Scriture Reading

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Scripture Reading 1.

I will now read 4 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all.

John 1:18.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Exodus 33:11, 18-20.
-And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
-Then Moses asked to see God’s glory.
-The Lord replied, “I will make my goodness pass before you, and I will announce to you the meaning of my name[a] Jehovah, the Lord. I show kindness and mercy to anyone I want to.
-But you may not see the glory of my face, for man may not see me and live.

Genesis 18:1-21.
1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

Genesis 32:24-30.
-So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
-When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.
-Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak. ”But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
-The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered.
-Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, [a] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”
-Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.
-So Jacob called the place Peniel, [b] saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

John 1:18 says that no man has seen God at any time. Many people conclude that to see God would mean instant death. Yet, the bible says in Exodus 33:11 that Moses spoke to God face to face as a m.an speaks to a friend. Nevertheless, afterwards Moses requested to see God's Glory. God responded that no man can see God's glory and live. Nevertheless, God allowed Moses to see his back or the totality or the essence of a small part of himself. No man can see the essecence or the totality of God's face and live. It is too much information for a human bing to absorb.

Likewise, other humans, other than Moses, have seen God face to face. Three men visited Abraham. One of those men were the Lord. Not only Moses, but Abraham also saw God, face to face. The bible says on this occation, the Lord spoke to Abraham severeral times. He said, For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Nevertheless, Abraham did not see God's glory.

Likewise, Jacob said that he werstled with God and his life was preserved. Jacob was speaking from experience not theroy. Furthermore, Moses and Abraham backed Jacob up. All scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproff, for correction, thet the man of God might be throughly equipped unto all good works.

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I will now read 1 scripture, and then quickly summarize it.

Romans 8:18-23.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Genesis 32:25-30.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body

We say that we are waiting on the return of Jesus. Know ye this. All creation is waiting on us, mankind, to come into his glory. So that they can be delivered from their bondage that we imposed on them. That is not going to happen until a certain percentage of the whole of mankind comes into the knowledge of who Jesus is. The mystery that was kept secret from the foundation of the world. This was so that we could be delivered from our bondage. Now it is the time for us to deliver all creation from their bondage. Furthermore, Jesus is not going to return to a divided church.

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4:00. - 0-4:06
I will now read 4 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all.

2 Peter 3:8 to 9 reads:
‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’

Psalm 90:4 says.
‘For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

Genesis 2:17 says.
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Exodus 10:28 says.
Then Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die".

The first thing to note that the context has nothing to do with the physical life span of Adam being 1,000 years old.

Also, it is not defining a day because it doesn’t say ‘a day is equal to a thousand years’.

The correct understanding is derived from the context. A day is like, or similar to a thousand years, not equal to a thousand years. Just like your head might be like a sponge, in that it readily absorbs information.

We should not lose heart, because God seems slow at fulfilling his promises, because he is patient, also because he is not bound by time as we are.

The fact that the passage is actually contrasting a short and long period can be shown by the fact that Peter is quoting Psalm 90:4. Peter’s statement ‘do not forget’ implies that his readers were expected to recall something.

This is parallelism, where a long period of a thousand years is contrasted with two short periods: a day, and a night watch. It is not the foundation of prophecy, saying a day equals a thousand years, therefore blah, blah, blah.

They forget the additional part in bold. For if they were consistent, they would have to say that a watch in the night here also means 1000 years.

4:00. - 4:06 - 8:22
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Revelation 3:14.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Some claim that if Jesus is the "beginning" of the creation of God, that must mean that He is part of that creation. They believe that this verse upholds the view that Jesus is the first creation

Beginning.
The Greek word translated "beginning" here is the word "arche." Arche certainly can mean "beginning" as in "the first in series,! which is how some understand it here. But it can also mean "beginning" in the sense of the "origin" or "source" of a thing,.. or can carry the sense of "the one with whom a process begins."... It even can mean "ruler" or "authority,".... from which we get words like "archbishop", "archangel", or "arch enemy." In Greek philosophy, the "arche" was the eternal absolute from which all created things are derived,..... from which we get words like "archetype". So it is not enough merely to note that Jesus is the "beginning of the creation of God." We have to ask in what sense is Jesus the "arche" of creation? How is He using the word here?

Jesus is addressing the church at Laodicea. He is not merely stating random facts about Himself but is reinforcing the authority of His words. The term "Amen" is a strong affirmation of the truthfulness of a statement. When Jesus calls Himself "the amen," He is saying that His own identity is the ultimate affirmation of truth. Who He is, proves the truthfulness of what He says.

This is reinforced by the second title He gives Himself here, "the faithful and true witness." The context is emphasizing Jesus' authority and identity as the arbiter of truth. When He gives the third title, that He is the "arche" of creation, it seems highly unlikely that the sense intended here is merely "God made me before He made you. I come first on a timeline." If Jesus is the source of everything that is or the ruler of everything that is, that furthers His point. Stating that He is one of the things that God created and comes first in chronological order doesn't do anything to establish His authority or the truthfulness of His testimony. The statement would simply be out of place. Translators have long realized this

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Please bear with me for 8 minutes. I had put this speech together for you. And afterwards, I found that I am the one in desperate need of lifting myself up. So this, and probably for some time to come, will be me talking to me. An you just happen to be listening. Praise yee the name of the Lord.

I will now read 2 scriptures, and then quickly summarize both.

Romans 4:17 to 18.
-(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
-Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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

What is meant by “call those things which are not as though they were”, (Romans 4:17)?

The context of Romans 4, is salvation by faith. Paul uses the example of the patriarch Abraham to show how our relationship with God is based on faith and not the works of the Law. Romans 4:17 states, “As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations. Abraham is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”

The truth that God “calls into being things that were not” is expressed various ways in various translations:

It is possible to understand the last part of Romans 4:17 as meaning that God has the ability to create. This idea is brought out in translations that say that God “creates new things out of nothing” or simply creates new things. The “nothing” in this context would be the deadness of Sarah’s womb (verse 19), and the “new things” that God creates would be Abraham’s offspring mentioned in verse 18. God gives life to the dead and creates something from nothing.

When God speaks, it’s as good as done. He changed Abram’s name to Abraham, (“father of a multitude”), while Sarah was still childless. God spoke of Abraham’s descendants when as yet there were none. God truly has the ability to speak of impossible things and, in the speaking, make them possible.

Abraham heard God’s promise and believed it. That faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) and provides the example of all who would later exercise faith in God. Looking into the future, God can speak of things that do not exist as if they do exist. God has power over death and the ability to create life. Abraham believed this, and so do we, if we are spiritual descendants of Abraham (see Galatians 3:29).

This we Christians find it easy to be in agreement with because we are talking about Abraham and others. Yet, when the scripture hits home, then the scripture itself becomes a problem for us.

Often we Christians, become extreemly dogmatic or accquire extreemly large strongholds. Some of the things that we attempt to speek into existence are not honest nor true. Philippians 4:8 tells us to speak on these things which are honest and true. Yet, anger gives place to the devil. Not only anger but lack of a descerning spirit alters the ability of us Christians to see doctrine clearly, even when presented clearly to us. It is true that God is a very forgiving God. Yet, to him that much is given, much is expected. So is it advantageous to stay unknowing all the days of your life, or to practice premeditated sin because God will forgive you by and by? Is it advantageous to physically separate yourself from the body of belivers and claim ignorance. God forbid.

Statistics indicate that deforce is higher among Christians than among non-Christians. God forbid. We Christians have come a long way. Yet, we still have a lot further to go. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Why would the world listen to anything that we have to say, when half of us can not get along in unity with our own spouses. Lord help us to be a lamp unto the world, not a blinding light, least we all fall into a ditch.

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Please bear with me for 5 minutes. I will now read 3 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all.

Revelation 3:9.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Revelation 2:8-9.
-And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
-I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:13, and 24.
-I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
-But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

What does Revelation 3:9 mean, and whom is it that say they are Jews and are not.

This is the second time in the letters to the seven churches that the "synagogue of Satan" is mentioned, and the fourth time Satan is referenced (Revelation 2:9; 2:13; 2:24). Apparently, the Jews of Philadelphia, like those of Smyrna, made life hard for the believers in Philadelphia. This is not a blanket reference to all of Judaism, nor all of the Jewish people. Rather, Jesus is indicting a specific group in a specific area. In fact, Jesus said these offenders were Jews in name only. He called them liars. They actually belonged to Satan and served Him.

Perhaps the aggressors tried to force the Christians to be circumcised and to put themselves under the law of Moses, just as Judaizers tried to persuade the churches of Galatia to accept circumcision and submit to the law of Moses (Galatians 1:6–7; 3:1–6). But the Christians at Philadelphia resisted the Judaizers' efforts.

Jesus promised to compel the false Jews to acknowledge the believers' valid faith in Jesus and recognize that Jesus loves the believers. This is most likely a reference to the ultimate victory of good over evil: the day when all false teachers will have to bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:19–11). Christians will witness that triumphant event (Revelation 20:12–15).

This chapter is about Jews in Jesus's time who say that they are Jews and are not. The verse is not about, modern day, 15th, 16th, or even 21st century cossac Jews, as a result of war. The verse is not saying that these modeern day Jews, claimed to be jews and they are not. More percisely what the jewish law says is that anybody who wanted to convert, had a right to convert. You, being a Jew did not have the right to deny their conversion. The only requirement was that they abide by the rules of your faith. Even if they were your previous enemy. Conversion could be seen as a way in which previous enemies could get along. Native to the land has nothing to do with conversion or being a Jew.

Moses passed a law which declaired that converted Jews were just as much a Jew as those born in the land. Moses's wife was a black converted Jew, and so were their children's, children, children, as well as many of the mixed multitude. There was no concept that said that your conquerorer could not convert.

This verse is not prophetic, about what will happen in the future. It is about what was happening in the church, at a particular time in history. Rightly discerning the word of God. So let it be.

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3:00. - 8:08 - 11:08
I will now read 2 scriptures, and then quickly summarize both.

Psalm 89:20.
-I have found David My servant; With My holy oil I have anointed him,
-I also shall make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.

FIRSTBORN.
The word firstborn is a conpound word. Often times compound words take on a meaning completely different from either of the words that make up the compound, for example white-collar has nothing to do with white nor collar.

Furthermore, there are two words in firstborn. The word first has two dominant meanings. One is first in sequential order. The second meaning, and equally important is, position, rank, or importance. Consistent with the first in position, rank or importance, is the idea of preeminence.

Firstborn means preeminence, not necessarily the first one out of the woumb.

King David is a perfect example of this phenomenon, the seventh and last in a series of sons, but was chosen by God to receive the effective birthright, and become the progenitor of Christ, despite being the youngest. David, was the favoured son and had the most appropriate character, to be king according to God, and thus was called the "firstborn".

There are numerous examples where this normal course of the birthright privilege was changed

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I will now read 2 scriptures, and then quickly summarize both.

1 Corinthians 14:22 to 23.
-Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
-If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad.

This verse is simply saying that tongues has a negative effect on unbelievers, while prophecy has a positive effect on those who will believe.

Usually a sign is a positive thing, that helps people believe.

Yet, there are also negative signs that are intended to be stumbling blocks to those with hardened hearts.

Although God used signs to convince people many times, sign-seekers are rebuked in Matthew 12:38 to 39 saying, Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Again, this verse is simply saying that tongues has a negative effect on unbelievers, while prophecy has a positive effect on those who will believe.

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5:20 - 13:53 - 18:24

I will now read 2 scriptures, and then quickly summarize both.

John 1:3.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Psalms 103:3.
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

Romans 1:20.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Romans 3:4.
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

The Bible says God created all things. Emphasis on the word things. Another word for things is matter. Without him was no matter created. The Bible also says that God heals all of our diseases. Science says that it can also heal some diseases. Both are true. Unfortunately we say the Bible only. No. The Bible says let God be true, but every man a liar. In other words, when man’s word comes in conflict with God’s word, then let man be a liar. Otherwise let both be true.

Finally, Einstein said that matter and energy were interchangeable, which aligns with God created all matter or things. Before God created anything, no matter existed. Science says that although time may not be a thing per say, time is a function of the existence of matter. Where there is no matter, there is no time or E = M C squared.

In the absence of time, the concept of before and after is meaningless. Thus, in the absence of time, whether Jesus was before or after God is a meaningless concept. Everything that happens in the absence of time, all happens at one tine. Praise God for clairity of thought and percission of expression will now read four scriptures, and then quickly summarize all four.

Ephesians 6:10 to 12.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Here endeth the reading of God's Holy Word. .

God's Word reveals that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but demonic powers. Our fight is not against people, but the spiritual forces influencing them. )

It is useless to debate whether or not an individual is possessed, oppressed, or just depressed. When the New Testament calls someone demon-possessed, the Greek word there literally means "demonized."They are under the influence, and therefore, control, of the devil. The truth is that people all around the world today are being influenced, controlled, and used, to whatever degree, by the devil. So, put on the whole armor of God.

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5:00 - 19:46 - 24:57

I will now read four controversal scriptures, and then quickly summarize all four.

Deuteronomy 6:4; and Isaiah 43:1.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Job 1:6 says.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan was among them.

Psalms 82:1 to 7 says.
God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

John 10:34.
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Exactly, how can both of these concepts be true, that there is only one God, yet we and angels are gods. Jesus is God in a different way, than how angels, or men, are gods. Jesus is Gods only, emphasis on the word only, begotten, emphasis on the word begotton, son. A begotten son is necessarily, the same kind of a thing that his father is. Thus, worthy of worship and praise. In him dwelleth the fullness of the godhead bodily.

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Romans 8:18-23.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body

We say that we are waiting on the return of Jesus. Know ye this. All creation is waiting on us, mankind, to come into his glory. So that they can be delivered from their bondage that we imposed on them. That is not going to happen until a certain percentage of the whole of mankind comes into the knowledge of who Jesus is. The mystery that was kept secret from the foundation of the world. This was so that we could be delivered from our bondage. Now it is the time for us to deliver all creation from their bondage. Furthermore, Jesus is not going to return to a devided church.

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- 25 -

I will now read 3 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all 3.

1 Corinthians 2:7-8.
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Collosians 2:9.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Who Jesus was, was the stumbling block of the Jews, and that is still our stumbling block. Even today it is still a mystery to many of God's creation. That is despite the fact that it is clearly seen that Jesus is God's eternal power. For in him dwelleth the fullness or the godhead bodily.

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Romans 14 2 to 3, and 6.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Romans 15 4, and 7.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Psalm 90:4 says.
‘For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

What I am going to talk about is unity in the body of Christ from the perspective of Paul. I am a vegetarian, and I have been so for over thirty years. I am saying this so that you can imagine my supprise when reading Romans 14:2. Given my time I am going to go immediately to reading the scripture. You can read it for yourself at your own pace, later. I My initial response was, Paul why are you calling me week. I could not understand it. Nevertheless, the bible says in Philippians 3 15, "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." So I just sat on my lack of understanding, persuaded that eventually God would open up the scripture to me. Then in my regular bible study, God's servent and my mentor Andrew Wommack opened up the scripture to me.

Paul wrote this epistle Romans 14, to the saints in Rome, dealing with the mistaken teaching, that Gentiles who became Christians had to keep the Old Testament laws in order to be saved. The only thing that God requires for the born-again experience is faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross.

The issue was, the eating of meats that the Law declared unclean. The Jewish Christians, were saying that the Gentile Christians had to keep these laws. The Gentile Christians, felt no obligation to old Jewish rituals.

Paul stated that the Gentile Christians were correct doctrinally (Romans 14 20), but he warned them against despising their weak Jewish brethren who could not, in good conscience, eat meat. Therefore, Paul established a principle that those who have the greater revelation of their freedom in Christ have an obligation to try not to display that freedom in a way that offends their weak brethren.

Who was the weak brother referred to here? It was the religious Jew who was converted to Christianity. Romans 14 2 refers to the weak one as the one who was eating herbs. This was a reference to the Jewish Christians who had not totally realized their freedom from the Old Testament dietary laws. Because the Jews who were in Rome could not always be certain of what type of meat they were buying or if it had been killed properly to drain the blood, many of them had become vegetarians to avoid any possible contamination.

It is very interesting that Paul cited the religious person as the weak brother. Most religious people think that all their religious convictions make them superior to those who come to Christ without any religious background, but that wasn't Paul's assessment. A simple pagan background is easy to overcome in comparison to a heritage of legalistic religion. Paul ought to know; he was the Pharisee of the Pharisees. Paul was saying that we shouldn't be critical of or discriminate against those who are weak in their convictions. How does Paul's actions harmonize with unity in the body of Christ?

There are some doctrinal points that are non-negotiable and others that are. When it comes to the doctrine of grace for salvation, Paul didn't compromise. He even said, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1 8).

Likewise, we cannot compromise on the matter of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2 8). But there should be room for Christians to dwell together yet have different interpretations of scripture. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.

Romans 14 2 to 3, and 6.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

One says there is but one God, another says there are many Gods. One says women should be silent in the church. Another says there were women prophets, judges and other speaking offices in the body of Christ. One says that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have passed away with the death of the last apostle. Another says that fully preaching the gospel is followed by signs and wonders (Romans 15:19). Some say once saved always saved. Others say you have to endure until the end. Some say that everything in life is predestined. Others say that we are predestined to be declared sons of God or salvation is predestined. One says, God knows everything. Another says, God said I came down to see. I could go on and on like this.

What I am going to talk about is unity in the body of Christ from the perspective of Paul. I am a vegetarian, and I have been so for over thirty years. I am saying this so that you can imagine my supprise when reading Romans 14:2. Given my time I am going to go immediately to reading the scripture. You can read it for yourself at your own pace, later. Romans 14 2 says "For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs." My initial response was, Paul why are you calling me week. I could not understand it. Nevertheless, the bible says in Philippians 3 15, "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." So I just sat on my lack of understanding, persuaded that eventually God would open up the scripture to me. Then in my regular bible study, God's servent and my mentor Andrew Wommack opened up the scripture to me.

One says there is but one God, another says there are many Gods. One says women should be silent in the church. Another says there were women prophets, judges and other speaking offices in the body of Christ. One says that the gifts of the Holy Spirit hae passed away with the death of the last apostle. Another says that fully preaching the gospel is followed by signs and wonders (Romans 15:19). Some say once saved always saved. Others say you have to endure until the end. Some say that everything in life is predestined. Others say that we are predestined to be declared sons of God or salvation is predestined. One says, God knows everything. Another says, God said I came down to see. I could go on and on like this.

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5:00.

Please bear with me for 5 minutes.
I will now read 2 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all 2.

2 Peter 3:8 to 9 reads:
‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some und erstand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’

Psalm 90:4 says.
‘For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night

The text says that a day is like a thousand years. Just like your head might be like a sponge, in that it readily absorbs information.

The text does not say that a day is equal to a thousand years. The text is comparing a long period of time with a short period of time. This is a Greek saying where one thousand years, could have been replaced with one of the days in the 10 billion years of creation. Thus harmonizing science and religion. For Paul said that the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the week. The fact of the matter was that those without strong religious convictions were right.

Paul said those with strong religious convictions should not be dogmatic about things like circumcision, saying you cannot mix science and religion, the bible only. No! Rightly discerning the word of truth. When science and religion conflict then the Bible only. Otherwise, both could be right. We must have a discerning spirit, and recognize a conflict, if there be one. Likewise, they could be wrong about the interpretation of the 6 24 hour days of creation.

If these Jewish believers had taught that abstinence from meats, are essential for salvation, Paul would not have tolerated it. However, if these Jewish Christians were professing righteousness with God solely based on the work of Christ, yet had a personal conviction about these other things, that was okay. The thought or the motive behind the action, is what must be judged. There should be room for Christians to dwell together yet have different interpretations of scripture. After all who were the week in the saying the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the week. The fact of the matter was that those without strong religious convictions were right. For the Bible says that we Christians should have a discerning spirit, and not be dogmatic. Praise yee the Lord.

1. Christians are very dogmatic.
2. We, with an I. Wi wi masure. We with a U. Reason for offense.
3. Accusing and excusing.
4. Speaking truth to power

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4.4 minutes. -

I will now read 4 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all.

John 1:3.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Psalms 103:3.
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

Romans 3:4.
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

The Bible says God created all things. Emphasis on the word things. Another word for things is matter. Without him was no matter or things created. The Bible also says that God heals all of our diseases. Science says that it can also heal some diseases. Both are true. Unfortunately we say the Bible only. No. The Bible says let God be true, but every man a liar. In other words, when man’s word comes in conflict with God’s word, then let man be a liar and God’s word be true. Otherwise let both be true. We must employ a discerning spirit, and not be dogmatic. We must understand when the concept of of both and is applicable, and when it is not. For Paul said the strong have to bear the infirmities of the week. So who is the week?

Finally, Einstein said that matter and energy were interchangeable, which aligns with God created all matter or things. Thus God spoke things into existence. Before God created anything, no matter existed. Science says that although time may not be a thing per say, time is a function of the existence of matter. Where there is no matter, there is no time, or E = M C squared.

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8 minutes.

Please bear with me for 8 minutes. I will now read 6 scriptures, and then quickly summarize all.

Revelation 1:8 to 13,
-I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
-I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
-I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
-Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
-And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
-And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Isaiah 9:6.
-For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
-Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Revelation 22:12 to 13, 16, and 20.
-And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
-I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
-I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
- He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Colossians 2:9.
for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,

Micha 5:2.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Finally:
Romans 1:20.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

The speaker, not the angel, in Revelation 8 says, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Then in verse 11 the speaker says, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. John turned to see the voice that spake with him.
Being turned he saw one who looked like Jesus. So here without a doubt, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last look like Jesus. Therefore, beyound a reasonable dought the speaker in verse 8 who is also the first and the last, and was dead and now is alive, was also Jesus. Otherwise, we would have 2 persons who are the alpha and Omegas. We would have two who are the first and the last. In addition, when we move to Revelation 20:13 we find the alpha and the omega is comming quickly, and he is bringing with him our reward. Furthermore, Micah 5:2 tells us that Jesus was from everlasting. That is you go backwards forever and Jesus was there.

Now, if that is not perswasive enough, Isaiah 9:6 tells us that one of the attributes of Jesus was that he was the everlasting father. Micah just defined from everlasting to mean you go backwards in time forever. So here again we are confirming that like God the father, the origin of the son like the father goes backwards in time forever.

Finally, Colossians 2:9 tells us that for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. It is not saying that in Jesus is the partialness of God's nature. For, Romans 1:20 informs us that the Godhead is God's eternal power, so they are without excuse, if they are unable to see God in the things of nature, for they are clearly revealed. So in Jesus dwelleth the fullness of God's eternal power. Thus, he is fully God and fully man. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.

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Revelation 3:14.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Some claim that if Jesus is the "beginning" of the creation of God, that must mean that He is part of that creation. They believe that this verse upholds the view that Jesus is the first creation

Jesus is addressing the church at Laodicea. He is not merely stating random facts about Himself but is reinforcing the authority of His words. The term "Amen" is a strong affirmation of the truthfulness of a statement. When Jesus calls Himself "the amen," He is saying that His own identity is the ultimate affirmation of truth. Who He is, proves the truthfulness of what He says.

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I will now read 2 scriptures, and then quickly summarize both.