate your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12 MKJV).

Now for this above passage, please look at it in context. The first verse begins this way…

Phil 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Here we see, he is saying there should be COMFORT, LOVE, FELLOWSHIP and UNITY.

Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Have ONE MIND, next verse goes on to say…

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Including this back and forth, let it not be IN STRIFE of for VAIN GLORY, esteeming one knows better than the next. If truth be told, we are all ONE, and we should ALL UNDERSTAND as the next verse in PHIL states, that “It is God that works in us all for HIS GOOD PLEASURE”

It should never be about us, so YES, it is good advice to FEAR falling into these nonsence habits…. but once again, it does not mean that GOD GIVES US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR. They is nothing to FEAR but FEAR itself is basically the message here.

Now let me quickly address some of your other notes here.

“I will go; I will return to My place until they confess their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will seek Me diligently” (Hosea 5:15 MKJV).

We should confess, Lord I feel GUILTY, and this is why I feel this way… DELIVER ME. And you see how their GUILT caused them AFFLICTION. And YES, even our affliction, suffering, and pain, brings us to the TRUTH. In all things God is crafting our souls. But God wants us to ENTER HIS REST, and stop with all of that fear, guilt, shame nonsence… This is what it means to ENTER HIS REST, to KNOW GOD IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL.

To state that WE ARE in control, is the biggest of all SINS (foolish thoughts/ignorance)

Moving on to your next passages:

Shame

“Be righteously awake, and sin not; for some have ignorance of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34 MKJV).

Of course, if you are IGNORANT of the TRUTH of GOD you wil have SHAME. Remember, it was SHAME that caused ADAM and EVE to hide and FEAR GOD. – Now without stating that we shouldn’t take the bible and turn it into an idol, as our forefathers, listen to the LAW OF THEIR HEARTS (Truth within) – I am not going to say that many translations are inaccurate and we should see God in all things instead, of a book. Because I love scripture, but I put my faith in CHRIST WITHIN, and scripture is good to help me along the way.

But I will say, that because of unbelief there is fighting, backbiting, debating, etc, I speak this to your “shame” – It is our SHAME that MAKES us fight to prove we are right. If we can prove we are right, then we won’t feel so insecure and insignificant. But when you are in the UNITY OF THE SPIRIT, you realize you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. You don’t need to be a man pleaser, but you seek God’s face (truth/wisdom/unity/relationship)

You see, you, like Victor, want to prove you are right and I am wrong. But, I merely write about what I am inspired to write. I don’t really have to prove whether these things be true or not. Let God be true and every man a liar. But if the spirit of unity and love and encouragement is not found in the body of someone’s rebuke, then we must question why.

Moving on with your email:

Back to me: So, there is a place for all these things – fear, guilt, and shame. They point the way, leading us to Christ. If we acknowledge (confess) the reality of our guilt and shame, this brings us to receiving the fear of God, which leads to salvation.

HERE I AM IN COMPLETE AGREEMENT WITH YOU! We must understand that our CARNAL NATURE, (who we think we are, or were) gives us fear, guilt, shame, and a lot of other terrible things, and we confess this, and say, IT IS NO LONGER THESE THINGS THAT LIVE but CHRIST, then we will find the PEACE that passes carnal man’s understanding.

Back to you again:

The fear of God forms the spirit of power and love and a sound mind, which spirit “Jacob Israel” claims to have, but he doesn’t, and he can’t, because he rejects that which brings one into salvation.

I have to STRONGLY disagree that FEAR, GUILT AND SHAME SAVES US. I would say, CHRIST SAVES, and to confess CHRIST is to depart from these EVIL thoughts. And it is not up to you, to say whether or not I am saved from fear, guilt, and shame. You cannot know if I be saved or not, because you are not me, or God. I can say, I have LIBERTY which is freedom and peace, and in many areas of my life I have been saved. My salvation is a daily thing, each day I work it out.

Your next passage:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7 MKJV).

I will admit, I believe almost everyone begins their journey toward understanding and truth being scared of God. That doesn’t mean, FEAR is of God. It means, you are FEARFUL (Men’s hearts fail them for FEAR) BECAUSE you are still IGNORANT, and have NOT YET BECOME WISE. So this in a matter of speaking would be the beginning of WISDOM, would it not?

Now, we know WISDOM is a TREE OF LIFE. And there is no FEAR in wisdom. Neither is there condemnation, no guilt, or shame.

Yes many people are scared of God, seeing God as a tyrant creating people destined for infinite torture, but this is but the beginning of their journey.

WE ALL DIE IN ADAM, but if by MAN came DEATH (fear, guilt, shame, ignorance, condemnation) by MAN will also come the ressurection into LIFE (TRUTH, LIFE, PEACE, AND A SOUND MIND)

Jesus constantly told his disciples FEAR NOT. There is a reason for that. It is because FEAR, SHAME, GUILT, CONDEMNATION is NOT from GOD. So when we get these feelings we KNOW to turn back to GOD.

I agree, that FEAR, GUILT, SHAME, ETC also brings us to God. If this were not the case, the creation would not be finished in victory. In ADAM all die, IN CHRIST all shall be made alive. All things work together, eventually.

So for you, Victor, or whoever else is apart of your site, fear, condemnation, guilt, and shame may be the God you worship, but me and my house (Temple) worship the God OF LOVE and TRUTH. I am not scared of my FATHER in HEAVEN, only those in the world have fear.

So, I don’t get upset when people come against what I have written. If it is not true, I have FAITH God will bring that to light, and he will do so LOVINGLY, or as I need if I be stubborn and ignorant. As a Father who LOVES corrects a young child who knows no better.

Here is your last line below: I have to say “Not nice :(”

“Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain; and you had a harlot’s forehead, you refused to be ashamed” (Jeremiah 3:3 MKJV).

Now your last passage here, basically is more fear tactics. Saying I have refused to be ashamed (I can only assertain, that you mean repent of what I believe)

Well, you’re wrong there, I have been ashamed in my life, many times. And still when I step out of line, I am ashamed, but I remember that IN MY FATHERS HOUSE all are provided for, and I leave the pig slop of fear, guilt, and condemnation, that the carnal religious teachers have fed me in years past for the LOVE, COMFORT AND TRUTH that only GOD PROVIDES.

So, Sara I say to you, choose this day which God you’ll serve. The one who condemns? Or the one who saves?

What you and Victor here have done, reminds me very much of what the Religious leaders of Jesus’ day did to him.

Luke 11
52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. 53And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 54Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Jesus said, you have one that accuses you already. Moses. If you live by the law, you die by it. If you are going to try and wait for me or anyone to write something that isn’t one hundred percent true, then find a better way to help that man, heal the withered hand, don’t stand around pointing saying, “I can’t heal on the sabbath”. Don’t condemn and attack, encourage and build.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Instead of saying FEAR is what God wants, remember that GOD CASTS OUT ALL FEAR.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

And as you can tell by my response to both you and Victor. I ain’t scared of you 🙂 But I loves ya, I loves ya so much that I hope we can agree that we all know in part, until that which is perfect is come. And when it is come (REVEALED) then there will be no more ACCUSING will there?

Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

I am FREE, but I will try to never allow my liberty to cause another to stumble. Think on these words, and I pray to hear from you again.

Peace Jacob

Baptism of Men or God?

Jacob Israel18 Comments


BAPTISM OF MEN OR GOD?

I began this essay in hopes of shedding some light on the story of Naaman the Leper. However, like most of my essays I began with an idea, and I end up somewhere else. You see I haven’t written an essay in a while because I haven’t really felt inspired to. So I sat down finally to discuss the book of 2 Kings, but I soon found out the story of Naaman was secondary to a greater truth that needed to be revealed.

As always, this is touching on some sacred calves/cows/idols. Ever notice how similar the word sacred and scared are? Interesting, makes you go hhhhmmmnnnn! Especially since most of these sacred idols/vain beliefs instill a great deal of fear into those who are taught to obey such. Today, we talk about literal water Baptism.

Luke 20:4
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

This question, the religious leader of Jesus’ day could not answer. Well today, it will be answered. What you do with this revelation is between you and the Lord. But as the old saying goes don’t shoot the messenger, but feel free to shoot some comments below.

So, this is what the MEAT of the essay is about, and I pray also your eyes will be open to the allegory of Naaman.

SO, LET’S START ALREADY!!!!!!

If you’ve ever read 2 Kings, you’ve probably stumbled upon the story of Naaman, a great ruler in Syria, who was feared, loved, respected, but who also a Leper… Yeah I know GROSSSSSSS, right? Well, settle down peanut gallery, this is another great allegory for us to learn from. Because the leprosy I’m talking about here is NOT one in the physical realm, even though we know there are some who actually still suffer from this terrible affliction.

A word of advice if you ever need help with something and you meet a Leper never ask them to give you a hand. They might literally give you one! Okay, bad joke, sorry, especially if someone reading here is a Leper. Which by the way, contrary to common belief, is a treatable condition, as is the spiritual leprosy we suffer from at times.

This NAAMAN was A LEPER, and wanted a good old fashion healing. So he sends Israel’s king a letter, the King is like, “WHAT, DO I LOOK LIKE GOD? I CAN’T DO THAT!” But Elisha, (the one who followed after Elijah) hears about this and dispatches a messenger to Naaman, saying if he dip in the Jordan 7 times he’ll be healed. Needless to say, he really didn’t want to at first, but eventually he does and all is right in Naaman’s world again…

Many people use this story to coerce people into getting a literal Baptism, (Which, we’ll soon see is a man-made tradition), not a BAD THING to do, but let’s be real people God wants you to be IMMERSED in the WATER (which we need to live) of his WORD. God could care less about that lukewarm still tap water many Religious Leaders dump people in, teaching that afterward WHAMO! They are BORN AGAIN! Ah, but I am getting ahead of myself here, and probably agitating/troubling a bunch of you reading this right now. And by troubling I mean, I am stirring up and troubling THOUGHTS (water) inside you.

John 5:4
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

So I am glad if you are being challenged right now. But trust me, you haven’t read anything yet.

So the popular “Christian” belief out there is, you confess the Literal Name of Jesus, get dunked in literal tap water, and YOUR SAVED!

Well first of all, you aren’t to confess a LITERAL NAME, in fact JESUS wasn’t even YESHUA’S, so if you think by confessing a literal name saves you, your confessing the wrong name. Now, if truth be told, this has nothing to do with CONFESSING a LITERAL NAME.

First let me show you what the translation from the Greek of the word CONFESS is. Taken from the Luke 12:8 Who shall ever CONFESS ME before men…

CONFESS: “HOMOLOGEO” – to say the same thing as, to agree with, assent.

This is a revolutionary idea, because it plainly tells you that Jesus was NOT saying, whoever DECLARES MY NAME (Jesus) is saved. What he is REALLY saying is…

“Who ever SAYS THE SAME THING I SAY, AGREES WITH.”

To be saved, you must UNDERSTAND what Jesus understood, you must SAY what the FATHER and CHRIST says, you must BE ONE, even as Jesus is One with the Father. To confess Christ, is to AGREE WITH CHRIST. To be ONE with Christ.

Jesus is the LIGHT of the world, you must agree that YOU TO in CHRIST are the LIGHT of the WORLD.

Matthew 5:14
Ye are the light of the world.

And the NAME we are to AGREE with in Greek. NAME = “ONOMA” the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one’s rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.

So, you see it is much more than carnally saying a literal name and proclaiming it. To be BORN AGAIN you must be in complete agreement with EVERYTHING that is CHRIST. You must speak, act, think, live, BE CHRIST to be BORN FROM ABOVE!

1 John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Now, how do we know if we are walking in the Truth. We test the spirits. And how do we do that? Well watch.

1 John 4:3
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.

Now, for those people still waiting for Christ to return. HELLO PEOPLE, Christ never left nor forsook us. We simply need to have Christ FORMED in us, REVEALED in us as us.

That word COME- “Erchomai” means metaphorically “to come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence”

Now let’s translate that passage of 1 John 4:3 and see how different it is, from the carnal understanding in the world.

1 John 4:3 (Jacob’s translation) And every Thought that doesn’t completely agree that Christ comes into being in the Flesh is not of God.

So to be BORN FROM ABOVE, means there cannot be a difference between you and Christ. Like a true marriage, you should not know where you end and he begins, the TWO MUST BECOME ONE, and that ONE is the SPIRIT OF TRUTH/CHRIST revealed IN US.

So, NO people you can’t get dunked, say a name, and be BORN AGAIN. However, this is a carnal symbol of what has spiritually begun in you.

So I say PRAISE GOD for even that!

Even Jesus the man was Baptized by John. He did this to fulfil all prophesy. He was delivered into the hands of men, after all. 🙂 I too, went to John to be baptized. I wanted to know God and I believed the only way to do this was to go to a Pastor and then I was told I needed to repent and get baptized. This began my journey in the wilderness where I was tested and tried, but after this I WAS HUNGRY to know GOD more than ever before. religious Churchiosity didn’t feed me what I was looking for. It would be the ANGELS (messengers/messages/thoughts) of God that would feed me, and then I would leave this line of thinking (that God can only be found in Religion) and I began to teach the same.

Many forget that Jesus was a pattern of what we go through. This is why when John baptized Jesus, Jesus said, “suffer it to be so”. Immediately after his baptism, he was driven into the wilderness to be TESTED AND TEMPTED. In the wilderness of RELIGIOUS THINKING we go through the same thing. Let’s briefly look at what Jesus was tempted with, the same as we are.

1) Turn STONE into Bread. – Make the LAW – a daily way of Life, follow it to a tee. Religion tries to convince us to make their LAWS LIFE. Religion tries to get you to live by every word written in the Bible, literally not symbolically. But Jesus knows, we are not to live by literal laws or written words alone, but by Every Word (Truth) that Comes (revealed) from God.

2) Worship Satan (Your Carnal Self) – religion teaches it’s all about what YOU do. And if YOU work hard enough, and YOU do enough, and YOU have faith in YOURSELF then YOU COULD ONE DAY EVEN RULE THE WORLD. (We teach this to kids, ONE DAY you could be president) – But we know that it is Not Us that does anything, but God. “I can do NOTHING of myself” Jesus said. This is why Jesus answered, GOD alone we worship. By putting FAITH in OUR CARNAL SELF (Satan) and worshipping our effort, our works, we are mislead. For it is GOD that WILLS ALL AND DOES ALL for GOD’S GOOD PLEASURE.

3) Throw yourself down from the Heights of the Temple and your won’t dash your foot against a stone. Well first of all, is Satan is leading you to the HEIGHTS of the TEMPLE (You) he hasn’t taken you into the Kingdom of God now has he. This is another great temptation that our Carnal Nature tries to convince us with, that we can have revelation and still live like the “devil” so to speak. That we can continue on in a sinful/ignorant life without our WALK being hurt. Foot dashed against a stone. (Our walk/message/gospel WON’T be dashed by the law) BECAUSE WE ARE NOW UNDER GRACE. This is what we see being taught in Church today. And the SATAN within us (God’s ADVERSARY) – The Flesh is at enmity (Opposed) to the spirit – our carnal nature (who we have believed ourselves to be) tries to convince us we can still live a life of cursing, attacking, backbiting, cheating, stealing, lying, etc. and we won’t be hurt.

Remember in all points we are tempted the same way. The Lust of the eyes, the Lust of the Flesh, the Pride of Life. We saw it when Eve first ate of the FRUIT (what man’s carnal knowledge of what is good and what is evil produces = fruit) when we worship the Knowledge of good and evil, instead of worshipping the LIFE OF CHRIST.

So many forget, that Jesus’ journey is a symbol of our journey. “As he is so are we in this world” 1 John. So just like Jesus, he was baptized by RELIGION (less than the least in the Kingdom) as are we. But after his testing, he NEVER baptized a single person, not one.

So, I am not saying being literally baptized is a bad thing. For many it is the beginning of a wonderful journey, as it was for me. But I AM saying, it is NOT OF GOD, but of MEN. And totally not necessary for salvation. The only two things we are instructed to do by Jesus, was to Love God, and Love Others, and the only way to do this is to confess the Name (nature) of Christ (power and wisdom of God).

First we understand God carnally, then spiritually. ADAM is 1st, then Christ last. Our journey starts with seeing God as a distant angry God who will punish us endlessly, our journey ends knowing God as a Son knows a loving Father, that you and the Father are one.

Now remember spiritual birth is a process just like physical birth, and even after you rise out the grave (your vain imaginings and false beliefs) Like Lazarus coming out of the grave, you still have grave-clothes (dead beliefs) to get rid off… And if you are getting Baptized at a literal man-made church it’s probably a good call that you are far away from being truly Born Again, although, like I said the good news is, the process most likely has begun! But unfortunately many believe this “man-made” doctrine of BAPTISM is the ONLY WAY to be saved. Many denominations like those in the “Church of Christ” seem to have built their entire faith around it.

Now I’m about to make a bold proclamation here. So forgive me if it offends, but it doesn’t make it any less true. When the Pharisees asked Jesus if he be of God or not, he asked them a specific question about John the Baptist.

Matthew 21: 24And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? 26But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

Many can’t answer this question, much less the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Here is the reason. If they say John’s literal baptism is off Heaven then why aren’t they doing it? If they say its man-made, they are scared because SO MANY think literal water Baptism is of God.

Well, I’m not going to be like those Pharisees, I’m going to tell you plainly what this water Baptism is after… IT IS AFTER MEN, IT IS MAN MADE, IT IS A VAIN TRADITION! It is NOT from HEAVEN, but from the EARTH (soulish realm)

I know this may come as a shock for some of you, but here is why WE MUST understand if John’s Baptism is of GOD or MEN. If you CAN’T tell the difference between a carnal traditional symbol and the Truth, then you CAN’T know the TRUTH OF CHRIST.

Matthew 21: 27And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

If you can’t tell the difference between MAN MADE DOCTRINE AND TRADITION you can NOT KNOW THE THINGS AND AUTHORITY OF GOD. It is as simple as that.

Now, I’ll show you why I know the baptism of John is of MEN, and not of God.

1) John NEVER entered the KINGDOM. He was less than the least in the Kingdom of God. Which means John the Baptist NEVER entered into the true REIGN OF HEAVEN. He was under the LAW. He could not bring a teaching from HEAVEN if he NEVER entered into the heights of its understanding. This is why he was in the wilderness and not the land of promise.

Luke 7:28
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Clearly, we see here, John is a picture of the religious man. The greatest of men, but worse than the least in the KINGDOM OF GOD. He never entered into the Kingdom. This is why John fasted often and Christ didn’t. This is why John lost faith and didn’t know if Jesus was Christ or not when he was in prison. John condemned, Jesus never condemned. John was in the wilderness, Jesus was in the Promise. John was under Law, Jesus was under grace and truth.

Now if you can’t tell what is a man-made doctrine, then how are you to know the authority and truth of Christ?

So I will answer Jesus’ question to the Pharisees. The Baptism of John was OF MANKIND! A VAIN TRADITION, but a powerful SYMBOL of what is to come.

Want more?

Ever wonder why Jesus NEVER BAPTIZED with water? AND – Jesus came to ONLY do the WILL OF THE FATHER! If it was the will of the Father to Baptize, Jesus would have, as he could only do God’s will.

John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to DO THE WILL OF HIM that sent me, and to finish his work.

If it was God’s will to literally baptize men and women in literal water, he would have done it. But he DIDN’T. Jesus ONLY did the things he heard our Father told him to do. And to FINISH the complete work of God.

Jesus came from God to DO GOD’S WILL. Now, if Jesus NEVER LITERALLY BAPTIZED WITH WATER, and literal water BAPTISM is the will of God and NOT a MAN MADE TRADITION than Jesus didn’t finish the work, and did NOT do the WILL of He who sent him… But we know JESUS DID fulfill God’s will, and the work is COMPLETE.

John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, IT IS FINISHED: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

AND JESUS NEVER ONCE BAPTIZED OR FASTED! BTW, fasting is a symbol of going without the word of God/bread and water of life. Once again not a man-made tradition that is take literally. If you enter the Kingdom (rule) of God, and understand the TRUTH you will always be filled, in within you a well of LIFE GIVING WATER (TRUTH) SPRINGS.

John 4:2
Though Jesus himself BAPTIZED NOT, but his disciples.

So if Jesus did the ENTIRE WORK and WILL of God, and DID NOT BAPTIZE then one can simply deduce that THE BAPTISM OF JOHN is NOT FROM GOD!

WOW JACOB! DID YOU ACTUALLY WRITE THAT? Yes, I did. Can’t believe it myself, mainly because this essay was supposed to be about NAAHAM. But, like every one of these essays I go where I am led, call it spiritual A.D.D.

Now, am I saying we should just stop literal water baptism? Well I’m not about to declare anything. God gave SAUL into the hands of DAVID to kill, and David WAITED.I AM NOT GOING TO SLEY SAUL (religious thinking) God will and is. However, for me and my house I will serve the Lord. My wife in particular was never baptized the way many in Christianity have been baptized. Does that mean she is NOT SAVED? Of course not, what a foolish thing to say, or think, Jesus died once for all.

Look there was a time people believed if they didn’t literally circumcise their children on the 8th day, they weren’t “saved”. However we see that ABRAHAM was justified by his FAITH long before his literal circumcision. A man is NOT justified by his works, but by his FAITH. And it is impossible to please God without it.

And in the new testament, we learn that literal circumcision was only a symbol, and not to be taken literally.

Romans 2 28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

You see, it is not of WORKS (what we physically do) but what GOD does. We are NOT justified or saved by ANYTHING WE DO.

Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is NOT justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Let me briefly explain what a LAW is in a nutshell. A LAW is something that you are told you HAVE TO DO OR ELSE. Now the LAW is good, but we are NOT justified by the LAW, but by FAITH. The LAW shows us, we can’t WORK OUR WAY to GOD.

A literal BAPTISM is a WORK of MANKIND. As John brought it and JOHN was the LAW MAN. Saying do this or do that, or else.

CHRIST baptizes with FIRE (THE SPIRIT). Now we saw many of Jesus’ disciples baptizing, but Paul didn’t, he never worried about such things. He understood it was a symbol, and he said, we should LEAVE THESE THINGS to move unto the PERFECTION in Christ.

Notice again, what PAUL calls DEAD WORKS. (death = ignorance/carnal beliefs)

Hebrews 6 1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; NOT laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of BAPTISMS, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Dead/Ignorance Works = Baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment (In the Literal sense of course)

Now, look if you are getting literally Baptized good for you. I was, when I was scared that I would burn forever if I got hit by a car and died and wasn’t literally baptized. You see FEAR drove me to do this, it has nothing to do with what God wanted, it had everything to do with what that proud ignorant Pastor wanted. This is why when you ask many “Christian” leaders how their service went they answer, “We had one hundred salvations this morning. We led hundreds to the Lord, Praise God!” They say. Foolish, Vain, Arrogant, and Deceived. And most can’t even see this, even though the scripture is clear.

Romans 9:16
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Look it’s not a bad thing to get water baptized. I’m not saying don’t do it. Do what you feel led or pressured to do. Either way, it tells me you want to know God for one reason or another. THANK GOD FOR THAT! But don’t you dare think, you, or your Pastor has done something to help SAVE YOU!

John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

When we enter the absolute faith that God is in complete control, we enter into God’s rest. When we cease our labor and effort and rely only on God, when we stop believing there are things we NEED TO DO, as opposed to letting patience have its perfect work then we will be in union with the truth/Christ (Then we will be CONFESSING CHRIST). Then we will know the peace that has alluded us for so long.

The problem is, people refuse to GIVE UP the IGNORANT belief that they are in control. They say, YOU MUST DO THIS, YOU MUST DO THAT!

Religion just adds fuel to this fire. It gives you, and teaches you, a list of do’s and don’ts that you MUST FOLLOW or else. But you will NEVER enter God’s rest in this system of thought. You will always fail, because your WORKS are DEAD.

Hebrew 3 10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

The heart of UNBELIEF is the heart that says, MAN SAVES HIMSELF. And literal water baptism is yet another man-made tradition that needs to be understood simply as a symbol, and NOT a NECESSITY!

One day, people will realize that God is in control, not them. When they give up the Reigns for the REIGN (Kingdom) of God, then they will REST! Oh and what a wonderful day this WILL BE.

However, I want to reiterate, to be Born Again from ABOVE is a process, much like a literal pregnancy, it takes time. At first when the word of life (Christ) is conceived (resurrected/risen) within, you may not feel a change, you may be excited (I’m saved, I’m saved) you may scream because some religious leader told you so, but you are far from that moment when CHRIST is TRULY DELIVERED/REVEALED in YOU.

This is a process people. You can’t just say LORD, LORD and enter into the Kingdom (rule/reign) of God, you need to be broken first. You need to be humbled, you need to learn that you are not, and never have been in control. You must find out that the only anti-christ there is, is the anti-christ that is you (who you think you are).You’re ego, your self-will, your SELF is in HELL (ignorance/grave) and Christ is right there WITHIN that HELL, speaking to all of those trapped by their vain imaginings.

Christ is WITHIN THE TEMPLE teaching, DAILY. Christ is IN YOU teaching daily.

Like Joseph and Mary, you will not find CHRIST among your kinsfolk (religion and tradition)… you must RETURN to JERUSALEM (teaching of peace) and then you will learn, that Christ is only about GOD BUSINESS, which is TRUTH and SALVATION. To try to find Christ anywhere outside of the TEMPLE (your heart/mind/within YOU) is an fools errand. The same person is called a thief and a robber. Because you are trying to steal the Kingdom from God.

John 10:1
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

The good news is those that ENTER GOD’S REST, the same BECOME THE SHEPARD OF THE SHEEP (Christ) – When you enter in, you become CHRIST as CHRIST becomes YOU.

John 10: 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

You see CHRIST is the DOOR we enter, and when we enter CHRIST, we become CHRIST.

John 10: 7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

I know this is a hard saying. But look, we become the body of Christ, the mind of Christ, and are given the name of Christ, what is left? Nothing. We must DENY ourselves, we must understand “who we think we are” is not who we are, and we must understand, who we are, is who we have always been. GOD’S CHILD!

Now, here is the good news. God’s will, WILL be done. His WORD will NOT return void, it will accomplish what it was sent into the world (carnal mind and lusts) to do (save). However, to deliver that Christ Child, to manifest that CHILD OF GOD, that IS THE TRUE YOU, hurts!

Through much tribulation we enter the Reign (Kingdom) of God. There are lots of bad habits and formed thoughts/imaginations God needs to break… And so, I am FINALLY going to use this example in 2 KINGS to show how stubborn we all can be.

Because if truth be told, as with every character in scripture. Naaman, is yet another example of us, before coming to the knowledge of the Truth and the Stature of the perfect man.

What I am basically going to do here is take the chapter break it down, hopefully the Lord will open my eyes (understanding) and yours as I do so… So, let’s start shall we?

2 Kings 5
1Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

Let’s start by pointing out that the name NAAMAN means PLEASANTNESS, and he was Captain for the King of SYRIA which means EXALTED. Our Carnal nature loves being exalted, raised above everything else.

NAAMAN is perfect picture of MANKIND today, life on the outside seems perfect, a man of title one who demanded respect, loyalty and service, after all he was IN A PLACE where he was EXHALTED, and his life seemed pleasant. He had power, money, servants, but the man was a LEPER.

Now before going any further, I want to give you the definition of Leprosy: Having or consisting of loose, scurfy SCALES. SCALES? Isn’t that what covered PAUL’S eyes when he was BLIND. Which needed to fall away before he could SEE?

Yes, LEPROUS SCALES are a big problem. And a wonderful ALLEGORY! They saw Leprosy as a DISEASE OF THE FLESH. And isn’t that exactly what we all SUFFER from, the FLESH (carnal mind/pride) – Isn’t that exactly what we ALL need to be delivered from.

So what does scripture say about SCALES? Glad you asked.

Job 41:15
His SCALES are his PRIDE, shut up together as with a close seal.

Aren’t FISH covered in SCALES? Aren’t we supposed to be FISHERS OF MANKIND. Pulling them out of the SEA (IGNORANT WAYS OF THE WORLD)? And do we not, get rid of the scales of the Fish before we can eat it (become one with it)

Yes, SCALES are the CARNAL man’s PRIDE. This is what had to fall away from PAUL’S EYES before he could SEE (Understand the truth of God)

So when we see, many Lepers in scripture Jesus healed. And with new eyes, we see this as a symbol of how the TRUTH of GOD (word) cleanses man’s CARNAL PRIDE (which is a disease of his flesh).

In the process, few want to leave the old wine (carnal understanding) for the new (spiritual understanding). Very few are willing to give up their SELF WILL AND EFFORT. They want to be god themselves. And like NAAMAN they can be pig-headed and proud.

2And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

Notice, that the PROPHET of God is what could heal NAAMAN’S leprosy. And what is PROPHESY again?

Revelation 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The Testimony of Jesus is the SPIRIT of PROPHESY. And what was the testimony of Jesus. TO BE BORN AGAIN AND TO WORSHIP GOD! To take on EVERYTHING THAT IS CHRIST.

So this is what heals MANKIND’S LEPROSY, the WORD of God, which is the TRUTH, and with it you are BORN AGAIN! So, truly this is a picture of Man needing to hear the WORD of God (TRUTH) to be healed/saved.

4And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. 5And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

Like most THE PROUD believe salvation can be bought. Can we say TITHES AND OFFERINGS anyone?

6And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. 7And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

The one ruling ISRAEL at this time. Is a picture of the SOULISH CARNAL man ruling over the CHRIST within. He very much believes he is mortal and can do nothing to heal or save.

8And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. 9So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Naaman comes, the proud man comes showing off all his power, and Elisha doesn’t even greet him. Instead a messenger tells Naaman what to do to be saved and healed. But do Naaman listen? Ahhhhhh nope!

11But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. 12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

He was upset Elisha didn’t greet him, he was too proud to give up on HIS WATERS (HIS BELIEFS)… He thought he WATERS (THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS) were just fine. Why on Earth should he leave his OLD WINE for this NEW WINE. “THE HECK WITH THIS” Naaman said and took off angry.

How many of us, after being told everything we have believed is wrong would take that joyfully?

13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather than, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

But a simple servant (greatest of all) pointed out what an arrogant fool he was being. “what can it hurt, he says it can heal you, shouldn’t you at least DIP IN?”

14Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Seven we know is the number when God FINISHED creation. Naaman, as much as it troubled him, as hard as it was to swallow his pride, said, “I don’t want to be this proud sick leper anymore, I’ll do it.” So he left his OLD WATERS AND WAYS and followed a new voice and a new way. And this CLEANSED HIM. Now notice, his flesh was like a little child. Like Paul, the SCALES FELL AWAY but still he had a childish understanding of the things of God. He still had so far to go, as did Paul. (a child shall lead them)

15And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

Now Naaman understood, there is no GOD in the EARTH (man’s soul) but in ISRAEL (The Christ within)

You see this story is a story we can all learn from. The waters (understanding, teachings) you have bathed in – been immersed in – cannot heal you. Water Baptism and man-made works cannot save you.

So I say, come on over to the Jordan, dip in it seven times, until you are whole.

Step out of BABYLON PEOPLE, ask God to reveal the Truth to you, no matter what you lose. Those that seek to save their life IN THIS WORLD (THE LIFE IN THEIR LUSTS) shall lose it.

Don’t be like NAAHAM, dying of a prideful disease. I know you think your ways and your religious teachers ways are the only way. But I am telling you there is a better way. And that way is to give up your works!

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jacob
http://www.JacobIsrael.org

HOSEA AND GOMER!

Jacob Israel1 Comment

The story of Hosea is a wonderful allegory of how the sons and daughters of God should be reaching out to everyone trapped in the Religious system called Babylon. Like Hosea, when we first do this the “Gomers” we encounter may not stop their adulterous (idolatry) ways, they may not even want to hear what we have to say. And at first the union may not result in a great blessing. But if we persist, if we continue to show the Love of Christ, and we don’t allow others judgment to stand in our way, then we will see the “Gomer’s” in our lives soften, and they too will begin to understand that God is love. They will see that God is in control, and that this True Gospel (the salvation of all) is the only hope this world, and everyone in it has. So reach out to those, big and small, don’t be scared of what they think or say. God doesn’t give us the sirit of fear so if your scared to do so, than the fear isn’t real or true, because it isn’t from God. MARRY GOMER ALREADY! Because the Kingdom of God is at hand.

RAPTURE?

Jacob Israel3 Comments

RAPTURE?

It is one of those teachings that anyone and everyone would be interested in. That is of course, if it was true. They call it the Rapture and this hundred year or so old teaching is one many evangelicals can be heard shouting in Sunday service. Without writing much about this, I will say only this… RESEARCH YOUR BELIEFS! Find out where they came from, who they came from, and why.

Jesus prayed that God keeps his disciples IN the world, not take them out. The Tares (false beliefs) are gathered first, the wheat (truth) is kept for the harvest. So this Rapture teaching has to go. It teaches that you can say a few words, live your life the best you can, and without ever really having to sacrafice anything, or suffer, one day you’ll be poofed away up into the clouds with Jesus, watching everyone below in the earth being tortured and suffering terribly. WOW! Sign me up LOL.

First of all, the CLOUDS we are risen into are the GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES we become. In an instant we are changed, but this work takes place within, not without. I hope this below video offers some insight. And I pray you all, study and seek to find the Truth of these things. Just take the word of any man, man is a liar, God is the truth. Seek first the KINGDOM (rule/reign) of God and all things will be added unto you! Much love Jacob

WAKE UP, CHRIST!

Jacob Israel11 Comments

The only path to freedom is one walked without the chains of ignorance binding you. We are not to be unequally yolked with unbelievers. That does not mean we shouldn’t marry people that don’t know Christ, as some have said. What it means is we should not allow the religious law, which produces death, and those who use the bible to condemn instead of uplift, to YOLK us, (shackle us, bind us, make us a slave to their man made laws and traditions)…

The religious leaders of the world have hurt so many, it is time to embrace love, forgiveness, and see these men and women for what they are. Remember, even they have their purpose, so we must not condemn them for their ignorance. God has blinded and hardened those so that his glory and power will be made known.

God makes everything beautiful in ITS time, and he has a purpose for them, and they too will come to the knowledge of the truth. (see my article: the prodigal)… So Love Them, But Don’t Be Dragged Down By Them, Let God Drag You And Be Happy He IS!

In any event, enjoy “AWAKE”

ASCENSION

Jacob Israel10 Comments


THE ASCENSION

Before you read this, please understand I wrote this quick, early, early this morning and have not yet edited. So forgive me for the many errors and spelling mistakes. Forgive and you too shall be forgiven for your bad spelling and grammar (wink wink nudge nudge) 🙂

Today, we celebrate the FEAST OF ASCENSION. Which is awesome… if you’re into manmade tradition and all. 

Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Hey, I’m just messing around. There is nothing wrong with celebrating things, unlike the Jehovah Witness, I celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc. etc… Don’t let anyone fool you there is nothing wrong with traditions, they can be so much fun after all. Hiding presents under the tree, eggs around the house, and watching the little one’s faces when they find it. Now I know many would disagree with me, but let me point something out, when I celebrate these things, I also make sure that my family understands the TRUTH about these holidays, that they are merely just fun days to celebrate. While many are giving birth to Jesus, Killing him, Raising Him, and then like Today Ascending Him, I am not taking any part of that, I just enjoy the fun that goes along with the tradition. You see, I don’t put my faith in what HAPPENED, but what HAPPENS. I put my faith in the present, not the past. I don’t recreate what happened, I experience what is happening WITHIN.

Luke 9:62
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.


SIDE NOTE: This is great advice for us all by the way. When you mess up, don’t dwell on it. Don’t look at what you did, press on.

In any event, here is why we need to be careful about traditions. You see they put their focus on things that HAPPENED, as opposed to pointing us toward what HAPPENS WITHIN, and that is a big no, no. We are not to put our faith in things we SEE, or anything OUTSIDE of us, but we are to focus our FAITH WITHIN.

Luke 17:20
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.

It should be pretty clear from this scripture we shouldn’t be looking up into the sky, and waiting to LITERALLY SEE any kingdom coming. And, it should be pretty clear we shouldn’t be WAITING around for some future event, as the Kingdom is NOW AT HAND. But so many today are WAITING and preaching about what is to COME in the FUTURE. Looking for something TANGIBLE like a physical body of Jesus… they want to see things with their two eyes, and this is the trap. You see, the TEMPORAL WORLD is TEMPORARY, we are not to put our faith in this, but in the ETERNAL, which cannot be literally seen.

2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We are told in many place we are NOT to look at that which is TEMPORAL. Our faith is the EVIDENCE of the UNSEEN, not the seen.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Yet, it seems the whole world is waiting to literally SEE something. As the TWO DISCIPLES who watched Jesus ASCEND were standing around WAITING and LOOKING up into the SKY waiting for JESUS TO RETURN. They, like people today, didn’t understand how Christ COMES (IS REVEALED)

YES, PEOPLE, when you see the word “COME” in scripture, in reference to Jesus COMING the translated word for COME is REVEALED, MANIFESTED, UNVEILED.

John 21:22
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

First I want to point out, the word “COME” is NOT a FUTURE TENSE, it is in PRESENT TENSE. The word speaks of presently COMING, (being revealed)

Here is the strong’s definition of the this Metaphor right here.

COME: Erchomai = To come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence, be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto.

Now, that would mean that when CHRIST COMES, Christ (who is the way, the truth, and the Light) he is revealed, shown, finds a place of influence, is established, becomes known, comes into existence.

Now this is a very important thing to point out and understand. Because scripture is NOT talking about Jesus RETURNING outside of us, but COMING (being REVEALED AND ESTABLISHED) WITHIN US…

So, those that celebrate past things like the resurrection of one man, the literal ascension of one man, are going to be very confused about how it all goes down. If, in fact, the ASCENSION takes place WITHIN. (Which of course, I believe to be true)

And if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a bunch more times on this blog, the HOPE OF GLORY is NOT Christ OUTSIDE of YOU, but WITHIN YOU.

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ IN you, the hope of glory:

YES, the Kingdom of HEAVEN is WITHIN YOU. Not outside you, not coming from a far, far away galaxy, not returning, but unveiling. The WORD KINGDOM itself, is translated thus, “not a literal kingdom, but REIGN”

So when we read, the KINGDOM OF GOD is within. It really means the REIGN OF GOD is within. And that REIGN/RULE is CHRIST. Who is HEAD OVER ALL.

Now, I know a lot of you are saying, Christ is going to RETURN. Even though scripture clearly states, Christ NEVER LEFT.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will NEVER LEAVE thee, nor forsake thee.

Simple logic (logos) states, that if Christ never LEFT, he never needed to RETURN. Christ simply needs to be REVEALED. An UNVEILING must take place. THE VEIL that is to say, the FLESH (your carnal mind) must be taken away. And then when that CARNAL NATURE called the ANTI-CHRIST is revealed, THEN CHRIST WILL DESTROY IT with the BRIGHTNESS of his COMING (UNVEILING). And you will know that Christ IS and has ALWAYS BEEN WITHIN you. And that your life has been HID IN CHRIST. (Colosians – read it some time)

I have in other articles, described how we are given the Mind of Christ, the Name of Christ, and we are the Body of Christ… with all of that stated, I surmise, that it is IMPOSSIBLE for us, in the end, to be anything else but CHRIST.

You see, there are only TWO MEN in scripture. ADAM (First born son of God) and CHRIST JESUS (The LAST MAN – ONLY BEGOTTEN OF GOD) – And we bear the IMAGE OF BOTH.

1 Corinthians 15:49
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Notice, it says, as we HAVE born (past tense) the IMAGE of the EARTHY (adam). This means all of humanity has sinned (become ignorant) of who they are in Christ. In doing so, they were expelled from the Garden (paradise/kingdom of heaven) and began to put their faith in the EXTERNAL instead of seeking salvation from their ignorance within, which is CHRIST.

Even today, we hear on almost every pulpit, Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming soon. This ADAMIC thinking is the big problem. To say he is NOT YET HERE, is to NEVER KNOW THE TRUTH… For Christ is the TRUTH. And if the TRUTH is NOT HERE, then you are still DEAD (Ignorant) in your trespasses.

1 Corinthians 15:13
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Many will look at this word DEAD and believe it to be PHYSICAL AND LITERAL. Even though, scripture CLEARLY states NOT TO PUT OUR FAITH IN SUCH.

No, the DEATH Christ is RESSURECTED out of is YOU (Your ADAMIC THINKING/Your IGNORANCE)

Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is DEATH; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Now if there is no RISING out of our IGNORANCE, than even this blog of mine is in VAIN. If the TRUTH (Christ) is not RISEN IN ME then MY faith (evidence of the UNSEEN) is in VAIN.

Now watch this next verse: LOOK CLOSELY

1 Corinthians 15:20
But now is Christ risen from the DEAD, and become the firstfruits of THEM that slept.

The word DEAD is A PLURAL WORD… meaning THE word DEAD here refers to MANY… This is why the next line is, CHRIST is becomes the FIRSTFRUITS (PLURAL) of THEM (PLURAL/MANY/MANKIND) … THEM.

Notice, the word THEM is used, not HIM a singular word. What? Still need more proof that CHRIST is only RISEN WITHIN, and not WITHOUT?

Colossians 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Paul, is not talking about someone fresh from the literal grave, he is talking about someone who is RISEN (enlightened) into the TRUTH OF CHRIST. He says, IF YOU ARE RISEN seek the things which are ABOVE, where CHRIST sits, the RIGHT HAND OF GOD… which is WITHIN YOU, the Temple of God, which YOU ARE.

KNOW YOU NOT THAT YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD?

Know you not, that the THRONE OF GOD is your heart/mind? And the RIGHT HAND of GOD, where God sits is NOT a literal location. That the RIGHT HAND OF GOD is an allegorical representation of the AUTHORITY AND RULE, and TEACHING of God. This is the RIGHT HAND. (God’s WISDOM)

Ecclesiastes 10:2
A wise man’s heart is at his RIGHT HAND; but a fool’s heart at his left.

Remember the FOOL in his heart says “there is no God” and who always shows up on the LEFT. Satan and the unbelievers (thoughts that aren’t true).

God judges the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of man. He doesn’t JUDGE LITERAL PHYSICAL PEOPLE as some would say. HE JUDGES OUR THOUGHTS AND WORDS. Scripture states clearly, that we will be judged for every word that comes out of our mouth. And every word that comes out of our mouth, comes from the HEART/MIND.

Recently, I have been condemned by some to be destined to the Left side at the judgment. As if this is a literal physical place where we, allegoricallly called sheeps and goats, are taken to be judged and condemned. Well it isn’t!

God judges and separates our thoughts from WITHIN. His THRONE of judgment is INSIDE US ALREADY. Don’t you know that JUDGMENT begins at the HOUSE OF THE LORD. (WHICH WE ALL ARE)

Hebrews 4:12
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.

Every thought that is not rooted in TRUTH is cut away and destroyed. This is how God deals with us.

TALK ABOUT TANGENTS… In any event, let me get back on track here.

I wanted to write about the ASCENSION. I pointed out how this is NOT a physical event that takes place, but a spiritual event that takes place WITHIN US ALL.

Now, today is the FEAST OF ASCENSION… And this man made tradition is brought to us courtesy of the first passage in ACTS.

ACTS 1: 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11″Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Now, I want to show you something perhaps none of you have seen before. Now you need to pay attention.

Here is a picture of DISCIPLES looking UP in the SKY and WAITING for JESUS TO RETURN… Much like the millions of Christians around the world today. (By now, it should be obvios Christ never left. John 1, he is the Light that lights all from the womb.)

And what happens in ACTS here, is these disciples looking up in the sky are visited by a MESSENGER of God. Who says, 11″Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?

Why are you LOOKING UP IN THE SKY?

Now if Jesus was to RETURN that way, as many believe, don’t you think, the MESSENGER would have said, “Hey, good job, keep looking up there fellow Christian!” … But NO, that’s not what is said. The two are asked, WHAT ARE YOU DOING LOOKING UP IN THE SKY MEAT-HEADS?

The disciples were confused. Surely, THEY THOUGHT, Jesus would return by descending from the sky above, they thought. But look at what the MESSENGER says next.

“…This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the SAME WAY you have seen him go into heaven.”

Did you catch that? The SAME WAY he was TAKEN FROM YOU, he will COME BACK.”… THE SAME WAY. CHRIST ASCENDED out of their SIGHT (understanding), and this is the SAME WAY he will COME (BE REVEALED) BACK… By ASCENDING within us.

When Christ is RISEN within us, there are some things we cannot grasp. There are some TRUTHS that are BEYOND OUR SIGHT.

Now there are some that are waiting for a physical return, waiting and waiting. But if they kept that up, they’d be waiting for eternity.

Christ has been TAKEN from the disciples. The TRUTH is too much for some to see, so they cannot SEE (UNDERSTAND) Christ. There are some that cannot understand the TRUTH OF CHRIST when it is REVEALED within others, much less, themselves.

But CHRIST (THE TRUTH) is always WITH US. CHRIST is TAKEN from us, and COMES to us… Let me explain this further.

The Word TAKEN, in the Greek means to RECEIVE, to BELIEVE, TO ACCEPT as TRUE… It doesn’t mean to be physically TAKEN AWAY from.

The TRUTH of God, the WORD OF GOD, is WITHIN. And the same way CHRIST ASCENDED is how he comes back, by ASCENDING. The scripture does not say…

“this same Jesus that was taken from you will return in THE OPPOSITE way he left.”

No, the scripture is clear… “…This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in THE SAME WAY you have SEEN HIM GO into heaven.”

When REVELATION HITS, this is CHRIST within you, you SEE (UNDERSTAND) then when you no longer have further REVELATION, Christ is not gone, but will once again have to ASCEND for you to SEE (UNDERSTAND) the TRUTH AGAIN.

I know this is a tough saying…. But look at how Christ RISES.

Romans 10:6-8
6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say NOT in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

Don’t say who will LITERALLY GO into HEAVEN. Because to ASCEND into HEAVEN is to BRING CHRIST (truth/word) DOWN from ABOVE (HIGHER TRUTHS OF GOD) – To ascend means to have REVELATION of CHRIST.

7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

To DESCEND into the DEEP, means to bring CHRIST again from the DEAD (our ignorance)

8But what saith it? The WORD is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and IN YOUR HEART: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.

You see people. Jesus Christ is not far, far, away, waiting to return.

CHRIST is IN YOU, IN YOUR HEART/MIND…. All one needs to do is to either bring Christ down to others, or raise Christ up from your death (ignorance) — But if truth be told, none of this is in our control ANY WAY. So thank God for it all, and pray YOUR WILL BE DONE, NOT MINE!

I hope this article made a whip of sense to you, and I pray as always you SEEK GOD for the Truth. Because as always, I could be COMPLETELY WRONG. I just don’t believe that to be so. Peace out “Church”

Jacob