*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WOANG
1). THE HOLY BIBLE
The Holy Bible is the best and greatest book. Many do not know. I live to be an old man; I have studied the classics of the West and Chinese culture. If you believe it, I do not gain a penny. If you disbelieve it, I do not lose a penny. The wisdom of mankind in comparison to the Word of God is like fish eyes compared to true pearls. You do not need to buy a Genuine Leather gold edged Bible. If you are so poor, Bibles for America, PO Box 17537, Irvine, CA 92623 USA will give you a free New Testament.
2. ) HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
Many read the Bible some verses here, and some verses there. When I was a boy, an American professor told me to read the Gospel of John 100 times and the Book of Romans 100 times. Here is the most effective method of studying the Bible without cost. (A). Read the Gospel of John 100 times. (B). Read the Book of Romans 100 times. (C). Read through the New Testament from Matthew to Revelation. (D). Read through the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi. (E). Read through the New Testament.
If you have access to Internet, you can study the marvelous writings of Martin Luther, G. Campbell Morgan, John Bunyan, J. C. Ryle, etc. for free.
When I was a boy, I had to study the King James Version which was very difficult. Today, through the Internet you can have many English translations and versions of the Bible for free.
I have learned that I cannot save myself. Salvation belongs to God, it is a gift of God. The most important thing to avoid in this life is to be cast into Hell for eternal suffering. The salvation of God is a gift. All have sinned, so all will die. But God so loved the world that He sent His only Son Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners. If you will repent of your sins and believe in Jesus, the Son of God, your Lord and Savior, you can obtain the forgiveness of sins and receive the right to become children of God. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the Gospel (Good News) of God for the whole world. Mat 1:18-21, “Now the birth of Jesus theMessiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.
But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Jesus in Greek is iēsouswhich means Jesus = “Jehovah is salvation” (Strong’s Concordance); Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate.
Messiah in Greek ischristoswhich meansChrist = “anointed” (Strong’s Concordance); Christ was [and is] the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is to save His people from their sins. Who are His people? Whoever believes in Jesus Christ.
4). Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior — this knowledge is more sure and true than anything else I know. There is no other. Jesus is the Incomparable, in power and wisdom, in justice and grace, in righteousness and truth; the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. For you and me, the Savior of the world.
5). Where you were born, what language you speak, which university you attend, who do you know — may determine your destiny.
6). If God answers your prayers a hundred times, it may be coincidental. If God answers your prayers a life time, He is the One and Only True and Living God.
7). People who are arrogant are usually blinded by their pride and prejudices. This is the danger of self-deception and self-illusion.
8). Arrogant people do not think they could be wrong. Therefore, there is no room for self-improvement or self-discipline.
9). You have no choice to be born, but you have a choice how to live.
10). Do not try to change the truth to fit you, try to change yourself to suit the truth.
11). A human being is made of Intelligence, Value and Personality (IVP). Your IVP makes you what you are.
12). An ancient culture says, “The way of God is one foot. The way of the devil is ten feet.” The culture is wrong, the Lord Jesus only sends one angel to capture the devil. Satan is never stronger than God.
13). A person is not good because he does good deeds, a person does good deeds because he is good. A tree is not good because it bears good fruits, it bears good fruits because it is a good tree. A man is not shameful because he does shameful things, a man does shameful things, because he is a shameful person.
14). You are the master of your own destiny not because you control whatever comes to pass, you can be a master no matter whatever comes to pass.
15). Self-deception is the worse deception.
16). You cannot prevent the birds flying over your head, you can prevent the birds to make a nest on your head.
17). You cannot change the world, but you can change yourself.
18). There are four types of books. Books that inform you are useful. Books that instruct you are good. Books that indulge you are bad. Books that inspire you are great. Useful books are many. Books that instruct you are few. Books that indulge you are plentiful. Books that inspire you are rare. The Holy Bible is the greatest of all books, the Book of all books. Find it out for yourself.
19). Where does faith come from? From the Word of God. The Word of God is sure and true. By the grace of God, I live to be an old man. I discover man is the most undependable.
20). Character is what you really are. Reputation is what people think you are. Appearances are most deceptive.
21). What you are is more important than what you have. What you have can be taken away. What you are no one can take away.
22). Man is defined by so many limitations, internal and external. Happy is the person who knows his own limitations, to cut down his self-conceit and spare him the trouble from trying the impossible.
23). If you dare to take an unusual path, it may lead you to a different destiny.
24). I have learned it is much easier to live in prosperity than in poverty, much easier to be arrogant than to be humble, much easier to be led than to lead, much easier to talk than to do.
25). Things that mankind cannot control: time, space, and life.
26). The ultimate victory belongs to Christ and Christians. For Christ shall reign with the saints for eternity.
27). I have learned it is much easier to live in prosperity than in poverty, much easier to be happy than to be sad, much easier to be led than to lead, much easier to talk than to do, much easier to be arrogant than to be humble, much easier to give that to receive.
28). By comparison, you can determine superiority, mediocrity, and inferiority.
29). A top performance requires excellent performance from the beginning, in the middle, to the end.
30). You can ruin the whole thing by a defective moment.
31). Disparity is a point against quality.
32). To be a nation, it must have population, territory and national sovereignty. Taiwan could never become a nation because China has its territory and sovereignty. Palestine cannot have a nation in the Jewish land. However, if Palestine establishes territory and national sovereignty in the land of Arabs, it can establish a Palestinian state.
33). You can fool peoples all the time, no one can fool God.
34). You can be poor in material things, but rich in the faith.
35). To have a good life is not necessarily a meaningful life.
36). No one has everything. What it matters is to have the important things.
37). Parents have more responsibility than to have their children housed, fed and clothed. Parents have responsibility to have their children educated — able to think, speak and write, and live independently.
38). Thinking is dangerous because it has consequences.
39). Parents who want to create their children in their own image are wrong. Parents who provide opportunities for their children to become independent are doing right.
40). A society who lives beyond its means is committing suicide.
41). It is easier to find a thousand pretty women, it is hard to find a virtuous woman.
42). A knowledgeable poor man is more hopeful than a rich ignorant man.
43). Wisdom is knowing how to apply knowledge.
44). The values of power, money, and sex have ruined the world.
45). Justice is truth in action.
46). Democracy means majority rule. Majority means 51% of voters. Through a referendum, majority of citizens have power to remove any elected or appointed official without impeachment. Majority of voters can change government or direction of nation.
47). Political party should serve national interest. A political party that does not serve national interest, serves private interest.
48). Politicians have a tendency to perpetuate their power and positions. The only cure is a Constitution that stipulates national sovereignty lies in the hands of its citizens. Majority of citizens (51%) through a referendum have the power to remove any elected or appointed official instantly without impeachment. Officials need not commit any crime, a vote of no confidence is sufficient.
49). Welfare without work requirement gives recipients a way of life, a vicious circle of unproductive life.
50). Guns are weapons of death. America should outlaw all weapons of violence and impose death penalty.
51). Police brutality cannot be tolerated. Police who kills unlawfully commits murder.
52). Capitalism makes the majority of people poor, and a few very rich. Executives make so much money so that majority of employees make very little.
53). Scientists cannot even know when they are going to die, how can they know things billions of years ago when they were not there?
54). Science is never absolute or ultimate. Science is the best organized of human knowledge at a place and time. For that matter science is always progressive and tentative.
55). There are two types of knowledge: divine and human. Divine knowledge is revealed, complete, ultimate and eternal.
Human knowledge is fallible, incomplete, and inconclusive.
56). Effective talking can refute distortion and misrepresentation. Good talking depends on good thinking. Good thinking depends on systematic organization of facts and orderly presentation. Many people suffer unnecessarily because they get the wrong end of the stick. People misunderstand something and get the wrong idea about it due to miscommunication. The ability to give correct communication is the result of good talking and good thinking. A confused thinking cannot make a good communication. A good communication depends on good talking.
57). A person who has clear thinking and good talking has a great gift.
58). A leader must have good thinking and good talking.
59). People can despise you by the way you open your mouth.
60). For a thousand who can speak, one can write. For ten thousand who can write, only one who can think.
61). A well-educated person is the one who can speak, who can write and who can think clearly.
62). A competent person is the one who is able; an incompetent person is the one who is not able.
63). To do a job, it requires one who is able and willing.
64). For conjugal love, two hearts become one.
65). The purpose of education is not to teach you what you do not know, but to help you to become the best you can be. Education fails you if you instead becoming a surgeon, you become a butcher. Not that there is anything wrong about becoming a butcher, but your potential is to become a surgeon.
66). You can be sure of the indicators that a nation is going to destruction: corruption, inflation, injustice, violence and fraud. The more the five indicators, the more a nation is doomed. America is such a nation created by vested and special interests.
67). In 2023-2024 there appear two most despicable peoples in the history of mankind: Palestinians and Ukrainians. Palestinians support terrorists Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis. IDF has every right to destroy Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthis in Yemen. Palestinians would rather live on international charity and would not go to lands of Arabs to make a living on its own. Incredibly that UN, WHO, RED CROSS, ALL ARAB-ISLAMIC-BLACK NATIONS, EU and ICJ support and recognize the terrorists. The nincompoop of Ukraine should be executed because he is an obedient and running dog of US, EU, NATO, G-7, etc. to fight a proxy war against Russia. Ukraine wants to join NATO and EU to encircle and target Russia. Russia is fighting for self-survival.
68). Justice can be betrayed by silence and inaction. By the same token, silence and inaction can also betray Truth. Silence and inaction can also betray Honesty.
69). Love shows itself in many ways. Love that is silent and inactive is death.
70). Hypocrites are pretenders. They pretend to be what they are not.
71). There are two ways a man may want to commit suicide. He made so big blunders that he could not hope to redeem himself. Or he was harmed so much by others that there is no hope for him to recover. In either case, suicide is unnecessary. For God can save you in whatever situation you are, and the salvation of God is free. All you have to do is to repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be your Lord and Savior.
72). No matter how much you have, you have no hope in this world without God. No matter you have nothing in this world, if you have God you have hope.
73). The world and the things of the world are passing away. In all probability, you may sooner pass away than the world.
74). He is no fool to give up the temporary in pursuit of the permanent.
75). He is a fool to give up the permanent in pursuit of the temporary.
76). Do not set up yourself as the arbitrary of anything.
77). Power, riches and sex are like the flowers that will wither sooner than you think.
78). Every human and everything is defined by time and space. God only is eternal, not confined by anything.
79). Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread at all.
80). When you are not in a position to choose, do not choose.
81). No one procrastinates to do things benefiting at hand.
82). A wise person prepares for the inevitable. Umbrella is necessary for the inevitable rain.
83). No one grows younger and younger. Everyone grows older and older. Do what you need to do when you are young, there is no glorious sunset in old age.
84). To be diligent in childhood is like to plant in the spring.
85). No one has enough knowledge.
86). To be employable you must have employable skills.
87). It is better to have skills without position than to have position without skills.
88). Knowledge is power but use it properly.
89). No one can be successful who does not finish the job.
90). To stand for something you need to stand firm.
91). Many mickles make a muckle. Little by little it adds up.
92). Drip by drip it can wear out stone.
93). An elephant must not be overlooked of a little mouse.
94). Ingratitude is worse than a beast. I discover most people are ungrateful anyway.
95). To return a favor is the act of the most civilized person.
96). It is better to have little but be a master than to have much but be a slave.
97). To see clearly you need to think clearly.
98). A man of foresight will not be subject to shortsightedness.
99). The truth shall make you free. All dictators do not want the people to know the truth, they would rather people be superstitious. It is easier to lead superstitious people than the free people.
100). Time and event do not make a hero. A good leader knows the right time and is ready to take the first step.
101). Opportunity does not knock at your door twice.
102). A wise man grabs the opportunity, a fool misses the chance.
103). There may be a chance in a lifetime. Most people do not have a chance even in a lifetime.
104). There is a leader unlike other leaders; He is the Leader Jesus Christ. He leads me to the Rock that is higher than I.
He leads me in the everlasting way. He leads me from the earth to the Holy City.
105). Heaven is not a figment of imagination. Heaven is a place, a place better than anywhere in the world.
106). Hell is not a state of mind. Hell is a real place for the eternal suffering of the devil and his agents and the wicked.
107). Humility has a peculiar attribute, the more you think you have it, the more you don’t have it. Nobody is humble enough.
108). I spent a lot of time thinking about wickedness: Why are people wicked? Why do people do evil? What is the problem with the wicked? — Out of the wicked comes wickedness. There are people who choose wickedness and do wickedness.
109). Pakistan deported 1.2 million illegal Afghans in one day. Why can’t the superpower deports 45 million illegal aliens already reside in America? Because the Biden administration has no intention to.
110). Why the worst of man is not as bad as the worse of woman, and why the best of man is not as good as the best of woman?
111). American and European leaders have evil eyes on China out of envy and jealousy no matter what good China does.
112). Because America and EU intend to dominate the world, lies and falsehoods are created to tarnish China and Russia.
113). British empire was the most evil empire in history. Since the infamous Opium Wars, UK and US have wronged China too many times historically. Two great evils that the British does not want to correct: they made Indian map bigger by incorporating China’s territories, but the British does not inform India about it. During the era of colonialism, Arabs stealthily moved into the Palestine, the British does not tell the Palestinians have no resettlement rights in the Jewish land.
114). Some 4,000 years ago God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants, today Israel is fighting for survival being surrounded by hostile Arabs, Islamic and Black nations and terrorists Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis.
115). Palestinians are Arabs who do not have part or portion in the Jewish land. Palestinians should evacuate from Jewish land and move into lands of Arabs to establish its own state.
116). American mainstream media are tools of American government. American government habitually accuses China having human rights abuses and other lies to cover up its own aggression, colonization of Taiwan, and seeking all means to destabilize Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang, etc.
117). China must be congratulated for lifting 780 million peasants out of abject poverty. No nation has ever done that before. I understand Norway was the first country to eliminate poverty, but Norway was a very small nation.
118). Under the leadership of the paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, China has achieved spectacular successes in infrastructure development including Railway, High Speed Railway, International Railway subway, — the no. 1 in the world.
119). The greatest threats and problems in the world are US, EU, NATO, and Islamic terrorists.
120). To solve the unlawful and undesirable migrant problems, the world must consider illegal aliens as public enemies, use military to deter invasion of unlawful migrants by land or sea, reject asylum applicants, use force to close the entries through Mexico, provide no humanitarian aid, and requires citizenship to receive welfare and deport illegal migrants back to where they came from.
121). For years things have gone wrong with the United States because the US government spends more than it takes in through revenues,a debt default is not a game of chicken with the global economy; and the U.S. is heading for cliff again and again over the need for Congress to lift the ceiling on how much the US government can borrow. THE DARKEST SIDE OF AMERICA IS THE FALSE AND WRONGASSUMPTION AND PRESUMPTION THAT AMERICA IS ON THE SIDE OF GOD, ON THE SIDE OF TRUTH, ON THE SIDE OF LIGHT. THE FACT IS AMERICA IS ON THESIDE OF THE DEVIL, ITS LEADERS AND POLITICIANS ARE DOING THE DESTRUCTIVE WORK OF THE EVIL ONE WHILE MOST AMERICANS ARE BLIND AND DREAMING THEY ARE RIGHT AND SPIRITUAL.
122). The enemies of truth are very afraid and hate my website, htpps://williewongthought.hpage.com
Thank God, over the years, in black and white, rain or shine, my website has reached more than 182 nations on earth with more than 3 million of visitors around the world each month absolutely free. The enemies of truth are those who distort facts, trample on the truth, harbor and display hatred, ill will and malice, call black white, tell lies on purpose without conscience, reason and shame, walk in darkness and practice unrighteousness. American violation of China’s sovereignty in Taiwan is called Beijing’s aggressiveness. The distortion practice of American leaders would pale Satanic schemes in comparison.
123). In spite of wasting 20 years of war, wasting 8 trillions of dollars, with superior military might and weapons, with deaths of many American soldiers, in August 2021, Afghanistan has fallen into the hands of Taliban. The deadly and fatal mistakes repeated again and again by the American government all because there is no vested sovereign power in the hands of American citizens. American leaders and politicians can do whatever as they please. The American citizens are powerless to stop them. They have all the power and the American people have none. Therefore a Constitutional change is required urgently to vest the sovereign power of America into the hands of American citizens to save America without further delay!!
124). Crooks and criminals are using emails boldly and freely to commit unlimited lawlessness to blackmail, defraud, deceive, extort, and terrorize law-abiding people; no legitimate government, country or international body is doing any legal act to punish and stop these crooks and criminals in this hour of the power of darkness displayed by children of the devil.
125). Zone Alarm of Check Point is the global virus and the Internet terrorist. ZONE ALARM IS THE WORLD’S #1 CYBER THREAT TODAY. It has invaded my computer, hiding and causing dysfunctions and all sorts of operative troubles and wasted much of my time. It does not have valid name or valid file so you can delete it. It is costly to the user to reinstall the computer system. The powerful federal government should prosecute those who are responsible for evildoing and liquidate the children of darkness and children of the devil once and for all.
PLEASE DESTROY ZONE ALARM THE GLOBAL VIRUS – THE INTERNET TERRORIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
126). Bing.com has done an outrageous thing to forge M.L.King, Jr as Martin Luther. Bing.com does not seem to get the message: To make money Bing.com links anybody who has the name Willie or Wong, and with Thought, no matter black, white, male, female, or scum and scoundrel with the website of Willie Wong Thought without my permission, even at my protest. My website has nothing to do with Muhammad. The love of money causes one to do evil things. God will judge them sooner or later.
127). The fake claim and biggest blacklie is black Jews. Abraham was not a Negro, the twelve tribes of Israel were not Negroes. David was not a Negro. Jesus was born a Jew, not a Negro. There are no black Jews. Merriam Webster defines Negro as aperson of Black African ancestry. The Biblical Jews are neither black nor African.
128). The two-state proposal is not the two-state solution. For God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants some 4,000 years ago. The Chosen People rebelled against God and they were scattered all over the world. During the British colonial rule, the Holy Land was known as Palestine, illegal Arabs moved in to occupy the Holy Land without payment. The illegal Arabs were latter known as Palestinians. Palestinians, Arabs and Hamas have no claim to the Holy Land and no resettlement right in the Holy Land. The leaders of the United Kingdom could tell them so. Palestinians could never establish a Palestinian state in the Holy Land. The United Nations or any agency has no authority to give the Jewish land to Palestinians, Arabs and Hamas. Jerusalem is forever the capital of the great King David. It is high time for Palestinians, Arabs and Hamas to get out of the Holy Land in peace; or they will be evicted by force. God will fight for Jerusalem, for God is the Protector of Israel. Palestine only existed in British colonial rule, so Palestinians are not free in Israel; they must be expelled from Jerusalem and the Jewish land, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. They are free to go to Arab nations. Palestinians and Hamas must withdraw from the Jewish land that God gave to Abraham and his descendants without delay. Any strategy to bargain away the Jewish land is wrong.
129.) An American politician, who is chair of the January 6 select committee, said “We are concerned that our military was part of this big lie on promoting that the election was false.”
Not a few patriotic American political scientists want to look at the bigger picture of the big lie. Tons of evidence convince them American history was a big lie: They systematic killing of the American natives and robbing of their lands were never told the truth. It was refreshing that during the administration of Abraham Lincoln whowas a true believer of the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Since the end of World War II, the military-industrial-security complex have taken control of the country in manifest imperialism and capitalism, democracy is a big lie. The massive propaganda of promoting democracy, human rights, freedom and equality abroad is another big lie. For the sole purpose of world domination, American leaders and politicians and our military have told so big lies the whole world knows about and only God has all the records.
130). Most alarming to patriotic American citizens is the fact that America is going the wrong direction for a long time, such as with the burden national debt exceeding $35 trillion, the most hated nation on earth, and accelerating to the path of self-destruction and the destruction of the world and there is no effective mechanism to stop them. The poor patriotic America citizens can only watch with horror and terror the republic like the Casandra train crossing to the oblivion — the destined doom, death and destruction.
131). Everyone can learn the mechanics of speech to improve his/her language skills. A dog by nature barks like a dog. A bird by nature sings like a bird.Except God, no one is able to change the nature of a dog to sing like a bird. Vice versa, no one is able to change the nature of a bird to bark like a dog. Jesus Christ speaks to the world, Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life;no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jhn 7:45-46, “The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”
132). Handsome is as handsome does. The words of a virtuous and beautiful woman can make you cry. Ruth said to Naomi her mother-in-law, Rth 1:16-17, “But Ruth said, “Do not plead with me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you sleep, I will sleep. Your people people shall be my people, and your God, my God.Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me, and worse, if anything but death separates me from you.” A thousand princesses cannot make one Ruth. All the gold bullion in the Bank of England are not worthy to exchange for Ruth. How blessed was Naomi to have Ruth who was better than seven sons.
133). Most people know God is not a man that He would lie. God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. God is greater than all the gods. God is gracious and compassionate. God is favorably disposed to all who seek Him. God is greater than mankind. God is awesome majesty. God is the King of all the earth. God is the Judge. God is holy. God is righteous. God is true. God is faithful. God is Light. God is Spirit. God is love. God is in the Heavens. God is the LORD! God is only ONE. God is Ruler over the realm of mankind.
134). American strategists falsely maintain that China is dangerous. These warmongers are blind to the fact China has not attacked and occupied any nation like the U.S. has done since the end of World War II. Instead China has aided more than 100 nations although it is still a poor country. America is the only overtly imperialist nation wanting to dominate the world at any cost. Historically, America and Europe have wronged China too many times since the Opium Wars to this day. America violated China’s sovereignty in many areas like Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Diaoyu Islands, and Taiwan. American aggression all failed in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The U.S. treats Taiwan as its colony is the most flagrant and explosive. If America does not repent and restrain its aggression and falsely believes they can incite an conventional war against China and win would be the most fatal historical blunder. Any attack on China and Russia would turn out a global nuclear war. As I explained in the article Why the U.S. Must Not Have War With China,https://williewongthought.hpage.com/why-the-united-states-must-not-have-war-with-china.html
“The average Social Security benefit was $1,543 per month in January 2021.” A retired American Social Security recipient needs also to pay for rent, food, medicine, transportation, medical insurance, etc. It is clear a retired American with social security monthly benefits cannot live anywhere in America. Yes, not a few retired Americans live in Mexico, etc. Unfortunately as the numbers indicate, the population of struggling elderlies in America may be forced to commit suicide. Christians should not and will not commit suicide under any circumstances. It is a sad and shocking fact that most Americans cannot afford to retire in America. I am one among those American retirees who live abroad because my social security benefits cannot afford me to live in America.
136) . A Christian in addition to pray, praise, work, witness and wait for the second coming of Christ, must conduct himself in a way that pleases the Lord. To conduct our Christian life is to live according to the Word of God:
A.Live in hope. Act 2:26, “THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE WAS OVERJOYED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE.”
B. In God we live and move and exist.Act 17:28, “for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’
C. Live by faith. Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.”
D. Live with Christ.Rom 6:8, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.”
E. Live for the Lord.Rom 14:8,“for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
F. Live in peace.2Co 13:11, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, mend your ways, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
G. Live for God. Gal 2:19, “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live for God.”
H. Live by faith in the Son of God. Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
I. Live by the Spirit. Gal 5:25,“If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.”
J. Live in harmony in the Lord. Phl 4:2, “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.”
K. Live in a godly way. 2Ti 3:12, “Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
L. Live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner.
Tit 2:12, “instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.”
M. Live in the Spirit according to the will of God.1Pe 4:6,
“For the Gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the Spirit according to the will of God.”
This Scripture probably refers to Jesus Christ during His bodily death went down to preach the Gospel to those who are dead.
My dear brothers and sisters, if you master and understand these Thirteen Biblical Principle cited above on how to live, you will do well; and it is much better than reading several books on the Christian Living.
137). How do Christians live in this world which we do not belong to? I believe there are two words may help, Trust and Obey. Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to the providence of God, and the future to the promises of God.
A. Trust in the faithfulness of God.
Psa 52:8, “But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the faithfulness of God forever and ever.”
B. Trust in God at all times.
Psa 62:8, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
C. Trust in God’s salvation.
Psa 78:22, “Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation.”
D. Trust in the Word of God.
Psa 119:42, “So that I will have an answer for one who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word.”
E. Trust in the name of the Lord. Isa 50:10, “Who is among you who fears the LORD, Who obeys the voice of His servant, Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.”
As regards obedience:
A. Obey God rather than men.
Act 5:29, “But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
B. Obey the Holy Spirit.
Act 5:32, “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
C. Obey the truth.
Rom 2:8, “but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.”
D. Obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2Th 1:8-9, “in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.
These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.
E. Obey Jesus Christ.
1Pe 1:2, “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”
Jhn 3:36, “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
F. Obey your parents in the Lord.
Eph 6:1, “Children, obey your parentsin the Lord, for this is right.”
When Chinese parents want their children to worship their ancestors, idols, eat blood, etc. Christians cannot obey their Chinese parents because it is not in the Lord.
G. Obey your human masters.
Col 3:22, “Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”A black politician who was a descendant of slaves mocked at this Scripture. The Bible does not condone slavery. The Bible also does not advocate revolution to change the world. The world as it is, the duty of Christians is to preach the Gospel to every creature.
H. Obey your leaders.
Heb 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.”The leaders here refer to Christian leaders in the Church, not political leaders like Hitler and white imperialists.
138). What are Christians to do in this world?
A.Be crucified to the world.
Gal 6:14, “But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”It is proper to often ask myself, has the world been crucified to me, and I to the world?
B.Be holy and blameless before God.
Eph 1:4, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love.”
C.Struggle against the evil forces.
Eph 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”Doing the ministry of the Word on the Internet, I have to struggle against the dark and evil forces of the world everyday.
D. Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent.
Phl 2:15, “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.”
E. Keep oneself unstained by the world.
Jas 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”Unstained in Greek is aspilos which means without spot; spotless; unspotted; irreproachable; unsullied; unblemished; free from vice; not morally blemished or tainted; unsoiled; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament.
F. To be rich in faith.
Jas 2:5, “Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
G. Overcome the world.
1Jo 5:5, “Who is the one who overcomes the world, but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”Overcome in Greek is nikaō which means to conquer; to prevail; to get the victory; to subdue; to triumph over; – which occurs 28 times in the New Testament. The job of Christians is not to save the world, not to change the world, not to reform the world — but to conquer, overcome, subdue and triumph over the world by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.God does not hold the community responsible for your life. God holds you responsible for your life. No one is held responsible for another’s life. You are responsible if you kill another’s life. God will not hold you for the success and failure of another’s life. God will hold you responsible for all your thoughts, words, and deeds of your life.
139). I was reading the life of a beautiful, famous, rich and glittering actress who sleeps badly. It is just another reflective thought of the Scripture: Psa 90:10, “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is only
trouble and tragedy;for it quickly passes, and we disappear.”No one can escape the trouble and tragedy in this life.No matter who you are, human life is miserable on earth, your pride is only trouble and tragedy. Aging is the great enemy of beauty. Growing old is another burden for a beautiful actress. Beauty, fame, money, power, pleasure are not liberation but bondage. The truth is tested repeated to every humankind, no one can escape. The only salvation is to accept the call of Jesus, Jhn 10:9-10, “I am the Door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” You can find only a fulfilled and satisfied life in Christ in this world and eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I rejoice that the West has a man like Paul Keating who dares to tell the truth, I quote only verbatim. Increasingly, Western (American, European, Canadian, Australian, NATO, UK, Japan, etc.) leaders and politicians and Western mainstream media are telling lies boldly on an international scale without shame. ”Herald indulges UK Foreign Secretary’s demented remarks on ChinaBy Paul KeatingJan 23, 2022Paul Keating: ”Britain suffers delusions of grandeur and relevance deprivation.” (Image: AAP/Darren England)Australia’s foreign and defence ministers are giving respectability to Britain’s lunge for old-time glory.Remarks by the British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss that China could engage in military aggression in the Pacific, encouraged by Russia’s contingent moves against Ukraine, are nothing short of demented.Not simply irrational, demented.And this piece of nonsense by Truss commanded the front pages of The Sydney Morning Herald in a piece written by the press gallery’s most celebrated beat-up merchant, Peter Hartcher.Truss said such a move by China ‘could not be ruled out’.
And on those fleeting words, Hartcher pounced, carrying the notion to the readership of the Herald — and the Melbourne Age — that China and Russia are working in concert, justifying the headline, that ‘China could follow Russia into war’.The irresponsibility of the story and Hartcher’s writing of it is breathtaking.But it is a measure of how far the Herald has sunk in accommodating Hartcher’s extreme and unworldly positions — especially as they relate to China.The underlying story is the government’s desperate promotion of Britain as a strategic partner of Australia in a policy of containment of China.The reality is Britain does not add up to a row of beans when it comes to East Asia. Britain took its main battle fleet out of East Asia in 1904 and finally packed it in with its ‘East of Suez’ policy in the 1970s. And it has never been back.Britain suffers delusions of grandeur and relevance deprivation. But there they were at Admiralty House kidding the rest of us that their ‘co-operation’ added up to some viable policy.Australia’s great Foreign ‘non minister’, Marise Payne, supported by the increasingly strident Defence Minister Peter Dutton, standing beside the British Foreign Secretary looking wistfully for Britain’s lost worlds of the 19th and 20th centuries. Really.Truss would do us all a favour by hightailing it back to her collapsing, disreputable government, leaving Australia to find its own way in Asia.Xi Jinping told the audience at Davos this week that ‘major economies should see the world as one community’.Hardly the sort of sentiment that sits contemporaneously with someone about to spring an aggressive military action. A point perhaps way too subtle for the Herald.”
141). The bad thing of the whole enchilada is what is known as the Pygmalion effect, the way you treat others have a direct impact on how others act. Knowingly or unknowingly, America and its allies such as NATO, JAPAN, EU, UK, etc., may bring about a nuclear war that certainly will destroy the whole world.More than 82 percent of Americans say the nation has gone the wrong way. American leaders and politicians have not understood the message. That is the problem of so-called American democracy. They do not obey the will and do not serve the wishes of the majority of American citizens.Only the children of the devil lie and kill like their father.
142) . The purpose of education is not only to learn what you do not know, but to be the best what you can be. For examples, to learn painting is one thing, to be a painter is another. To learn chemistry is one thing, to be a chemist is another. To learn writing is one thing, to be a writer is quite another. From learning writing to being a writer is a long way. There are two types of learning: general and specialized. Learning is an endless process of helping you to become the best you can be. Education fails you if you can become a surgeon instead you become a butcher. Not that being a butcher is something wrong, the wrong is that you can achieve higher. An educated person can never be an uncivilized person.
143) . What you are is more important than what you have. What you have can be taken away, what you are no one can take away. It is better to be a good person and poor than to be a crooked rich man. For the world, people choose to have than to be.
144) . Knowledge is power, power not to do harm, but to do good. The most important knowledge is the knowledge of God. There are two types of knowledge: divine and human. Divine knowledge is by revelation; it is absolute, complete, perfect, supreme, infallible, ultimate and eternal. Human knowledge must be verified; because it is progressive, tentative and never absolute or ultimate. The best organized of human knowledge is science at a place in time. Human knowledge is fallible.
145) . There are two types of culture: inferior and superior. Inferior cultures are characterized by violence, greed, deceit, corruption, incivility, laziness, uncleanliness, waste, dissipation, immorality, and short view of life. Superior cultures are characterized by wisdom, compassion, honesty, integrity, industry, civility, cleanliness, discipline, thrift, virtue, and long view of life. Inferior cultures produce inferior peoples; inferior peoples make an inferior society. Superior cultures produce superior peoples and superior peoples build a superior society.
146). Do you want to know really the culture and values of a nation or people? There is a window you can see through. It is the national TV, what you see is what you get.
147). The prophecy of Jesus Christ proclaimed about 2,000 years ago had been and is being fulfilled right before our eyes. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in many places.” (Matthew 24:7) Ever since from the beginning the history of the world has been the history of wars. Examples of pestilences are mad cow disease, Ebola, AIDS, foot and mouth disease, SARS, etc. And now COVID-19 appears to be the most devastating and and deadly to the whole world in the spring of 2020 to 2021. No one know when will it end.
148). The most absurd remedy is to inject detergent into your blood to cleanse and cure COVID-19!!!!!!?????There are many pundits and politicians who lie and spread falsehoods and fake news unprecedented in the history of mankind. The rumors and lies are of most dangerous and destructive nature. The pandemic may be the greatest calamity since World War II. No one knows exactly how long COVID-19 will last, the total global death toll and the negative impact on the world. A major earthquake can make everyone (even the rich and powerful) feel very small and scared. They are wise who give up things that are being shaken for things that cannot be shaken. Things that are being shaken will pass away, and things that cannot be shaken will last for ever. I believe CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC is a fulfilled prophesy of Jesus Christ, and a warning of the coming judgement of God.
149). If Paul, Peter and John were alive in America today, watching the so-called “Christian programs” on TV would shock them; because most of them are not the gospel of Jesus Christ they proclaimed. Many of so-called “Christian websites” are also diabolical and satanic because they deny Jesus Christ the Son of God. They are false gospels: capitalistic gospel, social gospel, political gospel, racial gospel, feminist gospel, possibility gospel, positive thinking gospel, prosperity gospel, modernist gospel, faith healing gospel, psychological gospel, success gospel, etc. How do you know America is practicing a false version of Christianity? Many church members and preachers love money and the world; commit fornication, adultery, and sexual immorality; practice racial discrimination and injustice, etc. Some ministers of Satan merchandise the gospel, use the pulpit as a political platform, blackmail corporations to donate money, spread lies and falsehood, use churches as business centers, use public funds to enrich themselves, their families and friends; support a luxurious life style and mistresses, etc. Jesus Christ says, “You will know them by their fruits. ” (Matthew 7:16) There are now so many deceivers and impostors who claim and pretend to be Christians and preachers who are destructive in spreading fake news and false doctrines.
150). Unbelieving scientists and journalists insidiously distorted Christianity and dishonored the Lord Jesus Christ and discredited the Word of God. How does Jesus Christ look like? Not what you imagine. The Bible says, “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like fine bronze glowing in a furnace; and His voice was like the sound of many waters. He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in its strength.” ( Revelation 1:14-16)
151). Rules to live by:
(A).Behave responsibly (B).Eat moderately (C). Speak truthfully (D). Think deeply (E). Live honorably (F). Act decisively (G).Deal squarely To help remembering, the first letters of seven items form an acronymBESTLAD.
152.) You can study world history whether East or West, North or South, ancient or modern; never in the history of mankind had anyone accomplished so much for so many people in so short a period of time (40 years) as Deng Xiaoping had done for the Chinese. Western scholars, politicians and journalists have a predilection and tendency for magnifying the shortcomings of China and minimizing its achievements. For hundreds of years, Western powers have been hostile and adversarial to China and Chinese people even to this day. First Western
powers oppressed and despised a weak and backward China. Now they are afraid and jealous of China’s spectacular successes in all fields and afraid of a strong China. “Containment of China” has been the persistent policy and practice of Western hegemonic powers since 1949. Without cause they treat China as an enemy and threat to their world domination and dictatorship. The sole super power and its allies are doing everything possible to curb and check the peaceful rise of China. In fact they want to wipe out China and Russia and a nuclear war is looming large on the horizon that may destroy the whole world.
153). There are five best things: truth, virtue (or justice),
beauty, love and wisdom. Many things can blind and enslave individuals and nations, such as false religion, dangerous ideology, superstition, laziness, violence, immorality, inferior culture, racism, prejudice, love of money and power, greed, irrational patriotism, vested interest, a passion to dominate the world, etc. Jesus Christ says, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” The confusion is the fact they claim and pretend to be Christians; children of the devil pretend to be on the side of God. The sad truth is, many believe in a lie. Tragic flaw is the Western leaders and politicians who deliberately and shamelessly manufacture lies and falsehoods about China and Russia because the West wants to continue to dictate and dominate the world.
154). Christianity and capitalism do not go together. For Christianity is Christ-centered and heavenly. Jesus Christ declares, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) Apostle John proclaimed, “Do not love the world or things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but of the world.” (1 John 2:15-16) Capitalism is driven by greed and worldliness. Capitalism puts a premium on money (the lust of the eyes), sex (the lust of the flesh), and power (the pride of life). The Bible says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Corruption, injustice, violence, immorality, falsehood, oppression, wars and all kinds of evil in the world are brought about by the lust for money, sex, and power. Money, sex, and power are not compatible with faith, hope, and love. On the authority of Jesus Christ, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) Capitalism enriches the one percent of the population at the expense of the 99 percent. Western democracy is the practice of one percent who rules over the 99 percent. American preachers did not and do not preach against the evils of capitalism. Capitalism is not compatible with Christianity.
155). The important thing about idea is not whether it is old or new, but whether it is good or bad, right or wrong. A bad new idea is no better than a bad old idea, a good old idea is better than a new bad idea, and a right old idea is better than a new wrong idea.
156). Whether a criminal justice system is just and effective or not can be determined by the following questions: (A). Does it acquit the guilty and convict the innocent? (B). Does it allow defense based on lies without evidence? (C). Does the process delay and frustrate the administration of justice? (D). Does it enrich the defense lawyers, judges, prosecution, the court, law enforcement, legal professionals and bankrupt the innocent? (E). Does money, race or class affect the outcome of any court case? Inasmuch as the answers are affirmative, the legal system is flawed. The criminal justice system which is devoid of righteousness and justice is practicing injustice.
157). Monopoly is inherently corrupt and consequently evil. Government is the largest and most powerful monopoly with the greatest potential for corruption and abuse of power. Corruption involves abuse, misuse, and misappropriation of public funds to enrich oneself, family, friends and social interest groups. Lawmakers may pass a law but no law can legitimize corruption. What is legal may be immoral. Transparency is how government officials spend taxpayers’ money and for what purpose and must be published for public scrutiny. The deterrence for corruption is government is double penalty. A government official who commits a crime must suffer the double penalty a civilian gets. Public funds shall not be used to defend officials who committed crimes. Anyone who defrauds or misappropriates $1 million or more accumulatively shall be executed and all his assets seized. The second biggest monopoly is cartel or giant corporation that engages in predatory business practices that stifle competition. All monopolies must be smashed or justice cannot exist. American healthcare industry is the largest monopoly, full of fraudulent, predatory and excessive charges to bankrupt the helpless patients. When a government is corrupt, it is the worst.
158). There are two kinds of problem in the world: caused by nature and created by men. Problems caused by nature such as earthquake, hurricane, drought, etc. which men can do little about them. Problems created by men such as crime, corruption, injustice, oppression, aggression, discrimination, violence, greed, etc. can be solved by people. AIDS is unlike malaria and tuberculosis. AIDS is a consequence of a moral and cultural failure that no amount of money or “war chest” can stop. But AIDS can be stopped simply by people not to engage in promiscuous and immoral sex. Contaminated blood and needles can be eliminated by scientific means. Most of the problems in the world are made by humankind.
159). If you do something good for yourself, it may last for a lifetime. If you do something good for mankind, it may last for generations. If you do something good for truth, it will last for eternity.
160. Besides murder, rape, sex trade, kidnapping, and terrorism, the cruelest thing is parents who do not love but abuse their children. Men and women who do not love and care for children have no right to become parents.
161). Discrimination is wrong in any form whether in employment, education, housing or public facilities by the majority against the minority or by the minority against the majority. Any law is inherently wrong if certain racial or ethnic groups are given special treatment, privileges and favors. Justice means all have equal footing and all are equal under the law. For that reason, Affirmative Action is unconstitutional and unlawful.
162). It must be made absolutely clear. The Holy Bible does not teach or support the following false doctrines: (A). papacy (B). purgatory (C). transubstantiation (D). confession of sins to priest (E). salvation by good deeds (F). worship of, or prayer to, Mary and saints (G). all illness can be cured by faith (H). offerings to church as a path to prosperity (I). speaking in tongues as proof of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit (J). paradise as a place with beautiful virgins for men to enjoy (K). killing of people as a holy war for the cause of religion Doctrines contrary to the Word of God are false.
163). Being is what you are, becoming is what you should be. Being is the principle of becoming, and becoming is the process of being.
164). Things to be: (A). Be clean. (B). Be diligent. (C). Be frugal. (D). Be honest. (E). Be kind. (F). Be polite. (G). Be respectable. (H). Be self-sufficient. (I). Be thoughtful.
165). To be rich in faith, hope, love, knowledge, skill, and virtue are more important and valuable than to be rich in money. Those who value the material and sensual above the moral and spiritual are the poorest and most miserable people in the world. To be rich in the faith is to be spiritually rich.
166). There are four prerequisites for happiness: (A). To love and be loved. (B). A comfortable living condition. (C). Freedom from fear or harm. (D). Opportunity for creativity.
167). If you drink, smoke, use illegal drugs and engage in promiscuous sexual immorality simultaneously, that is a quick way of destroying your life. If you want to live a meaningful life, seek the truth, buy wisdom and do what is good and right. This is the meaning that you are the master of your own destiny. Life is meaningful when you do good and do right under any circumstances.
166). Perception is the eye of reason, and reason is the brain of perception. Not only they interact with each other, they are also influenced by experience. For this reason, men of certain cultures abuse, mistreat, torture and even kill their wives and do not consider it wrong. To liberate from cultural bondage and blindness, one must think independently guided by conscience and see things as they really are.
168). I have learned: wisdom is better than ignorance, humility better than arrogance, virtue better than vice, truth better than lie, and light is better than darkness. The saddest thing about humankind is this: most people have chosen darkness and lies.
169). Life is a journey; it does not matter where you begin, it all matters where you end. A person who does not know where he is or where he is going must be lost. There are only two destinations: Heaven and Hell. No one is good enough to go to Heaven, but you can receive it as a gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. All unbelievers and the wicked will go to Hell for eternal punishment.
170). Friendship is created by mutual recognition and maintained by mutual commitment. When any of the two elements is missing, friendship is broken. When one side only takes and does not give and takes advantage of you, be smart it is not a true friend. It is easier for a friend to turn into an enemy; it is rarely that an enemy turns into a friend. There is a Friend dearer than any, Jesus Christ can be your Savior and Friend for eternity.
171). The difference between success and failure is only one step. A wrong step results in failure, and a right step leads to success. America is the nation where the success or failure of a man is measured by his wealth or poverty. As Jesus says, the life of a man does not consist in his property and possessions. What a man is is more important than what he has. It is better to be a righteous poor than the richest crook in the world.
172). There are three classes of people: the upper class are those who know and realize first; the middle class are those who know and realize later; the lower class are those who never know or realize. The world has a wrong classification: the rich are the upper class, the middle class are neither rich or poor, and the low class the poor.
173). A man is not good because he does good deeds; a man does good deeds because he is good. A good tree bears good fruits.
174). I believe God is Self-Existent, Eternal and Almighty who created the universe and humankind according to the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ was God who came into the world to save sinners and rose from the dead. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The world will come to an end when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to judge the world and reign with the saints forever and ever…
175). Evolution is the biggest scientific myth. You know science is the best organized human knowledge at a place in time. Science is never absolute, progressive and tentative. The hypothesis that a lower species over hundreds of millions or billions of years, evolved into a higher species is a science fiction which has never been and cannot be proven. The intelligent design of the universe and the complexity of the earth’s plants and animals cannot be explained by evolution theory. For thousands of years monkeys have remained as monkeys, and not one ever evolved into a man. However, many men have morally degraded into monkeys. It is easier to believe that I made a small bang, my digital world time and thermometer watch came into being than to believe the universe was originated by a “big bang.” The philosopher proclaimed, “The Lord by wisdom laid the earth’s foundation; by understanding He set the universe in place.” The claim that the earth and all life forms came into existence about 6,000 years ago is not taught in the Bible. The Bible declares, “In the beginning God created the universe and the earth.” More than 2,700 years ago the prophet Isaiah learned by revelation that God “created the universe and stretched it out …” Only recently scientists discovered “the expanding universe.” Unbelieving scientists, suffering from spiritual “swelling of the brain” would rather believe in a chance creation without a creator, and intelligent design without the designer. One thing I do know: Jesus Christ is my God and Savior. This knowledge is more certain than anything else I know.
176). China in Chinese is Zhongguo, which means Central Kingdom; but Western scholars wrongly translated as Middle Kingdom. If you call central bank as middle bank, you will understand why the meaning is wrong. Western scholars tend to have an egocentric worldview and arrogant without end.
177). A legal system that encourages and protects criminals, blackmails and victimizes the innocent, enriches lawyers, judges, court and law enforcement officials at the expense of taxpayers and victims does NOT serve justice. A legal system that does not serve justice causes injustice.
178). The faster a nation declines, the more intense are the following signs: (A). Corruption in government (B). Large-scale family disintegration (C). General moral degradation (D). Predatory fraudulent practices like medical care (E). Vulgarity and violence (F). Glorification of deviancy (G). Pernicious judiciary travesty (H). Prevalent urban decay (I). Extreme wealth and poverty
179). After I received a Christmas card from the White House, on February 1,1969 I wrote and presented the Fourteen Points to President Richard Nixon as follows: (1) Unite the nation (2) Stabilize national economy (3) Assert human rights (4) Uplift national morale (5) Subsidize higher education (6) Attack air pollution (7) Bridge racial gap (8) Reduce crime rate (9) Industrialize the South (10) Provide full employment (11) Reform welfare system (12) Seek world peace (13) Negotiate from strength (14) Assist underdeveloped countries
Nixon had done more for world peace than anyone in his century. During his administration the world was safer than it is today. Nixon did not seek world domination, he sought a just and lasting peace. To make enemies does not require ability, to make friends requires skills. To make wars is easy and destructive, to make peace is difficult.
180). Granted there is freedom of expression, one may believe whatever one wants to believe. That is also religious freedom. I hold it is blasphemous to put Jesus Christ on the same par with dictators, killers, warmongers, liars, deceivers, false prophets, false preachers, monopolists, capitalists, imperialists, white supremacists, predators, the wicked and evil men. My list of the most important persons ever lived in history does not compare anyone with the persons in the Holy Bible, much less to compare with Jesus Christ. I protest any individual or institution that lifts up evil men and crooks to link with my God and Savior. Anyone who compares Jesus Christ with other men who lived and died apparently does not
know who Jesus Christ really is and must be an enemy of the Lord.
This is my list of the most important people outside the Bible:
(1) Martin Luther
(2) John Bunyan
(3) Isaac Newton (4) Galileo Galilei (5) William Shakespeare (6) Leonardo Da Vinci (7) John Locke (8) Abraham Lincoln (9) Thomas Edison (10) Deng Xiaoping (11) William Tyndale (12) Immanuel Kant (13) Mohandas Gandhi (14) Ludwig van Beethoven (15) Woodrow Wilson (16) Mao Zedong (17) Richard Nixon (18) Michelangelo (19) Louis Pasteur (20) Helen Keller
Note: Ignorant people confuse M.L. King with Martin Luther.
181).Jesus Christ asks those who pretend to be Christians, “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things I say?” ( Luke 6:46) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” ( John 10:27 ) Christians follow Jesus Christ. You do not follow Jesus because you are not His sheep. Idolaters, liars, killers and robbers should not claim to be Christians. Liars and killers and robbers should not call themselves Christians. According to Jesus, liars and killers are children of the Devil.
182). The differences between good and evil are inherently greater than the differences between East and West. The good people of the East have more in common with the good people of the West than the bad people of the East. The good people of the West have more in common with the good people of the East than the bad people of the West. All good people of the world must unite to overcome all the bad people of the world. All peace-loving nations of the world must unite to prevent war-loving nations from bullying and conquering another nation. All righteous nations of the world must unite to stop unrighteous nations from destroying the world. World domination is an unholy ambition; it must be banished from the earth.
183). The biggest historical lie has been “white man’s burden“. Colonialism and imperialism were created and justified by this pernicious and pretentious doctrine. There was no accident, except Japan, all colonial and imperialistic powers have been and still are white nations. Colonial and imperialistic powers used military force to attack, dominate, conquer and control over other nations, territories and peoples. Europe was made rich by robbing and exploiting the natural resources and forced labor of Asian, African, and Latin American colonies. The most barbaric and vicious event of white man’s history wasthe Opium Wars (1839-42, 1856-60) in which Great Britain forced China to buy opium, and lead other nations including USA, France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Spain, Netherlands and Japan to kill Chinese people; attack, occupy and partition China; loot and destroy China’s national treasures worth US$100,000 trillion. If you go to the British Museum, the Louvre, Smithsonian Institution, European and Japanese museums, and private collectors, etc. you will find many priceless treasures of China. Except Japan (that killed 35 million Chinese in World War II), all ten nations claim to be Christian nations. It is high time for these 11 nations to pay compensation and war reparations to China. For Jesus Christ says, “Surely, I say to you, you will not get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” ( Matthew 5:26) “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” ( Matthew 5:20) You may have your empires for a moment, but never the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.
184). Man is a tripartite of intelligence, value and personality (IVP) according to my philosophy. Intelligence is mental ability, value is moral quality, and personality is individual capacity. The most deadly values are money, sex and power. All dictators have been obsessed over money, sex and power. Consequently, most of the world’s problems have been caused by the pursuit of these three fatal spiritual viruses. The lust for power is the mother of all wars and the father of all warmongers bent on world domination. All warmongers believe and practice “might makes right.” The worst kinds of warmongers are those who enlist God to justify their aggression. Western colonialists and imperialists killed millions of native peoples all over the world and they thought they offered God service. Your intelligence, value and personality make you what you are. All crimes and vices can be traced to self-centeredness, self-seeking and egocentrism. Self-centered people disregard the life, property and rights of others. The more self-centered a person is, the more evil he becomes. Self-centered people may have high or low intelligence, but all have faulty values and flawed personalities. For example, Hitler had high intelligence, low value and charismatic personality.
185). According to my theory, A good society is made of Liberty, Prosperity, Equality, Security and Civility.Liberty is freedom from tyranny. Tyranny can only come from abuse of power by the government officials and business monopoly. Prosperity is freedom from poverty. Poverty is caused by lack of education and opportunity, and oppression and exploitation practiced by monopolies and capitalists. Equality is freedom from injustice. Injustice is caused by inequality under the law and special treatment for the rich and powerful and interest groups. Security is freedom from harm. Crime and fraud undermine one’s security. Civility is freedom from violence and vulgarity. Uncivilized peoples are products of inferior cultures. What is the point to be the only superpower while its people live in fear and want? The most advanced weapons do not improve the quality of a society one bit. The grandiose national missile defense does not protect the people from murder, rape, robbery, assault, kidnapping, terrorism, arson, fraud, violence, etc. every day. This Theory of Good Society was conceived when I was visiting Scandinavia in 1975. There is not one country that has a Good Society anywhere in the world today.
186). There are three kinds of evil: contributory, inherent, and ultimate. Contributory evil is the evil resulted from an act or attitude that by itself may not be apparently evil. For example, using cell phone and drive that causes accident is a contributory evil. Distracted driving is bound to cause accidents. Promiscuous sex actively contributes to the spread of AIDS and STDs, and pregnancies of AIDS women who produce AIDS children are inherently evil. Drunk driving is an inherent evil because it impairs the driving skill of a driver and kills innocent victims. A drunk driver who kills commits murder in the eyes of God, not manslaughter. Drunk drivers and people who habitually run through red lights do not respect the life, property and rights of others. Guns are inherently evil because they are instruments of death. Ultimate evil has spiritual dimensions; it deliberately sins against God, tramples on the truth, and rejects the light. Examples of ultimate evil are wars of aggression,
corruption, oppression, deception, distortion, extortion, discrimination, genocide, murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, hijacking, bombing, terrorism, injustice, drug trafficking, etc., and ministry of Satan that spreads lies and pretends to be a servant of God.
187). Death penalty is not murder, but administration of justice to those who shed the blood of man and deserve to die. For death is the only fit penalty for those who kill. According to the law of God, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed.” (Genesis 9:6)Those who are friends of convicted murderers and foes of capital punishment are invariably the enemies of innocent victims and foes of justice and law. Media that sleekly reports the number of executions without reporting the thousands of innocent people being killed brutally every year is guilty of gross deception and misrepresentation. No one deserves to be killed, but every murderer deserved to be executed. Death penalty definitely deters crime, for an executed murderer can kill no more. To allow convicted murderers to have unlimited appeals and unlimited rights over a number of years after death sentence certainly does not deter criminals. To oppose death penalty on ground that an innocent person may be executed is a lame excuse. Do not confuse a flawed justice system with the legitimacy of capital punishment. Under a just legal system, if you are innocent, ten thousand prosecutors should not be able to convict you. If you are guilty, ten thousand dream teams of high-powered defense lawyers would not be able to acquit you. Any court official who convicts an innocent or acquits a guilty one should be punished severely. There is a correlation between a flawed justice system that encourages criminals and the number of offenses committed.
188). Wisdom is to know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, important and unimportant and act accordingly. A fool can be defined as a person who does not know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, important and unimportant and thus acts wrongly. Wisdom is the application of true knowledge correctly and effectively.
189). You are your own greatest enemy or greatest friend. If you are evil and do wrong, you are your own greatest enemy. If you do good and right, you are your greatest friend. Illustrations illumine truth, but truth may offend people.
Examples of how you become your own greatest enemy:
(A). You are lazy in your job, tardy, unwilling to learn, unmotivated, irresponsible, insubordinate, uncooperative, not doing your duty, etc. – you are your own greatest enemy.
(B). As a student you are not doing your home work, you often skip classes, you do not pay attention to lecture and do not take notes, you rarely spend time studying the assignment, etc. – you are your own greatest enemy.
(C). You adopt unhealthy behavior of smoking, drinking, doping, engaging in unsafe sex and promiscuity, etc. – you are your own greatest enemy.
(D). You drive recklessly, drink and drive, drive through red light, drive on pedestrian sidewalk, drive at unsafe speed, drive with incessant honking, your car is a deadly weapon and you are a potential killer, etc. – you are your own greatest enemy.
(E). You do not take care of yourself, you eat irregularly, you eat junk food, you indulge yourself in eating and eating that you become overweight and obese; – you are your own greatest enemy.
(F). You do not manage your finance responsibly, you buy what you do not need, you spend what you cannot afford, you borrow, you spend more than you earn, you charge credit card senselessly; – you are your own greatest enemy.
(G). You are not faithful to your spouse; you engage in extra-marital affairs, you consider variety of sex partners as spice of life; – you are your own greatest enemy.
(H). You are dirty, noisy, and disorderly (DND); – you are your own greatest enemy.
(I). You are full of wrong ideas, and yet you do not know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, important and unimportant; – you are your own greatest enemy.
(J). You are self-centered, egotistical, loud and arrogant, have no respect for others, a downright supremacist; – you are your own greatest enemy.
(K). If you reject the Word of God, reject the truth and follow evil, refuse to come and believe in Jesus Christ, you are not only your greatest enemy, you will die in your sins.
Examples of how you become your own greatest friend.
(A). You are diligent in your job, arrive at work early, willing to learn, motivated, responsible, following orders, cooperative, doing your duty, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(B). As a student you always do your home work, never miss a class, eagerly listen to lecture and take notes, and spend a lot of time on studying your assignment, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(C). You live decently and honorably, you do not smoke, do not drink, do not use drugs, do not practice sexual immorality, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(D). You drive responsibly and carefully and do not violate traffic rules and regulations, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(E). You take good care of yourself, maintaining good physical and mental health, you are not overweight, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(F). You manage your finance carefully and responsibly, you do not charge what you cannot afford, you do not go into debt but save and be thrifty, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(G). You believe in true love and fidelity, you have been faithful to your spouse, and you reject temptation of extra-marital affairs, etc. – you are your own greatest friend.
(H). You are self-disciplined, not dirty, noisy or disorderly; – you are your own greatest friend.
(I). You seek the truth and verify facts, assess the costs and benefits of each important idea and do not blindly follow people; – you are your own greatest friend.
(J). You have a correct assessment of yourself, strong but not domineering, humble but not timid, balanced and moderate; – you are your own greatest friend.
(K). If you accept the Word of God, follow the truth, and come and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are not only your greatest friend, you will receive eternal life.
190). You have no choice to be born, but you have a choice how to live.You have no choice to be born rich, but you can by your own efforts make yourself useful and so enrich the world. You have no choice to be born beautiful, but you can develop your inner beauty by being virtuous. You have no choice to be born tall, but you can become a person of stature. You have no choice where to be born, but you can improve where you live. You have no choice to be born of what race, but you can live in a way to honor your race. You have no choice to be born with what level of IQ, but you can improve the way you use your intelligence. You have no choice of who to be your parents, but you have a choice what kind of parent you want to be. You have no choice who are to be your brothers and sisters, but you have a choice who are to be your friends. You have no choice when people discriminate or oppress you; but you have a choice to treat people with kindness and respect. You have no choice when people around you are corrupt, but you have a choice to be morally clean and upright. You have no choice when you are going to die, but you have a choice to die in Christ or to die in your sins. You cannot change the world, but you can change yourself.
191). The ABCDE of Salvation:
(A). God existed by Himself eternally before time and space. God created the universe and the humankind and rules the universe absolutely.
(B). Man disobeyed and rebelled against God. The wages of sin is death. That is why all have to die and you and I have to die. Man cannot save himself. Man cannot save himself by his own deeds or merit or power.
(C). God did not want the world to perish and sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners by dying on the cross for them. Jesus Christ rose from death for our justification, ascended into heaven and He is coming again to redeem the bodies of believers and reign with them for eternity in the new heaven and new earth – the New Jerusalem.
(D).If you believe and accept the Lord Jesus in your heart, and confess Him before the public as your Savior, and the Lord to give you the Holy Spirit you may be saved and receive the eternal life which is a gift of God. Because no one is good enough to enter Heaven, it is by faith and through grace that you are saved.
(E).The time to repent and believe in Jesus Christ is now. Today is the day of salvation. Do not neglect such a great salvation. Tomorrow may be too late for you.
Jesus Christ says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” ( Jhn 5:24 )Will you now accept and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? You can do it now.
192). Justice has a utilitarian value, quantitative and qualitative. Good is better than bad. What is good for one person is not as good as what is good for many persons. What is good for many persons is not as good as what is good for most people. What is good for most people is not as good as what is good for all people. What is good for all people at one time is not as good as what is good for all people at all times. The measure of justice is a measure of quantity and quality. The greatest justice is what is good for the greatest number of people. Injustice is the opposite of justice. Thus the greatest injustice is the greatest evil for the greatest number of people at all times. Justice is the noblest virtue because it is good for the greatest number of people at all times. Injustice is the greatest evil because it is bad for the greatest number of people at all times. Above all, justice is righteousness in action.
193). There are two things that bother me most in the world: evil and stupidity. Evil is much worse than bad. Smoking is bad, but those who willfully smoke in elevator or restroom or forbidden place are evil. Evil has many forms and kinds and shapes and degrees, but the least of evil is still evil. All sins are evil. All crimes are evil, but not every sin is a crime. Evil is defined by the sight of God. What God sees as evil is evil. Crimes are defined by states. Due to the fact the legal system made by men is flawed, even a president who repeatedly committed perjuries could escape punishment. Hatred in your heart is not a crime, but it is a sin. An evil heart produces many evil deeds. All forms of aggression, violence, greed, fraud, falsehood, exploitation, oppression, injustice, immorality, terrorism, etc. are evil. Many nations, organizations, corporations and individuals are evil. Imperialism, colonialism, militarism, hegemonism, capitalism, totalitarianism, Nazism, and terrorism are evil. Dictators, oppressors, violators, warmongers, drug or human traffickers, pimps and prostitutes, predatory doctors and lawyers, corrupt bankers and executives are evil. The greatest economic and financial evil in the history of mankind was created by Wall Street which looted the world more than $50 trillion. Consequently you see some nations and others going bankrupt or on the brink of bankruptcy, many more millions and millions of people lost their homes and jobs. The two greatest evils confronting the world today are hegemonism and terrorism. Stupidity is a combination of folly, senselessness, foolishness, ignorance, and irrationality. Poor people know they are poor, but stupid people do not know they are stupid. There are at least two things that constitute one’s stupidity. One is the inability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, important and unimportant, etc. This is the deadly flaw of human nature. If you do not know the difference between what is right and wrong, then most likely you will do wrong. A man can do wrong even if he knows what is right. No man can do right if he does not know the difference between what is right or wrong. A person who does not distinguish between what is good and evil will most likely do evil.The second thing about stupidity is unpreparedness. The wise prepares for the inevitable. The foolish does not know what it needs or takes to accomplish something. The stupid student may dream of attending a first class university, but he does not prepare himself for it. The stupid loses opportunity because he is never ready for anything. Stupid people not only harm themselves, they also harm others even unintentionally. The way of the world is the way of evil. Seeing there are more and more evil things in the last days, the more I understand why we have to pray,
Luk 11:4,“… but deliver us from evil.” With regard to stupidity,
Pro 14:24, “The crown of the wise is their riches,but the
preeminence of fools is folly.” Evil and stupid are the thoughts, words and deeds of sinful mankind.
194). The world is full of pain and sorrows, distress and difficulties.My friend, are you weary of life? Do you want rest for your soul? Jesus Christ says,
Mat 11:28-29, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”Rest in verse 28 in Greek is anapauōwhich means cessation from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect one’s strength, taking rest, refreshing; – it occurs about 12 times in the New Testament. Rest in verse 29 in Greek is anapausiswhich means intermission, cessation of any motion, business or labor, recreation, respite, blessed tranquility of soul; – it occurs only 5 times in the New Testament. Come to Jesus Christ, not only you can find rest, respite, and recreation for your soul; you will find blessed tranquility. All rest in this world is temporary, but there is His rest. Hbr 4:3,6-7, “For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said: “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world… Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” Rest here in Greek is katapausis which means a resting place, metaphorically, the Heavenly blessedness in which God dwells, and of which He has promised to make persevering believers in Christ partakers after the toils and trials and tribulations of life on earth are ended. The eternal resting place for Christians is Heaven. The only way you may enter that eternal bliss is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is up to you to make the decision today.
195). Human beings are defined by infinite varieties of limitations. We shall dwell on limited intelligence only. When you ride on subway, you really do not know where there are empty seats; otherwise you would not enter the wrong subway car door and stand on your feet. You get into a huge parking lot, you do not know exactly where there are parking spaces available; so you drive and drive, turn and turn, and looking at the wrong places. When you make friends, you really have no idea what impact they could make on your life. When you move to a town, you do not know exactly it will be good for your life or not. A Korean couple moved from Seoul to Los Angeles with their son and daughter and started a small business. During the Los Angeles Black Riot, the son who was defending their store was killed by the blacks. Had the South Koreans known what would happen to them, would they be willing to move to America? When you want and need a spouse, you do not know exactly where there is a man (if you are a woman) or a woman (if you are a man) who would be willing to marry you; so you look and look, wait and wait, wasting so much time and efforts often with disappointment. I knew a young beautiful blonde, who came from a well educated family, who was married to a white man. She would not and could not have known after 20 years of marriage later, the man would say to her that he wanted now to marry a younger woman. By the way, I met that white man, I had a very bad impression of him the first time we met; but it would not be right for me to say so then (before the divorce) to his father and mother in-laws whom I knew. When you choose a major at a university, you do not know exactly what your career would be. When you accept a job, you do not know what the future holds for the company or you. If you take a flight, you do not know it will be a crash or not. Years ago I met one American doctor attending a conference in Sweden; he told me his family would come later in another plane because they would not dare to have the whole family in one plane, lest the unthinkable may happen. During the Los Angels earthquake, the camera caught a car live driving on a bridge. The driver did not know when he was driving, the bridge in front of his car collapsed and he and his car plunged into the sea. One thing every intelligent person knows is the fact that life is full of uncertainties. If you do not prepare an umbrella before it is raining, that is not limited intelligence, it is sheer stupidity. The wise prepares for the inevitable. How small, fragile, and helpless are human beings! Among the most arrogant and self-important people are unbelieving scientists who boldly declare things that happened billions of years ago even though they were not there; yet they do not even know when they are going to die. You cannot be sure of anything; but one thing is sure: we will all die.
196). I know: Job 19:25, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand on the earth.” Jesus Christ is coming again soon to reign.2Ti 1:12, “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; forI know whom I have believedand I am confident that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that Day.” That Day is the Day Jesus Christ coming again. This knowledge is more useful and valuable than all scientific knowledge. If you are willing, Jesus can be your Redeemer by faith. You can know Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior.
197). Of all the evils and ills in the world, I do not know and cannot find any which is not related or connected to the love ofmoney, power and sex. Because of the love of money, power and sex, the worst atrocity, brutality, cruelty, immorality, incivility, inhumanity, inequality, iniquity, and injustice have been committed by humankind without number. Washington, Wall Street and Hollywood represent the evil trinity. The evil trinity is the greatest problems of the world today.
196). The most deadly and destructive ideologies that ruined the world include imperialism, colonialism, totalitarianism, capitalism, militarism, authoritarianism, monopolism, hegemonism and terrorism. Imperialism was the most ancient ideology which began with the Babylonian empire. All emperors were dictators. For example, a Chinese emperor could decree killing a man and members of his nine clans. The folly of imperialism is conquest of other nations by sheer military power devoid of reason or morality. The brutality of empires was inhuman and shocking as well known in the Roman Empire. Colonialism was born with the idea of “white man’s burden” – the most destructive and demeaning of European enterprises in modern history. The disgrace of colonialism was dressed up in religious piety in the name of God and Christianity. White supremacists believed they are superior race and given the divine right to rule and civilize the world. Consequently Europe and America became filthy rich by robbing and exploiting the resources of its colonies or natives. In fact, fascism, Nazism, imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism, terrorism, etc. also belong to totalitarianism. Colonialism begat capitalism. Capitalism is the most sophisticated economic and financial system that infects the whole world. The West is still the de facto ruler of the world. Capitalism produces most greedy and unjust society. Capitalism is driven mad by the love of money, and the love of money is the root of all evils. The evils created by capitalism are inestimable and incalculable. As a case in point, Wall Street in 2008 created the biggest economic and financial crisis in the history of mankind and looted the world more than $50 trillion dollars.Capitalism puts wealth and power in the hands of the few and let the masses suffer poverty and injustice. Because of greed America has the most costly and predatory healthcare system in the world. Because of greed America has the largest debts and deficits in the world. Greed is the terminator of all that is good and moral, such as truth, justice, love, goodness, kindness, decency, compassion. Hegemonism is a crafty new combination of old imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, democracy, and racism. Democracy appears to be more wicked because governments that claim to be democratic do not serve the interests of the people, in fact they exactly serve special interests. Democracy is phony like a $3 bill. Racism originally was practiced by whites against non-whites, now it is also practiced by blacks and other races who are in power. A hegemonic nation under the pretext of religious freedom, democracy, human right, etc. may attack, occupy, and interfere in the internal affairs of other nations to serve its own interest. When 1% of population rules over the 99% of the population, that is not democracy, but dictatorship. The world is facing two greatest threats: imperialism and terrorism. Terrorism has been used by religious extremists to create havoc and hardship all over the world. The terrorism that brought the world into terror and darkness is complicated by irrational religious belief. Convinced by personal experience and observation and belief in the Holy Bible, the world is not getting better. In summary, imperialism, colonialism, totalitarianism, capitalism, militarism, hegemonism and terrorism are not compatible with Christianity. No ideology or system of government and politics can save the world. The only cure and elimination of all the ills and evils of the world is the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge and destroy the world and bring down a new heaven and a new earth and rule as King of kings and Lord of lords – the eternal Kingdom of God. The saints will reign with Jesus Christ for eternity.
198). Gal 5:19-23,“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Eph 2:3,“Among these we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of body and mind, and so we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”Rev 18:2，“And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying：Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! ”Rev 18:10, “Standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying: Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.”Sooner or later the judgment will come to everyone, especially the supremacists, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, monopolists, warmongers, aggressors, dictators, oppressors.Rev 18:21 , “Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying: Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. ”
199). An unbeliever wrote, “Faith and prayer just won’t cut it. In fact, they’ll get in the way.” The man who compared faith and prayer with magical thinking, Marxism, Prohibition, Head Start, Toyota, baseball, sabermetrics and one summary prescriptive and thinking himself wise to resist the truth, not knowing he is totally ignorant of the Christian faith and spiritual things. It is not open-mindedness to dismiss what you do not know as wrong and useless. Let the man ask himself: what do you know? Do you know when you are going to die? It is like a blind man who disbelieves in the glorious sunset because he has never seen one; or a deaf man who dismisses the majestic choral work of Messiah by Handel because he simply could not hear it. True, faith and prayer cannot reduce the huge American deficits and debts. It was not by faith and prayer that lawmakers and politicians and officials incurred the largest debts and deficits in the history of mankind. It was greed, fiscal irresponsibility, special interests, money and power politics, etc. that caused the debts and deficits.Mar 11:22, “And Jesus answered saying to them: Have faith in God.”
Note: Faith in Greek here is pistis which means conviction of the truth of something, belief; – it occurs 244 times in the New Testament. In the New Testament faith is a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it; conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ; a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the Kingdom of God; belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same.Jhn 14:1, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. ”
Note: To be troubled in Greek is tarassō which means to agitate, disquiet, make restless, strike one’s spirit with fear and dread, render anxious or distressed; – it occurs 17 times in the New Testament. The world is full of troubles. All human beings have troubles, only different kinds and degrees of troubles. Knowing fully well of our limitations, that is the main reason we have faith and pray to God. Believe in Greek is pisteuō which means to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in, have confidence, trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something, put in trust with; – it occurs 248 times in the New Testament. To believe is to have faith. To believe in God is to have faith in God. To believe in Christ is to have faith in Christ. I readily and gladly admit that I believe in God and believe also in Christ. I would not believe in unbelieving scientists, scholars, journalists, politicians, etc. of the entire world put together. I know whom I have believed. This one thing I know, Jesus Christ is my God and Savior; this knowledge is more certain than anything else I know. Anyone has religious freedom, even an obscure journalist has the right not to believe in God. I stand with the giants of faith, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, etc. of the Old Testament; and I stand with Paul, John, James, Peter, Andrew, Stephen, Timothy, Titus, etc. of the New Testament in believing in God and Jesus Christ. I stand with Martin Luther, John Locke, Abraham Lincoln, John Bunyan, William Tyndale, G. Campbell Morgan, J. C. Ryle, Helen Keller and many others who believed in God and also believed in Christ. I do not want to sit with any famous or infamous Western journalist or scientist or politician who does not believe in faith and prayer. Please read my article on Faith .
As regards prayer, Psa 65:2, “O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come. ” I pray simply for the reason God hears my prayers. God has answered my prayers countless times. It is real and true. There is no reason for me to lie. God saved my life many times. There are hundreds and hundreds of millions of believers all over the world who have faith in God and pray. Psa 50:15, “And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” This Scripture cited above is more real to me than promise of any man, past or present. I must testify to the truth of it because I called upon the Lord in the days of trouble many many times, and the Lord delivered me, and I glorified Him. Hundreds of millions of Christians everywhere can testify to the true experiences. The first unforgettable experience was when I was drowning as a lad. Had not God delivered me I would have been dead long ago. Another time my tire blew up on a California freeway, God spoke and saved me. It is no exaggeration that God has answered my prayers a million times, big and small. I have seen miracles and wonders.
1Th 5:17, “Pray constantly.” Just as we breathe, so we pray constantly.
Phl 4:6 , “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ” I take the Word of God literally and I pray FOR everything. I pray when I could not find things. I used to pray for a parking space, latter I prayed for a seat on the subway train. I pray when I have pain or get sick. I pray when I shop to find the thing I need at good price. I pray the Lord to keep my mails safe. Once I did not receive the form a government agency sent out, I was penalized for half a year. I pray to meet the people I should meet and avoid the people I should avoid. I pray millions will visit my website and come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please read my article on Prayer .
In conclusion, some obscure journalists got fame and fortune by attacking Richard Nixon — person better and greater than they were. The ungodly journalist may want to be famous by attacking faith and prayer. “Faith and prayer just won’t cut it. In fact, they’ll get in the way. ” He got pay for what he wrote. I have read many distorted, biased, and false articles written by supremacists who got pay for what they wrote. In defending the Christian faith, I do not and would not get pay for what I write. As a matter of fact, I wrote more than a hundred articles on my website posted free for truth and justice, and I did not and do not get pay for what I have written. I have written because I want the world to know the truth free of charge, more than 7 million words. The world is made of two groups of people: goat, unbelievers are on the left; sheep, believers are on the right. Which side are you? The choice is yours while you are still alive. After death comes judgment.
Psa 116:8, “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”
Note: If you have known the God who has delivered your soul from death, your eyes from tears, and your feet from stumbling or falling; no famous or infamous persons can persuade you not to have faith in God and pray to Him constantly.
200). This is a timely and very pertinent and important subject in the face presidential campaigns. There are a few principles need to be enunciated because corrupt politics is clouded and muddled with many wrong ideas.
201). This is deliberate; the topic is not Christianity and Politics. Why? Jhn 18:36 , “Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is,
My Kingdom is not of this realm.” Christianity is not worldly, it is other worldly. So Christianity does not deal with politics of the world. There is no Christian nationalism. There is no Christian Republicanism. There is no Christian nation on earth. There are plenty warmongers, imperialists, colonialists, supremacists, militarists, capitalists, dictators and oppressors who claim and pretend to be Christians. Christians are not fighting for the kingdom of this world. Christians are citizens of Heaven. No one has the right to promote herself as a Christian candidate.Eph 2:19 , “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” There are so many so-called self-anointed Bible advisors who label themselves evangelical or conservative but propose and propagate un-Biblical ideas for politicians to implement.
(A). There is no such a thing called Christendom. Western nations are not Christian nations. There is no Christian nation on earth. America is not a Christian nation. There is no historical evidence to claim that the United States was founded to be a Christian nation. The records of founding fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, etc. are open for public examination. I am not interested in passing judgment on any of them whether they were Christians or not. If you reject the divinity of Jesus Christ, you cannot be a Christian. The issue is clear, if you think the United States is a Christian nation, national policy must be made in conformity to Christian principles. From its inception American white supremacists had killed the Red Indians and robbed their land. If the United States is not a Christian nation, you cannot force Christian principles on a pagan population. In fact, America is the most secular and worldly nation on earth with the national values of money, power and sex.
(B). No one should claim that God wants him/her to run for presidency when God does not do so and does not say so. It is on the borderline of blasphemy to make such a false claim. It is very bad to advertise yourself as a “born again Christian” and at the same time do un-Christian things and believe in evolution. It is immoral to withhold information so that life insurance companies can make big profits in selling whole life while term life is cheaper and best for most people. It is wicked to sign into law to violate the sovereignty of another nation and sell costly and deadly weapons to promote military conflict and war. It is evil to use democracy, religious freedom, rule of law, etc. as pretexts to attack and occupy other nations.
(C). Imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism, militarism, capitalism, terrorism, etc. are not only un-Christian; they are bad and wicked for any nation to adopt.
(D). Religious freedom applies to all citizens of all cultures. People have the right to believe in whatever god or faith of their choice so long the practice of their religion does not violate the law of the land and world-wide established mores. Religions like that legitimize polygamy have legal problems. Polygamy is illegal under the American law and international law. Forced circumcision of female genitalia is cruel and barbaric. No religion can support terrorism under any pretext. Some states behead their citizens converted to Christianity. Human sacrifice practiced by primitive religions is prohibitive. Oppression of women and girls under religious dogma is not acceptable. Burning incense and burnt-offerings pollute the air and environment. Snakes are deadly dangerous; no religion can protect dangerous animals as gods at the expense of human lives and safety.
(E). The Bible teaches the ideal principle of marriage:Eph 5:22-30 , “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the Church, because we are members of His body.”
Note: The Scripture makes it clear: Wives submit to your own husbands; and husbands love your wives. The Scripture provides the model for a happy marriage. Wives submit to your husbands as the church submits to Christ. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church. To love your wife is much more than to serve your wife. To love your wife is not to control your wife. We must be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Some feminists may argue against the inequality. Little do they know to submit is easy, to love is not. How difficult for a man to love his wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. The doctrine is not about sacrificial love, it is about Christ’s authority as the Head of the Church. Submission to your husband does not mean you respect each other. Submit in Greek is hypotassōwhich means to subordinate, put in subjection, obey, yield; – it occurs 40 times in the New Testament. Do not have private interpretation of the Bible. A wife only submits to her husband in everything private and conjugal matters. If a wife is elected the president of the United States, the woman does not submit to her husband in matters of the state, she submits to the people of America. The woman who claims God wanted her to run for presidency the outcome will soon be known. An unfulfilled prophecy is a false prophecy. No American woman has been elected American president so far. If God wants you to do something, you cannot fail. If you use God because you want to do something to advance yourself, you will face judgment.
(F). The Roman Catholic Church is an apostate church, papacy is anti-Christ. I do not know any pope is the Antichrist, because the Antichrist has not appeared yet. If a Catholic is elected the president, he can serve as long as he is not controlled by the monolithic Catholic church at the expense of American interest. By the same token, the principle applies to all other religions. However, the nation’s Catholic bishops have said repeatedly that a true Catholic cannot support any policy that allows abortion. In this way if a Catholic president wants to use his position to outlaw abortion, that makes him unfit to be the president. The abortion issue is the most facetious and malicious controversy. What should be done is not to outlaw abortion, but to outlaw adultery, fornication and sexual immorality which cause the pregnancy in the first place. Without illegal sex, there will be no need for abortion. Since it is impossible for a state or any state except a religion-dictated state to outlaw illicit sex, it is equally impossible to outlaw abortion. Why should a young woman raped by a criminal be forced to carry his child? My Christian view on sexual immorality and abortion cannot be forced upon the pagan population because America is not a Christian nation. Democracy is not theocracy. It is pointless and phony to argue at what point a baby gains human rights. Sex and abortion in a secular state should be a private matter and strictly regulated. For example, you cannot use fetus for illegal purposes. However, the state should not support women who had sex with men who did not love them and produced children they would not and could not support. For the same reason, although Christians are forbidden to divorce by Jesus Christ; the state cannot outlaw divorce to the pagan population although divorce should be regulated.
(G). It is hypocritical and irresponsible to maintain that the president can no longer consider his belief separate from action and faith unrelated to policymaking. The confusion lies in the unequal mixing of individual responsibility with the responsibility of the head of state. Although I believe peace is better than war, if any nation is attacked by a foreign power, that nation has no choice but to defend itself and destroy its enemy if possible. As an individual Christian, whoever slaps you on your right cheek, you turn the other to him also. As the head of state, you have the responsibility to your people and nation. If you are a black president, you bent on advancing the interests of black people only, you are unfit to be president. For this reason, any unfair, unjust legislation should be abolished. Whenever a racial group is given special right, the other races lose their right. Whenever a racial group is given preferential treatment, the other races are discriminated. As the president, I cannot appoint all cabinet members on the criterion whether they are Christians or not, or appoint my brother to be the Attorney General as Kennedy did. Though the president has many rich friends, the policy of excluding those who have annual income of $500,000 or more from Social Security benefits is a sound policy. Even the president has many friends who are doctors and hospital owners, to let the healthcare providers to continuously gouge and defraud and bankrupt millions of American families is immoral and wicked. To give tax cuts to the rich and powerful is evil and a bad policy. To legalize same-sex marriage is to promote abnormal behavior and deviant sex practices. To simplify the tax system into one-page form without deductions and exemptions would eliminate the need of CPA and lawyers and other interest groups, and to promote progressive taxation is justice although the rich and business interest would oppose them. Although Christians should go to church to hear the Word of God and sing praises to God, it would be unconstitutional to make church attendance mandatory for a pagan population. There is no confusion or conflict what a Christian must do individually and what the president must do as the leader of the nation.
(H). A born-again Christian is a believer who has been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit enters and lives in him. It is phony for a politician to claim to be born again and believe in evolution. Jesus Christ validates and confirms the creation of man by direct act of God. Apostle Peter is not in charge of the pearly gate to question why anyone should be allowed into heaven. George H.W. Bush answered, “I would tell him I’m a good person. I tried my best to do the right things.” According to his own words, apparently Bush did not or does not know the way of salvation. No one is good enough to go to heaven. Salvation cannot be earned by good deeds.
See my article on An Open Letter to President Bush.
I may offend some people by telling the truth, I do not believe Reagan was a Christian, nor do I believe Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson (these three presidents threatened to use nuclear weapons in China) were Christians. I do not believe George H.W. Bush is a Christian. I do not believe many past American presidents who are still living are Christians. Some politicians now claim the “spiritual, not religious” mantle. True, Buddhists are religious but not Christian or spiritual. Islamic terrorists are religious but not spiritual. Dalai Lama is religiously claiming to be a living god, but not Christian or spiritual. The litmus test to be spiritual is this: Ask yourself do you know you have the Spirit of Christ in you? If you have the Spirit of Christ in you, then you are spiritual. Rom 8:9 , “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
(I). The question: Do they believe in Jesus? If so, what kind of Jesus do you believe in? – is not raised by a person who knows Jesus. There is no other Jesus except the historical Jesus presented in the New Testament. 1Ti 1:15,“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” This same Jesus was God who became Man. Jesus existed before His incarnation. Before Abraham was, He is. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus’words and deeds are written in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Jesus died on the cross for sinners and rose again from the dead by the power of God. Jesus ascended to heaven and now sitting at the right hand of God. Jesus is preparing a place (Paradise) for believers. I believe the place was prepared long ago. Jesus Christ is coming again to be King of kings and Lord of lords, to reign with the saints forever and ever.
(J). With all the principles and perspectives presented above, can a Christian run for the American presidency and do an effective job? It would not be easy because the government and politics have been corrupted by moneyed and special interests. The candidate must decide for himself so long not to use the name of God in vain. A true Christian will know what God wants him/her to do. Blessed are those who do the will of God. As the president, although being a Christian, he must respect the religious freedom under the law. He is the president of American people, not just the Christians. A Christian president cannot force Christian principles on a pagan population. A Christian president can seek justice, truth and peace. A Christian president must give up the empire, shut down all overseas military bases, shrink the government, reduce deficits and national debt, stamp out corruption, eliminate fraud in general and healthcare system in particular, overhaul the government to serve the interests of the greatest number of Americans, and seek a harmonious and peaceful world as his foreign policy objective.The worst thing is the imperialism wearing the sheep clothing of Christianity. Those who lie, kill, destroy, and rob are children of the devil; they have nothing to do with Christianity.
201). There are many evildoers in this world. They exist just to do evil deeds; for no other reason. By nature they are children of darkness and children of the devil. In the last days, there are evildoers who love power, money, pleasure and themselves. The day is coming, and God will destroy the wicked soon.
202). Every human has a handicap; what I am referring to is not a physical handicap such as blindness, cerebral palsy, deafness, limp, paralysis, amputations, etc. What I am talking is a handicap worse than a physical handicap; it is a moral or spiritual handicap. Esau had a handicap, for one morsel of meat he sold his birthright.
Hbr 12:16 ,“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.”Balaam had a handicap because he loved the wages of unrighteousness. 2Pe 2:15 ,“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” That is the same sin committed by Wall Street, Washington, and Hollywood.Samson had a handicap, for the looks of a woman he was betrayed and ruined by Delilah. Jdg 14:3,“Then his father and his mother said to him: Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said to his father: Get her for me, for she looks good to me.” Good looks may be deadly as Delilah. The handicap of Judas the traitor was being a thief and love of money. For thirty pieces of silver Judas betrayed the Lord.Mat 27:3-5,“Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us? See to that yourself! And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.” For the love of money, power, and sex people will destroy themselves. Blessed is the person who knows what is his/her handicap and guard against it. I want to be an eternal being without human limitation.
203). Have you read that there are 96.6 million unmarried adults in the United States? Just 51 percent of the adult population is married, down from 72 percent in 1960. Of those 51 percent of Americans who is married, what percentage has been divorced, and divorced how many times? It is a complicated and heart-breaking and tragic matter that so many peoples in the world never find the love of their lives. The so-called marriage made in Heaven was an illusion or delusion. Charles and Diana proved the case. Even those who are married do not mean they have found the love of their lives. Overwhelming people of married couples that I have known are unhappy people. It is added insult to injury if I say the American way of life is the wrong way of life. People do not know how to live. Almost all people who do not know how to live are self-centered and selfish. The prevalent American values of money, power and sex are not conducive to a happy marriage; not conducive to a happy life. The carnal life is never a foundation for a happy marriage, or a happy life. Man is born to unhappiness, not happiness. I have never met a couple who practices 1 Corinthian Chapter 13has a broken marriage, or a broken life or relationship. Love gives, not get. Those who want to get more than to give can never succeed in love, or in life.Is there anything more bitter than marrying the wrong person, a marriage without love?
204). This is a most malicious and vicious lie: “If you are not a friend, you must be an enemy.” It is not so. There are billions of peoples in the world which I never meet and never know and will never meet or will never know; they are neither friends nor enemies. I wish all the peoples in the world seek peace, justice and truth. I wish all the peoples in the world become civilized, clean, and cultured. The world is big enough for everyone except an aggressor or a bully, or a corrupt official or a supremacist or a terrorist. I have no time for billions of peoples, and I do not seek an enemy. Every human being should live and let live. Mind your own business. Millions of people I have met in my life are boring and uninteresting and undesirable peoples, but they are not my enemies. Superficial people are easy to make friends, but they are not sincere people and so do not fall into their trap of sweet and flowery talk. Most people in the world are undependable and ungrateful people. It is not easy to find a true friend. The proverb says: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Only when you are in need you can discover who your friend is. If you find none, that is the sad situation of human affairs. Friends can become enemies; but enemies are unlikely to become friends. The idea of demanding people to be your friend or else you consider him your enemy is the silliest and senseless idea. Friendship cannot be bought or forced. Friendship is not made but recognized and maintained by mutual commitment. When loyalty is broken, friendship is automatically dissolved. White supremacists practice the wicked philosophy of “if not a friend it must be an enemy.” Western powers have executed this hostile attitude and act of aggression and division by demarcating the world in order to gain world domination. Supremacists demand friends and seek enemies to justify their existence – that is why they have committed so much evil in the world. In human terms, you do not need to put people into two camps: friends or enemies. In divine terms, if you are not a believer of Christ, you are an unbeliever. If you are a lover of the world, you are an enemy of God. Only God deals in absolute terms, humans should not play God.
205). This is a startling fact about human beings: The poor know that they are poor, but the foolish do not know they are foolish. The ignorant do not know they are ignorant. There are countless examples to support the thesis. For one, an ignorant Chinese said the Federal Express belongs to the United States government; he knew that because he had been to America. It is futile and useless to argue with people who pretend to know what they do not know at all. The foolish says, death is the end of everything; not knowing there is judgment after death, and Hell is prepared for the unbelievers and the wicked.
206). Human is a creature of habit. Good habits may help you do well. Bad habits may enslave and ruin you. Most people may not have thought about the blunders of linear thinking because they are not conscious of its consequences. To have the same frame of reference, it is necessary to define what linear thinking is. Linear thinking is a habitual, rigid, simplistic and straight-line thinking. It compels itself to move forward even there is something blocking the way. It travels the same way as a person drives to work following the same route everyday. This is an illustration of the futility and failure of linear thinking. A friend of ours asked to buy a bottle of French Champaign for her. I went to a middle class supermarket to buy a certain item. I left and went to an upper class supermarket to look for various brands of Champaign. Then I suddenly realized to compare prices with a middle class supermarket, and so I went again to the middle class supermarket for Champaign.
Finally after gathering price data from both the upper class and middle class supermarkets, it dawned on me that I should check on a French supermarket. In the French supermarket, I found various brands and prices of Champaign. That was a very productive result. Then it dawned on me, no bottle of whatever liquid is allowed to be brought on an airplane. To be shipped there is no guarantee of not broken bottle. The whole endeavor came to nothing, all I had to do is to advice our friend to go to a French supermarket in her city to get a bottle of her choice and we will pay for it. The defect of linear thinking is to do one thing at a time without considering the whole process and constraint and finding out the easiest and simplest way of achieving a goal. Had I known a bottle of Champaign would not be allowed to carry into an airplane, the whole shopping trips would not be necessary. Time and efforts would have been saved and not wasted. What a fuss! Many a time stop and think whether what you do is a profitable thing. You need a road map (real or imaginary) in your mind before you proceed to undertake a project big or small. Many successful people in history do not make blunders of linear thinking. They have flexible thinking, circular thinking, circumventing thinking, humbling down thinking, and zigzag thinking which is adaptive thinking to the circumstances. Let us examine the lives of three great men and one great woman who made great decisions that changed their lives for eternity.
207). Abraham was not a linear thinker. Once God told him to leave town and go to a place that he did not know. Abraham did what God had spoken.Gen 17:23-24,“Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had said to him. Now Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.”Note: Abraham was the man who believed and obeyed whatever God required of him. Abraham was not a linear thinker, he knew he must adapt to the command of God. Even he was 99 years old, he did something new by circumcision. Abraham thought to do what God said to him. Now this is the same path every Christian must take. When you discard your old ways and follow Christ, it is a new beginning. Abraham was unlike many who could not change their way of thinking and lifestyle even when they are young.Gen 18:19, “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”Note: Abraham did as God had commanded him. Furthermore, Abraham commanded his children and descendants to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice. The way of the Lord is the way of righteousness and justice. Western powers claim to be Christian nations, in the last 300 years or more, they did just the opposite of righteousness and justice. Western powers under imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, militarism and hegemonism have done great evil in the world.
208). Ruth was one of the most remarkable women ever lived in history although she came from a humble origin. There was a famine in the land of Judah, and a certain man called Elimelech, and his wife, Naomi of Bethlehem went to sojourn in the land of Moab with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion. Elimelech died. His two sons took for themselves Moabite women as wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. And they lived there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was bereft of her two children and her husband. Naomi was to return to the land of Judah.Rth 1:8,“And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law: Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me.” They kissed each other goodbye and lifted up their voices and wept. Here something unusual happened: Orpah had gone back to her people and her gods; but Ruth clung to Naomi. Ruth did not do the linear (usual）thing as most daughters-in-law would do.Rth 1:16-18，“But Ruth said : Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me. When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.”Note: Ruth said some of the most beautiful and moving things ever said. Only a beautiful and noble soul could have said what Ruth said. It required determination to abandon linear thinking and do the unusual.Rth 2:11-13,“Boaz replied to her: All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge. Then she said: I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”Note: Virtue is like fragrance you cannot miss. The beauty and virtue of Ruth spread like sweet smell. Those who come and seek refuge under the wings of God are blessed. It is very rare to find beauty and humility in one person. Boaz with all his wealth and honor was blessed and enriched even more by finding Ruth, a woman of excellence, as his wife. If there were a marriage made in heaven, this was it. The women were right in saying to Naomi: “…for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons.” According to the genealogy: Boas begot Obed, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David.
209). 1Sa 22:3, “And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab: Please let my father and my mother come and stay with you until I know what God will do for me.”Note: When David was chased by King Saul, he made a startling statement that expounds the truth about the blunder of linear thinking. David knew he had to take care of his parents even in most difficult circumstances. David would not run ahead of God, he followed God’s plan. The most important thing to know is what God will do for you, not what you will do for God. What you fancy to do with your life may not be what God wants you to do as a lifework. Blessed is the man who knows what God will do for him and what God wants him to do. David was tending his father’s flock at Bethlehem. David left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies to the camp of his brothers and went as Jesse his father had commanded him. When all the men of Israel saw the Philistine named Goliath, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. Unlike other young shepherds who would deliver the food supplies and went home, David heard the war cry and asked a question. 1Sa 17:26,“Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying: What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” When you are in a crisis, blessed are you if you know how to raise the right question. David’s question angered his oldest brother. The siblings and relatives may often misunderstand or misjudge a man of God. Never would people think a young shepherd boy could kill both the lion and the bear and even the giant Goliath. 1Sa 17:37,“And David said: The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David: Go, and may the LORD be with you.” And the rest was history. So David could say,Psa 23:4 ,“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
210). Act 8:1-2 ,“Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”Note: Paul was Saul who persecuted the church and attacked Christians. Later Saul became Paul, the most famous of the apostles and wrote most books of the New Testament, the 14 Pauline epistles – from Romans to Hebrews. On the road to Damascus, and suddenly a light from Heaven flashed around Saul.
Act 9:4-6 ,“And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? And he said: Who are You, Lord? And He said: I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”Act 22:6-10, “But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from Heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me: Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? And I answered: Who are You, Lord? And He said to me: I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting. And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me: Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.”Note: After meeting the Lord and seeing the light, Saul changed into Paul, not only abandoning the linear thinking; he made a 360° change, and how much he would suffer for Jesus name’s sake. Anyone who had seen the Lord could not be the same. Whoever is called by the Lord will be told what he must do.Act 18:5 ,“But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.”Note: The servant of Christ must devote himself completely to the Word of God and solemnly testify that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior.Act 23:1, “Paul, looking intently at the Council, said: Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.”Note: This is the way every servant of Christ must live: Live with a perfectly good conscience before God. Those who love money, power and sex do not have a good conscience.2Ti 1:12,“For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”Note: This is the perfect perspective of a servant of Christ and a believer. Christ is able to save you and me to the end.2Ti 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”Note: The whole task of a Christian life and ministry is to fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith. This is not the usual life of an unbeliever. How many can say like Paul, “I have … I have … I have… That is the difference between a success and a failure.
211). How to save yourself.The subject does not relate to how to save yourself from sin and eternal damnation in hell. No one can save himself from sin and penalty of sin. That is only what Jesus Christ can do for you.Jhn 8:24,“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Note: Unless you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God whom God sent to save the world and repent of your sins, you will die in your sins. No religion and no other man can save you from your sins. How to prove it? As Jesus says, you will die in your sins. The wages of sin is death. All will die because all have sinned. If you have not sinned, you will not die. But you can save yourself from many terrible things. Above all, you can save yourself from yourself. To save yourself from yourself, you have to know yourself. The first prerequisite to know yourself is to have a full realization of your own ignorance, stupidity, inadequacy, incompetency,
defect, fault, flaw, shortcomings and weaknesses. You can be your own greatest friend or greatest enemy. If you do something bad for yourself, you are your own greatest enemy. If you do something good for yourself, you are your own greatest friend.
212). Everyone is ignorant in the things they do not know. There are infinite things that you and I do not know. Even an arrogant scientist does not know when he is going to die. A willingness to learn and a pursuit of knowledge will reduce your ignorance. I have known people who thought something must be wrong simply because they did not know it. Just like a high school student thought the Einstein’s formula of E=mc² was wrong because he could not understand it. When I was a kid I was fascinated by the Book of Proverbs; try the Wisdom of Solomon it might enlighten you in human affairs. I told my students, everyone was born stupid (except Jesus who was God and became Man), that is why you need a college education.
213). Try to be reasonable, for a reasonable man does not easily lose his senses or lose his temper. When things go wrong, you could be the blame. If you are right, you have no reason to get angry. If you are wrong, you have no right to get angry. If your subordinate makes a blunder, it could be you failed to give good instruction or properly train your worker. The team fails it may be you are a poor manager. If you cannot control your temper, it is like a car losing the brake. A hot-tempered person destroys
himself and others. To save yourself from bad temper is vital in saving yourself from yourself.
214). I am not sure whether some people were born diligent like an eager beaver or not. I know everyone can get lazy. Laziness is advanced by bad habits. You can develop a bad habit of getting up late, not finishing what you do, not doing your homework or household work, etc. Lazy people lack self-discipline and usually unmotivated. Study the ants; if you are lazy, you are no better than an ant. A responsible person must do what he must do, that is why no responsible people can be lazy. There is no hope for lazybones, not even in this world. The choice is yours.
215). A person is dirty could be influenced by his culture and background or ignorance. There are primitive people who do not brush their teeth. There are poor people who have no facility to take a bath. There is a correlation between the level of a civilization and the condition of a toilet. The higher the civilization, the cleaner the toilet. The lower the civilization, the dirtier the toilet. Those who smoke, spit, and litter have uncivilized customs or habits. A man who has self-respect cannot be dirty.
216). People who are arrogant overestimate themselves with a sense of superiority and have a wrong world view like white supremacists who want to dominate the world. Arrogance is also a spiritual sickness that ruined Lucifer the angel who turned into the devil. Learn humility by practice. Inform yourself no one is humble enough. If you think you are humble enough, you are not humble at all. Remember what the Bible says, Pro 16:18 , “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Self-indulgence is the path to self-destruction. Imperialists, hegemonists, militarists, capitalists, terrorists, dictators and oppressors are all arrogant people who have done great evil in the world. All evil empires have fallen and will fall. In 2020 you witnessed the arrogance of a leader on world stage that you had never seen before. All supremacists are arrogant, whether white or black.
217). People who are impatient have character flaws. Impatient people are either childish or immature. The plant takes time to grow; you cannot make it grow by pulling. Rome is not built in a day. Almost anything worthwhile takes time to develop or achieve. One man told me it took him 10 years to earn his B.A. degree.
218). The world is not fair; some people were born rich, and most were born poor. By hard work and education, most people can lift themselves out of poverty. When you are educated, you have skills. When you have knowledge and skills, you are employable. When you are employed, you receive wages and at least you are no longer poor. I am aware how capitalists oppress workers by making them slave labors with low wages. I told my students, if you have the ability to think, speak and write – no matter in what life situation and social circumstance, you will do well. America is a racist society with all sorts of discrimination and dominated by white people while blacks enjoy Affirmative Action with special rights and treatments. If you have knowledge and skills, although you cannot reach the top with your potential, at least you would not be poor. However, America has changed structurally and speedily since the golden days of President Richard Nixon that today higher education becomes unaffordable and thus chances of social mobility become less and less. A good government must provide educational opportunities and decent employment for all its citizens. What I am suggesting here is what you can do for yourself, not what you can do to change the government or system of government.
219). Almost any ordinary person can have an ordinary success. An ordinary person must not try to achieve an extraordinary success. If you are not good in mathematics, do not aspire to be a mathematician. If you cannot draw, do not dream of becoming a great master like Leonardo da Vinci or Rembrandt. If you are not specially gifted, it is no use of trying to be a great writer or thinker. Do not harbor an unholy ambition. It is bad to become the richest man in the world by monopoly and predatory practices; even the monetary success is a dismal moral failure. I know a man who was born poor in a log cabin. He wanted to be a lawyer. By self-study he succeeded to become a lawyer. He wanted to serve the people, and he got elected to the Congress. Eventually he became the president of the United States – the greatest president of the United States. This illustrates by determination a person can lift himself up and made himself somebody. However, not everything you aspire can be achieved. It is romantic to try the impossible dream; in practice what is impossible for man is never possible. The man who preached the probability gospel and prosperity gospel, his cathedral filed for bankruptcy and was sold. Only with God nothing is impossible and everything is possible. Don’t try to imitate the eagle to fly without wings.
220). An extreme man is a product of unbalanced and immoral action, incorrect perception and erroneous conception. That was why Goldwater failed. That was why Hitler failed. The best thing in life is to go the right path, without turning to the right or turning to the left. The golden mean is to avoid excess or insufficiency. Too much is just as bad as too little. Too generous is as bad as too selfish. Too much sweet turns sour. Too much light blinds the eye. Blessed is the man who knows what is enough is enough.
221). There is no greater joy than marrying the girl you love and the girl who loves you.
222). A useless life is an early death. The older I grow, the more useless people I have met.
223). There is no greater coward than those who oppress the weak and helpless.
224). America has invented a distorted magic mirror: when American leaders and politicians clearly see themselves busy solely AGGRESSIVE, OPPRESSIVE, DECEPTIVE, PROVOCATIVE, ABUSIVE, AND DESTRUCTIVE … It has a perverted view and it automatically changes the scene and so they call it CHINA. They make many false charges against China and Russia. And without conscience those liars charge that China has centralized politics and aggressive foreign policy, and China’s diplomats harangue other countries, and Beijing’s international aggression without the slightest evidence. Whatever evil deeds the children of the devil have done, they on purpose blame on China. As long as American and European leaders and politicians have perverted and depraved views of Russia and China, there cannot be peace in the world. It takes two sides to make peace. China and Russia practice multilateralism, and the peoples have the freedom to choose.
225). What cannot be realized in life I seek in my dream.
226). A worldly man may say, “I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” But a humble Christian will always declare, Psa 13:6, “I will sing to the LORD, because He has looked after me.”
227). Thank God, I was NOT born white; otherwise I would be encumbered unnecessarily by the historical crimes and sins of white ancestors manifested in imperialism, colonialism and capitalism; enslaved by the burden OF knowing the white has taking advantage of other races; slanted by the worldview of racial superiority; and humiliated by the practice of phony Christianity. Being Chinese is neither black nor white; the golden mean of the human race, with freedom to seek the truth in Jesus Christ and in cultivating and expressing the spiritual values of humanity.
228). You need to know the so-called
Images of Willie wong Thoughtof various races and genders on the Internet, have nothing to do with me or Willie Wong Thought. They are false images.Because they are false persons WITHOUT SHAME. A false person is like counterfeit money which is detrimental to the whole community. A false person exists only do evil. A false person is a wicked person because he assumes the identity of others. A false person acts disgustingly and shamefully. I never put my picture on the Internet.I do not know them.Why so many call themselves Willie Wong, when they are not. Some harbor malice and full of deceit. Why so many do not make effort to build their own websites, like parasites they feed on my reputation???
I am also not, and do want to be associated with
these wriggling, unwanted, disgusting blood-sucking leeches:
Meet Willie Wong. As an undergraduate enrollment advisor, I work with students who are interested in one of our applied undergraduate majors(Construction Management, Health
They have nothing to do with me or Willie Wong Thought. It is illegal and unlawful to assume the name of others. Not only there are many who claim to be Jesus Christ, there are even dangerous people who falsely claim to be Willie Wong. This is the adulterous, evil, fraudulent, perverted, lawless and sinful generation. The Hell is open wide to swallow them up alive….
229). The difference between a worldly man and a spiritual man is this: the worldly man is self-centered, while the self of a spiritual man is subject to Christ.
230). There is no peace in the world. You cannot find peace inside you. You may have peace in Christ for sure. The Prince of peace says, Jhn 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
It is strange but it is true, the West does not want peace that is why it is engaging in wars all over the world.
231). There is no such a thing called Migrant’s Right, it was invented by facetious Western mainstream media. Do you think the underdeveloped nations which cannot support its overpopulation have the right to expect other nations to feed and house and clothe their populations? Do you believe people who cannot support themselves have the right to produce so many children they expect others to support? Do you believe the peoples of underdeveloped nations have the right to migrate to nations of affluence in seeking better lives? Do you believe the illegal migrants of poor nations have the right to force other better self-supporting nations to accept them to feed, house, clothe and educate them? Do you really believe a sovereign nation cannot refuse and reject the illegal migrants at the borders? Do you believe a nation is so stupid to take care of the unwanted children of illegal migrants dropped over the fence? Do you really believe the illegal migrants can dictate the immigration policy of a sovereign state? Strangest things, the United States does not deport 45 million illegal aliens already in America. On top of it, the government received thousands and thousands of unwanted children of illegal aliens who dropped their children over the fence thinking America will take care of them?
232). William Shakespeare is quoted to have said: “Thought is free.” No, thought is not free. Thinking has consequences. God will judge a man by his word, deed, and thought. Jesus says, Mat 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements.” Sinful thoughts are not free. Once a wicked philosopher thought and said, “God is dead.” The philosopher was long dead, but his thought harmed not a few simple-minded. I agree with Thomas Carlyle: “Thought is the parent of the deed.” As a man thinks, so is he. If Shakespeare meant that “A man is free to do his own thinking, not enslaved by the thought of a dictator.” This is correct. However, even today many are influenced by thoughts of the wicked. God is true, holy, righteous, almighty and eternal. God sits in His throne in Heaven and is not affected by the thought of any man, any event, any time.
233). Someone said, “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.” This person had a Satanic thought, overestimated himself. The universe is universe, yourself is yourself. Scientists discover recently that the universe is expanding. The ancient prophets knew long ago that God was expanding the universe. Are you expanding like a little frog? What is within you is not good. The little frog under the well thinks the universe is only that big.
234). A false preacher said, “The person who sends out positive thoughts activates the world around him positively and draws back to himself positive results.” This false preacher overvalued his thoughts and exaggerated his self-importance. The founder of Crystal Cathedral was also a preacher of positive thinking, but a tons of his positive thoughts cannot cancel their financial debts or bring positive results. Consequently Crystal Cathedral was declared bankruptcy and sold to the Roman Catholic Church for many millions of dollars. The teachings of the founder of Crystal Cathedral were discredited for good.
235). Lao Tzi was not a Christian, but his thoughts are not contrary to the mind of Christ. Lao Tzi said, “ Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” For Jesus says, Luk 6:39, “And He also spoke
a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?” I also concur with John Locke: “I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.” As a man thinks, so is he.
236). Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” This statement is a classical representation of a worldly man, self-centered. This is quite contrary to the Biblical teaching, Pro 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Aristotle, at best was smart in human standard, but not a spiritual man who had the knowledge of God. The wisdom of Aristotle was human wisdom, not sound wisdom, only wisdom of the world, fleshly wisdom. The most important knowledge is the knowledge of God. Many philosophers were wrong because they did not have the knowledge of God.
1Co 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS.”
237). Two-state proposal is not two-state solution. In the beginning was Israel and the Jewish people; there was no Palestine or Palestinian or Hamas. Some 4,000 years God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants. The Jews rebelled against God and they were scattered all over the world. During the colonial period the British Empire ruled over the Holy Land. The illegal Arabs moved in and occupied the land without payment. Later it was called Palestine. In actuality Palestine was an illegal legacy of the British empire. The leaders of United Kingdom do not have moral character and courage to come out and inform the Palestinians the truth that they do not have the right of resettlement. Palestinians and Hamas do not have the parcel and portion of the Jewish land. They should all withdraw or evicted by force from the State of Israel. Palestinians are actually Arabs, they can seek statehood or residency at the neighboring Arab states. The United Nations or any agency or country do not have the authority to give away the Promised Land. Jerusalem is forever the capital of the great king David. Although Israel is surrounded by hostile Arab states, God will fight for Jerusalem. It is wise for Palestinians and Hamas to get out of all Jewish land in peace. Do not make claim to what does not belong to you, and do not become an enemy of God. Palestinians and Hamas would better get out of the Jewish land and Jerusalem in peace rather than to be evicted by force. No one, not even the United Nations, has authority to give the Jewish land to Palestinians, Arabs and Hamas. They must get out the Promised Land the sooner the better. Palestinians, Arabs and Hamas do not own one inch of Jewish land, they now occupied illegally and must at once leave the Promised Land.
238). Western scholars (sadly some claimed to be Christians) yet they consistently and persistently expressed biased views of the world history and events that took place completely due to European and American imperialism, colonialism and capitalism which do not fit the facts. Although not like the Japanese who brazenly denied its war crimes, genocide, sex slavery, slave labor, unaccountable atrocities and brutalities which they committed largely and mostly in China; yet European and American scholars tend to harbor revisionist views of history to beautify their war crimes and sins committed against the peoples of the world by European and American imperialists and supremacists. The thing most upsetting is the fact they used Christianity as a cover for their most darkest and ugliest deeds of evil. By doing so, knowingly or unknowingly, they discredited Christianity and dishonored the Lord Jesus Christ. This crookedness reminds me of a white African missionary, a homosexual, who told me, the blacks in Africa were like Amalekites in the Promised Land and they deserved to be destroyed. White supremacists always harbor this destructive views and view themselves as superior to other races.
239). I agree with what Rene Descartes said, “Everything that I accepted as being true up to now I acquired from the sense or through the senses. However, I have occasionally found that they deceive me, and it is prudent never to trust those who have deceived us, even if only once. “ God is true. God has never deceived me. God has never deceived anyone. God is absolutely trustworthy. I have found humanity disappointing.
240). To think more highly or to hold yourself in high esteem than you should is self-deception. Self-deception inevitably leads to self-destruction.
241). Man is responsible for everything he does, that is responsibility, not freedom. You are free to do right and good. No man is free to do wrong and evil. It does not matter what is your race or color, an immoral person is a irresponsible person.
242). In comparison to what God knows, all a man knows is nothing; practically nothing. For that reason, even what a scientist knows is not absolute, complete, ultimate or infallible.
243). A Christian does not wrestle in the face of death, because his life is with Christ hidden in God. A Christian does not wrestle with uncertainty, because he finds peace in Christ. A Christian does not wrestle with adversity, he knows the grace of God is sufficient.
244). Confucius was right, “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” But Confucius did not know, the knowledge of the world is passing away. The real knowledge is the knowledge of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ which will never pass away.
245). Confucius was right, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” There is an old Scottish proverb, “Many mickles make a muckle.” Many little things add up to a big thing. Do not despise small things. The Bible says, Pro 30:24-27, “Four things are small on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, But they prepare their food in the summer; the rock hyraxes
are not a mighty people, yet they make their houses in the
rocks; the locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks;
the lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.”
246). Someone said, “Always go too far, because that’s where you’ll find the truth.” Wrong. The Bible says, Pro 14:12, “There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death.” The far end of a false religion is death, not the truth. The far end of unbelief and un-repentance is death, not the truth. The far end of sin is death, die in your sin. You can find the truth only in Jesus Christ no matter how far you go.
247). Socrates was right when he said, “It is not living that matters, but living rightly.” If you lie, kill, and rob; your life does not matter. If you use drugs, engage in sexual immorality, your life does not matter. If you are lazy, unproductive and live on welfare, your life does not matter. If commit a riot and loot, your life does not matter. If you have sex with a woman you do not love and produce a child both of you cannot support, your life does not matter. If you are a pimp or a prostitute, your life does not matter. If you discriminate other races and physically attack or abuse people, your life does not matter. If you are guilty of crime and become a convict in jail, your life does not matter. If you are a barbarian and make people afraid of you, your life does not matter. If you never contribute to society, just a liability, your life does not matter. If you are a terrorist, your life does not matter. The person who lives wrong, his life does not matter.
248). Socrates was right, “False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.” I wonder how could Western leaders and politicians habitually and customarily speak false words about many things, making false statements and false charges against China and Russia and conduct themselves in a false way. White supremacists on purpose in their greed to exploit the world with false words. Whenever they want to do evil, they use false words to cover up their real intention.
249). God causes all things to work together for good.
Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Note: According to this Scripture, we know that God causes all things to work together. No one knows how many are children of God alive today. Say one billion. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His purpose. No one knows how marvelous and wonderful God causes all things to work together it is due to His Omnipotence and Omniscience and divine providence. Man is so helpless and powerless, cannot even make a few things to work together. No one can control time and events. My journey of life is not finished yet, so I do not know what and how God causes all things to work together for my good. Of course I also do not know at all how and what God causes all things to work together for my dear ones. But Jesus tells us that God has been working. It is wonderful to know that my Heavenly Father is working to cause all things work together for my good.
250). Jesus never turns a trick. The children of the devil are unable to face the power of God, and the historical fact that Jesus Christ has no problems whatsoever.
Mat 4:23-25, “Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. And the news about Him spread throughout Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and severe pain, demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.”
So they can verbally assault by saying Jesus turns a trick. It was easy if there is only one or two incidents of healing. The evidence is too overwhelming and they were all witnessed by large crowds who followed Jesus everywhere, from all Galilee and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan; the news about Jesus even reached and spread throughout Syria. There were just too many firsthand eyewitnesses. Take healing every sickness and disease among the people. Severe pain,
demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed are not private matters. I had kidney stone before and can testify the severe pain was really unbearable. I met a woman who had the same problem at the hospital. I asked her which was worse, birth pain or kidney stone pain. She replied definitely, kidney stone pain. How can any unbeliever refuse the public fact that Jesus went about in so may places teaching, healing and performing mighty miracles.
The first miracle took place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (John Chapter 2). The servants filled up six stone waterpots with water to the brim. “Now when the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called
the groom.” The servants knew the water which had become wine. Not only that the wine was the good wine. This was the beginning of His miracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. This was no trick because the servants and the disciples believed in Jesus.
This is the historical statement that summed up the life of Jesus on earth. Luk 24:19, “And He said to them, “What sort of things?” And they said to Him, “Those about Jesus the Nazarene, who proved to be a prophet mighty in deed and word in the
sight of God and all the people.” The deed and word of Jesus were seen and heard by all the people.
Another incident, the Death and Resurrection of Lazarus also reinforces the historical truth about Jesus public ministry. See John Chapters 11-12. Lazarus was already dead 4 days in the tomb. When Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what Jesus had done, believed in Him. That was no trick.
The chief priest and the Pharisees did not like what Jesus had done, so they convened a council meeting what they must do in regard to the fact that Jesus was performing many miracles. The problem disturbed them most, if they let Jesus going on like this, all the people would believe in Him. They planned together to kill Jesus. They had given orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he was to report it, so that they might arrest Him. They made Jesus a dinner at Bethany. Jhn 12:9-11, “The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not on account of Jesus only, but so that they might also see
Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead.But the chief
priests planned to put Lazarus to death also because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.” The Chief priest not only planned to kill Jesus because He Was the Performer of miracles, they planned to put Lazarus to death because he was a life witness.
251). Israel has existed since Abraham. Who is Hamas you need to know. Knowing who Palestinians and Hamas are, it is better to deal with the problem or issue.
“Hamas,… English Islamic Resistance Movement, militant Palestinian nationalist and Islamist movement in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that is dedicated to the establishment of an independent Islamic state in historical Palestine. Founded in 1987, Hamas opposed the secular approach of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and rejected attempts to cede any part of Palestine.
Hamas (which also is an Arabic word meaning “zeal”) was established by members of the Muslim Brotherhood and religious factions of the PLO, and the new organization quickly acquired a broad following. In its 1988 charter, Hamas maintained that Palestine is an Islamic homeland that can never be surrendered to non-Muslims and that waging holy war to wrest control of Palestine from Israel is a religious duty for Palestinian Muslims. This position brought it into conflict with the PLO, which in 1988 recognized Israel’s right to exist.
Jordan expelled Hamas leaders from Amman in 1999, accusing them of having used their Jordanian offices as a command post for military activities in the West Bank and Gaza.”
“Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) is considered a terrorist organization by much of the non-Arab international community including Israel, the U.S., Canada, Japan, the U.K., Australia and the European Union. Its declared goal is to destroy the Jewish state and replace it with an Islamic one. Indeed, its enmity is directed not only toward Israel but toward Jews, in general. ”Hamas are militant Palestinians who are also Arab Muslims. In the beginning there was Israel and the Jewish people. There were not Palestine, Palestinians or Arabs or Hamas. Some 4,000 years ago God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants. The Jewish people rebelled against God and they were scattered all over the world. During the colonial rule, the British empire created Palestine; illegal Arabs moved in and occupied the Holy Land without payment. When the state of Israel was reestablished, all Arabs and Palestinians should have been evicted in the first place. The conflict between Israel and Palestinians or Hamas is an illegal legacy of the British empire. The leaders of the United Kingdom have no moral character and courage to come out and inform Palestinians and Hamas and Arabs that they have no legal right of resettlement. All the Holy Land, part and parcel and portion belongs to the Jews only. Israel is God’s holy nation, and the Jews are God’s chosen people. Israel cannot mix with other states or peoples. The two-states proposal is not the two-sates solution. The United Nations and any organization do not have authority to give the Jewish land to Palestinians or Hamas or Arabs. Palestinians and Hamas have no claim to the Holy Land. It is foolish and futile to make false claim and fight for something that does not belong to you.
Besides Islam is not compatible with Judaism or Christianity. Palestinians are actually Arabs, they can seek statehood or residency in neighboring Arab states. The conflict between Israel and Palestinians and Hamas is unnecessary. The war that causes loss of lives on either side is unnecessary. It is wrong and futile to fight for what it does not belong to you. Jerusalem is forever the capital of the great king David. God is the Protector of Israel and God will fight for Jerusalem. So it is wise for Palestinians and Hamas to withdraw from the Promised Land (State of Israel today) in peace or they will have to be evicted by force.
252). Whether or not democracy will long endure,almost all patriotic Americans admit, Democracy is in trouble in America. I contend that America has never been practicing the true democracy from the beginning. How do you know? The current US Constitution tells the sad fact. The US Constitution has not vested the national sovereignty in the hands of American citizens. The national referendum has never been used to express the will and wishes of the majority of American citizens. All American presidents and politicians have never tried to revise the US Constitution to vest the sovereignty in the hands of American citizens. The means of national referendum has never been used to decide and determine the national course of direction, the nature of the Republic, the most important issues and matters confronting America. The reason is obvious because the American president and politicians want to have the sovereign power in themselves. To save America, the only way is to vest the Constitutional sovereignty right in the hands of American citizens. When the majority of American citizens (i.e. 51%) can be empowered to decide any issue or problem. For example, the U.S. president or any national official, can be removed if 51 percent of American citizens cast a no confidence vote in the president. It does not have to utilize the useless and ineffective impeachment process. A president does not need to commit any crime, if only 51% of American voters have no confidence in him, the president is automatically removed. So is the vice president, the supreme court justice, any high ranking official can be removed by the national referendum. America cannot go to war without the majority support of American citizens expressed in a national referendum. There are many pressing problems or vital issues can be resolved through a national referendum. The national referendum is the true democracy in action. The people sovereignty is the ultimate power higher than presidential power and congregational power. The instrument of national referendum keeps all elected and appointed officials on their duties and responsibilities. They do not need to commit a big crime, incompetency alone is sufficient to remove any official by the will of the people. As regards the important national matters of budget, national debt, foreign policy, war and peace, defense, trade, climate, environment, education, healthcare, social security, official salaries and pensions, infrastructure, economy, national language, immigration, nuclear weapons, etc., let the American citizens practice truth, integrity, justice, and righteousness.
It is sad but true, the American model of democracy is not the true democracy. Democracy by definition is majority rule. America does not vest constitutional sovereign right in American citizens. Americans cannot exercise national referendum to decide national policies and direction. Only 1 percent of Americans rule over the 99 percent and own most of the wealth.
253). I concur with Descartes, “-Reading great books is like a conversation with the best minds of past centuries.” Not all books are great. There are four types of books. Those that indulge you are bad, such as pornography and trash novel. Those that inform you are useful, such as reference books. Those that instruct you are good. When I was a boy, Proverbs of Solomon was very instructive to me. With some exception, I think The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas is a very instructive book. For all believers, I recommend The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan without any reservation. There is no book like the Holy Bible which can inform you, instruct you, and above all inspire you.
2Ti 3:15-17, “and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
I was lucky to have known the Sacred Writings from childhood. I was young and now I am old. I have studied not a little philosophy and theology. I want you to know like Martin Luther I believe in Sola Scriptura which means byScripturealone. The books that inspire you are great books. You cannot compare human wisdom at best with the Word of God. Human words at best will pass away. The Word of God is eternal and will never pass away. Awake to the great truth, the Words of Jesus will never pass away. May I suggest you start reading the Gospel of John.
254). Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the goal and end of human existence.” The statement is representative of the best human and worldly wisdom. For a spiritual man, happiness is not the meaning and purpose of life. I was young, and I used to think happiness is the meaning and purpose of life. Jesus Christ enlighten me when He says, Jhn 6:38, “ForI have come down from Heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” Do you think it is happiness to come down to the earth from Heaven? Jesus said He had come down from Heaven, not to do His own will, but the will of Him who sent Him. This is most important. The goal and end of human existence is not happiness. To have happiness and meaning and purpose of life, you need to be sent on a life mission. Human existence must be justified by the undertaking one is sent to do. The Scripture says, Heb 10:7, “THEN I SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IT IS WRITTEN OF ME IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.’” The will of God for His Son does not look or sound happiness. Phl 2:8, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” Luk 15:6,“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’” Luk 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” On the cross, Jesus last word was triumphant, Jhn 19:30, “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” Jesus had finished the work He was sent to do.
In following the steps of Jesus, Paul rejoiced in sufferings for the sake of Christ. Have you ever heard anybody singing in jail at midnight? Act 16:25, “Now about midnight Paul and Silas were praying singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” You also must know that Paul had already suffered and had been treated abusively in Philippi, beaten with rods, received many blows, thrown into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Approaching the end of his life, Apostle Paul said,
2Ti 4:7-8, ”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the futurethere is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
From the viewpoint of Washing, Wall Street and Hollywood Apostle Paul was a failure; but in the sight of God, Paul will have the crown of righteousness, the crown of life, and the crown of glory. Jas 1:12, ”Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” 1Pe 5:4, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” For a spiritual man, the meaning and purpose of life, the goal and end of human existence is to discover the will of God for his life and do it.
255). Many do not know this great truth. This great truth is more awesome and important than any philosophical and historical truth you know. It is more real than the so-called The Thucydides Trap.The devil can enter the heart of an evildoer without his knowledge. Jhn 13:2, “And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him.” The devil put into the heart of Judas the traitor to betray Jesus. The devil is not able to enter the heart of a born-again Christian because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The evil spirit is afraid of the Holy Spirit. However, the heart of an unbelieving is an open door to the devil. The devil is able to enter the heart of the wicked and puts into his heart some wicked scheme to carry out. Watching the words and deeds of many Western leaders and politicians for so long, you wonder if the devil has put into their hearts to do evil things. If they start a nuclear war against Russia and China, then you know for sure what the devil has put into their hearts.
256). Someone said, “Sheer greed was the driving spirit of civilization.” First we know what greed is. The Bible says, Greed is the root of all evils. Second we have to define what is civilization. After going to the end I discover the man was seriously wrong because greed does not create civilization, greed destroys civilization. Greed is not the driving spirit of civilization. Will Durant knew something about civilization when he said, “Civilization begins with order, grows with liberty and dies with chaos.” Where there is greed, there are all kinds of disorder. Where there is greed, there is conflict and chaos. Capitalism was born in greed and propagates through greed. People of capitalistic society are the most greedy. Greed is the mother of frauds. Under capitalism there are more frauds more than the stars in the sky. The American 2008 financial crisis was a case in point. Horace said, “The covetous man is always in want.”Greed is like the bottomless Pit, it never satisfies. Lao-tzi said, “There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontentment. And there is no greater disaster than greed.” Very few Americans realize that the greatest disaster and enemy of America are not Russia or China, but the military-industrial-security complex and the fraudulent and predatory healthcare.
Merriam Webster defines civilization as the culture characteristic of a particular time or place. While National Geographic defines civilization as a complex of human society that may have certain characteristics of cultural and technological development. Using this framework, I for a long time concluded the civilization of the American south should never have existed because of the abuse and distortion of Christianity.
I was surprised that Daniel Webster said this, “Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.” I was lucky to have met some of civilized persons in the world: I want to mention a few. (1). Danish children. In my article, https://williewongthought.hpage.com/the-theory-of-good-society.html
(1). I was staying at Skodborg, a suburb of Copenhagen. One day I was going to Copenhagen through a sidewalk toward the station, it was coincidentally when the children came home from school. The Danish children of 5-7 years old, boys and girls were walking in the alley where small plants and bushes grew on both sides. They were walking hand in hand horizontally facing me. Suddenly without consultation, they realized they were blocking my passage way to the train station. They at once changed their positions in a row, smiling with their lefts hands on their backs, and right hands stretching out with a ceremonial bow to let me pass. How delightful and lovely were those Danish children at Skodborg. They taught me the meaning of civility. That incident took place in 1976, all those children must have grown up by now.
(2) . I was in Oslo one day looking an address. I asked a young Norwegian whom I met the first time by chance if he knew the address. He amicably said he knew the place, and offered to walk with me lest I should get lost. So in my experience I believe Norwegians are the most civilized people on earth. A man is civilized not because the way he treated his friends and relatives, a man is civilized by the way he treats strangers.
(3). When we were children we roamed all over the place, and not knowingly we landed on a farm house. The farmer was a stranger, but he insisted to entertain us with boiled fresh peanuts. He used a big wok to boil the fresh peanuts. Honestly, I have been dining all over the world at 5-star restaurants, and my mother was a good cook better than any chef. To this day I still remember the kindness and most delicious fresh peanuts of that hospitable farmer.
Apparently American leaders and politicians do not pay attention of what Franklin Roosevelt believed and said, “If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace.” Not only President Richard Nixon sought a just a lasting peace for the world; President Roosevelt would not approve the current American hostile and aggressive foreign policy of world dictatorship and domination. The civilization can not survive under the leadership of American politicians.
257). Marcus Aurelius said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and unreasonable nature.”
Max Planck has a correct view of virtue who said, “All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force… We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter.” The Mind of Christ matters most because the truth of Christ matters most. Some capitalist politician said, “Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” Even today after more than 500 years of world dictatorship and domination, European supremacist still do not see their evil deeds and atrocities committed through Western imperialism, colonialism and capitalism. Not one Western supremacist admits the poverty, hardship, misery, difficulty, brutality, extremity, inhumanity, iniquity, etc. that they create in the world to this day. Only people who are like pigs would distort vices and virtues. Confucius said, “The superior man always thinks of virtue, the common man thinks of comfort.” Aristotle said, “It is our choice of good or evil that determines our character, not our opinion about good or evil.” Our choice implies our value, our value is manifested in our virtue by action.
258). It is written, Gen 1:26, “Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” Image in Hebrew is ṣelemwhich means likeness of resemblance; semblance; a representative figure; a mental picture or impression; idea or concept; appearance; – which occurs 17 times in the Old Testament. Likeness in Hebrew is dᵊmûṯwhich means similitude; manner; fashion; like as; resemblance; shape; model; – which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament.
This is a most sober and solemn truth. The Holy and Eternal God is Three in One. God said, Let us. Us means the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God explains His Word. The Image of God is the Likeness of God. Gen 1:27, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”So God created man in the image of God. God is the Creator of man. Man is a creature of God. God is the origin of man. There was no evolution, the evolution process was not necessary. God created male and female. There was no confusion between male and female. The US Supreme Court is unlawful and violated the law of God in making same-sex marriage, male with male and female with female, legal. God ordained that marriage is only between male and female.
Gen 9:6, “Whoever sheds human blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made mankind.”
In the beginning God also instituted capital punishment or death penalty for murder. Whoever sheds human blood, by man his blood shall be shed. Some European nations which claim to be Christian nations rebelled against God by abolishing death penalty. Death penalty is not cruel or inhuman, murder is cruel and inhuman.
Lev 26:1, “‘You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you setup for yourselves a carved image or a memorial stone, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God”
God gave law to Moses and thereby known as the Mosaic Law, idolatry or bowing down to a carved image is forbidden. God is One, and there is no other. Pantheism is unlawful, idolatry is a great sin. God commanded not to worship any carved or cast metal image or idol made of gold or silver or stone or anything, an image formed by human skill and thought. The leaders of Taiwan worship idols and at the same time they claim to be Christians are sinning against God and practicing a false religion. The preachers of Taiwan are not the servants of Christ because they do not fear God, and they fear to rebuke their leaders and politicians who commit idolatry.
For thousands of years the Old Testament saints and prophets pondered and searched out the meaning of the Image of God. Jesus Christ who is the Image of God came down from Heaven and reveals the Father by declaring, Jhn 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” God became Flesh (Incarnation) in the Body of Jesus. The death of Jesus Christ for sinners was a real bodily death. There is no such a thing called the resurrection of the spirit, because the spirit cannot die. The unbelieving theologians misled people in many false doctrines. After His bodily resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples on many occasions at different places. In His first appearance, Jesus says,
Luk 24:39, “See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.”
Jesus reveals the truth, a spirit does not have flesh and bones. Finally, the New Testament saints come to the knowledge, the Image of God cannot be physical because God is Spirit. You cannot touch and see the Spirit. In the beginning God used Image and Likeness interchangeably and synonymously.
2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the Image of God.”
Jesus Christ is the invisible Image of God. Image in Greek is eikōn which means figure; likeness; profile; representation; divine nature; picture; resemblance; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament.
Rom 8:29, “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the Image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
Children of God are to become conformed to the Image of the Son of God. What does it mean to become conformed to the Image of Jesus Christ? One thing is clear, to be like Jesus Christ is to be conformed to His image.
Eph 4:24, “and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”Children of God who put on the new self must have the likeness of God, created in righteousness, holiness, and the truth. We know God is Spirit, the divine nature of God is righteousness, holiness, and truth. The more children of God have righteousness, holiness, and truth the more they possess the Image of God or the Likeness of God. To become conformed to the Image of the Son of God is to be conformed to His righteousness, holiness and truth. Righteousness in Greek is dikaiosynēwhich means integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting (Strong’s Concordance); in a broad sense the condition acceptable to God; equity of character or act; justice or morality; goodness and uprightness; – which occurs 92 times in the New Testament. Holiness in Greek is hosiotēswhich means piety towards God; fidelity in observing God’s commandments; godliness; sanctification; devoutness; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Truth in Greek is alētheiawhich means verity; objectivity; according to truth; in reality; conforming to the truth in Christ Jesus; moral excellence; free from fraud, falsehood, deceit, and pretense; a mode of life in harmony with divine truth (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 109 times in the New Testament.
The Image of God or the Likeness of God is basically righteousness, holiness, and truth. The more Christians possess righteousness, holiness, and truth the more they conform to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Great God and Savior. The nature of God also consists of Omnipotence, Omniscience, Omnipresence and perfection. No man can conform to the Omnipotence, Omniscience, Omnipresence and perfection of God. A believer is born again by the Holy Spirit, the new self is created in righteousness, holiness, and truth in Christ.
Western supremacists and imperialists do not have the likeness of Christ, they are like children of the devil who lie, kill, and rob. They are not Christians because they discredited Christianity and dishonor the Lord Jesus. They are in deep darkness and practice unrighteousness and injustice. They need to REPENT, REFORM, AND RECOMPENSE their victims for their past evil deeds and iniquities.
259). America is the most mismanaged country in the world. It would be voluminous to record all the cases of mismanagement politically, diplomatically, strategically, financially, economically, educationally, medically, departmentally, militarily, and trade.
James A. Lucas（24 April, 2007）wrote “This study reveals that U.S. military forces were directly responsible for about 10 to 15 million deaths during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and the two Iraq Wars. The Korean War also includes Chinese deaths while the Vietnam War also includes fatalities in Cambodia and Laos.
Jer 12:17, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation, uproot and destroy it, declares the LORD.”
Note: Wars of aggression can have beautiful names such as Operation Restoring Hope, Operation Just Cause, Operation Enduring Freedom, etc. to fool the uninformed. God cannot be fooled. God is calling the United States to listen: cease to be the evil empire, cease and desist to be the warmonger, cease to do evil in the world, cease to cause destruction. I am afraid American leaders will not listen because they are arrogant supremacists, imperialists, hegemonists, monopolists, militarists and capitalists. Let American leaders know what God has said, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation, uproot and destroy it, declares the Lord.”
Let God’s Word be the final warning. I am afraid American leaders will not listen because they have no fear of God. Only President Richard Nixon had the right vision for America and the world because Nixon did not seek world domination, he sought a just and lasting peace. After Nixon, there has not been one president who leads the nation to the right path.
Luk 6:41-42,“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother: Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”
Billy Graham had been known as the counselor and preacher of American presidents. However, Billy Graham was not John the Baptist, as far as I know, he did not and no American preacher had face to face pointed to the American presidents their sins of committing war crimes and atrocities in many parts of the world. I believe the reason was almost all American preachers were inflicted by Americanism and blinded by patriotism that they could not see any wrong done by America. I recall a white missionary from South Africa who told me the Blacks in Africa were like the Amalekites and the Canaanites in the Promised Land, it was justified to kill them. Oh, what a white man’s gospel!
The US Constitution needs to be revised. The change is to stipulate that the national sovereignty is vested in the hands of American citizens. American citizens have the final say on every vital issue and important matters of the nation. National referendum is the real democracy in action. Unlike the democracy and national referendum in Taiwan which is phony and not worth mentioning. American leaders and politicians are afraid of changing the U.S. Constitution to stipulate that sovereignty is vested in the hands of American citizens because in that way American leaders and politicians will lose their monopoly of power. When and where 51% of Americans cast their votes of no confidence in the president or any high ranking official, they can be removed automatically without going through the useless process of impeachment. The majority of American citizens are empowered to make decision of national importance. For example, if 51% of American voters decide to abandon empire, the American foreign policy can be changed overnight, all American troops stationed overseas, aircraft carriers, warships, destroyers, bombers, spy plans, etc. can be withdrawn at once.
The purpose of listing the most dangerous American time bombs. I define a time bomb as a national pressing problem or serious situation if not resolved properly that threatens to have disastrous consequences at some near future time or unexpectedly. Had American citizens possess the right of national sovereignty, many vital issues could have been resolved by national referendums. There are quite a few American ticking time bombs. Here just to mention a few as follows:
(1) .Blacks
(2) . Latinos
(3) . Debt
(4) . Deficit
(5) . Illegal aliens (already in America 45 MILLIONS)
(6) . Welfare
(7) . Drugs
(8) . Economy
(9) . Trade
(10) Special interests
(11) Partisan divisiveness
(12) Racial discrimination
(13) Police brutality
(14) Illegal migrants (want to come in)
(15) Fraudulent healthcare (most costly in the world)
(16) Injustice
(17) Organized crime
(18) Terrorism
(19) Inequality
(20) Corruption
(21) Culture
(22) Military-Industrial-Security complex
(23) Pentagon
(24) Iran
(25) Hamas-Palestinians
EVERY CRISIS IS A TIME BOMB. A time bomb isa potentially dangerous or detrimental factor which may increase its destructiveness with the passage of time.
260). Zone alarm is worst than the worst virus or malware. It invaded the computers without invitation and without shame. It is hidden at Firefox extension, but it cannot be uninstalled or deleted because it does not have a valid name or valid file. I dropped Firefox, but the evil Zone Alarm is attached with Chrome extension. “Zone Alarm, however, neither this software, nor the internet security software company that developed it, has anything to do with this scam.” I do not believe in the statement cited. I believe whoever created Zone Alarm are children of darkness, children of the devil, the wicked. Those who sell their software to remove this evil Zone Alarm may be co-conspirators. I hope the federal government will severely punish those involved with ZoneAlarm. It is a troublemaker and evildoer who hinders normal work and makes troubles for computer users. It is equivalent to terrorists in the Internet. I hope some righteous software engineers may destroy Zone Alarm at once.
The following is an example of what Zone Alarm does: pretending what you normally do is not allowed by your organization policy, and for your protection — blocking legitimate site.
Zone Alarm
ZONEALARM ALERT
Blocked access to a website
Access to this website is not allowed by your organization policy.
Everybody thinks he is somebody when he is nobody.
262).GOOD SENSE
If you have good sense, you should know the difference between assuming and presuming.
263). GOD IS NOT A MAN
Most people know God is not a man, that He would lie. God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. God is greater than all the gods. God is gracious and compassionate. God is favorably disposed to all who seek Him. God is greater than mankind. God is awesome majesty. God is the King of all the earth. God is the Judge. God is holy. God is righteous. God is true. God is faithful. God is Light. God is Spirit. God is love. God is in the Heavens. God is the LORD! God is only ONE. God is Ruler over the realm of mankind.
Not many know the LORD God of armies is His name. God knows your hearts; because that which is highly esteemed among people is detestable in the sight of God. But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. Yet for us there is only ONE God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and ONE Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.
264) . Why the US Must BeCareful With China
American strategists falsely maintain that China is dangerous. These warmongers are blind to the fact China has not attacked and occupied any nation like the U.S. has done since the end of World War II. Instead China has aided more than 100 nations although it is still a poor country. America is the only overtly imperialist nation wanting to dominate the world at any cost. Historically, America and Europe have wronged China too many times since the Opium Wars to this day. America violated China’s sovereignty in many areas like Tibet, Xinjian, Hong Kong, Diaoyu Islands, and Taiwan. American aggression all failed in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The U.S. treats Taiwan as its colony is the most flagrant and explosive. If America does not repent and restrain its aggression and falsely believes they can incite an conventional war against China and win would be the most fatal historical blunder. Any attack on China and Russia would turn out a global nuclear war. As I explained in the article Why the U.S. Must Not Have War With China,https://williewongthought.hpage.com/why-the-united-states-must-not-have-war-with-china.html
China and Russia and all hate America imperialist nations would be concerted to retaliate mainland America and world-wide as never before, consequently it will unmistakably destroy America, China, Russia and the whole world. America is playing fire with Taiwan, AUKUS and QUAD. China is not a competitor and does not want to be a competitor with America or any nation. China only competes with itself in restoring its past glory without hegemonic intention. Most Americans are not aware that American leaders and politicians are leading America to death and destruction. Let China alone. No Help. No Sanction. Act before it is too late!!!
FOR HOME HEATING, ON AVERAGE, HOUSEHOLDS WILL SPEND: • $746 on natural gas, an increase of $172 or 30% more • $1,268 on electricity, an increase of $72 or 7% more • $631 on propane, an increase of $221 or 54% more • $1,734 on heating oil, an increase of $521 or 43% more These numbers matter. Almost 29% of families reported to the U.S. Census Bureau in August they had to reduce or go without basic household necessities, such as medicine or food, to pay an energy bill. As a result, heating costs may become another necessity that struggling families and swaths of people living on fixed incomes simply cannot afford.
$746 on natural gas
$1,268 on electricity
$1,734 on heating oil
————————–
$3,748
In some states like Southern California, no heating oil is required. To pay for natural gas and electricity amounts to $2,014 .
“The average Social Security benefit was $1,543 per month in January 2021.” A retired American Social Security recipient needs also to pay for rent, food, medicine, transportation, medical insurance, etc. It is clear a retired American with social security monthly benefits cannot live anywhere in America. Yes, not a few retired Americans live in Mexico, etc. Unfortunately as the numbers indicate, the population of struggling elderlies in America may be forced to commit suicide. Christians should not and will not commit suicide under any circumstances. It is a sad and shocking fact that most Americans cannot afford to retire in America. I am one among those American retirees who live abroad because my social security benefits cannot afford me to live in America.
266). WESTERN CHRISTIANITY
I see Western Christianity is practicing greed — the love of money. There are so many so-called Christian churches, conventions, missions, associations, institutions, organizations, societies, Bible institutes, colleges, universities, seminaries, business enterprises, publishers, evangelists, pastors, preachers, teachers, and theologians who are driven by the money motive. They are loves of themselves, and lovers of money.
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
This article is written to let every patriotic American know America is facing the greatest CRISIS in history. If America does not change course, the end is destruction.
This article is written not because I get pay to do it. This article is written because America is facing the greatest CRISIS in its history as never before. Often when things are happening right before our eyes, very few know what actually is happening. There are not many who are endowed with a good sense to see reality and think clearly of somethings must be done quickly. This article is written so that the American President, American politicians, high ranking officials, and the American citizens can know what changes are necessary to take place in response to the crisis. To change is for the better, not for the worse. There are those who say to save America is to destroy the Republican Party. That is all wrong, you cannot replace one tyrant with another tyrant and call it change.
AMERICA MUST CHANGE
Mr. President, Vice President, US Supreme Court Justices, Senators, Congressmen, State Governors, high ranking officials, you are elected, or appointed, and paid to do a job. I am an unpaid American citizen, but I am making a proposal that will save America, establish the U.S. Constitution on a firm foundation, true and sound democracy in system of government and just politics to make America a righteous nation.
Many patriotic and informed Americans are worried and weary about COSTS AND WASTES OF AMERICAN EMPIRE.
The U.S. currently has hundreds of military bases on every continent except Antarctica, costing $250 billion annually to maintain. Ironically, these bases tend to create the need for still more bases. They promote resentment in areas where American GI’s live in pampered bubbles, located on prime real estate, and in culturally divergent ways relative to the natives.
At the time that Chalmers Johnson wrote The Sorrows of Empire in 2004, the Department of Defense (DOD) publicly acknowledged 725 bases around the world, although there were understood to be significantly more due to secrecy and various means of obscuring the presence of a military installation by using euphemisms in different documents (e.g. in connection with Israel).
Despite the official tally by the DOD having dropped somewhat in recent years, there are undoubtedly many more bases now with the accession of nine more countries to NATO, along with bombing campaigns extended to several more countries and covert military operations expanded into numerous others as well as the proliferation of smaller “lily pad” style bases.”
As Chalmers Johnson wrote (p. 152): “There is something else at work, which I believe is the post-Cold War discovery of our immense power, rationalized by the self-glorifying conclusion that because we have it, we deserve to have it. The only truly common elements in the totality of America’s foreign bases are imperialism and militarism – an impulse on the part of our elites to dominate other peoples largely because we have the power to do so, followed by the strategic reasoning that, in order to defend these newly acquired outposts and control the regions they are in, we must expand the areas under our control with still more bases.
“To maintain its empire, the Pentagon must constantly invent new reasons for keeping in our hands as many bases as possible long after the wars and crises that led to their creation have evaporated. As the Senate Foreign Relations Committee observed as long ago as 1970: ‘Once an American overseas base is established it takes on a life of its own. Original missions may become outdated but new missions are developed, not only with the intention of keeping the facility going, but often to actually enlarge it.’”
Billions of dollars are spent annually on constructing and maintaining these bases just in the Middle East where estimates of the number of military bases in Afghanistan alone had ranged up to 411 at one point. Bases in this region are mostly on behalf of the goal of protecting Persian Gulf oil supplies. Indeed, $40 trillion is estimated to have been spent on this over the past 40 years.”
“Moreover, as Michael Scheuer, former CIA specialist on the Middle East for 22 years, argues persuasively, one of the primary reasons that young Muslim males in the region are motivated to blow themselves up in terrorist actions against the U.S. is due to the presence of American military bases on sovereign and Muslim lands. Virtually no Muslims – no matter how radical – are motivated to commit such acts because of the way we live within our own borders.”
According to geopolitical analyst, Conn Hallinan, “We spend more on our ‘official’ military budget than we do on Medicare, Medicaid, Health and Human Services, Education, and Housing and Urban Development combined.”
In fact, if that $6 trillion spent on wars in the Middle East was to be invested in projects that improved Americans’ lives, we could achieve the following and still have some left over:
2. Invest the upfront costs to implement the Stanford University plan for 100 percent renewable energy in the U.S. by 2050, creating almost 6 million jobs over 40 years in the process ($350 billion*);
3. Expand Medicare to cover all Americans ($394 billion);
4 Double the salary of all high school teachers ($80 billion)
Instead, we have the budgetary sinkhole that has become the security state; simultaneously, our politicians have implemented major tax cuts for the wealthy. The result over the past 15 years is that we have witnessed the largest transfer of money upward to the wealthiest segment of our society.
Four hundred Americans now have more wealth, totaling $2 trillion, than 50 percent of all Americans combined. We have also officially become an oligarchy, where only corporations and the super wealthy are able to influence policy.”
According to https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074292/plotsummary When I think of the American empire, I do not think of the Titanic, I think of The Cassandra Crossing.A Plague Infested Train Speeds Across Europe To Certain Death At Cassandra Crossing. The unfortunate train submerged in the water of the river belowCassandra Crossing, along with large concrete chunks of the ill-fated bridge, steel beams, human corpses, and sentimental objects belonging to the passengers, including …
Many patriotic Americans view the costs and wastes of American empire is like the Cassandra Crossing, “The Runaway Train“ without brake, and without a future. By analogy, American leaders and politicians, the military-industrial-security complex and bureaucrats are running the Cassandra American Empire Train. It is infected with the plague or pestilence of America First and World Domination. The American Empire Train is without any moral or spiritual brake, it is on high speed to a wrecked, unsound steel arch bridge totally broken. It is the path to sure doom and destruction. America cannot continue as it is because it is travelling at a high speed train without brake and with no destination but certainty of doom.
There are American people and groups who disturbingly claim and hold and proclaim the Fraudulent 2020 Election Is History. Those who strongly maintain the election was a fraud but unable to provide evidence or proof. How many timestheUSSupremeCourt, the US Courts, justices and judges on both state and federal levelsmade unanimous rejection of election fraud claims; although the Myth of Stolen Elections lives on among many Americans. Just as there were some uninformed Americans who died thinking CORONAVIRUS was hoax. Those well-meaning but misguided Americans who believe in this political lie become a tragic and dangerous force as it created a national crisis unprecedented. This political lie shook up the foundation of the nation and shocked the whole world.
My fellow Americans, I am sure you are as concerned for our Country as I am because of a series of events that took place since 2019, especially the recent Capitol Riots, Insurrection and Mayhem on January 6, 2021 led and incited and fomented by the former American leader and the groups inside America who wanted to destroy America, ironically with the deceitful slogan of “SAVE AMERICA”. There have been many deadliest events in American history. This one is different, because it was created by former American leader and groups of Americans within.THE DANGER FROM WITHIN IS WORSE THAN THE DANGER FROM WITHOUT. The fact that the presidential inauguration required 250,000 National Guard troops to insure the security of the Capitol, and security forces in the capitals of 50 states — speaks loudly the failure of American democracy, and spells out clearly the failure of American society and shame of American way of life.
It is incorrect to expect the radical extreme white supremacists who want to overthrow America will repent soon. American choice is not based on academic propositions. American choice must base on survival and success of the Republic. Most Americans see themselves as democracy, but the world sees America as chaos. This may be American last chance to save itself from destruction and oblivion.
The Tyrant suffers at least two severe symptoms in his abnormal personality: First, his delusions of grandeur exhibit in self-delusional personality and self-love so much so that he counts all his failure as success, his weakness as strength, his disgrace as glory; even in his watch over 400,000 Americans died, he shamelessly and without conscience gives himself A+ in controlling and handling of the CORONAVIRUS pandemic. Second, he is the worst racist with psychopathic tendency and number one enemy of China for whatever his inner inadequacy and jealousy, without truth and without shame, even in his last speech he still calls it China virus; he still believes in a lie that the election was a steal but he could not produce the evidence or proof of fraud. In the person of Tyrant casts a dark shadow and embodiment as the forerunner of the Lawless One to appear in the last days, 2Th 2:8.
It is not easy to depict or describe a former American leader who was a shameless liar, without a grain of truth in him, egomaniac, dishonest, deceptive, lawless, capricious, dangerous, pretentious, vicious, malicious, heartless, a moral charlatan, a false Christian brother, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a dictator who is bent on lying, killing, robbing as means to achieve world domination. The false leader has been no. 1 oppressor and enemy of China with malice and a series of false and irrational accusations. Years of white supremacy that feeds on the evil empire of world conquest and domination finally culminated in Capitol riots and mayhem. What was practiced abroad, chicken comes home to roost.
This is the unprecedented AMERICAN CRISIS as never before. This is AMERICA AT STAKE unprecedented. This is national EMERGENCY. AMERICA IS IN DANGER as never before. This is about AMERICAN SURVIVAL. We cannot afford to have a wrong perception to fool ourselves. We must agree with Arnold Joseph Toynbeewho said, “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.“America is dying from suicide, not caused by Russia or China. The recent events prove the U.S. Constitution, form of government, law and order, the two American Parties, freedom of speech, impeachment, the US Supreme Court, American democracy, etc. are not working at all but completely out of order.
God will not help America if America does not want to help itself. There are many areas that America must change or die. Here is only an outline what America must change, to go into detail would require volumes, and there is no time to do that. American crisis is urgent, true American leaders and Americans who love America must act now or never. What true American leaders and patriotic Americans must do, must do quickly without delay. True American leaders and patriotic Americans must not hesitate, he who hesitates is lost. Americans must choose now.
EMPIRE OR REPUBLIC
There are people who hold this view: The US is a republic. The US is also an Empire; the US is a military empire, an economic empire and wants to be a social/cultural empire. The outcry: “America owns the world!” America cannot be a Republic and an Empire at the same time. If you are a sheep, you cannot be a goat at the same time. All American problems domestic and foreign, national and international, CAN BE TRACED from this dual nature of America.If America goes down the wrong path of empire, it will ultimately fail, fall and ruin.
America is already a de facto empire, not simply because the USA is being the world’s sole superpower, by virtue of its military supremacy, economic monopoly, global domination, technological and scientific prowess, and political-military alliances. America is an evil empire by choice of American presidents and politicians after President Richard Nixon and with silent consent of the public. American presidents and politicians deliberately sought absolute military supremacy and world domination in all areas. America is now paying for its crimes and sins. The consequences of imperialism and hegemony are far-reaching and devastating to itself and the world. Since the end of World War II, America has done great evil in the world through its conquest, many unjust wars and bloody military interventions have killed millions and millions of innocent peoples, attacked and occupied many sovereign nations, lied, killed, and robbed many peoples. The arrogance, deception, negligence, irresponsibility, abuse of power, sanction, oppression, hostility, malice, no truth, no integrity, tariffs, lawlessness committed by the late leader are unprecedented and shocked the whole world! The empire is not an historic opportunity, but the extremity to make America the most hated nation on earth.
Lately American people have observed, watched, and witnessed how a bad leader can be lawless, dangerous, shameless, deceptive, dishonest, dictatorial, immoral, irresponsible, consequential, corrupt, and evil. American citizens being the masters of the nation must be equipped to act promptly and quickly to save the nation in time of crisis or emergency. The due process of law is too slow and ineffective. National Referendum is designed to make life or death decisions in a fast movement.
History has provided more than enough evidence of the inevitable decline and destruction of all empires, from Babylon the great to the evil British empire. To ignore the fate of all empires is to ignore our own great peril. You know enemies within are more dangerous than foes outside such as Iran. I hope and pray for the right American Leader at this decisive moment to lead the majority of patriotic Americans and lead America in the right direction. My proposal may help.
Therefore the American citizens hereby choose to
DENOUCE EMPIRE AND RETURN TO THE REPUBLIC…
If the American leaders and majority of Americans insist to be an EMPIRE, then this proposal is useless, and there is no need to go further. However, the assumption is the fact that American leaders and most American citizens resolve to give up the EMPIRE and return to the respectable REPUBLIC.
These are perilous times, dangerous times, more serious than most Americans may think. America is simultaneously facing so many pressing problems, what I am proposing to save America is only basic, fundamental, the great details can come later after America is saved.
America changes itself and does not wish to rule the world and thus make the following changes.
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
The President shall work with the Congress and the leaders of the States to change and revise the American Constitution.Whereas the Constitution of the United States of America is changed to stipulate clearly the SOVEREIGNTY of the United States of America is fully vested in the people of America namely its citizens. The American people will have the final authority, or the final say, on any issues or matters of great importance to the nation. American citizen is defined as a person who was born of American parents in America, by birth or by naturalization. American citizens are therefore the true MASTERS and supreme DECISION MAKERS of the United States REPUBLIC. The means to demonstrate and administrate the sovereignty is through NATIONAL REFERENDUM. A national referendum is used to resolve any American national issue of importance or grave matters.On any vital issues or important matters, the American Citizens of the Republic require 51% to pass or reject any decision or determination. It requires 51% of American citizens to remove instantly the American president, vice president, Supreme Court justice or judge, senator, or any high ranking national official without the abandoned and slow process of impeachment. Only American citizens can have the right to participate in a national referendum. An illegal alien or legal resident who presumes and practices this privilege shall be deported immediately, he and his household no matter how they got into America, and no matter how long they have stayed in America.
The US CONSTITUTION defines national issues that require National Referendum in the areas of constitutional power, presidential power, federal power, state power, congressional power, conduct and behavior of high ranking national officials, budget and national debt, defense, war, diplomacy, climate, environment, major industry and technology, healthcare, education, research and development, international treaty, nuclear disarmament and proliferation, etc.National referendum cannot be abused or to be used for minor issues or triviality.
The American President cannot openly or covertly engage in war or military operations without a National Referendum approval and approval of the Congress; unless the United States is being attacked by a foreign power or group. Then the President has full authority and power to respond and retaliate effectively against any foreign attack without approval of the Congress or American people.
A State Referendum can be used to remove any State official (such as governor) without impeachment. A majority vote of no confidence is sufficient legal ground to remove any national or state official. Only American citizens live in a State can qualify to vote in that State Referendum.
To make the National Referendum effective it requires to build millions of voting machines where the American citizens must go to cast his/her vote in person without delay. There must be regular legal voting stations with easy access all over the country. The voting stations must be made known beforehand and their locations are prominent and permanent. A voting machine must be simple but flawless and fool-proof without fraud or manipulation. Every voting machine must be able to register the name, address, social security number, telephone or cell pone number, gender, occupation of the citizen for verification purposes and also able to take a photo of the voter to be included in the PERSONAL file record of the voter. The voting machine shall present the ballot issues, such as to remove the president, to declare war, to increase the national debt, etc. with YES or NO answer. YES means to support the measure, NO means to reject the measure. The voting machines of the United States are controlled by the Master Machine in Washington, D.C. properly secured and guarded and maintained, which is able to see the voting process in the whole nation and finally the machine is able to tabulate or total the positive or negative votes of all the citizens in the country. The ultimate decision of American citizens can be made known in a few moments. So that the National Referendum is able to meet any national challenge or crisis urgently and conveniently. The voting machines must be designed, maintained, serviced and operated by a national supercomputer with full security and functionality at all times.
To admit or delete a state from the Union, to declare War, to increase national debt, to increase or decrease of the salary of the president, vice president, senator, justice or judge, or high ranking official, etc. requires the support of 51% of American citizens through national referendum.
A National Referendum can be implemented anytime if the majority of the Congress decides to do so. Or if there are at least 40% of American citizens nationwide agree to make the initiative. A state referendum can be implemented only if the majority of the state assembly decides to do so. Or if there are at least 40% of state legal residents agree to make the initiative.
If the President, or the Commander in Chief, wants to declare war to a peaceful nation, or using the so-called threat to national security as an excuse, a national referendum is required to authorize the president. However, if America is being attacked by any nation or group, the president has the power to declare war against the aggressor without a national referendum and without congressional approval.
The U.S. Constitution declares American English as the official national language of the United States of America, to be used in all communications whether public or private matters, in all governments (federal, state, and local), in public and private places, in business and industry, in schools and shops, in airports and public transportation, in parks and stadiums and museums, in hospitals and clinics, in markets and trade, and everywhere. The government does not provide interpreters or translations. However, all foreign languages and dialects are not prohibitive in home and private use.
The salaries, wages, benefits, and pensions of all federal employees must be approved by the majority of American citizens in a national referendum.
The US Constitution authorizes the use and reading of the Holy Bible in all government facilities, schools, and all public places. Prayers are also permitted in public but only on a voluntary basis.
The US Constitution shall make payments and reparations to the natives of America, the Red Indians, for the crime America committed in the beginning by killing the Red Indians and robbing their land. Hereby I propose that the federal government pays US$700 a month to every true descendant of Native Americans, not self-claimed or White-pretended, in addition to social security benefits, as long as they live. The U.S. government shall give assistance to the natives of America to improve their living condition in anyway feasible. Of course this will require a National Referendum to authorize it. If you know the history, all Americans are obligated to approve this payment.
The Black population cannot make any claim to the U.S. government because they were descendants of black slaves. Since it was African Blacks who sold blacks to the Southern rich White plantation owners; they may pursue the descendants of white plantation owners for damages if the court agrees. In addition, since the Great Society of Lyndon Johnson, the federal, state, and local governments had spent already more than US$6 trillion dollars to assist the American blacks to this day.
Some groups believe if you can speak and have eloquence, you are a leader. A leader requires more than speaking, but moral living. Balaam was a false prophet who had eloquence but he also loved the wages of unrighteousness. All false prophets love money, power, and sex. A person certified by FBI as an immoral person can never be glorified as a leader. All new monuments to be erected in Washington, D.C. must be approved by American citizens through a National Referendum. Through a national referendum, whatever the current monuments deem unworthy and undeserving may be removed instantly any time. The monuments of Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln are safe and permanent honors in American history.
The US Constitution is authorized the US Government to return all the Chinese national treasures looted, robbed and stolen since the infamous Opium Wars to the present day to the Chinese government with sincere apology. These millions of Chinese national treasures some of them are located and displayed in Smithsonian Institutions, state, county, city public museums and private museums and collections. All the rest can be found in famous European and Japanese public and palace museums and private collections.
The US Constitution recognizes only monogamy (marriage of one male and one female). All other forms marriage are not valid or lawful. Polygamy is illegal. Although Christian principles are good, America is not a Christian nation, and cannot impose the Christian faith and practice on unbelieving citizens. Divorce is therefore allowed according to the federal law or state law.
Large scale air pollution, environmental pollution, soil or land pollution, fake drugs, fake vaccines, fake food, fake drinks, fake products, fake services, etc. shall be paid with death penalty and all assets seized for the U.S. Treasury.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND CORONAVIRUS
Due to negligence and neglect of the previous administration, millions of citizens have suffered and many have died needlessly. The federal government is in charge of controlling public health issues and pandemics and administration of Vaccinations. These are matters of life and death. The State governments must follow the instructions and directions of the federal government and work in tandem with the federal government. It is right and proper to wear masks in times of the surge of COVID-19, anyone who does not wear mask when required, forfeits his/her own health or life. Wearing mask is not an issue of personal freedom. No one is free to harm himself/herself and the public. In an emergency all citizens and and residents must follow directions of the government.
NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION
Although America is not a Christian nation, but majority of Americans call and consider themselves Christians. When we say Christians we usually mean Protestants, Catholics are a different category. Since the majority of American citizens believe and practice Christianity, they are Christians by religion, therefore Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving and New Year are considered paid national holidays. There are military chaplains of the Christian faith only. America believes and practices religious freedoms. However, any religion which practices polygamy, burning incense, human sacrifice, mistreatment and slavery of women and girls, etc. is considered illegal and prohibitive to practice in America.
The U.S. Constitution authorizes the practice of Bible reading and prayer in government and schools. However, it is a voluntary act; no one is forced. In the first place, let us made it clear once and for all: The United States of America from the beginning to the present has never been and is not a Christian nation. There is no such as a thing called Christendom. For that matter, there is not one Christian nation on earth. The greatest historical fraud was what is known as “White Man’s Burden.” European white supremacists pretended to be Christians with the white man’s burden to colonize the poor and uncivilized natives in the world. They did so in fact under European imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, militarism, monopoly to conquer nations and peoples and made colonies in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia. They lied, killed, and robbed the national resources of peoples of their colonies to enrich the European empires and nations. Among them was the evil British Empire. Led by the British Empire and America, they instigated the infamous Opium Wars to kill and rob the Chinese, occupied and demarcated China. They attacked China, burned down the Yuan Ming Yuan Garden which was more beautiful and luxurious than the Versailles Palace. These 8 European nations and Japan robbed and looted China’s millions of national treasures worth at market value US$100,000 trillion dollars, not counting the cost of interest; and not counting the destruction of Yuan Ming Yuan Garden which was more precious than the Versailles Palace. These priceless China’s national treasures are now displayed at the British Museum, royal palaces, the Louvre, Smithsonian Institutions, etc. public and private museums and collections.
When I was a boy I was brained washed to believe in the romantic and idyllic so-called Pilgrim Fathers who fled the European religious persecution on Mayflower coming to a new world and establishing a Christian nation. The so-called Pilgrim Fathers were nothing but white supremacists who fled to an old world who killed the natives of America (Red Indians) and robbed their land by conquest. The white supremacists almost killed off the natives of America, the Red Indian race.
Those so called evangelicals are fooled by the late leader or fooled themselves because of their hunger for worldly power — access to the White House. Even Billy Graham, and not one American preacher, dared to preach against the sins and crimes committed by American presidents and politicians. How could anyone overlook the Scriptures: John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” It is not unpatriotic to tell the truth.
The former leader publicly lied many times on TV which can be verified. There is no truth in him.Do not be fooled by false prophets and false teachers and false brothers, there is no such a thing call Christian Nationalism. Just as there is no such a thing called Christian imperialism. Those evangelicals who believe and practice so-called Christian nationalism are not enlightened whatever stripes they may have. No heresy can be allowed to fester and grow. It is not a good thing that Christian Nationalism has become a synonym for white supremacy. White supremacy is the sole cause of world domination and dictatorship today with its resultant evil consequences. The so-called evangelical support of the wrong leader with his so-called nationalist agenda is the root cause of American demise and danger at this moment. Those misguided and delusional rioters were incited by the false leader. Their slogan of “Save America” has the actual effect of “Destroy America” because of their extreme ideology and behavior. It is blasphemous to construe that so-called Christian Nationalism is divine; it is like saying that Jesus uses the power of Satan to cast out demons. It is like using “White Man’s Burden” to justify white European imperialism and colonialism and capitalism. It does not appear historically thatAmerican past is connected to larger divine origins and purposes. A false belief is the root cause of American many problems. God never authorizes American form of political religion. God never sanctions the politics and values of the Anglo-American culture and tradition. The evil empire of America is no divine model of so-called promoting democracy and freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Those who created Capitol Mayhem are definitely not true patriots. There is also no such a thing called political theology, there is only one Biblical theology. Sadly, the two American parties, Democratic and Republican, do not represent American national interest, only partisan interests. Those so-called evangelicals who supported a false leader have fooled themselves in believing the false leader was defending their faith and traditional moral beliefs. They could only blame themselves for their inchoate assumptions, convictions, and intuitions that are not systematically or rationally deduced. They could not justify it on a Biblical basis. It is a compounded confusion to expect unbelieving critics to come up with a political principle derived from the Bible. The real problem is not so-called Christian Nationalism, an epithet of no substance. Equally, there is no such a thing called Christian patriotism, no Christian Republicanism, etc. Those who call themselves evangelicals but do not abandon any ideology contrary to the Scriptures are doomed to failure again and again. There is no high church or low church anyway, only the Church of Jesus Christ. Christians do not follow any earthly church or denomination. Christians do not follow any man, including Billy Graham. Christians follow Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures only.
The real problem is Americanism which is the national religion of most whites including those evangelicals. Those who hold Americanism believe America is a special nation, exceptional, chosen and appointed by God to lead and rule the world. This false ideology is the root cause of all American evils done in the world. Even Billy Graham did not dare to preach against the sins of American presidents who have been lying, killing, and robbing many nations and peoples since the end of World War II. Does the Bible teach a Christian to be a nationalist? No. For the same reason, a Christian cannot be an evolutionist. Christians think of things above and focus on Jesus Christ.
WELFARE IS REPLACED BY WORKFARE
The U.S. Constitution abolishes welfare and turns it into workfare. There is no public assistance to American legal residents; only American citizens may qualify to receive public assistance of any form, and they must work for it. Unless American citizens are blind, crippled, paralyzed, disabled, psychotic, destitute elderly, etc. they may qualify to apply for free public assistance. All American citizens who apply for public assistance must be willing to work for it. The U.S. government does not provide any assistance to illegal aliens or legal American residents. American citizens who need public assistance, federal, state, county and city will contribute. The city is responsible to administer the assistance program according to federal guidelines.
Any citizen who receives welfare benefits must work for them. An unmarried single woman who has sex with the man who does not want or who cannot support her and his offspring shall not receive public assistance in any form. If she wants to receive public assistance, she shall be sterilized. The man who commit fornication and who is unwilling or unable to take responsibility of his sexual behavior shall be sterilized too. Any person who receives public assistance does not qualify to vote. America is adopting the Protestant ethic of hard work, thrift, and responsibility as national policy to rebuild America.
IIEGAL MIGRANTS
Millions of illegal migrants of many backward and corrupt nations dream and fancy themselves if only they arrive or reach the United States or Europe, they are entitled to live on welfare without work happily hereafter. Caravans of illegal migrants march boldly and impudently toward the United States. Here are news for them. The US government does not admit illegal aliens, and does not accept economic or political asylums (except very rare political asylums). The US government does not provide public assistance or welfare to any illegal aliens. Illegal aliens are not entitled to anything or any right in America. America does not have policy or program to accept illegal migrants. All illegal aliens are to be deported without delay, no matter how long they have been illegally staying in America. It is a federal crime to hire and hide any illegal alien. America is no refuge for illegal aliens. America does not interfere with the internal affairs of any country, including Europe. If Europe welcomes illegal migrants and provide welfare for them, it is their own business. Every nation is responsible for its own destiny.
The U.S. Constitution does not recognize children born in America by illegal aliens as American citizens. Children born of American citizens are automatically American citizens. An American citizen may reside anywhere in the Union, coming and going, full freedom of movement, without report to any agency or anyone. An American citizen who lives in a certain State automatically becomes the legal resident of that State. An American citizen who travels in any state of the Union and stays in a hotel does not need to report to the government. An American citizen with a U.S. passport, leave and return, does not need to report to any agency or anyone. An American citizen is also a legal resident of any state he/she resides. A legal resident is any person who is admitted to the United States legally who holds a green card. A legal resident who has not become naturalized is not an American citizen. Children born of American residents (not American citizens) are American residents. All illegal aliens are to be deported immediately without delay, and it does not matter how long they have been staying in America illegally. America does not welcome economic and political asylums (except rare cases) and does not accept illegal immigrants for economic and other reasons. America may want and accept highly educated professionals without criminal records or contagious disease and their immediate blood families with no regard to their race, color and country. If a member of American legal resident commits a terrorist act, including the execution of the terrorist; his/her whole family shall be deported at once and never be allowed to visit America again.
When caravans of illegal migrants act aggressively and lawlessly and by force they want to enter the territory of the United States, such as by climbing the Wall or destruction of the Wall, etc. the U.S. military is justified to open fire to defend the sovereignty of the nation. Wild force must be met with legal force. The U.S. policy is not influenced by caravans of illegal migrants from anywhere or any foreign forces. Illegal migrants are not entitled to any human right or any right in America. America does not want them.
The U.S. shall limit and restrict immigration to those who are blood relatives of immediate family and those who have good qualifications in education, moral character, without contagious disease, skills and productivity to become good citizens and taxpayers. Political and economic refugees are to be discouraged and disfavored. Fortune seekers from any poor and backward country are not welcome at all. There is nothing more absurd and ridiculous than the United States, the sole superpower, cannot stop the invasion of illegal migrants to enter the United States. America engages in wars all over the world to conquer nations and peoples. America cannot protect its borders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
America does not know how to deal with violent and unwanted and illegal migrants invading the United States. Those useless, worthless economic opportunists do not deserve any humanitarian aid. Chase them away!!!!!
BAN OF FIREARMS OR GUNS
The U.S. Constitution bans civilian possession, ownership and use of firearms or guns of any type. America declares to outlaw National Riffle Association, KKK, and any similar militant and radical white or black supremacy groups or entities. Only the police and military are armed to protect American lives and properties and the country. America is poor at the present and therefore cannot afford to buy back all the guns possessed and owned by civilians. However, the government mandates all guns to be handed over to designated places such as police departments of each city to be destroyed. For possession of illegal gun or guns is a crime by itself. Anyone who uses gun to kill a person is automatically sentenced to death penalty without appeal. Manufacturing and sale of gun or guns are considered a crime. There are only a few companies may be licensed to manufacture guns for police and the military. The transport of any gun is in itself considered a federal crime.
HOME AND FOREIGN TERRORISTS
The U.S. considers all types of terrorists as national public enemies number one, they maybe shot OR killed on sight at the scene, there shall be no due process of law for the public enemies number one. All family members of terrorists shall be deported and all their assets seized for the U.S. Treasury. Any nation, religion or institution that supports terrorism and terrorists shall be banned. The U.S. government uses all its military might and other means to eliminate and destroy the Islamic State.
When America is being attacked like 9-11, or by a foreign aggressor in a war or not, the president has full power to defend America and destroy any foreign attacker without national referendum or Congressional approval.
When there is a riot in America, such as Los Angeles Black riots, Capital Building riots, etc., the American president has full power to act to quell the riots and punish the rioters according to the law without approval of Congress or national referendum.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND DISCRIMINATION
The U.S. Constitution annuls Affirmative Action, along with its conception and practice, so that there is no more racial discrimination in America. No race or group is entitled to preferential treatment of any form. All Americans (citizens and residents) are equal under the law with equal opportunity for all. However, there are certain national security jobs which disqualify American residents. America does not practice racial discrimination in anyway.
The Affirmative Action and related laws and practices that favor any racial group or individual shall be abolished so that all races are treated equally under the law and fairly whether in employment, housing, promotion, retirement, admission to university; and pension benefits, etc. All universities shall admit students on account of good grades, good character, without regard to sex, color, religion or race. The universities are required to provide full scholarship or fellowship to poor but worthy and brilliant students.
REBUILDING OF AMERICA
Rebuilding of America, not only requires money, materials and manpower; it also requires a change of culture and customs and values. To rebuild America, the U.S. Constitution adopts Protestant Ethic in hard work, discipline, frugality, and moral responsibility to be the norm of American society. However, no one is forced to become a Protestant. There is absolutely religious freedom in America.
The federal government shall focus intensely on rebuilding America in the areas of education, employment, health care, homelessness, infrastructure, public health, social justice, disease control, diplomacy, trade, research and development, science and technology, making no discrimination between domestic and foreign enterprises; protect the environment; take effective measures to counter climate change and global warming; control contamination and pollution of soil, food, drug, water and air; hold American leaders and politicians and officials and corporate executives for their integrity and truth; and make mass media liable and accountable for truth in news and reporting. There is financial penalty for fake news, fake reports, and fake advertising, etc. Charity is commended for its good deeds, not for profit and free tax. Democracy means doing the greatest good to the greatest number of American citizens. Righteousness has replaced might as the modus operandi of of government.
Welfare is abolished and turned into Workfare. Any citizen who receives assistance of any sort, such as food stamp and monthly allowance (a resident is not qualified to receive welfare), must work for it. If a citizen single woman without husband bears a child, the man must be held responsible to support and raise the child. If both the unmarried woman and man cannot support the child, both woman and man shall be sterilized, and the child be made available for adoption.
America shall rebuild its infrastructure as a national priority. The private car way of life is the most wasteful and wrong way of life. Subway, train, and high speed train are the way to go for convenient, economical and speedy transportation.
Burning incense, public barbecue, burning of agricultural byproducts, trash, etc. are prohibited because of causing air pollution. Fireworks and firecrackers may be allowed only on certain dates such as Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, on granted licensed designated certain locations.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere in America, not even in the White House or Pentagon. Violation of smoking is a federal crime. The penalty imposed according to which violation takes place in federal buildings or land, state buildings or land, municipal buildings or business or industry under its jurisdiction. For example, if you violate smoking law in Los Angeles, the City government will collect the penalty fine and administer the federal law. Those who deliberately smoke in airplane, train, subway, bus, elevator, restroom, classroom, shop and store, school, hospital, public facility, etc. shall suffer more severe penalty as the jurisdiction requires.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
The US Constitution requires to establish and overhaul the healthcare system so that it becomes affordable, fair, and responsible on a national basis for all American citizens, residents, and government employees.Monopoly of healthcare by doctors, dentists, hospital owners, drugs and insurance companies, labs and medical supplies, etc. are thereby abolished forever.There is only one national health insurance plan, no more private health insurance. All public and private hospitals must follow the new rules and regulations.
The current American healthcare system works because it is the most costly and most expensive and oppressive health and medical and hospital system in the world that most Americans cannot afford and the major cause of bankruptcy in America. Doctors, dentists, hospital owners, labs and medical supplies, drug and insurance companies may freely and overly defraud, overcharge, and fleece the poor and helpless patients as they please with immunity. The American healthcare terrorism is worse and more dangerous than the Islamic terrorism.
Overhaul and regulate healthcare system so that all citizens and residents and government employees are covered at reasonable and affordable cost. The separate healthcare system for federal government employees as benefits is abolished. American residents pay higher premiums for the national healthcare plan than American citizens. For the same coverage, American retired citizens pay premiums lower than ordinary citizens. Office of Management and Budget shall establish, determine, and publish a national health care pricing schedule to specify the price of each treatment, procedure, test, supply, equipment, and medication, etc.
The Federal government shall establish a National Healthcare Scheme that covers every American citizen and resident and public employee at fair, effective and affordable cost. American residents pay higher insurance premiums than American citizens. There is a special program of MEDICARE for American seniors or retirees which is cheaper than the regular National Healthcare Scheme.
When a patient is admitted to the hospital, the doctor in charge and the hospital administrator must sign an affidavit to declare they assume responsibility and shall honestly take care of the patient in every aspect of the medical and hospital service. The welfare of the patient is their moral and legal accountability. All medical decisions whether a test, a procedure, a treatment, a surgery, etc. must be authorized and approved by the patients in advance. The doctor and hospital no longer make decision for the patient. The hospital is not allowed to line up several doctors for the care of one patient just in order to get pay.
All medical treatments must be counted and charged as one unit lump sum, all inclusive. A test or diagnosis procedure is not counted or charged by itself. There is no charge for lab or radiology reports. Medical treatments such as kidney dialysis, chemotherapy, etc. are charged as a unit all inclusive. All medical and hospital costs must be provided to the patients in advance. For example, the lump sum of having a baby delivery is $200, all inclusive. The charge is not allowed to break into different units. The price of pulling a tooth is $50, all inclusive. Appendectomy is $150 all inclusive. Cataract surgery is $135 all inclusive. One tablet of antibiotic is $0.10 per capsule, etc. Doctors, hospital owners, labs, medical supplies, drug and insurance companies that defraud or overcharge patient or Medicare or Medicaid accumulatively over $1 million will be executed and all assets seized for the U.S. Treasury. Corruption of any kind over $1 million will be executed and all assets seized. Remind doctors, dentists, hospital owners, etc. that they work for the federal government if they receive reimbursement for Medicare or Medicaid and there is no more private health insurance. If a doctor or dentist or owner of hospital does not like the American National Health Insurance Plan, they are free to go to other countries.
THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES
The two political parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, have been great disappointment to the Republic, and they do not represent the national interest, only the party interest in serving the special interest like Wall Street, Hollywood, banking, healthcare, insurance, drug companies, gun lobbies, military-industrial-security complex, narrow interests, etc.
The two parties must be reformed to represent the national interest, the value of ballot and election, the integrity of public announcement and news. The American parties cannot lobby for foreign countries, business and industry, special interests, etc. There must be means and measures that the political party can use to dismiss and remove any mad, insane, indecent, dishonest, demagogic, deceptive and immoral member instantly and any time. Repudiation of that scandalous and corrupt political figure and removal from party membership are the standard procedure. The two parties are required to change so that they can be useful in American democracy and serving the interest of the greatest number of American people.
OMBUDSMAN OFFICE
The US Constitution requires to establish a national, state, and city Ombudsman Office to execute and promote justice all over the country. Civil cases that can have two routes, go to court and pay court fee. Go to Ombudsman Office which is free and fast. Civil cases include bribery, corruption, abuse of power, unfair treatment, brutality, sexual harassment, grievances, breach of contract, false advertising, unfair labor practices, broken promise, discrimination, injury, fraud, false accusation, physical abuse, verbal abuse, immoral behavior of official, etc. that does not involve death. The Chief Ombudsman is appointed by the president without hearing for the Nation Ombudsman Office in the federal government. Each governor shall appoint a State Ombudsman without hearing and City Ombudsman with the consent of the mayor. State Ombudsmen and City Ombudsmen report directly to the Chief Ombudsman in Washington, DC. Chief Ombudsman and State Ombudsman may request assistance from the FBI for investigative purposes. Chief Ombudsman, State Ombudsman and City Ombudsman are supported by investigators to handle all cases. All false and facetious complaint cases will be penalized. All false testimony and fake evidence will be financially penalized or imprisonment. For example, a local newspaper falsely accused me of not paying subscription fee and used a collection agency to threaten to ruin my credit although I never subscribed or read the paper. I do not need to hire a lawyer. I can go to the local Ombudsman office to settle the case, and the Ombudsman is a federal administrative judge who is empowered to execute justice and punish and penalize the criminal with financial penalty and/or imprisonment. The penalty fees collected are used to support the office of Ombudsman.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
An American citizen of at least 30 years old, whether born or naturalized, male or female, with moral character, free of contagious disease, without a criminal record may be qualified to be the American president. The qualifications of the vice president are the same.
The President shall lead to downsize and streamline and reorganize the federal departments and agencies across the board by reducing 2/3 (two thirds), including the Defense Department and all operating costs; and reduce or decrease all the wages, salaries, benefits, and pensions of federal employees by 1/3 (one thirds).The federal government shall restructure and reorganize its departments and agencies to become cost effective, lean, and really provide services to the people.All unnecessary activities and functions of the government shall be abolished.
There will be a curb or elimination of building and funding weapons of death or mass destruction, and oversee the demise of military-industrial-security complex. America is overloaded with nuclear and weapons of mass destruction, as well as aircraft carriers, fleets and war ships, bombers, war planes, spy planes, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drones, attack helicopters, tankers, bombs, guns, etc. and military weapon depots.
All former presidents and their families are no longer be provided with secret service protection. There is no budget or subsidy for all former presidential libraries, offices, office staff, renting, travels, free mail privilege, presents, etc. as well as former congressional leaders.
American citizens automatically have legal right to reside in any of the 50 States of the Union including the Washington, D.C. American citizens are free to move in or move out to any State without reporting to any agency or person. American citizens are entitled to have American passports to travel to any country not banned by the federal government. Only American citizens can be employed as federal employees.
The U.S. national policy is to support the State of Israel and its sovereignty and integrity. About four thousand years ago when God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants, there was Israel, and there was no Palestine or Palestinian. Palestine and Palestinians were the evil geopolitical legacy of the British Empire. The Promised Land belongs to the Jews only. Jerusalem was the capital of King David. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem will be the eternal capital of the King of kings and the Lord of lords in the Kingdom of God. There will always be Israel without Palestinians or Palestine, for the Promised Land belongs only to the Jews. Palestinians are Arabs and not Jewish. Palestinians are advised to seek residency and citizenship in the surrounding Arab nations.
The federal government by all means to discourage and control immorality, violence, corruption, greed, monopoly, irresponsibility, incivility, vulgarity, organized crime, idleness and laziness in general.
The U.S. government shall establish new rules and regulations to oversee and control the financial and banking systems to prevent and bust monopoly, unfair, fraudulent and predatory practices. The new rules and regulations will make the financial or economic crisis like 2008 created by Wall Street executives impossible. Any fraud or predatory practices exceeding $1 million or more will be executed and all assets seized by the Treasury.
The U.S. government promotes free trade, free competition, medical and scientific cooperation, research and development of the world community for public good. The U.S. foreign policy is to seek peace and harmony and cooperation with all nations big and small; discourage all unjust wars and civil wars; encourage civility, industry, productivity, law and order; and target government corruption of any kind or any country. The U.S. shall not participate in arms race. In view of large scale famine and prevalent poverty, population or birth control is encouraged. The United States shall not aid those nations which do not help themselves. When the U.S. gives aid, there will be no strings attached.
All Federal employees including Post Office, FAA, etc. have no right to strike, or to threaten the government. Federal employees are free to resign at anytime. Civil Service must be reformed to enlist only qualified employees with no crime record.
The positions and salaries of White House position and staff must be approved by American Citizens in a national referendum. The executive departments and agencies must also be approved by National Referendum.
America discards the Evil empire and returns to a respectable Republic and thus requires to downsize the Defense Department and all Executive departments and agencies by 2/3 (two thirds), closes all overseas military bases and withdraws all troops, withdraws all American fleets and including aircraft careers, war planes, spy planes, war ships, all military activities, etc. , disbands NATO, annuls all military and political alliances; all vestibules of the evil empire. Reduce wages, salaries, benefits, pensions, etc. of all Federal employees from the president down by 1/3 (one thirds).
Food and Drug Administration must insure all medications and vaccines are SAFE and EFFECTIVE. One Chinese doctor told me if the drug or vaccine is safe for two or three days, they do not mean safe for 2 or 3 years. FDA must have longitudinal studies to insure safety and efficacy of all drugs and vaccines. The drug industries are legally liable for their products and services. In addition to hefty financial penalties, their executives may be sent to jail or even be executed for heinous crimes.
America is interested to participate and observe all international agreements and treaties such as nuclear, climate, environment, disarmament, public health, international trade, etc. but it requires a National Referendum to confirm it. The participation of American government in the United Nations, WTO, WHO, IMF, WORLD BANK, UniversalPostal Union (UPU), ICC, ETC., no longer requires a National Referendum.
The U. S. Government shall not spend more than 75% of its revenue or GDP, the only exception is in time of war. National debt requires approval of American citizens by National Referendum.
AMERICAN LAW CODES
The US Constitution requires to simplify the legal system, law codes, legal processesand by using simple English so that it does not require legal opinion or assistance of lawyers. The legal system is restructured and revised to promote equity, equality, and justice for all. Jury trial is abolished and replaced by three independent judges. The verdict of the majority stands. Facetious and fake lawsuitsshall incur hefty financial penalty and imprisonment may be imposed and disbarment of lawyers for life. Class action lawsuit is abolished. Fake evidence and false and facetious litigation will incur hefty financial penalty or prison depending on the severity of the case. Class action lawsuits and jury trials are abolished. Abolish also Affirmative Action so that there is no racial discrimination; no special treatment or privilege to any group.
All death penalty cases shall be executed without delay. One final appeal may be granted but the appeal cost must be borne by the criminals themselves.
AMERICAN DEFENCE
The Defense Department must not be a war department, therefore the Pentagon must be reduced by 2/3, and its huge facilities may accommodate other federal departments to save rents.
Since America no longer is an empire, therefore it does not threaten or sanction any nation under phony national security pretext. The United States closes all its overseas military bases, withdraws all its troops, aircraft careers, fleets, warships, spy planes, bombers, weapons, etc.
America seeks peace and justice, and copied President Richard Nixon to seek a just and lasting peace for the world. Therefore America no longer considers Russia and China as threats, and is willing to work with Russia and China for peace, progress, and prosperity. America is concerned not only the security of America, but also world security.
STATE DEPARTMENT
The State Department carries out and practices diplomacy of good neighbors, friendliness, harmony and respect. America abandons regime change of any country. America respects all nations, big and small, to choose its own system of government, form of economy, and independent foreign policy. If America assists a nation it is because of goodness and with no strings attached. America actually abandons sanction, tariff as a political and economic threat, boycott, military intervention, and all hostile gestures.
The consulates of the State Department shall not engage in subversive, intelligence gathering, and spy activities; but earnestly promote trade, cultural exchange, technological cooperation, etc. to benefit mankind.
NATIONAL EDUCATION
Department of Education is to launch a program from kindergarten to university on moral and civic education; in addition to regular academic programs.
America does not want the indulgence such as Denmark debuts new children’s TV show about a man with a huge and uncontrollable penis or Capitol riots, etc. Hollywood produces too many violent and sexual implicit movies which offend national values. America wants to express the old values of morality, honesty, frugality, productivity, responsibility, and civility.
If a magazine or Internet company involves in pornography and dissemination of nude pictures of women and children deemed harmful and detrimental to moral values by the Supreme Court, the magazine or Internet company may be penalized $10 million dollars per occurrence. If the same magazine or Internet company commits the same crime three times, in addition to financial penalty, its executive may be sent to jail.
Enough is Hollywood that produces pornography, sexual implicit movies and too many violent movies which are diametrically opposed to the national values. Although America practices free enterprise, but all harmful and undesirable enterprises shall be penalized financially and its executives may be sent to jail. If Hollywood or any enterprise produces a film or movie deemed harmful morally and culturally by the US Supreme Court, that company that produces such film or movie may be penalized for $10 million dollars. If the same company continuously produces harmful and detrimental movies 3 times, the executive may be sent to jail in addition to financial penalty.
America does not censor any ideology or religion except when it threatens national security, downgrades national morality, misleads the young, violates human decency.
THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
Although the US Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President, they are not appointed for live. After 6 years they must be approved by the American citizens through NATIONAL REFERENDUM before they can stay for life.
The Chief Justice with consent of three associate justices may arrest a president who exhibits irresponsible, incoherent, immoral, irrational, or dangerous behavior. After that, a NATIONAL REFERENDUM shall determine the fate of the president without the long process of impeachment.
The U.S. Supreme Court shall interpret the U.S. Constitution and act as the arbiter of justice in the land, and resolve conflict between state and federal government, and among states, and conflicts between the Unite States and foreign countries. The U.S. Supreme Court shall not make laws.
The Chief Justice and associate justices may independently as a group evaluate and criticize publiclyany questionable, immoral, irresponsible, selfish, and untruthful word or deed of any official or political party without hearing or trial and without force of the law; but having the prestige of moral authority and influence. Any national official who has been criticized or censored by the US Supreme Court is a prime candidate to be removed by a National Referendum.
THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS
For the sake of efficiency and economy, simplicity and effectiveness, the US Congress is changed and reformed to become a unicameral body of legislation with representation from each state shall be called Senators. All house representatives are abolished along with all its positions, and the title Congressman is used no more. Each state of the Union no matter how small is the population is entitled to have one Senator, one more Senator for each additional 5 million citizens. If a state has registered 20 million citizens, it will have 4 Senators. The Vice President is automatically the Senate President (without voting right, except in a national referendum), and also there are only Majority Leader and Minority Leader. There are no more committee positions. Every Senator has equal right and duty. For any national legislation, it requires 51% of the votes to pass. Pork-barrel proposals or legislation are prohibitive. The Congress represented by Senators must focus on only the national interest which benefits the greatest number of American citizens. Any lobby on behalf of any foreign country, domestic or foreign business or industry, organization, institution is prohibitive.
An American Senator must be at least 24 years old, whether born or naturalized citizen, male for female, must have moral character, and without a criminal record. The salaries of Senators, and its increase or decrease must also be approved by National Referendum. All Senators are required to retire at 60, for the next 20 years they are not allowed to lobby for any foreign country, domestic and foreign enterprise, institutions or individuals. The U.S. Senators shall seek only the national interest, not special interest or private interest, or foreign interest.
The Congress has no legal right to make legislation involving other countries, such as the U.S.-Taiwan Relations Act is void and illegal. Any member of the Congress must not slander and smear any foreign country which is none of his/her business. The Congress shall focus only on national interest and make laws which benefit the greatest number of American citizens. The U.S. shall return Taiwan to China with sincere apology.
Isa 1:4, “Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him.”
Note: America has been a sinful nation from its inception. Americans with the values of money, power, and sex are weighed down with iniquity, offspring of evildoers in particular since the end of World War II, sons who acts corruptly. The leaders and politicians have abandoned the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they have turned away from Him. American president had promoted and the U.S. Supreme Court has legalized same-sex marriage and homosexuality. The Supreme Court has rejected Bible reading and prayer in schools.
American cultures and the values of money, power, and sex have to be changed. The American values of money, power, and sex are demonstrated and exhibited by the trinity of Washington, Wall Street, and Hollywood. Washington represents hunger and drive for world power. Wall Street represents hunger and drive for greed and money. Hollywood represents hunger and greed for sex, immorality, and violence. Hollywood produces too many sex and violence movies which poison the hearts and minds from childhood to adulthood. If America continues with the values of money, power, and sex; that is the path of destruction. Aggressive culture produces aggressive and violent nation. America needs to adopt the Christian values of faith, hope, and love.
Jer 7:28, “You shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORDtheir God or accept correction; truth has perishedand has been cut off from their mouth.”
Jer 12:17, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation,uproot and destroy it,” declares the LORD.”
Jer 18:8-9, “if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil,I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;”
Isa 2:4, “And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they willhammer their swords into plowsharesand theirspears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.”
Act 10:35, “but in every nation the man whofears Himanddoes what is rightis welcome to Him.”
Pro 14:34, ”Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Unless America chooses to be a righteous nation, it will perish. Only righteousness can exalt America, not its superior military power, economic monopoly, political domination, etc.
I am looking back nostalgically on the golden era of America under President Richard Nixon. Then the nation was strong, stable, and respectable by friends and foes alike. The country was hopeful and stable and dependable. There was law and order. The society was calm, safe and decent; not too many crimes. Even the politicians of the two parties were respectable. The economy was good, and the dollar was strong and valuable. I was a poor struggling student with the American dream. Learnodo Newtonic lists 10 Major Accomplishments of PRESIDENT Richard Nixon as follows; I believe there could be more:
#1 He served in the US Naval Reserve during World War II
#2 He was the second youngest Vice President in American history
#3 Richard Nixon served as the 37th President of the United States
#4 He initiated an era of improved relations with China
#5 He helped reduce tensions between U.S. and the Soviet Union
#6 President Nixon ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War
#7 He initiated the drive for achieving self sufficiency in energy
#8 He enforced several groundbreaking environmental measures
#9 Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency
#10 He made significant contribution to fight drugs and cancer
The America I used to know is not the America today.
If there were National Referendum as I have proposed, I am sure more than 51% of American citizens would reject the measure to remove him.
IN CONCLUSION
American President, Vice President, Senators, House Representatives, State Governors, American high ranking officials today, civilian and military, it is your duty and responsibility to save America. As an American, I have done what I have done, no more. I am not a paid worker. I am not in a position or power to do anything. You are paid to do your job.
First, you can stand up and voice against American Empire, and insist to return to the American Republic. And so discard all policies, programs, and objectives of the evil American Empire, and change and reform the Republic.
Second, you must stand up and voice and vote for the sovereignty of American citizens to be stipulated in the U.S. Constitution. American citizens are the real masters and supreme decision makers of the U.S. Republic. 51% of American citizens in a national referendum can decide and determine any important issue or matter, including instantly to remove any dangerous or unworthy leader.
No matter how good the Constitution or system of government it may be, it still needs good leaders and good people to carry out the mission so that the mission can be accomplished. If China had one leader in the person of Deng Xiaoping to turn a backward and poor country to advance to the World’s Number Two economy in less than 40 years, why can’t the United States being the Number One World Economy to save itself and rebuild the nation in the shortest time possible? As an American, I have done what I have done. Let us watch the historyunfolding. The sun does not stand still and the moon does not stop, what must be done for America must be done quickly. Will any one speak for the welfare of the whole nation? I hope our nation will have respect for the old, and show favor to the young.
Finally, I have proposed what I have proposed to American people and to those in power to save America at once. It is expected those in power must act accordingly. This proposal becomes a point of reference for the purpose of comparison. The eyes of the world are on America, on Washington, D.C. I am not going to say whether I am optimistic or pessimistic about America’s future. God is my witness. God will be the Judge. I shall watch closely how history is unfolding right before our eyes.
American citizens wake up and rise up to save America before it is too late. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first step of change is correct perception. The second step of change is the right action.
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
1Co 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Note: There are three most important things abide in this world. They are faith, hope, and love. To unbelievers, they are money, power, and sex. To Christians they are faith, hope, and love. Faith is the first and foremost; without faith, there cannot be hope and love. Faith and hope and love are necessary on earth, in Heaven it will be love, truth, holiness, and joy forever. Love is the greatest, for God is love.
1Ti 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
Note: The goal of every true servant of Christ is that our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Sincere faith is honest, pure and true faith is without ulterior motive.
1 Corinthians Chapter 13 is the Manifesto of Christian Values. The Christian values consist in FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. Unlike the American values of money, power, and sex which are diametrically opposed to the Christian values. The world is possessed and driven by the secularism demonstrated in the values of money, power, and sex.
I. FAITH
A. FAITH IS NOT A DELUSION
1. The Christian Faith is not a delusion. The Christian Faith is NOT based on philosophical and theological grounds. Let us make it clear: The Christian Faith is NOT based on psychological, psychiatric or political grounds either. The Christian Faith is not based on human opinions or human wisdom at all. The Christian Faith is based on the Revelation of Jesus Christ by the power of His Resurrection from the dead. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is completed and written in the New Testament. The Revelation of Jesus Christ did not and does not promise a churchgoer “would not catch the virus because she was “covered in Jesus’ blood”. All the sins of the saved are covered by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and passed from condemnation. No pandemic or disease is promised to be covered by the blood of Jesus.
2. A false believer is any person who believes in his/her delusion or illusion, but not based on the Word of God. No religion conferred anyone immunity from COVID-19. Any one who believes so is not based on truth, but based on superstition. The Christian Faith is not superstition. For Jesus says,
Mar 2:17, “And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Any teacher or preacher who leads church members astray from the truth is a false teacher or preacher. In fact about 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ predicted things to come: Luk 21:10-11, “Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in many places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from Heaven.” And so COVID-19 is actually one of the plagues that fulfilled the prophesy of Jesus Christ. Plague in Greek is loimos which means pestilence; which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Plague, pestilence, and pandemic mean the same thing.
3. Christianity is not like all other religions. All other religions are man-made. Christianity is the Revealed religion. It does not depend on any man or organization. Christianity is the truth in Jesus Christ, absolute, complete, supreme, ultimate, infallible and eternal. Christianity is not based on scientific truths either, because science is the best human organized knowledge at a point in time and place; science is always progressive, tentative, and never absolute, or infallible. No true or great scientist believes they have absolute scientific truths. The Christian faith is reasonable, not dangerous at all. Belief in an afterlife is NOT a malignant delusion. For Jesus Christ says, Jhn 11:25, “Jesus said to her, “I AM the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”
For the Christian is the happiest because Jhn 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My Word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” The Christian is happiest because he has passed out of death (eternal death) into life (eternal life); his sins are forgiven he is a Pilgrim on his way to the Heavenly City. The richest and most powerful man in this world is without God and without hope. An unbeliever does not know when he is going to die, he is afraid of death because he is going to face the judgment of God. Christians have eternal security, nothing to fear, not even afraid of nuclear war.
4. You can equate any religion with delusion except Christianity, for Christians have living and blessed hope. Christians are citizens of Heaven, the eternal Kingdom of God. Your intellect cannot save you at the moment of death. There is no semantic quibble, nothing and no one can save you from death, and Hell. The biggest delusion are those who disbelieve after death is Hell. “When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called Religion”. The biggest insanity is to make the wrong bet, as the great scientist and philosopher Pascal has argued most rationally:
“If I believe in God and life after death and you do not, and if there is no God, we both lose when we die. However, if there is a God, you still lose and I gain everything.”
B. MANY ARE CONFUSED ABOUT FAITH
Many are confused about what “faith” is. Even many church members cannot differentiate what is “faith” and what is “the Faith”. This article is written so that you not only know what “faith” is, you have faith in God, and believe the Christian Faith with all your heart and mind.
People speak loosely about “faith” and “the faith” because many do not understand and confuse between “faith” and “the faith”. Even among church members, they do not have a clear conception of faith and the faith. Keep in mind we speak of the faith, not the faiths. In this article we are not interested in other faiths. There are other faiths than the Christian faith, other religions than the Christian religion. However, we focus here on “faith” and the “Christian faith” only. They have different meanings although they are very closely related. The first term “faith” refers to one’s belief and attitude toward God and the Savior. The second term “the Faith” refers to the whole body of the Christian belief, the dogmas and doctrines as taught by Jesus Christ and through His apostles. Henceforth, “faith” in small letter means your or my “personal faith” in God or Christ WHOM we trust. The “Faith” in capital letter means the “common faith” of all believers of all generations believe WHAT to be in the body of the Christian belief as it is written in the Holy Bible and handed down from Jesus Christ and the holy Apostles.
Mar 11:22:
“And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”
Note: Faith in Greek is pistis which means assurance; belief; fidelity; conviction of the truth; conviction of God and divine things; trust; belief that Jesus is the Messiah; the Christian beliefs; faithfulness; persuasion; moral conviction of the truthfulness of God; reliance upon Christ for salvation; the system of the Gospel truth itself; belief and truth in God; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament.
Faith is synonymous with belief, the act of believing. Faith is not a proposition. Faith is not a theological system. Faith is personal and individual act from the heart. To have faith in someone is to believe in someone. Faith is to have faith means to believe, to believe means to put your trust in someone. Faith is in “Whom” you believe. Have faith in God means to put your trust in God. The Faith is ‘What’ you believe. The Faith is common and collective. The “Faith” is the Christian Faith what all Christians of all ages believe as it is written in the Holy Bible, and nothing else. To prevent confusion, in this article your “personal faith” in Christ or God, “faith” is used in small letter. The whole body of what all Christians believe collectively, the body of truth believed is called the Faith, the “common faith” of what we all believe is the “Faith” in capital letter.
C. FAITH IN CHRIST IS NOT SUPERSTITION.
Faith in Christ is not superstition, although all other religious faiths are superstitious. Christianity is not superstition. Faith is not religion, religion does not save anyone. Faith in Christ is a saving grace. If a rustic believes in Jesus Christ, he will be saved. If an intellectual believes in a false god, he will perish. So it is not faith that saves you, it is the faith in the Savior who saves you. Jesus rose from the death by the power of God is not superstition. When you believe in something which is historically true, it is not superstition. If you believe in something which is not true, your faith is worthless. Faith in all religions is worthless and useless because they cannot save.
Act 25:19, “But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”
Note: Superstition in Greek is deisidaimonia which means fear of the gods; false belief about gods; an irrational abject attitude of mind; irrational belief or practice; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. There are many superstitions in Chinese culture, one example is the welcome of the god of wealth during Chinese New Year; and the use of firecrackers to chase away evil spirits. Another is the upside down character of ‘blessing’ to bring blessing.
D. FAITH IS NOT TRADITION
Faith is not tradition. Roman Catholic Church is full of un-scriptural traditions. Mat 15:3, “And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” Pharisees and scribes of Judaism often violated the commandment of God for the sake of their tradition.
There is nothing parallel to Christianity. Christianity is the true religion that does not depend or require so-and-so to make declaration. Christianity does not need any country, government, institution, or individual to validate or recognize it. There is no such a thing called ‘Christian Protestantism’. Protestantism is simply an attempt to return to the original Christianity established by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. If there is such a thing called un-Christian Protestantism, it has nothing to do with the the great Reformation started by Martin Luther to expose the apostate Roman Catholic Church. There is no such a thing called ‘Reformed Christianity’, there is only one Biblical Christianity. The ecumenical movement attempted to join Protestantism with Roman Catholicism is a farce. The Protestantism is based on Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone), which holds that the Holy Bible is the sole infallible and inspirational source of authority for the Christian faith and practices. While the Roman Catholicism consists in many false teachings or doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. A false doctrine is an evil matter, Christians cannot join in an evil matter with anyone or any institution.
When we talk about faith and the Faith in Christ, it has nothing to do with the universality of religion among all races at all times. It is the fancy and baloney talk of unbelieving theologians that God is continuously wrestling with man. It is blasphemous to suggest that God is wrestling with Himself. Among Christians the Bible is the only and sole authority. There is no church or human or papal infallibility. Christians reject any ideology, scientific or philosophic, pretending to be authority. It is not narrow or arbitrary, the Word of God is the only and final and supreme and ultimate authority.
Act 11:1, “Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the Word of God.”
Note: Faith is not a venture of the soul, it is full acceptance of the Word of God. There is no such a thing called unconscious faith, faith is constantly conscious of humbly taking God at His Word.
The character of faith is not propaedeutic, it is receiving the Word like the simplicity of a child. Jhn 1:40-41, “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ).” Andrew heard John the Baptist speak about Jesus and followed Jesus. Andrew found first his own brother Peter and said to him, “We have found the Messiah.”
Faith is not speculative by tradition. When two blind men sitting by the road and heard that Jesus was passing by; they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And Jesus stopped and said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Mat 20:33, “They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” There is nothing speculative about what the two blind men want, they want their eyes to be opened.
Rom 14:22, “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”
Note: The faith which you have (personal faith) is your own conviction before God. If what you approve does not condemn you, happy are you.
E. FAITH IS CONVICTION IN GOD
Rom 4:16, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
Note: Faith is in accordance with grace, it has nothing to do with your efforts, works or merit, or character of virtue. The promise of faith is guaranteed to all the descendants of Abraham and to all who believe.
Act 3:16, “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
Note: Peter healed a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb on the basis of the lame’s faith in the name of Jesus Christ. This is an exact example of what faith is. The lame from his mother’s womb had faith in Jesus Christ and he was given the perfect health. The lame was healed on the basis of his faith in Jesus. Faith in Greek is pistis which means firm belief; fidelity; a conviction of the truth; trust in God or Christ; belief that Jesus is the Messiah; reliance upon Christ for salvation; – which occurs 234 times in the New Testament.
Sometimes in the Bible, even though it says the faith, it does no mean the body of Christian belief, in the context as your own conviction or trust in God. To prevent confusion, henceforth I use personal faith in God or Christ as faith in small letter, but referring the body of the Christian Faith in capital letter. For example, 2Co 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” Here it hits the nail in the head. Christians must not only believe in the dogmas and doctrines of Jesus Christ, you must test and examine yourself from time to time to see whether you have faith in Christ, whether Christ is in you. You can have all the theological knowledge of the Christian Faith, but Christ is not in your heart. That is the problem of unbelieving theologians who do not have Christ and the Holy Spirit in them.
F. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
1Ti 4:1, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the Faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.”
Note: The Spirit explicitly says that in later times (which is now) some will fall away from the Faith. You see not a few theologians and false preachers have fallen away from the Faith, although they may call themselves modernists or evangelicals. Anyone who pays attention to deceitful spirits and doctrine of demons has fallen away from the Faith. An antichrist is he who denies the divinity of Jesus Christ. He who rejects the infallibility and inspiration of the Holy Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ has fallen away from the Faith.
1Ti 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Note: If anyone claims to be a Christian but does not provide for his own household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. A person who has denied the Faith is worse than an unbeliever. This is a definitive statement, there is no doubt or confusion about it. So all men who desert their wives are worse than unbelievers. All fathers who abandon their children are worse than unbelievers. It is possible for a so-called believer to deny the Faith by his mouth. It is also possible for a so-called believer to deny the Faith by her disobedience to the Faith. Some Taiwanese politicians who claim to be Christians, and yet they publicly burn incense and worship idols. These Taiwanese so-called believers have denied the Faith. They are false brothers, not genuine Christians; and they are worse than unbelievers.
1Ti 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the Faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Note: This is most serious. Almost all know that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. The love of money can make you wander away from the Faith. Just as Jesus says, Mar 4:19, “but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.” The deceitfulness of riches, the love of money and other things can choke the Word of God so that people hear the Gospel and become unfruitful.
2Ti 2:18, “men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the Faith of some.”
Note: There are unbelieving preachers and church members who go astray from the truth because they do not believe in the resurrection, and they upset the Faith of some. Christians should stick to the Faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.
2Ti 3:8, “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the Faith.”
Note: Notice, the truth and the Faith are used synonymously. Just as in the ancient time Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, nowadays the liars and impostors also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the Faith. In fact, all the works of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and scholars are intended to oppose the Christian Faith. God says they are men of depraved mind. Depraved in Greek is kataphtheirō which means corrupt; to perish utterly; to spoil entirely; to destroy; to be perverted; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. A depraved mind is a corrupt and perverted mind. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and scholars may think they have brilliant mind; but God says they are men of depraved mind, corrupt and perverted because they oppose the truth.
It is wrong to say that Martin Luther agreed with the Catholic outlook far more than he differed from it. This is a revisionist view of the great Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church had strayed so far away from the Biblical Faith, that it must be considered as another religion, another Faith, strange from Christianity. It is not what Luther accepted or not accepted that matters, it is the Faith that all believers from the beginning had accepted and believed that matters. It is what the Word of God says that matters. Protestantism is nothing but a total return to the original Christianity, and the written Word of God (the Holy Bible) as the sole and final and ultimate authority of the Faith.
II. WHAT IS FAITH
The common and important question: What is faith? To give you a head start: you must know first that faith is personal. Whether you believe in God or not is a personal matter. It is not transferable. You and your household can have faith in God, but each of you must believe in God personally. Faith is individually accomplished. Believing in God is personal just like eating a meal is personal. No one can eat for you. Just as you cannot eat for someone, so you cannot believe for someone. You can only believe for yourself. No one can believe on your behalf. Faith is a trusting and personal relationship with God or Christ. If you want to be saved, you must have faith in Christ and have a personal relationship with Christ for your salvation, you as a sinner, and Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Mar 11:22, “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”
Note: This is the command of Jesus Christ to all, “Have faith in God.” Have in Greek is echō which means to hold; to have possession of; to own; to possess; to keep; to lay hold of; – which occurs 651 times in the New Testament. Faith is receptive to God’s Word. Faith says yes to God. To have faith in God is to lay hold and trust in God. To have faith in God is to have possession of faith and reliance in God. To hold possession of faith is better than to have possession of the most expensive properties in the world or in Hong Kong. There were many well organized terrorists trained, funded and supported by Western powers (2019) in the name of democracy and freedom and independence trying to possess Hong Kong because they want to possess the most expensive properties in the world and use Hong Kong as a major money-making center and as a military base to destroy China. Have faith in God is not like to have faith in man, power, money, and nuclear weapons. Man, power, money, and nuclear umbrella will fail. God cannot and will not fail.
Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Note: Without faith it is impossible to please God. To have faith is to be obedient to the Faith.
Follow faith does not mean playing fast and loose with the requirements of rational thought, the canons of logic or the canons of reason. Follow faith is not being intellectually dishonest. The mind of the flesh is spiritually dead. Rom 8:7-8, “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” For example, what rational thought can explain miracles and wonders, the supernatural, and the power of God? What cannons of logic can explain the creation of the universe by God in six days? It is not possible for faith to adjust itself to human reasoning. Jesus says explicitly, Luk 18:27, “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Mar 10:27, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” God is almighty and the greatest mystery before time and space in the universe, for God is Spirit and cannot be explained by rational thought. To unbelievers, God is not plausible. Science and philosophy cannot know or understand Spirit, it is beyond their range and sphere of ability. Secular academics and unbelieving theologians try to diminish and disparage, vitiate and vilify God so that they can create god in their own image. Their god is not the God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient of the Bible. These unbelieving scientists and scholars prize themselves as the ‘intellectuals’ of the world, and they demand the thoughts and ways of God to be acceptable to them. In fact, the secular academics and unbelieving theologians do not want God, they make themselves gods. By their writings you can judge secularists, unbelieving scientists and theologians and philosophers are very hostile toward God, and they do not subject themselves to the sovereign rule of God. They want to overthrow God in order to set up their kingdom. The unbelieving philosophers treacherously have the delusion to erect a temple of reason on sacred ground, and welcome the Man of Lawlessness to take his seat in this temple as the object of worship. They may call it a new religion, the One World Religion.
1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
Note: There is nothing more clear than the Word of God. Faith is the act of believing, the Faith is the thing believed. Faith is personal, the Faith is common. Our faith in God does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. For that reason, faith cannot rest on science or philosophy, the wisdom of men. Those who do not know the power of God would not believe. Science and philosophy the so-called reason rest on the wisdom of men, not on the power of God. Therefore, the wisdom of men is constantly in conflict with the power of God. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
2Th 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”
Note: Believers are saved through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. Other faiths believe in lie or falsehood. Christians have faith in the truth, the truth of Christ.
A. Meanings of faith in the Old Testament.
Hab 2:4, “Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.”
Note: For the proud one, his soul is not right within him. Have you ever met secularists who are humble? The righteous will live by his faith. Faith is personal, the righteous will live by his faith in God. Faith in Hebrew is ’emuwnah which means moral fidelity; firmness; stability; verity; truthfulness; faithfulness; – which occurs 48 times in the Old Testament. The righteous will live by his faith in God.
Exo 4:5,“that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
Note: Believe in Hebrew is ‘aman which means to trust; to have assurance; to stand fast; to confirm; to stand firm; to be certain; to sustain; to support; to lean on; to confide in; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. To believe in the Lord is to trust the Lord, to lean on Him.
It is not the Jewish religion from which God has turned away His face. The Jewish religion was established by God through Moses. It was the rebellious and stubborn people that provoked the Lord to wrath. Deu 9:6-8, “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people. Remember, do not forget how you provoked the LORD your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the LORD. Even at Horeb you provoked the LORD to wrath, and the LORD was so angry with you that He would have destroyed you.” “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct,” declares the Lord GOD. “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” Even when the Messiah appeared on earth, the Jews wanted to kill Him.
Jhn 5:18, “For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” The Jews claimed to be Abraham’s children. Jhn 8:39, “They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.” During the early Church, Act 14:2, “But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.”
Note: There was nothing wrong with the Jewish religion. What was wrong is the conduct of the sons of Israel, their transgressions, iniquity and evil deeds that provoked the Lord to wrath. The Lord wants the Jews to repent and live. For the Lord has no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies. The Jews did not know their own religion and wanted to kill Jesus Christ who is their Messiah. The Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the Christians.
Psa 119:66, “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.”
Note: The word “believe” in this verse is the same original word in Exo 4:5. To believe in God is to believe in His commandments.
Isa 43:10, “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me.”
Note: Believe in Hebrew in the verse cited above is the same believe in Psa 110:66. In things of the world including science, you know and believe. In things of God, you believe and know and understand. By human wisdom no one can know and understand God.
Psa 78:22, “Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation.”
Note: Believe in Hebrew in this verse is the same in original word in Isa 43:10. Trust in Hebrew is batach which means to have confidence; to hope; to be sure; to confide; to persuade to trust; – which occurs 129 times in the Old Testament. To believe and to trust are synonymous. To believe in God is to trust in His salvation.
Isa 50:10, “Who is among you that fears the LORD, That obeys the voice of His servant, That walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.”
Note: Trust in the original word here in this verse is the same original word in Isa 43:10. Rely in Hebrew is sha`an which means to rest on; to lean on; to rely; to trust in; to trust in God; to repose confidence in; – which occurs 23 times in the Old Testament. He who trusts in the name of the Lord also relies on God.
Pro 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Note: If you trust in the Lord with all your heart, then you do not lean on your own understanding. That is the problem of secularists and unbelieving scientists and philosophers who lean on their own understanding so-called reason or cannons of logic. Acknowledge in Hebrew is yada` which means to know; to consider; to understand; to declare; to find out and discern; to recognize; to admit; to confess; to be aware; to comprehend; to regard; to have respect; to see about; – which occurs 1,008 times in the Old Testament. Acknowledge God means to give cognition and recognition to God. Acknowledge God in all our ways and God will make our paths straight. The paths of unbelievers are crooked.
Psa 7:1, “A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me.”
Note: David expressed his faith in God by saying, “O Lord my God, in You I have taken refuge.” To take refuge in Hebrew is chacahwhich means to trust; to have hope; to make a refuge; to seek refuge; to flee for protection; to confide in; to put trust; – which occurs 74 times in the Old Testament. So to believe in God is to have taken refuge in God. And also to believe God will deliver you and save you from all those who pursue you. More important, to save you from your sins.
Psa 118:8-9, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes.”
Note: It is amusing that Korea and Japan complain that the American protection fees are too high for them, they ask for a discount. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man, than to to trust in princes, than to trust in the superpower, than to trust in nuclear umbrella. The Lord does not charge protection fees.
Psa 33:22, “Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.”
Note: To have hoped in God is to have faith in God, to trust God. There is no hope in this world, no matter who you are.
Psa 33:20, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”
Note: To wait for the Lord is to have faith in Lord. Shield in Hebrew is magen which means buckler; protector; armed defense; – which occurs 63 times in the Old Testament. To wait for the Lord is to trust in the Lord. For God is our help and our shield. God is better than nuclear shield. There are foolish leaders of foolish nations who trust in nuclear shield. In a nuclear war they will perish with the their nuclear weapons and as well as their nuclear shield.
Deu 9:23, “When the LORD sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, ‘Go up and possess the land which I have given you,’ then you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God; you neither believed Him nor listened to His voice.”
Note: Believe in Hebrew is ‘aman which means to trust; to assure; to stand fast; to support; to confirm; to uphold; to be faithful; to make firm; to be certain; to turn to the right; to lean on; to confide in; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. Listen in Hebrew is shama` which means to obey; to understand; to hearken; to give heed; to give ear; to attend to; – which occurs 1,169 times in the Old Testament. To believe God is to listen to His voice. To listen to the voice of God is to obey Him.
Gen 15:6, “Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”
Note: Abraham believed in the Lord means Abraham put his trust completely to the Lord. Abraham did not count himself anything or worth anything before God. So God reckoned or counted his faith as righteousness. When you come to God, you must come as nobody. The problems of secularists are they think they are somebodies. Whoever comes to God must come to believe God is. God not only exists, God is the Self-Existent Eternal Almighty God, and God may reward a believer by grace. There is nothing between God and man, only a sincere faith can link man to God. On the basis of faith man begs God for mercy. That is the meaning, the righteous shall live by faith. The meaning of faith in the Old Testament is made on promise. The meaning of faith in the New Testament is based on the manifestation of truth in the person of Jesus Christ.
B. Meanings of faith in the New Testament.
Heb 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Note: Faith in Greek is pistis which means firm belief; assurance; fidelity; conviction of the truth; conviction that God exists; a conviction of divine things; belief that Jesus is the Messiah; trust; confidence; persuasion; credence; moral conviction; reliance upon; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. Assurance in Greek is hypostasis which means confidence; substance; foundation; that which has actual existence; essence; firm trust; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Hope in Greek is elpizō which means to trust; to expect; to wait for; to want something to happen; – which occurs 36 times in the New Testament. Conviction in Greek is elegchos which means evidence; proof; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith involves at least 3 elements: firm trust or firm belief, things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. If you have faith in God, such faith involves at least 3 things: you believe in the actual existence of God, you hope God provides you salvation and eternal life; all these things are not seen yet, they are to happen in the future. Faith in not about the past, not even today, it focuses on tomorrow. No one hopes what he has seen. Here focuses on “personal faith” in God or Christ. The New Testament does not redefine faith, the New Testament clarifies faith in Christ.
Faith is the assurance that because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for sinners, our sin is not to be held against us, that the divine wrath has been appeased through faith in the righteousness of Christ, and that with the grace of Omnipotence on our side, we are now and forever safe. Without faith, there cannot be assurance. Without faith, there is no hope. Our assurance and hope come from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Deu 28:66, “So your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you will be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life.”
Job 24:22, “But He drags off the valiant by His power; He rises, but no one has assurance of life.”
Note: Death is certain, no one has assurance of his life. Your life shall hang in doubt before you. Man is in dread night and day. No one has assurance of life. The uncertainty of life and lacking assurance drive people to have faith in God. This is how a religion is born. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.
It is stupid and torpid to say because the moral degradation of all people becomes the occasion of God’s saving activity. It is like saying God is obligated to do saving activity because of man’s sin, it is like saying sinful men are doing God’s a favor, and prompted God to show His mercy. This mind set of the flesh puts God in a passive position and sinful man in the driving seat. It is like the Prodigal Son made the converse statement, “Father, although I have sinned, I am worthy to be called your son, worthy to have double honor.” God does not owe sinful men anything. No man is worthy of God’s mercy. Act 13:25, “And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, One is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.” John the Baptist said he is not worthy to untie the sandals of Jesus’ feet. Sinners are not worthy even to kiss the feet of the Lord. Rom 9:15-16, “For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”
It is wrong and incorrect to say Paul in his letter to the church in Rome variously described this salvation using the analogies of justification, redemption, reconciliation, and freedom. The limitation of language employs speaking in human terms. However, things divine are never analogies, they are more real than E=mc2. The process of salvation involves repentance, faith, regeneration, justification, redemption, reconciliation, sanctification, and glorification. There is a tendency for academics to use terms that may reflect favorably their mental acuity and spiritual superficiality, but cast a shadow of doubt on the Word of God.
Jde 1:20-21, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy Faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”
Note: Christians build ourselves up on our most holy faith. The Christian Faith is the most holy Faith because it is faith in the love of God, and waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
C. THE PROCESS OF SALVATION
1. Repentance
Act 20:21, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: Repentance in Greek is metanoia which means a change of mind; compunction for guilt; reversal of one’s decision; shame for sin; – which occurs 22 times in the New Testament. Repentance is made toward God, turning from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God.
Luk 5:32, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Note: Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are self-righteous, and so they would not repent. Jesus Christ has come to call sinners to repentance.
Act 26:20, “but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”
Note: Repentance is not a slogan or talk. When a man repents and turns to God, he automatically performs deeds appropriate to repentance. Study the history of Zaccheus, Luk 19:1-10.
2Co 7:10, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Note: A man who truly repents of his sins will produce a sorrow leading to salvation. Without repentance there is no leading to salvation.
2Ti 2:25, “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.”
Note: Repentance leads to the knowledge of the truth. Those who do not want to repent will not have the knowledge of the truth. This is exactly the problem of secularists and unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers. That is why they do not have the knowledge of the truth.
2Pe 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
Note: The Lord is patient, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. John Calvin is wrong. God does not want you to perish but is waiting for you to repent.
2. Faith
Act 20:21, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: Faith in Greek is pistis which means belief; assurance; fidelity; conviction of the truth; conviction that God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe; conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah; moral conviction; reliance on Christ for salvation; trust; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament. Faith in itself does not save. Faith cannot save anyone. Faith in science cannot save you. Faith in philosophy cannot save you. Faith in religion cannot save you. Faith in anything cannot save you. Religion cannot save you. The most ludicrous are the Western nations who have faith in nuclear umbrella. They may realize their mistake in ashes too late. Faith in any man cannot save you. Repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who can save you.
Rom 1:5, “through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.”
Note: Faith obeys God, it is called obedience of faith. Faith is impossible without action. Faith without action is dead. Obedience in Greek is hypakoē which means compliance; submission; observing the requirements of faith; attentive hearkening; conformity; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. Faith is perfected in obedience. Any true believer automatically obeys the Lord, obeys the truth, obeys the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. Faith without obedience is rebellion. Believe and be saved.
Gal 5:22, “And the fruit of the Spirit is: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Note: It is important to know that faith is a fruit of the Spirit. He who is full of faith is full of the Spirit. Remember, Stephen was a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit. (Act 6:5)
Mar 1:15, “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Note: Repentance alone cannot save you, repent and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ you will be saved.
Jhn 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Note: The good news is so simple that if you believe in the Son of God, you will not be judged. If you do not believe you have been judged already because you have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Rom 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Note: If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Those who have head knowledge of the Gospel are not saved. To be saved you need to believe the Lord Jesus in your heart.
3. Regeneration
Tit 3:5, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”
Note: Regeneration in Greek is paliggenesia which means new birth; production of a new life; born again; spiritual renovation; internal change; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. By birth human nature is corrupt and depraved; by regeneration the Holy Spirit gives the believer a divine nature; or rather to participate in the divine nature. As Jesus says,
Jhn 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. A born again Christian has the Spirit of Christ dwelling in him. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers do not have the Holy Spirit, so they will never have the knowledge of God. Once you have a new birth instantaneously you have a new life. Birth is once and instantaneous, life is continuous. New life in Christ is eternal life.
1Pe 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Note: It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has caused believers to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Regeneration means to be born again, to have a new life in Christ.
2Co 3:6, “Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
Note: The Spirit of the Lord gives life. Science cannot give life. Philosophy cannot give life. Religion cannot give life. If you have the Spirit of Christ, then you belong to Christ.
4. Justification
Rom 4:25, “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”
Note: Justification in Greek is dikaiōsis which means acquittal; the act of God declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to Him (Strong’s Concordance); adjudging to be righteous; counted as righteous; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to justify us before God. The righteousness of Christ is imputed or credited to believers as the righteousness of God.
Rom 5:16, “The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.”
Note: Justification is the free gift of God arose from transgressions to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:18, “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.”
Note: The act of righteousness done by Jesus Christ has resulted justification of life to all men and women who believe in Jesus Christ.
5. Redemption
Rom 3:24, “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”
Note: Redemption in Greek is apolytrōsis which means deliverance; a releasing effected by payment of ransom; ransom in full; riddance; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. Where can you find redemption? The redemption is in Christ Jesus. Without Jesus Christ there is no redemption.
1Co 1:30, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.”
Note: Jesus Christ became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.
Col 1:14, “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Note: What is redemption? Redemption is the forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus.
Eph 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
Note: How redemption is accomplished? We have redemption in Christ Jesus through His blood. To obtain redemption, the forgiveness of sins, Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross, the Just for the unjust. Jesus paid for our redemption with His own precious blood.
Heb 9:15, “For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
Note: What kind of redemption that Jesus accomplished? It is the redemption of the transgressions. Once the redemption of our transgressions is done, we have passed out of death into life and our soul is saved and may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Heb 9:12, “and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Note: How good is the redemption of Jesus Christ? It is eternal redemption, good for eternity. Once a believer is redeemed, she is redeemed for eternity.
Rom 8:23, “And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.”
Note: The redemption of our soul is done now while we are on earth. The redemption of our body will take place when Jesus Christ returns to judge the living and the dead and reign with the saints. Our natural body will be transformed into spiritual, glorious and immortal body. 1Co 15:42-44, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” The Christian body in the future is spiritual, glorious and eternal or immortal.
6. Reconciliation
Rom 5:11, “And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
Note: Why do we need reconciliation? Sinners are enemies of God. Reconciliation in Greek is katallagē which means atonement; restoration of the favor of God to sinners that repent and put their trust in the expiatory death of Christ (Strong’s Concordance); exchange; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for sinners we have now received the reconciliation. We have made peace with God by the blood of Jesus.
2Co 5:18-19, “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the Word of reconciliation.”
Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Word of reconciliation. God reconciled us believers to Himself through Christ. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting our trespasses against us.
7. Sanctification
Rom 6:22, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”
Note: Sanctification in Greek is hagiasmos which means holiness; purification; consecration; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ resulted in sanctification of believers. Believers have been freed from sin and enslaved to God. The outcome of sanctification is eternal life.
Rom 6:19, “I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.”
Note: Sanctification has two meanings: positional and conditional. Believers freed from sin is sanctified by the Holy Spirit in Christ which is positional sanctification once and for all. Conditional sanctification is the will of God that we abstain from sexual immorality, and live daily a life or purity in faith and in the truth. Our position in Christ in perfect, our condition in the world is not. We need to be sanctified daily and progressively.
1Th 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”
Note: Sanctification is the will of God. Christians abstain from sexual immorality. Homosexuality and same-sex marriage is sexual immorality. Fornication and adultery are also sexual immorality.
1Th 4:7, “For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.”
Note: Impurity is the opposite of sanctification.
2Th 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”
Heb 12:14, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”
Note: Christians pursue peace and purity in hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ, for without sanctification no one will see the Lord.
8. Glorification
1Co 2:7, “But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God decreed before the ages for our glorification.”
Note: Glorification in Greek is doxa which means honor; praise; dignity; glory; splendor; brightness; magnificence; excellence; preeminence; dignity; grace; majesty; a most glorious and exalted state; the glorious condition of blessedness; exaltation; – which occurs 168 times in the New Testament.
The last stage of salvation is culminated in the glorification of believers when Jesus Christ returns to share glory with saints, and reign with saints in the Kingdom of Heaven, forever and ever.
Rom 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Note: Christians do not have glory in this world. The children of the ruler of this world have all the power, wealth, and glory. The sufferings which Christians share with Christ of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. The glory to be revealed at the second coming of Jesus Christ in great power and glory.
Rev 14:7, “and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the Heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”
Note: An angel said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory.” The hour is coming when the judgment of God has come. All the world must worship God who made the Heaven and the earth. Glory belongs to God.
The Word of God (the Old Testament and the New Testament) is not defined or influenced by the uniqueness of historical and cultural setting. The continuity of the Old Testament and the New Testament is summed up in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is the shadow of things to come, the New Testament is the substance that grace and truth have come. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament just as the Messiah has fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. The unity of the Holy Scriptures is the central revelation of Jesus Christ. The central message of the revelation is that Jesus Christ, the time is fulfilled in the Son of God, who is the Way to God, the Truth and the Life.
Col 2:2, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”
Note: A true knowledge of God’s mystery comes from the personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. All the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding springs from the Spirit of Christ so that our hearts may be encouraged and having been knit together in love. Unbelievers do not have a true knowledge of God’s mystery. They do not know God.
Heb 3:14, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”
Note: Born again believers have become partakers of Christ, by faith we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, until the Lord comes.
Heb 6:11, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.”
Note: Partakers of Christ need to apply all diligence, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord so as to realize the full assurance of the blessed hope until the Lord returns.
Heb 10:22, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Note: Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience, cleansing our hearts by faith, and leading to the obedience of faith. Faith without obedience is like a tree without fruit.
D. Various nature, size and quality of faith
(A). Little faith.
Mat 6:30, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!”
Note: Little faith in Greek is oligopistos which means trusting too little; lacking confidence; – which occurs 13 times in the New Testament. Little faith is bad.
(B). Great faith.
Mat 8:10, “Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”
Note: Great in Greek is tosoutos which means so much; as large; so vast as this; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. Great faith is good.
Mat 15:28, “Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.”
Note: Great here in Greek is megas which means huge; loud; great mass and weight; abundant; mighty; strong; powerful; eminent; excellent; splendid; grand; preeminent; stately; distinguished; something higher, more exalted, more majestic; notable; – which occurs 256 times in the New Testament. In the sight of Christ, megas faith is greater than tosoutos faith.
(C). Size of a mustard seed.
Mat 17:20, “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
Note: Mustard in Greek is sinapi which means “the name of a plant which in oriental countries grows from a very small seed and attains to the height of a tree, 10 feet (3 m) and more; hence a very small quantity of a thing is likened to a mustard seed, and also a thing which grows to a remarkable size” (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Apparently and sadly, almost all believers (including me) do not even have faith the size of a mustard seed!
(D). Faith can be seen.
Mar 2:5, “And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Note: Jesus Christ can see the faith of the four men who carried the paralytic, they removed the roof above Christ, and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. I do not have the gift of seeing the faith of others. I do not know anyone who has the gift to see the faith of others. Jesus Christ sees your faith.
(E). No faith.
Mar 4:40, “And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Note: It is clear those who still have no faith will be afraid. No faith can never be introduced into grace. No faith is unbelief. Unbelief is evil.
(F). Great confidence in the Faith.
1Ti 3:13, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the Faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
Note: Faith varies in quality and quantity. Those who have served well in Christ obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the Faith that is in Christ Jesus. For example, 2Ti 4:8, “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Apostle Paul has great confidence that in the future there is laid up for him the crown of righteousness. Not all believers have such great confidence. I never consider myself having a high standing in the Kingdom of God. I am most thankful just being a member of God’s household, a lowly servant. Jas 1:12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” I met a man of God in China just one year before his death, Wang Ming Tao, who suffered for the sake of Gospel in prison for many years. I believe he will also receive the crown of life.
(4). Blessings of true faith in Christ.
Col 2:2, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”
Note: A personal faith in Christ attains the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.
Heb 3:14, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”
Note: True faith in Christ makes one a partaker of Christ. Believers must hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the coming again of Jesus Christ.
Heb 6:11, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.”
Note: Believers must show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end. True faith does not give up in the middle. True faith does not go half way, but to the end.
Heb 10:22, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Note: You can have full assurance of faith only with a sincere heart. With a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, children of God may draw near to God, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and out bodies washed with pure water.
Phl 1:25, “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.”
Note: Do not get it wrong. Salvation is not a long process to be saved. When a baby is born, it is born instantaneously. What a person is born again, it is born again instantaneously. However, birth requires growth, and that is a long process. Repentance, faith, regeneration, justification, reconciliation, redemption can be done once and for all instantaneously. However, sanctification is achieved instantaneously as our position in Christ. But as a condition on earth, sanctification requires a life long process, that we would be holy and blameless and beyond reproach before God. Glorification will be consummated only when Jesus Christ returns to rule and reign with the saints for eternity.
It is normal for a Christian to have progress and joy in the faith, in the Christian life by faith.
III. FAITH IS PERSONAL
Faith is personal or individual means each man has to have faith in God personally like the same you eat food or drink personally. Faith is the act of believing. Just as no one can eat food or drink for you, so no one can believe on your behalf. Your parents cannot believe on your behalf. You spouse can not have faith on your behalf. Your sibling cannot believe on your behalf. No one can believe for you, you have to believe yourself and for yourself. The Bible is full of heroes of faith, here we selectively pick some giants of faith in the Hall of Fame of Faith described in Hebrews Chapter 11.
Mat 9:22, “But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.”
Note: There is no doubt what God can do. But the power of God applies only to those who believe. Only by faith can a believer appropriates the power of God. Jesus heals the woman because she has faith in Him. So Jesus said to her, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” Faith is personal or individual and the outcome of faith is also personal.
Mat 21:21, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.”
Note: To have faith is not to doubt. When you doubt, you do not have faith. Faith and doubt cannot and do not coexist.
Mat 14:25-32, “And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.”
A real story cited above can be used to illustrate what faith is. Jesus was walking on the sea. Peter asked the Lord to grant him walking on the sea to Him. Peter was afraid seeing the wind and wave, as he began sinking he cried out, “Lord, save me!” The Lord stretched out His hand to Peter. Faith is a spiritual act, and indeed the most important of all such acts, for our fate depends on it. Faith is personal, like the sinking Peter letting Jesus stretched out Hand to take hold of him. (Mat 14:31) 1Ti 6:19, “storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” Faith is taking hold of that which is life indeed.
Mar 4:40, “And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Note: If you are afraid, you do not have faith. If you have faith, you are not afraid.
Jhn 9:38, “ And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.
Note: The correct attitude is like the man blind from birth who says, “Lord, I believe.” Lord, I believe and I worship Jesus Christ.
You maybe a pure Barthian and a Buddhist and not a Christian. By the same token you can also be a Calvinist or a Lutheran and still not a Christian. A Christian does not need to be a Lutheran or Calvinist or anything else. Once I met a young student nurse at a Lutheran hospital, she said she was a Lutheran, but not a Christian. If Luther were alive, hearing this statement would certainly infuriate him. A Christian is not anything else but a believer, disciple, and follower of Jesus Christ. It is not of pagan origin. Act 11:26, “and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the Church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” It is strange and the noun ‘Christian’ is misused particularly by the white race. Those who are born in Europe or America automatically think or consider themselves Christians. There are quite a few Chinese in Shanghai who wear the cross necklace as a fashion but they are not Christians.
Luk 22:32, “but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Note: The Lord prayed for Peter that his faith may not fail. Although Peter denied the Lord three times, he turned again and served the Lord to his death. Judas the betrayer is different, for Judas from the beginning did not believe. God help us so that our faith may not fail.
1Th 1:3, “constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”
Note: Bear in mind, whatever Christians work is the work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.
Heroes of faith are examples of faith; examples of faith are those who are worthy of our imitation and admiration listed as follows:
(1). Abel
Gen 4:1-17, “Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.” Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is too great to bear! Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” So the LORD said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him. Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.”
Note: Cain in Hebrew is Qayin which means possession; – which occurs 19 times in the Old Testament. Abel in Hebrew is Hebel which means breath; something vain and empty; exhalation; vapor; mist; darkness; shortness of life; – which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. Abel is the second son of Adam and Eve. Why did Adam and Eve give Abel a good man with a bad name? Some grandparents or parents who give a bad nickname to their descendant may have a negative impact on her life. Just see how wrong were Adam and Eve. They thought they got a possession in Cain which turned out to be a murderer, the first fratricide in the history of mankind. They called Abel the first righteous man breath, short life like a vapor. A good man may have a bad name, a bad man may have a good name. You cannot know a man just by his name. But from the beginning, God separates two groups of people: The unrighteous like Cain on the left, the righteous like Abel on the right. Which side are you?
The Scriptures cited above provide the background history of Abel and his brother Cain. Cain is the archetype of the wicked. Cain is the first (human) murderer, the first fratricide, the first (human) liar, the first hypocrite or pretender, the first angry man, the first vagrant and wanderer on the earth. The way of Cain is the way of murder and lie. Western colonialists, imperialists, militarists, capitalists, warmongers, terrorists, Western media and Islamic terrorists are the descendants of Cain. Cain was the first murderer who complained death penalty was too great to bear. Cain never repented of his sin, never expressed regret or remorse for killing his own brother. Cain was a professional liar who denied what he had done and pretended ignorance. Cain covered himself with hypocrisy and jealousy. Cain did nothing to seek the righteousness of God. Western leaders and Western media are descendants of Cain, they lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob even to these days. Abel was the first victim of murder, the first righteous man who suffers. It is false to say when Cain suddenly struck Abel down, dying Abel took all the blame on himself. Unbelieving secularists have the habit of adding to the Word of God and also subtracting. From the beginning, the history of mankind is the history of the righteous suffering under the hands of the wicked to this day.
Heb 11:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”
Note: What does it mean that “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain”? Although the Bible does not explain its meaning. In all probability, Abel by faith offered to God a better sacrifice because a lamb was slain signifying shedding of blood to atone for his sin, and Abel had a better attitude and manner toward God. While Cain offered the fruit of the ground which had been cursed, and probably Cain had an arrogant attitude displaying his work, not by faith. Why did Cain kill Abel? I believe it is more than just jealousy. Cain is evil, evil is a mystery. 1Sa 24:13, “As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness;’ but my hand shall not be against you.” The heart of Cain inclined toward wickedness, with the leaven of malice and wickedness Cain killed his brother, and apparently took pleasure in wickedness. Cain asked God for more lenient punishment, but he did not express his regret and remorse, and much less repentance. Wickedness is as mysterious as the devil. In comparison, Abel was the first man to worship God in a way that pleased God by faith. Sadly, Abel was also the first man to be murdered, the first victim of fratricide. This depicts the depravity of humanity. Even today Western leaders and warmongers still lie, kill, and rob other human beings for the last 500 years. Though Abel is dead, he still speaks means the righteousness of the righteous will live on and speak. The wickedness of the wicked will stink for a thousand years and rot in Hell.
Clearly the occupation of Cain as a a tiller of the ground (farmer) has nothing to do with his wickedness. The view of the superiority of the pastoral over the agricultural occupation is unfounded. In fact, when I was a child the best human being I had ever met was a farmer who was a total stranger. We happened to wander to his farm house, and he treated us with boiling fresh peanuts which I have never tasted more delicious ever since. However, some occupations do influence and incline to do evil such as executives of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex, and Islamic terrorists. You will not find a righteous prostitute except Rahab.
Heb 11:31, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” By experience I have found additionally those who are in finance, treasury, banking, medicine, hospital, drug, insurance, funds management, stocks and bonds, government, charity, foundation; etc. are more greedy than ordinary people. Any honest job is more honorable than the richest and most powerful crooks in the world. When I was working in hospital, janitors were friendly to me because I told them their jobs are so important. You know how terrible it could be if the floor is slippery and patients fall and injure themselves. The following Scripture gives a summary comment on Cain. 1Jo 3:12, “not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.” The Scripture says Cain was of the evil one, it means Cain was of the devil. Cain’s deeds were evil. It looks like the conflict of good and evil will continue until the end of the world. Are you on the wrong side, on the side with the devil? The most shocking happening in the last days is American and Western leaders and Western media that call good evil, and evil good, killing and destroying and robbing under false pretenses, constantly and continuously making fake news, fake reports, and spread lies, disinformation and wrong views in the world without shame. They have gone the way of Cain. I reject the idea that Cain is a type of the Jew. Just as Abel is the type of the righteous, Cain is the type of the wicked. Cain and Abel were not twins.
Heb 12:24, “and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”
Note: Jesus the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Mediator of a new covenant, whose blood speaks better than the blood of Abel. The blood of Abel was innocent, but the blood of Jesus is precious. The precious blood of Christ not only can cleanse the sins of believers, also make propitiation for the sins of the people, bring us near to God, release us from our sins, and cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Abel was was a keeper of flocks or a shepherd. It is wrong to believe being a shepherd would automatically make a man righteous. Although a shepherd reflects nicely Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd. Even a king is viewed as a shepherd of a nation. Significantly, Jesus calls Abel the righteous. Mat 23:35, “so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” The blood of Abel was shed by his own brother. What a sad tragedy. The amazing thing about the blood of Abel is the fact the voice of Abel’s blood was crying to God from the ground. Millions of innocent blood around the world killed by American presidents and congressional leaders since the end of World War II to the present must be crying out aloud to God. Thirty five millions of the innocent blood of Chinese killed by Japanese militarists in 14 years of the war of Japanese aggression must be crying out aloud from the ground to God. How many thousands of the innocent blood killed by Islamic terrorists to this day must be crying out aloud to God. Abel was the first martyr. Second most amazing thing is the fact, through faith, though Abel is dead, he still speaks. The Bible does not explain what Abel still speaks about. I believe Abel speaks by his act of faith. If you want to please God, you must offer to God a better sacrifice by faith. Your attitude toward God is important. God will judge the wicked. Vengeance belongs to God. No one can escape the wrath of God.
Academics are guilty of pride in pretending what they really do not know. It is pseudo scholarship to say that Abel was killed about the year of the world, 130. It was equally the folly of another scholar who counted the world was created 6,000 years ago. A little knowledge spoils and soils the truth.
(2). Enoch
The Bible speaks very little about Enoch. However, the following is a list of facts about Enoch:
(A). Oldest son of Cain (Gen 4:17, “Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.”
(B). A city built in his name by Cain (Gen 4:17)
(C). Father of Methuselah (Gen 5:21, “Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah.”
(D). Walked with God 300 years (Gen 5:22, “Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters.”
Note: Enoch in Hebrew is Chanowk which means dedicated; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. On the authority of the New Testament, Jde 1:14-15, “It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” Enoch was a prophet who prophesied the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge the world and ungodly sinners.
(E). Lived 365 years (Gen 5:23, “So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.”
(F). God took Enoch (Gen 5:24, “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Heb 11:5, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”
(G). Pleasing to God (Heb 11:5, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”
Note: Enoch is known as the man who walked with God. What does it mean to walk with God? Could it be a literal walk? If it is a literal walk, how could it be done, how can Enoch walk in steps with God? How can Enoch walk with God 300 years, what did he do for a living, did he not have to eat, drink and sleep? I believe it was not literally walking with God. I believe it means Enoch had perfect fellowship with God and obedience to God, the daily actions of Enoch were upright, conducting himself in a manner worthy of God, conducting himself with wisdom, conducting himself honorably in all things, conducting himself in the fear of God, to be in holy conduct and godliness, pleasing God by doing His will. How interesting and fascinating that Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death. Enoch was not a legend of any kind, he was a Biblical history. I dislike some academics who habitually exaggerate human tradition and making parallel with other nations and civilizations. The so-called Book of Enoch is not a part of the Holy Bible, and there is no need to quote it or use it as a reference. It is fatally wrong to assert that certain legends, civilizations, customs, traditions, histories, ideologies, myths, mythologies, religions, etc. have exerted influence on the doctrines of the Bible. The Holy Bible is the Word of God, not influenced by anything or anyone any place any time. Any scholar who holds the Holy Bible (The Old Testament and the New Testament) is the influence or parallel or result of other outside sources is a false teacher, an antichrist, an agent of the devil. These false and facetious, incorrect and invalid assertions appear a great deal in the works of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers. The Apocalyptic literature is not the Word of God. The books of other religions are not sacred to us.
(3). Noah
Heb 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
Note: Noah in Greek is Nōe which means rest; the second father of the human race; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Warn in Greek is chrēmatizō which means to be warned of God; to be admonished of God; to be warned from God; to be divinely instructed; to be divinely commanded; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. When God spoke to Noah about things not yet seen, by faith Noah received the command of God to prepare an ark for the salvation of his household.
The following is a list of facts about Noah:
(A). Lamech is the father of Noah (Gen 5:28-30, “Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and became the father of a son.Now he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the LORD has cursed.” Then Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years after he became the father of Noah, and he had other sons and daughters.”
(B). Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth
Gen 5:32, “Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”
(C). Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Gen 6:8-9, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” The reasons Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord are clear: Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. Enoch was the first man mentioned in the Scripture who walked with God, Noah was the second man mentioned in the Bible that he walked with God.
(D). Noah was the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth
(Gen 6:10, “Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”
(E). The days of Noah (Gen 6:5-7, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” To say that God was sorry and He was grieved in His heart is completely anthropomorphic expression. God is not man that He feels sorry or grieves in His heart. God knows everything. God knows the end from the beginning. God knows and controls whatever comes to pass. Nothing surprises or upsets God.
(F). Gen 6:11-12, “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.”
Note: Corrupt in Hebrew is shachath which means to be destroyed; to be marred; to be spoiled; to be battered; to go to ruin; to be rotted; to be decayed; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. Violence in Hebrew is chamac which means cruelty; wrong; injustice; damage; oppression; unrighteousness; – which occurs 60 times. The whole world today is also corrupt in the sight of God and filled with violence, especially the United States of America where guns are easily available. How insane is any government that makes guns available to crooks and criminals and terrorists! That is called freedom?!
(G). God told Noah to build an ark (Gen 6:13-22, “Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you shall make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top; and set the door of the ark in the side of it; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Of the birds after their kind, and of the animals after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. As for you, take for yourself some of all food which is edible, and gather it to yourself; and it shall be for food for you and for them.” Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did.”
Note: Noah was not only a righteous man, Noah was a great achiever who did all that God had commanded him.
(H). Noah was 600 years old when the flood of water came upon the earth (Gen 7:6, “Now Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth.”
Note: The Bible does not say when Noah began the task of building the Ark, it says clearly when Noah was 600 years old the Flood came.
(I). The Deluge lasted 150 days.
Gen 7:1-24, “Then the LORD said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time. You shall take with you of every clean animal by sevens, a male and his female; and of the animals that are not clean two, a male and his female; also of the birds of the sky, by sevens, male and female, to keep offspring alive on the face of all the earth. “For after seven more days, I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; and I will blot out from the face of the land every living thing that I have made.” Noah did according to all that the LORD had commanded him. Now Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth. Then Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him entered the ark because of the water of the flood. Of clean animals and animals that are not clean and birds and everything that creeps on the ground, there went into the ark to Noah by twos, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. It came about after the seven days, that the water of the flood came upon the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened. The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark, they and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, all sorts of birds. So they went into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which was the breath of life. Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD closed it behind him. Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that it rose above the earth. The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died. Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days.”
(J). Eight persons entered the Ark.
Gen 7:13, “On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark.”
Note: The persons entered the Ark: Noah, Noah’s wife (name unknown); Noah’s three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and the three wives of Noah’s sons (names unknown).
Ark in Hebrew is tebah which means a chest, coffer; the ship which Noah made like a chest or coffer; – it occurs 28 times in the Old Testament.
Something is most interesting and amazing about the Chinese character for “ship”. Chinese characters are square. The etymology of the Chinese word ” ship ” 船 , 舟 (big boat) 八 (eight) , 口 (mouth). One mouth means one person. So the Chinese character 船 means in a big boat, there were 8 mouths or 8 persons. Thus ship is written with “boat” on the left, “eight mouths” on the right. In the big ship there were 8 persons, one mouth stands for one person. For the Chinese in counting population, you count how many mouths. It is historically significant because Noah, his wife, their three sons and three daughters-in-law made up a family of 8 persons who entered the Ark and were saved from the Flood or the Deluge. And so the Chinese character “ship ” is written that there are 8 mouths in the Ark.
1 Pe 3:20, “Who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.” Note: Ark in Greek is kibōtos which means a wooden chest or box, Noah’s vessel built in the form of an ark; – it occurs 6 times in the New Testament.
2 Pe 2:5 , “And did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.”
Note: Was the Flood only a story or a myth? Jesus Christ confirmed it as a historical event. Jesus Christ confirms both the creation and the Ark as true historical facts.
Luk 17:27, “They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.”
Note: I would rather believe my Lord and my God, Jesus Christ, than all the scientists and philosophers and theologians of all generations put together. Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose from the dead and lives forever; all scientists and philosophers and theologians not only will die, they do not even know the day of their death.
(K). God remembered Noah.
Gen 8:1-22, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided. Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained; and the water receded steadily from the earth, and at the end of one hundred and fifty days the water decreased. In the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat. The water decreased steadily until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible. Then it came about at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the water was abated from the face of the land; but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, so she returned to him into the ark, for the water was on the surface of all the earth. Then he put out his hand and took her, and brought her into the ark to himself. So he waited yet another seven days; and again he sent out the dove from the ark. The dove came to him toward evening, and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth. Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again. Now it came about in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on the first of the month, the water was dried up from the earth. Then Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the surface of the ground was dried up. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by their families from the ark.”
Apparently, the Deluge was geographically universal, only 8 persons were saved. The Ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat. Mount Ararat is in Turkey. All Biblical places are real geographical places. All Biblical characters are real historical persons.
(L). Noah built an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings.
Gen 8:20-22, “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.”
(M). God blessed Noah and his sons.
Gen 9:1-19, “And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.“ The fear of you and the terror of you will be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky; with everything that creeps on the ground, and all the fish of the sea, into your hand they are given. “Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.“ Surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. As for you, be fruitful and multiply; Populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it.” Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying, “Now behold, I Myself do establish My covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that comes out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.”
(N). Noah lived to be 950 years old and died.
Gen 9:28-29, “Noah lived three hundred and fifty years after the flood. So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years, and he died.”
(O). The second coming of Jesus will be just like the days of Noah.
Mat 24:37-42,“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”
Note: Christians must be on the alert, for we do not know which day the Lord is coming again.
(P). Fire will destroy the present heavens and earth.
2Pe 2:5, “and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.”
2Pe 3:6-7, “through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His Word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Note: As water destroyed the ancient world, so fire will destroy the present world. The day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men is near. The days of warmongers, imperialists, militarists, monopolists, capitalists, supremacists, and terrorists are numbered.
I reject totally the practice of some academics or pseudo scholars who quote the Midrash or any outside sources or influences to so-called fill in gaps in Biblical texts. The Biblical account is not derived from the Babylonian or any primitive civilizations. The correct attitude toward the Word of God is absolute and complete and independent. It is clearly blasphemous to think that God has to borrow from human sources or resources. We stress what the Bibles stresses. We discuss what is written in the Bible. We do not indulge in any subject which the Word of God is silent. We do not speculate. Some people like to pretend the breadth of their knowledge by quoting legends, myths, mythologies, fables, secular unverifiable histories, traditions, etc. as if they were facts. I practice using the Word of God to explain the Word of God. Let the Word of God explain the Scripture.
I reject also the history of the world covering 6,000 years. I reject any hypothesis or theory which is not validated by the Word of God. I do not care what self-appointed scholars think or say because they do not matter. There are so many types proposed by some self-claimed theologians, but they are like cattle heads connected to horse mouths. I believe nothing is impossible with God. The authority of Jesus Christ is absolute, perfect, supreme, and ultimate. Col 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” I have discovered that it is a waste of time and effort to study the works of philosophy of empty deception, traditions of men and the elementary principles of the world.
It has been said, the brevity of the Biblical history satisfies not human curiosity. However, the Bible is not a book to satisfy human curiosity, depravity, and vanity. The central message of the Bible is Jesus Christ, not anything or anybody else. The purpose of revelation is Rom 16:25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.” The mystery of Christ is the mystery of God. Eph 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” The purpose of revelation is that you may have the knowledge of Christ. Col 1:9, “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Christians want to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Science and philosophy do not and cannot offer you real knowledge, spiritual wisdom and understanding. (4). Abraham
Heb 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Note: The faith of Abraham was great, in obedience to God he went out not knowing where he was going. There are people who do not know where they are going because they are lost in the world. Abraham followed God and did not question God.
Here is a list of facts about Abraham:
(A). Originally called ABRAM.
Gen 11:26, “Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.”
(B). God appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old.
Gen 17:1-4, “ Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations.”
Note: It is no small thing that Abraham is called the friend of God. Jas 2:23, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.”
(C). Terah was the father of Abram.
Gen 11:26, “Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.”
(D). Sarai was Abram’s wife.
Gen 11:29, “ Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and Iscah.”
(E). Abram Left Ur and Moved to Haran.
Gen 11:31, “Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there.”
Act 7:2-3, “And he said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.”
Act 7:4, “Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living.”
(F). The Lord told Abram to go to the land which God will show him.
Gen 12:1, “Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you.”
Jos 24:3, “Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him through all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac.”
Heb 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
(G). Abram departed from Haran to the land of Canaan.
Gen 12:4-5, “So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan.”
(H). God gave the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants.
Gen 12:7-8, “The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.”
Note: The land of Canaan was given by God to the descendants of Abraham, not Palestinians, not Arabs or any other races, and cannot be determined by the United Nations. Abraham never lived in a house, but his descendants have the right to build houses in the Promised Land.
(I). Due to famine, Abram went down to sojourn in Egypt.
Gen 12:10, “Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.”
(J). Lot separated from Abram.
Gen 13:8-9, “So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.”
Note: The possessions of Abram and Lot were so great that they were not able to remain together. Abram appeared most noble, he acceded the right to Lot to choose to go to the right or to the left. Hebron was where Abram had sojourned.
(K). Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and saved his relative Lot.
Gen 14:14-17, “When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people. Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).”
(L). Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of all.
Gen 14:18-20, “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of Heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all.”
Heb 7:1-2, “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.”
(M). God made covenant with Abram.
Gen 15:1, “After these things the Word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Gen 17:1-4, “Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.“ I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations.”
Rom 4:13, “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.”
(N). Hagar bore Abram a son called Ishmael.
Gen 16:3-5, “After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight. And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me.”
Note: Hagar represents a slave that despised her mistress. When a little man is elevated, he becomes abusive and oppressive.
Gen 16:15-16, “So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.”
(O). God changed the name of Abram into Abraham.
Gen 17:5, “No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.”
Neh 9:7, “You are the LORD God, Who chose Abram And brought him out from Ur of the Chaldees, And gave him the name Abraham.”
1Ch 1:27, “Abram, that is Abraham.”
Note: Abram in Hebrew is ‘Abram which means exalted father; the original name of Abraham, the father and founder of the Jewish nation; – which occurs 60 times in the Old Testament. Abraham in Hebrew is ‘Abraham which means “father of a multitude” or “chief of multitude”; friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God’s elective covenant; which occurs 174 times in the Old Testament.
(P). Circumcision the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham.
Gen 17:10-11, “This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.”
Gen 17:24, “Now Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.”
(Q). The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre.
Gen 18:1-5, “Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.”
Note: I believe “three men” were the Triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit appeared in human forms.
(R). Abraham pleaded for Sodom.
Gen 18:32-33, “Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, and Abraham returned to his place.”
Note: God eventually destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. There could not be found 10 righteous men in Sodom. Probably, there could not be found 10 righteous men in Washington, D.C. or London or Paris today.
(S). Abraham sojourned in Gerar.
Gen 20:1, “Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur; then he sojourned in Gerar.”
Gen 20:2-3, “ Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.”
Note: God prevented Abimelech king of Gerar from violating Sarah.
(T). Sarah bore a son to Abraham called Isaac.
Gen 21:1-3, “Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.”
Gal 4:22-23, “For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.”
Note: The Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. The Lord always performs what He promised.
(U). God tested Abraham.
Gen 22:1-14, “Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.”
Heb 11:17, “ By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son.”
Note: This is an interesting account of Abraham’s complete obedience of faith in willing to sacrifice even his only son. There have been much fusses and noises in reaction to this passage of the Scripture. Who am I to question what the Lord God Almighty is doing? God does whatever He pleases. Whatever God does is right. There are some damned souls who think that God has to please them.
(V). Sarah died and Abraham bought a field to bury Sarah.
Gen 23:1-16, “Now Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan; and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. Then Abraham rose from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, “I am a stranger and a sojourner among you; give me a burial site among you that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” The sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, “Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves; none of us will refuse you his grave for burying your dead.” So Abraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site.” Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth; even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, “No, my lord, hear me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the sons of my people I give it to you; bury your dead.” And Abraham bowed before the people of the land. He spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me that I may bury my dead there.” Then Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, “My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead.” Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard.”
Note: This incident is another one to reflect the magnificent character of Abraham. He did not want to get something for free, he paid the full price for a piece of land. America is doomed to bankruptcy because so many in America want something for nothing. All interest groups want a piece of America. Only the military-industrial-security complex alone like black hole will swallow up America. They all want free entitlements. They want welfare without work. In business today you cannot find another Abraham. There are evildoers today who rejoiced without shame in being able to defraud billions of dollars as a badge of honor. The Chinese TV reports all kinds of frauds everyday.
(W). Abraham died of old age and buried with Sarah his wife.
Gen 25:7-10, “These are all the years of Abraham’s life that he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth; there Abraham was buried with Sarah his wife.”
Isa 41:8, “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend.”
Jas 2:23, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.”
Note: Historically there is no one like Abraham who by faith pleased God so much that he earned the title the friend of God.
(X). Abraham is the father of all who believe in God.
Heb 11:8-12, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.”
Rom 4:16, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
Note: Abraham is the father of all of us who have faith in God. Abraham has the most magnificent, noble, and remarkable character as the patriarch of the Jewish race, the chosen people. In my opinion, Abraham is the greatest man ever lived in the history of mankind. Martin Luther is the greatest man in history outside of the Holy Bible. I also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, desire a better country, that is, a Heavenly one. I am looking for the Holy City, the New Jerusalem; waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ in great power and glory.
(5). Joseph
Heb 11:22, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”
Note: Joseph in Greek is Iōsēph which means let him add; the patriarch, the eleventh son of Jacob; which occurs 35 times in the New Testament. Do not confuse the Joseph of the Old Testament, favorite son of Jacob and the Joseph of the New Testament who is the husband of Mary. The story of Joseph is among the most favorite Bible stories of all Sunday School children, and most beneficial for young minds.
The following is a list of facts about Joseph:
(A). Rachel bore Jacob no children.
Gen 30:1-2, “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she became jealous of her sister; and she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die.” Then Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
Note: In any culture, East or West, it is of prime importance that a woman bears children. Barrenness is considered a shame even to this day.To be jealous in Hebrew is qana’ which means to envy; to be jealous of; to be envious of; to excite to jealous anger; – which occurs 42 times in the Old Testament. Job 5:2, “For anger slays the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple.” Jealousy kills. Do you know jealousy has geopolitical significance? America and European nations are jealous of the spectacular successes of China, for that reason they want to have war with China to eliminate a competitor. America and Europe want to maintain status quo of world domination and dictatorship. Jacob was right being angry because he is not in the place of God. No one is in the place of God. Warmongers, imperialists, militarists, supremacists, capitalists, monopolists, and terrorists want to be in the place of God to rule the world. For better or worse, today science has enabled test tube fertilization so that the barren couple may have children.
(B). God remembered Rachel and she bore a son named Joseph.
Gen 30:22-25, “Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb. So she conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” She named him Joseph, saying, “May the LORD give me another son.” Now it came about when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my own country.”
Note: Remember in Hebrew is zakar which means to think; to be mindful of; to call to mind; to keep in remembrance; to recollect; to bring to mind; to bear in mind; to bring to remembrance; – which occurs 240 times in the Old Testament. It is wonderful to be remembered by God. May God remember me. Reproach in Hebrew is cherpah which means shame; rebuke; scorn; disgrace; contempt; a thing or person which is despised; – which occurs 73 times in the Old Testament. In any culture, barrenness is more or less still a shame.
(C). Jacob loved Joseph more and his brothers hated him.
Gen 37:1-4, “Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan. These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.”
Note: General speaking, parental favoritism may cause sibling conflict. Different character, personality, temperament, value, behavior, interest, disorder, tone of voice, etc. may also contribute to the conflict. Is it right for Jacob to love Joseph more than all his sons? As a rule, parental favoritism is not good. If you look to the end of the story, Joseph was the savior of the whole family. Doesn’t Joseph deserve more love? Who am I to criticize Jacob. Do you know Exo 3:6, “He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” God said to Moses, God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. How to handle sibling fighting? Just stop it. Tons of psychological counseling is not worth as much as Biblical teaching. Darwin’s notion of survival of the fittest is detrimental to Christian family of love.
Pro 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
A simple suggestion on how to train up children:
(1). Set good parental example.
Example: Quarreling parents produce quarreling children. Shouting and yelling parents produce shouting and yelling children.
(2). Establish principles of conduct.
Examples: No cheating, no lying, no shouting, no physical fighting, no cursing, no dirty name calling, no malice, no stealing, no physical abuse, no verbal abuse, etc. Love each other. Pray for each other. Help each other.
(3). Enforce harmony by punishment.
Punishment is necessary to correct and discipline children and maintain order.
(D). Joseph had a dream.
Gen 37:5-8, “Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Please listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.” Then his brothers said to him, “Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.”
(E). Joseph had still another dream.
Gen 37:9-11, “Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, “Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.”
Pro 6:34, “For jealousy enrages a man, And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.”
Note: Jealousy is a dangerous passion which enrages a man and is rotten to the bones. Maybe it is a good idea not to tell your dream to anyone.
(F). The dreamer was sold to Egypt.
Gen 37:12-36, “ Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem. Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “I will go.” Then he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. A man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, “What are you looking for?” He said, “I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock.” Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death. They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer!” Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, ‘A wild beast devoured him.’ Then let us see what will become of his dreams!” But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, “Let us not take his life.” Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father. So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the varicolored tunic that was on him; and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it. Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt. Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments. He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?” So they took Joseph’s tunic, and slaughtered a male goat and dipped the tunic in the blood; and they sent the varicolored tunic and brought it to their father and said, “We found this; please examine it to see whether it is your son’s tunic or not.” Then he examined it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” So Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, “Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer, the captain of the bodyguard.”
Note: How cruel were Jacob’s 10 sons to deceive their father with fake news that Joseph was killed by the beasts so that Jacob mourned and wept for Joseph many days. How cruel is Western media that daily and continuously make fake news, fake reports, and spread lies and false views to damage and destroy other nations not bowing to America and Europe. The sin of withholding true information is great. False report or fake news can do great damage and harm to the people. How Jacob suffered because of false report made by his ten sons. Western media daily make false reports, fake news, false representations, false views in the world and spread lies and falsehoods without shame to support warmongers, militarists, imperialist, supremacists, capitalists, monopolists, crooks and criminals, and terrorists.
(G). Joseph was sold to Potiphar and became a successful man.
Gen 39:1-5, “Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD’S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field.”
Note: Destiny is an interesting and profound subject. Do you think it was an accident that Joseph was sold to Potiphar an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh? Apparently it was appointed by God. The secret of success is alluded in this passage. The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. So is the secret. Joseph became a successful man because the Lord was with him. Do not think a person is successful must be due to the fact that the Lord is with him. The most successful people in the world today are executives of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex and Western media, who own most of the power and wealth in the world, yet they are children of the devil who lie, kill, and rob. The richest man in the world is a monopolist and a predator.
(H). Joseph was handsome and his master’s wife seduced him.
Gen 39:6-23, “So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to make sport of us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I screamed.“ When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside.” So she left his garment beside her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with these words, “The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me; and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside.” Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” his anger burned.So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.”
Note: Being handsome for a man and beautiful for a woman have advantages and dangers. Adulterous women lust after handsome young men. Wicked men want to rape beautiful women. When a criminal failed to achieve her goal, she is likely to resort to false accusations and other crooked means. Do you know that the righteous might suffer and be falsely accused? More and more the world witnesses the sufferings of the righteous in this evil and corrupt world.
(I). Joseph interpreted the dreams of cupbearer and baker.
Gen 40:1-23, “Then it came about after these things, the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was furious with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. The captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time. Then the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt, who were confined in jail, both had a dream the same night, each man with his own dream and each dream with its own interpretation. When Joseph came to them in the morning and observed them, behold, they were dejected. He asked Pharaoh’s officials who were with him in confinement in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” Then they said to him, “We have had a dream and there is no one to interpret it.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell it to me, please.” So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, there was a vine in front of me; and on the vine were three branches. And as it was budding, its blossoms came out, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. Now Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; so I took the grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.” Then Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office; and you will put Pharaoh’s cup into his hand according to your former custom when you were his cupbearer. Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. For I was in fact kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should have put me into the dungeon.”When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head; and in the top basket there were some of all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” Then Joseph answered and said, “This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days; within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head from you and will hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat your flesh off you.” Thus it came about on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”
Note: This is a penetrating lesson about ingratitude of man. When Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his office; the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. I have found 90 percent of people whom you have helped will not remember but forget you. The trial is harder and heavier when you face with outright ingratitude. When you help anyone, do not expect any good return or you will be disappointed.
(J). Delayed deliverance is hard to bear, but God controls event and timing.
Gen 41:1-13, “Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream, and behold, he was standing by the Nile. And lo, from the Nile there came up seven cows, sleek and fat; and they grazed in the marsh grass. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them from the Nile, ugly and gaunt, and they stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. The ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke. He fell asleep and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven ears of grain came up on a single stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven ears, thin and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them. The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump and full ears. Then Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Now in the morning his spirit was troubled, so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would make mention today of my own offenses. “Pharaoh was furious with his servants, and he put me in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, both me and the chief baker. We had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. To each one he interpreted according to his own dream. And just as he interpreted for us, so it happened; he restored me in my office, but he hanged him.”
Pro 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Note: You can imagine how heart sick was Joseph for waiting extra two full years for deliverance. I do not know whether Joseph knew when he was falsely imprisoned, that God controls events and timing. No one is wise enough or powerful enough to control any event or timing. If God is with you, don’t worry, your time will come sooner or later.
(K). Pharaoh called for Joseph, Joseph interpreted the dreams, and Pharaoh made him the second ruler in Egypt.
Gen 41:14-46, “Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” So Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I was standing on the bank of the Nile; and behold, seven cows, fat and sleek came up out of the Nile, and they grazed in the marsh grass. Lo, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such as I had never seen for ugliness in all the land of Egypt; and the lean and ugly cows ate up the first seven fat cows. Yet when they had devoured them, it could not be detected that they had devoured them, for they were just as ugly as before. Then I awoke. I saw also in my dream, and behold, seven ears, full and good, came up on a single stalk; and lo, seven ears, withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them; and the thin ears swallowed the seven good ears. Then I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.” Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven thin ears scorched by the east wind will be seven years of famine. It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do. Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming in all the land of Egypt; and after them seven years of famine will come, and all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt, and the famine will ravage the land. So the abundance will be unknown in the land because of that subsequent famine; for it will be very severe. Now as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about. Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.” Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, “Bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt. Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.”
Note: The life of Joseph is a testimony to the wonderful providence of God. It was memorable and remarkable how God raised him from prison to palace. Joseph had the correct attitude and gave God all the honor. He said to Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” A good servant never exalts himself; a good servant of God gives God all the glory. Joseph did not marry a Jewish girl. Pharaoh gave Joseph a new name Zaphenath-paneah and new wife Asenath he could not refuse. Zaphenath-paneah in Egyptian is Tsophnath Pa`neach which means “treasury of the glorious rest”; salvation or savior of the age; revealer of a secret; – which occurs 1 time in the Old Testament. Asenath in Egyptian is ‘Acĕnath which means “belonging to the goddess Neith”; she who is of Neith; – which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament. The Bible gives no clue on the married life of Joseph. Probably Joseph had only one wife. It does not seem God objected to the marriage of Joseph and Asenath arranged by Pharaoh.
Act 7:9-10, “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.”
Note: Become jealous in Greek is zēloō which means to burn with zeal; to boil with envy; to covet earnestly; to feel resentful toward; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. Envy or jealousy can produce evil deeds. American president and congressional leaders are doing everything without cause or reason to curb the peaceful rise of China, because they want to maintain status quo to dictate and dominate the world, and also because they are jealous of the great successes achieved by China in many fronts. The secret of security and success in life is to have God be with you. God grants favor and wisdom. You will do well or succeed in this life if God grants you His favor and wisdom. Joseph became more than the governor of Egypt. In modern language, Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.
(L). Joseph was wise to prepare for the inevitable and God blessed him to forget all his trouble and be comforted with two sons.
Gen 41:47-57, “During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. So he gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities; he placed in every city the food from its own surrounding fields. Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” He named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you shall do.” When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth.”
Note: Years of plenty will always come to an end. All good things come to an end. Famine comes after abundance. Joseph was a great nation manager and administrator, he knew how to store the surplus grain in time of plenty for the time of famine. A nation that squanders its resources is going to bankrupt and suffer poverty. A nation that borrows and spends beyond its means is going to ruin. It was wonderful that Joseph said that God has made him forget all his trouble. It is a shout of triumph. It is even better when God made Joseph fruitful in the land of his affliction. It is better than winning great wealth. The nation that has bread or food is stronger than nuclear weapons.
(M). Jacob sent his 10 sons down to Egypt to buy grain.
Gen 42:1-38, “Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down there and buy some for us from that place, so that we may live and not die.” Then ten brothers of Joseph went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm may befall him.” So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who were coming, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also. Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but he disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly. And he said to them, “Where have you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.” But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, “You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land.” Then they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all sons of one man; we are honest men, your servants are not spies.” Yet he said to them, “No, but you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land!” But they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers in all, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer alive.” Joseph said to them, “It is as I said to you, you are spies; by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here! Send one of you that he may get your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.” So he put them all together in prison for three days. Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as for the rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine of your households, and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be verified, and you will not die.” And they did so. Then they said to one another, “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.” Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.” They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them. He turned away from them and wept. But when he returned to them and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and to restore every man’s money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. And thus it was done for them. So they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed from there. As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money; and behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. Then he said to his brothers, “My money has been returned, and behold, it is even in my sack.” And their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying,“ The man, the lord of the land, spoke harshly with us, and took us for spies of the country. But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies. We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no longer alive, and the youngest is with our father today in the land of Canaan.’ The man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me and take grain for the famine of your households, and go. But bring your youngest brother to me that I may know that you are not spies, but honest men. I will give your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.’ Now it came about as they were emptying their sacks, that behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were dismayed. Their father Jacob said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all these things are against me.” Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my care, and I will return him to you.” But Jacob said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.”
Note: Jacob saw means Jacob learned about or Jacob had heard. In a famine what is more important than grain? This is the most moving part of the story when the ten brothers encountered Joseph in buying grain from the ruler of the land not recognizing Joseph although Joseph recognized them. Especially when they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground and Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them. The ten brothers were conscious of their sins that they were truly guilty. Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.” Reckoning means making inquisition. European nations have done so much evil in this world in the last 500 years, the reckoning will come. American presidents and congressional leaders have killed millions and millions of innocent people around the world since the end of World War II, the reckoning for their blood by God will come upon America soon. Japanese military killed 35 million Chinese in 14 years of war of aggression, yet Japanese leaders denied them all and refused to pay compensations. The reckoning for their blood by God will soon come upon Japan. There is a reckoning for every evil deed committed. 2Th 1:8, “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.” Retribution in Greek is ekdikēsis which means vengeance; revenge; punishment; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. God’s retribution or punishment upon warmongers, dictators, predators, deceivers, oppressors, aggressors, imperialists, militarists, capitalists, monopolists, and terrorists is sure and certain. Their days are numbered. Hell is opening up to swallow them.
Jacob said to his sons, “You will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” This verse is often misunderstood. Through much of the Old Testament period, Sheol was believed to be the place where all the dead went. It was not Hell.
(N). Jacob sent his 11 sons down to Egypt the second time to buy food.
Gen 43:1-34, “Now the famine was severe in the land. So it came about when they had finished eating the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” Judah spoke to him, however, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.“ But if you do not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, ‘You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother?” But they said, “The man questioned particularly about us and our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we answered his questions. Could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the lad with me and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, we as well as you and our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever. For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.” Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man; and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” So the men took this present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin; then they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward, “Bring the men into the house, and slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon.” So the man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph’s house. Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” So they came near to Joseph’s house steward, and spoke to him at the entrance of the house, and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand. We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks.” He said, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. Then the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder. So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there. When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him. Then he asked them about their welfare, and said, “Is your old father well, of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” They bowed down in homage. As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, he said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the meal.” So they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to the Egyptians. Now they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. He took portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they feasted and drank freely with him.”
Note: This is the most emotionally charged meeting when Joseph saw his younger brother Benjamin after that many years, he was so deeply stirred over his brother that he sought a place to weep; and Joseph entered his chamber and wept there. The story of Joseph is a classic masterpiece. But it is a real history, not fiction, unlike other masterpieces. God has done in a mysterious way as exemplified in the life of Joseph, His wonders to perform.
(O). Joseph gave his 10 brothers a reality test of good and evil, true and false.
Gen 44:1-34, “Then he commanded his house steward, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. Put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph had told him. As soon as it was light, the men were sent away, they with their donkeys. They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which my lord drinks and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’ So he overtook them and spoke these words to them. They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.“ Behold, the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks we have brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.” So he said, “Now let it also be according to your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” Then they hurried, each man lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. He searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Then they tore their clothes, and when each man loaded his donkey, they returned to the city. When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him. Joseph said to them, “What is this deed that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can indeed practice divination?” So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Then Judah approached him, and said, “Oh my lord, may your servant please speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are equal to Pharaoh.“ My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother? We said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a little child of his old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him. Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me that I may set my eyes on him. But we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die. You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ Thus it came about when we went up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. Our father said, ‘Go back, buy us a little food.’ But we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces,” and I have not seen him since. If you take this one also from me, and harm befalls him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ Now, therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then let me bear the blame before my father forever.’ Now, therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. “For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me—for fear that I see the evil that would overtake my father?”
Note: It is such dramatic attempt to save Benjamin that Judah is willing to face all the consequences for the sake of Benjamin and his old father. When a man begins to decide to bear his responsibility, his conduct becomes good and correct and decent.
(P). Joseph made himself known and declared God did a great deliverance.
Gen 45:1-28, “Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me.” So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. “You shall live in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children and your flocks and your herds and all that you have. There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished.” Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you. Now you must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and all that you have seen; and you must hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him. Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go to the land of Canaan, and take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.’ Now you are ordered, ‘Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father and come. Do not concern yourselves with your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’ Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them wagons according to the command of Pharaoh, and gave them provisions for the journey. To each of them he gave changes of garments, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments. To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and sustenance for his father on the journey. So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.” Then they went up from Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But he was stunned, for he did not believe them. When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Then Israel said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Note: Joseph was convinced it was God who controlled everything, and his destiny. A spiritual man should be able to see beyond the surface. God controls whatever comes to pass, God controls events and timing. Joseph was so successful and so confident that he declared that God has made him a father to Pharaoh, not only the ruler of Egypt. When news is too good to be true, the recipient is stunned. Why Jacob did not believe his sons? Because they had lied and deceived him before. A man’s credibility is determined by his previous history. You cannot trust any man who had lied and deceived you before. Pharaoh was so generous that he said the best of all the land of Egypt belongs to Jacob’s family. When Jacob saw the wagons, he realized it was true. Is there anything more happier than his spirit revived? What you must do you must do it in a hurry before you die.
(Q). Joseph presented his father to Pharaoh, and he managed and ruled Egypt to make Pharaoh very wealthy.
Gen 47:7-31, “Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many years have you lived?” So Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my sojourning are one hundred and thirty; few and unpleasant have been the years of my life, nor have they attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning.” And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from his presence. So Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had ordered. Joseph provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to their little ones. Now there was no food in all the land, because the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. Joseph gathered all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan for the grain which they bought, and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food, for why should we die in your presence? For our money is gone.” Then Joseph said, “Give up your livestock, and I will give you food for your livestock, since your money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses and the flocks and the herds and the donkeys; and he fed them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year. When that year was ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent, and the cattle are my lord’s. There is nothing left for my lord except our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we and our land will be slaves to Pharaoh. So give us seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate.” So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every Egyptian sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. Thus the land became Pharaoh’s.As for the people, he removed them to the cities from one end of Egypt’s border to the other. Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had an allotment from Pharaoh, and they lived off the allotment which Pharaoh gave them. Therefore, they did not sell their land. Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have today bought you and your land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for you, and you may sow the land. At the harvest you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four-fifths shall be your own for seed of the field and for your food and for those of your households and as food for your little ones.” So they said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s slaves.” Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt valid to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; only the land of the priests did not become Pharaoh’s. Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; so the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. When the time for Israel to die drew near, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “Please, if I have found favor in your sight, place now your hand under my thigh and deal with me in kindness and faithfulness. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but when I lie down with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” And he said, “I will do as you have said.” He said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed in worship at the head of the bed.”
Note: Joseph made it a statute that Pharaoh should have the fifth as tax. America has higher taxes. Once I was in charge of an important corporate project, when it was accomplished the executive vice president awarded me $2,000 as a bonus. I was shocked and stunned because the U.S. government took $1,000 which was one half of what I earned. It is even more atrocious when the American richest billionaires pay a lower tax rate than their secretaries. In Scandinavia, peoples pay high rate of taxes but they get the best social benefits in the world, totally free from the high cost of medical care like that in America which bankrupted millions of families. There are no poor or destitute or homeless people in Scandinavia.
(R). Joseph buried his father Jacob in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, and his brothers begged for forgiveness; Joseph gave orders concerning his bones.
Gen 50:15-26, “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.”
Note: In the history of mankind, you can hardly find anyone comparable to the life of Joseph, true but not idealized. The story of Joseph was my favorite Bible story as a child, and perhaps the story of Daniel was the second best in the Bible. Joseph was a dreamer and whose dreams came true. I was a dreamer too, and my small dream also came true. Although I did not come to be a ruler. I never dreamed of becoming a ruler. I worked my way the hard way through university to achieve the advanced degree in higher education. Joseph rose from slavery to the highest office in Egypt, from pit to prison and to palace all because God was with him. For the suffering life of Joseph, a great truth emerges before us is the fact that God controls events and timing, and God rules over the destiny of men. The ten brothers of Joseph meant evil against him, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this great result, to preserve many people alive. No matter what men do, however evil, God is able to turn evil into good, to control the results. Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” The great power and glory of God is manifested in the fact we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. If you study a little about cause and effect you know how complicated to identify cause and effect. God causes all things to work together is beyond human understanding or scientific inquiry or cannons of logic. The wonder of wonders God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. Joseph by faith made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. Faith is seeing the invisible. Faith is looking into the future.
(6). Moses
Heb 11:23-29, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”
Note: Moses in Greek is Mōÿsēs which means “drawing out”; the Hebrew lawgiver; – which occurs 80 times in the New Testament. The most important historical fact is summed up by Jesus, Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Here is a list of facts about Moses:
(A). Moses war born a beautiful son, adopted by the daughter of Pharaoh.
Exo 2:1-10, “Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go ahead.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages.” So the woman totook the child and nursed him. The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”
Note: Moses was a Levite, a son of Amram. Moses was lovely in the sight of God. Imagine it is enough to be beautiful in the sight of man. How much more to be lovely in the sight of God.
Exo 6:20, “Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; and the length of Amram’s life was one hundred and thirty-seven years.”
Act 7:20, “It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.”
Here again is an illustrious example of how God controls events and timing. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to the Nile to bathe when the wicker basket of Moses was floating. When the daughter of Pharaoh opened the basket, and behold, the boy was crying. The daughter of Pharaoh had pity on him. Moses’ sister was the smartest girl and knew what to say to the princess. “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?” She received the go ahead that paid Moses true mother wages for nursing her own son. Is there anything better than that providential arrangement?
(B). Moses grew up, identified with the people of God, and fled from Pharaoh.
Exo 2:11-25, “Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. He went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrews were fighting with each other; and he said to the offender, “Why are you striking your companion?” But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said, “Surely the matter has become known.” When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock. When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “Why have you come back so soon today?” So they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock.” He said to his daughters, “Where is he then? Why is it that you have left the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.” Moses was willing to dwell with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses. Then she gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.”
Note: How most people seek and want to be a part of royalty. Yet Moses grown up refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. What a choice Moses made. Moses chose rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin in Egyptian palace. Moses considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Moses did what most people of the world would not. Yet there are so many ministers who would consider it glory to be invited to the White House whose boss is a liar and killer and robber!
(C). God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and called him to lead the children of Israel exodus Egypt to the Promised Land.
Exo 3:1-12, “Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them.Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
Act 7:31-34, “When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord: ‘I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB.’ Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look.“ BUT THE LORD SAID TO HIM, ‘TAKE OFF THE SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. ‘I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE IN EGYPT AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANS, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM; COME NOW, AND I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.”
Note: The bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. The burning bush is a big problem for unbelieving scientists and theologians because no rational thought or cannons of logic can explain it. Why the bush is not consumed? What God does is beyond natural, beyond human reason can figure out. There is nothing impossible with God. For that reason, Revelation is a trillion times superior to reason. The existence and presence of God is the holy ground where no scientists, scholars, philosophers and theologians may tread or stand.
(D). God revealed His name to Moses and commissioned him.
Exo 3:13-22, “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. So I said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey.They will pay heed to what you say; and you with the elders of Israel will come to the king of Egypt and you will say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So now, please, let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go. I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters. Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.”
Note: It is wrong to ask what God is, because God is not a thing. It is also wrong to ask who God is for God is not a man. God is Spirit, neither man nor thing. But the Lord God Almighty declares Himself to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ Jehovah who is the ‘I AM WHO I AM’ of the Old Testament is the ‘I AM’ of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This knowledge is beyond comprehension of unbelieving scientists and philosophers.
(E). Moses’ life is divided into three forty years period.
The life of Moses is divided into three periods, each of forty years. The first 40 years extend from his infancy to his life in the palace as son of the daughter of Pharaoh.
Act 7:22-23, “Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel.” In the first period of his life, Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. For whatever its worth, the pyramids reflect the high level of Egyptian civilization, probably the profoundest at that period of time. I believe during these years Moses also mastered the Hebrew language, prepared and equipped him to write the Pentateuch. Anyway you look at the Pentateuch (the First Five Books of the Bible) literally, they are world masterpieces.
The second period of forty years, Moses fled and became an alien in the land of Midian where he was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. Act 7:29, “At this remark, MOSES FLED AND BECAME AN ALIEN IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he became the father of two sons.” The first period Moses learned all the learning of the world. The second period of forty years he was in the school of hard knocks, the University of God where God taught Moses how to shepherd flocks to prepare him to lead the Israelites exodus from Egypt. Act 7:30, “After forty years had passed, AN ANGEL APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH.” Exo 5:1, “And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”
The third period of forty years Moses led the Jewish people marching toward the Promised Land through the wilderness. Deu 29:5-6, “I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot. You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the LORD your God.” For forty years the Lord kept the Jewish people alive with a multitude of miracles, and yet they often complained and rebelled against God. During the third period of his life, which extends from the exodus out of Egypt to his death on mount Nebo. In this interval how much did Moses accomplish under many circumstances, as the servant and immediate agent of the Most High.
I hold the position and dislike the Bible scholars who make too much of typing Bible characters with Jesus Christ with seeming parallels. We should not use too much typing carelessly and unnecessarily. For I believe Jesus Christ is singularly incomparable. It is unproductive and futile to compare anyone with Jesus Christ. Rom 5:14, “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” Type in Greek is typos which means ensample; a figure or image; example; pattern; fashion; manner; form; a type i.e. a person or thing prefiguring a future (Messianic) person or thing (Strong’s Concordance); style or resemblance; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. It is proper to use Christ as the model for all believers to imitate. It falls short for any man to be a model. 1Co 10:4-6, “and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.” There are many things in history written in the Bible for our instruction.
Rom 15:4-5, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.” Our mind should focus on Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Any attempt to shift the focus from Jesus Christ to any man is not sound doctrine, not sound theology.
(F). Moses and Aaron said to Pharaoh what God said, Let My people go!
Exo 5:1-9, “And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please, let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, otherwise He will fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.” But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!” Again Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are now many, and you would have them cease from their labors!” So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying, “You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words.”
Note: Pharaoh insulted God and said he did not know the Lord, and would not let Israel go. In the next stage of drama how God would compel Pharaoh, and the children of Israel would go free and not empty-handed.
Exo 7:7, “Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh.”
(G). How the Lord put Pharaoh under compulsion to let the Jews go.
Exo 6:1, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land.”
Note: Under compulsion in Hebrew means under strong hand. Under the strong hand of God even Pharaoh gave in and caved under. No one can withstand the strong Hand of God. You will see what the Lord will do to Pharaoh, and how God puts Pharaoh under compulsion so he will let the children of Israel leave Egypt.
Ten Plagues described in Exodus Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are awesome miracles and power of God.
First plague: The water of Nile was turned to blood.
Exo 7:20-21, “ So Moses and Aaron did even as the LORD had commanded. And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood.The fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. And the blood was through all the land of Egypt.”
Note: Water is essential to life. Man cannot exist without water. When water turns to blood, that is the worst. You cannot drink blood, take a bath in blood, or clean and wash in blood, or cook food in blood.
Second plague: Frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.
Exo 8:5-6, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the streams and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.’ So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.”
Note: Frogs are carnivores, leaping or jumping is used as a means for evading predators, and imagine millions of frogs making unique calls to disturb you. Imagine frogs cover up the whole land, including your homes and beds and kitchens.
Third plague: God sent gnats on man and beast through all the land of Egypt.
Exo 8:16-17, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt.’” They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt.”
Note: Gnats are flying insects that can be biting in the house and through out the land. Imagine gnats on man and beast.
Fourth plague: The Lord sent swarms of flies on people and on ground.
Exo 8:21-22, “For if you do not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and on your servants and on your people and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they dwell. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land.”
Note: What is the experience when flies compete with what you are going to eat, like falling into your soup?
Fifth plagues: God sent a very severe pestilence to kill Egyptian livestock.
Exo 9:3-4, “behold, the hand of the LORD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks. But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.”
Exo 9:6, “So the LORD did this thing on the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the sons of Israel, not one died.”
Note: Pestilence is a fatal epidemic disease which God sent to kill Egyptian livestock. Imagine mountains of dead livestock everywhere and the stinking smell of them.
Sixth plague: Boils breaking out with sores on man and beast.
Exo 9:8-10, “Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take for yourselves handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh.“ It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and will become boils breaking out with sores on man and beast through all the land of Egypt.” So they took soot from a kiln, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses threw it toward the sky, and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast.”
Note: Boils are the painful sores turning white as pus collects under the skin and appear on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. Now Egyptians feel the pain of boils.
Seventh plague: A very heavy hail and thunder came down to kill livestock and men.
Exo 9:18-19, “Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.”
Note: It must be a very heavy hail and thunder that kills livestock and men. My first experience of hail was during the funeral of President Nixon at Yorba Linda, in Orange County, hail and rain with thousands and thousands of people lining up to pay tribute to the great president. The hail was small and did not kill anyone.
Exo 9:23-24, “Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very severe, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.”
Eighth plague: Locusts came and covered the surface of Egypt and ate every green in the field.
Exo 10:4-5, “For if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory.‘ They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has escaped—what is left to you from the hail—and they will eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field.”
Note: Locusts are large grasshoppers with strong powers of flight, and they migrate in vast swarms that can eat up crops and green plants. The swarms of locusts were so large that no one will be able to see the land.
Ninth plague: Thick darkness which can be felt covered Egypt.
Exo 10:21-23, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even a darkness which may be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings.”
Note: Most people are afraid of darkness, it is a proof when massive power is out at night. Very few people have ever experienced thick darkness which can be felt. In my life time I have never heard of such thick darkness which can be felt happening anywhere.
Tenth plague: God killed the firstborn of the Pharaoh and all the firstborn even the cattle.
Exo 11:4-5, “Moses said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well.”
Moses instituted the Passover. Exo 12:7-8, “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”
Exo 12:11-13, “And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”
Note: Passover is derived from the fact that when God sees the blood on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the Jewish houses, God will pass over them, and the plague shall not be upon them to destroy them. The Passover lamb symbolizes the Lamb of God who was sacrificed on our behalf. 1Co 5:7, “Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.” Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for our sins.
(H). Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, and God led them on the way.
Exo 13:19, “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”
Note: So in the journey of the Christian to the celestial city, we need the Lord going before us, a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide us in the figure of speech. For Christians today, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit guide and lead us.
(I). God destroyed Pharaoh’s entire army, the people feared the Lord.
Exo 14:5-31, “When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; and he took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly. Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen.” The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. At the morning watch, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.”
Note: Moses led the sons of Israel to go through the midst of the Red Sea on dry land is one of the greatest historical miracles, besides God destroyed or drowned Pharaoh’s entire army. Consequently, the Jewish people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord.
(J). Jethro brought Moses’ wife and her two sons to meet Moses at the mount of God.
Exo 18:1-12, “Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away, and her two sons, of whom one was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” The other was named Eliezer, for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the mount of God. He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the journey, and how the LORD had delivered them. Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. So Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God.”
Note: Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a great man in his own right. He made a declaration: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods.”
(K). Moses listened to his father-in-law and appointed heads and leaders in the legal system of court and government.
Exo 18:24-27, “So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. They judged the people at all times; the difficult dispute they would bring to Moses, but every minor dispute they themselves would judge. Then Moses bade his father-in-law farewell, and he went his way into his own land.”
Note: Jethro, Moses father-in-law, was a wise man. He could be properly called the forefather of modern management. Jethro understood management principles, especially the principle of delegation of authority and management effectiveness. Num 11:16-17, “The LORD therefore said to Moses, “Gather for Me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone.”
(L). Moses came up to receive the Ten Commandments (Decalogue).
Exo 24:12-18, “Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. But to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.” Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”
Note: The law of Moses are contained in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Exo 34:28-35, “So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers in the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them. Afterward all the sons of Israel came near, and he commanded them to do everything that the LORD had spoken to him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.”
Note: The life of Moses was sustained by the grace and power of God although he was with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. Moses the man of God, talking with God about the law, the face of Moses shone. How much more the Son of God who brought grace and truth, Mat 17:2, “And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” Heb 3:1-3, “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house.”
Heb 3:5-6, “Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as the Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.”
Deu 33:1-2, “Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death. He said, “The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones; At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.”
Gal 3:23-26, “But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
2Co 3:13-18, “and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
Note: The old covenant (the law) was fading away, the veil is removed in Christ. Christians are under grace, not under law. Whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away, Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(M). Moses prayed to the glory of God, God showed him only His back.
Exo 33:17-23, “The LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.” Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”
Note: No man has ever seen God, not even Moses.
(N). God showed the pattern and told Moses to build the tabernacle.
Exo 40:33-38, “He erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court. Thus Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.”
Note: Throughout all the journeys of the sons of Israel, they followed the directions of the Lord. Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. The tabernacle was replaced by Solomon’s temple.
Heb 8:5, “who serve a copy and shadow of the Heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”
Heb 9:11-14, “But when Christ appeared as the High Priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Note: Some scholars are so stupid to say that God is clean. God is far beyond clean, God is holy. Christ entered though the greater and more perfect tabernacle than that made by Moses. The Holy Place is not where clean people can enter. Through His own blood, Christ entered into the way of the Holiest of all, the Holy of Holies, having obtained eternal redemption for all believers in Christ, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Rev 21:1-5, “Then I saw a new Heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
(O). God told Moses to lay his hand on Joshua and commission him as his successor.
Num 27:18-23, “So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight.“ You shall put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may obey him. Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.” Moses did just as the LORD commanded him; and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.”
Note: Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses because he was a man in whom is the Spirit. At the command of Joshua the congregation of the sons of Israel shall go out or come in and obey him.
(P). The Lord on the top of Pisgah showed Moses the Promised Land but Moses would not go over there.
Deu 34:1-8, “Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the Word of the LORD. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day. Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated. So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.”
Note: Moses had remarkable health, when he died at 120 years old, his eye was not dim (he did not have cataract), nor his vigor abated. But Moses came to an end. No matter who you are, everybody sooner or later comes to an end. This serves as a warning to all dictators, warmongers, oppressors, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, monopolists, militarists, supremacists, and terrorists. They all will soon come to an end.
Jde 1:9, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Note: Why did the devil want the body of Moses? The devil does not have good intention. I cannot tell why the devil want the body of Moses. I think the devil can do many evil deeds with the body of Moses. For one, the devil may make the dead body of Moses as an object of worship, to seduce people to commit the sin of idolatry.
(Q). During the transfiguration of Jesus, Moses and Elijah, appearing in glory, were speaking about the departure or death of Jesus Christ.
Luk 9:28-36, “Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.”
Note: The crucifixion must be so important because that is subject Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sin of mankind is one of the greatest events in the universe. When Peter was talking about making three tabernacles: one for Jesus, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah; God seemed to be displeased and corrected him by saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” God does not want disciples to listen to Moses or Elijah. God wants the whole world to listen to His Son, His Chose One, Jesus Christ. They saw no one but Jesus. Moses and Elijah are servants of God, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believers must fix our eyes on no one but Jesus Christ.
(R). The difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
In studying the Scriptures, I hold the position there is absolutely no need to quote Josephus, Apocrypha and other secular sources as if they are important to validate the Word of God. I think secular academics do so to display how much is their learning or knowledge. I think it is facetious and malicious to cite the pilgrim fathers of New England that the institutions that they founded to be ascribed to the influence of the Hebrew legislator Moses. Moses was the Hebrew lawgiver, not legislator. Don’t you know the historical fact that the White Europeans so-called pilgrim fathers not only they robbed the land of the original natives of America, they almost terminated the Red Indian race from the surface of the earth. Indeed in the last 500 years Europeans, and later Americans, have lied, killed, and robbed the whole world in the name of democracy, freedom, independence, human right, justice falsely so called. It is blasphemous to associate Christianity with Western nations or its corrupt civilization. Do you know American presidents and congressional leaders have killed millions and millions of innocent peoples around the world since the end of World War II and to this day?
It is wrong to say Moses had absolute rule over Israel. It is God who had and who has absolute rule over the universe. (7). Stephen
Act 6:5-15, “The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. The Word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miracles among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.” And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.”
Note: The management of a church is based on to be found approval with the whole congregation. The greater in the faith lay hands on the lesser. The greater blesses the lesser, not the other way around. Stephen in Greek is Stephanos which means “crowned”; one of the seven deacons of the church in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. No one is able to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit of God. Stephen performed great wonders and miracles among the people. Wonders and miracles do not affect people who do not want to believe and who practice lawlessness and injustice.
These so-called freedmen, secretly induced men by collusion or bribery to bear false testimony against Stephen. The elders and the scribes were the establishment of the Jewish religion and yet they were corrupt and lawless. Often the religious or political establishment is the most corrupt and lawless one. America and Western nations that dominate and dictate the world are the most corrupt and lawless people in the world. In fact, the hypocrites always act in most hypocritical way. They dragged and brought Stephen to the Council or Sanhedrin, the high court of justice and supreme council in Jerusalem. The same today America and its allies employ illegal legislation, false witnesses, fake news, fake reports, false views, false legislation, fake laws, sanctions, etc. to interfere, target, oppress, violate, attack nations that do not follow their dictatorship or leadership. No matter how the wicked want to smear and soil the righteousness, Stephen had a face shining like that of an angel.
Act 7:2-60, “And he said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.’ Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living. But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, even when he had no child, He promised that HE WOULD GIVE IT TO HIM AS A POSSESSION, AND TO HIS DESCENDANTS AFTER HIM. But God spoke to this effect, that his DESCENDANTS WOULD BE ALIENS IN A FOREIGN LAND, AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ENSLAVED AND MISTREATED FOR FOUR HUNDRED YEARS. AND WHATEVER NATION TO WHICH THEY WILL BE IN BONDAGE I MYSELF WILL JUDGE,’ said God, ‘AND AFTER THAT THEY WILL COME OUT AND SERVE ME IN THIS PLACE.’ And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the patriarchs. The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household. Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was disclosed to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all. And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died. From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until THERE AROSE ANOTHER KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH. It was he who took shrewd advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive. It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home. And after he had been set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and nurtured him as her own son. Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him, but they did not understand. On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren, why do you injure one another?’ But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND JUDGE OVER US? ‘YOU DO NOT MEAN TO KILL ME AS YOU KILLED THE EGYPTIAN YESTERDAY, DO YOU?’ At this remark, MOSES FLED AND BECAME AN ALIEN IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he became the father of two sons. After forty years had passed, AN ANGEL APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH. When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord: ‘I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB.’ Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look. BUT THE LORD SAID TO HIM,‘TAKE OFF THE SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE IN EGYPT AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANS, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM; COME NOW, AND I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.’ This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel. This man led them out, performing wonders and miracles in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN.’ This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. . Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, but repudiated him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, SAYING TO AARON, ‘MAKE FOR US GODS WHO WILL GO BEFORE US; FOR THIS MOSES WHO LED US OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT—WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM.’ At that time they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. But God turned away and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘IT WAS NOT TO ME THAT YOU OFFERED VICTIMS AND SACRIFICES FORTY YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS, WAS IT, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL? YOU ALSO TOOK ALONG THE TABERNACLE OF MOLOCH AND THE STAR OF THE GOD ROMPHA, THE IMAGES WHICH YOU MADE TO WORSHIP. I ALSO WILL REMOVE YOU BEYOND BABYLON.’ Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.“ And having received it in their turn, our fathers brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the nations whom God drove out before our fathers, until the time of David. David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: ‘HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?’ says the Lord, ‘OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS? You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the Heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.”
Note: In the beginning Stephen gave a most brilliant summary of the Jewish history from Abraham, to Joseph, to Moses, to Solomon, to the prophets. But when Stephen preached the sins of the Jews who have become betrayers and murderers, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. Outbreak of sudden fit of rage with one impulse rushed at Stephen. When a preacher preaches against sins, he cannot expect a favorable response from the audience. That is why so many false preachers will speak what the audience like to hear, such as ‘something good is going to happen to you’. God will bless you with prosperity and you will do well in this world…’ That is why in the American history, no preacher ever dares to preach against the sins of American presidents and congressional leaders. Where are the American preachers who preach against the evil of imperialism, capitalism, interventionism, and militarism? Those who preach the truth hope to see the glory of God. Stephen was being full of the Holy Spirit, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The false preachers preach peace and prosperity when there is no peace and prosperity. False preachers preach “I have a dream! I have a dream!” When there is nightmare, injustice, lawlessness, and unrighteousness, violence and blood covers the hands of the national leaders. The false preachers enjoy national popularity and prosperity on TV and at megachurches and they are invited to the White House. The preachers of truth and righteousness suffer national obscurity and poverty. The capitalism version of Christianity is deceiving and deluding America, Europe, and minuscule Taiwan and Hong Kong. It is most revealing that those who murdered Stephen cried out with a loud voice and covered their ears. The Western leaders who practice lies, killings, and robberies habitually and facetiously cry out in the global propaganda of democracy, freedom, independence, and other phony slogans, but they cover their ears to the truth and justice. We know nothing about the marriage status of Stephen or his children. Stephen is the protomartyr of the Christian Church. Apparently, Stephen was not married and did not have children. The martyrdom already sacrificed the life of Stephen, and it would be more devastating if he had wife and children. Paul is also believed to be single and having no children. Those who bear the brunt of the cross and sacrifice their lives for the Gospel would be better off not having family. Stephen courageously set as an example for countless Christians later on killed by the Roman Catholic Church, Islam, and other heresies and forces of darkness and evil.
IV. THE COMMON FAITH
As faith is individual or personal, so the common Faith refers to the Faith that all Christians of all generations have in common, accepting and believing in the body of Christian dogmas and doctrines deemed essential and fundamental to the Faith which was once for all handed down to the saints by Jesus Christ and the Apostles from the beginning as it is written in the New Testament.
Act 3:16,“And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the Faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
Note: The Faith which we believe comes through Jesus Christ, not from Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Erasmus, Barth or Kierkegaard, etc. The body of beliefs which all Christians believe from the beginning is the Faith, not Roman Catholic theology, black theology, natural theology, Eastern Orthodox theology, liberal theology, Calvinism, moral theology, polemic theology, liberation theology, feminist theology, not even Protestant theology. There is no Protestant theology, or Lutheran theology; Protestantism is only an attempt to return to the Bible and original Christianity. So the Christian Faith is based absolutely on the Biblical theology, that is as it is written in the New Testament.
All Christians of all generations accept and believe the body of Faith common to all as a whole, usually it summarized in a creed. When church leaders and believes accept some and reject other doctrines, they turn at best into denominations, and at worst they turn into cults and heresies. Some denominations practice over emphasizing some aspects of doctrines, while some de-emphasizing other doctrines. All persons mentioned in the Bible were historical figures, and all places mentioned in the Bible were real geographical places, and all events took place written in the Bible were real historical events. The Word of God is true, and worthy of all acceptance. Let God be true, and man a liar — particularly unbelieving scientists and theologians and philosophers.
It is wrong to say that Martin Luther agreed with the Catholic outlook far more than he differed from it. This is a revisionist view of the great Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church had strayed so far away from the Biblical Faith, that it can be considered as another religion, strange from Christianity. It is not what Luther accepted or not accepted that matters, it is the Faith that all believers from the beginning had believed that matters. It is what the Word of God says that matters. Protestantism is nothing but a total return to the original Christianity.
The secularists and unbelieving theologians without basis hypothesized that Paul got the Gospel from what was floating in the Jewish thought of his time; he adopted it because it balanced so naturally his theory of redemption. This is a lie comes right up from Hell to say the Gospel is so vague and universal sin is somewhat arbitrary. Gal 1:11-12, “For I would have you know, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” 2Co 4:3-4, “And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” The Gospel is neither vague nor veiled, only the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelieving, including secular academics, unbelieving scientists, theologians and philosophers. Act 15:7, “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe” 1Pe 1:9, “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” Peter testified to the same Gospel as Paul did. 1Jo 5:4-6, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.” Paul, Peter, John and all the apostles of Jesus Christ testified to the same definite Gospel truth in Christ without compromise or retreat.
Mar 12:24, “Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?
Note: Regarding the Christian Faith, so many secular academics, theologians and philosophers are mistaken, because they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. Because they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God, so they distort, misrepresent, misinterpret, and mislead people to their destruction. Believing the Scriptures is not deliberate ignorance or intellectual dishonesty.
Heb 3:12-14, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” Secularists and unbelieving theologians are departing from the living God because of their evil heart of unbelief, hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. They have been deceived by the sin of vain glory, guilty at times of undue pride, and belief in themselves. Only Christians are partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. The devil’s scheme is to disrupt and destroy that confidence in the Scripture. Secularists and unbelieving philosophers and theologians have been catastrophically wrong in advocating their so-called science and reason that are retarding for centuries the advance of truth and integrity in the West. In the last 500 years or more the West, and later America, have done so much evil in the world under imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, militarism, white supremacism, and terrorism. The West and America worship money, power, and sex; not the God of Christianity.
Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers demonstrate the indulgence of human pride and vanity of self-glorification. Reason is incompetent and incapable in the sphere of divine truth, and the knowledge of God. What is worst, they deliberately distort, misrepresent, and misinterpret the Word of God with their unbelief and bias, riddles and metaphors. Little they know that evil heart of unbelief will lead them to destruction and eternal death.
Tit 1:4, “To Titus, my true child in a common Faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”
Note: If you have grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior, you are a child in the common Faith.
Jde 1:3, “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the Faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”
Note: The Faith refers to the doctrines and dogmas given that which all saints must believe; it is what we believe, it is Christianity itself. Our common salvation is the result of our common Faith in Christ which was once for all handed down to the saints. The Common Faith is that we sinners are all saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God. Salvation is the gift of God, not because of our efforts or work or merit.
The authority of the Bible is final and infallible and incorruptible. This is the Scripture. Jhn 10:35, “If he called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken).” To be broken in Greek is lyō which means to break up; to break down; to destroy; to dissolve; to put off; to dismiss; to annul; to subvert; to do away with; to deprive of authority; to overthrow; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. The Scripture cannot be dismissed or subverted or overthrown.
The Word of God does not depend on the interpretation of so-called reputable authorities. No man or institution can claim to be the reputable authority of the Bible. There are no reputable interpreters of the Bible. The Bible interprets and explains itself in the light of the Holy Spirit. Luk 11:34-36, “The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.” Eph 1:17-19, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.” This is the truth of Christ. What Christians need is not any so-called reputable theologian or so-called authority to interpret the Bible. To have the knowledge of God, we need the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation, and the eyes of our heart may be enlightened, so that we will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
1Ti 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Note: If anyone claims to be a Christian and does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Here the Faith refers to Christianity, the Christian Faith. To believe in the Faith, you must act according to the Faith. Faith must express itself obedient to the Faith.
Rev 13:10, “If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the Faith of the saints.”
Note: To be destined is to be appointed by God. What God has destined, no one can escape. Destiny is an interesting concept. Let secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers ponder whether there is such a thing called destiny. In reality can anyone escape from his destiny? Has anyone ever avoided his destiny? There is a conceptual problem, if God destines or appoints, who can oppose the power of God? If God destines, where there is the free will? Can anyone decide or determine his own destiny? According to the Scripture, how a man dies is destined. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the Faith of the saints. To the unbelievers they have no hope. For the saints require perseverance and the Faith. We put our faith and our destiny in the Lord’s hand, whatever God destines for His children will be good.
The Apostles’ Creed is a little misleading because it was not written by the apostles. Probably it was written soon after all the apostles had passed away. It is believed to be the oldest creed of the Christian church and is the basis that most Christians of all generations believe and follow. The Apostles’ Creed is not the Scripture, but it is a summary of the Christian Faith.
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.”
The word “catholic” is also misleading because it does not mean the Roman Catholic Church; it relates to the universal invisible Church of Christ, which is the Body of Christ. The phrase, “He descended into hell,” was not part of the original creed form.
My modernized version of the Apostles’ Creed would be as follows:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heavens and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy universal Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body, and the Life everlasting. Amen.
V. IF YOU HAVE FAITH
Faith is of utmost importance that it can determine your destiny.
(1). Faith can move mountain.
Mat 17:20, “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
Faith is power, for faith appropriates the power of God. The power of God can move mountain, remove all obstacles or hindrances. Nothing is impossible with faith, for nothing is impossible with God. Faith is not magic, faith is not superstition. God is pleased when anyone has faith in Him. The power of faith is the power of God.
(2). Faith can cast mountain into the sea.
Mat 21:21, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.”
Note: By faith you can cast your doubt into the sea.
(3). Perfect health on the basis of faith.
Act 3:16,“And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the Faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
Note: Pentecostal churches have a wrong emphasis on heath and on faith healing. The primary purpose of Jesus Christ coming into the world is to save souls, to heal the sick is secondary. No matter how healthy you are, you are going to die anyway. It is important for Christians to be concerned about health matters. Do not drink or smoke or use drugs, and do not eat unhealthy food. Do not practice sexual immorality. So that we can live long to serve the Lord. Christians get sick anyway. God can heal the sick. But it is not always God’s will to heal the sick. Christians can use doctors and medicine, but must acknowledge God in everything. Physicians also get sick and die. I do not have the gift of speaking in tongues, although I understand a few languages. I do not have the gift of healing, but God healed me many times and saved my life many times. I am upset by so many fake healings and fake healers practiced today. If God heals your blindness or paralysis, it should be good for life until you die. It is not possible for God to heal paralysis only temporarily.
(4). The righteousness of God comes on the basis of faith.
Phl 3:9, “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Note: The righteousness of God can only be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, and there is no other way.
(5). Our hearts are cleansed by faith through the precious blood of Jesus.
Act 15:9, “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
Note: The cleansing of our hearts is done by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit. There is no holy water able to cleanse your heart.
(6). Believers are sanctified by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”
Note: No ritual, no abstinence, no food, no celibacy, no meditation, no hermitage, no acetic practices, and nothing can sanctify you. Believers can be sanctified by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
(7). The righteous shall live by faith.
Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Heb 10:38, “BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.”
Note: The righteous are those who are counted righteous by God. The righteous shall live by faith, not by sight, not by science, not by sex, not by sports, not by subsidy, etc. From faith to faith means completely by faith and nothing else.
(8). Man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Rom 3:28, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”
Rom 9:32, “Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.”
Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” Gal 3:11, “Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Gal 3:24, “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”
Note: Man is justified (counted as righteous) by faith in Christ apart from works of the Law. No one can fulfil the requirements of the Law to earn the righteousness of God.
(9). God will justify the circumcised and the uncircumcised through faith.
Rom 3:30, “since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”
Rom 9:30, “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith.”
Gal 3:8, “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”
Note: The circumcised are the Jews, and the uncircumcised are the Gentiles. God will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles by faith. There is no other way to God. Unrighteous men cannot approach God.
(10). You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Rom 4:16, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
Note: Salvation is a gift of God, according to His grace. To accept the gift of God you must have faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is the only way you are saved by grace and through faith in Christ, there is no other way.
(11). Having justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we are reconciled to God, and thus we have peace with God. For sinners are enemies of God.
(12). Through Christ by faith we obtained introduction to God.
Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
Note: By faith in Jesus Christ, we are introduced to God by grace in which we stand, and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
(13). Believers walk by faith, not by sight.
2Co 5:7, “for we walk by faith, not by sight—”
Note: Christians cannot walk by science, by philosophy, by sight, or by human wisdom. We walk by faith following the steps in Jesus Christ.
(14). Christians live by faith in the Son of God.
Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Note: A Christian life is the life to live by faith in the Son of God. Self-seeking is not the Christian life.
(15). The promise by faith in Jesus is given to those who believe.
Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
Note: The promise by faith in Jesus Christ is eternal life and eternal inheritance in Heaven.
(16). Through the Spirit, by faith, Christians are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
Gal 5:5, “For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”
Note: The hope of righteousness is the hope of the redemption of our body, the hope in Christ to the praise of His Glory, the hope of His calling what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints laid up for us in Heaven, the hope of glory and the hope of eternal life.
(17). Preach the Gospel is to further the administration of God by faith.
1Ti 1:4, “nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.”
Note: By preaching the Gospel, Christians everywhere can further the administration of God which is by faith.
(18). Hearing the good news must be united by faith.
Heb 4:2, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.”
Note: To profit those who hear the good news preached to them, the word must be united by faith in those who heard.
(19). By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God.
Heb 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”
Note: By faith we understand the worlds were created by the Word of God, seeing things which are not visible.
(20). By faith Abel, though dead, he still speaks.
Heb 11:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”
Note: By faith though the righteous is dead, yet his work speaks.
(21). By faith Enoch was taken up because he was pleasing to God.
Heb 11:5, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”
Note: Only by faith can a man be pleasing to God.
(22). By faith Noah, became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Heb 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
Note: By faith Noah was being warned by God about things not yet seen. Noah became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
(23). By faith Abraham obeyed, and he went out not knowing where he was going.
Heb 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Note: Abraham in obedience of faith went out, not knowing where he was going.
(24). By faith Abraham lived in tents, waiting for the mansions above.
Heb 11:9, “By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise.”
Note: By faith Abraham lived as an alien in tents because he was looking for a better country in Heaven.
(25). By faith Sarah beyond the proper time of life, received ability to conceive.
Heb 11:11, “By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.”
Note: By faith Sarah an old lady beyond the proper time of life, received ability to conceive and bore a son of promise.
Gen 17:17, “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” By faith, Sarah did.
(26). By faith Abraham when he was tested offered up Isaac.
Heb 11:17, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son.”
Note: By faith Abraham was willing to offer up Isaac. Abraham did not keep anything left for himself. He obeyed God 100%.
(27). By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.
Heb 11:20, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.”
Note: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau regarding things to come.
(28). By faith Jacob when dying blessed his 12 sons.
Heb 11:21, “By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”
Note: By faith Jacob when dying blessed his 12 sons and grandsons.
(29). By faith Joseph when dying, mentioned the exodus and gave orders concerning his bones.
Heb 11:22, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”
Note: By faith Joseph gave order concerning his bones.
(30). By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for 3 months by his parents, not afraid of the king’s edict.
Heb 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
Note: By faith parents of Moses were not afraid of the king’s edict.
(31). By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
Heb 11:24, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.”
Note: Most people would seek somehow to connect or relate to the king or the rich and powerful, but by faith Moses refused to be called the son of the princess of Pharaoh. Pharaoh was an absolute monarch with wealth and power no current kings and queens could match.
(32). By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king.
Heb 11:27, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.”
Note: By faith Moses feared God, left Egypt and not fearing the wrath of the king.
(33). By faith Moses kept the Passover to save the firstborn of the Jews.
Heb 11:28, “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.”
Note: By faith Moses kept the Passover so that he who destroyed the firstborn of Egyptians would not touch the sons of Israel.
(34). By faith the sons of Israel passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land.
Heb 11:29, “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”
Note: By faith the sons of Israel passed through the Red Sea, this is one of historical greatest miracles of God.
(35). By faith the walls of Jericho fell down as God said.
Heb 11:30, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”
Note: By faith the walls of Jericho fell down. By faith the walls of obstruction in our lives may fall down too.
(36). By faith Rahab and her family were saved.
Heb 11:31, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”
Note: Although prostitutes are the lowest of females, yet by faith Rahab the harlot and her family were saved. So prostitutes can be saved if they give up greed for money, repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
(37). Who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.
Heb 11:33, “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.”
Note: There is no tension between the power of God and anyone or anything. No one and nothing can stand in the way of God. Faith is not what you wish it considered just as astronomy or chemistry is. There are two kinds of knowledge, human and divine, which in themselves clear enough. Human knowledge is a result of reason and research. For example, astronomy or chemistry. However, human knowledge cannot go beyond the visible and natural and temporal. Divine knowledge is the knowledge of God, spiritual, supernatural, infinite and eternal unaided by the light of reason and nature. It is impossible by human means to discover God and to have knowledge of God. The knowledge of God can only be achieved by revelation through faith. Some objected a revealed knowledge of God as arbitrary. Yes, God is absolute, supreme, and ultimate, Self-Existent and Eternal. God is not negotiable. Truth is not negotiable. What is misleading can never be truth. The longer I live, the more I know, the more I hear and see, the less I have confidence in humanity and human institutions, or products of human efforts, science and philosophy. Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar. It does not matter what Hume, Kant, Aristotle, Karl Barth, Plato, Einstein, Darwin, Confucius, Mozi, Laozi, etc. all dead persons had said. I know my Redeemer lives forever. So I have unequivocally complete faith in the absolute, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Creator and Ruler of the universe, the eternal Almighty God. That is one of the reasons I write this article so that you may believe in God and Jesus Christ our Lord.
VI. WHAT OR WHO TO BELIEVE
(A). God
Jhn 14:1, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”
Heb 6:1, “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”
Note: God is Who He Is, the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. No man, no one can question the ultimate authority of God. Man’s duty is to believe, bow, listen and worship God. Whatever God does is right because He does it, and hence it is right whatever it is. To believe in God is to have faith toward God. This is the first principle. To have faith toward God, you cannot have faith toward anyone, any religion, any institution, any tradition, any custom, any system, any ideology, anything. God is supreme. If you put anything or anyone in the place of God, it becomes your idol or false god. In America, only primitive immigrants worship idols, but most Americans worship money, power, and sex. Whatever you put in the place of God, it becomes an idol or false god. The Bible does not say believe in theology, for theology is made by men. There are different types of theology which is flawed and misleading. The only correct is Biblical Theology. Only the Word of God is absolute and infallible.
Psa 78:22, “Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation.”
Note: To believe in God is of paramount importance because those who disbelieve God trying to call God a liar. Unbelief insults God. Faith in God is not the acceptance of a proposition, faith in God is the full acceptance of His Word. Faith is the act of believing, trusting in God. God is the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. Before time and space God is. God is Who He Is. God declares, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ It is fundamental to have faith in God, it is impossible to come to God without believing He is. To believe in God means to trust in His salvation.
God is faithful and worthy of worship, it presents no difficulty whether majority of scientists, scholastics, theologians and philosophers believe or not. There is no such a thing called the natural knowledge of God. Rom 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” No one can discover the knowledge of God except by revelation. Mar 12:27, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” It is pathetic to find scholars and scientists who are greatly mistaken and they do not even know it. God does not need anyone to demonstrate His existence more than the Sun needs the blind to prove its existence. God is not a first cause. Rev 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” After all scholars, scientists, theologians and philosophers are dead and buried a priori or a posteriori, God is and God will be forever and ever.
Rev 4:8-11, “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Note: Sinful men have no idea what it means “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” The will of God is supreme, even nuclear weapons cannot destroy it.
Psa 78:32, “In spite of all this they still sinned And did not believe in His wonderful works.
Note: To believe in God also believe in His wonderful works. The wonderful works of God are written in the Holy Bible.
It is absurd and abhorrent for a sinful and immoral man to question God is good in what sense. It is worse than an elementary student asking how good is Einstein in mathematics. Mat 19:17, “And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Good in Greek is agathos which means that which is good; the thing which is good; excellent; distinguished; upright; honorable; benevolent; kind; generous; beneficent; free of evil; – which occurs 128 times in the New Testament. The goodness of God is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it to say God is the only One who is good. Mar 10:17-18, “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” What is good or not is in the sight of God. If it is in the sight of God it is good, it is good. If in the sight of God it is evil, it is evil. Jesus definitely says, “No one is good except God alone.”
Rom 3:12, “ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
Note: This is the verdict of God, There is none who does good, there is not even one. The problem of secularists, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers is the fact they think they are good for something. In the sight of God, all are good for nothing.
Rom 7:18, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”
Note: Even the great Apostle Paul admits that he knows that nothing good dwells in him, that is, in his flesh. This is the correct view, this is the truth about man, all men and women and children.
3Jo 1:11, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”
Note: The one who does good is of God. On the contrary, secularists want to philosophize that there is good in themselves. For Christians who imitate what is good, and if there is any good it is not of themselves, it is of God. God is the fountain of all goodness.
Psa 106:24, “Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe in His Word.”
Note: To believe in God is to believe in His Word. The Holy Bible is the Word of God (written), and Jesus Christ is the Word of God (living).
Psa 119:66, “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.”
Note: To believe in God is to believe in His commandments.
2Co 1:20, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”
Note: To believe in God is to believe in the promises of God. The promises of God are yes and true.
Eph 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Note: To believe in God is to believe salvation by grace through faith is the gift of God; not as a result of works or merits. No one is deserved to be saved, it is by grace you have been saved through faith in Christ.
Deu 32:51, “because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel.”
Num 27:14, “for in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to treat Me as holy before their eyes at the water.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)
Num 20:1-13, “Then the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people stayed at Kadesh. Now Miriam died there and was buried there. There was no water for the congregation, and they assembled themselves against Moses and Aaron. The people thus contended with Moses and spoke, saying, “If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD! Why then have you brought the LORD’S assembly into this wilderness, for us and our beasts to die here? Why have you made us come up from Egypt, to bring us in to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there water to drink.” Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them; and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water. You shall thus bring forth water for them out of the rock and let the congregation and their beasts drink.” So Moses took the rod from before the LORD, just as He had commanded him; and Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Those were the waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel contended with the LORD, and He proved Himself holy among them.”
Note: This is no small matter. To obey the command of the Lord and to treat the Lord as holy is never a small matter. Let us tremble before the Lord. Let me always treat the Lord as holy in my sight. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock before the eyes of the Lord’s assembly, that it may yield its water. What a terrible thing that Moses struck the rock twice with his rod. Thus Moses had not believed the Lord, to treat the Lord as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel. For this reason, the Lord did not allow him to enter the Promised Land.
Deu 32:51-52, “because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel. For you shall see the land at a distance, but you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving the sons of Israel.”
Note: May God help us under no circumstances to break faith with the Lord, or not to treat Him as holy.
(B). Christ
Jhn 20:31, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Note: It is not enough to believe in God, to believe in God you must also believe in Christ as God commanded. To believe in Christ is to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you have life in His name. To have life in the name of Jesus Christ is to have eternal life.
Rom 3:9, “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin.”
Note: In the sight of God, there is no one group of heathen better than another group of heathen. There is no one group of sinners better than another group of sinners. The heathen can never in their own way rely upon divine grace, it means the unsaved no matter who they are in no way less heathen, poor and utterly lost. There is absolutely nothing in a lost sinner that deserves any grace from God. There is no any other way, indigenous or meritorious, than the way of Christ to God. Both Jews and Gentiles, including Karl Barth, Emil Brunner, etc. are all under sin.
Jhn 1:18, “No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side —He has revealed Him.”
Note: Do not let anyone fool you. No one has ever seen God, not even Moses. Jesus Christ the only begotten of God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has revealed and explained Him. To know Jesus Christ is to know God. To see Jesus Christ is to see God.
Only one thing is really decisive for the distinction of truth and falsehood, it is not providential disposition. That one thing is the truth in Christ. Rom 9:1, “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit.” The truth in Christ is testified by the Holy Spirit. A whole range of other religions do not have the truth in Christ nor the testimony of the Holy Spirit. It is a false teacher who places Christianity on a par with all pagan religions devoid of divine revelation. Without doubt, the revelation of God’s righteousness in Christ is the Truth, the only Truth, without whom no man comes to the Father.
Act 8:37, “[And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]
Note: To believe in Christ is to believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Note: A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ. No flesh will be justified by the works of the Law.
Rom 3:22, “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction.”
Note: To believe in Christ is to believe the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ is a gift of God for all those who believe; for there is no distinction whether you are a Jew or Gentile, male or female.
Rom 6:8, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.”
Note: To believe in Christ is to believe we have died with Christ to sin and the world, we believe that we shall also live with Him for eternity.
Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
Note: To believe in Christ is to believe that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. These are the promises of God to Abraham, and believers are heirs according to promise.
1Ti 1:16, “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”
Note: To believe in Christ is to find mercy, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
1Jo 3:23, “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.”
Note: This is the commandment of God that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. There is a religion that claims to believe in God but does not believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, that religion disobeys the commandment of God, and so it is a false religion. To believe in Christ is to obey the commandment of God, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. It is impossible for anyone who claims to a Christian and yet he lies, kills and robs. It is impossible for Christians to be warmongers, oppressors, aggressors and terrorists. Christians love one another as Christ has commanded.
Heb 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Note: To believe in Christ is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith. The Christian faith does not fix our eyes on anyone else or anything else.
Phm 1:5, “because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.”
Note: If you have faith toward the Lord Jesus, you will also love Him and love toward all the saints.
(C). The Gospel
The Gospel is the message of good news from God to mankind. This is what you must do with the Gospel of God.
(1). Repent and believe in the Gospel.
Mar 1:15, “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Note: To believe in God and to believe in Christ is to repent and believe in the Gospel. Only Christianity has the Gospel (good news), and no other religion has gospel. When Christians gather we always sing praises to the Lord, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with our hearts to the Lord; singing with thankfulness in our hearts to God. When I was a boy, I did not like Buddhist temples because people inside moaned and groaned. Surprisingly, today Buddhist temples have people singing imitating Christian churches.
(2). Believe the Gospel so that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Act 15:7-11, “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”
Note: To believe in the Gospel is to believe the Word of the Gospel, receiving the Holy Spirit for cleansing our hearts by faith, and to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Rom 10:8, “But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the Word of faith which we are preaching.”
Note: The Gospel is the Word of faith. If you have faith in Jesus Christ, the Gospel becomes the power of God for your salvation.
(3). The essence of the Gospel ministry of Jesus.
Mat 11:5, “the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.”
Note: The poor have the Gospel preached to them. When Christ preached the Gospel on earth, the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up.
Luk 4:18, “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED.”
Note: This is the prophesy fulfilled in Jesus Christ anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor and to save the souls of sinners.
Luk 7:22, “And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.”
Note: This statement cited above is a concise summary of the ministry of Jesus on earth.
(4). The Gospel must be preached in the whole world before the end will come.
Mat 24:14, “This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end of the world will come. My websites through the Internet are intended to preach the Gospel in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations absolutely free.
(5). The Gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
Mar 13:10, “The Gospel must first be preached to all the nations.”
Note: To preach the Gospel to all the nations is the first task for the Church to do. It is not social work. It is the duty of Christians to preach the Gospel to all nations.
(6). Jesus Christ commanded disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.
Mar 16:15, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”
Note: During the Ascension, the Lord Jesus commanded and commissioned all disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. The primary task of the Church is to preach the Gospel to all creation, not social work, not charity work, not any other work.
(7). To believe in the Gospel is to turn from idols to the living God.
Act 14:15, “and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the Gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.”
Note: To preach the Gospel is to call people turn from idolatry (idols are vain things) to the living God who made the universe. There are many kinds of idols, not only those made of stones, wood, and metal. Some Taiwanese politicians claim to be Christians and yet they publicly burn incense and worship idols broadcast on TV. They are fake and false believers. No one who worships the vain things can be called a Christian. In America only primitive immigrants worship idols made of hands. But most Americans worship money, power, and sex as their idols.
(8). To testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God is more important than our lives.
Act 20:24, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God.”
Note: True servants of Christ like Apostle Paul do not consider their lives of any accounts as dear to themselves, so that they may finish their course and the ministry which they receive from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God. The Gospel is about the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ that men may be saved.
(9). To believe in the Gospel is to believe in the Gospel of His Son.
Rom 1:9, “For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the Gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you.”
Note: Why the present-day unbelieving theologians regard the Gospel of John as the least reliable of the gospels facetiously, because its clear central message is Jesus Christ the Son of God. It is in this Gospel Jesus Christ declares to the world, Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” It is also in this Gospel the purpose is clear, Jhn 20:30-31, “Therefore many other miracles Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” When I was a lad, an American professor advised me to read the Gospel of John 100 times, and study the Book of Romans 100 times. My understanding of the Faith is invariably endowed and enhanced by my study especially of the Gospel of John and and the Book of Romans. Let me tell you the enemies of the cross especially hate these two books of the Bible.
(10). The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Rom 1:16, “ For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.”
Note: A secular academics incredibly and incoherently said, “it is one thing to call him a sinner when he has actually sinned, and another thing to call him a sinner because he is capable of sinning. For man is capable also of noble deeds, of self-sacrifice and heroism; yet one would not call him a saint or a hero until his deeds have actually merited such an appellation. There is no reason why this moral plasticity of man… should be equated with sin rather than with virtue.” This worldly scholar seems to say he is not a sinner, and he has not sinned. Rather he can be equated with virtue. How do I debate with a man so blind that he cannot see the fact of sins, crimes and evil committed by men everyday. He is even oblivious to the historical facts of how European nations and America have done so much evil in the world, lying, killing, and robbing to this day. He seems to be oblivious to the atrocities and wickedness of World War I and World War II, not to say the coming nuclear war that will destroy the world. If man is so virtuous and noble by nature, which world is he living in, why do we face with so many problems and so much evil and wickedness in this world anyway? I have no problems with people doing good and doing right. The problem is the evil man who does evil daily and continuously and deliberately. Just take a look of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex and Islamic terrorists what they are doing. Jesus Christ says, Mat 12:33-37, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
No man will die because of Adam’s sin or the original sin. No one will die or be judged for involuntary sin. Jesus says emphatically, Jhn 8:24, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Don’t worry about Adam’s sin, worry about your own sins. You will not die because of Adam’s sin or the original sin. Jesus says you will die in your sins. Unless you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of Mankind, you will die in your sins. Rom 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The funny part is that secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers think they are the exception, they have not sinned. Since they have not sinned, let us watch and see if they will die. You will have the answer.
(11). According to the Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
Rom 2:16, “on the day when, according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”
Note: This is very significant, God also knows the secrets of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers which no one knows; God will judge them through Jesus Christ. I am not interested in the secrets of any man.
(12). The Gospel is the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.
Rom 16:25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.”
Note: The Gospel is not made by man, it is the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.
(13). To preach the Gospel not in cleverness of speech.
1Co 1:17, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.”
Note: To preach the Gospel is to preach Jesus Christ who died for our sins on the cross, not in cleverness of speech. I recall a prosperity gospel preacher who invented a series of cleverness of speech, such as ‘something good is going to happen to you.’
(14). Preachers endure all things so that they cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.
1Co 9:12, “If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.”
Note: Anyone is accursed if she causes hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. Instead Christians must endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. In the last 500 years Western nations (later America) have lied, killed, robbed, and attacked nations in Asia, Latin America and Africa and pretend to be Christians, indeed they cause hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. The history of Western (Europe and America) powers is the history of aggression, atrocities, cruelties, brutalities, exploitation, oppression, suppression, subjugation, injustice, and destruction.
(15). Offer the Gospel without charge.
1Co 9:18, “What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Gospel, I may offer the Gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel.”
Note: On the Internet I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation, we only want you to know the truth.
(16). Do all things for the sake of the Gospel.
Co 9:23, “I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”
Note: True servants of Christ do all things for the sake the Gospel. Many preachers today do all things for the sake of money.
(17). Unbelievers are blinded and they might see the light of the Gospel.
2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Note: The god of this world is the devil. The devil blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. Christ is the image of God. That is the reason secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers do not believe because their minds have been blinded by the god of this world. Not only they do not know the god of this world has blinded their minds, on the contrary they think they have brilliant minds.
(18). Any man is preaching another gospel is to be accursed.
Gal 1:7-9, “which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from Heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”
Note: There are deceivers who distort the Gospel of Christ, including secular academics and unbelieving theologians. There is one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. If any man or even an angel who is preaching a different gospel, contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he is to be accursed, he is to be damned.
(19). The Gospel of your salvation is the message of truth.
Eph 1:13-14, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”
Note: The Gospel of our salvation is the message of truth, sealed in God with the Holy Spirit of promise, given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. Poor thing, secularists, philosophers, scientists and unbelieving theologians could not recognize the message of truth.
(20). The Gospel is revealed as the mystery of Christ.
Eph 3:3-6, “that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.”
Note: The Gospel is the revealed mystery of Christ, to be specific, that the Gentile believers are fellow heirs and fellow members of the Body of Christ, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. The mystery of Christ is beyond comprehension of secularists, scientists, philosophers, and unbelieving theologians who consider it contrary to the rational thought.
(21). Christ is the mystery of the Gospel.
Eph 6:19, “and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel.”
Note: Christ is the mystery of the Gospel, which was not made known to the sons of men in ages past, now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; that whoever believes in the Son of God may receive the eternal life.
(22). Christians must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
Phl 1:27, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the Faith of the Gospel.”
Note: Believers only conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the Faith of the Gospel.
(23). True believers share the struggle in the cause of the Gospel.
Phl 4:3, “Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the Gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.”
Note: True believers share the struggle in the cause of the Gospel, their names are in the Book of Life. Since my websites have become globally known, it is funny there are many men suddenly appear on the Internet with their pictures as Willie Wong. Once I found a Chinese woman who even called herself Willie Wong with her picture on her website quoting my writings verbatim. Because I never put my picture on the Internet, she might not know that Willie Wong is a man. Could there be any problem since there are so many Willie Wongs, which one whose name is written in the Book of Life? No problem at all. My Heavenly Father has known and called me before the foundation of the world, so God only knows which one is the Willie Wong, whose name is in the Book of Life. Just like there are millions of Paul in the history of the world, there is only one Apostle Paul whose name is on the wall of the Holy City twelve foundation stones, Paul is one of the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
(24). The Gospel is the Word of truth.
Col 1:5, “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the Gospel.”
Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Christian Gospel is the Word of truth. It is worthy for all to accept and believe.
(25). The Gospel comes in power and in the Holy Spirit.
1Th 1:5, “for our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”
Note: The Gospel is not in word only, it is also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction to those who believe. The power of God and the Holy Spirit changes liars, thieves, robbers, murderers, prostitutes, crooks and criminals, the worst of sinners.
(26). Those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel will pay the penalty of eternal destruction.
2Th 1:8-10, “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.”
Note: I do not know why secularists, scientists, philosophers, and unbelieving theologians are so stubborn in refusing and disobeying the Gospel, don’t they know the penalty is eternal destruction?
(27). True ministers of Christ are not ashamed to join in suffering for the Gospel.
2Ti 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God.”
Note: True servants of Christ are not ashamed to join in suffering for the Gospel. Funny it is that prosperity gospel preachers and followers not only they do not suffer for the Gospel, they want to get rich and become popular in this world.
(28). Our Savior Christ Jesus appeared to bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel.
2Ti 1:10, “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.”
Note: To believe in the Gospel is to believe in the Savior Jesus Christ who gives you life and immortality.
(29). The Gospel is the fact Jesus Christ dies and rose from the dead.
2Ti 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel.”
Note: The complete Gospel is that Jesus Christ our Savior came down from Heaven to die on the cross for sinners, the Righteous for the unrighteous; and the third day Jesus Christ rose from the dead to justify all who believe in Him, to receive the forgiveness of sins, and by grace to be counted as righteousness in the sight of God. We are saved by grace though faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is the gift of God, not our work.
(30). The Gospel preached by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven.
1Pe 1:12, “ It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven—things into which angels long to look.”
Note: Jesus proclaimed the Gospel while He was on earth. Jesus returned to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel through the apostles and disciples. Gospel is the most interesting things into which angels long to look.
(31). Hear the Word of the Gospel and believe.
Act 15:7, “After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the Word of the Gospel and believe.”
Note: Those who the Word of the Gospel must believe.
(32). Judgment is for those who do not obey the Gospel of God.
1Pe 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”
Note: The judgment to come will begin with the household of God. The outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God will be more devastating. But there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Gospel is preached all over the world, but people must believe and obey the Gospel. (D). The Prophets
Act 26:27, “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.”
Note: Christians believe the Prophets of the Lord as it is written in the Bible.
2Ch 20:20, “They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”
Note: In old times, the children of Israel were admonished to put their trust in God’s prophets and succeed.
Jer 29:19, “because they have not listened to My words,’ declares the LORD, ‘which I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets; but you did not listen,’ declares the LORD.”
Note: God called His prophets His servants. To listen the prophets of the Lord is to listen to God’s words.
Jer 35:15, “Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying: ‘Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. Then you will dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.”
Note: God had sent all His servants the prophets again and again, saying: Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. The sons of Israel had not inclined their ears or listened to God.
Dan 9:10, “nor have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets.”
Note: The teachings of God were set before the Jews through His servants the prophets, yet they had not obeyed the voice of the Lord.
Amo 3:7, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets.”
Note: Why do we believe the prophets? Because in old time the Lord God did nothing unless He revealed His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.
Mat 2:23, “and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Note: What were spoken through the prophets about Jesus were fulfilled.
Mat 5:12,“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Note: Jesus says that Christians will be persecuted in the same way the prophets were persecuted.
Mat 5:17,“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”
Note: This is the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament: Jesus Christ did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, He came to fulfill them. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Judaism is fulfilled in Christianity.
Luk 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Note: This is one of the most famous and precious teachings of Jesus Christ, later known as the Golden Rule.
Mat 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Note: Jesus Christ sums up the Law and the Prophets: In everything treat people the same way you want them to treat you. Do to others as you would have them do to you. This simple but profound doctrine remembers and resonates through the ages. The truth of Christ is not an abstracted conception of logic, it is the moral precept of everyday Christian practice. Warmongers, aggressors, dictators, oppressors, troublemakers, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, monopolists, supremacists, militarists, and terrorist practice exactly the opposite of Christ’s teachings.
Mat 7:15, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Note: Western aggressors and warmongers are just like false prophets, who come to the international forum in sheep’s clothing, and pretending to advocate democracy, freedom, independence, equality, justice, etc. but inwardly and outwardly they are worse than ravenous wolves, because they lie, kill, and rob without shame.
Mat 24:11, “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”
Note: Jesus predicts that in the last days many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Just in the United States alone how many false prophets there are. The work of false prophets is to mislead many. False prophets mislead many to depart from the faith. False Western political leaders use democracy, freedom, independence, justice, etc. to deceive and violate and attack other nations. Western media daily and habitually mislead the world with fake news, fake reports, fake views, falsehoods, and spread lies without shame.
Mat 24:24, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great miracles and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
Note: What is worse is the fact that false Christs and false prophets will show great miracles and wonders to mislead many. There are fake miracles and fake wonders to mislead believers. There are innumerable fake things in the world today, who ever thought of fake miracles and fake wonders!
Luk 1:70, “ As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—”
Note: Rarely God spoke to individual like Abraham. God spoke to Moses face to face. Usually God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old. For this reason, what holy prophets spoke in the name of God are the Word of God. Therefore, Christians believe in the books of prophets in the Old Testament. Prophets are spokesmen of God. However, there are no longer prophets of old like those in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is completed. There are also no prophets of the New Testament, for the revelation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament is also completed. Since the deaths of the apostles and elders, there has not been a new prophet. For it is not possible for a new prophet to add anything to the completed revelation of the New Testament. Since then New Testament prophets are not the servants of Christ who predict things to come. The New Testaments prophets now are those who are filled of the Holy Spirit and who are equipped to explain, expound, and preach the Word of God and the truth of the Gospel in power with great results. In my lifetime I have not known any servant of Christ who can be qualified to be called a New Testament prophet. There are some evangelists and preachers and Bible scholars known in these last days. We need to pray for servants of Christ who are able to preach the Word in great power and with great results. You will not find them in American mega-churches or on TV. Sadly although I have known a great number of preachers worldwide, I cannot name one who was or who is filled with the Holy Spirit with great power. What you can find are so many false prophets and false preachers today.
Luk 18:31, “Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.”
Note: Everything written through the prophets in the Old Testament about the Son of God had been accomplished. The only thing that has not been fulfilled is the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead, to reign with the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Luk 24:27, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”
Note: The most revealing and enlightening was the fact that Jesus Christ beginning with Moses and with all the prophets explained to disciples the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures (the Old Testament).
Jhn 1:45, “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Note: Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. The central message of the Holy Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Act 3:18, “But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.”
Note: The things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets concerning the sufferings of Christ had been fulfilled. Remember, prophecy is always announced beforehand, before things happen. When things happened according to prophecy they become history. In America there have been many false prophets who made big money prophesying the date of the second coming of Christ. False prophecy never comes true, and these false prophets have no shame to again and again make false prophecy for money. So many gullible and ignorant Americans believed and gave false prophets large sums of money and their properties.
Act 10:43, “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
Note: This prophecy is still true, of Jesus Christ all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins. Although I am no prophet, I also bear witness through my websites that all who believe in Christ will be saved by grace. For that reason we preach the Gospel absolutely free. We do not want donation, we only want you to know the truth.
Act 15:15-18, “With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, ‘AFTER THESE THINGS I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT, SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,’SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO.”
Note: The words of all the Prophets agree, the Gospel of God has been revealed in Jesus Christ, whosoever believes in Him receive eternal life.
Act 24:14, “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.”
Note: The Way, the Christian Way, Jesus Christ the Way to God is everything in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets. There is no other way.
Rom 1:1-5, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.”
Note: The Gospel of God was promised beforehand through the prophets of God in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Those who received grace also brought about the obedience of faith. Faith always leads to obedience of faith. If you have faith in Christ, you obey Christ and follow Him.
Rom 16:26, “but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.”
Note: The commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations by the Scriptures of the prophets, leading all believers to obedience of faith to Jesus Christ. Faith is obedience to Jesus Christ.
Heb 1:1-2, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”
Note: God spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways (the Old Testament). In these last days God has spoken to the world in His Son Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ speaks God speaks. So the Word of Christ is far more important than the prophets because it is the last, absolute, and ultimate.
2Pe 3:2, “that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.”
Note: The Word of God was spoken beforehand by the holy prophets, in these last days concluded by Jesus Christ, and what the Lord and Savior spoken by His apostles. So the Old Testament is the Word of God. Not only the Gospels, the whole New Testament is the Word of God. That is the meaning we believe in the holy prophets and apostles. Jhn 20:31, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” 2Ti 3:15, “and that from childhood you have known the Sacred Writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
In summary, we believe in God, we believe in Christ, we believe in the Gospel, and we believe the holy prophets in the Holy Scriptures (the Sacred Writings) which give wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
VII. THROUGH FAITH
Through faith in Jesus Christ, not only we receive salvation, we also receive many rights and blessings, duties and responsibilities.
(1). Receive forgiveness of sins.
Act 10:43, “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”
Note: This is the good news that sinners and everyone who believers in Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins. You cannot pay money to get forgiveness of your sins. You cannot do the work of the Law to receive forgiveness of your sins. You cannot earn merit to receive forgiveness of your sins. You can do nothing to receive forgiveness of your sins. You receive forgiveness of your sins freely and simply by believing in the name of Jesus Christ because it is the grace of God on account of the righteousness of Christ who died for sinners.
(2). The righteousness of God.
Rom 3:22, “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction.”
Phl 3:9, “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Note: You are counted or credited righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
(3). A propitiation in His blood.
Rom 3:25, “ whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed.”
Note: Propitiation in Greek is hilastērion which means relating to an appeasing or expiating, having placating or expiating force, expiatory; a means of appeasing or expiating (Strong’s Concordance); a means of appeasing or expiating; an expiatory sacrifice; appeasement; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Jesus died on the cross in His blood as an appeasement to God so that God passed over our sins through faith.
(4). Justification in Christ.
Rom 3:30, “since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”
Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Note: Justify in Greek is dikaioō which means to be freed; to render righteous; to declare one to be just; to regard as innocent; to declare not guilty; to be acquitted of a charge; to be absolved; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. God justifies sinners not by works of the Law, but through faith in Christ Jesus.
(5). Receive the promise of the Spirit.
Gal 3:14, “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
Note: To receive the promise of the Spirit is to receive the promise in Jesus Christ by faith.
(6). Become children of God.
Jhn 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”
Gal 3:26, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Note: As many as received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, to them God gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. What an honor and privilege for unworthy sinners.
(7). Have been saved.
Eph 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Mar 16:16, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”
Note: He who has believed and repented and baptized shall be saved through faith.
(8). Into this grace in which we stand.
Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
Note: No one can stand before the Holy God. Believers have obtained introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.
(9). To please God.
Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Note: Faith pleases God. God is pleased with him who comes to God and believes that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
(10). Have boldness and confident access.
Eph 3:12, “in Whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”
Note: Sinners are afraid of the Holy God, having no access to God, much less boldness and confidence. Through faith in Jesus Christ who opened the way to the God by His blood, we have boldness and confident access to God for mercy.
(11). Christ dwells in our hearts.
Eph 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love.”
Note: The wonder of all wonders is the fact that Christ dwells in the heart of a believer, being rooted and grounded in love. A Christian can know for sure that Christ lives in his heart through faith by the Holy Spirit.
(12). Raised up with Christ from the dead.
Col 2:12, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
Note: Believers are raised up with Jesus Christ through faith to receive the new life and participate in the nature of God.
(13). Salvation which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:15, “and that from childhood you have known the Sacred Writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Note: The Sacred Writings (the Holy Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(14). Cleansing our hearts.
Act 15:9, “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
Note: Our hearts are cleansed by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
(15). To be Sanctified.
Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”
Note: God opens the eyes of believers so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ.
(16). Inherit the promises.
Heb 6:12, “so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Note: Christians should not be sluggish or lazy, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
(17). The Word of God performs its work in you.
1Th 2:13, “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the Word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”
Note: Wonderful is the Word of God which also performs its work in those who believe.
(18). Become sons of Light.
Jhn 12:36, “While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.”
Jhn 12:46, “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Light of Life, the Light of the World. Believe in the Light so that you may become sons of Light. Sons of Light will not remain in darkness. Western leaders and politicians who lie, kill, and rob other nations without shame are sons of darkness and children of the devil. Western media that lie, lie, and lie without shame; make fake news, fake reports, fake views and spreads lies and falsehoods to deceive the world are sons of darkness and children of the devil. They may feel triumphant and arrogant now, but the Day of Judgment is near. Clearly, those who believe in Jesus Christ will not remain in darkness. You remain in darkness because you are sons of darkness.
(19). Live by faith in the Son of God.
Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Note: Christians do not live for themselves, do not live for money, power, and sex; they live by faith in the Son of God.
(20). Have eternal life.
Jhn 3:15, “so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”
1Jo 5:1, “ Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.”
Note: Whoever believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God have eternal life.
(21). Enter the rest of God.
Heb 4:3, “For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.”
Note: We who have believed enter the rest of God. The rest and joy in Heaven is eternal.
(22). Building ourselves up.
Jde 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Note: The most holy faith can build up believers in Christ, praying in the Holy Spirit.
(23). Fight the good fight.
1Ti 1:18-19, “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”
Note: To keep faith and a good conscience is to fight the good fight.
(24). Working through love.
Gal 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”
Note: Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. Many falsely believe ritual means anything. The important thing is faith working through love. It is not possible to have faith without love. It is not possible for warmongers, oppressors, liars, killers, robbers, and terrorists to claim they have faith.
(25). Fill with all joy and peace.
Rom 15:13, “ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Note: This is the joy and peace unbelievers do not know. The God of hope can fill believers with all joy and peace in believing, so that we will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(26). Overcome the world.
1Jo 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Note: American and European leaders want to conquer the world by superior military power and nuclear weapons, and they will meet mutual destruction. Christians overcome the world by faith.
(27). Extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph 6:16, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Note: Taking up the shield of faith with which we Christians will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
(28). Protected by the power of God.
1Pe 1:4-5, “to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Note: Little Flock, do not be afraid, for you are protected by the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time when Jesus Christ is coming again soon to redeem our body.
VIII. WHAT TO DO WITH FAITH
Faith is active, by faith doing the will of God. Believers by faith perform.
(1). Have faith in God.
Mar 11:22, “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”
Heb 6:1, “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”
Rom 14:22, “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”
Note: Man cannot have faith in science, philosophy, religion, man, or anything. Man can have faith only in God. Faith in God brings grace. Faith is toward God, not man, not thing, not science, not philosophy, not religion, not anyone or anything. The faith which you have personally is your conviction before God. People in the West have faith toward money, power and sex and their nuclear weapons.
(2). Have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Act 20:21, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: Have faith in God is not enough, Judaism cannot save the Jews. For Christ is the way to God. To be saved, you need to repent toward God and have faith in Christ who is the Son of God and died for our sins. Sinners cannot come to God without going through Jesus Christ.
(3). To cleanse the heart by faith.
Act 15:9, “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
Note: God made no distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles, cleansing our hearts by faith in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
(4). To have a propitiation in His blood through faith.
Rom 3:25-26, “whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Note: Propitiation in Greek is hilastērion which means a means of appeasing or expiating; the blood of Jesus for the atonement of our sins; appeasement; sacrifice to appease God; an atoning sacrifice; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Jesus died on the cross for our sins as a propitiation in His blood to appease to God who passed over our sins previously committed. To demonstrate the righteousness of God at the present time, so that God would be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
(5). To be justified by faith.
Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Note: The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith means a sinner begins to come to God from faith by grace and saved through faith in Jesus Christ to receiving the eternal life. The whole process of salvation is from faith to faith, a sinner is saved by faith in Christ alone and nothing else.
Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Note: Justify in Greek is dikaioō which means to render righteous; to be freed; to declare righteous; to be counted righteous; to regard as just or innocent; to be considered righteous; to declare guiltless; to be acquitted of a charge; to deem right; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. No flesh will be justified by the works of the Law. No one can be justified before God by his own good deeds or merit. We all have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law. To be justified by faith in Christ means to be counted or credited as righteous before God because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Rom 3:28, “ For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”
Rom 4:5, “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Note: Man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Faith is credited as righteousness.
(6). To be sanctified by faith in Christ.
Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”
Note: The precious blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins, and by this faith we are sanctified in Christ.
(7). To receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Gal 3:14, “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Note: Just as believers are saved through faith, we would also receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(8). To have eternal life.
1Jo 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Note: This is for sure, everyone who believes in the name of the Son of God, may know that you have eternal life.
(9). Saved through faith.
Eph 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Note: By grace of God we believers have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, because it is the gift of God. Salvation is the gift of God. The gift of God is free.
(10). To have obedience of faith.
Rom 1:5, “through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.”
Rom 16:26, “but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.”
Note: Believers have faith in Christ, through Whom we have received grace to bring about obedience of faith for His name’s sake. Faith obeys Jesus Christ. The commandment of the eternal God has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith in Christ.
(11). Increase our faith.
Luk 17:5, “The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
2Co 10:15, “not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.”
2Th 1:3, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.”
Note: Faith can grow and faith grows. Faith can increase. We need to pray to the Lord to increase our faith. Your faith can be greatly enlarged.
(12). Grow strong in faith.
Rom 4:20, “yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God.”
Note: Believers must grow strong in faith, giving glory to God. To be strong in faith is not self-glory.
Col 2:7, “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Note: The secret to grow strong in faith is to go strong in the truth.
(13). Faith may not fail.
Luk 22:32, “but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Note: We need to pray that our faith may not fail. God is faithful. God will not fail us.
(14). Faith is the basis.
Act 3:16, “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
Rom 10:6, “But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down).”
Note: Basis is foundation or the ground in matters relating to God. On the basis means according to or by virtue of. Christianity is based on faith in the truth of Jesus Christ. Without faith is like a building without foundation. Faith opens the way to God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We come to God on the basis of faith in the name of Jesus Christ. No one can come to God on any other basis or on any other name. The righteousness in Christ is obtained based on faith.
(15). To be full of faith.
Act 6:5, “The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.”
Act 11:24, “for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”
Note: Stephen is a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas is a man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. We do not know whether a man is full of faith because he is full of the Holy Spirit, or a man is full of the Holy Spirit because he is full of faith. It does not matter, God knows which is which and what is what. So we pray to the Lord for believers to be full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit.
(16). To be revealed from faith to faith.
Rom 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Note: The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith means the righteousness of God can be obtained through faith alone in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is distinction. It begins with faith and completes by faith. From start to finish, it is on the basis of faith, from faith to faith.
(17). Follow in the steps of the faith of Abraham.
Rom 4:12, “and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.”
Note: All believers follow in the steps of the faith of Abraham.
(18). Introduction by faith into grace.
Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
Note: Sinful men through faith in Jesus Christ can obtain introduction by faith into the grace of God in which we stand. Believers can stand on nothing else but the grace of God.
(19). Faith rests on the power of God.
1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
Note: Faith rests on the power of God means faith exists on the power of God, faith is subject to the power of God. That is the problem of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers who exist on the wisdom of men. Wisdom of men is contrary to the power of God. The wisdom of men do not co-exist with the power of God.
(20). Walk by faith.
2Co 5:7, “for we walk by faith, not by sight—”
Note: Walk in Greek is peripateō which means to conduct oneself; to regulate one’s life; to live; to make one’s way; to pass one’s life; to deport oneself; – which occurs 105 times. To walk by faith does not mean to move along on foot. Christians not only live by faith, we walk by faith. Walking by faith covers the the totality of one’s way of life, how one lives, and how one conducts oneself. Faith is seeing the invisible. God is invisible for God is Spirit. Christians do not walk according to the tradition of men, do not walk in the darkness, do not walk according to the customs of nations, do not walk according to the flesh, do not walk according to the elementary principles of the world. To walk by faith means to walk according to the Spirit, to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, to walk as children of Light walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
(21). See if you are in the Faith.
2Co 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the Faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?”
Note: If you in Jesus Christ, you are in the Faith. From time to time, we must examine and test ourselves to see if we are in the Faith.
(22). Live by faith.
Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Note: The meaning of this verse “live by faith” is different from and the verse Rom 1:17, “THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Gal 2:20 is talking about to live your life by faith for Christ, exemplified by the ministry of Apostle Paul.
Rom 1:17 refers to how a man receives the new life by faith in Jesus Christ.
(23). Preach the Word of faith.
Rom 10:8, “But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the Word of faith which we are preaching.”
Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Word of faith. From Jesus Christ to Apostles to disciples today, Christians are preaching the Word of faith.
(24). In God we have boldness and confident access through faith in Christ.
Eph 3:12, “in Whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”
Note: In Christ we have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Jesus. No one has access to God through anyone or anything else.
(25). Have stability of your faith in Christ.
Col 2:5, “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.”
Note: Discipline in Greek is taxis which means right order; orderly condition; character; style; quality; fashion; official dignity; orderly conduct or pattern of behavior; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. Christians discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness. Stability in Greek is stereōma which means steadfastness; firmness; solid front; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. True faith in Christ has stability.
(26). Take up the shield of faith.
Eph 6:16, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Note: Shield in Greek is thyreos which means a large door-shaped shield; a protective structure; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. The shield of faith is used to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The flaming arrows of the evil one are many, including false gospel, false doctrine, heresy, unbelief like higher criticism, deceptive teaching; etc.
(27). Do the work of faith.
1Th 1:3, “constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”
Note: Faith is not lazy or inactive. Faith works. Faith performs. True believers have work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. For believers everything is in the presence of our God and Father.
(28). Love from a sincere faith.
1Ti 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
2Ti 1:5, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”
Note: Sincere in Greek is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without hypocrisy; without dissimulation; undisguised; undissembled; pure; honest; true; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Faith is internal. All true believers have a sincere faith within them. Love is from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
(29). Keeping faith.
1Ti 1:19, “keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”
Note: Faith needs to be kept. All good things need to be kept. Without keeping faith and a good conscience, people have suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
(30). Continue in faith.
1Ti 2:15, “But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.”
Note: Not only child-bearing women need to continue in faith, all believers need to continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
(31). Pursue faith …
1Ti 6:11, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”
Note: Pursue in Greek is diōkō which means to follow after; to run after; to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire (Strong’s Concordance); to press forward; – which occurs 47 times in the New Testament. Christians must pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. In the world people pursue money, power, and sex; especially in Europe and America.
(32). Fight the good fight of faith.
1Ti 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Note: Faith not only needs to be kept and it must be fought. To fight the good fight of faith you need to take hold of the eternal life and make good confession of the Faith.
(33). To be sound in faith.
Tit 2:2, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”
Note: Sound in Greek is hygiainō which means to be whole and complete; to be wholesome; of the Christian faith which is free from any mixture of error; to be uncorrupt; to be true in doctrine; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament.To be sound in faith you need to be rooted in the Word of God.
(34). Show good faith to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Tit 2:10, “not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.”
Note: Those who profess to be Christians yet they are liars, thieves and robbers and pilfering and killers do not show all good faith, and do not adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Believers strive to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
(35). To be united by faith.
Heb 4:2, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.”
Note: Hearing the Word of God must be united by faith to make profitable.
(36). Testing of faith produces endurance.
Jas 1:3, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
Heb 6:12, “so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Note: It is the will of God for Christians to be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Those who have faith must also have patience. Patience is never easy. In the Chinese character of ‘patience’, there is a knife in your heart. The testing of your faith produces endurance, endurance strengthens patience. Through faith and patience we will inherit the promises.
(37). Have faith to the preserving of the soul.
Heb 10:39, “ But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”
Note: Those who backslide or shrink back meet destruction, but true believers are those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
(38). By faith we understand.
Heb 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”
Note: In the matters of the world we understand and then believe. In the things of God by faith we understand, we believe in order to understand. If you believe and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth, you will understand the Word of God.
(39). Fix our eyes of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith.
Heb 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Note: You are blessed to have learned so much about faith in Christ. Fix your eyes on Jesus who is the Author and Perfecter of faith. If I have to live my life over again, I will still be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. There is no such a thing called reincarnation. To believe in Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in anybody’s life.
(40). Ask in faith without any doubting.
Jas 1:6, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”
Note: Prayer is asking God. To pray we must ask God in faith without any doubting. I can testify God answers my prayers without number, therefore I continue to pray all the time.
(41). To be rich in faith.
Jas 2:5, “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
Note: Many want to get rich in this world. Everybody is getting mad to make money by all means. There are so many crooks, liars and frauds in this evil generation and they terrify me. Even if you are rich it can last only a short time. I would rather be rich in faith than to be the richest crooked man on earth who is without God and without hope.
(42). Faith pleases God.
Heb 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Note: Faith pleases God. For that reason, unbelievers are doomed. You do not need to kill or rape or rob to go to Hell. Unbelief will send anyone straight to Hell.
(43). Faith without works is useless.
Jas 2:20, “But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?”
Jas 2:26, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
Note: It does not mean you are saved by works. No matter how good your works are, they cannot save you or earn you the righteousness of God. If one says he believes but does not repent, he deceives himself. Faith is not inactive or passive. Faith rises up in action. Faith obeys God, that is called obedience of faith. Faith without works is useless. The righteous lives by faith. For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Faith without obedience is dead.
(44). Prayer offered in faith.
Jas 5:15, “and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.”
Note: The importance of prayer is not how long you pray, but how the prayer is offered earnestly in faith to God.
(45). Proof of your faith.
1Pe 1:7-9, “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
Note: Mark you, faith has proof. The proof of a believer’s faith is more precious than gold, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the coming of Jesus Christ. Christianity is based on faith. Though Christians have not seen Christ, we love Him, and though we do not see Him now, but we believe in Him, obtaining the outcome of our faith the salvation of our souls.
(46). Faith and hope are in God.
1Pe 1:21, “who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
Note: Faith is linked to hope. It is impossible to have hope without faith. Our faith and hope are in God.
(47). Faith overcomes the world.
1Jo 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Note: Overcome in Greek is nikaō which means to conquer; to prevail; to get the victory; to win the case; to subdue; to surmount; to defeat; – which occurs 28 times in the New Testament. Heb 11:33-34, “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” By faith Christians have overcome the world.
(48). Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
Jde 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Note: By studying and obeying the Word of God and praying in the Holy Spirit, you can build up yourself on your most holy faith. The faith in God and Christ is most holy.
Rev 14:12, “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”
Note: Faith in God is not like faith in man. Faith in Jesus is the most holy faith that builds up believers, praying in the Holy Spirit.
(49). Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Eph 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love.”
Note: It is also through faith so that Christ may dwell in our hearts, and that we are being rooted and grounded in love. Through faith means by means of faith, or through the use of faith.
(50). Offer the sacrifice and service of your faith.
Phl 2:17, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”
Note: The service you do for yourself may last a lifetime. The service you offer to mankind may last several generations. True faith will produce sacrifice and service to the Lord. The sacrifice and service of your faith will last for eternity.
(51). Not all have faith.
2Th 3:2, “and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.”
Note: Do not be surprised. Not all people have faith. Judging from the Word of Jesus, Mat 7:14,“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” There seems to be more unbelievers than believers. But don’t you get the wrong idea that Heaven will be a lonely place, sparsely populated. Jde 1:14, “Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones.” Rev 5:11, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.”
Heb 12:22, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels.” I have met millions of people around the world, but one good man is worth a billion wicked men. Besides one thing you may not know, all those aborted and killed infants by the grace of God go to Heaven.
Perverse and evil men do not have faith. May God rescue us from perverse and evil men. Those who preach good news and those who heard must be united by faith. Christians everywhere are united by faith. It is hoped you have faith in Christ Jesus so that you may be saved from your sins and judgment to come and have the eternal life.
(52). I do believe; help my unbelief.
Mar 9:24, “Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
Note: We should pray like the father whose son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foam it at the mouth; the boy had the condition from childhood. But the father prayed, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief.
Scholars and theologians are usually turgid and pompous in expressing their so-called knowledge and views as fact. Do not waste your time and efforts to study secular academics who put Christianity on a par with Islam, Buddhism, Shintoism, animism, totemism and many more, who do not consider the distinction between Christian and non-Christian religion, and who use so-called higher criticism to discredit the Holy Bible. They attempt to know God from their own standpoint. They bolt and bar themselves against revelation of Jesus Christ by providing a substitute of their own views. Unbelief is always man’s belief in himself. Self, Sin, and Satan prevent oneself from believing and knowing the truth in Christ.
You have learned a lot what faith is. Faith is the act of believing, full of conviction. Faith in God and Christ is personal and individual matter. No one can believe on your behalf just as no one can eat for you. Jesus offers you the bread of life and the eternal life. Come and get it. It is for you to decide whether you want to believe in the Son of God, the Savior of mankind or not. No one can force you. Not even God will force you, for God has given you free will, free to choose life or death. The Faith is the thing we believe. The Christian Faith is the Faith all Christians believe in all generations collectively, the truth in Christ, so that we may receive the eternal salvation and inheritance in Heaven. The Faith is the Holy Faith because none in other religions, it was bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The Faith is the Way, Christianity.
The Christian Faith is holy because it was backed and guaranteed and substantiated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jhn 2:22, “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had spoken.” The Apostles and early disciples made a decision, Jhn 6:68-69, “Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have Words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” Our faith is holy because we believe in the Holy One of God.
Rom 10:12-13, “ For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
1Jo 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
Note: It is hoped you have the understanding so that you may know the Son of God who is true, His Son Jesus Christ. To believe and know the true God is eternal life.
Jhn 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
Note: Jesus says, Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes God who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
It was reported that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was killed by a brain hemorrhage after his last words, “I have a terrific headache.” Truly, no matter who you are, powerful, wealthy, and famous, you have no control how you are going to die. Even secular academics and scientists do not know when they are going to die, not to say how they are going to die. A French atheist philosopher was dying, his followers gathered to watch his last moment; and he was struggling desperately to grab for something. They asked him what he was grabbing at. The atheist said, “I have nothing to hold to.” Watch how a Christian martyr died, Steven was stoned to death.
Act 7:59-60, “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.” To die in Christ is like falling asleep. It will be the day of resurrection when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to judge the living and the dead and to reign forever with the saints.
Everyone dies not knowing when and how. But you can be sure like Paul who said, 2Ti 1:12, “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” If you know Whom you have believed is the Lord of life, you do not worry.
Once upon a time there was an old lady who lived in a remote village. One day severe earthquake struck the small village, people were frightened running to and fro. A little girl asked her grandma, “Are you not afraid?” The grandma said, “No, I rejoice to know that my God can shake the world.”
David says, Psa 23:4-6, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Note: Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow Christians all the days of their lives, and we will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Now you know what “faith” is, and what is the “Faith”. It is up to you to act.
IX. HOPE
Before you have hope and love, you must first have faith. When Jesus was born, hope was born. The hope that sinners may be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To live in this world without God is without hope. “And the hope of the godless will perish.” Christians have a future, and have a hope. Act 2:26, “THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE.” So, Christians live on earth in hope. Have faith in God, and believe in Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. After you are saved, passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, then you may have the living and blessed hope. The blessed hope is to wait for, look for, expect, and desire the second coming of Jesus Christ. We hope for the resurrection of the dead. Act 24:15, “having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” Rom 5:2, “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” The hope of the glory of God will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ appears and comes from Heaven with holy angels and saints to establish the Kingdom of God.
How do Christians hope? Rom 8:25, “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”
Rom 12:12-13, “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”
Rom 15:4, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Note: The Scriptures were written for our instruction, if we study the Scriptures, through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
2Co 1:10, “who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us.”
Note: Jesus Christ has delivered us from so great a peril of death in sin, and He will deliver us from all the perils in this world, on whom we have set our hope.
Eph 1:18, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”
Note: If the eyes of our heart are enlightened, so that we will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Our inheritance is the new Heaven and new earth, the Holy City, the New Jerusalem.
Tit 2:13. “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.”
Note: On earth believers are looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. The second coming of Jesus Christ to judge and rule the world is the blessed hope of the saints. The hope of glory is when Jesus Christ returns, Christians shall share the glory with the Lord.
Tit 1:2, “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.”
Tit 3:7, “so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Note: On earth believers although have passed from spiritual death to life, but we have not inherited the eternal life yet. The hope of eternal life will be realized at the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior. The hope is set before us.
1Co 15:51-54, “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.”
Note: This is the mystery that not all Christians will die. Those who are still alive when Jesus returns will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Our bodies will be transformed into a spiritual, immortal, and glorious body. The perishable bodies (that we have at the present) cannot go into the space; therefore they must be transformed (changed) into a spiritual, immortal and glorious body. In the Kingdom of Heaven, death is swallowed up in victory.
1Pe 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Note: All believers are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1Th 4:16-17, “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the space, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”
Note: The living hope is that the dead in Christ will rise first just as Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Those believers who are alive when Jesus comes will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the space. After that, all Christians of all generations will always be with the Lord for ever and ever.
Now before that living hope and blessed hope takes place, what shall Christians do in the meantime?
1Co 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
Note: Christians not only hope and wait for the coming of the Lord, we must also be always abounding in the work of the Lord. What is the work of the Lord for all believers?
Phl 2:21-22, “For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the Gospel like a child serving his father.”
2Pe 3:11-12, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!”
Note: Since the world and all things are to be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat, Christians ought to be in holy conduct and godliness. American women are increasingly eager to dress in a way to expose their breasts. That is certainly not in holy conduct and godliness. Greed has overwhelmed the whole world. For money and power, people lie, kill and rob. The holy conduct and godliness include bearing fruit for God and preaching the Gospel as a witness. In doing so we look for and hastening the coming of the day of God.
2Pe 3:13, “But according to His promise we are looking for new Heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”
Note: When the day of God arrives, according to His promise Christians will have new Heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells, and will dwell with the Lord for eternity.
Rom 5:5, “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Note: There are so many disappointments in this world.
The Christian hope is guaranteed by God, sure and blessed; believers will not be disappointed.
X. LOVE
You may be looking East or West, you cannot find better description and definition of love than what is written in the Holy Bible. The Excellence of Love is the Manifesto of Love:
1Co 13:1-13, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part;
but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Love is the greatest because love is the most wonderful. God is LOVE, but love is not God.
This wonderful one and only God can be revealed only by Jesus Christ the Son of God. “Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.” Jesus Christ declares and reveals God to the world,
Jhn 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” This truth is fundamental, God is Spirit, therefore all other religions worship the false god. Those who worship God must worship in spirit and truth. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit cannot worship God in truth.
The All-Powerful, All-Wise, All-Good, All-True, All-Holy, All-Righteous God can be precisely described as:
1. God is Love.
1Jo 4:8, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is Love.”
1Jo 4:16, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is Love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
God does not merely love, God is LOVE. No other religion teaches God is love. Those who do not know God is love have not come to God.
2. God is Light.
1Jo 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
Light is the symbol of truth, God is Truth.
3. God is True and eternal Life.
1Jo 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
How can one worship this true and eternal God? Jesus sums it up in one word, Love.
Mat 22:36-40, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
How to love the Lord your God? Love Him with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. The Bible declares, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us” (1 Jhn 3:16 ) Christianity requires Christians to love God and mankind. How to love your fellow man? Love your neighbor as yourself. Treat others as you want to be treated. Therefore, warmongers, dictators, aggressors, oppressors, supremacists, imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, militarists, monopolists, and terrorists do not love God and mankind, therefore they can not be Christians. Those who love have fulfilled the law.
Love is a great motivator. Jacob loved Rachel so much and Laban cheated Jacob to serve him for 14 years. Gen 29:20, “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.” Love is patient and able to endure seven years as a few days. The Bible says,
Gal 5:14, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
Above all, the love of God, the love of Christ, and the love of the Spirit matters most in a Christian life. As to brotherly love and the love of mankind, believers must conduct themselves according to 2Co 6:6-7, ”in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left.”
In Greek genuine is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without simulation; without hypocrisy; undisguised; sincere; undissembled; actual; true; real; authentic; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. I have been young, and now I am old; based on what I have experienced, seen and observed, genuine love is very rare that makes it even more precious.
Jesus says to His disciples, Luk 6:27, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
Jesus has the highest standard of love, He commands His followers to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” There is no religion that teaches to love your enemies.
CONCLUSION
By now the Christian values have been explained and made clear to you. The Christian values guide believers to live a holy and godly life in expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge and rule the world. Christians live in obedience to the will of God. Unlike those who hold the secular values of money, power, and sex who live in this world without God and without hope.
Years ago when I was working my ways in America, I used to live at a boarding house on Hope Street, I walked to work every day on Hope Street, and I worked at a hospital located on Hope Street. So I made a joke to my friends: I live in Hope, I walk on Hope, and I work at Hope.
For unbelievers, the value of life is an economic value. Jesus says, Mat 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Peace of mind does not produce the right values. The right values produce by right actions, the actions of repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. The faith that leads you to salvation in Christ is the right faith. Once you have passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, you have hope in Christ. As your faith grows, you have work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. For it is for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that Christians labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. All believers who are strangers and pilgrims on the earth are daily looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.
Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” The problems of American society is the custom and culture that defines a man by his monetary and material success. In America, to be successful is to have money, power, and sex; the more you have, the more successful you are. The whole world is infected by these secular values. The real values of life for every Christian on earth is FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. These are good spiritual values that every believer cherishes. If you do not have these, you do not have anything. Someone said, “Values are like fingerprints. Nobodies are the same.” Wrong. Christians all over the world of all generations and of all races and of all backgrounds have the same values of Faith, Hope, and Love. Good values do not necessarily attract people. There are more people in this world who hold and practice the values of money, power, and sex. They are the broad way that leads many to destruction.
The Christians values of Faith, Hope, and Love guide the pilgrim on his journey to the Heavenly City. The Christian lives by faith in obedience to the Lord, lives by the Word of God; lives in hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ; and loves the Lord and the brotherhood in sincerity, and without hypocrisy.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” Therefore, it is impossible for Christians to become corrupt and greedy doctors and hospital owners who defraud and overcharge patients. It is impossible for Christians to attack, lie, kill, and rob people like American leaders and politicians. Christians can never be imperialists, colonialists, capitalists, evolutionists, monopolists, supremacists, racists, terrorists, warmongers, dictators, oppressors, troublemakers, drug and sex traffickers, etc.
To live in this world, Christians need the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2Co 13:14) to keep and practice the Christian values of Faith, Hope, and Love; so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; and we, Christians, are being rooted and grounded in love. ( Eph 3:17)
Mat 6:10:
‘Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven.”
Rev 22:20:
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”’
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
This article is written to let you know Science is nothing but human knowledge, and Scripture is divine knowledge — the Word of God which lasts forever.
Why we start with science? Not because science is preeminent. Not because science is chronologically first. Not because science is precedent. It is because most people blindly follow the crowd to believe in a lie.
I do not mean science is a lie, although many scientific theories have been proven false in history. If you live in Belitung a hundred years, you will never see snow. If you want to see snow, come to Harbin in winter. You will not only see snow, you will see Ice Palace. The days are coming when Belitung and Harbin will disappear, but the Word of God will never disappear.
An American president who advertises himself as a born-again Christian is also a believer in evolution. According to the Word of God, no evolutionists can go to Heaven. Why? Jesus Himself confirmed,
Mar 10:5-6,”But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this
commandment. But from the beginning of creation,
God CREATED THEM MALE AND FEMALE.”
Clearly Jesus teaches creation and rejects evolution.
Jhn 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one
will snatch them out of My hand.”
The sheep of Jesus listen to the voice of Jesus and they follow Jesus. Evolutionists are not the sheep of Jesus because they do not follow Jesus.
Even if all scientists of all generations combined to hold that man was created by evolution, (may I remind you not a few scientists who do not believe in evolution), I would still listen to the Voice of my God and Savior that in the beginning God created male and female. Why? All scientists dead or alive do not know when they are going to die. In comparison, Lord Jesus Christ knew exactly He was going to be crucified by the wicked hands, rose again from the dead on the third day, ascended to the highest Heaven, coming to be the King of kings and Lord of lords to judge the world, and reign with the saints forever and ever. Although I am an American on earth, in eternity I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdoms of the world are passing away.
“Over 1,000 doctoral scientists from around the world have signed a “Dissent” statement expressing skepticism about Darwin’s evolution theory, sparking fresh controversy over an idea that is at the core of many people’s worldview. The significant announcement, made last month, has been all but ignored by the establishment media. But it is making waves nevertheless.
The dissenting scientists all united around one simple statement. “We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life,” the Ph.D.s said. “Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged. There is scientific dissent from Darwinism. It deserves to be heard.”
What is science? According to my definition, Science is the best human knowledge at a time and place. Science has no knowledge of God. Science cannot and does not study the spiritual, supernatural, invisible and eternal. God is beyond the realm of science.
A question which Jesus often asked the Jews, “Did you never read in the Scriptures?” People read the so-called great books written by men, but many peoples have not read the Holy Scriptures!
When Jesus was on earth, He often said to Pharisees and Sadducees (the intelligentsia of His time) that they were mistaken, since they did notunderstand the Scriptures nor the power of God. Today also Scientists do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God
I. WHAT IS SCIENCE
This is my definition of science. Science is the best of human knowledge at a time and place. It is important to recognize that science is a part of human knowledge.
The nature of human knowledge:
A). Human knowledge is fallible, so is science.
B). Human knowledge is never absolute, so is science.
C). Human knowledge is never complete or perfect, so science is tentative.
D). Human knowledge does not study spiritual, supernatural, invisible, and eternal; so science is the same.
E). Human knowledge cannot inquire about God, so God is beyond the realm of science.
F). Human knowledge is always progressive and never ultimate, and so science moves forward not knowing its destination.
I believe Isaac Newton is the greatest scientist, here are what he has to say. In science no one is comparable to Isaac Newton and I am overwhelmed by his knowledge and hereby educated:
According toPeter Vickers of Durham University, there are 4 convincing scientific theories that were wrong for decades. 1. The ‘fish stage’ of human development by Johann Friedrich Meckel. “Meckel’s idea of a linear series of biological perfection was completely untenable.” 2. A planet built for humans by James Hutton. “Hutton’s theory was wrong in all sorts of ways compared to contemporary thinking. Most obviously, the Earth is not designed for human beings. And, of course, Hutton had no concept of plate tectonics.” 3. The theory that fooled Einstein.
“…we now know to be a deeply flawed model of the atom, in which electrons literally orbit the atomic nucleus in circles. 4. Electrons as tiny balls. “Today we know that electrons don’t really orbit the nucleus at all. But scientists working in the early 20th century thought of electrons as very tiny balls, and assumed their motion would be comparable with the motion of actual balls.” The above are actual scientific theories which later proved wrong, explained by an expert.
Karl Popper said, “In point of fact, no conclusive disproof of a theory can ever be produced; for it is always possible to say that the experimental results are not reliable, or that the discrepancies which are asserted to exist between the experimental results and the theory are only apparent and that they will disappear with the advances of our understanding.”
II. Two Kinds of Knowledge
Of all knowledge in the world, they can be divided into:
A). HUMAN KNOWLEDG
B). DIVINE KNOWLEDGE
A). Human knowledge
Science is a part of human knowledge.
Human knowledge can be acquired by senses, experimentation and study.
My definition of science: Science is the best organized human knowledge at a place in time. Science is progressive, tentative, never absolute or ultimate.
4). Science cannot study spirit, supernatural, divine, invisible, eternal. God is beyond the realm of science.
5). Science can never acquire the knowledge of God.
B). Divine Knowledge
1). Divine knowledge cannot be acquired by scientific method or human efforts.
2). Divine or spiritual knowledge can be obtained only by Revelation.
Pro 2:5-22, “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
According to the Holy Scriptures, to discover the knowledge of God, you will first understand the fear of the Lord. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. This is how to obtain the knowledge of God.
No scientists, no anybody, can discover the knowledge of God by themselves.
“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice, and He watches over the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness, justice, and integrity,
and every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, And knowledge will be delightful to your soul; Discretion will watch over you, Understanding will guard you, To rescue you from the way of evil, From a person who speaks perverse things; From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;
Who delight in doing evil And rejoice in the perversity of evil;
Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways;
To rescue you from the strange woman, From the foreign woman who flatters with her words, Who leaves the companion of her youth And forgets the covenant of her God; For her house sinks down to death, And her tracks lead to the dead; None who go to her return, Nor do they reach the paths of life.
So you will walk in the way of good people And keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will live in the land, And the blameless will remain in it;
But the wicked will be eliminated from the land, And the treacherous will be torn away from it.”
I often think won’t it be wonderful if the West Is rescued from the way of evil and from perverse things; leaving the ways of darkness, the perversity of evil, and crooked paths and devious ways!
Hos 4:1, “Listen to the Word of the LORD, you sons of Israel, because the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, for there
is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the land.”
The world today is just like the Lord had a case against the inhabitants of the land: there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the land.
Rom 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
Since Jesus came to the world, Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
1Co 15:34, “Sober up morally and stop sinning, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.”
To their shame, Western leaders and politicians claim to be Christians, yet they are not sober up morally and keep on sinning, so they have no knowledge of God.
2Co 10:5, “We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
On the contrary, Christians are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Every ideology today is false and arrogant. We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Christians obey Christ.
worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Because Christians obey Christ, so we must walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. The knowledge
of God can be increased. The more knowledge of God we have, the more we please the Lord in all respects.
2Pe 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
As the knowledge of God increases, grace and peace may be multiplied to Christians in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
the Words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet having his eyes Uncovered.”
Only those who hear the Words of God can know the knowledge of the Most High.
1Sa 2:3, “Do not go on boasting so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him
actions are weighed.”
The Lord is a God of knowledge, with Him actions of men are weighed. So do not go on boasting so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth. Do you know any Western leaders and politicians who are not boasting and arrogant? The people who have the knowledge of God will not boast or become arrogant.
their wooden idol and pray to a god who cannot save.”
People who carry around their idol and pray to a god who cannot save have no knowledge.
Hos 4:1, “Listen to the Word of the LORD, you sons of Israel, because the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, for there is no
faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the land.”
It can be said that the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the world, for there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, nor knowledge of God in the world.
Hos 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Since you
have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
People are destroyed for lack of knowledge. American people are lack of knowledge. They have rejected the knowledge of God by trusting in hegemony, imperialism, capitalism, phony democracy, injustice, and nuclear weapons. The Democrats are leading America to suicide, the Republicans have a crook and criminal and liar for a leader. Americans have forgotten the Word of God, America may choose the path of destruction. Honestly, America is facing too many problems.
2Co 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.”
Christians are God’s chosen people, we have many things to thank God. God always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through the children of God reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of God in every place. Even America will be defeated, Christians have triumph in Christ.
2Co 4:6, “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,”
is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
Christians are peculiar people, for God who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Eph 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory, may give you a Spirit of wisdom and
of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
God the Father of glory has given believers the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. Revelation in Greek is apokalypsis which means enlightenment; manifestation; laying bare; making naked; a disclosure of truth; making known things before unknown; an uncovering; — which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. I have said it before and I say it again, the most beautiful word in the world is apokalysis in Greek and revelation in English. We cannot have the knowledge of God without revelation. As an illustration, the people of the world grope in darkness, but a Light for Revelation came with Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, and the Light of life.
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Revelation – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NewTestament Words Revelation
[ 1,,G602, apokalupsis ] an uncovering” (akin to apokalupto; See above), “is used in the NT of (a) the drawing away by Christ of the veil of darkness covering the Gentiles, Luke 2:32; cp. Isaiah 25:7; (b) ‘the mystery,’ the purpose of God in this age, Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3; (c) the communication of the knowledge of God to the soul, Ephesians 1:17; (d) an expression of the mind of God for the instruction of the church, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 1 Corinthians 14:26, for the instruction of the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 1:12, and for his guidance, Galatians 2:2; (e) the Lord Jesus Christ, to the saints at His Parousia, 1 Corinthians 1:7, RV (AV, ‘coming’); 1 Peter 1:7, RV (AV, ‘appearing’), 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:13; (f) the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes to dispense the judgments of God, 2 Thessalonians 1:7; cp. Romans 2:5; (g) the saints, to the creation, in association with Christ in His glorious reign, Romans 8:19, RV, ‘revealing’ (AV, ‘manifestation’); (h) the symbolic forecast of the final judgments of God, Revelation 1:1 (hence the Greek title of the book, transliterated ‘Apocalypse’ and translated ‘Revelation’).” * [* From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 228, 229.] See APPEARING, COMING, LIGHTEN, B, Note, MANIFESTATION.
“Revelation” (lat. revelatio) is a translation of the Greek word apokalypsis, which means the removal of a veil so that something can be seen. Many religions appeal to purported divine revelations in order to explain and justify their characteristic beliefs about God, and revelation has usually been understood as an epistemic notion.[1] Paradigmatically, it refers to alleged instances of divine speaking or special divine acts in history, although in a more general sense “revelation” can denote any means of divine self-disclosure, for example through nature. The topic of divine revelation has been a long-standing and central focus in theology, and philosophical discussions have often taken their cues from Christian theological debates.[2] This entry will treat theological perspectives only in so far as they are relevant for philosophical questions about the purported nature and means of divine revelation and the justification of revelatory claims.”
1. Conceptions of Divine Revelation
Revelation, as commonly understood, has to do with the dispelling of ignorance. The counterpart of “the revealed”, therefore, is “the hidden” (Wolterstorff 1995: 23). However, the term has many meanings or uses—religious as well as non-religious—which are related to each other analogically. A distinction should be made, first, between the process and product meaning of the word. “Revelation” can either refer to the act/process of revealing something, or to the content that is revealed. Second, while in ordinary discourse one can “have a revelation” without there being a revealer (an agent that reveals), in religious contexts revelation is usually understood as a “person-to-person affair” (Helm 1982: 14; Mavrodes 1988: 96).
The following scheme (S) identifies the elements that are necessary for a revelatory claim (a claim that a revelation has occurred) to be true:
(S)
m reveals a to n by means of (through, etc.) k (Mavrodes 1988: 88).
In addition to a revealer (m) and an audience (n), an act of revelation must have a content (a) that is made known or available to the audience through some means (k). Given this scheme, several areas of controversy can be pin-pointed. Since the topic is divine revelation, m is of course identified with God. However, in contemporary Christian thought, there is a debate about the nature of a. Is the content of divine revelation propositions about or related to God, or is it God himself, or both (O‘Collins 2016a: Ch. 1)? Many theologians emphasize that God reveals himself rather than propositions or “information”. This debate (to which we will return) must be understood against the background of the Christian doctrine of the incarnation, which claims that God “became flesh and lived among us” (John 1: 14).”
2Ti 2:24-25, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.”
If you repent of your sins, God may grant you mercy leading to the knowledge of the truth.
This chart is most useful to have an overview of the Holy Bible. There are 39 books in the Old Testament;
3 x 9 = 27. There are 27 books in the New Testament; 39 + 27 = 66. The Holy Bible is made of 66 books.
The Word of God, the Holy Scripture, the Holy Bible is made known by revelation, and it is written in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
This is an easy way of remembering the Holy Bible, 39 books in the Old Testament: 3 x 9 = 27 books in the New Testament. The Holy Bible is made of 39+27=66 books.
Scripture” occurs 30 times in 30 verses in the NASB20.
“Most sacred scriptures were originally oral and were passed down through memorization from generation to generation until they were finally committed to writing.”
This is not true with the Holy Scriptures of the Christian faith. I neither have interest nor intention to make comparative studies of religions. I do not have desire to make comparative study of the Holy Scriptures with other scriptures of other religions. It is a futility to compare the false with the true, and it is in vain to compare the words of men with the Words of God. In passing I want you to know, no true Christian believes in book of Mormon, not a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Holy Bible.
I also want to call your attention, because John Calvin taught falsely the doctrine of predestination, that God predestines certain peoples to go to Hell, the Atonement of Christ is limited no matter how you repent and believe — I consider the works of John Calvin toxic, and I do not wish to waste my life to study which of his teachings are true and which are false. So is with Karl Barth who falsely teaches the Bible is not the word of God but contains the Word of God. It is in vain to waste your time on the poisonous works of a false prophet and false teacher. Redeem the time to study only the Word of God which is eternal.
Scripture – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Scripture
[ 1,,G1124, graphe ] akin to grapho, to write” (Eng., “graph,” “graphic,” etc.), primarily denotes “a drawing, painting;” then “a writing,” (a) of the OT Scriptures, (1) in the plural, the whole, e.g., Matthew 21:42; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Acts 18:24; Romans 1:2, where “the prophets” comprises the OT writers in general; Romans 15:4; Romans 16:26, lit., “prophetic writings,” expressing the character of all the Scriptures; (2) in the singular in reference to a particular passage, e.g., Mark 12:10; Luke 4:21; John 2:22; John 10:35 (though applicable to all); John 19:24, John 19:28, John 19:36–John 19:37; John 20:9; Acts 1:16; Acts 8:32, Acts 8:35; Romans 4:3; Romans 9:17; Romans 10:11; Romans 11:2; Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:22; Galatians 4:30; 1 Timothy 5:18, where the 2nd quotation is from Luke 10:7, from which it may be inferred that the Apostle included Luke’s Gospel as “Scripture” alike with Deuteronomy, from which the first quotation is taken; in reference to the whole, e.g., James 4:5 (See RV, a separate rhetorical question from the one which follows); in 2 Peter 1:20, “no prophecy of Scripture,” a description of all, with special application to the OT in the next verse; (b) of the OT Scriptures (those accepted by the Jews as canonical) and all those of the NT which were to be accepted by Christians as authoritative, 2 Timothy 3:16; these latter were to be discriminated from the many forged epistles and other religious “writings” already produced and circulated in Timothy’s time. Such discrimination would be directed by the fact that “every Scripture,” characterized by inspiration of God, would be profitable for the purposes mentioned; so the RV. The AV states truth concerning the completed Canon of Scripture, but that was not complete when the Apostle wrote to Timothy. The Scriptures are frequently personified by the NT writers (as by the Jews, John 7:42), (a) as speaking with Divine authority, e.g., John 19:37; Romans 4:3; Romans 9:17, where the Scripture is said to speak to Pharaoh, giving the message actually sent previously by God to him through Moses; James 4:5 (See above); (b) as possessed of the sentient quality of foresight, and the active power of preaching. Galatians 3:8, where the Scripture mentioned was written more than four centuries after the words were spoken. The Scripture, in such a case, stands for its Divine Author with an intimation that it remains perpetually characterized as the living voice of God. This Divine agency is again illustrated in Galatians 3:22 (cp. Galatians 3:10; Matthew 11:13).”
Exo 24:12, “Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the Law and the commandments which I have written for their instruction.”
Exo 31:18, “When He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God.”
Exo 32:15, “Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, tablets which were written on both sides; they were written on one side and the other.”
Deu 9:9-12, “When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I remained on the mountain for forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water. The LORD gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the Words which the LORD had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.
It came about at the end of forty days and nights that the LORD gave me the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant. Then the LORD said to me, ‘Arise, go down from here quickly, because your people, whom you brought out of Egypt, have behaved corruptly. They have quickly turned aside from the way that I commanded them; they have made a cast metal image for themselves.”
Deu 28:58-62, “If you are not careful to follow all the Words of this Law that are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring extraordinary
plagues on you and your descendants, severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses. And He will bring back on you every
disease of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague, which are not written in the book of this Law, the LORD will bring on you until you are destroyed.
Then you will be left few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of Heaven, because you did not obey the LORD your God.”
1Ki 2:3, “Do your duty to the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.”
Mat 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
Mat 4:7, “Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’”
Mat 4:10, “Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”
Mat 26:24, “The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
Luk 18:31, “Now He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that have been written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.”
Luk 22:37,“For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me: ‘AND HE WAS COUNTED WITH WRONGDOERS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.”
Many do not know, the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Luk 24:27, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures.”
May God open our eyes so that we see the things written about Jesus Christ in all the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets.
Luk 24:44, “Now He said to them, “These are My Words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all the things that are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
All the things that are written about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament must be fulfilled in the New Testament.
Luk 24:46, “and He said to them, “So it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.”
Jhn 12:16, “These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things for Him.”
Jhn 20:31, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
Rom 15:4, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
The Word of God was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope.
1Co 2:9, but just as it is written: “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
I believe Rev. Chapter 21, the New Heaven and the New Earth is the place Jesus Christ has prepared for His followers.
1Co 15:54, “But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory.”
1Jo 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Rev 21:27, “and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”
It used to bother me because there are so many Willie Wong(s). If you VISIT WILLIE WONG IMAGES,
Bing.com to make money, indiscriminately or deliberately puts every race and gender who claims to be Willie Wong without shame. God can not be confused, He knows which Willie Wong whose name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. For Jesus Himself says, Jhn 10:27-30, “My sheep
listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are ONE.”
Every time I went to Hong Kong, the immigrant official took quite a bit of time to check my passport for there must be many Willie Wong(s) in Hong Kong.
The Word of God has full authority, for it is written,
Jhn 17:1-4, “Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to Heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You, just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth by accomplishing the work which You have given Me to do.” And with authority Jesus says,Mat 24:35
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”
The words of the greatest theologians, historians, scientists and philosophers will pass away!!!
There is no revelation without inspiration.
IV. THE SCRIPTURE SAYS
2Ti 3:16-17,“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
Scripture in Greek is graphē which means to denote either the book itself, or its contents of Scripture; a certain portion or section OR passage of the Holy Scripture (Strong’s Concordance); the holy Writ; a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative (Merriam Webster); — which occurs 51 times in the New Testament. Inspired in Greek is theopneustoswhich means given by inspiration of God (Strong’s Concordance); divinely breathed in; — which occurs 1 time in the New Testament.
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Inspiration of God, Inspired of God – Vine’sExpository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Inspiration of God, Inspired of God
[ 1,,G2315, theopneustos ] inspired by God” (Theos, “God,” pneo, “to breathe”), is used in 2 Timothy 3:16, of the Scriptures as distinct from non-inspired writings. Wycliffe, Tyndale, Coverdale and the Great Bible have the rendering “inspired of God.”
Mar 12:10, “Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘A STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.”
“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jhn 2:22, “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had spoken.”
Jhn 7:38,“The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”
Jhn 7:42, “Has the Scripture not said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
Jhn 10:35,“If he called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be nullified).”
Jhn 13:18, “I am not speaking about all of you. I know the ones whom I have chosen; but this is happening so that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL
AGAINST ME.”
Jhn 17:12,“While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name,
which You have given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”
Jhn 19:24, “So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “THEY DIVIDED MY GARMENTS AMONG THEMSELVES, AND
THEY CAST LOTS FOR MY CLOTHING.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.”
Jhn 19:28, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been
accomplished, in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.”
Jhn 19:36, “For these things took place so that the
Scripture would be fulfilled: “NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.”
Jhn 19:37,“And again another Scripture says, “THEY WILL LOOK AT HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.”
Jhn 20:9, “For they did not yet understand the Scripture, that He
must rise from the dead.”
Act 1:16, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”
Act 8:32, “Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “HE WAS LED LIKE A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER; AND LIKE A LAMB THAT IS SILENT BEFORE ITS SHEARER, SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.”
Act 8:35, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.”
Rom 11:2, “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.
Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?”
Gal 3:8, “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospelbeforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”
Gal 3:22, “But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin,so that
the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
Gal 4:30, “But what does the Scripture say? “DRIVE OUT THE SLAVE WOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE SLAVE WOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.”
1Ti 5:18, “For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
2Ti 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
Jas 2:8, “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the
Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well.”
Jas 2:23, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called a friend of God.”
Jas 4:5, “Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose,
“He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”?
1Pe 2:6, “For this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE,
A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO
BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.”
2Pe 1:20, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy
of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own
Interpretation.”
This is the foremost knowledge. No prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of John Calvin, Karl Barth, or Augustine’s own interpretation.
“Luther identified that the Scriptures had one sense, the literal or natural sense. This did not mean that he was a complete literalist. For example, he stated that figures of speech are meant to be taken figuratively. However, when the Scriptures speak plainly, they should be taken literally according to the normal use of language. The implication of this approach is that the Bible is clear in its meaning and can be understood by ordinary people.
It is the historical sense alone which supplies the true and sound doctrine.
The most important principle of interpretation that Martin Luther used was “Scripture interprets Scripture.” The tools for properly interpreting the Bible are contained in the Bible itself. Thus, he delved into the New Testament to see how Jesus and the apostles had interpreted Scripture. There he found a valuable tool. He discovered that many Old Testament people and institutions were to be understood as types or patterns that foreshadowed and proclaimed the Christ, who would surpass them and fulfill them. Thus, in his Preface to the Psalter, Luther wrote, “The true, the only sense of the Psalms is the Christ-sense.”
For Luther, every part of the Bible proclaimed Christ, not apart from the literal sense but in a way that was communicated by the literal sense. Luther “desired to know nothing but Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2), and we continue in that legacy when we speak the Christ-filled message of Scripture.”
V. SURPASSING VALUE
Phl 3:8, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ.”
Surpassing value in Greek is hyperechōwhich means supreme; higher; better; excellent; over-topping; prominent; superior; to be above; — which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. The value of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord is far above and better than all things. In comparison to Christ, they are mere rubbish. Power, money, property, fame, worldly pleasure, etc. are merely rubbish. Rubbish in Greek is skybalonwhich means dung; excrement of animals; dregs; things worthless and detestable; refuse; manure; feces; — which occurs 1 time in the New Testament.
2Co 9:14, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.”
Christians not only have the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ, they also have the surpassing grace of God in them. There are three graces: saving grace, living grace and serving grace. For that reason, 1Ti 6:20, “Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called
“science”—”
The so-called “science” is not true knowledge.
Col 2:2, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full
assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”
The world is full of rubbish, tangible and intangible. But Christians have a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.
Col 3:10, “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it—”
ONLY those who have been born again (new self) will have a true knowledge of the Image of God.
2Pe 1:3, “for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
The divine power has granted to the children of God through the true knowledge of God who called us by His own glory and excellence.
2Pe 1:8, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
All unbelievers are useless and productive, but the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ makes believers useful and productive in good deeds.
Rom 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
PEOPLE who have the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ are not conformed to this world, for they prove what the will of God is. The goal of a Christian life is not to win gold medal and approval of men. I have come to do God’s will.
1Ch 17:3, “But it happened that same night, that the Word of God came to Nathan, saying.”
A prophet of old was a man the Word of God came to him, and he was a spokesman of God.
Mat 15:6, “he is not to honor his father or mother.’ And by this you have invalidated the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.”
Even today some churches (organized religions) invalidate the Word of God for the sake of tradition.
I think the Catholic Church yearly reenactment of the Crucifixion in the Philippines is a blasphemy for the sake of their tradition.
Mar 7:13, “thereby invalidating the Word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”
Invalidating in Greek isakyroōwhich means making of none effect; disannulling; rendering void; — which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. I think the doctrine of Roman Catholic Church that water baptism can save and therefore they practice infant baptism is invalidating the Word of God, Act 2:38,
“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptizedin the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” How can an infant repent?
Luk 5:1, “Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the Word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.”
When Jesus spoke, God spoke. The Word of Jesus is the Word of God.
IN CONCLUSION
To compare science with the Holy Scripture is like to compare man with God. Man is mortal, God is immortal. Man is weak, and there is nothing impossible with God. Man is fallible, God is infallible. Man is temporal,
God is eternal. In this world we need all kinds of science, from Anthropology to Zoology. In the Kingdom of Heaven, medical science, pharmacy, political science, finance, economy, etc. are useless. Science is settled on earth, the Word of God is settled forever in Heaven. Science becomes obsolete and is passing away. After all, science is but human knowledge. Nothing human is eternal.
Mat 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away.”
Anything lasts longer than Heaven and earth? Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Words of Jesus, namely, the Word of God, will never pass away! Even knowledge will pass away.
1Ti 2:3-4, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
Ignore John Calvin and all false teachers, God our Savior wants you to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
What is the truth?
Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Jesus is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.
Jhn 17:1-3, “Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to Heaven,
He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You, just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent.”
Will you come to Jesus now who can give you eternal life. To know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom God has sent to the world, is the eternal life.
To receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is to receive the eternal life.
Deliberation has been long and covered all pertinent and contingent factors involved in order to come to conclusion to SAVE AMERICA from destruction and decay. AMERICA needs to cut off the two continents of Africa and Latin America: NO TRADE, NO DIPLOMACY, NO POSTAL SERVICES, NO NEWS, NO COMMUNICATIONS, NO BANKING TRANSACTION, NO RELATIONSHIP, NO AID, AND NO ENTRY TO THE U.S.
America declares no immigration, no assylum application, no entry from African and Latin American peoples.
Build the great wall secure and strong along Mexican borders and maintain military action to deter and stop illegal migrations from Mexico, via land, sea or air.
Expell all personnels from African and Latin American embassies and consulates located in America.
Deport illegal aliens 45 million already residing in America and most of them on welfare. Deport unlawful migrants of Latin America to Mexico, those who are not Mexicans can find their ways home. If Mexico refuses, bomb and attack them. Deport all unlawful Africans back to Africa. Designate one African nation to receive deportees by airplanes.
Reform the welfare system that all applicants require to be American citzens and require work to get their benefits.
Leave Africa and Latin America alone, let them do or die.
Iran is a terrorist nation, its nuclear facilities sooner or later should be destroyed completely. Apparently, last time bombing did not do a good job.
Terrorists Hamas, Hezebollah and Houthis should be destroyed completely. Palestinians should be forced out of Gaza.
African, Arab, and Muslim nations should have no part in reconstruction of Gaza.
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
I never dreamed of becoming a U.S. president. When I was a boy, I dreamed of becoming a Professor and a Writer. My dreams have become true. I have lectured at major universities in China, I was hired by the Ministry of Education as a professor, and my students adored me. In spite of the enemies of truth who are attacking me, my website has reached more than 182 nations in the world, and there are more than 3 million users visit my website every month. I have achieved fame without fortune (because my website is absolutely free) that so many leeches and termites claim and call themselves Willie Wong of various races and genders, and they use Bing to link and associate with Willie Wong Thought. They are all false persons and false images without shame. Bing wants to make money and does not care about integrity.
Be that as it may, if I WERE THE U.S. PRESIDENT, although it is impossible for a naturalized U.S. citizen to become a U.S. president; I say hypothetically if I were the U.S. president, I would do as explained in this article which none of American presidents have ever done before.
This article is written to let you know, If I were the U.S. President, what I would do at once:
IF I WERE THE U.S. PRESIDENT
If is used when expressing an opinion as to how I should act or behave if I were the U.S. President. I am not the U.S. president.
“If” means on the assumption that I become the American President. The assumption is false because a naturalized citizen according to the current United States Constitution is not possible to become the U.S. President. So it is impossible for me a naturalized American citizen to become the American president. However, this article is written if and only if I were the American President, it is an impossible hypothesis. As it were or as if such were so, and I want to make it crystal clear, it is not so. This article is used when expression an opinion in case I am the U.S. President how should I act or behave without delay.
These are things I would do:
1. THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
The President shall work with the Congress and the leaders of the States to revise the American Constitution.
A. Whereas the Unites States Constitution shall be stipulated to vest the ultimate sovereignty on the American people (citizens), the American people will have the final authority, or the final say, on any issues or matters of great importance. The sovereignty of American people shall be expressed in a national referendum. Only American citizen can have the right to participate in a national referendum. An illegal alien who presumes and practices the privilege shall be deported immediately, he and his household no matter how they got into America, and no matter how long they have stayed in America.
B. A national referendum is used to resolve any American national issue of importance or grave matters.
C. Impeachment of any national high ranking official is abolished and replaced by a national referendum. For example, a simple majority or 51% of Americans have the right to remove instantly the American President, Vice President, Senator, Supreme Court Justice, Judge, etc. A national referendum cannot be used to remove a State high ranking official such as Governor, etc. A state referendum can be used to remove any State official without impeachment. A majority vote of no confidence is sufficient legal ground to remove any national or state official. The ballot is to be cast in the form of YES or NO. YES means to remove, NO means not to remove.
D. A national referendum can be implemented if the majority of the Congress decides to do so. Or if there are at least 40% of American citizens nationwide agree to make the initiative. A state referendum can be implemented only if the majority of the state assembly decides to do so. Or if there are at least 40% of state legal residents agree to make the initiative.
E. If the President, or the Commander in Chief, wants to declare war to a peaceful nation, a national referendum is required to authorize the president. However, if America is being attacked, the president has the power to declare war against the aggressor.
F. Any other fundamental issues, such as to admit or delete a State from the Union would require a national referendum.
G. The U.S. Constitution declares the American English is the official language of the United States of America to be used in all government services, courts, schools, businesses, industries, air ports, transportation, shops and stores, and in all public places. Other languages or dialects are not prohibited in home or private uses.
H. The Holy Bible is allowed to be used in the government facilities, schools, and all public places. Prayers are also permitted in public.
I. The children of illegal aliens born in the United States are not counted as American citizens.
J. All illegal aliens no matter how many generations shall be deported without delay.
K. All death penalty cases shall be executed without delay. Any appeal the cost must be borne by the criminals.
L. Children born of both parents who are American citizens are also American citizens.
M. The Constitution recognizes only monogamy (marriage of one male and one female). All other forms marriage are NOT valid or lawful. Polygamy is illegal. Although Christian principles are good, America is not a Christian nation, and cannot impose the Christian faith and practice on unbelieving citizens. Divorce is allowed according to the federal law.
N. The American legal citizens shall determine the salary of the U.S. President, the Vice President, Supreme Court Justices, Judges and Senators. A national referendum is required to increase the salary of any official listed.
O. The U. S. Government shall not spend more than 75% of its revenue or GDP, the only exception is in time of war. National debt requires approval of American citizens.
P. The Affirmative Action and all discrimination practices shall be abolished so that no favors or special treatment are awarded to any racial group or individual.
Q. The qualifications of the U.S. President and Vice President must be legal citizens (not barring naturalization), without criminal record, with good moral character, and at least the age of 30, no gender excluded.
R. The qualifications of a U.S. Senator must be a U.S. citizen of moral character, without criminal record, at least 24 years old.
S. No secret protection services shall be given to former U.S. Presidents and their families, high ranking retired government officials; no subsidies for former presidential libraries, offices, mail privileges, offices, etc. including former Congressional leaders.
T. The U.S. Supreme Court shall interpret the U.S. Constitution and act as the arbiter of justice in the land, and resolve conflict between state and federal government, and among states. The U.S. Supreme Court shall not make laws.
U. The Supreme Court Justices shall be appointed by the President without approval of the U.S. Congress for a 9-year term and afterwards to be approved by the American people in a national referendum.
V. The Supreme Court may independently evaluate and censor the immoral, irresponsible, selfish, and untruthful word or deed of any official or political party without hearings or trial and without force of the law. The fame or prestige of the Supreme Court may exercise moral influence on the governance and political party from seeking and serving the private and special interest. It acts like the Nobel peace price in reverse and chastises bad behavior verbally.
W. National referendum cannot be abused or to be used for minor issues or triviality.
2. THE U.S. CONGRESS
For the sake of efficiency and economy, henceforth the U.S. CONGRESS shall become a unicameral body. All house of representatives are abolished. Each State must have at least one U.S. Senator, additional population of 5 million will have another Senator. If a State has a population of 20 million legal residents, it automatically entitled to have 4 U.S. Senators. A legal resident is defined as a legal American citizen resides in a State. American citizens are free to move in and out any state without reporting to any agency.
A. The U.S. CONGRESS is composed of the Majority Leader and Minority Leader, the U.S. Vice President serves as the Senate President, and the rest are Senators of equal rights and privileges. All other Senate positions are hereby abolished.
B. The U.S. Senators shall seek only the national interest, not special interest or private interest, or foreign interest.
C. No U.S. Senators may lobby for the interest of foreign countries, corporations, organization, or individuals. No U.S. Senators may lobby for any entity after 20 years of retirement.
D. Pork-barrel legislation appropriations made by a U.S. Senator for projects that are not essential but are sought because they pump money and resources into the State and local districts of the Senator is prohibited.
E. The American President cannot openly or covertly engage in war or military operations without approval of the Congress, unless the United States is being attacked by a foreign power.
F. The President has full authority and power to respond and retaliate against any foreign attack without approval of the Congress or American people.
3. The White House and the Federal Government
A. Downsize all federal departments and agencies across the board to be reduced by 2/3, including the Defense Department; and reduce all the wages, benefits, and pensions of federal employees by 1/3. There will be a curb or elimination of building weapons of death and mass destruction, and oversee the military-industrial-security complex.
B. The President shall lead the federal government to reduce the national debt and budget deficits. All unnecessary activities and functions shall be abolished or eliminated.
C. The federal government shall restructure and reorganize its departments and agencies to become cost effective, lean, and really provide services to the people. All government departments and agencies must have email addresses so that citizens can conveniently complain to them.
D. All generals and high ranking Defense officials shall retire no latter than the age of 60 years old.
E. The U.S. shall abide by the international laws, all international agreements, the United Nations, WTO, WHO, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICC), etc. The U.S. shall disband NATO and annul all political and military alliances, and close all overseas military bases, and withdraw all American troops to return home. America shall cease to spy on other nations and cease and desist from interfering in the internal affairs of any nation.
F. The U.S. shall pursue a just and lasting peace for the world. The U.S. is no more an empire and return to a respectable Republic, seeking to co-exist in peace and prosperity with all nations big and small. In particular, the U.S. shall respect Russia and China as a good neighbor.
G. The military chaplain shall be appointed only according to the majority religion without observing the beliefs or practices of minority religions of the world. Because majority of Americans are Christians, therefore Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Good Friday, and New Year are observed as national legal holidays.
H. The American English is the only official language of the United States of America, so all government documents shall be printed in American English only, and the federal, state, and local governments will not provide the services of interpreters and translators.
I. Burning incense, public barbecue, burning of agricultural byproducts, trash, etc. are prohibited because of causing air pollution. Fireworks and firecrackers may be allowed only on certain dates such as Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, on granted licensed designated certain locations.
J. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in America, not even in the White House or Pentagon. Violation of smoking is a federal crime. The penalty imposed according to which violation takes place in federal buildings or land, state buildings or land, municipal buildings or business or industry under its jurisdiction. For example, if you violate smoking law in Los Angeles, the City government will collect the penalty fine and administer the City ordinance. Those who deliberately smoke in airplane, train, subway, bus, elevator, restroom, classroom, shop and store, school, hospital, public facility, etc. shall suffer more severe penalty as the jurisdiction requires.
K. Welfare is abolished and turned into workfare. Any person who receives welfare benefits must work for them. An unmarried single woman who has sex with the man who does not want to support her and his offspring shall not receive public assistance in any form. If she wants to receive public assistance, she shall be sterilized. The man who commit fornication and who is unwilling to take responsibility of his sexual behavior shall be sterilized too. Any person who receives public assistance does not qualify to vote. America is adopting the Protestant ethic of hard work, thrift, and responsibility as national policy to rebuild America.
L. The U.S. shall limit and restrict immigration to those who are blood relatives of immediate family and those who have good qualifications in education, moral character, skills and productivity to become good citizens. Political and economic refugees are to be discouraged. Fortune seekers from a poor country are not welcome at all. All children dropped over the fence shall be dropped back to where they are from.
M. The Affirmative Action and related laws and practices that favor any racial group or individual shall be abolished so that all races are treated equally under the law and fairly whether in employment, housing, promotion, retirement; and pension benefits. All universities shall admit students on account of good grades, good charter, without regarding of sex, color, religion or race. The universities are required to provide full scholarship or fellowship to poor but worthy and brilliant students.
N. The tax laws are being revised and simplified to reflect equity, fairness, and reduce income inequality. All citizens, residents, foreigners (whose income from abroad are tax free), corporations, institutions, religions and churches shall pay taxes according to the following Tax Table. There shall be no allowances, exemptions, deductions, non-profit organizations, or charities.
O. All criminals should be treated like criminals under the law. Citizen, civil and human rights do not apply to them. They have to work for their room and board. Library and gym are not appropriate facilities.
P. Terrorists shall be shot dead at the scene without trial or due process of the law.
Overhaul and simplify taxation to reduce the gap of the rich and the poor. A new Taxation Table is set up to determine fair and just tax rate. For example, whether corporation, institution, or individual will follow the Tax Table without deduction, exemption, subsidy, allowance, or considering the size of the family:
Income of $50,000 or under is tax free.
Income of $100,000 – $9 million – 10%
Income of $10 million – $49 million – 20%
Income of $50 million – $299 million – 30 %
Income of $300 million – $699 million – 40%
Income of $700 million – $1 billion – 50%
Income of $10 billion & above- 90%
Inheritance under $10 million is tax free.
Abolish all tax free institutions, foundations, organizations, churches, and religions.
Q. Simplify the legal system, law codes, legal processes in simple English so that it does not require legal opinion or assistance of lawyers. The legal system is restructured and revised to promote equity, equality, and justice for all. Jury trial is abolished and replaced by three independent judges. The verdict of the majority stands. Facetious and fake lawsuits shall incur hefty financial penalty and imprisonment may be imposed. Class action suit is abolished. Fake evidence and false and facetious litigation will incur hefty financial penalty or prison depending on the severity of the case. Class action lawsuits and jury trials are abolished. Abolish Affirmative Action so that there is no racial discrimination; no special treatment or privilege to any group.
R.Establish a national, state, and city Ombudsman Office to execute and promote justice all over the country. Civil cases can have two routes, go to court and pay court fee. Go to Ombudsman Office which is free. Civil cases include bribery, corruption, abuse of power, unfair treatment, brutality, sexual harassment, grievances, breach of contract, false advertising, broken promise, discrimination, injury, fraud, false accusation, immoral behavior of official, etc. that does not involve death. The Chief Ombudsman is appointed by the president without hearing for the Nation Ombudsman Office in the federal government. Each governor shall appoint a State Ombudsman without hearing and City Ombudsman with the consent of the mayor. State Ombudsmen and City Ombudsmen report directly to the Chief Ombudsman in Washington, DC. Chief Ombudsman and State Ombudsman may request assistance from the FBI for investigative purposes. Chief Ombudsman, State Ombudsman and City Ombudsman are supported by investigators to handle all cases. All false and facetious complaint cases will be penalized. All false testimony and fake evidence will be financially penalized or imprisonment. For example, a local newspaper falsely accused me of not paying subscription fee and used a collection agency to threaten to ruin my credit although I never subscribed or read the paper. I do not need to hire a lawyer. I can go to the local Ombudsman office to settle the case, and the Ombudsman is a federal administrative judge who is empowered to execute justice and punish and penalize the criminal with financial penalty and/or imprisonment. The penalty fees collected are used to support the Ombudsman Office.
S. Establish or overhaul the healthcare system so that it becomes affordable, fair, and responsible and genuinely serves the American citizens. All public and private hospitals must follow the new rules and regulations.
The current American healthcare system works because it is the most costly and most expensive and oppressive health and medical and hospital system in the world that most Americans cannot afford and the major cause of bankruptcy in America. The doctors, dentists, hospital owners, labs and medical supplies, drug and insurance companies may freely and overly defraud, overcharge, and fleece the poor and helpless patients as they please with immunity. The American healthcare terrorism is worse and more dangerous than the Islamic terrorism.
Overhaul and regulate healthcare system so that all citizens are covered at reasonable and affordable cost. Office of Management and Budget shall establish, determine, and publish a national health care pricing schedule to specify the price of each treatment, procedure, test, supply, and medication, etc. For example, the lump sum of having a baby is $200, all inclusive. The price of pulling a tooth is $50, all inclusive. Appendectomy is $150 all inclusive. One tablet of antibiotic is $0.10 per capsule, etc. Doctors, hospital owners, labs, medical supplies, drug and insurance companies that defraud or overcharge patient or Medicare or Medicaid accumulatively over $1 million will be executed and all assets seized for the U.S. Treasury. Corruption of any kind over $1 million will be executed and all assets seized. Remind doctors, dentists, hospital owners, etc. that they work for the federal government if they receive reimbursementfor Medicare or Medicaid.
T. Large scale air pollution, environmental pollution, soil or land pollution, fake drugs, fake food, fake drinks, fake products, fake services, etc. shall be paid with death penalty and all assets seized for the U.S. Treasury.
U. The U.S. considers all types of terrorists as national public enemies number one, they maybe shot OR killed on sight at the scene, there shall be no due process for the public enemies number one. All family members of terrorists shall be deported and all their assets seized for the U.S. Treasury. Any religion or institution that supports terrorism and terrorists shall be banned. The U.S. government uses its military might and other means to eliminate and destroy the Islamic State.
V. The U.S. national policy is to support the State of Israel and its sovereignty and integrity. About four thousand years ago when God gave the Promised Land to Abraham and his descendants, there was Israel, and there was no Palestinian. Palestinians were the evil geopolitical legacy of the British Empire. The Promised Land belongs to the Jews only. Jerusalem was the capital of King David. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem will be the eternal capital of the King of kings and the Lord of lords in the Kingdom of God. There will always be Israel without Palestinians, for the Promised Land belongs only to the Jews. Palestinians are Arabs and not Jewish. Palestinians are advised to seek residency and citizenship of the surrounding Arab nations.
W. The federal government by all means to discourage and control immorality, violence, corruption, greed, monopoly, irresponsibility, incivility, vulgarity, organized crime, anti-social behavior, idleness and laziness in general.
X. The U.S. government promotes free trade, free competition, medical and scientific cooperation, research and development of the world community for public good. The U.S. foreign policy is to seek peace and harmony and cooperation with all nations big and small; discourage all unjust wars and civil wars; encourage civility, industry, productivity, and law abiding; and target government corruption of any kind or any country. The U.S. shall not participate in arms race. In view of large scale famine and prevalent poverty, population or birth control is encouraged. The United States shall not aid those nations which do not help themselves. When the U.S. gives aid, there will be no strings attached.
Y. The U.S. government shall establish new rules and regulations to oversee and control the financial and banking systems to prevent monopoly, unfair, fraudulent and predatory practices. The new rules and regulations will make the financial or economic crisis like 2008 created by Wall Street executives impossible. Any fraud or predatory practices exceeding $1 million or more will be executed and all assets seized by the Treasury.
Z. The federal government shall focus intensely on rebuilding America in the areas of education, health care, homelessness, infrastructure, public health, social justice, disease control, diplomacy, trade, research and development, science and technology, making no discrimination between domestic and foreign enterprises; protect the environment; take effective measures to counter climate change and global warming; control contamination and pollution of soil, food, drug, water and air; hold American leaders and politicians and officials and corporate executives for their integrity and truth; and make mass media liable and accountable for truth in news and reporting. Charity is commended for its good deeds, not for profit and free tax. Democracy means doing the greatest good of the greatest number of American citizens. Righteousness has replaced might as the mode of government operations.
NB.
Right the wrong committed against the natives of America (the Red Indians) in the past with financial reparations and civil assistance. Black Americans cannot claim indemnity for slavery of their ancestors; they may seek damages from the descendants of the wealthy southern plantation, knowing it was African blacks who sold black slaves to white plantation owners. In addition since the Great Society of Johnson, the federal, state, and local governments had already spent more than US$6 trillion dollars to aid black Americans. The U.S. government shall by all means return the Chinese national treasures looted and robbed or stolen since the infamous Opium Wars to present day now displayed in national, public, state, county, city and private museums and collections. The U.S. shall return Taiwan to China with sincere apology.
But most Americans still do not know the evil which is done and promoted by American leaders and politicians in the glorification of so-called democracy, freedom, and human rights to justify their aggression, oppression, suppression, and sanctions of many countries and peoples. My fellow Americans, don’t you know American leaders and politicians have made America the most hated nation on earth?
Thanks to American leaders and politicians, America has the largest national debt exceeds $30 trillions, and budget deficits in trillions. The average American can do nothing about it. Those trillions make executives of Washington, Wall Street, Hollywood, military-industrial-security complex filthy rich.
Citibank fails to comply with the federal laws of record keeping and accounting reporting. Citibank fails to send consecutive monthly statement to its bank account customer. As of 4/12/22 Citibank failed to send me consecutive monthly statements of 14 months, 5 months in 2020, 5 months in 2021, and 4 months in 2022. Citibank defrauds so far my two pensions of $36.84 and failed to post credits on my account. Upon repeated the requests, Citibank fails to resend me 14 months of hard copy statements. Citibank forged electronic version of monthly statements which cannot be verified and validated by hard copies of statement. Without the hard copies of consecutive monthly statements, there is no way to audit and balance my bank account.
I disagree with Franklin D. Roosevelt who said, “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and Senators and Congressmen and Government officials but the voters of this country.”
If Franklin D. Roosevelt were alive today, he would be shocked to find out the Government is paralyzed and held captive by special interests. Once a person is elected, he can become a demagogue or dictator, the impeachment process is an exercise of futility. The U.S. Constitution does not vest the sovereignty on American citizens. American citizens do not have the sovereign right to remove any president and senator and congressman and government official through a national referendum.
There are many things that bad government can cause citizens to fear and worry. A bad government is like a bad tree that bears many bad fruits. The bad fruits of a bad government include economic crisis, great national debt, high budget deficits, high inflation, high crime, high unemployment, injustice, and lack of truth. Lawlessness abounds, corruption and immorality run amok, riots in the streets, irresponsibility is rampant in business and government. Banks do not send consecutive monthly report to customers, banks defraud customers by failing to report credits; regulators protect the regulated industries; bureaucracies are self-serving; insider trading ruins stock markets; manufacturing companies do not honor service warranty, etc. To test and measure a government, law codes are an indicator.
AMERICAN LAW CODES
The US Constitution requires to simplify the legal system, law codes, legal processesand by using simple English so that it does not require legal opinion or assistance of lawyers. The legal system is restructured and revised to promote equity, equality, and justice for all. Jury trialis abolished and replaced by three independent judges. The verdict of the majority stands. Facetious and fake lawsuits shall incur hefty financial penalty and imprisonment may be imposed and disbarment of lawyers for life. Class action lawsuit is abolished. Fake evidence and false and facetious litigation will incur hefty financial penalty or prison depending on the severity of the case. Class action lawsuits and jury trials are abolished.Abolish also Affirmative Action so that there is no racial discrimination; no special treatment or privilege to any group.
Alldeath penaltycases shall be executed without delay. One final appeal may be granted but the appeal cost must be borne by the criminals themselves.
AMERICAN TAXATION
To achieve equality and justice, taxation is changed by adopting the new Taxation Table for individuals (citizens and residents) and corporations, all organizations, religions and churches which is explained in the Federal Government. If a resident earns income outside of the United States, he/she does not have to pay income tax.
The tax laws are being revised and simplified to reflect equity, fairness, and reduce income inequality. All citizens, residents, foreigners (whose income from abroad are tax free), corporations, institutions, religions and churches shall pay taxes according to the following Tax Table. There shall be no allowances, exemptions, deductions, non-profit organizations, or charities.
Overhaul and simplify taxation to reduce the gap of the rich and the poor. A new Taxation Table is set up to determine fair and just tax rate. For example, whether corporation, institution, or individual will follow the Tax Table without deduction, exemption, subsidy, allowance, or considering the size of the family:
Income of $50,000 or under is tax free.
Income of $100,000 – $9 million – 10%
Income of $10 million – $49 million – 20%
Income of $50 million – $299 million – 30 %
Income of $300 million – $699 million – 40%
Income of $700 million – $1 billion – 50%
Income of $10 billion & above- 90%
Inheritance under $10 million is tax free.
The US Constitution abolishes all tax free institutions, foundations, organizations, churches, and religions. All business corporations and individuals to file income tax based on the Tax Table without allowances, deductions, exemptions.
AMERICAN DEFENCE
The Defense Department must not be a war department, therefore the Pentagon must be reduced by 2/3, and its huge facilities may accommodate other federal departments to save rents.
Since America no longer is an empire, therefore it does not threaten or sanction any nation under phony national security pretext. The United States closes all its overseas military bases, withdraws all its troops, aircraft careers, fleets, warships, spy planes, bombers, weapons, etc.
America seeks peace and justice, and copied President Richard Nixon to seek a just and lasting peace for the world.Therefore America no longer considers Russia and China as threats, and is willing to work with Russia and China for peace, progress, and prosperity. America is concerned not only the security of America, but also world security.
STATE DEPARTMENT
The State Department carries out and practices diplomacy of good neighbors, friendliness, harmony and respect. America abandons regime change of any country. America respects all nations, big and small, to choose its own system of government, form of economy, and independent foreign policy. If America assists a nation it is because of goodness and with no strings attached. America actually abandons sanction, tariff as a political and economic threat, boycott, military intervention, and all hostile gestures.
The consulates of the State Department shall not engage in subversive, intelligence gathering, and spy activities; but earnestly promote trade, cultural exchange, technological cooperation, etc. to benefit mankind.
NATIONAL EDUCATION
Department of Education is to launch a program from kindergarten to university onmoral and civic education; in addition to regular academic programs.
America does not want the indulgence such as Denmark debuts new children’s TV show about a man with a huge and uncontrollable penis or Capitol riots, etc. Hollywood produces too many violent and sexual implicit movies which offend national values. America wants to express the old values of morality, honesty, frugality, productivity, responsibility, and civility.
If a magazine or Internet company involves in pornography and dissemination of nude pictures of women and children deemed harmful and detrimental to moral values by the Supreme Court, the magazine or Internet company may be penalized $10 million dollars per occurrence. If the same magazine or Internet company commits the same crime three times, in addition to financial penalty, its executive may be sent to jail.
Enough is Hollywood that produces pornography, sexual implicit movies and too many violent movies which are diametrically opposed to the national values. Although America practices free enterprise, but all harmful and undesirable enterprises shall be penalized financially and its executives may be sent to jail. If Hollywood or any enterprise produces a film or movie deemed harmful morally and culturally by the US Supreme Court, that company that produces such film or movie may be penalized for $10 million dollars. If the same company continuously produces harmful and detrimental movies 3 times, the executive may be sent to jail in addition to financial penalty.
America does not censor any ideology or religion except when it threatens national security, downgrades national morality, misleads the young, violates human decency.
THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
Although the US Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President, they are not appointed for live. After 6 years they must be approved by the American citizens through NATIONAL REFERENDUM before they can stay for life.
The Chief Justice with consent of three associate justices may arrest a president who exhibits irresponsible, incoherent, immoral, irrational, or dangerous behavior. After that, a NATIONAL REFERENDUM shall determine the fate of the president without the long process of impeachment.
The U.S. Supreme Court shall interpret the U.S. Constitution and act as the arbiter of justice in the land, and resolve conflict between state and federal government, and among states, and conflicts between the Unite States and foreign countries. The U.S. Supreme Court shall not make laws.
The Chief Justice and associate justices may independently as a group evaluate and criticize publicly any questionable, immoral, irresponsible, selfish, and untruthful word or deed of any official or political party without hearing or trial and without force of the law; but having the prestige of moral authority and influence. Any national official who has been criticized or censored by the US Supreme Court is a prime candidate to be removed by a National Referendum.
THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS
For the sake of efficiency and economy, simplicity and effectiveness, the US Congress is changed and reformed to become a unicameral body of legislation with representation from each state shall be called Senators. All house representatives are abolished along with all its positions, and the title Congressman is used no more. Each state of the Union no matter how small is the population is entitled to have one Senator, one more Senator for each additional 5 million citizens. If a state has registered 20 million citizens, it will have 4 Senators. The Vice President is automatically the Senate President (without voting right, except in a national referendum), and also there are only Majority Leader and Minority Leader. There are no more committee positions. Every Senator has equal right and duty. For any national legislation, it requires 51% of the votes to pass. Pork-barrel proposals or legislation are prohibitive. The Congress represented by Senators must focus on only the national interest which benefits the greatest number of American citizens. Any lobby on behalf of any foreign country, domestic or foreign business or industry, organization, institution is prohibitive.
An American Senator must be at least 24 years old, whether born or naturalized citizen, male for female, must have moral character, and without a criminal record. The salaries of Senators, and its increase or decrease must also be approved by National Referendum. All Senators are required to retire at 60, for the next 20 years they are not allowed to lobby for any foreign country, domestic and foreign enterprise, institutions or individuals. The U.S. Senators shall seek only the national interest, not special interest or private interest, or foreign interest.
The Congress has no legal right to make legislation involving other countries, such as the U.S.-Taiwan Relations Act is void and illegal. Any member of the Congress must not slander and smear any foreign country which is none of his/her business. The Congress shall focus only on national interest and make laws which benefit the greatest number of American citizens. The U.S. shall return Taiwan to China with sincere apology.
America is the most mismanaged country in the world. It would be voluminous to record all the cases of mismanagement
Wars of aggression can have beautiful names such as Operation Restoring Hope, Operation Just Cause, Operation Enduring Freedom, etc. to fool the uninformed. God cannot be fooled. God is calling the United States to listen: cease to be the evil empire, cease and desist to be the warmonger, cease to do evil in the world, cease to cause destruction. I am afraid American leaders will not listen because they are arrogant supremacists, imperialists, hegemonists, monopolists, militarists and capitalists. Let American leaders know what God has said, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation, uproot and destroy it, declares the Lord.”
The US Constitution needs to be revised. The change is to stipulate that the national sovereignty is vested in the hands of American citizens. American citizens have the final say on every vital issue and important matters of the nation. National referendum is the real democracy in action. Unlike the democracy and national referendum in Taiwan which is phony and not worth mentioning. American leaders and politicians are afraid of changing the U.S. Constitution to stipulate that sovereignty is vested in the hands of American citizens because in that way American leaders and politicians will lose their monopoly of power. When and where 51% of Americans cast their votes of no confidence in the president or any high ranking official, they can be removed automatically without going through the useless process of impeachment. The majority of American citizens are empowered to make decision of national importance. For example, if 51% of American voters decide to abandon empire, the American foreign policy can be changed overnight, all American troops stationed overseas, aircraft carriers, warships, destroyers, bombers, spy plans, etc. can be withdrawn at once.
The American leaders and politicians have no intention to change the US Constitution because they want to hang on all the political and financial powers in their hands. To run America a real democracy would require the US Constitution to vest national sovereignty in the hands of American citizens.
I have identified the most dangerous American time bombs as follows: The purpose of listing the most dangerous American time bombs. I define a time bomb as a national pressing problem or serious situation if not resolved properly that threatens to have disastrous consequences at some near future time or unexpectedly. Had American citizens possess the right of national sovereignty, many vital issues could have been resolved by national referendums. There are quite a few American ticking time bombs. Here just to mention a few as follows:
(1) . Blacks
(2) . Latinos
(3) . Debt
(4) . Deficits
(5) . Illegal aliens (already in America)
(6) . Welfare
(7) . Most costly and fraudulent healthcare, drug and hospital
(8) . Economy
(9) . Trade
(10). Special interests
(11). Partisan divisiveness
(12). Racial discrimination
(13). Police brutality
(14). Illegal migrants (want to come in)
(15).Injustice
(16). Organized crime
(17). Terrorism (Islamic and domestic)
(18). Inequality
(19). Corruption
(20). Deviant Culture
(21). Military-Industrial-Security complex
(22). Pentagon
(23). Iran
(24). Hamas-Palestinians
(25). Fake news
EVERY CRISIS IS A TIME BOMB. A time bomb isa potentially dangerous or detrimental factor which may increase its destructiveness with the passage of time.
American leaders and politicians are elected, or appointed, and all paid very well to solve the American problems. I am not elected, not appointed, not paid to do anything.
The American economy, military and political structures are already in decay and decline for those who have eyes to see.
5. Is America mentioned in the Bible?
Of course the Bible does not mention OR imply the United States of America. The Biblical prophesy was completed about 2,000 years ago. How long America has existed? WRONG INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE.
1. It is wrong to treat America as a Christian nation, there is no Christian nation in the world; America is definitely not a Christian nation. It is wrong to make America standing for Christianity, and it is wrong to make Christians stand for America.
2. It is wrong to claim America has Christian heritage. From the beginning America killed the Red Indians and robbed their land. America has been wrong from its inception to the present.
3. The Bible does not mention or imply the United States of America, for possible one of the two reasons:
A. In the end time, America probably becomes an insignificant nation, not worthy to be mentioned.
B. In the end time, America probably no longer exists, therefore it is not mentioned at all.
You ask how could the strongest nation in the world become insignificant in the end time or it no longer exists in the end time? This you have to ask American leaders and politicians who lead America astray and to the path of suicide and destruction.
Robert Jeffress: ”I believe America’s collapse is inevitable.
Ladies and gentlemen over the last 50 years our Supreme Court has made three explosive decisions that have so weakened the moral and spiritual structure and foundation of our country that our inevitable collapse is certain. Right now we’re simply living between that time of the explosions that have weakened our basic foundation, and the coming implosion. What are those three decisions? These three decisions have changed the direction of our country more than any congressional mandate, more than any executive order from the chief executive officer of the President of the United States. Here are these three decisions. Decision number one I call it explosion number one was the Supreme Court case in 1962 of Engle vs. Vitale. This is the case that removed the saying of a voluntary 22 word prayer in the public schools. A simple 22 word voluntary prayer was deemed unconstitutional. And of course it is from that decision Engle vs. Vitale that all of the other court decision cascaded showing government’s not neutrality toward religion, but government’s hostility toward religion and specifically it’s hostility toward the Christian religion.
From that decision eventually came the decision of course in 1980 the Stone vs. Graham decision that removed the posting of the Ten Commandments from public schools. Specifically that case had to do with the posting of the Ten Commandments in Kentucky schools. And what was the court’s reasoning from removing the reading of the Ten Commandments the posting of them in the public schools? If I were to paraphrase this for you, you would think I was making it up. So I want to read to you the Supreme Court’s decision and their reasoning for removing the posting of the Ten Commandments. The court said, “If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all it will induce the school children to read, meditate upon, perhaps venerate and obey the commandments. This is not a permissible state objective under the establishment clause of the First Amendment.” If we post the Ten Commandments children may actually read, venerate, and heaven forbid obey them. That is not constitutional.
Explosive decision number three was Lawrence and Garner vs. the State of Texas in 2003. This is the law, this is the Supreme Court decision that struck down our states anti-sodomy laws. But it was the beginning domino that we are seeing continued even as late as this Wednesday. What is interesting is in that decision in 2003 Justice Scalia at that time said, “This ruling leaves on pretty shaky ground state laws limiting marriage to opposite sex couples.” Justice Scalia was being prophetic. In fact it was the reasoning of that court in 2003 that led to this Wednesday DOMA decision that struck down a part of the Defense of Marriage Act. What you need to understand is ladies and gentlemen for 226 years our judiciary has understood that the relationship between a man and woman is what constitutes marriage and it is the bedrock of social order. James Kent who served as Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court wrote in his commentary on American Law, “The primary and most important of the domestic relations is that of husband and wife. It has as it foundation in nature and is the only relation by which providence has permitted the continuance of the human race.” If you heard me Wednesday night on O’Reilly I was debating a former Clinton advisor who is a homosexual who along with his partner has adopted a child. And I reminded him that in 1885 the Supreme Court in Murphy vs. Ramsey said, “Marriage is a holy union consisting of a man and a women.” And it went on to say, “And it is from that relationship that everything good in nature perceives.”
I do not know him personally but I agree with Dr. Robert Jeffress cited above; and do not approve his support of former President Donald Trump. I think it is a poor and miserable thing that many so-called evangelical preachers trying hard and making too much to fit America in Biblical prophesy. I also do not know him but I agree, Dr. Tim LaHaye writes, “One of the hardest things for American prophecy students to accept is that the United States is not clearly mentioned in Bible prophecy, yet our nation is the only superpower in the world today.”
The following are completely false statements about America:
“No other nation on earth can claim the rich Christian heritage that we can, and I believe that America was divinely birthed and purposed to nurture and spread the gospel message until the time of the end. And our Christian or spiritual heritage can be found in the Bible, for we are connected as Americans in a unique way to our spiritual forefathers, the Jews.”
I want to say it again that America is not a Christian nation, and nothing in America represents Christianity. There is no Christian nation on earth since the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Because American leaders and politicians have been practicing “lying” and “killing” and “robbing” since the end of World War II, America may be the most secular empire in the world history trying very hard at the same time to have Christianity as its cover or pretext. Europe and America in history have shamefully discredited Christianity and dishonored the Lord Jesus Christ to this day.
American leaders are most cunning and crafty people who do not have Christian conscience. They couch the Japanese war criminals behind the scenes to defend Taiwan. When evil Japan engages in war with China, they conveniently say they have treaty obligations to aid Japan and to attack China. One atomic bomb for Tokyo, one for Kyoto, and one for Osaka will sink the evil empire to the bottom of Pacific Ocean. They always pretend to be good guys in fact they are agents of the devil. The do not condemn Japan for dumping toxic nuclear radioactive waste water to the Pacific Ocean.
AMERICA NEEDS TO REPENT,
REFORM, ANDRECOMPENSE.
IN CONCLUSION
No matter how good the Constitution or system of government it may be, it still needs good leaders and good people to carry out the mission so that the mission can be accomplished. If China had one leader in the person of Deng Xiaoping to turn a backward and poor country to advance to the World’s Number Two economy, why can’t the United States being the Number One World Economy to save itself and rebuild the nation in the shortest time possible? As an American, I have done what I have done. I am not paid for like American leaders and politicians are paid very well to destroy America.
I am not going to tell you whether I am optimistic or pessimistic about the future of America. Let us watch the history is unfolding. The sun does not stand still and the moon does not stop, what must be done for America must be done quickly. Will any one speak for the welfare of the whole nation? I hope our nation will have respect for the old, and show favor to the young.
Isa 1:4, “Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him.”
Jer 7:28, “You shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God or accept correction; truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.”
Jer 12:17, “But if they will not listen, then I will uproot that nation, uproot and destroy it,” declares the LORD.
Jer 18:8-9, “if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;”
Pro 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Psa 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”
Isa 51:4, “Pay attention to Me, O My people, And give ear to Me, O My nation; For a law will go forth from Me, And I will set My justice for a light of the peoples.”
Isa 2:4, “And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.”
Mic 4:3, “And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war.”
Mar 13:8, “For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in many places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”
Jhn 11:51-52, “Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”
Act 10:35, “but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”
1Pe 2:9, “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLYNATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
Rev 5:9, “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the Book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”
Rev 7:9, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;” Rev 14:6, “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal Gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;”
As an American, what are you going to do about rebuilding America? The silly idea prevalent in America is the idea: if you spend money, the problem will be solved. Consequently, the more money spent, the more American problems pop up. The richer the special interests become.
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
You need to know. I need to know. Everybody needs to know because we are unlike animals or plants. There are many things you can or may know but you do not need to know. If you live in Hawaii, you have no need to know the hurricane or tornado in Mississippi. If you are poor teacher, you have no need to know the ups and downs of Wall Street Stocks because you do not own any stock anyway. I do not need to know about Australia because its nation and people are irrelevant to me. However, there are things, no matter who you are, that you must know and know them well. There are fatal consequences if you do not have Bible knowledge.
“To give to His people the knowledge of salvationby the forgiveness of their sins.” If you do not have the knowledge of salvation, how can you know how to receive the forgiveness of your sins? For a human being, there is nothing more important than to have the knowledge of truth.
I have been led by the Holy Spirit to do a huge project, unprecedented and monumental which I could never
finish it in my lifetime. No one can finish it in his lifetime.
Under the heading Bible Knowledge, there will be
infinite number of topics. The first topic is GOD, the
second is JESUS Christ, the third is the HOLY SPIRIT,
the fourth probably is MAN, and then …. The project is
ongoing, growing with the passage of time, building and expanding indefinitely. This article is not like glossary, nor terms, not even a dictionary nor an encyclopedia. The knowledge content is not exhaustive, but it is comprehensive and representative. Different colors are used to facilitate your study. Words of original languages are helpful for understanding. What this article does to you, only after when you have carefully, prayerfully and sincerely studied the Scriptures to realize the benefit and effect. In order to save unnecessary words or notes of explanation, it it vital to read all the Scriptures and pay attention to what is highlighted in Red. They should be self-evident and self-explanatory. But what you need to know may change your life and enrich your life tremendously.
If you do and obey the Word of God, it can be only for
the better and blessings without measure.
1. GOD:
The word GOD occurs 4,375 times in the NASB (New
American Standard Bible). God in Hebrew is ‘elohiym
which means the true God; the supreme God; Jehovah
alone; – which occurs 2,606 times in the Old Testament.
God in Greek istheos which means the Godhead; the
only and true God; the supreme Divinity; any Person of
the Trinity; – which occurs 1,314 times in the New
Testament. Greek has influenced the English language.
Many English words are derived from Greek. For example, the English word “theology” is derived from the Greek word “theos”. According to one estimate, more than 150,000 words of English are derived from Greek words.
I personally think the Greek word “apokalypsis” which means “revelation” is the most beautiful word in the
world. As far as humanity is concerned, without
revelation would be like a world without sunshine.
God is not a theory, not any theory,
not even the theory.
Exo 3:14: “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God did not explain to Moses. Before time and space, before everything else; I AM WHO I AM.
Moses did not ask for an explanation, he knew it was of no use for him to understand I AM. When God declares,
“I AM God Almighty.” The most brilliant and bright of
humans tremble and become dizzy. Throughout the
eternity the children of God will be with the Father, yet
they will never fully understand I AM WHO I AM.
God is the Creator of universe and man and everything
that is created. Gen 2:4, “This is the account of the
Heavens and the earth when they were created, in the
day that the LORD God made earth and Heaven.”
God is Self-Existent and Eternal. God is Omnipotent,
Omnipresent, and Omniscient.
God is, God was, God is to come for eternity. It is tough to ask what God is, for God is not a thing. It is also wrong who God is, for God is not a man. It is
understandable when God called Moses, Moses said to
God, the sons of Israel may say to him, What is His
name? What shall he say to them?
Exo 3:13-15, “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am
going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The
God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may
say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?”
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.”
God is ONE, God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Spirit. The word trinity does not exist in the Bible,
but the concept of God Being three in ONE does explain in the Bible. Mat 28:19,Jesus commands all disciples before He ascends to the highest Heaven:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit.” Notice the Name is singular, God is One. The God has the Name of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of God.
A. NAMES OF GOD:
1. Lord God Almighty
Rev 4:8 , “And the four beasts had each of them six
wings about him; and they were full of eyes within and
they do not rest day and night, saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
2. JEHOVAH
Exd 6:3 , “And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to
Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name
JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”
Note: JEHOVAH in Hebrew means “the Self-Existing One.”
It is interesting in the Hebrew Old Testament, you can
find several of God’s names with JEHOVAH as prefixes:
a. Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner) – Exd 17:15 ,
“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it
Jehovahnissi.”
b. Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) – Psa 23:1 ,
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
c. Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals) – Exd 15:26 ,
“And He said: If you will give earnest heed to the voice
of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight,
and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His
statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I
have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your
Healer.”
d. Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There ) – Eze 48:35,
“The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the
name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there.”
e. JehovahTsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness )
Jer 23:6 , “In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel
shall dwell safely; and this is His name by which He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
f. Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies
You) – Exd 31:13 , “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying: You shall surely observe My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.”
g. Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) – Gen 22:14 ,
“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh; as it is said to this day: In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”
h. Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) – Jdg 6:24 ,
“Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”
i. Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) – 1 Sa 1:3 ,
“This man went up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord there.”
3. The Lord God
Gen 2:4 , “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the Heavens.”
Note: The Lord God made the earth and the universe
(Heavens).
4. The Lord God of host
1 Ki 19:10 , “And he said: I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and slain Your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life to take it away.”
5. The Lord God of Israel
Luk 1:68 , “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people.”
Note: When Jesus Christ came, the Lord God of Israel can also become the God of Gentiles (Non-Jews) by grace through faith in the Son of God. Beware those who want to take the land that God had given to Abraham and his descendants, the Lord God of Israel will fight for Zion.
6. The Lord God Omnipotent
Rev 19: 6 , “And I heard as it were the voice of a great
multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the
voice of mighty thunderings, saying: Alleluia, for the
Lord God Omnipotent reigns.”
Note: Omnipotent in Greek is pantokratō which means
Amighty; the All-Ruling; the Ruler of all; He who holds
sway over all things; having unlimited authority and
power; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament.
There is nothing is impossible with the Almighty God.
7. The Lord God of the holy prophets
Rev 22:6 , “And he said to me: These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must soon take place.”
8. The Lord of Heaven
Dan 5:23 , “But you have exalted yourself against the
Lord of Heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and your ways, you have not glorified.”
Note: Our life-breath and our existence are in the hand
of God.
9. The Lord of Sabaoth
Rom 9:29 , “And just as Isaiah foretold: Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity, we would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.”
Note: The Lord of Sabaoth means the Lord of the armies
of Israel. Let the enemies of Israel who want to take
Jerusalem beware, the Lord of Sabaoth will fight for the capital of the great King.
10. The Lord Strong and Mighty
Psa 24:8 , “Who is this King of glory? The Lord Strong
and Mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
11. Lord of Heaven and Earth
Mat 11:25 , “At that time Jesus answered and said: I
praise You, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because
You have hidden these things from the educated and
learned, and have revealed them to the untaught.”
Note: Heaven and earth means the universe. God is Lord of the universe.
12. Lord Holy and True
Rev 6:10 , “And they cried out with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord, Holy and True, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
13. The Living Father
Jhn 6:57 , “As the Living Father has sent Me, and I
(Christ) live by the Father; so he who eats Me will also
live by Me.”
Note: He who eats Me means he who accepts Jesus
Christ who sacrificed His body on the cross for him will
have eternal life. God is the Living Father in comparison to human fathers who are mortal.
14. Holy Father
Jhn 17:11 , “And now I am no more in the world, but
these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father,
keep through Your own name those whom You have
given Me, that they may be one, as We are.”
Note: The Catholic Church has blasphemed God by calling pope Holy Father.
15. Heavenly Father
Mat 6:14 , “For if you forgive men their misdeeds, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Note: Our earthly father is nothing in comparison to our Heavenly Father. If we have to respect our earthly father as we should, how much we have to fear our Heavenly Father.
16. Righteous Father
Jhn 17:25 , “O righteous Father, the world has not known You; but I have known You, and these have known that You have sent Me.”
Note: Liars and killers are unrighteous, Jesus Christ
defines them as children of the devil. Children of
righteous Father cannot lie and kill.
17. Abba, Father
Rom 8:15 , “For you have not received the spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry out, Abba! Father!”
Note: Abba is abba in Aramaic which means father;
customary title of God used in prayer; a most sacred
proper name of God; – which occurs 3 times in the New
Testament. Let feminists beware; God is presented as
Father, never as mother.
18. The Father of Glory
Eph 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of Glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
No human father, be it king or president, has glory
comparable to the Father of Glory.
19. The Father of Spirits
Hbr 12:9, “Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh to discipline us, and we gave them respect; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of Spirits, and live?”
20. The Father of Lights
Jam 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
21. The Almighty God
Gen 17:1, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old; the
Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am the
Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”
Note: No matter who you are, be it king or president,
dictator or tycoon, scientist or scholar — no one is mighty.
22. Merciful God
Deu 4:31, “For the Lord your God is a Merciful God; He
will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.”
Note: Because God is merciful, He is not willing any
should perish; so He sent His Only Son Jesus Christ to the world to save sinners.
23. The Faithful God
Deu 7:9, “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is
God, the Faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Note: When everything fails, remember God is faithful and true.
25. The Righteous God
Psa 7:9, “O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the Righteous Godtries the hearts and minds.”
Note: The hearts and minds of the wicked are wickedness.
It is the nature of the wicked to do evil. No man can byhis own good deeds to earn the righteousness of God.
Jesus Christ is the Righteousness of God, and He makes its possible to justify sinners before God.
26. The Living God
Psa 84:2, “My soul longs and even yearns for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God.”
Note: Primitive people worship idols and all all idols are dead gods who are not God.
27. The Mighty God
Isa 10:21, “A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God.”
Note: The Mighty God is the Almighty God. There is
nothing impossible with the Almighty God.
28. The Everlasting God
Isa 40:28,“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not faint or become weary. His understanding is inscrutable.
Rom 16:26, “But now is made manifest, and by the
Scriptures of the prophets, according to the
commandment of the Everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”
Note: The word “everlasting” is interchangeable with
“eternal.” God by nature is eternal. God is Self-Existent, from eternity to eternity, without time and without end.
29. The Most High God
Dan 5:21,“He (Nebuchadnezzar) was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild asses. He was given grass to eat like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind, and that He appoints over it whomever He wishes.”
Note: Let white supremacists beware, they cannot
conquer the world. For God rules over the kingdoms of
mankind. All evil empires have vanished. The evil
American empire and the evil Japanese empire will soon vanish from the face of the earth. Let warmongers and dictators and oppressors know this: The Most High God is the Ruler over the realm of mankind.
30. The Only True God
Jhn 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they may know You,
the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Note: All other gods are false gods. The only true God
cannot tolerate other gods or idols. The most miserable are the Japanese leaders and people who worship their convicted and executed war criminals as true gods. There is no other god, Jesus Christ is our God and Savior.
31. The Immortal God
Rom 1:23, “And exchanged the glory of the Immortal
God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of
birds and four-footed beasts and crawling creatures.”
Note: The Scripture declares the folly of idolatry. The
Immortal God is eternal.
32. The Invisible God
Col 1:15 , “He (Christ) is the image of the Invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
Note: God is invisible because He is the Spirit. Spirit does not have flesh and bone.
33. The Living and True God
1 Th 1:9, “For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the Living and True God.”
34. The Blessed God
1 Ti 1:11, “According to the glorious Gospel of the
Blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
Note: The Blessed God deserves all our praises and
thankfulness.
35. The Only Wise God
1 Ti 1:17, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the Only Wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Let the evil trinity of Washington, Wall Street and
Hollywood beware. They think, speak and act as arrogant rulers of the world. They do not realized they are foolish like worms and will die suddenly. Let arrogant scientists and scholars be warned, what are you so proud about, you don’t even know when you are going to die?
36. The Great God
Tts 2:13, “Looking for the blessed hope and the
appearing of the glory of the Great God and our Savior
Jesus Christ.”
Note: The Jewish nation is surrounded by enemies. Oh,
children of Abraham, do not fear. Accept Jesus Christ as your Messiah. The God of Abraham is the Great God, more powerful than the sole superpower, more mighty than all the nuclear weapons of the world.
37. The Only Lord God
Jud 1:4 , “For there are certain men crept in unawares,
who were before of old ordained to this condemnation,
ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into
lasciviousness, and denying the Only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: God has many other names. Please read my article:
The movement which vainly called God Mother is damned and cursed. The Lord Jesus wants His disciples to address God as our Heavenly Father: Mat 5:48: “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
B. GOD IS:
Deu 4:24, “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
Note: God is a consuming fire, but fire is not God. Those who believe fire is god is pantheist. Christian is not a pantheist.
Deu 4:31, “For the LORD your God is a compassionate
God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the
covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.”
Note: Compassionate in Hebrew israchuwmwhich means merciful; showing compassion; sympathetic; kindly; having pity; benevolent; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament.
Deu 7:21, “You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”
Note: Awesome in Hebrew isyare’which means terrible; fearful; dreadful; reverent; to be held in awe; to inspire godly fear and awe; frightening; – which occurs 402 times.
If you do not fear God, you are finished.
Deu 10:17, “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.”
Note: God is above all gods and He is the Lord of lords.
God is impartial and He does not take a bribe.
2Sa 22:33,“God is my strong fortress; And He sets the blameless in His way.”
Note: Fortress in Hebrew is ma`owzwhich means fort;
rock; strength; refuge; stronghold; place or means of
safety; protection; citadel; security; – which occurs 37
times in the Old Testament. God is the strong fortress or security of believers, not unbelievers or the wicked.
2Ch 30:9,“For if you return to the LORD, your brothers
and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”
Note: Gracious in Hebrew ischannuwnwhich means
merciful; benevolent; kind; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. If you repent and believe in Jesus Christ, God is gracious and compassionate to you.
Ezr 8:22, “For I was ashamed to request from the king
troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.”
Note: Disposed in Hebrew istowbwhich means good;
well; fine; favorable; pleasant; agreeable; benign; right; upright; – which occurs 597 times in the Old Testament.
God is especially kind to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.
Job 33:12,“Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in
this, For God is greater than man.”
Note: Of course God is greater than man. There are some mad men who behaves like a god.
Job 36:22, “Behold, God is exalted in His power; Who is a teacher like Him?”
Job 37:22, “Out of the north comes golden splendor; Around God is awesome majesty.”
Note: You may have seen the Northen Lights which show golden splendor, but God awesome majesty no man has seen.
Psa 47:7, “For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm.”
Psa 54:4, “Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”
Psa 59:17, “O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me
lovingkindness.”
Note: Stronghold in Hebrew ismisgabwhich means a
fortified place; refuge; high tower; fortress; defence;
protection; secure height; lofty place; rock; sanctuary; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. God is the stronghold of His children, the God who shows His
children lovingkindness.
Psa 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion
allotment; – which occurs 68 times. God is the strength
of the hearts of His children and their portion or
possession forever. The wicked have no part with God.
Psa 75:7, “But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.”
Note: God is the Judge, He will put down the nations that oppress and suppress other nations.
Psa 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk
uprightly.”
Note: God is a Sun which means God enlightens me. God
is my shield means God is my protector.
Psa 115:3, “But our God is in the Heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”
Note: Unbelievers and the wicked overlook God does
whatever He pleases because God rules the universe.
Isa 12:2,“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”
Note: God is my salvation means God saves me from sin and death. So God is also my strength and song.
Jer 3:23, “Surely, the hills are a deception, A tumult on the mountains. Surely in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel.”
Note: Israel is surrounded by hostile enemies, but do not fear, for God is the salvation of Israel.
Dan 5:21,“He was also driven away from mankind, and
his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is
Ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it
whomever He wishes.”
Note: The mad king finally realized and recognized that God is the Most High and the Ruler over the realm of mankind.
Dan 9:14,“Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in
store and brought it on us; for the LORD our God is
righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.”
Note: Righteous in Hebrew is tsaddiyqwhich means just; lawful; impartial; correct; unbiased; fair; true; – which occurs 235 times in the Old Testament. Everything that God does is right and just and fair.
Jhn 3:33, “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.”
Note: God is true, every man is a liar; and the devil was the first liar and murderer. The children of the devil lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob.
Jhn 4:24,“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must
worship in spirit and truth.”
Note: Spirit in Greek ispneumawhich means breath of
life; the Holy Spirit; God’s character and personality; a depersonalized power or force; the divine nature of God;
– which occurs 380 times in the New Testament. God is
Spirit, therefore He is invisible. God is Spirit is the
Christian theology which no scientists and unbelieving
theologians can comprehend. Because God is Spirit, no scientist or philosopher can discover God by human means. But God is real and true to those who worship Him in spirit and truth.
Rom 8:33, “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.”
1Co 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such
as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not
allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but
with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
Note: The faithfulness of God is expressed in the way
God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you
able to endure. So let us remember God is faithful,
whatever God allows to happen to us He has full control of the situation.
1Co 11:3, “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.”
Note: The order of the Trinity is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2Co 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound to
you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”
Note: The God of the Holy Bible is unlike other gods. God is able, there is nothing impossible with God. God is able to save Christians to the end.
Gal 3:20, “Now a mediator is not for one party only;
whereas God is only ONE.”
Note: Christians believe God is only ONE. The Father and
Son are ONE; One Father, One Lord, One Spirit, One
Mediator, One Sacrifice, One Faith, One Baptism, One
Hope, One Body, One Accord, One Bread, One Mind, One Purpose. Christians of all colors and countries are One in Christ.
Gal 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”
Note: Mock in Greek ismyktērizōwhich means to sneer at; to deride; to laugh at; to ridicule; to make mouths at; to make fun of; to treat with contempt; to defy; to scoff; to insult; to frustrate; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. No one can deceive God, people only deceive themselves. God cannot be mocked or ridiculed, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Heb 6:10, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your
work and the love which you have shown toward His
name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the
saints.”
Note: The sufferings of saints for the sake of Christ and the work and love children of God have shown toward God will never be forgotten, but to be rewarded someday.
Note: God is a consuming fire, therefore fear God. But fire is not God.
Jas 4:6, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says,
“GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
Note: God is opposed to the proud, so the proud leaders will be made low.
1Jo 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him
and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there
is no darkness at all.”
Note: God is Light, this is the truth of Christianity. All
other religions are in darkness. There is no light in human theology and philosophy and even science cannot find the absolute truth in Christ.
1Jo 3:20, “in whatever our heart condemns us; for God
is greater than our heart and knows all things.”
Note: If you do something that your heart condemns you, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. I suspect that some individuals whose hearts are so rotten and deceitful that they do not seem to know the difference of good and evil.
1Jo 4:16, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
Note: God is love is the most wonderful Christian truth.
It is inconceivable and incomprehensible that the Just and
Holy God could love sinners. Hatred belongs to false
religions.
Rev 4:8, “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY,
HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”
Note: The declaration that God is holy is like the
combination of saying God is Light, God is true, God is
Righteous, God is Almighty all in one. God is holy is most awesome, amazing, astounding, and stunning. God is Holy, Holy, Holy; let every knee bow and tremble, and let everyone fall on his face and worship God.
C. THE WORD OF GOD:
Gen 15:1, “After these things the Word of the LORD
came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Note: After these things you have to read Genesis
Chapter 14. After Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him,and Abram gave Melchizedek king of Salem, a priest of God Most High, a tenth of all. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom,
“I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, Possessor of Heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ Thus the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.
Word in Hebrew is dabarwhich means saying; speech;
utterance; decree; message; oracle; commandment;
remark; promise; – which occurs 1,416 times in the Old
Testament. Vision in Hebrew is machazehwhich means in the ecstatic state; something seen in a dream; manifestation; an experience of seeing and hearing from God; – which occurs 4 times in the Old Testament. I never had a vision, I believe what the Word of God says. God said to Abram, “Do not fear, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.” Shield in Hebrew is magenwhich means buckler; defence; protector; – which occurs 63 times in the Old Testament. Abram was very blessed:
God was his protector and reward.
Exo 9:20-21, “The one among the servants of Pharaoh
who feared the Word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses;but he who paid no regard to the Word of the LORD left his servants and his livestock in the field.” Those who feared the Word of God were safe. Exo 9:25, “The hail struck all that was in the field through all the land of Egypt, both man and beast; the hail also struck every plant of the field and shattered every tree of the field.” Those who paid no regard to the Word of God suffered. Remember, the Word of God always come true.
defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is
blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people.
‘Because he has despised the Word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.’”
Note: Despise in Hebrew is bazah which means to disdain; to hold in contempt; to scorn; to regard with contempt; to treat worthless; to trample with the feet; to make light of; to look down on; to regard as negligible; to loathe; to dislike intensely; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. To despise the Word of God is to break His commandment. The person is guilty and shall be completely cut off. Cut off in Hebrew is karath which means to cut down; to cut out; to cut to pieces; to destroy; to eliminate; to kill; to behead; to hew; to take away; to perish; to bring to an end; to terminate; – which occurs 461 times in the Old Testament.
Num 22:38, “So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have
come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The Word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.”
Note: 2Pe 2:15, “forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” Balaam had gone astray who loved the wages of unrighteousness. For a prophet or a servant of God, the Word that God puts in his mouth, that he shall speak. There are many false prophets and false teachers who do not speak the Word of God.
commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may
keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Note: Moses told the sons of Israel not to add to the
Word of God. Rev 22:18-19, “I testify to everyone who
hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” This is the most serious matter:
No one can add or take away the words of God written in the Bible, the consequences are grave. I believe it is wrong to have an abridged Bible. It is equally wrong for those who add speculations on the Word of God, which many so-called theologians had done by distortion and misinterpretation or private interpretation. I believe John Calvin’s private interpretation of the doctrine on God’s predestination is totally un-scriptural and false. The enemies of truth delete the Word of God from my website, God will delete their names from the Book of Life and put their names in the Book of Death. They are waiting to be executed.
Deu 17:11, “According to the terms of the law which they teach you, and according to the verdict which they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the Wordwhich they declare to you, to the right or the left.”
Note: No Christians may turn aside from the Word of God to the right or the left. Christians must be straight with the Bible.
Note: Presumptuously in Hebrew is zuwd which means
to deal proudly; to presume; to act rebelliously; to act
insolently; to overstep due bound; to take too much for granted; to go beyond what is proper; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. Karl Barth was no prophet but a false teacher who presumptuously said, the Bible is not the Word of God but contains the Word of God. Barth did violence to the Holy Bible. I have no intention to waste my life on his work to conclude he is wrong. It is God’s business to deal with so many false prophets and false teachers in history.
Deu 34:5, “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the Word of the LORD.”
Note: Christians believe the Word of God is absolute, complete, perfect, supreme and ultimate. Every doubt or dispute on the Faith must be settled according to the Word of God. We do not use any system of theologies (such as Calvinism, Neo-Orthodoxy, modernism, etc.) to measure the Word of God, we use the Word of God to test any theory or doctrine or ideology. For that reason, we found capitalism and imperialism are not compatible with the Holy Bible. The Western nations are practicing a false version of Christianity.
Jos 8:8,“Then it will be when you have seized the city,
that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do it according to the Word of the LORD. See, I have commanded you.”
Note: In the old dispensation, God was at wars with pagan and wicked nations on behalf of Israel. The conquest of the city of Ai and God commanded Joshua to set the city on fire. In the new dispensation, God offers grace and the Gospel to all nations. If today any political leader or preacher command believers to set fire on a city or houses of people, OR to commit riots, that is the agent of the devil. Christians do not do violence or commit any unlawful act.
Christians must do everything according to the Word of God. The Bible does not advocate Christians to take up revolution for any reason. Christians are not to change the world, but to save the world.
1Sa 3:7, “Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the Word of the LORD yet been revealed to him.”
Note: Samuel was a little boy who did not know the Lord because the Word of God had not yet been revealed to him. Revelation is necessary because no man can find God by his own wisdom or efforts. Christianity is the only revealed religion, all others are man-made religions. Now the revelation of God is complete in Jesus Christ, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. There is no more new revelation. If anyone claims he has new revelation other than what is revealed in the Holy Scriptures, the man is condemned and accursed. Do not follow them.
1Sa 15:23, “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.”
Note: In the sight of God, rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is an iniquity and idolatry. Rebellion in Hebrew is meriywhich means bitterness; contumacy; contempt of court; defiance of an established government; resistance; a violent organized action against authority; – which occurs 24 times in the Old Testament.
The crimes committed by those Chinese traitors in Hong Kong financed and supported by Western aggressors are rebellion. They are contumacy, not democracy. Because they conspired with foreign forces, they have committed treason and can be executed. Divination in Hebrew isqecemwhich means witchcraft; false oracles; the practice of fortune-telling by supernatural means; astrology; – which occurs 12 times in the Old Testament. Insubordination in Hebrew is patsarwhich means stubbornness; disobedience to authority; insolence; arrogance; presumption; revolt; sedition; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. The Hong Kong rioters have committed rebellion and sedition. Iniquity in Hebrew is ‘avenwhich means wickedness; sin; mischief; unrighteousness; vanity; falsehood; evil; trouble; sorrow; affliction; emptiness; fraud; calamity; gross injustice; wicked act; wrong; crime; – which occurs 77 times in the Old Testament. Idolatry in Hebrew is teraphiym which means worship of idols or false gods; household shrine or image worship; domestic or family gods; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. In Chines culture, idolatry and worship of ancestors are cultural phenomenon. Chinese Christians must beware. Idolatry is still prevalent among primitive and superstitious peoples in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, Americans and Europeans commit greed which is equivalent to idolatry. The West worships money, power, and sex. Because Saul rejected the Word of God, so God rejected him being king over Israel.
2Sa 12:9, “Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.”
Note: Even David when he sinned, God punished him. Anyone who does evil has despised the Word of God. Doing evil is despising the Word of God. Despise in Hebrew is bazahwhich means to disdain; to scorn; to hold in contempt; to regard with contempt; to deem worthless; to make light; to look down; to disregard; to have low opinion of; to loathe; to dislike intensely; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. To do evil is to despise or dislike the Word of God.
2Sa 16:23, “The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in
those days, was as if one inquired of the Word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.”
Note: Ahithophel was a wise strategist, in those days people regarded his word as if one inquired of the Word of God. No man’s word should be regarded as if it were the Word of God. God finally destroyed Ahithophel. Nowadays there are believers who regard the words of Augustine, Calvin, etc. as if they were the words of God. Christians should use the Word of God to test and measure any words of theologians and philosophers. No Christians would use the words of theologians and philosophers to test and measure the Word of God.
2Sa 22:31, “As for God, His way is blameless; The Word of the LORD is tested; He is a Shield to all who take refuge in Him.”
Note: Blameless in Hebrew is tamiymwhich means without blemish; without spot; without flaw or fault; perfect; upright; whole; complete; sound; wholesome; having integrity; in accord with truth and fact; innocent; – which occurs 140 times in the Old Testament. Tested in Hebrew is tsaraphwhich means tried; pure; refined; purged; proven; purified; qualified through testing; examined; stood the test of time; dependable; reliable; true; – which occurs 33 times in the Old Testament. Yes, God’s way is blameless or flawless; the Word of God stood the test of time and proven perfect and true. God is my Shield and I take refuge in Him. Woe to the gullible nations and simple-minded peoples who think and believe nuclear shield can protect them!
1Ki 17:16, 24, “The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the Word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah…Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the Word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”
Note: There was an interesting historical story how the Lord provided for His prophet Elijah. Elijah met a widow who was gathering sticks. Elijah asked her to get him a little water and a piece of bread. The widow said she had no bread, only a handful of flour and a little oil; she was gathering a few sticks to prepare a little bread cake for herself and her son that they may eat it and die. Elijah said to the widow not to fear, but make him a little bread cake first and afterward make one for herself and her son.
1Ki 17:14, “For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.’” The widow went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days; as the Scripture cited above. Finally, the widow said she now knew that Elijah was a man of God and that the Word of God in his mouth was true. The resources of God never exhausted, never became empty. Believe it, the Word of God is always true and it will be eternal in Heaven.
1Ch 10:13,“So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the Word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it,”
Note: Saul was a historical tragic figure, the king died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the Word of the Lord. Saul also asked counsel of a medium. Christians must not consult mediums, spiritists, fengshui, astrologers, sorcerers, fortune-tellers, etc.
Psa 119:89, “Lamedh. Forever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in Heaven.”
Note: Settle in Hebrew is natsabwhich means to stand upright; to establish permanently; to appoint; to erect; to stand firm; to set up; to fix; to put in order; to make stable; to come to rest; – which occurs 79 times in the Old Testament. The Word of God is established permanently and firmly in Heaven.
Psa 119:105,“Nun. Your Word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Note: The Word of God is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path so that I will not walk in darkness. Those who have the Word of God have the light so that they will not be blinded.
Psa 119:160,“The sum of Your Word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
Note: Sum in Hebrew is ro’shwhich means the principal; totality; first and foremost; aggregate; summation; gist; entirety; summary; – which occurs 605 times in the Old Testament. The sum and summation of the Word of God is truth. In my study and enquiry, I discover the totality and entirety of the theologies and philosophies and ideologies of unbelievers are useless talk, silly talk, empty words, empty pursuits, empty conceit, empty deception, empty chatter, false words, false and foolish visions, idle tales, myths and mere speculations only darken and blind the mind and heart.
Jer 28:9, “The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, then that prophet will be known as one whom the LORD has truly sent.”
Note: The word of a false prophet will never come to pass. Remember the prophesy is completed, no one can prophesize contrary to what is written in the Word of God.
Mat 4:4,“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
Note: Every word written in the Holy Scriptures proceeds out of the mouth of God. Man shall not live on bread or rice alone.
Mat 13:19,“When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdomand does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.”
Note: When anyone hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ and does not repent and believe, the evil one must have snatched the seed sown in his heart.
Mat 13:22,“And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the Word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
Note: The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth (money) can choke the Word of truth so that people will not accept it. Choke in Greek is sympnigōwhich means to throng; to suffocate; to strangle comletely; to drown; to crowd; to obstruct; to asphyxiate; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. The most terrible thing I watched in 2020 was the white police officer choked a black suspect to death live on TV! Thus not many rich people believe and follow Jesus.
Mat 15:6, “he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.” Mar 7:13, “thus invalidating the Word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”
Note: Tradition in Greek is paradosiswhich means passing down ordinance; an inherited religious practice or social custom; a handing down which is done by word of mouth or in writing; of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence (Strong’s Concordance); Jewish traditional law; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. At Jesus’ time, there were Jewish traditions which invalidate the Word of God. Invalidate in Greek isakyroō which means to make of none effect; to disannul; to discredit; to distort; to deprive the force of authority; to render void; to make light of; to nullify; to undermine; to cancel; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament.
Even today the Roman Catholic Church has many traditions (practices and beliefs) which invalidate the Word of God, to name a few: papacy, celibacy of the priest, worship of Mary and saints. priest’s forgiveness of sins;
transubstantiation, purgatory, Mary as the mediator, etc.
In my studies I found some are expert in setting aside the
Word of God. Many theologies and philosophies so-called
also distort the Word of God, such as Calvin’s doctrine of predestination, and Barth’s Bible containing the Word of
God, etc.
Mar 4:15,“These are the ones who are beside the road
where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately
Satan comes and takes away the Word which has been
sown in them.”
Note: Satan can take away the Word which has been sown in the hearts of men.
Mar 12:14, “They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we
know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?”
Note: The way of God in truth is the Word of God. Intellectual hypocrites wanted to trap Jesus Christ by mixing religion with politics in a devious way. Today, many Western politicians use Christianity to advance their evil empire and global aggression and domination.
Luk 3:2, “in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.”
Note: A prophet is the spokesman of God. A prophet cannot say anything on his own. The Word of God came to John the Baptist and so he preached in the wilderness. John had quite a natural big voice, he preached in the wilderness without a loudspeaker. Jhn 1:29-30, “The next day he (saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!“ This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’
Luk 8:11, “Now the parable is this: the seed is the Word of God.”
Note: Parable in Greek isparabolēwhich means figure of speech; comparison; comparison of one thing with another; likeness; similitude; an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated (Strong’s Concordance); a proverb or maxim; a short story that illustrates a moral principle
or doctrine; – which occurs 50 times in the New Testament. However, a parable is different from a fable or allergory.
It is most beautiful and logical to compare the Word of
God to the seed. Seed is Greek is sporoswhich means the
small propagative part of a plant from which the new
plant grows; the grains sowed; kernel; germ; source of
growth; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament.
Psa 126:6, “He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his
bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.” Beware, you reap what
you sow.
Luk 8:12,“Those beside the road are those who have
heard; then the devil comes and takes away the Word
from their heart, so that they will not believe and be
saved.”
Note: Do not let the devil takes away the Word of God
from your hear, believe and be saved.
Luk 8:21, “ But He answered and said to them, “My mother
and My brothers are these who hear the Word of God and
do it.”
Note: In the Kingdom of God, the closest to Jesus are
those who hear the Word of God and do it. Those who do
the Word of God are like the mother and brothers and
sisters of Jesus.
Everyone is free to believe and be saved. There are
people who do not want to believe and be saved. In
certain radical nations, if you believe in Christ you will
be beheaded.
Luk 11:28,“But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are
those who hear the Word of God and observe it.”
Note: Hearing the Word of God is good but not enough.
Those who hear the Word of God and observe it are
blessed.
Jhn 1:1,“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God.”
Note: Nobody knows when was the beginning. We know
it was before the universe was, before time and space
were. God is eternal and there is no beginning. In the
eternal past was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
This is the beginning of Christianity.
Jhn 2:22,“So when He was raised from the dead, His
disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had spoken.”
Note: Christians of all generations believe the Scripture and the Word of Jesus. Christianity is the faith in the Bible and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Jhn 5:24,“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My
Word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
Note: This is the sum of the Gospel. He who hears the
Word of God and believes God who sent Jesus Christ to
the world, has eternal life, and does not come into
judgment, but has passed out of death into life. What does it mean to be saved? To be saved is to have passed out of death into life.
Jhn 8:47,“He who is of God hears the Words of God; for
this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of
God.”
Note: The Words of God are also called the oracles of
God.
Those who do not listen and obey the Words of God
because they are not of God; they are not God’s children.
So do not be surprised when you meet people who reject
the Word of God.
Jhn 10:35,“If he called them gods, to whom the Word of
God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),”
Note: The Scripture is the Word of God, the Scripture
cannot be broken. Scripture in Greek is graphēwhich
means the Book or its contents; a portion or section of the
Holy Scripture; the Holy Writ; – which occurs 55 times in
the New Testament. Break in Greek is lyōwhich means to
loose; to destroy; to dissolve; to break down; to break up;
to put off; to set aside; to melt; to dismiss; to undo; to do
away with; to deprive of authority; to overthrow; to let go;
to subvert; to annul; to cancel; to demolish; to fracture; –
which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. The Holy
Scripture has stood several thousand of years. Many evil
people have tried to fracture the Word of God by creating
many theologies and ideologies to distort and destroy the
Word of God. Do not believe or follow lies, for the
Scripture cannot be broken.
Jhn 14:23,“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone
loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love
him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with
him.”
Note: This is the truth: If anyone loves Jesus, he will keep
His Word; and the Father will love him, and the Father and
the Son will come to him and live with him.
Jhn 17:17,“Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is
truth.’
Note: Theologies, philosophies, and science cannot
sanctify anyone. The Word of God is truth, and truth can
sanctify us.
Act 4:31,“And when they had prayed, the place where
they had gathered together was shaken, and they were
all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the
Word of God with boldness.”
Note: When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, they
begin to speak the Word of God with boldness. This is
where the Pentecostal denomination errs. The filling of
the Holy Spirit is not for speaking in tongues, it is for
witnessing and testifying the Word of God that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God and our Savior.
Act 6:2,“So the twelve summoned the congregation of
the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to
neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables.”
Note: Neglect in Greek iskataleipō which means to
forsake; to leave behind; to abandon; to disregard; to
depart from; to leave unattended; to fail to look after
properly; to ignore; to overlook; to fail to carry out; –
which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. There is a
fad in Europe for social action. Once at a Chinese secular
church I heard a minister proudly announced that he was
just back from Denmark after social work training. The
prime mission of the Church is to engage in the work for
the salvation of souls; and the prime ministry of
preachers is to preach and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Ministers are not social workers, however useful
and valuable is social work. Preachers are not doing
charity work either. You see so many in the name of
Christ ask for donations for their work. It is not desirable
for preachers to neglect the Word of God in order to serve
tables, to serve social agenda. I thank God to give me a
little part in the ministry of the Word. We do not want
donation. We only want you to know the truth.
Act 6:7,“The Word of God kept on spreading; and the
number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in
Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming
obedient to the Faith.”
Note: The job of all believers is to spread the Word of
God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When people are
converted, they become obedient to the Faith. The Faith
is the truth in Christ.
Act 8:14, “Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that
Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent them
Peter and John,”
Note: All preachers and Christians are glad if anyone or
any place receives the Word of God. Receive in Greek is
dechomaiwhich means to accept; to take up; to take upon
oneself; to learn; to take hold; to embrace; to acquire; to
believe; – which occurs 56 times in the New Testament.
To receive the Word of God is to receive Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior; to receive forgiveness of sins and an
inheritance among those who have been sanctified by
faith in Jesus Christ, and to receive the love of the truth
so as to be saved.
Act 11:1, “Now the apostles and the brethren who were
throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the Word of God.”
Note: The Gentile Christians would be glad if we hear the
Jewish people also receive the Word of God.
Act 13:5,“When they reached Salamis, they began to
proclaim the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews;
and they also had John as their helper.”
Note: Proclaim in Greek is katangellō which means to
preach; to declare publicly; to show; to teach; to speak of;
to make known; to announce; to promulgate; to publish;
to state in an emphatic way; – which occurs 18 times in
the New Testament. The evangelist proclaims the Gospel
is more strenuous than most pastors do on a Sunday
service. To publish a website for the Word of God is also
to proclaim the Gospel. What we need to day are
preachers who are filled with the Holy Spirit and power
to preach like the prophets of old.
Act 13:46,“Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the Word of God be spoken to you
first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy
of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.”
Note: Jhn 4:22, Jesus says, “You worship what you do
not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is
from the Jews.” The Word of God be spoken to the Jews
first because salvation is from the Jews. Repudiate in
Greek isapōtheōwhich means to cast away; to throw
away; to thrust away; to put away; to drive away; to repel;
to reject; to refuse; to push off; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. It was bad and sad that the Jews repudiated
the Word of God to this day. Mat 7:6, “Do not give what is
holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine,
or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and
tear you to pieces.” Many are like swine who trample the
pearls of the Word of God under their feet. You may receive
or reject the Word of God. There is consequence of eternal
death if you repudiate the Word of God.
Act 17:11,“Now these were more noble-minded than those
in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with great
eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether
these things were so.”
Note: Do you want to be noble-minded Christians? Then
receive the Word of God with great eagerness, and
examine the Scriptures daily to see whether these thins
were so.
Examine in Greek isanakrinōwhich means to ask question;
to search; to inspect closely; to discern; to judge; to
investigate; to analyse; to enquire into carefully; to
scrunize; to study intensely; to check over; to determine
the excellence or defect of interpretation; to look through;
to research; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament.
1Co 1:18,“For the Word of the cross is foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God.”
There are only two groups of people in the world, not the
rich and poor, not the educated and uneducated, not the
powerful and the helpless; but those who are perish and
those are being saved. Perish in Greek is apollymi which
means to destroy; to be lost; to put out of the way entirely;
to abolish; to vanish away; to put an end to ruin; to render
useless; to kill; to be put to death; to suffer eternal misery
in Hell; to be ruined; – which occurs 94 times in the New
Testament. I have studied many subjects in my life; I have
found the Word of the cross is the power and wisdom of
God. I find myself foolish in many things pertaining to the
Word of God which I do not understand. I am still studying
and will be studing till I die.
2Co 2:17,“For we are not like many, peddlingthe Word
of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak
in Christ in the sight of God.”
Note: Peddle in Greek is kapēleuō which means to be a
retailer; to make money by selling; to get sordid gain by
dealing; to do a thing for base gain; to trade in the Word
of God; to merchandise the Gospel; to get base gain by
teaching divine truth; to corrupt; to adulterate; – which
occurs only 1 time in the New Testament. When I was a
boy growing up in a pastor’s home, I used to think every
preacher is a man of God. When I grew up I met a few and
knew a great number of so-called ministers who retail and merchandise the Word of God without shame. I do not
want to name names, some I knew personally. I believe
it is wrong to preach the Gospel and raise large sum of
money to build a university or an institution in your name
and pass it on to your posterity as an estate. I knew a
preacher who built a cathedral and went bankrupt. There
is no such a thing called spiritual empire. A famous
preacher died leaving $10 million dollars to his children.
In the West they practice capitalistic gospel like an
investment. For that reason many embrace prosperity
gospel and prosperity gospel preachers get rich and live in luxury. It is sad that many are peddling the Word of
God, in many churches, on TV and on the Internet. One
American preacher is peddling the Word of God so much
adulterating the Word of God, but by the manifestation
of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience
in the sight of God.”
Note: False teachers and preachers and unbelieving
theologians are walking in craftiness and adulterating the
Word of God, such as those who preach prosperity gospel,
social and political gospel, feminest gospel and many false theologies.
Eph 6:17, “And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the
Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
Note: To engage in war with the evil forces, Christians
must take up the full armor of God. We are given the
Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The more
you understand the Word of God, the better equipped you
are in the Christian warfare against the dark forces.
Phl 1:14,“and that most of the brethren, trusting in the
Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage
to speak the Word of God without fear.”
Note: To speak the Word of God without fear is to speak
with boldness in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the
best of preaching. Nowadays you hardly can find a
preacher who proclaims the Word of God without fear,
with boldness, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Col 1:5,“because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven,
of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the
Gospel.”
Note: The Christian hope is laid up in Heaven, not on earth.
Those who lay up treasure on earth are the most pitiful
people in the world, without God and without hope. The
Word of truth is the Gospel. The Gospel is the Word of
truth, worthy of all acceptance.
1Ti 4:5, “for it is sanctified by means of the Word of God and prayer.”
Note: Sanctify in Greek is hagiazō which means to make holy; to hollow; to render holy; to separate from profane things and dedicate to God (Strong’s Concordance); to purify; to cleanse; to free from the guilt of sin; to consecrate; to set apart; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. The position of a saved believer in Christ is sanctified by the precious blood of the Savior and the Holy Spirit once and for all. His condition in the world is not desirable, therefore he needs to be sanctified by means of the Word of God and prayer daily and continuously. No Catholic priest can sanctify anyone.
imprisonment as a criminal; but the Word of God is not
imprisoned.”
Note: The Holy Bible is the Word of God (written), and
Jesus Christ is the Word of God (living). To be imprisoned in Greek is deōwhich means to be bound; to be fastened; to fasten with chains; to be tied up; to be prohibited; to be restricted; to be confined; to be put in prison; to be locked up; to dismiss; – which occurs 44 times in the New Testament. The Word of God cannot be broken or to be dismissed.
Tit 2:2-5, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified,
sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older
women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the Word of God will not be dishonored.”
Note: The Scriptures cited above tell Christians older men, older women, young women how to behave. If they behave wrongly, the Word of God may be dishonored. To be dishonored in Greek is blasphēmeōwhich means to be blasphemed; to be spoken evil of; to be railed on; to be spoken reproachfully; to be reviled; to be railed at; to be vilified; to be defamed; to be shamed; to be disgraced; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. Christians have heavy responsibilities because our wrong behavior
may shame the Word of God. Preachers are worse, an
adulterous and greedy preacher disgraced the Word of
God.
Heb 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active and
sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far
as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Heb 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”
Note: In science we understand and believe. In divine
knowledge, by faith we understand. The worlds were
prepared by the Word of God, by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 1:23,“for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God.”
Note: If you have tasted the good Word of the Lord, why would you waste your time and efforts on the garbage of unbelieving theologians and scholars? Besides, the Word of God is living and enduring. The two attributes characterize the Word of God, living and enduring. I find the philosophies of men dead and empty. Living in Greek is zaōwhich means alive and active; quick; lively; breathing; not lifeless or dead; enjoying real life; having true life; blessed; endless; metaphorically full of vigor; fresh; strong; efficient; powerful; efficacious; bubbling up like living water; having vital power; – which occurs 143 times in the New Testament. Enduring in Greek is menōwhich means abiding; remaining; not departing;
continuing to the present; long-lasting; standing;
persevering; everlasting; perpetual; permanent; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. The ideas of men are hollow and vain, the Word of God is powerful and will never pass away.
1Jo 2:14,“I have written to you, fathers, because you
know Him who has been from the beginning. I have
written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have
overcome the evil one.”
Note: The secret of overcoming the evil one is to be
strong and the Word of God abides in you. It does not
depend on how much theological knowledge you have.
Abide in Greek ismenō which means to remain; to dwell; to continue; to endure; not to depart; to keep continually; to stand; to live; to accept without objection; to stay with; to stand fast; to submit and carry out; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. In this evil generation, with so many false doctrines and heresies, Christians must stay with the Word of God and submit to it and carry out in practice.
The Holy Bible is One, consists of the Old Testament
written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. The Old Testament is composed of 39 books, and the New Testament is comprised 27 books; a total of 66 books.
The Holy Bible is the sole basis upon which Christianity
is built on. I believe in Sola Scriptura. Sola Scriptura
means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative, absolute, supreme and true.
The most famous English Bible was the 1611 King JamesVersion, the originally published KJV text from 1611 A.D. using archaic English. However, the first English translation was completed by John Wycliffe who was an English philosopher, theologian, biblical translator, and a seminary professor at the University of Oxford. What is
the difference between translation and version? According to Webster’s New Word College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, “translation implies the rendering from one language into another of something written or spoken (a German translation of Shakespeare); version is applied to a particular translation of a given work, spec. of the Bible (the King James Version).”
I recommend this Dictionary to all my students. For
As far as I know, God did not and does not grant any
individual, group, or institution the right and privilege to translate the Holy Bible. For that reason, I strongly
believe it is wrong and corrupt to copyright the Bible. It is unscriptural and wrong for any individual, group, or institution to make, publish, and merchandise the Holy Bible for high profit. Some famous and infamous
individuals through covetousness they used with feigned words and private interpretations to make merchandise of the Bible and sell them to make profits. I believe such rendering the Bible for the purpose of merchandising is wrong and corrupt. For that reason, we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation.
5. Study the Bible, verse by verse, from chapter to chapter. Write down in a note book what you think or feel you have learned from a verse or a chapter.
6. Study the Bible book by book.
Write down in your note book what you think or feel you
have learned from the book.
7. Study the Bible following this process: Begin with the
Gospel of John, then the Book of Romans, and then follow
the sequence from Matthew to Revelation. After you finish
reading the New Testament, begin Genesis through the
Old Testament.
8. Summarize and write down what you have learned.
D. THE TRUTH OF GOD:
Exo 34:6, “Then the LORD passed by in front of him and
proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and
gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness
and truth;”
Note: Abounding in in Hebrew is rab which means great;
enough; mighty; abundant; more numerous; strong; much; exceeding; full; plenteous; populous; large; vast; powerful; to be filled with; – which occurs 467 times in the Old Testament.
God is abounding in lovingkindness and truth. Truth in
Hebrew is ’emeth which means verity; right; faithfulness; certainty; firmness; sureness; reliableness; reliability; trustworthiness; fidelity; perpetuity; probity; unrightness; integrity of mind; justice; truthfulness; – which occurs 128 times in the Old Testament. God is full of truth.
Jos 24:14, “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”
Note: Joshua tells the sons of Israel to serve God in
sincerity and truth. This remind me what Jesus says,
Jhn 4:24,“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” To serve God is to worship God.
Words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.”
Note: The Words of God are truth. The prominent
phenomenon of the 21st century is the fact that American and European leaders and politicians speak lies, lies, and lies without shame.
Psa 15:2, “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”
Note: A worshipper of God is he who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Integrity in Hebrew is tamiym which means without blemish; without spot; sincerity; in accord with truth and fact; upright in conduct; – which occurs 140 times in the Old Testament. Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedeq which means righteous cause; justice; rightness; justness; equity; rectitude; straightness; – which occurs 123 times in the Old Testament. Whoever worships God must walk with integrity, and practice righteousness, and speak truth in his heart. Do you know or see any American and European leaders and politicians who walk with integrity, and practice righteousness, and speak truth in their hearts? When a Christian speaks truth, he must speak truth in his heart.
Psa 25:5, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.”
Note: This is the prayer of every Christian. Lord, lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. The thing that bothers me a lot, there are many who do not want to go the way of truth. Truth is not dead, but in the West people trample on the truth. They learn to defraud and train in greed.
Psa 26:3, “For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.”
Note: If you ever walk in truth, you walk in the truth of God. Truth belongs to God. Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. The Christian Faith is the truth. There is no truth in the world.
Psa 31:5, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”
Note: My spirit in God’s hand is safe and sound, for my
Lord has ransomed me, God of truth. Ransom in Hebrew is padah which means to redeem; to deliver; to rescue; to set free; – which occurs 64 times in the Old Testament.
I was redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Our Heavenly Father is God of truth. Scientists and
philosophers are supposed to seek the truth, but they
cannot find the absolute truth. The truth of God is
compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.”
Note: Preserve in Hebrew is natsar which means to keep safe; to guard; to watch over; to protect; to defend; to maintain; to retain; – which occurs 61 times in the Old Testament. I don’t know why and where recently American leaders and politicians get the idea to preserve the country they have to lie, lie and lie by force. When America cannot compete with a country, American leaders and politicians target that country as a national security threat, smear it with all kinds of lies and falsehoods, and sanction that country with all unfair and unjust measures. When a foreign company is most advanced and doing very well which America cannot compete with it, American leaders and politicians immediately dub that company as a national security threat, sanction and destroy it. More than 20 years America fights the terrorists in Afghanistan the Taliban and fails. Right now America is negotiating with
the Taliban the terrorists. When China succeeded in
controlling terrorists and terror acts in Xinjiang, achieving prosperity and harmony of races, American and Europeans leaders label China as an authoritarian regime, practicing cultural genocide, forced labor and other false accusations.
Japanese leaders denied its war crimes and thought they can preserve their empire. Germany confessed its war crimes and made reparations to preserve its honor and dignity. Only truth can preserve anyone or any nation.
Integrity and truth can preserve a country.
Psa 69:13, “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD,
at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Yourlovingkindness, answer me with Your saving truth.”
Note: The truth of God is the saving truth. There is no
salvation and no truth in any other. Jesus says, Jhn 8:32,
“and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” There are nations that lie about their national history and background. They will sink deep into darkness. Your sins will find you out. Only the truth of God can save and make peoples and nations free.
Psa 119:142, “Your righteousness is an everlasting
righteousness, and Your law is truth.”
Note: The righteousness of God is an everlasting
righteousness, and the Law of God is truth. The Law of
God says we all have sinned and come short of the glory
of God. We need the Savior of the word. The Law of God
is truth.
Psa 119:160, “The sum of Your Word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.”
Note: Sum in Hebrew is ro’sh which means principal; total;
the whole amount; first and foremost; aggregate;
summation; gist; entirety; totality; summary; – which
occurs 605 times in the Old Testament. The sum or
summary of the Word of God is truth. Science does not
know the absolute truth. In my studies I have found the
summation of theologies and philosophies are empty
words and useless talk. The Word of God is truth,
everlasting truth.
Pro 12:17, “He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.”
Note: This is a reliable principle: He who speaks truth tells
what is right. Recently and increasingly American and
European leaders and politicians speak lie, lie, and lie. The
Western media spread fake news, fake reports, fake views
and broadcast falsehoods and deceits to fool the world.
The Free World (those nations and peoples who do not
want to be oppressed and dominated by Western
imperialists and capitalists, they also follow leadership of
United States, WTO, WHO) want to know the truth.
American and Western white supremacists cry wolves and
thieves too many times, and the Free Word realizes and
recognizes they are the wolves and robbers of the world.
They want to be free from Western dictatorship and
domination.
Isa 59:14, “Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands far away; For truth has stumbled in the street, And uprightness cannot enter.”
Note: For the last 500 years Western and American
supremacists have dominated the world. Justice is turned
back and righteousness stands far away; for truth has
stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. The
Free World wants a new world order to replace the
repressive old world order by the West.
Jer 9:3, “They bend their tongue like their bow; Lies and not truth prevail in the land; For they proceed from evil to evil, And they do not know Me,” declares the LORD.”
Note: It is a fact that Western leaders and politicians bend
their tongues like their bow; lies and not truth prevail in
the Western world; for they proceed from evil to evil to do
damage and injustice in the world. They claim to be
Christians but they do not know the Lord. Prevail in
Hebrew is gabar which means to strengthen; to become
strong; to gain upper hand; to exceed; to be powerful; to
be mighty; to become great; to confirm; to act proudly; to
act insolently; to be valiant; to gain ascendancy; to
triumph; to predominate; to gather strength; – which
occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. As an American
citizen living in America for almost half a century, I had
never seen lies and not truth prevail and gather strength.
I am sad to see American leaders and politicians act
insolently and proudly and tell lies without shame. America
is getting worse and worse. May God have mercy on
America!
Mat 22:16, “And they sent their disciples to Him, along
with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You
are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer
to no one; for You are not partial to any.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Truth and He is truthful and
teaches the way of God in truth. Christianity is the way
of God in truth. God is righteous and partial. Partiality and bias are injustice and against the truth.
Luk 1:4, “so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”
Note: The truth of God is the saving truth, the exact truth, and the everlasting truth. Exact in Greek is asphaleia which means certain; sure; undoubted; secure; complete accordance with fact; correct; accurate; precise; right; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Christians have been taught to know the saving truth, the exact truth, and the everlasting truth of God. The Christian Faith is the truth in Jesus Christ.
Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Note: God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ, the glory of God, who is full of grace and truth.
Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were came through Jesus Christ.”
Note: This verse exactly explains the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament represents the Law of God through Moses; the New Testament manifests grace and truth coming from Christ. Judaism is fulfilled in Christianity. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the end of the Law.Rom 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” End in Greek is teloswhich means the final; uttermost; ending; termination; the limit at which a thing ceases to be; by which a thing is closed; aim; purpose; goal; the conclusion; result; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament.
Christ is the end of the Law, the conclusion of the Law of God because Jesus Christ has fulfilled the Law. This is the key New Testament truth of God.
Jhn 3:21,“But he who practices the truth comes to the
Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
Note: He who practices the truth comes to the Light. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the Light of life.
Jhn 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Note: Jesus Christ says the devil is the father of lies, the father of the children of the devil, the liar, the murderer, there is no truth in him, and he does not stand in truth. I wonder why American and European leaders and politicians are not afraid to follow the devil in lying and killing.
Jhn 8:45, “But because I speak the truth, you do not
believe Me.”
Note: One of the puzzles or mysteries of evil is the fact that people do not believe in truth, they rather believe in a lie. Jesus says to the enemies of truth, “Because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.”
Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Note: This is the great Manifesto of Christianity: Jesus Christ is the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one can come to the true God but through Jesus Christ. The great I AM of the Old Testament is the I AM of the New Testament.
Jhn 16:13,“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will
disclose to you what is to come.”
Note: This is the Trinity: God is true, Christ is the Truth, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Jesus Christ sends the Holy Spirit to guide or lead believers into all the truth.
Jhn 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
Note: Sanctify in Greek is hagiazō which means to make holy; to hollow; to render holy; to separate from the profane things and dedicate to God; to consecrate to God; to purify; to cleanse; to free from the guilt of sin; to set apart; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. A saved believer his position is once and for all sanctified by the precious blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit, but his condition need to be sanctified by the Word of God and prayers. Only the truth of God can sanctify believers. The Word of God is truth.
Act 26:25, “But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most
excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.”
Not: Sober in Greek is sōphrosynē which means soundness
of mind; sane; sensible; serious; showing no extreme
qualities or prejudice; thoughtful; sombre; not intoxicated;
– which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. The truth
of God is saving, exact, sober, and absolute. To proclaim
the Word of God is to utter words of sober truth.
Rom 1:18,“For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,”
Note: Wrath in Greek is orgē which means great anger;
vengeance; indignation; any violent emotion; fury; rage;
– which occurs 36 times in the New Testament. The wrath
of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous of men who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness. Suppress in Greek is katechō which
means to hold back; to detain; to restrain; to hinder; to
hold down; to withhold; to put down; to crush; to repress
an expression; to keep back; to do away with; – which
occurs 25 times in the New Testament. American and
Europeans leaders and politicians are afraid of the peaceful
rise and spectacular successes of China, so they run a
campaign against the truth and saying all kinds of black
lies about China, the worst is China threat. White
supremacists cannot bear that the Chinese model is
succeeding while the Western model of government is
failing. American and Western leaders suppress the truth
about Western democracy, freedom, human right, justice,
etc. In all ungodliness and unrighteousness by fooling the
whole world. They are walking in craftiness and
adulterating democracy, freedom, human right, justice,
rule of law because they are the most lawless people in
the world. They are without conscience, without morality,
and devoid of integrity.
Their real attention in attacking and targeting China and
Russia because they want to continue dictating and
dominating the world to benefit and enrich themselves. God is very angry from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. In the last 500 years white supremacists have done so much evil in all ungodliness and unrighteousness and they use their powerful media to suppress the truth by making fake news and lies.
Rom 1:25, “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”
Note: Exchange in Greek is metallassōwhich means to change; to trade; to substitute; to barter; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Unbelieving theologians exchanged the truth of God for their theories and heresies. White supremacists exchanged the truth of God for a lie of freedom, democracy, human right, and justice. They want to continue dictating and dominating the world and so they lie about democracy, freedom, human right, justice, etc. to fool the people of the world to join their free world in fact slavery. Do you know why the Japanese and Koreans are so unhappy about American troops stationed in their countries so-called American military bases? The wicked worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator. Truth cannot change or be changed. What can be changed is not truth.
Rom 3:7,“But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?”
Note: The lie of sinners cannot discredit the truth of God; on the contrary, through our lies the truth of God abounded to His glory. In 2020 you can watch American and European leaders and politicians lie in the public on TV. Their lies cannot change facts, they only abound to the glory of truth.
Rom 15:8,“For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,”
Note: Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers. Christians suffer persecution of behalf of the truth of God to confirm the validity of the Gospel. The Gospel of God is His saving truth.
2Co 6:7, “in the Word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,”
Note: Servants of God must possess many good qualities
including the Word of truth in the power of God. The
Word of God is the Word of truth. It is of great
importance that preachers have the Word of truth in the
power of God. Sadly although I have met many preachers
in the world, very few have the Word of truth in the
power of God. When I was in a missionary school, I was
very impressed by an English preacher, and my good
friend Dr. J. Arthur Mouw. In my opinion, that English
preacher was a better preacher than Billy Graham,
Graham was a better evangelist than that British
preacher. However, Dr. Mouw was the most interesting
preacher I have ever heard. We should not mistake
magnetic personality and eloquence for the power of the
Holy Spirit. Nothing human can be equated with the
power of the Holy Spirit.
2Co 7:14,“For if in anything I have boasted to him about
you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things
to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved
to be the truth.”
Note: Christians must speak all things in truth, preachers more so. Knowingly I speak all things in truth to anyone. I have written more than 7 million words on the Internet, I have written all things in truth. Sometimes what a man speaks has to be proven to be the truth. The most pathetic and pathological fact is that many Western leaders and politicians speak lies and falsehoods outright. I watch them on TV and they seem to have no sense of shame and as if every drop of their blood is made of lie. Remember, truth can be proven; lies cannot. The Bible provides an explanation:
Psa 58:3, “The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.”
2Co 11:10,“As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.”
Note: Every preacher must have the truth of Christ in him.
What was Paul boasting about? In everything he kept himself from being a burden to anyone. He was a self-supporting preacher as the truth of Christ was in him.
2Co 12:6, “For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.”
Note: The most disgusting matters today are American and European leaders and politicians who claim to be Christians, but they brazenly and boldly speak lies without shame. They want to be credited with more than people see in them or hear from them. They are good at distortion and deception. A preacher who is not speaking the truth is unworthy. It is of vital importance not to credit anyone with more than you in him or hear from him.
2Co 13:8, “For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.”
Note: Preachers can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. Christians can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. The most appalling savagery is the practice of American and European leaders and politicians who habitually and deliberately do everything against the truth. They propagandize for democracy, freedom, human right, rule of law, justice, etc. but they are against the truth, and no truth in them.
Gal 2:14, “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Note: To be straightforward in Greek is orthopodeō which means to walk uprightly; to walk in a straight course; metaphorically to act uprightly; to go directly forward; to go straight; to be candid; to be exact or precise; undeviating; which occurs 1 time only in the New Testament. Preachers and believers must be straightforward about the truth of the Gospel. We are not going to be fashionable or popular. It is nothing personal. When Cephas (Peter) was not straight, Paul had to rebuke him. Peter knew he was wrong and he did not organize a division or denomination.
Gal 4:16, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?”
Note: Telling the truth has a heavy price to pay. If you tell the truth, people will become your enemies. My website is telling the truth, so the enemies of truth want to stop my website. The enemies of truth destroyed my websites a few times, wasted my time and labor. Do you know why the wife of a king wanted the head of John the Baptist? The enemies of truth are attacking my website by deletion and distortion and preventing me to revise or update the articles.
Gal 5:7, “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
Note: The only thing man must do about the truth is to obey it. If you obey the truth, you are running well. To obey the truth is to obey God.
Eph 1:13, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”
Note: The Gospel of our salvation is the message of truth. If you have believed, you are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Eph 4:15, “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the Head, even Christ,”
Note: Speaking the truth is not easy because people may become your enemy, to speak the truth in love is even more difficult. To speak the truth in love means to be motivated by love. Those who speak the truth in love grow up in all aspect into Christ who is the Head of the Church.
Eph 4:24,“and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”
Note: A saved Christian is a born again Christian, a born again Christian has a new self. This new self is created in the likeness or image of God. Many confuse and do not know what the image of God is. The image of God is righteousness, holiness, and truth. Anyone or anything confirms to righteousness, holiness, and truth has the image of God.
Eph 4:25,“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.”
Note: To lay aside in Greek isapotithēmi which means to put off or aside or away; to cast off; to put away; to lay apart; to lay down; to put to one side; to lay out of the way; – which occurs 17 times in the New Testament. Falsehood in Greek is pseudos which means a lie; an untrue statement; lying; untruth; deception; absence of truth; whatever is not true; deceitful thing; fallacy; whatever is not what it professes to be; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. I was young and now I am old, but I have never seen a Western leader who naturally speaks so much falsehood in a public way. Christians must speak truth each one with the neighbor. Christians are members of one another in the Body of Christ.
Eph 5:9,“(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),”
Note: Christians are children of Light, and the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Distinct character of Christian is made of goodness and righteousness and truth. Western leaders and politicians all claim to be Christians, do you know any of them who has goodness and righteousness and truth? Jesus says, you shall know them by their fruit. White supremacists have infinite pretense, but no truth.
Eph 6:14,“Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”
Note: Christians must stand firm. How to help us stand firm. Having girded our loins with truth. We need truth to gird our loins with truth. Truth can be used like belt to gird our lower abdomen.
Phl 1:18,“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,”
Note: There are not a few who preach the Gospel in pretense. Pretense in Greek is prophasis which means cloak; show; pretext; under color; ostensibly; pretended cause; mere ostentation; make-believe; simulation; pretension; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Proclaim in Greek is katangellō which means to preach; to declare publicly or formally; to speak of; to show; to publish; to report; to promulgate; to teach; to announce; to make known; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. Christians rejoice whenever and wherever Christ is proclaimed, whether in pretense or in truth. Of course, we prefer in truth.
Col 1:5,“because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven, of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the Gospel.”
Note: The Christian hope is laid up in Heaven, the men of the world their only hope is in the world — there sets Christians apart from the men of the world. The Christian hope is based on the Word of truth which is the Gospel.
Col 1:6,“which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;”
Note: Those who understand the grace of God in truth are constantly bearing fruit and increasing.
2Th 2:10,“and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.”
Note: For those who perish with all the deception of wickedness because they did not receive the love of the truth. Those who perish not because God predestined them to perish, they perish because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. No one can be saved if he/she does not receive the love of the truth of God. The most terrible thing in the world is the fact that many people do not receive the love of truth, they believe in lies.
2Th 2:12,“in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
Note: Those who did not believe the truth invariably took pleasure in wickedness. Those who did not believe the truth and took pleasure in wickedness will be judged. Historically, Western supremacists who did not believe the truth also took pleasure in wickedness by lying, killing, and robbing nations and peoples.
2Th 2:13,“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”
Note: Christians always give thanks to God for our salvation. We did not choose God, it was God who has chosen us from the beginning. You cannot have sanctification by the Spirit without first have faith in the truth. You are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and then through the sanctification by the Holy Spirit.
1Ti 2:4,“Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Note: To say God predestinates some men to go to Hell would contradict the Scripture. Clearly, God desires all men to be save and to come to the knowledge of the truth. To be saved one has to come to the knowledge of the truth, the truth of the Gospel. The knowledge of the truth is the most precious thing.
1Ti 2:7,“For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”
Note: A preacher and an apostle must be telling the truth, he cannot be lying; so is a Christian teacher. God is true, so all Christians must be telling the truth and not lying. You witness how many American and European leaders lie, lie, and lie; and yet they claim to be Christians. Because I am telling the truth, the enemies of truth do not like my website.
1Ti 3:15,“but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
Note: A pastor or preacher must know how he ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. The household of God is the Church of the living God; the Church of the living God is the pillar and support of the truth. When a church does not serve as the pillar and support of the truth, a Christian cannot be a member of such a church. There are gay and feminist churches, government controlled churches, modernist churches and secular churches which are not the pillar and support of the truth. Some secular churches become centers of money making and social clubs, etc.
1Ti 4:3,“men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.”
Note: There are men and churches (Roman Catholic) which forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods. Those who do not believe and know the truth.
1Ti 6:5,“and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”
Note: Constant friction takes place between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth. Prosperity gospel preachers and followers suppose godliness is a means of gain. Those who merchandise the Gospel and get rich suppose godliness is a means of gain. Those who set up a non-profit organization and ask people for donation and use donated funds for the benefit of themselves consider godliness a means of gain. People who are deprived of the truth often have the depraved mind. In other words, people who have depraved mind are deprived of the truth.
2Ti 2:15,“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth.”
Note: A servant of God must be diligent to present himself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth. The Word of God is the Word of truth, preachers must accurately explain the Word of truth, not according to private interpretation.
2Ti 2:18,“men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.”
Note: Those who say that the resurrection has already taken place have gone astray from the truth. Those who died in Christ will have resurrection when Jesus Christ returns. When I was young, the most ridiculous heresy that I had heard was that Jesus Christ has already returned to the world, His headquarters is in New York City! All false doctrines and heresies lead people astray from the truth. The only safeguard from error and falsehood is to know the truth. All false doctrines and heresies have gone astray from the truth.
2Ti 2:25,“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”
Note: It is vital to know who are in opposition. Those in opposition in Hong Kong are foreign agents and Chinese traitors who work to overthrow the Chinese government. Unbelieving theologians and scholars who oppose and distort the Word of God are enemies of the truth, they are not brothers in Christ. I have never heard a false preacher and false prophet repented, so it is important that every believer has the knowledge of the truth. Knowledge of the truth is more precious than gold and diamond.
2Ti 3:8,“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.”
Note: Apostle names Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. I have study many unbelieving theologians and philosophers which I do not need to name them. Truth is straight, there are infinite ways of being crooked. However, I just want to name John Calvin for his false teaching on predestination. God so loves the world and desires all men come to repentance and be saved. God does not predestinate some people to go to Hell.
2Ti 4:4,“and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Note: Those who turn away their ears from the truth will turn aside to myths, mythologies, false doctrines of infinite varieties. We should not exalt myths, just ignore them.
Tit 1:1,“Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,”
Note: The Christian faith and the knowledge of the truth is according to godliness. Things of ungodliness are too many to mention. Focus on godliness, do not waste time on ungodliness.
Tit 1:14,“not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.”
Note: I do not pride myself with Jewish myths or any myth. We do not need to pay attention to the false commandment of many religions. Reject anything that turns away from the truth.
Jas 3:14,“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.”
Note: Why Western leaders and politicians are vehemently against China? Because they have bitter jealous of China’s successes and selfish ambition in their heart to dictate and dominate the world. Therefore they are arrogant and so lie against the truth. America and Europe are afraid that China may lead the world. Western media deliberately lie against the truth for a long, long time. Western leaders and politicians want to continuously dictate and dominate the world, so they use lies, lies of all sorts and colors, to lie against the truth. The thing that bothers me is the problem they claim to be Christians.
Jas 5:19-20, “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
Note: It is not easy to turn one back who strays from the truth. He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
1Pe 1:22,“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,”
Note: You cannot purify your soul by physical affliction or abstinence from certain foods. You can purify your soul for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart by obedience to the truth.
2Pe 1:12,“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.”
Note: This is an important truth: a good minister must always be ready to remind the congregation of “these things”, even though they already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with them. These things refer to diligence, faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love — if you have these qualities, you will neither be useless nor unfruitful. If you practice these things, you will never stumble. Preachers can stir up believers by way of reminder.
2Pe 2:2,“Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;”
Note: The Christian way is the way of the truth. If the preacher or member of the church follows their sensuality, the way of truth will be maligned because of them. There have been quite a few TV preachers who fell from the grace, because of them the way of the truth has been maligned. Sensuality in Greek is aselgeia which means lasciviousness; licentiousness; wantonness; outrageousness; shamelessness, filthiness; unbridled lust; insolence; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. It is sad and bad, a black preacher was famous for his “I have dream.” But this black preacher was certified by FBI for his immoral behavior and practice and thus the way of the truth was maligned. Malign in Greek is blasphēmeō which means speak evil of; to speak reproachfully; to calumniate; to rail at; to discredit; to vilify; to defame; – which occurs 40 times in the New Testament. People defame and discredit (blaspheme) the Christian religion truth because the love of money and lust for sex by some preachers. A white lady told me some white church members also covered up the sins of their white pastors. A drop of ink can blacken a whole glass of pure water.
1Jo 1:6,“If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;”
Note: Western leaders and politicians who walk in the darkness, and lie and do not practice the truth cannot be Christians.
1Jo 1:8,“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
Note: Only Jesus Christ is sinless; if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1Jo 2:4,“The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;”
Note: If anyone says he knows God, and does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Western leaders and politicians lie, kill, and rob; there is no truth in them.
1Jo 2:21,“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.”
Note: Christians know the truth. Unbelievers do not know the truth, and because no lie is of the truth.
1Jo 3:18,“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”
Note: Those who love with word or with tongue are fake. Those who love in deed and truth are true.
1Jo 3:19,“We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him.”
Note: Those who love in deed and truth will know that they are of the truth, and will assure their heart before God. A liar cannot assure his heart before God.
1Jo 4:6,“We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
Note: He who knows God does not listen to false teachers and false prophets. They have the Spirit of truth. Children of the devil have the spirit of error. Those who deliberately lie, lie, and lie without shame must have the spirit of error.
1Jo 5:6,“This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the One who came by water and blood; water refers to the Word of God, blood refers to the precious of Jesus Christ who cleanses us from all sins. The Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ, the Truth of God, because the Spirit is the truth.
2Jo 1:2,“for the sake of the Truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Truth who abide in us and will be with us forever.
2Jo 1:4,“I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father.”
Note: Christians must be walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. It is the commandment of the Father that His children walking in truth. Walking in truth is walking in the Light, not in darkness.
3Jo 1:8,“Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.”
Note: All who work for the truth are our fellow workers with the truth, we ought to support such men. Support in Greek is hypolambanō which means to receive hospitably; to welcome; to take up and carry; to uphold or defend; to help or assist; to provide comfort, encouragement, or financial assistance; which occurs 5 times in the New Testament.
The truth of God does not follow human conceptions of truth; it is neither semantic, epistemic, proleptic; nor propositional, sentential, or substitutional. The truth of God is established in Heaven, holy, spiritual, and eternal. Truth does not decay, the morality of man decays. Liar has no truth in him.
E. The Knowledge of God:
The knowledge of God is the highest and supreme as the Creator is to the creature.
Exo 35:31,“And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship;”
Note: According to the Word of God, there is a distinctive difference between wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Wisdom in Hebrew is chokmah which means wits; skill; shrewdness; prudence; dexterity; ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; insight; good sense; good judgment; the ability to apply knowledge; special sense of understanding; it comprehends various learning and piety towards God; – which occurs 153 times in the Old Testament. Understanding in Hebrew is tabuwn which means discretion; reason; intelligence; the object of knowledge; caprice; skillfulness; a mental grasp; comprehension; sense of perception; – which occurs 42 times in the Old Testament. Knowledge in Hebrew is da`ath which means awareness; cunning; acquaintance with; cognition; learning; state of knowing; – which occurs 92 times in the Old Testament.
1Ch 12:32, “Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.” For examples, we may say unbelievers die without wisdom. The horse or the mule which have no understanding.
But man has the knowledge of good and evil.
Note: I have studied and watched American politics and government all my life. I am sad and sorry to tell you since President Richard Nixon, there are no leaders who understood the times with knowledge of what America should do. No wonder America has drifted and gone astray. The nation is heading the wrong direction. The American current two parties cannot and do not produce a leader who understands the times, with knowledge of what America should. When you have wrong leaders at their command, the decline of America is a pronounced fact.
2Ch 1:10,“Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”
Note: Solomon prayed for wisdom and knowledge that he may go out and come in before Israelites, and rule this great people. The world is lacking leaders who have wisdom and knowledge. To go out and come in before the people means to lead, decide, and manage the nation. It takes wisdom and knowledge to rule the nation. America is the most mismanaged nation on earth, so much so that many unjustified wars were fought and unnecessary interventions were conducted, defence became a black hole that trillions of dollars were wasted, and the national debts surpasses $24 trillion dollars. American democracy is a dismal failure because one percent of the population rules over the 99 percent. America is kidnapped by special interests and paralyzed by the two parties.
1Sa 2:3,“Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the Lord is the God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed.”
Note: God does not like man who boasts so very proudly, and do not let arrogance come out of your mouth. Notice, late American and European leaders and politicians who do not have any ability but boast so very proudly, and arrogance and lies come out of their mouths. Knowledge in Hebrew is de`ahwhich means cognition; the body of truth; the fact of being aware of something; understanding about something; the knowledge of Jehovah; – which occurs 6 times in the Old Testament. The Lord is the God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed. Actions in Hebrew is`aliylahwhich means doings; deeds; works; practices; evil deeds; performances; behavior; conduct; steps; measures; – which occurs 23 times in the Old Testament. Weigh in Hebrew is takanwhich means to ponder; to regulate; to estimate; to measure; to prove; to test; to balance; to be adjusted to the standard; to mete out; to examine; – which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. The God of knowledge knows every deed or action of man, and He measures or weighs it as one uses scales. Like Belshazzar, Dan 5:27, “ ‘TEKEL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.” God has weighed and found the behavior or conduct of men deficient or wanting, not measured up, or lacking. Let the arrogant American and European leaders and politicians know, TEKEL!
Pro 2:5, “Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.”
Note: By human wisdom and scientific enquiry man can never discover the knowledge of God. It is by the revelation of God we get to know God. Those who fear the Lord will discover the knowledge of God.
Neh 10:28, “Now the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons and their daughters, all those who had knowledge and understanding.”
Note: All those who fear God, not only the priests and the Levites, but also their wives, their sons and their daughters can have knowledge and understanding. It seems understanding comes after knowledge.
Job 36:12,“But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword and they will die without knowledge.”
Note: American leaders do not hear or listen to the Word of God, the sole superpower is the hegemon that causes millions of innocent people perish by the sword and many die without knowledge.
Isa 45:20, “Gather yourselves and come; Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations; They have no knowledge, Who carry about their wooden idol And pray to a god who cannot save.”
Note: Superstitious people have no knowledge. Those who carry about their wooden idol and pray to a god who cannot save have no knowledge.
Hos 4:1, “Listen to the Word of the LORD, O sons of Israel, For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land.”
Note: Hosea wasa Hebrew prophet of the eighth century B.C. and he called on the sons of Israel to listen to the Word of the Lord. Hosea said something strange: God had a case against the inhabitants of the land, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land. American preachers used to flatter the American presidents, politicians and people. God has a case against America, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in America. This is a statement of fact. The bad thing is that America claims to be a Christian nation, and all its presidents and politicians claim to be Christians. God know how many millions of innocent peoples killed by the U.S. since the end of World War II under many pretenses such as democracy, freedom, rule of law, human rights, justice, etc. American leaders lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob many nations. America attacked, occupied, boycotted, robbed, and sanctioned many nations for spurious reasons such as national security, threat, etc. There is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in America. America does not allow Bible reading and prayer at school.
Hos 4:6,“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
Note: This is a current and clear example how people have rejected knowledge. Thousands of Americans could have been saved if there were a national consensus that mask is required in the midst of the pandemic COVID-19.
Rom 11:33,“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways.”
Note: The wisdom and knowledge of God have the depth of the riches. The judgments of God are unsearchable and His ways unfathomable. Unsearchable in Greek is anexeraunētoswhich means that cannot be searched out; inscrutable; mysterious; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Unfathomable in Greek is anexichniastoswhich means past finding out; not tracked out; untraceable; that cannot be comprehended; immeasurable; it cannot be understood or explained; incomprehensible; unknowable; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. The wisdom and knowledge of God are rich because they are deep. God’s judgments are unsearchable because they are mysterious; and the ways of God are unfathomable because they are unknowable.
2Co 4:6,“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
Note: Darkness represents ignorance, knowledge the light. The face of Christ gives the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God.
2Co 10:5, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”
Note: By the Word of God and the Sword of the Holy Spirit, Christians can destroy speculations of philosophers and lofty theories of unbelieving theologians, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Knowledge in Greek is gnōsiswhich signifies knowledge in general intelligence and understanding; the general knowledge of the Christian faith; science or objective knowledge; moral wisdom; cognition; – which occurs 30 times in the New Testament.
Col 1:10, “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
Note: One thing is sure: believers who please God in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work shall increase in the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God can be increased.
Eph 1:17,“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Eph 1:17,“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Note: To have the knowledge of God, you need God to give you the spirit of wisdom and or revelation. Although scientists and philosophers are highly intelligent people, yet because they lack the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, they do not have the knowledge of God. The smartest scientist and philosopher do not have the spirit of wisdom and revelation, therefore they cannot have the knowledge of God.
Eph 3:19,“and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Note: On earth no one knows what surpasses knowledge. God reveals to believers to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. No one knows all the fullness of God. Surpass in Greek is hyperballōwhich means to exceed; to excel; to pass; to go beyond anything; to transcend; to go beyond the usual mark; to overstep; to overtop; to be superior to; to eclipse; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. To know the love of Christ which to exceed knowledge.
Eph 4:13,“until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.’
Note: The unity of the faith among believes paves the way to a mature man, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
A believer cannot reach the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ without first attaining the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.
2Pe 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;”
Note: By the Scriptures quoted above, the knowledge of God can be increased is a certain fact. The more we study the Word of God and the more we are led and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, our knowledge of God will be multiplied.
Act 2:23,“this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.”
Note: The knowledge of God is Omniscient, so we must also include His predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God.
2Co 2:14,“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”
Note: The triumph in Christ manifests through believers the sweet aroma of the knowledge of God in every place.
2Co 10:5, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”
Note: By the word of truth, in the power of God, and by the weaponsof righteousness Christians can destroy speculations of unbelieving theologians and false teachers and every lofty thing (such as higher criticism, rationalism, Calvinism, Hegelianism, humanism, Marxism, feminism, universalism, materialism, Unitarianism, secularism, etc.)
Col 1:10, “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
Note: The point is most important that Christians can increase in the knowledge of God. No saint dead or alive can say he/she has enough of the knowledge of God. It is not just head knowledge, Christians must practice and walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and so increasing the knowledge of God.
2Ti 2:25,“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”
Note: Those who oppose the knowledge of God must first repent, for repentance may lead to the knowledge of the truth. Have you lately heard of unbelieving scientists and philosophers who repent of their opposition to God?
Tit 1:1,“Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,”
Note: Christians are those chosen of God. There is a prerequisite of the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness. Godliness in Greek is eusebeia which means holiness; reverence; respect; piety towards God; devoutness; faithfulness; obeying and respecting God; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. According to in Greek is katawhich means after; down from; through; in the presence of; in proportion to; by virtue of; on account of; depending on; in conformity with; based on; in a way that agrees with; – which occurs 328 times in the New Testament. In human knowledge intelligence is required, there is no demand for good conduct or morality. In the knowledge of the truth it depends on your godliness.
F. THE LAW OF GOD:
Exo 12:49,“The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you.”
Note: Law in Hebrew is towrah which means direction; instruction; body of legal directives; codes; binding custom or manner; precept; statute; rule of conduct; system of rules and practices; Mosaic Law; the Decalogue or Pentateuch; – which occurs 220 times in the Old Testament. The Lord is just, the same law shall apply to the natives as to the stranger.
Exo 13:9,“And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.”
Note: The children of Israel are under the Mosaic Law have many legal instructions which are complex, they are cited for reference purposes without explanations because they are not applicable to Gentile Christians.
Exo 24:12,“Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction.”
Note: The stone tablets are the Ten Commandments which God had written for the instruction of the Jewish people.
Lev 6:9,“Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law for the burnt offering: the burnt offering itself shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning, and the fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it.”
Lev 6:14,‘Now this is the law of the grain offering: the sons of Aaron shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar.”
Lev 6:25,“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slain the sin offering shall be slain before the LORD; it is most holy.”
Note: The sin offering is very significant, for the Lamb of God was slain for the sins of the world.
Lev 7:1, “Now this is the law of the guilt offering; it is most holy.”
Lev 7:7,“The guilt offering is like the sin offering, there is one law for them; the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it.”
Lev 7:11,“Now this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be presented to the LORD.”
Lev 7:37,“This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering and the sin offering and the guilt offering and the ordination offering and the sacrifice of peace offerings,”
Lev 11:46,“This is the law regarding the animal and the bird, and every living thing that moves in the waters and everything that swarms on the earth,”
Lev 12:7,“Then he shall offer it before the LORD and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, whether a male or a female.”
Lev 13:59,“This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.
Lev 14:2,“This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing. Now he shall be brought to the priest,
Lev 14:32,“This is the law for him in whom there is an infection of leprosy, whose means are limited for his cleansing.”
Lev 14:54,“This is the law for any mark of leprosy—even for a scale,”
Lev 14:57,“to teach when they are unclean and when they are clean. This is the law of leprosy.”
Lev 15:32,“This is the law for the one with a discharge, and for the man who has a seminal emission so that he is unclean by it,”
Num 5:29,“This is the law of jealousy: when a wife, being under the authority of her husband, goes astray and defiles herself,”
Num 5:30,“or when a spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife, he shall then make the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest shall apply all this law to her.”
Num 6:13,“Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall bring the offering to the doorway of the tent of meeting.”
Num 6:21,“This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD according to his separation, in addition to what else he can afford; according to his vow which he takes, so he shall do according to the law of his separation.”
Num 15:16,“There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you.’”
Num 15:29,“You shall have one law for him who does anything unintentionally, for him who is native among the sons of Israel and for the alien who sojourns among them.”
Num 19:2,“This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which is no defect and on which a yoke has never been placed.”
Num 19:14,“This is the law when a man dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent and everyone who is in the tent shall be unclean for seven days.”
Num 31:21,“Then Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who had gone to battle, “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses:”
Deu 1:5,“Across the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to expound this law, saying,”
Deu 4:8,“Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?”
Deu 4:44,“Now this is the law which Moses set before the sons of Israel;”
Deu 17:11,“According to the terms of the law which they teach you, and according to the verdict which they tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the word which they declare to you, to the right or the left.”
Deu 17:18,“Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.”
Deu 17:19,“It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,”
Deu 27:3,“and write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over, so that you may enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.”
Deu 27:8,“You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very distinctly.”
Deu 27:26,“Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Note: This has to be stressed: Curse is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them. People who do not obey and follow the Law of Moses are cursed.
Deu 28:58-61,“If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring extraordinary plagues on you and your descendants, even severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses. He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague which, not written in the book of this law, the LORD will bring on you until you are destroyed.” Note: God will curse and punish the children of Israel who are not careful to observe all the words of the Mosaic Law with plagues, diseases and every sickness.
Deu 29:21,“Then the LORD will single him out for adversity from all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant which are written in this book of the law.”
Note: The Lord will single out a man or woman, or family or tribe, who does not follow the Law of God for adversity and curses.
Deu 29:29,“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”
Note: Mankind must observe the things the Lord revealed in His Words.
Deu 30:10-11,“if you obey the LORD your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.”
Deu 31:9,“So Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.”
Note: Moses wrote the Law of God not out of his thought or imagination, but according to the Word of God.
Deu 31:11,“when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place which He will choose, you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing.”
Deu 31:12,“Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.”
Deu 31:24-26,“It came about, when Moses finished writing the words of this law in a book until they were complete, that
Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, “Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.”
Deu 32:46,“he (Moses) said to them, “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law.”
Deu 33:4,“Moses charged us with a law, a possession for the assembly of Jacob.”
Note: Charge in Hebrew is tsavah which means to command; to order; to appoint; to ordain; to commission; to constitute; to give commands; to impose; to instruct with authority; to hold liable; – which occurs 517 times in the Old Testament.
Deu 33:10,“They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob, And Your law to Israel. They shall put incense before You, And whole burnt offerings on Your altar.”
Note: Ordinance in Hebrew is mishpat which means judgment; official rule or order; custom; measure; practice; justice; law; legal process or procedure; decision; verdict; decree of divine law; statute or regulation; – which occurs 426 times in the Old Testament.
Jos 1:7,“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.”
Note: Moses was a servant of God, he did not make any law. To do according to all the law of God so that you may have success wherever you go.
Jos 1:8,“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”
Jos 8:31,“just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the sons of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of uncut stones on which no man had wielded an iron tool; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.”
Jos 8:32,“He wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written, in the presence of the sons of Israel.”
Note: Every believer should have a copy of the Holy Bible.
Jos 8:34,“Then afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.”
Note: Very funny, some people have Bibles as a display. Believers must read all the word of the Bible carefully and do accordingly.
Jos 22:5,“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Jos 23:6,“Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,”
Note: Christians do not turn aside from the Holy Bible, or turn to the right hand or to the left. Believers keep and follow the Word of God straight.
Jos 24:26,“And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.”
1Ki 2:3-4,“Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.”
Note: The Scriptures cited above are what King David before his death charged his son Solomon to follow the law of God.
2Ki 14:6,“But the sons of the slayers he did not put to death, according to what is written in the book of the Law of Moses, as the LORD commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not be put to death for the sons, nor the sons be put to death for the fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”
2Ki 17:13,“Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments, My statutes according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you through My servants the prophets.”
Note: In time long past from time to time God sent His servants the prophets to warn the sons of Israel to keep His commandments, His statutes according to all the law which the Lord commanded their fathers.
2Ki 23:24,“Moreover, Josiah removed the mediums and the spiritists and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might confirm the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.”
Note: There were times when the sons of Israel backslid and neglected the law of God. Under theocracy not democracy, King Josiah confirmed the words of the law, and so he removed the mediums and the spiritists and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. Medium in Hebrew is ‘owb which means familiar spirit; necromancer; one who contacts or evokes the dead; spirit of a dead one; witch; sorcerer; someone who serves as an intermediary between the living
and the dead – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Spiritist in Hebrew is yidd?`oniy which means one who has a familiar spirit; necromancer; soothsayer; conjurer; wizard; astrologer; – which occurs 11 times in the Old Testament. Teraphim in Hebrew is teraphiym which means image; idol; family idol; a kind of idol used in household shrine or worship (what the Chinese call lingwei); domestic god; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. It was a well-known fact that Nancy Reagan consulted an astrologer. Christians cannot consult or practice mediums, spiritists, teraphim, idols, astrologers, etc. Let me remind the Chinese believers that fengshui, household idols and ancestors worship and bow to the dead are also condemned by God. They are abominations. Abomination in Hebrew is shiqquwts which means detestable thing; something disgusting; anathema; loathing; abhorrence; – which occurs 45 times in the Old Testament. These practices are abominations to God.
1Ch 22:12,“Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.”
Note: The Scripture cited above was what David said to his son Solomon. King David prayed that God gave Solomon discretion and understanding so that he may keep the law of the Lord. Discretion in Hebrew issekel which means wisdom; prudence; insight; good sense; knowledge; intelligence; policy; discernment or good judgement; circumspection; the ability to make right choice; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Understanding in Hebrew is biynah which means wisdom; knowledge; discernment; faculty; intelligence; insight; skill in learning; mental grasp; power of comprehending; – which occurs 38 times in the Old Testament. A king is more in need of discretion and understanding. I am dismayed to watch American leaders and politicians who have zero discretion and understanding.
2Ch 31:4,“Also he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the law of the LORD.”
Note: King Hezekiah commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the law of the Lord. Devote in Hebrew is chazaq which means to press; to be urgent; to strengthen; to sustain; to encourage; to make firm; to support; to hold up; to fasten upon; to be bound fast; to commit; to give over; to dedicate; to set apart; to give time and effort completely; – which occurs 383 times in the Old Testament. Why Jerusalem? The Temple of God was in Jerusalem where the priests and the Levites served God. The same in the New Testament where the church member support their pastors. Prosperity gospel preachers claim that the tithes belong to them because they are the sole recipients of the depository of all tithes. FALSE! Tithes in the Old Testament belong to God. In the New Testament no tithe is commanded. For that reason some preachers are filthy rich, I heard of an American preacher who has amassed $300 million dollars. The servants of Christ must devote themselves to the preaching of the Gospel but not for the sake of making money.
Ezr 7:10,“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
Note: Ezra in Hebrew is `Ezra’ which means help; the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament. In the Old dispensation, men like Ezra were great help. He had set his heart to study the law. In the new dispensation, we need spirit-filled and not greedy preachers. The seminaries produce all kinds of false preachers, the Calvinists, the Armenians, the modernists, the Lutherans, even so-called evangelicals (I do not mean all evangelical preachers are false); etc. We need preachers who fix their eyes on Jesus only and loyal to the truth in Christ absolutely. John Calvin, Karl Barth, Thomas Aquinas, etc. are nothing to the true servants of Christ.
Neh 8:8,“They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.
Note: The duty and responsibility of pastors and Bible teachers is to give sense to their preaching and teaching so that the congregation and believers understand the Bible.
Do not feed the believers with the garbage of empty theologies such as Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Orthodoxy, etc.
Neh 9:26,“But they became disobedient and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs and killed Your prophets who had admonished them so that they might return to You, and they committed great blasphemies.”
Note: Just as the days of Nehemiah, the Jews became disobedient and rebelled against God, today there are so many false teachers and false doctrines and some committed great blasphemies. Not every pastor or preacher is a servant of Christ. I have known preachers who are enemies of the cross.
Est 1:13,“Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice.”
Note: What is the hope of a nation whose leaders and politicians are lawless, dishonest and deceitful, do not understand the times, and practice injustice? Justice in Hebrew is diyn which means right cause; judgment; maintenance of what is just; the quality of being just; fairness; equity; moral rightness; righteousness; – which occurs 21 times in the Old Testament.
Psa 19:7,“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
Note: The law of the Lord is perfect. Perfect in Hebrew is tamiym which means without blemish; without spot; upright; whole; complete; sincere; full; entire; sound; healthful; wholesome; innocent; unimpaired; full of integrity; what is
complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (Strong’s Concordance); truthful; blameless; flawless; faultless; accurate and valid; pure; absolute; supreme; – which occurs 140 times in the Old Testament. Restore in Hebrew is shuwb which means to return; to recover; to revive; to turn back; to repent; to turn back to God; to turn about; to turn oneself to God; to renew; – which occurs 1,299 times in the Old Testament. To be sure in Hebrew is ‘aman which means to be faithful; to be verified; to trust; to establish; to confirm; to make firm; to be reliable; to be morally true and certain; to turn to the right; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. The law of God is perfect. Human is sinful. Human knowledge is imperfect, science is only tentative. The law of God can restore your soul to turn back to God to seek salvation. The Word of God is sure and supreme to make wise the simple.
Psa 119:18,“Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.”
Note: The law of God has many wonderful things. The Wonder of all wonders is Jesus Christ came with grace and truth. The law convicts us of our sins. What the Law could not do is saving. In the new dispensation Jesus Christ died for sinners so that those who believe in His name may obtain the righteousness of God.
Psa 119:142,“Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.”
Note: The righteousness of God is an everlasting righteousness. No one can by observing the law obtain the righteousness of God. The law of God is truth that leads sinners to Jesus Christ the Savior of the world.
Hab 1:4,“Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted.”
Note: American and European leaders and politicians ignore the law of God and international laws, and justice is never upheld. The wicked leaders of the world surround the righteous, therefore justice comes out perverted. To pervert in Hebrew is `aqal which means to bend; to twist; to wrong; to distort; to be crooked; to wrest; to corrupt; to abuse; to misinterpret; – which occurs only 1 time in the Old Testament. The Western nations perverted the course of justice for the last 500 years and have done so much evil in the world.
Mat 5:17,“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”
Note: Abolish in Greek iskatalyō which means to destroy; to throw down; to overthrow; to dissolve; to bring to naught; to render vain; to annul; to discard; to abrogate; to subvert; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. To fulfill in Greek is plēroō which means to complete; to render full; to consummate; to accomplish; to bring to realization; to perform; to bring to pass; to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment (Strong’s Concordance); to finish; to carry into effect; to satisfy; to bring to an end; to convert into reality; – which occurs 100 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ did not come to abolish the Law of God; He did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law of God what we cannot do for ourselves. On the cross the last words of Jesus Christ,
Jhn 19:30, “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” Finish in Greek is teleō which means to fulfill; to complete; to accomplish; to come to an end; to pass; to conclude; to bring to completion; to achieve; to consummate; to carry out; – which occurs 28 times in the New Testament.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world, the redemption is accomplished. Jesus has fulfilled the will of God. Christianity did not abolish the Jewish religion, the Jewish religion is fulfilled in Christianity. The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus Christ did not abolish the Law of God, Jesus Christ had fulfilled the Law of God on behalf of believers.
Mat 5:18,“For truly I say to you, until Heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Note: The Law of God is holy and will not pass away; but Jesus Christ had fulfilled or accomplished the Law of God. Thus apart from the law, grace and truth manifested in Jesus Christ. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Mat 7:12, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Note: This is what the Law and the Prophets teach. This is the way of life: Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. American leaders and politicians are practicing the opposite of this principle.
Mat 22:37-40,“And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOURGOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
Note: Jesus sums up the Law of God in two great and foremost commandments: Love your God and love your neighbor. Christianity is the religion of love, not hatred. How can white supremacists claim to be Christians by attacking, sanctioning, occupying, lying, killing, and robbing other nations?
Mat 23:23,“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”
Note: The weightier provisions of the law are justice and mercy and faithfulness. For the last 500 years Western powers did not practice the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. Instead American and European leaders and politicians pretend democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom and justice. They are hypocrites!
Luk 16:16,“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.”
Note: The old dispensation of the Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John the Baptist. The came of Jesus Christ is the beginning of the new dispensation when the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached, and everyone must make an effort to enter into it. Force in Greek is biazō which means to press; to apply force; to exert effort; to crowd oneself into; to seize the opportunity; to use the most ardent zeal and the intensest exertion; to achieve by strength and struggle; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. A lackadaisical, lazy and looking back believer is not worthy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
Luk 16:17,“But it is easier for Heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.”
Note: The Law of God does not fail, it was fulfilled by Jesus.
Jhn 1:17,“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”
Note: This single verse of the Bible contains the whole sum of Christian theology. It spells out the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament, Judaism and Christianity. The old dispensation was under the Law of Moses, no one can be saved under the Law because no one can do the law to be justified. The new dispensation begins with Jesus Christ which reveals grace and truth. You are saved by grace through faith in the truth of Jesus Christ. Christians are not under the law, but under grace.
Jhn 1:45,“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Note: The Jews read the Old Testament (Moses and the Prophets) but miss its central message. Jesus Christ, the Messiah is whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about. The wonder is Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law.
Act 13:39,“and through Him (Christ) everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.”
Note: This is the Christian liberty. Everyone who believes in Jesus the Son of God and our Savior is freed from all things required by the Law of Moses. Under the law everyone is a slave of sin. Through the precious blood of Jesus our redemption is purchased once and for all.
Act 23:3,“Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you white washed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?”
Note: The high priest, the Pharisees, and the Jews who tried Paul were whitewashed walls who violated the Law in ordering Paul to be struck. Whitewash in Greek is koniaō which means to cover with lime, plaster over; to whiten; term applied to a hypocrite who conceals his malice under an outward assumption of piety (Strong’s Concordance); to cover up; to hide the unpleasant facts or truth; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. American and Europeans leaders and politicians whitewash their crimes and sins of aggression, attack, occupation, sanction, oppression, murder, and robbery of so many nations and peoples by falsely accusing China and Russia to cover up themselves under the pretense of democracy, freedom, rule of law, human rights, and justice. Believe it of not, God is going to strike them! Strike in Greek is typtō which means to smite; to beat; to wound; to whip; to attack; to inflict punishment; to blow; to deliver a blow; to hit sharply; to afflict suddenly; – which occurs 13 times in the New Testament. God will strike the wicked, no matter white or black. God has many means to strike the wicked, for example, plague like COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HURRICANE, TORNADO, FAMINE, DROUGHT, EATHQUAKE, TSUNAMIS, WARS, etc.
Act 24:14,“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;”
Note: Christianity is not a sect, it is the Way of Jesus Christ. There are many sects and heresies today which label themselves under Christianity. Knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ is the most effective defense and offense. Whenever a group of people exalt a man, any man, above Jesus Christ, they are anti-christs and false doctrines.
Rom 2:12,“For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;”
Note: The Law is holy and good, but it does not save anyone. The Law points sinners to Jesus Christ the Savior who can save anyone.
Rom 2:13,“for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.”
Note: To be justified you must do the Law. No one can do all the Law, so no one can be justified by the Law. But anyone who believes in Jesus Christ can be justified by the righteousness of God through the redemption in Christ.
Rom 3:21, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,”
Note: Apart in Greek is chōris which means besides; without; separate; having no association or connection with; away from; independent of; aside; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. It is impossible for human being to fulfil the Law of God and find righteousness. The good news is: apart from the law, nothing to do with the law, the righteousness of God has been manifested in Jesus Christ, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets; so that everyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ can be justified by God freely.
Rom 7:25, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.”
Note: Thanks be to God, the Law cannot condemn believers because Rom 8:1-2, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”
Rom 8:3-4, “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Note: Man is sinful and weak, the Law could not save. The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ made an offering for sin and fulfilled all the requirement of the Law, so that the saved can walk according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:7, “because the mind-set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,”
Note: Mind-set Greek is phronēma which means what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes (Strong’s Concordance); inclination or purpose; a mental attitude or inclination; a fixed state of mind; mentality; outlook; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. The mind-set of the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, and it is not even able to do so. There are two mind-sets in the world: the mind-set of the flesh and the mind-set of the Spirit. If you notice, the leaders and politicians in the world have the mind-set of the flesh that is toward money, power, and sex.
Gal 2:21,“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Note: There are unbelieving theologians and philosophers who insist righteousness can only be obtained through observance of the Law. These ones nullify the grace of God, for them Christ died needlessly. Nullify in Greek is atheteō which means to despise; to disregard; to do away with; to reject; to bring nothing; to set aside; to make void; to frustrate; to refuse; to slight; to annul; to cast off; to neutralize or violate; to make null; to make null and void; to make of no value; to invalidate; to cancel out; to render ineffective or useless; – which occurs 21 times in the New Testament. Anyone who believes one must be saved by good works, virtue, merit, or observance of the law nullifies the grace of God.
Gal 3:18,“For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”
Note: God had granted to Abraham an inheritance by promise, not based on law. All the promises of God are based on grace.
We are unworthy of the grace of God.
Gal 3:21,“Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.”
Note: The Law is not able to impart life; God gives eternal life to whoever believes in Jesus Christ a promise based on grace.
Gal 4:4,“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,”
Note: Jesus Christ was born under the Law so that He could redeem all sinners who are condemned by the Law.
Phl 3:9,“and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,”
Note: As far as sinful humanity is concerned, no righteousness is possible to be derived from the Law; but that which is through faith in Christ who fulfilled all the requirements of the Law to obtain the righteousness of God on our behalf. No grace, promise, or righteousness can spring or come from the perfect Law. Faith, truth, and righteousness are derived from the grace of God.
Heb 7:19,“(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”
Note: The perfect Law can make nothing perfect, because man is not perfect. A better hope comes from divine promise, faith, grace, and truth in Jesus Christ.
Exo 14:31, “When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.”
Note: Power in Hebrew is yad which means hand; strength or force; dominion; ability or capacity; mental or moral efficacy; control; command; might; – which occurs 1,560 times in the Old Testament.
Num 11:23, “The LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”
Note: Limited in Hebrew is qatsar which means shortened; discouraged; confined; straitened; to be short; curtailed; to cut down; to cut off; short of hand; not very great in amount, degree, or range; restricted; having a limit; – which occurs 52 times in the Old Testament. God frankly said to Moses, Is the Lord’s power limited? NO. God’s power is without a limit. There is nothing impossible with God. Therefore God is called the Omnipotent. Because God’s power is unlimited, therefore His Word will always come true.
1Ch 29:11, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the Heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as Head over all.
Note: Greatness in Hebrew is geduwlah which means great thing; majesty; dignity; mighty acts; magnitude; magnificence; – which occurs 15 times in the Old Testament. Unlimited power. Glory in Hebrew is tiph’arah which means beauty; honor; bravery; splendor; excellence; majesty; adoration, praise, and honor; a state of great gratification or exaltation; magnificence; majestic beauty and splendor; – which occurs 47 times in the Old Testament. Victory in Hebrew is netsach which means strength; perpetuality; perpetuity; eminence; enduring; everlastingness; splendor; glory; confidence; eternity; overcoming enemies; triumph; superiority; defeat of enemies; exultation and celebration; – which occurs 43 times in the Old Testament. Majesty in Hebrew is howd which means honor; glory; beauty; comeliness; splendor; vigor; grandeur; excellency; – which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament. What does man have? Labor, sorrows, pain, hardship, sickness, and death. What does God have, everything and all things; including the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty. God is the Head of all, the Ruler of the universe.
2Ch 20:6, “and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the Heavens? And are You not Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”
Note: Might in Hebrew is gebuwrah which means strength; great power or force; valor; bravery; mighty deeds; mastery; fortitude; power; victory; – which occurs 70 times in the Old Testament. God is the Ruler over all the kingdom of the nations. How does God rule? Power and might are in the hand of God so that no one can stand against God.
Job 27:11, “I will instruct you in the power of God; What is with the Almighty I will not conceal.”
Note: Power if Hebrew is yad which means hand; strength; ability; dominion; force; – which occurs 1,560 times in the Old Testament. Apparently the power of God is subject that can be taught. It is best we are instructed in the power of God through the redemption of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, the creation of God, the sovereignty of God, and the Word of God.
Job 36:22, “Behold, God is exalted in His power; Who is a teacher like Him?”
Note: To exalt in Hebrew is sagab which means to be most high; to be set on high; to be excellent; to be lofty; to be strong; to lift up high; to set on high; to glorify; to be praised highly; to extol; – which occurs 26 times in the Old Testament. God is exalted in His power. The power of God exalts Him. Blessed is the person God is his/her teacher. God has taught me to rely on the Lord and acknowledge Him in everything.
Psa 21:13, “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power.”
Note: What do children of God with the power of God. We will sing and praise the power of God. Praise in Hebrew is zamar which means to sing praise; to make music; to sing psalms; to play on a musical instrument; to celebrate in song and music; to magnify; to express admiration, respect, honor, and thanks to God; – which occurs 90 times in the Old Testament. Christian hymns and spiritual songs are important instruments to praise God. Some secular Taiwanese churches have promoted some songs which are totally devoid of the Holy Spirit. To praise God is unlike the performance and style of Hollywood. The best song I have ever heard was Handel’s Messiah, the apex of the exaltation was when it sings the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Someday we will hear angels sing praises in Heaven — a concert beyond imagination.
Psa 62:11, “Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God;”
Note: Power belongs to God means power is the property of God. Power pertains to God. I was young, now I am old but I have never heard or seen American leaders and politicians who act and speak so arrogantly as if power belongs to them! I fear and tremble for America as if they have not heard that God has spoken repeatedly that power belongs to God.
Jer 32:17, “‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the Heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,”
Note: The problem of unbelieving scientists and scholars is the fact they have no knowledge or understand that nothing is too difficult for God for His great power. Nothing is impossible with God. If you rest in the power of God, you have peace. In comparison, the power of man is nothing but the power of dog.
Jer 51:15, “It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding He stretched out the Heavens.”
Note: Some earth facts are interesting: Earth is the only known planet that supports life. 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water (oceans), the remaining 30% is the solid ground that is rising above sea level. According to Space Facts , “Each winter there are about 1 septillion (1, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 or a trillion trillion) snow crystals that drop from the sky.” According to Ask Opinion, “The distance between the Earth and sun is said to be 149,597,870,700 meters or 92,955,807 miles.” The highest level of math combinatorics is child play to God. God is absolutely precise and perfect.
If the earth were too close to the sun, it would be burned up. If the earth were too far from the sun, it would be frozen.
Psa 115:16, “The Heavens are the Heavens of the LORD, but the earth He has given to the sons of men.” Earth in Hebrew is ‘erets which means land; ground; world; land of the living; the surface of the globe; the planet Earth; – which occurs 2,499 times in the Old Testament. Heavens are not suitable for human beings, God made a hospitable and suitable planet and gave it to the sons of men. The earth manifests the power and wisdom of God. Even today Scientists have little or no understanding how God stretched out the Heavens (universe).
Dan 2:20, “Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.”
Note: Daniel was one of the few wise men in history; he declared: Wisdom and power belong to God. Wisdom in Aramaic is chokmah which means good sense; ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; ability to apply or use knowledge; great insight of the truth; highest wit;
– which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. Why do we let the name of God be blessed forever and ever? For wisdom and power belong to God.
Dan 6:27, “He delivers and rescues and performs miracles and wonders in Heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Note: What does God do with His power? Among other things, God delivers and rescues and perform signs and wonders. Deliver in Hebrew is shezab which means to set free; to liberate; to rescue; to save; – which occurs 9 times in the Old Testament. Rescue in Hebrew is netsal which means to deliver; to extricate; to free from confinement, danger, or evil; to recover; to save; which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament.
Perform in Hebrew is `abad which means to do; to work; to make; to execute; to create; to carry out; to prepare; to fulfill; to achieve; to effect; to act; to accomplish; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. Miracle in Aramaic is ‘ath which means an extraordinary event manifesting divine power; miraculous sign; wonder; potent; marvel; supernatural act of God; – which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament. Wonder in Aramaic is temahh which means miracle; something astonishing; marvel; something extraordinary and remarkable- which occurs 3 times in the Old Testament. What is the difference between a miracle and wonder? A miracle is definitely a wonder, a wonder may not be miracle. For example, the Seven Wonders of the world. When I first went to see the Great Wall. I was on top of it, looking around, I felt proud of what my ancestors had done was a great wonder. I can also testify how many times God delivered and rescued me from disease, danger, difficulty and death. Yes, God had done quite a few miracles and wonders on my life. There is nothing too difficult or impossible with God. God performs miracles and wonders.
This is the personal testimony and witness of Daniel. God delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Do you know a good man may have enemies? The enemies of Daniel trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs, but they could not because there was no evidence of corruption and no negligence to be found in him. They came to agreement to entrap Daniel with regard to the law of his God. They craftily asked King Darius to establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides King Darius, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. King Darius signed the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. As soon as the king heard the accusation against Daniel, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel but to no avail. Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” The king spent the night fasting and could not sleep. The king arose at dawn and went in haste to the lions’ den. With a troubled voice the king said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”
How very pleased was the king and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the lions’ den.
Mat 6:13, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’”
Note: The power of God can lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. Temptation in Greek is peirasmos which means the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy (Strong’s Concordance); proving; enticement to sin; adversity, affliction, trouble sent to test our character; putting to prove; discipline or provocation; something tempting; impulse; bad influence; – which occurs 22 times in the New Testament. Evil in Greek is ponēro which means wickedness; evil things; annoyances; hardships; pressed and harassed by labors; perils; causing pain and trouble; the evil one; mischief; dark forces; leading astray; a feeling that you want to do or have something which you should not; – which occurs 90 times in the New Testament.
Mat 22:29, “But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Note: Jesus who knows all men gives the right diagnosis: You are mistaken because you do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God. Understanding of the Scriptures and the power of God keep people doing and being right. Those who do understand the Scriptures can never know the power of God. Power in Greek is dynamis which means might; strength; mighty work; miracle; virtue; ability to act; the cause for the effect; – which occurs 124 times in the New Testament. For instance, those who do not believe that God created the universe in six days because they do not understand the power of God.
Mat 24:30, “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.”
Note: Jesus will come again on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. No man understands the full meaning of power and great glory yet.
Mar 12:24, “Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Note: Power in Greek is dynamis which means mighty work; strength; miracle; virtue; ability; inherent power; divine force; universally the power of God; authority; ability to do; – which occurs 24 times in the New Testament. Jesus makes it clear, men are mistaken because they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. A man who does not understand the Scripture or the power of God cannot be right. A man errs because he does not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. An evolutionist is wrong because he does not know the Scriptures nor the power of God. The Holy Bible is also called the Scriptures. Scientists and philosophers do not understand the Scriptures and the power of God.
Luk 1:35, “The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”
Note: Come upon in Greek is eperchomai which means the Holy Spirit descending and operating in one; which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Overshadow in Greek is episkiazō which means to throw a shadow upon; to cast a shadow over; to envelop in a shadow; to caste a shade upon; to invest with preternatural influence; to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; the Holy Spirit exerting creative energy upon the womb of the virgin Mary and impregnating it (Strong’s Concordance); no man or scientist knows how the Holy Spirit operates; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Nature, time, and space cannot restraint God; there is nothing impossible with God; including making a virgin pregnant.
Luk 4:36, “And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.”
Note: Authority in Greek is exousia which means right; jurisdiction; liberty; strength; permission; influence and privilege; the power of judicial decisions; capacity; competency; delegated influence; – which occurs 102 times in the New Testament. There is a difference and distinction between authority and power. It is bad and sad to give you this example: the American president lawlessly and illegally sanctions the judges of the International Court of Criminal Justice. The justices have authority but no power. The justices have no power to issue an order to arrest the American president. Which nation has stronger power to subject America? I do not know this is the historical incident to illustrate the futility of authority without power. God has both authority and power, American presidents and politicians will not escape the judgment of God; they may escape the International Court of Criminal Justice here and now. Jesus commands the unclean spirits to come out with authority and power.
Luk 5:17, “One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.”
Note: The power of God was present for Jesus to perform healing, healing of every disease or sicknedd.
Luk 6:19, “And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.”
Note: The power of Jesus was so great that sick people touching Jesus were all healed.
Luk 9:1, “And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”
Note: Jesus not only has power and authority in Himself, He gave the twelve disciples (apostles) also power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Demons are more intelligent than men, they know who has power and authority.
Luk 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”
Note: The Twelve Apostles were most distinguished because they were given authority by Jesus Christ to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy which is the devil, nothing had ever injured the Apostles. Jesus Christ has not given such authority and power to any preacher I know in the world.
Luk 22:69, “But from now on THE SON OF MAN WILL BE SEATED AT THERIGHT HAND of the power OF GOD.”
Note: We really do not fully understand how honorable that Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the power of God.
After the Resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended to the highest Heaven and He is seated at the right of the power of God.
One day all children of God will see it.
Luk 24:49,“And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Note: The Apostles and disciples waited for the Holy Spirit and they were clothed with power from on high at the day of Pentecost.
Act 1:8, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Note: This is where Pentecostal denomination errs. The receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit is not for speaking in tongues, but for witnessing of Jesus Christ. I have heard and known many famous preachers in person in the world, including Billy Graham. I was lucky to have known Dr. Arthur Mouw, who was a friend of mine, and the most interesting preacher I have ever heard. But I am sad and sorry to say that I have never heard a preacher who is really filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of God. Many preachers who have fame and fortune, but no power from on high.
Act 2:24, “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”
Note: By the power of God Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, it was impossible for Him to be held in the power of death. The power of death cannot hold the Lord of life.
Act 6:8, “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miracles among the people.”
Note: Although I have known many preacher all over the world, I have not met or known a preacher like Stephen, full of grace and power, performing great wonders and miracles among the people.
Act 10:38, “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
Note: Jesus of Nazareth was God anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, and so He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. The children of the devil like their father also oppress nations and peoples.
Rom 1:4, “who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of Holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,”
Note: Declare in Greek is horizō which means to determine; to obtain; to define; to mark out; to appoint; to decree; to ordain; to specify; to make known officially; to show; to affirm; to announce; to proclaim; to reveal; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness. The Son of God was declared with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of Holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord. The power of the resurrection was the power of God.
Rom 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Note: Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The Greek is the representative of all Gentiles. The power of God can sanctify even a prostitute and transform a pimp and save a robber.
Rom 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Note: It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that Christians fill with all joy and peace in believing, and abound in hope. So it is impossible for a Christian who is filled with all joy and peace and abound in hope to commit suicide.
1Co 1:18, “For the Word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Note: All other religions have no power to save, Jesus Christ is the power of God to save all sinners who come to Him. Some unbelievers view the cross as foolishness, the power of God is not foolishness.
1Co 1:24, “but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Note: God uses Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God to call and save both Jews and Gentiles. Christians include both Jews and Gentiles. If you have Christ, you have the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1Co 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
Note: The truth is so important, it must be stressed and repeated again and again. The Christian faith does not rest on the wisdom of men (the so-called higher criticism, the lower criticism, modernism, Calvinism, liberation theology, German idealism, Transcendentalism, Unitarianism, etc.) The Christian faith rests on the Word of God (the Holy Bible) and the power of God.
1Co 4:20, “For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.”
Note: The Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in the power of God. The theories of unbelieving scientists and philosophers consist in empty words; words that don’t matter.
2Co 4:7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”
Note: We men are earthen vessels, the surpassing greatness and the power of God are the treasure.
2Co 6:7, “in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,”
Note: Paul was saying as servants of God, in everything we must commend ourselves… in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left. The word of truth has the power of God.
2Co 13:4, “For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”
Note: Jesus Christ rose from the dead and lives forever because of the power of God. Because the power of God directed toward us, and so we will live with Christ. We will live a Christian life, to live with Christ, only because of the power of God directed toward us.
Phl 3:21, “who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
Note: When Christ returns, the Christian body of humble state will be transformed by the exertion of the power of God into a glorious and spiritual and immortal body. For humans on earth, the most beautiful actress and the strongest men, they are all in humble state.
2Ti 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God,”
Note: Christians are not ashamed of the Gospel, and not ashamed in suffering for the sake of Christ according to the power of God.
Heb 1:3, “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the Word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
Note: Jesus Christ has the radiance of the glory of God and the exact representation of God’s nature. Christians are not worried that the universe will fall apart because Jesus Christ uphold all things by the Word of His power. Uphold in Greek is pherō which means to bear up; to carry; to endure; to give support to; to sustain; to hold aloft; to maintain or affirm; – which occurs 67 times in the New Testament.
Heb 7:16, “who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.”
Note: An indestructible life has power.
1Pe 1:5, “who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Note: It is both an assurance and a comfort to know that Christians are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Christians have something the world does not have. We are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
2Pe 1:16, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
Note: Unbelieving theologians and scholars clearly devise many tales in their theories. The power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ can be seen.
1Jo 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”
Note: The whole world lies in the power of the evil one; we Christians are protected by the power of God.
Rev 4:11,“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Note: Our Lord and our God are worthy to receive glory and honor and power because by the will of God they existed and were created.
Rev 5:12, “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
Note: The Lamb of God is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing because He was slain to redeem mankind.
Rev 7:12, “saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Note: God being God is worthy to receive blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might forever and ever.
Rev 11:17, “saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.”
Note: Lord God will take His great power when He has begun to reign.
Rev 12:10, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.”
Note: When the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of God and the authority of His Christ have come, our accuser the devil will be thrown down into the Lake of Fire forever and ever. Rev 16:9, “Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.”
Note: The day is coming when the wicked and unbelievers will be scorched with fierce heat, they will blaspheme and will not repent so as to give God glory.
Rev 19:1, “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in Heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;”
Note: In the final of things, a loud voice of a great multitude in Heaven will say, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.
H. THE KINGDOM OF GOD:
Gen 10:9-10, “He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD. The beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Erech and Accad and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.”
Note: Nimrod in Hebrew is Nimrowd = “rebellion” or “the valiant”; the son of Cush, grandson of Ham, and great grandson of Noah; a mighty hunter, he established an empire in the area of Babylon and Assyria (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 4 times in the Old Testament. Babel in Hebrew is Babel which means Babylon; Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates (Strong’s Concordance); Babel means confusion; – which occurs 262 times in the Old Testament. By Joshua J. Mark, “Babylon is the most famous city from ancient Mesopotamia whose ruins lie in modern-day Iraq 59 miles (94 kilometres) southwest of Baghdad. The name is thought to derive from bav-il or bav-ilim which, in the Akkadian language of the time, meant ‘Gate of God’ or ‘Gate of the Gods’ and ‘Babylon’ coming from Greek.”According to Bible History Online, “The Empire of Babylon (The Largest Boundaries) When Assyria was overthrown by the Babylonians and the Medes in 625 BC, Nabopolassar, who had joined with the Medes, received a worthy spoil for his share the glorious possession of Babylonia undisputed. The later kingdom of Babylon lasted for 87 years (625-538 B.C.), until it was finally overthrown by the new conquering power of Persia. Nabopolassar, the first king of the new Babylonian Kingdom, was succeeded by his son Nebuchadnezzar, and it was under Nebuchadnezzar that the Babylonian empire reached its height of glory. Under Nebuchadnezzar (669-627 BC) the boundaries of the Babylonian Empire reached as far as Cilicia in the north to Egypt and Arabia in the south, and from Cyprus and the Mediterranean coastal cities in the west to Media and Persia in the east.”
All kingdoms and empires vanished sooner or later.
1Sa 13:14, “But now your Kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Note: God established the Jewish kingdom and appointed Saul the first king, but he disobeyed the Lord and had not kept what the Lord commanded him. God sought out David a man after His own heart, and appointed him as ruler over His people. Kingdom in Hebrew is mamlakah which means reign; dominion; sovereignty; realm; royal dignity; nation; country; – which occurs 117 times in the Old Testament. Endure in Hebrew is quwm which means to stand; to continue to exist; to abide; to maintain oneself; to persist; to last; to carry on; to flourish; – which occurs 630 times in the Old Testament. Unlike the kingdom of God which is eternal, no kingdom of man endures. All evil empires vanished from the earth, the last empire will have the same fate.
2Sa 3:28, “Afterward when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.”
Note: Innocent in Hebrew is naqiy which means guitless; blameless; clean; clear; free from guilt; free or exempt from obligations; free from blame; – which occurs 45 times in the Old Testament. David declared that he and his kingdom were innocent before the Lord regarding the blood of Abner. For the last 500 years European nations and more recently America are not innocent before the Lord for millions of innocent peoples they have killed and the countries they have robbed. Where can you find a righteous nation today?
1Ki 2:12, “And Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.”
Note: Firmly in Hebrew is m?`od which means greatly; exceedingly; mightily; with strength and force; – which occurs 289 times in the Old Testament. Many nations believe and think their nations are firmly established because they have absolute military superiority and nuclear weapons. Pro 16:12, “It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.”
Only God knows how many wicked acts European and American leaders and politicians have committed for hundreds of years.
2Ch 17:5, “So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.”
Note: The Lord established the kingdom of Jehoshaphat in his control, and he had great riches and honor. Apparently if God blesses a nation, that nation has riches and honor. Most people have the wrong idea about America they think the richest nation on earth. Little they know that America has the largest national debt that surpasses $24 trillion dollars, not counting the annual budget deficits, the debts and deficits of 50 states, county and city governments, the debts and deficits of corporations, institutions, organizations, families and student loans. A nation in debt is poor indeed. Probably Norway is the richest nation on earth. If I say the United States of America is without honor, the most hated nation on earth; people may think I am unpatriotic. Just a few facts: Why did America fabricate that Iraq had the weapons of mass destruction, and so attacked, occupied, killed Iraqis, murdered Saddam Hussein, and robbed Iraq blind and poor? Why did America use United Kingdom to rob Venezuela 31 tons of gold? Why did America send troops to protect the oil fields of Syria? Why do American leaders and politicians continuously tell so many black lies about China and Russia without shame and increasingly sanction Russia and China without cause or reason? Do you think it is American honor to unilaterally withdraw from international treaties and forfeit its obligations and refuse to pay its legitimate member fees? Truth offends people and many do not really understand what is happening in America. Turn on your TV every night, do you think America is in control of its destiny? Do you really think America is going in the right direction? Do you think America is well managed? Do you think America is at peace when the nation is engaging in endless wars and military operations since Richard Nixon? Do you think the sole superpower spends so many trillions of dollars on defense although America does not really have an enemy is justified?
Psa 22:28, “For the Kingdom is the LORD’S and He rules over the nations.”
Note: Here is the powerful truth: the Kingdom is the Lord’s. Some very immoral and incapable leaders shout America First and want to lead the world. Some falsely claim America is a Christian nation. If so why the U.S. Supreme Court outlaws Bible reading and prayer at public schools, while legalizes homosexual and same-sex marriage? Why American leaders and politicians lie, kill, and rob many nations and peoples? The White Supremacists act and speak as if they rule the world. Do they know it is God who rules over the nations? Rule in Hebrew is mashal which means to reign; to have dominion; to govern; to exercise sovereignty; to exert control; to exercise authority and power; which occurs 84 times in the Old Testament.
Psa 45:6, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”
Note: Scepter in Hebrew is shebet which means staff; rod; truncheon; mark of authority; scion; symbol of imperial power; emblem of regal authority; – which occurs 191 times in the Old Testament. Uprightness in Hebrew is miyshowr which means equity; justice; righteousness; straightness; rectitude; goodness; rightness; virtue; – which occurs 24 times in the Old Testament. The scepter of the kingdom of God is uprightness. I had seen the royal scepter of United Kingdom with the largest diamond in the world. But a scepter of unrightness is a million times more valuable than the scepter of diamond. The kingdom has no glory because of lies, murders, and robberies.
The scepter of the sole superpower is crookedness, corruption, unrighteousness, injustice, and wickedness.
Psa 145:11, “They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power;”
Note: Glory and power characterize the kingdom of God.
Psa 145:12, “To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts, and the glory of the majesty of Your Kingdom.”
Note: One day the children of the kingdom of God will see the glory of the majesty of the kingdom of God.
Psa 145:13, “Your kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
Note: All kingdoms and empires vanished, only the Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom.
Isa 9:7, “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his Kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”
Note: The kingdom of David is a forerunner of the Kingdom of God, established to uphold justice and righteousness.
Dan 2:37, “You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of Heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory;”
Note: God gave Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon the First Kingdom with power, strength and glory.
Dan 2:44,“In the days of those kings the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”
Note: Babylon was gone, but the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom which will never be destroyed.
Dan 4:3, “How great are His miracles And how mighty are His wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom And His dominion is from generation to generation.”
Note: The miracles of God are great, and His wonders are mighty. The Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom.
Dan 4:34, “But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward Heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.”
Note: When Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses and regained his reason, he blessed and praised the Most High God who lives forever; and His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.
Dan 5:26, “This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENE’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.”
Note: I do not know if God has numbered America and put an end to it; I know all kingdoms will come to an end sooner or later.
Dan 6:26, “I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His Kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever.”
Note: King Darius made a decree that all his subjects must fear and tremble before the God of Daniel, for e is the living God and enduring forever, and His Kingdom will not be destroyed.
Dan 7:14, “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a Kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; And His Kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.”
Note: Jesus Christ will have Glory and a Kingdom, all the peoples will serve Him. How and what to serve, it is not disclosed. The Kingdom of Christ is the Kingdom of God is one which will not be destroyed.
Dan 7:18, ‘But the saints of the Highest One will receive the Kingdom and possess the Kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’
Note: Christians are the saints will receive the Kingdom and possess the Kingdom forever.
Dan 7:22, “until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the Kingdom.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Ancient of Days and the Highest One, His followers will take possession of the Kingdom.
Dan 7:27, ‘Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole Heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His Kingdom will be an everlasting Kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’
Note: Christians are the saints of the Highest One, all the dominions will serve and obey Christ in His Kingdom. Dominion in Aramaic is sholtan which means realm; sovereignty; empire; kingdom; territory; government; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. I do not know “all the dominions” refer to what.
Amo 9:8, “Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, And I will destroy it from the face of the earth; Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob,” Declares the LORD.”
Note: The eyes of the Lord God are watching the sinful kingdom. The leaders of the sinful nation may not know that the eyes of God are on them.
Mat 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Note: Since the time of Jesus on earth, it has been proclaimed that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, how much nearer now.
Mat 4:23, “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.”
Note: The Gospel of the Kingdom must be proclaimed in the whole world.
Mat 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Note: Those who are poor in spirit realize their spiritual needs and seek first the righteousness of God and so theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mat 5:10, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Note: To be persecuted for the sake of righteousness is no comparison for having the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mat 5:19, “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the Kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Note: Whoever keeps and teaches the commandments of God shall be called great in the Kingdom of God.
Mat 5:20, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Note: The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees are outward and superficial; to enter the Kingdom of Heaven you need the righteousness of God. To obtain the righteousness of God you believe in Jesus Christ.
Mat 6:10, ‘Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven.”
Note: It is the expectation and prayer of Christians that the Kingdom of God comes.
Mat 6:13, ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.[For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]
Note: Christians do not want to fall into temptation, we want God to deliver us from evil. Because the Kingdom and the power and the glory belong to God forever.
Mat 6:33, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Note: To do the first thing first is wisdom. The Kingdom of God and His righteousness precede everything else.
Mat 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven will enter.”
Note: Words do not matter. He who does the will of God will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mat 8:11, “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven;”
Note: At present the east and west divide the world. In the Kingdom of Heaven, children of God will come from east and west.
Mat 9:35, “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”
Note: The mission of Jesus was proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom through all the cities and villages. It is hoped my website will reach villages also.
Mat 10:7, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’
Note: For more than 2,000 years the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached all over the world; the Kingdom of Heaven is nearer than before.
Mat 12:25, “And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.”
Note: The leaders of the two American parties do not serve the American national interest; they have divided America so bad that civil war may be possible. America is now a divided country, not the United States. Taiwan is a pawn and instrument of America to divide China and to conquer China.
Mat 12:28, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Note: Where the work of the Spirit of God is manifested, the Kingdom of God has come to that place.
Mat 13:38, “and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;”
Note: Believers are the good seed, they are the sons of the Kingdom. The tares are the sons of the evil one. Which group do you belong to?
Mat 13:43, “Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Note: The rich and powerful shine in this world. The righteous will shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.
Mat 18:3-4, “and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Note: Jesus makes it clear, Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Convert in Greek is strephō which means to turn oneself; to turn around; to have a change of mind; metaphorically to turn one’s self from one’s course of conduct, i.e. to change one’s mind (Strong’s Concordance); to reverse; to turn from darkness to light; to transform; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. Jesus wants people to be converted like children who are simple and humble.
Mat 19:23-24, “And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Note: Riches or wealth is a great obstruction for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. For one thing, the greedy cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
Mat 21:31, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you.”
Note: It does not mean that tax collectors and prostitutes have preferential treatment, it simply means if they repent and believe in the Gospel they will get into the Kingdom of God before hypocrites like American and European leaders and politicians, before the crafty military-industrial-security complex executives, etc.
Mat 21:43, “Therefore I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it.”
Note: The Jews did not repent and receive their Messiah, the Kingdom of God was taken away from them and give to the Gentiles whoever repent and believe.
Mar 1:15, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Note: Because the Kingdom of God is near, so people everywhere must repent and believe in the Gospel. Repent in Greek is metanoeō which means to change one’s mind; to be sorry for sins committed; to sincerely amend one’s past sins; to think differently; to feel contrition and reconsider; to turn from sin to God; – which occurs 34 times in the New Testament. Conversion requires repentance; when a person repented he is converted.
Mar 4:11, “And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,”
Note: The Kingdom of God is a mystery. What matters is whether you are inside or outside.
Mar 4:26, “And He was saying, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;”
Note: The parable of the Sower tells there are different kinds of audience; only seeds fell into the good soil grow and bear fruit.
Mar 4:30, And He said, “How shall we picture the Kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?”
Note: Picture is useful for instruction. Jesus pictures the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed which is small but it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants.
Mar 9:1, “And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
Note: If Jesus comes today while I am still alive, I will not taste death but see the Kingdom of God coming with power and glory. Peter, John, James had seen the glory and power of the Kingdom on the holy mountain when Jesus was transfigured.
Mar 9:47, “If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into Hell,”
Note: This is the language of hyperbole and comparison. It means do not let anything cause you to stumble to enter the Kingdom of God. It does not mean if you gouge your one eye you will enter the Kingdom of God.
Mar 10:14-15, “But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Note: Everyone must come to Jesus as a sinner, no one can come as a president, prime minister, high ranking official, executive, tycoon, scientist, philosopher, etc. Pimps and prostitutes and all kinds of sinners may come. You must come like a child to enter the Kingdom of God. To receive the Kingdom of God like a child is to receive it in simple faith and humble way.
Mar 10:23-25, “And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Note: How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God! Why? The wealthy who are usually arrogant and self-satisfied and they don’t think about spiritual things. Besides, riches can choke one’s faith. How hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God because his wealth is his burden and obstruction. That is why the Gospel is preached to the poor. Have you got the picture? Try to have a camel go through the eyes of a needle.
Mar 12:34, “When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.”
Note: It is most deplorable that one may be not far from the Kingdom of God, but one does not enter at all.
Mar 14:25, “Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”
Note: The best fruit of the vine cannot compare to the one we will drink it new in the Kingdom of God.
Mar 15:43, “Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the Kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.”
Note: Are you waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ to set up the Kingdom of God on earth? One has to gather up courage to do what is right.
Mar 16:15, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”
Note: The Apostles and early disciples were given the authority and power to perform miracles and healing. Not every preacher has the gift of healing. Look at what God has appointed in the Church, 1 Co 12:28-31.
I do not have the gift of healing and I do not speak in tongues.
Luk 4:43, “But He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”
Note: Jesus was sent for the purpose of preaching the Kingdom of God from cities to cities. Christians have duty to preach the Gospel to every creature.
Luk 6:20, “And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.”
Note: It does not mean that every person poor materially is blessed. It means everybody who hungers and thirsts for the salvation of God is blessed because the Kingdom of God is theirs.
Luk 7:28, “I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Note: We have no idea how great was John the Baptist whose head was worth half a kingdom. We know not one American preacher ever preaches against the sins of any president.
Luk 8:1, “Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the Kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him,”
Note: The Kingdom of God must be preached to all cities and all villages, and to all peoples in the world. The primary mission of the Church is preaching the Kingdom of God. Many churches have gone astray to political, social and economical gospel.
Luk 8:10, “And He said, “To you it has been granted to know them mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.”
Note: Mysteries of the Kingdom of God has not been granted to unbelieving scientists and theologians. Many seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Recently I came across a website that infuriated me because they facetiously and fallibly and blasphemously maintain that Jesus Christ and the Apostles were followers of John Calvin. Let me say to you John Calvin was a false teacher who misled many and taught erroneously that God predestinated certain groups of people to go to Hell and certain groups of people to go to Heaven. Predestination is a big doctrine which I cannot dwell it in this article.
Luk 9:2, “And He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to perform healing.”
Note: God can heal even today. This is where the Pentecostal denomination errs. Preaching the Gospel is primary. Jesus gave the apostles special authority and power to perform miracles and healing then. If you read the Great Commission, Luk 9:11, “But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the Kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.”
Note: Jesus Christ preached the Kingdom of God and demonstrated the power of God in curing those who had need of healing.
Luk 9:27, “But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the Kingdom of God.”
Note: This was referred to the Transfiguration as it is written in Mat 17:1-8, Peter, James and John saw Jesus was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And as Peter wrote,
2Pe 1:16-18, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”
Luk 9:60, “But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the Kingdom of God.”
Note: Unbelievers are spiritually dead; the proclamation of the Kingdom of God is even more important than to bury the dead.
Luk 9:62, “But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Note: Those who initially believes but returning to the old way of life is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Christians do not look back for they are heading to the Holy City. They do not want to return to the old life.
Luk 10:9,“and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Note: The apostles healed those who are sick, but the message is the Kingdom of God has come near to you.
Luk 10:11,‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the Kingdom of God has come near.’
Note: There are those who do not obey the Gospel of God. Be that as it may, the Kingdom of God has come near whether you believe it or not.
Luk 11:20,“But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Note: The finger of God means the power of God. The Gospel is the power of God to save those who believe in Christ.
Luk 13:18,“So He was saying, “What is the Kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it?”
Note: The Kingdom of God is definitely not like the United States of America. There is no kingdom on earth can compare wit the Kingdom of God.
Luk 13:20,“And again He said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?”
Note: In the teaching and preaching of the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ used parables to compare the Kingdom of God.
Luk 13:28,“In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.”
Note: In Hell there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, the wicked and unbelievers will be thrown out. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets, the Old Testament and the New Testament believers will be in the Kingdom of God. The unbelieving Jews and Gentiles will be thrown out, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth outside the Kingdom of God.
Luk 13:29,“And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God.”
Note: God elected peoples from east and west and from north and south, and will dine at the table in the Kingdom of God.
Luk 14:15,“When one of those who were reclining at the table with Him heard this, he said to Him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God!” Rev 19:9, “Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.”
Note: Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God. The children of God will not eat ordinary bread, but the bread of life in the Kingdom of God. The table in the Kingdom of God may refer to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Luk 16:16,“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.”
Note: To force in Greek is biazō which means to press; to apply force; to crowd oneself into; a share in the heavenly Kingdom is sought for with the most ardent zeal and the intensest exertion (Strong’s Concordance); to force one’s way into a thing; to get a share in the Kingdom of God by the utmost earnestness and effort (Strong’s Concordance); to thrust; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. A lackadaisicalperson with indifferent attitude is not the one who enters the Kingdom of God.
Luk 17:20-32,“Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the Kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is in your midst.” And He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.“They will say to you, ‘Look there! Look here!’ Do not go away, and do not run after them. “For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day. “But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from Heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. “On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. “Remember Lot’s wife. “Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”
Note: Lot’s wife was the person who looked back! Christians do not go back to the old life.
Luk 18:16-17,“But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Note: The Kingdom of God belongs to people like children who have simple faith and humble way. In contrast, look at American and European leaders and politicians who are arrogant and far away from the Kingdom of God.
Luk 18:24-25,“And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God!
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Note: You can visualize how hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.
Luk 18:29-30,“And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.”
Note: Those who sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom of God will receive rewards and eternal life.
Luk 19:11,“While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.”
Note: Now after 2,000 years we believe the coming of Jesus Christ is near and imminent to set up the Kingdom of God on earth.
Luk 21:31,“So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the Kingdom of God is near.”
Note: Please read the following article: THE SIGNS OF THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST,
Luk 22:16,18, “for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God…for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the Kingdom of God comes.”
Note: The Kingdom of God is going fulfilled sooner than you think.
Luk 23:51,“(he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the Kingdom of God;”
Note: Consent in Greek is sygkatatithēmi which means to vote for; to agree with; to cast one vote for; to accord with; to give approval; to give assent; – which occurs only 1 time in the New Testament. The righteous man from Arimathea never consented to the plan and action of the enemies of Christ, for he was waiting for the Kingdom of God. I never give my consent to American presidents and politicians to make America the evil empire, to attack many nations, and to dictate and dominate the world. For I am also waiting for the Kingdom of God, and I use my website to hasten the coming of Christ.
Jhn 3:3,5,“Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”
Note: Jesus makes it clear, unless one is born again by the Word and the Spirit, he cannot see and cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
Act 1:3,“To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God.”
Note: Jesus Christ suffered much for our sins, and He rose again from the dead by the power of God, appearing to apostles and early disciples over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God.
Act 8:12,“But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.”
Note: In the Kingdom of God, there is no difference between men and women, they were being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Act 14:22,“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the Faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.”
Note: The important thing is for disciples or believers to continue in the Faith. The faith is not the Reformed faith, not the Roman Catholic faith, not the Baptist faith, not the Calvinistic faith, not the Arminian faith, not the Lutheran faith, etc. The Faith is the Christian faith in Jesus Christ.
Act 19:8,“And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the Kingdom of God.”
Note: Paul was the Apostle who was not afraid of speaking out the truth boldly. To reason in Greek is dialegomai which means to ponder; to mingle thought with thought; to revolve in mind; to discourse with one; to argue; to say thoroughly; to discuss in argument or exhortation; to dispute; to persuade or influence; to discuss logically; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. To persuade in Greek is peithō which means to induce one by words to believe; to convince; to move by argument; to plead with; to cause someone to accept a certian point of view; to make someone to believe; – which occurs 64 times in the New Testament. Yes, every Christian should reason and persuade anybody about the Kingdom of God. However, there are people who will never accept the truth.
Act 28:23,“When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the Kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
Note: To explain in Greek is ektithēmi which means to expound; to cast out; to set forth; to declare; to instruct; to make clear and understandable; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. The Kingdom of God is a very serious matter, so we must explain and testify solemnly.
Act 28:31,“preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.”
Note: Preach in Greek is kēryssō which means to proclaim; to speak with formality, gravity and authority; used of the public proclamation of the Gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers (Strong’s Concordance); to proclaim the divine truth after the manner of a herald; to deliver the Gospel publicly; to evangelize in a serious manner; – which occurs 62 times in the New Testament. Teach in Greek is didaskō which means to hold discourse in order to instruct; to deliver didactic discourses; to conduct oneself as a teacher; to impart instruction; to explain or expound a doctrine; – which occurs 97 times in the New Testament. Preaching is obviously more strenuous, while teaching more tedeous.
Rom 14:17,“for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Note: The world culture emphasizes eating and drinking. The Kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
If you belong to the Kingdom of God, you will have righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The white supremacists have no righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, so they lie, kill, and rob other nations and peoples.
1Co 4:20, “For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.”
Note: Do you know philosophies and man-made theologies are a bunch of empty and difficult words. The Kingdom of God consists in the Word of God and the Power of God.
1Co 6:9-10, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Note: This is most serious. You must know what kinds of people will not inherit the Kingdom of God as listed in the Scriptures above.
1Co 15:50,“Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”
Note: Flesh and blood that is the human body cannot enter or inherit the Kingdom of God, because it is perishable. For that reason those who died in Christ will rise from the dead with a spiritual, glorious and immortal body. Those Christians who are still alive will be transformed.
Gal 5:19-21, “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Note: These Scriptures are most serious because the deeds of the flesh have eternal consequences. Hear ye, hear ye, God says those who practice the following will not inherit the Kingdom of God: they are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes; dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. At this moment, America and Europe are afraid that soon China will surpass and bypass them to be the number one economy in the world. America and Europe are also suffering jealousy and envy of China, so they for no reason sanction, ban and oppose Huawei 5G and TikTok because they are the best and most advanced in the world.
Eph 5:5, “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.”
Note: This knowledge is as certain as God is true: no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Christ.
Col 4:11,“and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.”
Note: Fellow workers for the Kingdom of God should love and help each other, and never be jealous of each other.
2Th 1:5,“This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”
Note: Saints suffering for the sake of Christ should rejoice because this a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that we will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God.
It is fine and well if God considers us worthy of the Kingdom of God; Christians, however, should never consider themselves worthy. No one is worthy to go to Heaven.
I. THE GLORY OF GOD:
Exo 16:7, “and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you grumble against us?”
Note: Glory in Hebrew is kabowd which means honor; riches; majesty; splendor; dignity; reverence; weight; abundance; magnificence; praise or distinction; great exaltation; marked by beauty or resplendence; adoration; – which occurs 202 times in the Old Testament. The whole hungry congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness because they had no bread to eat. Exo 16:4, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from Heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.” God rained Manna from Heaven to demonstrate the glory of the Lord. That happened God gave meat to the sons of Israel to eat in the evening and bread to the full in the morning. The Omnipotent God used His creative power to feed the sons of Israel with bread from Heave, meat and water in the wilderness and thus manifested the glory of God.
Exo 24:17, “And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.”
Note: The sons of Israel saw with their eyes the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Heb 12:29, “for our God is a consuming fire.” For this reason, Christians must offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.
Exo 33:18, “Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”
Note: Moses was courageous, if I am not mistaken, the only servant of God dared to ask God to show him His glory. But God was kind to Moses, for no man can see God and live.
Exo 33:20-23, “But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”
When God appears in His glory, all the wicked will perish.
Num 20:6, “Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them.”
Note: When the glory of God appears, the only right thing to do is to fall on our faces!
1Sa 15:29,“Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”
Note: God will not lie or change His mind; for God is not a man that He should change His mind. I recall the leader of a certain nation vowed to destroy Israel. Whoever opposed the Glory of Israel will perish and that nation will vanish!
1Ch 16:10, “Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.”
Note: The name of God is holy, glory in His holy name. Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. In the New Testament, we are also told to rejoice in the Lord.
1Ch 16:24, “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
Note: I wish my website can reach all the nations in the world to tell of the glory of God and His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
1Ch 16:28, “Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.”
Note: Ascribe in Hebrew is yahab which means to give; to bring; to set; to place; to commit to God; to refer to; to attribute; to credit; – which occurs 33 times in the Old Testament. No man should credit himself with glory and strength. Christians always give God the glory and strength. It is most dangerous when the leaders of a nation are arrogant and consider themselves the superpower, the dictators of the world.
1Ch 16:29, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.”
Note: The concept of due is important. Due means appropriate; adequate; and expected. Children of God owe to give most appropriate, adequate and expected glory to His name. I believe in Heave we shall worship the Lord in holy array. What you see in Roman Catholic Church and other denominations cannot be called holy array. Array in Hebrew is hadarah which means adornment; ornament; holy adornment of public worship; beauty; honor; glory; rich or beautiful apparel; – which occurs 5 times in the Old Testament. When I was in Norway I saw their impressive, colorful and beautiful national apparel (as shown in the film the Song of Norway). You can be sure the holy array in Heaven to worship the Lord is beyond our imagination or visual experience.
1Ch 16:35, “Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us and deliver us from the nations, To give thanks to Your holy name, And glory in Your praise.”
Note: I don’t think we know what it means to glory in praising God on earth. The day is coming when saints will participate to give thanks to God’s holy name and glory in His praise.
1Ch 29:11,“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the Heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.”
Note: The greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty belong to our God.
2Ch 7:3, “All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the LORD upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the LORD, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Note: In the time of Solomon the sons of Israel seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the Temple of God, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord. This is a preview of the grand and great things to come.
Psa 19:1,“For the choir director. A Psalm of David. The Heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
Note: The Heavens are telling of the glory of God. Some unbelieving astronomers are deaf and blind, they do not hear and see the glory of God. When I was at the Great Wall looking around and looking down, the Great Wall is telling the glory of our Chinese ancestors only inferior to the Heavens are telling the glory of God.
Psa 24:8, “Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.”
Note: God is the King of glory, strong and mighty, mighty in battle. Most people think God is love, do not know God is mighty in battle. Let the enemies of truth beware tremble.
Psa 24:10, “Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.”
Note: The Lord of hosts is the King of glory.
Host in Hebrew is tsaba’ which means war; battle; army; warfare; soldiers; multitude; angels; sun, moon, and stars; the host of Heaven; whole creation; campaign; – which occurs 482 times in the Old Testament.
Psa 66:2, “Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.”
Note: Christians sing the glory of God’s name; how to make His praise glorious we will see in Heaven.
Psa 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Note: It is better and safer to receive grace than glory. There are many good things we can ask from the Lord, such as “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Gal 5:22); and “the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth”
Psa 113:4, “The LORD is high above all nations; His glory is above the Heavens.”
Note: There are quite a few aggressive nations and arrogant leaders on earth. They do not know the Lord is high above all nations. The glory of God is above the Heavens. Do you know how high are the Heavens? The first Heaven is the sky where birds and airplanes fly. The second Heaven is the universe, no one know how big and vast it is. The third Heaven is where angels and God reside, the highest Heaven.
Psa 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.”
Note: The mad leaders and politicians seek glory. To the name of God we give glory, not to us, O Lord, not to us; because of God’s lovingkindness and truth. Only God deserves glory.
Pro 19:11, “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.”
Note: Although man is humble, if he has discretion it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense. It is glory to a nation to overlook a provocation. Discretion in Hebrew is sekel which means understanding; wisdom; knowledge; good sense; prudence; insight; intelligence; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Look at American leaders and politicians today who lack many things, among them is discretion.
Pro 25:2,“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
Note: It is the glory of God that there are many secrets in the universe which scientists cannot find out and do not know. God conceals not even a scientist knows when he is going to die. Science cannot search out the wisdom, knowledge, glory and power of God.
Pro 28:12, “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.”
Note: Triumph in Hebrew is `alats which means to prevail; to obtain victory; to celebrate victory; to rejoice; to exult; – which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. In 1968 when Richard Nixon ran for the presidency, I stayed up very late to learn of his victory even though I had to work the next morning. Of my almost 50 years living in America, the years of Nixon administration were the happiest period of my life, the golden era of American history. Today the wicked are in power.
Isa 40:5, “Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Note: When Jesus Christ returns to earth, the glory of the Lord will be revealed.
Isa 42:8, “I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.”
Note: The Lord will not give His glory to another, nor His praise to idols or other gods. Today America worships money, power, and sex. The whole world worships the same.
Isa 60:19, “No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory.”
Note: In the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, there will be no sun or moon. God is the everlasting light. Rev 21:23, “And the City has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
Hos 4:7, “The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame.”
Note: The masses and multitudes of the world sin against the Lord, and God will change their glory into shame.
Mat 6:13, ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’”
Note: Glory in Greek isdoxa which means honor; praise; dignity; worship; brighteness; mangnificence; excellence; preeminence; the kingly majesty which belongs to God as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity (Strong’s Concordance); most exalted state; the quality, majesty, honor and perfection that belong to God; – which occurs 167 times in the New Testament. The Lord teaches us how to pray, we should remember every day that the Kingdom and the power and the glory belong to God forever.
Mat 24:30,“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.”
Note: The second coming of Jesus Christ will be characterized by power and great glory which we have no idea now. Luk 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Note: At the first Advent of Jesus Christ, glory to God in the highest. When Jesus was born, hope was born. Hope was born so that sinful men may be saved. There is still no peace on earth because warmongers and the wicked want to dictate and dominate the world. When Jesus Christ returns the second time, peace will be universal.
Luk 9:26, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Note: Man really does not know what glory is.
Luk 12:27, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.”
Note: The lilies that neither toil nor spin, according to Jesus, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. I have special love for orchids which I have seen more than a million. The fashion dress of the most beautiful girl in the world cannot be compared to a beautiful orchid.
Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Note: God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ, who lived among men, the apostles and disciples saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Grace in Greek is charis which means unmerited favor; good will; loving-kindness; of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues (Strong’s Concordance); benefit; gift; joy; sweetness; loveliness; the idea of kindness bestowed upon one who does not deserve; – which occurs 159 times in the New Testament. There was one historical incident that illustrates Jesus was full of grace:
Mar 1:40-41, “And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Truth in Greek is alētheia which means verity; objectivity; what is true in any matter under consideration; moral and spiritual truth; personal quality and excellence; the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of His purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians (Strong’s Concordance); which is free from falsehood or deceit; in accordance with fact; – which occurs 110 times in the New Testament. The Christian Faith is the truth in Christ.
Jhn 2:11, “This beginning of Hismiracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.”
Note: Miracles are demonstrations of God’s power; miracles manifest the glory of God. As illustrated in the time of Moses,
Exo 7:10-12, “So Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh, and thus they did just as the LORD had commanded; and Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts. For each one threw down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.”
The Chinese are wrong in believing that the power of demons are greater than the divine power. The power of God is greater than the power of devil. Aaron’s staff swallowed up the staffs of Egyptian magicians and sorcerers.
Jhn 11:4,“But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
Note: Sometimes apparently bad things are happening before our eyes, yet we do not know they are for the glory God. Lazarus was dead for four days, Jesus Christ raised him from the dead so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.
Jhn 11:40, “Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Note: May God help us to believe so that we will see the glory of God.
Jhn 17:5, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”
Note: Jesus is the only One who preexisted before He came to the world. The religion that teaches the cycle of life that a person has previous life is without basis. You do not have previous existence, you only exist the moment you are born. You do not have future existence after death turning into another existence such as animals. The future existence of an unbeliever or the wicked after death is eternal sufferings in Hell. Before the universe was, before time and space, before everything, the Son had the glory with the Father.
Act 7:55,“But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;”
Note: An adulterous and immoral preacher who said he saw the glory of God was a false pride he made up and spoke presumptuously. Stephen being full of the Holy Spirit, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God was true. Stephen was the only one recorded that he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Act 12:23,“And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.”
Note: King Herod was arrogant and he did not give God the glory, and immediately an angel of the Lord struck him and he was eaten by worms and died. American and European leaders and politicians are also arrogant and speak lies, are they not afraid an angel of the Lord may struck them and they may be eaten by CORONAVIRUS and die?
Rom 2:7, “to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;”
Note: Christians by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life. Perseverance in Greek is hypomonē which means patience; hopeful endurance; patient continuance; patient waiting; steadfastness; constancy; persistence; in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings (Strong’s Concordance); sustaining; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament.
Rom 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Note: Sinners offend God and fall short of the glory of God.
Rom 5:2, “through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
Note: Believer who obtained salvation by faith in Jesus Christ stand in this grace and exult in hope of the glory of God. Exult in Greek iskauchaomai which means to be extremely joyful; to make boast; to rejoice; to vaunt; to glory; to feel great happiness; to leap upward; – which occurs 39 times in the New Testament. Christians have the hope of glory. Those who share sufferings of Christ will share also the glory of Christ.
Rom 6:4, “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”
Note: Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God and through the glory of the Father. No one knows yet how much and how great is the glory of the Father. Moses only saw the back of God.
Rom 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Note: Consider in Greek is logizomai which means to think about carefully; to impute; to reckon; to reason; to count; to suppose; to number; to calculate; to evaluate; to take into account; to deliberate; to deem; to judge; to weigh; to perform cost-benefit analysis; to determine; to decide; to gather or infer; to reflect; to look at thoughtfully; to estimate; to conclude; – which occurs 44 times in the New Testament. A mature Christian has the ability to consider things, it is an important skill. Apostle considered and concluded that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. I agree with him and besides Paul suffered for Christ much so much more than I. Compare means to put two things on the table and look at them carefully which is more or less. Or to put two things on the scale and weigh them to see which one is heavier. It is not worthy to compare our present sufferings with the future glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. How can you compare the Blue Hope Diamond with a stone you found at night market? According to Benji, “Previously known as Le Bleu de France, the infamous Hope diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in history. The 45.52 carat Fancy Deep Grayish Blue diamond with VS1 clarity is the largest blue diamond in the world, and one of the earliest and most famous fancy color diamonds that was ever discovered.”
Rom 15:7,“Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”
Note: It is to the glory of God that Christ also accepted us.
1Co 10:31,“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Note: Eat or drink are considered the most important things for all peoples of all cultures. For Christians there is only one motive or motivation: Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God.
2Co 4:4,“in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Note: The minds of the unbelieving whether they are scientists or philosophers have been blinded by the god of this world (the devil) so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ.
2Co 4:6,“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
Note: Someday Christians, in the face of Christ, may see the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God.
2Co 9:13, “Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the Gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,”
Note: Christians can glorify God if we obey and confess the Gospel of Christ and give liberally for the support of the mission.
Phl 1:11,“having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Note: Through Jesus Christ, Christians having been filled with the fruit of righteousness, not to their glory, but to the glory and praise of God.
Phl 2:11,“and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Note: When Jesus Christ receives all the authority to be King of kings and Lord of lords, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, this being done to the glory of God the Father.
Phl 3:19, “whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.”
Note: Corrupt preachers who are greedy for money and who set their minds on earthly things, their glory is in their shame. There are some Western politicians who do not realize their so-called glory is their shame!
1Ti 1:17, “Now to the Kingeternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Note: The King eternal, immortal, invisible, and the only God deserves honor and glory forever and ever.
2Ti 2:10, “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.”
Note: Pay no attention to the garbage of unbelieving theologians and philosophers. The salvation of God in Jesus Christ is eternal, the Gospel is eternal, and the glory is eternal.
Tit 2:13,“looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,”
Note: Christians are looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus is our great God and Savior, and in His second coming He will appear in great glory and honor.
Heb 3:3, “For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house.”
Note: Comparison clarifies the truth. There are things we can compare, there are things we cannot compare. We cannot compare the Christian Faith with other faith just as you cannot compare the Sun with a little candle. I oppose to compare any human being no matter how noble or capable with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. Moses was only a servant of God, Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten of the Father, our great God and Savior.
1Pe 1:7, “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”
Note: The proof of the Christian faith is more precious than gold which is perishable, and may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
1Pe 4:11,“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Note: It is the common purpose of all Christians, whether one is speaking the utterances of God or serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be gloried through Jesus Christ.
1Pe 4:14,“If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Note: If a Christian is reviled for the name of Christ, he/she is blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on him/her.
1Pe 5:4, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Note: Elders who shepherd the Church of God will receive the unfading crown of glory. The term “elder” is confusing in modern churches; Peter for example was not only an Apostle, he was also an Elder at the Church in Jerusalem. I think Paul, Stephen, etc. will receive the unfading crown of glory. Everything heavenly is unfading. Everything earthly is fading.
1Pe 5:10,“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
Note: Many Christians do not know the purpose of God in suffering. After we have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us.
2Pe 1:17, “For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—
Note: Peter, James, and John on the holy mountain saw the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such as utterance as this was made to Christ by the Majestic Glory, This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased. If you know this truth, you will never compare any one with Jesus Christ the beloved Son of God.
Jde 1:25, “to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen”
Note: There is one thing which is timeless, before all time and now and forever glory, majesty, dominion and authority be to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ.
Rev 4:11, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Note: Worthy in Greek is axios which means deserving; befitting; merited; corresponding; worth as much; congruous; comparable or suitable; meritorious; having worth or value; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. No human is worthy to receive glory and honor and power. Our Lord and our God is worthy to receive glory and honor and power forever and ever. God created all things and because of the will of God they existed and were created. So discard the evolution theory, the big bang, and all nonsense.
Rev 5:12, “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
Note: The Lamb of God is the Son of God who was slain to redeem sinners, He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing forever.
Rev 5:13, “And every created thing which is in Heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
Note: Everything belongs to mankind and the world is temporary and temporal and transitory. Everything belongs to God is eternal, forever and ever. Blessing and honor and glory and dominion be to the Lamb, the Son of God, forever and ever.
Rev 7:12, “saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Note: Blessing in Greek is eulogia which means praise; laudation; panegyric; benediction; commendation; adoration; consecration; fair and fine speech; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. Knowing the acceptable practice that the greater blesses the lesser; how can man bless God? The English word “eulogy” is derived from the Greek word “eulogia.” I believe the word “blessing” should be replaced by “eulogy.” Unfortunately, the word “eulogy” is commonly used in honor of the deceased and delivered at the funeral. Eulogy has the second meaning, “high praise” which is most suitable except they are two words. To prevent misunderstanding it is better to replace blessing with “panagyric,” however, this word is strange to common people. High praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever.
Rev 19:1, “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;”
Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means deliverance; preservation; rescue; deliverance from sin and death; redemption; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. Salvation belongs to God does not mean God needs to be saved. Salvation belongs to God means only God can save. Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.
Rev 21:11,“having the glory of God. Her brilliance of the Holy City is like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.”
Note: The New Jerusalem will have the glory of God. No one really has seen the glory of God. The brilliance of the Holy City is like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.
Rev 21:23,“And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
Note: In the Holy City there will be no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
J. THE LOVE OF GOD:
Deu 13:3,“you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Note: In the past there were false prophet or dreamer of dreams who seduce the people. If the children of Israel love the Lord their God with all their heart and with all their souls, they will not listen to them to go after other gods and serve them. Today the devil seduces believers to love the world so that they do not love God. Love in Hebrew is‘ahabwhich means to like very much; to feel affection; to show affection; to have affection for; to cherish; to hold dear; – which occurs 220 times in the Old Testament. If a woman loves her husband, she will not go after other men.
Deu 19:9, “if you carefully observe all this commandment which I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in His ways always—then you shall add three more cities for yourself, besides these three.”
Note: To love the Lord your God is to carefully observe all His commandments and to walk in His ways always. People who do not carefully observe God’s commandments and walk in His ways always cannot love the Lord.
Deu 30:6,“Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.”
Note: Christians’ hearts are circumcised by the Holy Spirit so that they love the Lord their God will all their hearts and with all their souls.
Deu 30:16, “in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.”
Note: Moses commanded the Israelites to love the Lord their God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statues and His judgments so that God may bless them in the Promised Land. Commandment in Hebrew ismitsvahwhich means precept; law; ordinance; which ought to be done; decree; an authoritative command or order; injunction; permanent rule of behavior; – which occurs 186 times in the Old Testament. Statute in Hebrew is chuqqahwhich means ordinance; custom; rite; something prescribed; manner; practice; a law enacted; a legal instrument; – which occurs 106 times in the Old Testament. Judgment in Hebrew is mishpatwhich means cause; order; decision; discretion; measure; sentence; execution; justice; rectitude; verdict; formal decree; determination; legal opinion; – which occurs 426 times in the Old Testament.
Jos 22:5, “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Note: To the extent one loves the Lord, one is very careful to observe and keep the commandment and the law of God, and walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all one’s heart and will all one’s soul.
Jos 23:11, “So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God.”
Note: To love the Lord your God require taking diligent heed to yourselves.
Jdg 5:31, “Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD; But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might.” And the land was undisturbed for forty years.
Note: The words of approval are most appropriate: Let those who love God be like the rising of the sun in its might. In the pursuit of global domination, the United States has disturbed many nations since the end of World War II. At the moment is the most dangerous American military aggression and provocation against China and Russia, encroaching their defense territories and violation of their sovereignty.
Jdg 16:15,”Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,‘ when your heart is not with me? You have deceived me these three times and have not told me where your great strength is.”
Note: Although Delilah was a bad and strange woman, she said something quite true: How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? How can you say, ‘I love God,’ when your heart is with the world?
1Sa 20:17, “Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.”
Note: If any man or woman loves Jesus as much as he or she loves his or her own life, that is sincere enough!
2Ch 19:2, “Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD?”
Note: No righteous man can help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord. Whom you help and love can tell who you really are.
Job 19:19,“All my associates abhor me, And those I love have turned against me.”
Note: This is the flaw and frailty of human relationship: All my associates abhor me, and those I love have turned against me.
Psa 4:2, “O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.”
Note: This is the sheer stupidity and wrong value of mankind: Love what is worthless and aim at deception. White supremacists on one hand say they are concerned about Hong Kong, on the other hand they sponsored arsonists, anarchists, lawless hoodlums, rioters and terrorists to create destruction and unrest, you know for sure they aim at deception. Hong Kong failed to differentiate between opposition and enemies who wanted to overthrow the government.
Psa 97:10, “Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
Note: You who love the Lord, hate evil. It is impossible to love evil and love the Lord at the same time.
Psa 116:1, “I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications.”
Note: I love the Lord because He answers my prayers is only one a million reasons. Do you know the right and honor to be a son of God? Do you know the unfathomable riches in Christ? Do you know the providence of God to provide, protect and prevail under any circumstances?
Psa 145:20, “The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.”
Note: The Lord keeps all who love Him. One thing is sure: God will destroy all the wicked. The White Supremacists have done so much evil in the world, sooner or later God will destroy them.
Pro 15:17, “Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred.”
Note: A dish of vegetables where love is is better than a fattened ox served with hatred.
Mic 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Note: The Lord requires His children to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.
White Supremacists lie, kill, and rob — do injustice, love brutality, and walk craftily. How can they have the love of God?
Mat 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
Note: Hate and love are incompatible. They oppose to each other. If you love God, you cannot hate men. If you serve God, you cannot serve Mammon (wealth). White capitalists try to do the impossible.
Mat 22:37, “And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’
Note: How to love the Lord your God? Jesus Christ has the final answer: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and will all your soul, and with all your mind.
Mat 22:39, “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
Note: Europeans (the white people) have no love of God, but disgraced and defamed Christianity by their evil deeds of wars, aggression, occupation, exploitation, oppression, sanction, suppression, domination of the world. Christians must love your neighbor as yourself. Christianity is not a religion of hatred and terrorism.
Luk 11:42,“But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”
Note: Paying tithe or giving money can never take the place of justice and the love of God. Notice there are people who outwardly fulfill a certain religious practice but they disregard the most important justice and the love of God. The most hypocritical is to use religious gesture to replace justice and the love of God. Some so-called philanthropists are actually vicious predators who rob billions of dollars and give to charity a few millions to compensate their guilt and buy fame. Disregard in Greek is parerchomaiwhich means to pass by; to pass over; to go past; to transgress; metaphorically to pass away; to perish; to omit; to avert; to pay no attention to; to flout; to ignore; do not take account of it; to overlook; to neglect; – which occurs 46 times in the New Testament. Justice in Greek is krisismeans judgment; condemnation; damnation; accusation; right; rightness; just decision; a just cause; administration of what is just; right action; righteousness; fair treatment; fairness; – which occurs 47 times in the New Testament. Love in Greek is agapēwhich means charity; affection; good will; benevolence; affection and fondness towards a person; – which occurs 117 times in the New Testament. Hypocrites are those who pay great attention to religious practice but neglecting justice and the love of God. Those who have the love of God must also have justice. True religion is demonstrated by the love of God and justice for all men.
Jhn 5:42,“but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.”
Note: Jesus Christ knows the heart of man. Jesus Christ knows the Jews. Jesus Christ says to the Jews that they do not have the love of God in themselves. Jesus Christ knows you, knows us, knows everyone, and knows me. No one can fool the Lord. Western leaders and politicians do not have the love of God in themselves, for this reason they lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob the whole world for the last 500 years to this day.
Jhn 8:42,“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.”
Note: The paradox of the Jews is the fact they claimed God was their Father, but they wanted to crucify Jesus. The contradiction of White Supremacists who claim to be Christians is the fact if they were Christians there would not be imperialism, colonialism, capitalism and militarism.
Jhn 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
Note: Christians observe the new commandment of Jesus Christ to love one and another even as Christ has loved us.
Jhn 13:35,“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Note: The proof that Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ because they have love for one another. It is impossible to be a Christ and have no love for another.
Jhn 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
Note: This is most definitive and conclusive: If we love Jesus Christ, we will keep His commandments. If we do not keep the commandments of Jesus Christ, it means we do not love Him.
Jhn 14:21,“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”
Note: The love of Christ is proved by keeping the commandments of Christ. He who loved Christ will be loved by God. Christ only discloses Himself to those who love Him.
Jhn 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.”
Note: Jesus makes it very clear, “If anyone love Christ, he will keep His word.” The Word of Christ is truth. If anyone loves the Son of God, the Father will love him. The Father and Son will make Their abode with him. Abode in Greek is monē which means mansion; dwelling; metaphorically of the God the Holy Spirit indwelling believers (Strong’s Concordance); staying; residence; metaphorically, of God and Christ by their power and Spirit exerting a most blessed influence on the souls of believers (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament.
Jhn 15:10, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
Note: There is a principle: Christians must imitate Christ. Jesus Christ has kept the Father’s commandments and abides in His love. The same way Christians must keep Christ’s commandments and abide in Christ’s love. Christ is our role model.
Jhn 15:12,“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”
Note: This is the commandment of Christ that we love one another just as Christ has loved us.
Jhn 15:19, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”
Note: Woe to you if the world loves you because you belong to the world. Christians are not of this world and so this world hates them.
Rom 5:5,“and hope does not disappoint, because the loveof God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Note: Those who have the Spirit of God in their hearts also have the love of God within their hearts. For the Holy Spirit has poured out the love of God within our hearts and so we Christians have the love of God and have also justice for mankind.
Rom 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Note: How do we know that God loves us? God demonstrates His love toward us believers, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. So Christ died for sinners is the demonstration of God’s love toward us.
Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Note: This is a precious knowledge that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Don’t worry about your circumstances, God is greater than our circumstances. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. This reminds me what Joseph said to his betraying brothers, Gen 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, butGod meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” The life of Joseph and the fate of the children of Israel all testify to the sovereignty of God. The power and wisdom of God integrate with the love of God to cause all things to work together for good to those who love God. I personally can testify how God causes all things to work together for my good. If left to myself I would have taken many wrong steps detrimental to me. Mean (meant) in Hebrew is chashabwhich means to devise; to think out; to plan; to forecast; to conceive; to compose; to arrange; to bring about; to invent; to make a judgment; to consider; to be mindful; to mediate; to compute; – which occurs 134 times in the Old Testament. The largest computer cannot compute to cause all things to work together for good of the owner. The United States owns the largest supercomputer which fails to compute if America starts a nuclear war against China and Russia, it will bring about mutual destruction and the total destruction of the whole world. Man proposes, God disposes. According to the Free Dictionary, “Humans may come up with any number of ambitious or ingenious plans or ideas, but, ultimately, forces outside of our control determine whether they fail or succeed. The sinking of the Titanic, the supposedly unsinkable ship, shows better than perhaps anything else that while man proposes, God disposes.”
Rom 8:35, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
Note: Nothing will separate Christians from the love of Christ.
Not even tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword. We know in 2020 the whole world in tribulation or distress caused by CORONAVIRUS. No one knows exactly how COVID-19 will impact the world in the end. Rom 8:39,“nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Note: The love of God is the most wonderful, unthinkable, unfathomable and immeasurable because God loves mankind. The peoples of the world are unlovable. Why does God love the unlovable and unworthy? That is the mystery of the love of God which man cannot comprehend.
Rom 12:9, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Note: The love of God teaches the children of God that love must be with hypocrisy. Without hypocrisy in Greek is anypokritos which means unfeigned; without simulation; undisguised; sincere; undissembled; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Hypocrisy in Greek is hypokrisis which means dissimulation; condemnation; the acting of a stage player; deceit; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. It is sad nowadays American and European leaders and politicians are simply stage players trying to fool the world with their so-called democracy, human rights, freedom, equality, and justice.
Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. American and European leaders in 2020 demonstrate the highest grade of hypocrisy in words and deeds which are purely evil, and worst of all they pretend to be good. They display naked aggression, animosity, and provocative military threat against China and Russia, but in a distorted way they claim China and Russia threaten America and Europe. Pompeo’s piousness is called tartuffery by Merriam Webster.
Rom 13:8, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”
Note: You know the real financial freedom is to owe nothing to anyone. By the mercy of God, to this day I do not owe anyone anything. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Ludicrously and ridiculously America that breaks so many international laws and violates the sovereignties of many nations asks China to abide by the rule.
Rom 13:10, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Rom 15:30, “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”
Note: Christians have triple love: the love of God, the love of Christ, and the love of Spirit. Christians by the love of the Spirit strive together for the furtherance of the Gospel.
1Co 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,”
Note: Although American and European leaders and politicians all claim to be Christians, do you see they are patient, kind, not jealous; do not brag and not arrogant?
1Co 13:8, “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.”
Note: Love is the greatest because love never fails. Western leaders sooner or later will find money, power, and sex fail.
1Co 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Note: These three: faith, hope, love abide. Money, power, sex do not abide.
1Co 14:1, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”
Note: Christians are told to pursue love. The American way of life is wrong because everybody pursues money, power, and sex.
Note: This is the highest standard of conduct. If you do all that you do be done in love, you have fulfilled the law. If everyone does all that he does in love, there will be no imperialist, colonialist, capitalist, militarist, monopolist, supremacist, racist, arsonist, anarchist, terrorist in the world.
1Co 16:22, “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.”
Note: In spite of the love of God, the love of Christ, and the love of the Spirit; if anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Accursed in Greek is anathema which means bind under a great curse; doomed to destruction; devoted to the direst of woes; excommunicated; without God and without hope; abominable and detestable; being under a curse; damnable; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Maranatha in Greek is maranathawhich means an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment (Strong’s Concordance); Come, Lord; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament.
2Co 5:14, “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;”
Note: The love of Christ controls us. Control in Greek is synechō which means to hold together; to keep in; to constrain; to hold lest it fall to pieces; to urge or impel; to straiten; to hold fast; to curb; to restrict; to have power over; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. The love of Christ has power over us.
2Co 6:6, “in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,”
Note: Genuine love is sincere love. Genuine in Greeks is anypokritoswhich means unfeigned; without hypocrisy; without dissimulation; undisguised; sincere; actual; true; not false; authentic; real; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Just listen and watch Western leaders and politicians, you wonder if there is genuine man any more. There are too much fake and false words, fake and false news, fake and false presentation, false and false policy.
2Co 13:14,“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”
Note: In this Scripture, the doctrine of the Trinity is implied. Christians posses the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Gal 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”
Note: Fruit in Greek is karpos which means the fruit of trees, vines, the fields, etc.; metaphorically that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result (Strong’s Concordance); advantage; profit; benefit; work; act; deed; – which occurs 66 times in the New Testament. Fruit is used as singular and plural. The seven fruits of the Spirit is an exhibition of what Christianity produces. The first fruit of the Spirit is love, the love of God and the love of neighbor. What religion can produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. The seven fruits are the seven virtues.
Eph 2:4, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,”
Note: No matter how good a person is, she cannot be rich in mercy. God loves His children because of His great love. Great in Greek is polyswhich means many; much; very large in size, extent, or intensity; abundant; plenteous; numerous; strong; intense; in many ways; huge; unmatchable; – which occurs 452 times in the New Testament. God loves His children with His great love. Not only the love of God is great,Psa 86:10,
“For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.” God Himself is great, for God does wonderful deeds. God is alone is great. I hesitate to call any man great — the mortal man! Psa 145:3,“Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.”
I know feeble men worship greatness, power, and wealth. In particular Americans are in awe of power! Remember God loves His children with His great love; God also has great wrath to destroy and annihilate the wicked.
Eph 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
Note: When Christ dwells in your heart, you have the fruit of the Spirit. Being rooted in Greek is rhizoōwhich means to render firm; to fix; to establish or become settled; to cause to grow roots or to take root; to strengthen with roots; to cause a person or thing to be thoroughly grounded; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Ground in Greek is themelioō which means to found; to lay the foundation; to settle; to establish; to lay a basis for; to erect or consolidate; to make stable; to provide a reason or justification for; to base; to have a ground or basis; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. To be rooted and grounded in love, you need to have Christ dwelling in your heart.
Eph 3:19, “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Note: In this world there is nothing which surpasses knowledge. The love of Christ surpasses or to be superior to knowledge. There is nothing greater than the love of Christ. Surpass in Greek is hyperballō which means to exceed; to excel; to pass; to go beyond any thing; to transcend; to throw beyond the usual mark; to become greater than; to be superior to; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament.
Phl 2:1, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,”
Note: There is encouragement in Christ, there is consolation of love. Consolation in Greek is paramythion which means comfort; solace; reassurance; – which occurs 1 times in the New Testament. There is fellowship of the Spirit which the man of the world does not know. There is also affection and compassion.
Phl 2:2, “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
Note: Christians may have different skin color and different race. But they all being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Maintain in Greek echō which means to have; to need; to hold; to own; to possess; to adhere or cling to; to have constantly; to keep; to have in readiness; to preserve from decline or failure; to sustain; to keep up; to continue- which occurs 651 times in the New Testament. Christians must keep up and continue the same love.
1Ti 6:11, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”
Note: Christians must do two acts: Flee and pursue. Flee from what things. In previous passages we are told to flee controversial questions and disputes about words, envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, constant friction, foolish and harmful desires, ruin and destruction, and the love of money. On the other hand, Christians pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. As a contrast, American and Europeans leaders and politicians pursue money, power, sex, and global domination.
2Th 3:5,“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”
Note: Two things we need the Lord to do it for us. May the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God and into steadfastness of Christ. Steadfastness in Greek is hypomonēwhich means patience; cheerful endurance; patient continuance; constancy; perseverance; sustaining; firmly established; not subject to change; faithfulness; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Those who have the love of God in their hearts invariably also in the steadfastness of Christ.1Co 13:7,“bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
By the love of God, Christians are able to endure all things.
Heb 13:5, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”
Note: Character in Greek is tropos which means way; conduct; fashion; manner of life; mental characteristics and behavior; deportment; mode or style; turn of mind; mind set; attributes or features that distinguish an individual; notable traits of a person; moral code; pattern of behavior and personality; – which occurs 12 times in the New Testament. Christians are different from the men of the world, because Christians have the Christian character. The Christian character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have. A Christian can be known by his Christian character.
1Jo 2:5,“but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:”
Note: Whoever keeps the Word of God, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. A man is not perfected because of the number of tongues he speaks. By keeping the Word of God we know we are in Him. To perfect in Greek isteleioōwhich means to make perfect; to finish; to fulfil; to complete; to consecrate; to accomplish; to bring to an end; to render a thing full; to consummate; to carry through completely; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament.
1Jo 2:15, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Note: If you want to know whether the love of the Father is in you or not, take this test: Do you love the world and the things in the world? If the answer is positive, then you do not have the love of God in you. This is most serious! How many members of the church deceive themselves. How many who call themselves Christians fool themselves. If you love the world and the things in the world, the love of God is not in you.
1Jo 3:1, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
Note: The love of the Father is great. Great in Greek is potapos which means what manner of; what sort or quality; huge; characterized by largeness; ample; abundant; vast; intense; immense; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament.
1Jo 3:17,“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”
Note: If the love of God abides in you, you see your brother or sister (members of the Body of Christ) in need, you will not close your heart against them. Abide in Greek is menōwhich means to remain faithful, to dwell; to continue; to tarry; to endure; not to depart; to continue to be present; to last; to continue to be; to persevere; to survive; to go on; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. There are three things abide. 1Co 13:13,“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1Jo 4:9,“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.”
Note: Manifest in Greek isphaneroōwhich means to appear; to show; to declare; to make know what has been hidden or unknown; to make actual and visible; to render apparent; to make visible or known; to reveal; – which occurs 57 times in the New Testament. When God sent His Son into the world, the love of God was manifested or revealed to us. Jesus died for our sins so that we might live through Him.
1Jo 5:3,“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”
Note: It is empty that anyone says he/she loves God. The Scripture defines what is the love of God. This is the love of God that we keep His commandments. If anyone does not keep the commandments of God, there is no love of God in him.
Jde 1:21,“keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”
Note: In the last days there are a few things we must do. Keep ourselves in the love of God; waiting anxiously for the second coming of Jesus Christ to eternal life.
K. THE GOSPEL OF GOD:
Mar 1:14, “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God.”
Note: Gospel in Greek is euangelion which means good tidings; good news; glad tidings; the glad tidings of salvation through Christ; the message and truth concerning Christ; the Christian doctrine of the redemption of man through Christ; the absolute truth of Christ; the true doctrine concerning Christian salvation; – which occurs 77 times in the New Testament. The Gospel of God is the same as the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of the Kingdom. The word “gospel” does not exist in the Old Testament, because Jesus Christ is the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the same as the Gospel of God.
Rom 1:1, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God.”
Note: Set apart in Greek is aphorizōwhich means to separate; to mark off from others; to appoint; to separate for some purpose; to reserve to a particular purpose; to select for a specific purpose; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. Preachers are a peculiar people selected and appointed by Jesus Christ for the Gospel of God. Here lies the problem: not all who claim to be preachers are servants of God. There are false preachers and preachers who want to get rich by preaching the gospel, such as prosperity gospel, etc. If you know a preacher who becomes rich by preaching the gospel, he is not a servant of Christ. A true preacher is not appointed by government nor takes up the work as an occupation. A true preacher is called, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, denies himself, takes up the cross, sent out to render service to the ministry of the Word. A famous preacher claimed he had preached to more people than Apostle Paul; when he died he left $10 million dollars to his children.
Rom 15:16, “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the Gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
Note: A true preacher is a minister of Christ Jesus, acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Mar 1:1, “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Note: Before Jesus Christ there was no Gospel. Jesus Christ is the beginning of the Gospel of God.
2Co 11:7, “Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the Gospel of God to you without charge?”
Note: I have known a great number of persons (more males than females) who preached the Gospel, many are occupational preachers, some preachers of false gospel such as prosperity gospel, political and social gospel. I do not admire an American “preacher” who has an assets of US$300 million, nor do I admire a famed preacher who died and left US$10 million to his children. A good preacher preaches, proclaims, imparts, believes, obeys, testifies, confesses, and suffers for the Gospel. Without charge in Greek is dōrea which means without gift; without gratuity; without fee or payment; without cost; for nothing; free; – which occurs 24 times in the New Testament. Apostle Paul was a self-supporting preacher, so he preached without charge.
Act 14:15, “and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the Gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.”
Note: Idols and false gods are vain things. We preach the Gospel so that people should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the Heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Act 20:24, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God.”
Note: Apostle Paul did not consider his life of any account as to dear to himself. His primary concern was to finish his course and the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God.
Rom 16:25, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,”
Note: The Gospel that Apostle preached is the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past. Paul did not learn from any school or any man. Revelation in Greek is apokalypsis which means enlightenment; manifestation; appearing; laying bare; making naked; disclosure of truth; making known concerning things before unknown; uncovering; divine instruction; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Christianity is the only revealed religion. The Gospel is the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past.
1Co 1:17,“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.”
Note: To baptize is not as important as to preach the Gospel. You know all secular academics want to be known as “cleverness in words.” In fact, the writings of so-called scholars are based on “cleverness of speech.” I recall a preacher used a sly slogan when he started to preach, “Something good is going to happen to you.” The cross of Christ does not depend on “cleverness of speech” but in power of the Holy Spirit.
1Co 9:12,“If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.”
Note: A good servant of Christ does not demand his right, but he endures all things so that he will cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. Hindrance in Greek is egkopē which means held back or slowed down; impediment; block; obstacle, embarrassment; stumbling block; interference; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. An immoral and greedy preacher can be a hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.
1Co 9:14,“So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the Gospel to get their living from the Gospel.”
Note: It is proper that those who proclaim the Gospel to get their living from the Gospel. It is quite another to get rich by preaching the Gospel.
1Co 9:16,“For if I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel.”
Note: Apostle Paul was commanded by Christ to preach the Gospel, he was under compulsion. There are those who preach the gospel as a means of gain.
1Co 9:23,“I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”
Note: A true servant of Christ does all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that he may become a fellow partaker of it.
1Co 15:1,“Now I make known to you, brethren, the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,”
Note: Christians received the Gospel and in which we stand.
2Co 4:4,“in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Note: The devil is the god of this world who has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. An unbelieving theologian or scientist may have a brilliant mind in the opinion of the world, but it is blind according to the Word of God. The glory of Christ is the image of God.
2Co 9:13,“Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the Gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,”
Note: Christians are obedient to the confession of the Gospel of Christ, and naturally demonstrate the liberality of their contribution to the cause of the Gospel. Confession in Greek is homologia which means profession; acknowledgement; admission; avowal of belief; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Confession of the Gospel accompanies with conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
2Co 10:14,“For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the Gospel of Christ;”
Note: For the Gospel of Christ, Paul was the first to reach far to Corinthians.
2Co 10:16,“so as to preach the Gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.”
Note: When I was young we met some missionaries who were pilots to preach the Gospel to the regions beyond. Their mission was called Regions Beyond. Through the Internet, we hope the Gospel will reach the regions beyond.
2Co 11:3-4,“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.”
Note: The true Gospel leads our minds in simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. We cannot accept another Jesus or a different gospel because this is craftiness the serpent used to deceive Eve.
Gal 1:6-7,“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ.”
Note: Deserting means turning away from; separating from; falling away; leaving or withdrawing; abandoning; forsaking; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. The devil uses a different gospel so that people may desert or forsake Christ.
The devil used a different gospel to distort the Gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8,“But even if we, or an angel from Heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”
Note: No matter who or even angel should preach a gospel contrary to the Gospel of Christ, he is to be accursed. Accursed in Greek is anathem which means under a great curse; anathema; doomed to destruction; excommunicated; devoted to woes; damnable; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Those who preach another gospel are under a curse.
Gal 1:9,“As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”
Note: Great truth must be repeated. Whoever preaches another gospel is to be damned!
Gal 1:11,“For I would have you know, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.”
Note: God wants us to know the Gospel of Christ is not according to man. Christianity is not a man-made religion like all other religions. According to in Greek is kata which means after; by; after the manner of; agreeably to; in accordance with; on account of; owing to; through; depending on; in conformity with; – which occurs 328 times in the New Testament.
Gal 2:5,“But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the Gospel would remain with you.”
Note: As far as the truth of the Gospel is concerned, we cannot yield in subjection to anyone for even an hour. The truth of the Gospel remains forever.
Gal 2:7, “But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the Gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.”
Note: Entrust in Greek is pisteuō which means to be put in trust with; to commit to one’s trust; to place confidence in; to be in trusted with; – which occurs 244 times in the New Testament. Paul had been entrusted with the Gospel to the uncircumcised namely the Gentiles; Peter had been entrusted to proclaim the Gospel to the circumcised namely the Jews. There are differences between the circumcised and the uncircumcised on earth; but they all be one in Christ.
Gal 2:14,“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Note: To be straightforward in Greek is orthopodeō which means to walk in a straight course; to walk uprightly; metaphorically to act upright; to be straight-footed; to go directly forward; exact; precise; undeviating; direct and to the point; clear and not ambiguous; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. The truth of the Gospel is straightforward, direct and to the point without considering of anyone or anything. Christians are under the grace, do not need to live like Jews. For example, Gentile believers do not need to be circumcised, observe the Sabbath, etc.
Eph 1:13,“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”
Note: The Gospel is defined as the message of truth, the Gospel of our salvation. We have not only believed, we were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. The seal of the Holy Spirit is the proof of your salvation. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. A man devoid of the Holy Spirit has not bee saved.
Eph 3:6,“to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the Body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel,”
Note: The Gospel is specific, not generality. Gentile believers are fellow heirs and fellow members of the Body with Jewish believers, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.
Eph 6:15,“and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;”
Note: The Gospel is the Gospel of peace because believers are reconciled with God and have the peace of God.
Eph 6:19,“and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel,”
Note: Believers must pray on behalf of preachers, so that utterance may be given to them in the opening of their mouths, to make know with boldness the mystery of the Gospel.
Phl 1:7,“For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.”
Note: Christians are partakers of grace and practice the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.
Phl 1:12,“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel,”
Note: Whatever our circumstances are, they should turn out for the greater progress of the Gospel.
Phl 1:16,“the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel;”
Note: Preachers not only preach the Gospel, they are also appointed fro the defense of the Gospel.
Phl 1:27,“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel;”
Note: Christians must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that we are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.
Phl 4:3,“Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the Gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of life.”
Note: Those who have shared Paul’s struggle in the cause of the Gospel, his fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of life. Is your name in the Book of life?
Col 1:5,“because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven, of which you previously heard in the Word of truth, the Gospel.”
Note: The Christian hope is not in this world, but laid up in Heaven. The Word of truth is the Gospel.
Col 1:23,“if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under Heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”
Note: Christians do not go half way, but in deed continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away form the hope of the Gospel.
1Th 1:5,“for our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”
Note: The Gospel of Christ is different from any ideology, because it does not come in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. The Gospel is the only one we can have full conviction.
1Th 2:2,“but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the Gospel of God amid much opposition.”
Note: Paul had already suffered and been mistreated because he was jailed in Philippi. Paul had the boldness in our God to speak to the people in Philippi the Gospel of God amid much opposition. It is no surprise if you had the boldness to preach the Gospel of God, you will meet with opposition. Truth has enemies. Christians in the world are like lambs in the midst of wolves. Opposition in Greek is agōn which means conflict; contention; fight; battle or struggle; anxiety; resistance; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament.
1Th 2:4,“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”
Note: You see there are many who preach the Gospel pleasing men; those who are entrusted with the Gospel and approved by God please God. God examines our hearts.
1Th 2:9,“For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God.”
Note: It is very few preachers today who work hard night and day, proclaiming the Gospel of God, not to be a burden to anyone. In fact there are those who ask for donation like beggars.
Mat 10:16,“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”
Note: These are the words of the Master: Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Wolves are not friends of sheep. It is easier to be innocent as doves than to be shrewd as serpents. Shrewd in Greek is phronimoswhich means wise; intelligent; prudent; careful and mindful of one’s interests; sagacious and discreet; thoughtful; marked by clever discerning awareness; – which occurs 16 times in the New Testament.
Luk 16:8,“And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light.”
Note: Oh, if only you know, this is the definitive statement of our Lord Jesus Christ that the sons of this world are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. The children of devil are more shrewd in relation to the matters of the world than the children of God. Do you know the unrighteous corporate executives, unrighteous national leaders, unrighteous politicians, unrighteous scholars, unrighteous journalists, unrighteous strategists, unrighteous specialists, unrighteous government officials, unrighteous agents of the ruler of this world, unrighteous children of darkness are more shrewd than the sons of light.
2Th 1:8, “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.”
Note: God will deal out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2Ti 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God,”
Note: Christians, do not be ashamed of the Gospel, but join all saints in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God. Only those who have the power of God who can suffer for Christ.
2Ti 1:10,“but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel,”
Note: By the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. To those who believe in our Savior Christ Jesus, they will receive life and immortality. Immortality that Emperor Chen looked for and could not find.
2Ti 2:8,“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel,”
Note: The Gospel of God is composed of two cardinal facts: the death of Christ on the cross for sinners, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead for our justification.
1Pe 1:12,“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven—things into which angels long to look.”
Note: In comparison to men, angels who are superior have many better and wonderful experiences that men cannot compete. They have seen the glory of God, but angels long look to the glorious Gospel. Angels rejoice in Heaven when a sinner repents and believes in Jesus Christ.
1Pe 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if itbegins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”
Note: The Gospel of God is not only good news to be listened to, the listener or hearer must obey the Gospel of God.
Rev 14:6,“And I saw another angel flying in mid Heaven, having an eternal Gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;”
Note: The Gospel that the angel preaches is the eternal Gospel, it is the duty of Christians to preach the eternal Gospel to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.
L. THE GRACE OF GOD:
Psa 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Note: The Lord God is a sun and shield to His children; He also give grace and glory. Grace in Hebrew is chen which means unmerited favor; acceptance; charm; elegance; good-will; loving-kindness; gracefulness; beauty; benevolence; goodness; gracefulness; – which occurs 69 times in the Old Testament. God gives grace and glory. Christians need more grace now on earth, glory later in Heaven. Those who walk uprightly no good thing God withholds from them.
Pro 3:34, “Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.”
Note: Scoffer in Hebrew is luwts which means mocker; scorner; derider; boaster; person who talks arrogantly; people who makes mouths at; diplomat; politician who speaks barbarously; a person who acts impudently; – which occurs 30 times in the Old Testament. God scoffs at the scoffers, yet He gives grace to the afllicted. Afflicted in Hebrew is `anav which means the very meek; the very low; the humble; the poor; the suffering; the needy; the weak; the depressed; the oppressed; the miserable; the stricken; – which occurs 21 times in the Old Testament. The oppressed peoples in the world and the suffering saints, do not lose heart, God gives you grace!
Luk 2:40, “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”
Note: The Child Jesus was a model for all Christian children.
The growth of the Child Jesus provides instructions for all parents a model of child development. Every child development must include three parts: the physical, the mental (or cognitive) and spiritual. There are at least three aspects of child development. A child to grow healthy needs good nutrition and physical education. A sick child is not the norm. A child growing up must be strong. To continue to grow and become strong imply good nutrition and normal physical development. The cognitive development is to increase knowledge and wisdom of the child. To increase in wisdom means cognitive and mental development. To have the grace of God means spiritual development. The spiritual education is to be immersed in the grace of God. The parents can provide anything material and financial and environment, only God gives the grace. Parents better pay attention and make every effort for the good of their children. I often think if you cannot even support yourself, you should never have children you are not able to support and nourish. Grace in Greek is charis which means unmerited favor; pleasure; sweetness; goodness; kindness; lovingkindness; good-will; merciful kindness; divine benefit; graciousness; loveliness; delight; God’s pity for sinners; – which occurs 159 times in the New Testament. Although Jesus was sinless, becoming a Man He needed the grace of God upon Him on earth.
Jhn 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Note: When God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ who lived among men some 2,000 years ago but His disciples saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. There was and there is no one like Jesus Christ, the Son of God, full of grace and truth.
Jhn 1:16, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”
Note: From the fullness of Jesus Christ all believers received grace upon grace. Many are mistaken about the grace of God. Few realize the grace of Christ is unlimited and unexhaustible. Christians may receive the first grace, second grace, third grace and grace all life long.
Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Note: This important verse of the Scripture singlehandedly sums up the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament was given the Law of God through Moses; in the New Testament grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. There is no grace in the Law and the Law cannot save. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the truth, saving truth, eternal truth.
Act 4:33, “And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.”
Note: Apostles were given great power not to show their spiritual superiority. Many are mistaken and thought if they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they would speak in tongues and so indicate their spiritual standing or superiority. Absolutely nonsense! The Apostles were given great power and abundant grace so that they may give testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians and preachers are given power and grace to witness for the Lord and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sad and sorry all my life I have not met or seen a preacher who has been given great power and abundant grace to testify for Jesus, although I have know a great number of preachers and many personally. You wonder why the church is neither hot nor cold today. The grace of God is abundant, grace upon grace.
Act 11:23, “Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;”
Note:Somehow Christians are enabled to witness the grace of God among believers and unbelievers. Resolute in Greek is prothesis which means purpose; purpose of heart; marked by firm determination; resolved; determined; unwavering; – which occurs 12 times in the New Testament. Some secular churches are very dead which become like social clubs, they cannot witness the grace of God. For Christians, the message is clear, the purpose of their lives is to remain true to the Lord with resolute heart.
Act 13:43, “Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.”
Note: In the last days there are not many good preachers almost like Apostle Paul. It is wise for God-fearing Christians to follow godly preachers. Godly preachers always urge believers to continue in the grace of God.
Act 14:26,“From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.”
Note: Nowadays when you see your loved ones or friends off to take a flight, it is always right to commend them to the grace of God. I recalled years ago when I conducted societal studies in Scandinavia and Europe, I met an American doctor in Sweden who told me his family (wife and children) would come from a different plane. It is unthinkable if the whole family board a plane and go down together!
Act 20:32, “And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Note: The Word of God is also called the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. How important is Bible study because it is able to build you up. You are not built up by feeding on the garbage of unbelieving theologies or philosophies.
Rom 5:2, “through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
Note: Through Jesus Christ we have obtained our introduction by faith, in this grace we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Your see the sequence: faith, grace, hope, glory.
Rom 5:15, “But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.”
Rom 12:3, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
Note: If you have the grace of God, you ought not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. By faith God has allotted to each the grace, those who think highly of themselves do not have sound judgment. TV preachers are usually think too highly of themselves. Fame and fortune cloud one’s judgement.
1Co 1:4,“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,”
Note: The founders and leaders of all religions cannot save you, because the grace of God is given only in Christ Jesus to those who believe in His name.
1Co 15:10,“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
Note: If the great Apostle Paul says by the grace of God he is what he is, who do you think you are. No one can boast but the grace of God.
2Co 1:12,“For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”
Note: Even you have this proud confidence: that you have conducted yourself in the world, the testimony of your conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom, it is but the grace of God.
2Co 6:1,“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—”
Note: It is possible to receive the grace of God in vain. How? A person can nullify the grace of God, come short of the grace of God, become unfaithful to the grace of God, insult the Spirit of grace, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
2Co 9:14, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.”
Note: Surpassing in Greek is hyperballōwhich means exceeding; excellent; beyond any thing; transcending; excelling; greatly exceeding others; above all; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. When you receive the grace of God, you should not be self-contented, but yearn for the surpassing grace of God.
2Co 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”
Note: Here in this Scripture the doctrine of Trinity is dignified. All Christians need the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all the time.
Gal 2:21,“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Note: He who believes or teaches that man must keep the Law to obtain righteousness of God nullifies the grace of God.
Eph 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;”
Note: This is the sound fundamental doctrine of Christianity. We believers by grace have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. If anyone thinks he/she has been saved because of his/her merit or virtue, he/she is lost and deep in sin. No one deserved to be saved, it is the grace of God and the free gift of God.
Col 1:6,“which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;”
Note: To understand the grace of God, it must be understood in the truth of Christ.
2Th 1:12, “so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: According to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ, the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in us, and we in Him. Wherever you think of glory, we do not deserve or own an ounce. Power and glory belong to God.
Tit 2:11,“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,”
Note: Law came by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ appeared the grace of God has appeared, bring salvation to all men. Without the grace of God, there is no salvation.
Heb 2:9, “But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”
Heb 12:15, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;”
Note: When a man sins, he/she comes short of the glory of God. If a believer has root of bitterness spring up causes trouble, and be defined, he/she may come short of the grace of God.
1Pe 4:10, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Note: The manifold grace of God enables Christian to serve one another. Speaking in tongues is not a special gift that exalts oneself.
1Pe 5:5, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
Note: It is proper that younger men be subject your elders. The clothe which we must put on is humility. Something is wrong with the pastor or elder who is proud. God gives grace to the humble.
1Pe 5:12, “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!”
Note: Christians are exhorted to stand firm in the true grace of God. The next Scripture speaks of the false grace of God.
Jde 1:4, “For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Note: A preacher who said he had a dream, he had a vision; but he lived in sins with other women and turned the grace of our God into licentiousness; that kind of preachers do not stand in the true grace of God. All ministers, black or white or yellow, who committed adultery, do not have the true grace of God.
M. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD:
Deu 9:4,“Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you.”
Note: The Jews may say in their hearts because of their righteousness that Lord had brought them in to possess the land. It was because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord was dispossessing them for the Jews. It was because of the wickedness of those nations that the Lord had driven them out, it was not because the righteousness of the Jews. Righteousness in Hebrew istsedaqahwhich means justice; righteous acts; truthfulness; rightness; moral virtue; piety; rectitude; morality; uprightness; – which occurs 167 times in the Old Testament. God justifies believers not because of their righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Deu 9:6, “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people.”
Note: It is not because of the righteousness of the Jews that God was giving them this good land (the Promised Lang), for the Jews are a stubborn people. It was because of Abraham that the Lord gave the Promised Land to his descendants.
2Sa 8:15, “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.”
Note: David reigned over all Israel. The job of a king is to administer justice and righteousness for all his people. Administer in Hebrew is `asahwhich means to do; to execute; to make; to deal; to commit; to offer; to keep; to perform; to maintain; to accomplish; to act; to institute; to bring about; to observe; to advance; to govern; to practice; to provide; to conduct; to dispense; – which occurs 2,642 times in the Old Testament. Justice in Hebrew is mishpat which means judgment; lawfulness; order; right; rectitude; administration of what is just; the quality of being just; – which occurs 426 times in the Old Testament. Righteousness in Hebrew istsedaqahwhich means right; rightness; righteous acts; truthfulness; justification; moral virtue; rectitude; in accord with divine or moral law; morally right; in the sense of virtue; the quality of being impartial; – which occurs 167 times in the Old Testament. It is still true today. What is good to be called a democracy when there is no justice and righteousness? In some so-called democratic countries, the rich and powerful have justice. If you have a dream team of lawyer, even you committed murder you can be acquitted.
Psa 24:5,“He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
Note: There is no blessing like receiving the righteousness from the God of salvation. God counts righteous anyone who repents of his sins and believes in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. One who is imputed by God as righteousness also receives the salvation of God.
Psa 45:7,“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your fellows.”
Note: All who love righteousness also hate wickedness. It is impossible to love righteousness and not hate wickedness.
Isa 5:16,“But the LORD of hosts will be exalted in judgment, And the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.”
Note: The Lord of hosts will be exalted in justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. Holiness and unrighteousness are not compatible.
Isa 58:2,“Yet they seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways, as a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask Me for just decisions, they delight in the nearness of God.”
Note: Blessed is the nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask God for just decision, they delight in the nearness of God. I do not know any nation under the sun which is a nation of righteousness. No matter how hard American presidents and politicians lie, America is definitely not a nation of righteousness, but fits for a nation of unrighteousness. They do not seek the Lord day by day and delight to know the way of God. They do not ask God for just decisions and delight in the nearness of God. On the contrary, the US Supreme Court makes abominable decision by recognizing the same sex marriage and homosexuality.
Isa 61:10,“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Note: The righteous will rejoice greatly in the Lord because God has clothed believers with garments of salvation, He has wrapped the saints with a robe of righteousness.
Eze 45:9,“Thus says the Lord GOD, “Enough, you princes of Israel; put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations from My people,” declares the Lord GOD.”
Note: Today God says to American and European leaders and politicians who claim to be Christians, Enough, put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations from the weak and poor nations and peoples. Expropriation in Hebrew is gerushahwhich means exaction; expulsion; exploitation; violence; dispossession; driving out; usurpation; taking over; seizure; – which occurs 1 time in the Old Testament. American and Europeans leaders for hundreds of years have been lying, killing and robbing many nations and peoples. Enough the days of Western dictatorship and domination. Stop looting, exploitation, and seizure. For example, America used United Kingdom to seize 31 tons of gold which legally belongs to Venezuela. America and Europe had robbed and looted China national treasures since the Opium Wars worth the market value of US$100,000 trillion dollars not counting interest of so many years. Let the nations free from Western dictatorship and domination. Western leaders are deaf and blind that they have not heard the Word of God, ENOUGH IS WESTERN DOMINATION OF THE WORLD and the handwriting on the wall.
Rom 1:17,“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Note: Righteousness in Greek is dikaiosynē which means the condition acceptable to God; state which one ought to be; the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God (Strong’s Concordance); rightness; purity of life; correctness of thinking, feeling and acting; justice; virtue; integrity; justification; uprightness; holiness; – which occurs 91 times in the New Testament. Man’s righteousness falls short of the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Sinners can never justify themselves before God by their work or merit or virtue. The love of God, the grace of God, the Gospel of God, the righteousness of God — all have to do with the salvation of God. By the substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross for sinners, the Righteous for the unrighteous, by the grace of God, sinners can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ, it is the gift of God.
Rom 3:5,“But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.)”
Note: Man’s unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God. Demonstrate in Greek is synistēmi which means to commend; to approve; to set one with another; to present or introduce; to comprehend; to teach by comparing; to show clearly; to exhibit; – which occurs 17 times in the New Testament. Human unrighteousness demonstrates divine righteousness just as darkness shows clearly light.
Rom 3:21,“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,”
Note: Apart from in Greek is chōris which means without; beside; separate; away from; aside; excluded from; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. The Law is holy and man is sinful; so the Law cannot save sinners. The righteousness of God has been manifested or revealed so that all who repent and believe in Jesus may obtain the righteousness of God.
Rom 3:22,“even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;”
Note: Distinction in Greek is diastolē which means difference; variation; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament.
Rom 3:25,“whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;”
Note: Propitiation in Greek is hilastērion which means mercyseat; an expiatory sacrifice; atonement; a means of appeasing or expiating; appeasement; an atoning sacrifice; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ died on the cross is a propitiation, an atoning sacrifice, for our sins by His blood. This demonstrates the righteousness of God, the Righteous for the unrighteous, because in the forbearance of God He passed over our sins previously committed. Because the Lamb of God, God passed over and spared us.
Rom 3:26,“for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Note: This is the demonstration of the righteousness of God at the present time, God would be just the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Rom 4:6,“just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:”
Note: David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works. The man God counts righteousness apart from the works of the Law.
Rom 6:13,“and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”
Note: The wicked are instruments of unrighteousness; the believers are instrument of righteousness to God. History has made it clear that white supremacists in the last 500 years to the present are instruments of unrighteousness in the world.
Rom 10:3, “For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”
Rom 14:17,“for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Note: The Chinese treat eating as Heaven. Human activities often focus on eating and drinking. The Kingdom of God consists of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit go in tandem with faith, hope, and love.
2Co 5:21,“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Note: How we obtain the righteousness of God? God made Jesus Christ who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that is the Righteous took the place of the unrighteous.
Jas 1:20,“for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of of God.”
Note: The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Nothing that man does (good work, merit, morality, etc.) can achieve the righteousness of God. By the redemption of Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God is counted to everyone who repents and believes in the name of Jesus Christ.
N. THE SIGHT OF GOD:
Gen 6:11,“Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Note: To corrupt in Hebrew is shachath which means to destroy; to act wickedly; to mar; to spoil; to go to ruin; to decay; to be rotted; to be ruined; to be perverted; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. God judges what is corrupt or not. A country filled with violence must be corrupt.
Sight in Hebrew is paniym which means presence; countenance; face; person; in front of; before and behind; in the presence of; in the face of; regarded as; in appearance; in view of; judgment; – which occurs 1,952 times in the Old Testament. America is going to ruin and laying waste because
American leaders and politicians have fooled Americans and the world. They use adulterated words such as democracy, freedom, human right, rule of law, justice, etc. to hypnotize and to pretend but they have acted wickedly, corrupt and perverted that Americans are awakening to see. The world is awakening to see what America really is.
Luk 1:6,“They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.”
Note: Righteous in Greek is dikaios which means just; right; upright; virtuous; approved or acceptable to God; innocent; guiltless; faultless; conformed to the will of God; – which occurs 96 times in the New Testament. A righteous man is walking blamelessly in all requirements of the Lord.
Morality or the principle of right and wrong is not based the views of man, it is entirely in the sight of God.
Luk 16:15,“And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.”
Note: Many American and European leaders and politicians are hypocrites and false believers, they are highly esteemed among men are detestable in the sight of God. God knows their hearts and all the evil deeds they have done in the last 500 years for Europeans, and last 300 years for the Americans. Detestable in Greek is bdelygma which means a foul thing; abomination; desolation; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Those who lie, lie, and lie; kill, kill, and kill; rob, rob, and rob to dictate and dominate the world may be esteemed among men as supremacists and superpowers, but they are detestable in the sight of God.
Act 4:19, “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;”
Note: Peter and John were polite to say to the crowds and let them be the judge. Man is never good to be the judge, God is the Judge in whose sight determines what is right or wrong. To obey God instead of men is right in the sight of God.
2Co 2:17, “For we are not like many, peddling the Word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”
Note: To peddle in Greek is kapēleuōwhich means to be a retailer; to make money by selling; to get sordid gain by dealing; to do a thing for base gain; to trade in the Word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth (Strong’s Concordance); to adulterate;
Some preachers are like hustlers for money. There are many ways they peddle the Word of God. One method is famous megachurch pastors or TV evangelists copyright their own versions of the Holy Bible for sale. The Word of God according to so-and-so. The way some organizations asking for donation is like peddling the Word of God. When I was young I was greatly touched by the story of GeorgeMüller (bornJohannGeorgFerdinandMüller, 27 September 1805 – 10 March 1898) who was aChristianevangelistandthedirectoroftheAshleyDownorphanageinBristol, England.Muller never asked for donation, he prayed and the Holy Spirit sent the right people to provide whatever was needed. “Work started on the second orphan house after all of the necessary funds had been received. George Müller never asked anyone for money, instead he prayed to God asking him to provide all of his needs.”2Co 4:2, “but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the Word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
2Co 12:19, “All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.”
Note: True servants of God have been speaking in Christ in the sight of God for the unbuilding of believers.
1Ti 2:3,“This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,”
Note: What is good and acceptable only in the sight of God our Savior, Christians must not be influenced by the world’s opinions.
1Ti 5:4,“but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”
Note: For children or grandchildern to learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and make some return to their parents is acceptable in the sight of God. Children must make some return to their parents. I took my mother to a good restaurant, but she was old and not having good appetite. So practice piety to your parents while you can.
Jas 1:27,“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
Note: Pure in Greek iskatharos which means clean; clear; purified; chase; cleansed; free from corrupt desire; free from sin and guilt; blameless; innocent; unstained; free from what is filthy; unmixed with any other; spotless; stainless; – which occurs 26 times in the New Testament. Undefiled in Greek is
amiantos which means unsoiled; free from that is deformed or debased; unadulterated; uncorrupted; untainted; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Religion in Greek is thrēskeiawhich means religious practice; worship; the worship and service of God; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. White supremacists thought they got religion in the last 500 years dictating and dominating the world. Pure and undefiled religion according to the Word of God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. Two elements define pure and undefiled Christian religion: give aid to distressed poor people like orphans and widows, and keep oneself unstained by the world. The prevailing values of America and Europe are money, power, and pleasure. The white culture is stained by the world.
1Pe 2:4-5, “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Note: Christians come to Jesus Christ and offer ourselves as living stones (spiritual sacrifices) are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, this is precious in the sight of God.
1Pe 3:4,“but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”
Note: The hidden person of the heart is the real person. A gentle and quiet spirit is an imperishable quality. The imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God. Precious is Greek is polytelēswhich means very precious; very costly; of great price; excellent; of surpassing value; extremely expensive; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. If you tell me what is very precious to you, I can tell who you really are. To most people money, power, and sex are very precious to them. If you have seen the Hope Diamond, you know what a precious stone is. Most people would agree that life is precious. Knowledge is a precious thing. Not many people canextract the precious from the worthless. How many young people are wasting their time and life on playing worthless computer or mobile phone violent games. I have never met a useful and successful man, whether young or old, who does not have diligence as his/her precious possession. There are a few things the Word of God tells us they are precious. (1). The blood of Christ is precious. 1Pe 1:19,“but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” (2). The proof of faith is precious.1Pe 1:7,“so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (3). The promises of God are precious. 2Pe 1:4, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” (4). The surpassing value of knowing Christ. There is nothing more precious than knowing Christ. Phl 3:8, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,”
O. THE SALVATION OF GOD:
Psa 50:23, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.”
Note: On the part of man, man must wait for the salvation of God. God Himself will show the salvation of God. Salvation in Hebrew is yesha` which means saving; safety; deliverance; rescue; liberty; welfare; aid; help; liberation; preservation; – which occurs 36 times in the Old Testament. Salvation comes from God only, not from any man or place. Even if you look in every nook and corner, you will not find salvation anyway.
Luk 3:6, “AND ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD.’”
Note: All flesh means all human beings will see the salvation of God.
Luk 2:25-32, “And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your Word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
Note: The old Simeon was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon’s eyes literally had seen God’s salvation, for Jesus was the Consolation of Israel and the Light of Revelation to the gentiles. Salvation in Greek is sōtērios which means that brings salvation; Jesus Christ who embodies this salvation; through Whom God is about to achieve salvation; defender or defence; safety; deliverance; liberation; preservation from destruction; redemption; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament.
Act 4:12,“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under Heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means Messianic salvation; the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from Heaven in the consummated and eternal Kingdom of God (Strong’s Concordance); the passing from death to life; the forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption of soul; deliverance from the power and effects of sin; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament. Humanity is doomed because it cannot save itself. When Jesus Christ was born, hope was born. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
Act 28:28,“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”
Note: This salvation of God is for both Jews and the Gentiles. Our duty is to listen, to obey, and to believe in the Son of God.
Eph 2:8-9,“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Note: Gift in Greek is doron which means present; offering; something given without compensation; God’s special favor; something you receive freely; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. When God says it is a gift, it is a gift. You see on the Internet advertised free download of encyclopedia or advanced dictionary, don’t believe it unless you want to waste many hours of your time and efforts for nothing. These lying businesses put you on a wild-goose chase, and the end is empty, practically nothing you will get for free. Salvation is the gift of God. Let every man be a liar, God is true. God loves you and wants to give you freely the eternal life, all you need to do is to repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God as your Lord and Savior. This differs Christianity from all other religions. All other religions teach that man can be saved by good works or merit. The revealed religion teaches that by grace you have been saved through faith, faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation does not depend on man, for it is the gift of God.
Tts 3:5-6,“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit; whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Note: The salvation of soul requires regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit which no man can do. What is born of the spirit is spirit, and what is born of the flesh is flesh. Rev 7:10,“And crying out with a loud voice saying: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means deliverance, preservation, safety, Messianic salvation, salvation as the present possession of all true Christians, future salvation (the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal Kingdom of God); – it occurs about 45 times in the New Testament. Salvation belongs to our God and the Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ. It means besides Jesus Christ there is no salvation.
P. THE WISDOM OF GOD:
1Ki 3:28,“When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.”
Note: It is most marvelous for the people of Israel to see that their king Solomon the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. Wisdom is not used to make plan to conquer and dominate the world. Wisdom is used to administer justice. There are so much injustice in the world because the leaders and politicians do not have the wisdom of God. Wisdom in Hebrew is chokmah which means good sense; shrewdness; wits; skills; various learning and abilities; judgment; skillful application of knowledge; ability to know what is true and right; – which occurs 153 times in the Old Testament. If you look at the world over, can you find any leader whom you can see the wisdom of God in him? You wonder why the whole world is in big trouble, in particular the Western arrogant leaders who want to dictate and dominate the world.
Luk 11:49,“For this reason also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute,”
Note: Prophets and apostles are the servants of God. There are false prophets and false apostles.
1Co 1:21, “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
Note: Wisdom in Greek is sophiawhich means broad and full intelligence; the knowledge of very diverse matters; the varied knowledge of things human and divine; the knowledge and practice required for godly and upright living; skill and understanding in imparting the Christian truth; supreme intelligence given by God; ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; the ability to discern what is true or right; – which occurs 51 times in the New Testament.
Unbelieving scientists and philosophers may have the wisdom of the world, but they did not come to know God. For no one can use the wisdom of the world to know God. The Gospel of God appears to them foolishness, but God was well-pleased to save those who believe.
1Co 1:24, “but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Note: Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, perfect God and perfect Savior.
wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
Note: For humans those who have knowledge not necessarily have wisdom. God has both wisdom and knowledge.
Dan 2:20,“Daniel said,“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.”
Note: Daniel was one of the few wise men in history. Daniel was right. Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. The Western leaders especially seek wealth and power.
1Co 2:5,“so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
Note: The Christian faith does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. For example, the so-called science and philosophy rest on the wisdom of men. The wisdom of men is progressive and tentative, it is never be absolute and ultimate. Science is the best human knowledge at a time and place. Science does not know the absolute or ultimate. The Christian faith rests on the revelation of God, absolute, final, authoritative and supreme.
1Co 2:7, “but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;”
1Co 3:19,“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS;”
Note: Evolution, big bang, quantum, relativity, mechanics, plate techtonics, Heliocentrism, etc. maybe foolishness before God who created and controls the universe.
2Co 1:12,“For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”
Note: The Christian proud confidence in in the Word of God. We have the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God. God calls the human wisdom fleshly wisdom. We conduct ourselves in the world by the grace and wisdom of God.
Q. THE IMAGE OF GOD:
Gen 1:27,“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Note: Create in Hebrew is bara’ which means to make; to shape; to form; to fashion; to create (always with God); to make (for example, a carpenter made a table, but he did not create the wood); to bring into existence; to carve out; to produce; to design; – which occurs 57 times in the Old Testament. Image in Hebrew is tselem which means likeness (of resemblance); semblance; form; representive figure; picture or impression of something; representation; mental picture; – which occurs 16 times in the Old Testament. Man was not evolved but created directly by the hand of God in His own image. Many young people in America want to recreate themselves in the image of the powerful political leader, or the beautiful movie star, or the rich Wall Street tycoon, or a famous singer or musician, etc. So the West is practicising a false version or a wrong vision of Christianity. The image of God does not mean the physical features, for God is Spirit. What is the image of God then? I have searched the Scriptures fof a long time, I believe the answer is as follows:
Eph 4:23-24, “and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”
Christians are renewed in the spirit of their mind, put on the new self, which in the likeness (or image) of God has been created in righteousness, holiness, and the truth. Apparently, the image of God consists of righteousness, holiness, and the truth. The more a person has righteousness, holiness, and the truth the more the person is like God or having the image of God.
Gen 5:3, “When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.”
Note: When Adam was 130 years old he had a third son in his own likeness and image. Seth in Hebrew is Sheth which means placing or setting. I am not sure what Adam means to name his son Seth.
Gen 9:6,“Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.”
Note: This is the first time historically God imposed death penalty or capital punishment for murder. Whosoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed. The reason was that in the image of God He made man. Man created in the image of God must not kill or murder another man. If a man kills or murders, he shall die. Too bad, many European nations who claim to be Christian nations backslid and violated the Law of God by abolishing death penalty under the pretense of humanitarianism. It is strange that to kill another man is not inhuman, but to execute death penalty is inhumane.
Lev 26:1, “You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God.”
Note: Idol in Hebrew is‘eliylwhich means vain or vanity; useless and worthless thing; image; things of nought; false god; good for nothing; weakness; statue; object of worship; – which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. I am not aware of a sacred pillar in modern times. God forbids anyone to bow down to or worship an idol, image, sacred pillar, or a figured sone. Strange is the fact that the Roman Catholics worship the statue of Jesus, Mary, Apostle, Angel, Saint, etc. which are clearly prohibited by the Word of God. Idols are plentiful in Asia, in particular China, India, etc. In America only primitive immigrants worship idols, however almost all Americans worship money, sex, and power. So do the Europeans.
Deu 4:16, “so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,”
Note: A graven image is an idol carved usually from wood or stone. Act corruptly in Hebrew is shachathwhich means to destroy; to mar; to waste; to spoil; to injur; to ruin; to pervert; to decay; to batter; to demolish; to cast off; to act wickedly; to rot; to debase; to profane; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. To make a graven image is to act corruptly and wickedly. They make idols in the likeness of male or female.
Deu 4:23, “So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you.”
Note: Watch in Hebrew is shamarwhich means to keep safe; to observe; to have charge of; to guard; to protect; to preserve; to reserve; to take care; to beware; to pay heed; to watch narrowly; – which occurs 475 times in the Old Testament. Some may overlook, they watch others but fail to watch themselves. This thing we get to be very careful that we do not forget the Word of God and make or worship a graven image. One of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not make for yourselves idols and whorship them.”
Deu 9:8-12, “Even at Horeb you provoked the LORD to wrath, and the LORD was so angry with you that He would have destroyed you. When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD had made with you, then I remained on the mountain forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.
The LORD gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. It came about at the end of forty days and nights that the LORD gave me the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant. Then the LORD said to me, ‘Arise, go down from here quickly, for your people whom you brought out of Egypt have acted corruptly. They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them; they have made a molten image for themselves.”
Note: In the sight of God, making a molten image or worshiping it is a corrupt and wicked act. Molten in Hebrew is maccekahwhich means molten metal; melted metal; cast; made by melting or casting; – which occurs 46 times in the Old Testament. Believers must not turn aside from the way of God, and never make or worship an image. Chinese Christians pay special attention to the Word of God because the Chinese culture is the culture of worshipping idols. Horeb in Hebrew is Choreb which means desert; another name for Mount Sinai from which God gave the law to Moses and the Israelites (Strong’s Concordance); a lower summit of Mount Sinai; – which occurs 17 times in the Old Testament. Provoke in Hebrew is qatsaphwhich means to anger; to displease; to enrage; to incite wrath; to be furious; to break out into anger; to produce anger or fury; – which occurs 42 times in the Old Testament. The rebellious sons of Israel made a molten image in the form of a calf in Horeb. Had it not for Moses to beg God for mercy and prayed for Aaron, God would have destroyed them and blotted out their name from under Heaven.
Deu 27:15, “Cursed is the man who makes an idol or a molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’”
Note: Curse in Hebrew is ‘ararwhich means to execrate; to abhor; to detest; to put a curse on; to render unfortunate by imprecations; to cause or produce a curse; – which occurs 70 times in the Old Testament. Abomination in Hebrew is tow`ebah which means abominable thing; disgusting thing; unclean thing; wickedness; abhorrence; – which occurs 126 times in the Old Testament. If you make an idol or a moten image in secret or public, it is an abomination to the Lord, it will cause or produce a curse on you.
Jdg 17:3-4,“He then returned the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother, and his mother said, “I wholly dedicate the silver from my hand to the LORD for my son to make a graven image and a molten image; now therefore, I will return them to you.” So when he returned the silver to his mother, his mother took two hundred pieces of silver and gave them to the silversmith who made them into a graven image and a molten image, and they were in the house of Micah.”
Note: No matter you are in whose house, you give pieces of silver to a silvermith to make a graven image or a molten image; this is abominaton to the Lord and you are to incur curses.
1Ki 15:13, “He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother, because she had made a horrid image as an Asherah; and Asa cut down her horrid image and burned it at the brook Kidron.”
Note: Horrid image in Hebrew is miphletsethwhich means horrid thing; horrible thing; terrible thing; shocking thing; nasty thing; object of fear; idol; – which occurs 8 times in the Old Testament. Asherah in Hebrew is ‘asherah which means groves for idol worship; a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images (Strong’s Concordance); goddess; fortune; which occurs 40 times in the Old Testament. I do not like to promote the name of a false god. Christians do not like to mention names of false gods. Asa in Hebrew is ‘Aca’ which means healer or physician; king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat (Strong’s Concordance); – which occurs 58 times in the Old Testament. Asa was good Jewish king who cut down the horrid image and burned it at the brook of Kidron. In a society or country where there is religious freedom, Christians cannot burn idols in public which will incite riots, but a converted believer can burn his idols at home. The best method of dealing with idols or images is to burn them.
Psa 106:20, “Thus they exchanged their glory For the image of an ox that eats grass.”
Note: Exchange in Hebrew is muwrwhich means to change; to alter; to remove; to barter; to dispose of; to trade; to replace; to substitute; to swap; – which occurs 15 times in the Old Testament. The foolish Jews exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. There are nations and peoples who worship ox, cow, monkey, snake, etc.
Isa 44:9, “Those who fashion a graven image are all of them futile, and their precious things are of no profit; even their own witnesses fail to see or know, so that they will be put to shame.”
Note: Futile in Hebrew is tohuw which means something vain; wild; empty; useless; unreal; formless; wasteful; chaotic; nothing; desolate; confusion; frivolous; barren; foolish; good for nothing; – which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament. All graven images and idols are good for nothing. Those who rely on false gods will be put to shame.
Dan 3:1, “Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.”
Note: Almost all political leaders love to have their images or statues built for vain glory. Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold so that all people worship him like a god. Not a few people dedicate to the god of gold, such as Wall Street. Some country robs the 31 tons of gold from a small nation.
Dan 3:5, “that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.”
Note: All over the world people worship the golden image of money, sex, and power. Historically, there were three courageous Jews namely, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who refused to worship the golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar. Shadrach in Aramaic is Shadrak which means royal; one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. Meshach in Aramaic is Meyshakwhich means guest of the king; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. Abed-nego in Aramaic is `AbedNegow’which means servant of Nebo; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. When asked by Nebuchadnezzar whether they do not serve his gods or worship the golden image, the three gave the most emboldened answer that inspires all believers of all generations. Dan 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” The three immortalized brave men dared to say no to the king, the absolute dictator. For hundreds of years, there has not been a preacher who dares to preach against the sins and crimes of American presidents!
Act 17:29, “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.”
Note: The children of God ought to know that the Divine Nature is not like gold or silver or stone or wood or paper, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Some men thought god is made of gold or silver or stone or wood or paper, formed by the artisan. God is Spirit, Spirit is Divine Nature. Divine Nature is not made by the hands of man.
Rom 1:23, “and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.”
Note: Idolators exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Incorruptible in Greek is aphthartos which means uncorruptible; not corruptible; immortal; imperishable; not liable to corruption and decay; uncorrupted; undecaying; incapable of corruption; not subject to death or decay; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. God is eternal, imperisable, and incorruptible. Corruptible in Greek is phthartos which means perishing; decayed; perishable; mortal; liable to corruption; capable of decay, death and corruption; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. Man, birds, animals and crawling creatures are corruptible. I often think why some countries promote idolatry and primitive religion and superstition. Primitive and superstitious people are easier to control. Christians who know the truth are not easy to be enslaved.
2Co 4:4, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the Image of God.”
Note: Believe it or not, the ruler of this world is also the god of this world who is the devil. Why some people otherwise intelligent but they do not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ? Christ is the Image of God. The answer is that the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, whether they be unbelieving scientists or theologians. Mind in Greek is noēma which means a mental perception; thought; that which thinks, thoughts or purposes; mind is the device man thinks; the device man reasons and wills; intellectual ability; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Man has the mind, unlike animals and plants, so man has need to know. For the new man, Christ, the Image of God, is his model.
Col 1:15, “He is the Image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
Note: Christ is the Image of the invisible God, Mat 11:29 , “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. ” To have the image of God is to learn to be gentle and humble in heart like Christ. Heb 5:8 , “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. ” To have the image of God is to learn obedience from sufferings like Christ. Phl 2:8 , “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ” To have the image of God is to humble ourselves by becoming obedient to the point of death like Christ. Mar 8:34 , “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. ” To have the image of God is to deny oneself and take up the cross and follow Christ. Luk 9:23 , “And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. ” To have the image of God is to deny oneself and take up the cross daily and follow Christ. Jhn 12:26 , “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. ” To have the image of God is to serve Christ and follow Him. 1Pe 2:21 , “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps .” To have the image of God is to follow Christ and follow in His steps.
R. THE CHILDREN OF GOD:
Exo 34:7, “who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
Note: Iniquity in Hebrew is `avon which means fault; mischief; perversity; depravity; guilt; consequence of wrong doing; evi; sin; depraved action; crime; injustice; calamity; misery; wickedness; corruption; evildoing; – which occurs 237 times in the Old Testament. Transgression in Hebrew is pesha`which means trespass; rebellion; sin; wrongdoing against God; guilt; revolt; defection; revolt; insubordination; violation of God’s law; crime or sin; – which occurs 99 times in the Old Testament. Sin in Hebrew is chatta’athwhich means sinfulness; condition of sin; guilt of sin; uncleanness; filth; wrongdoing; evildoing; offence; habitual sinfulness; missing the mark; misstep; calamity; misfortune; misery; offense against moral law; transgression of the law of God; estrangement from God; disobedience to the will of God; – which occurs 414 times in the Old Testament. Now, iniquity, transgression, and sin are intimately related although there are distinctions. You cannot claim ignorance before the Judgment of God. God knows everything about you, me, people and nations. God wiil not leave the guilty unpunished; visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations. To be children of the wicked are unfortunate.
Num 14:18, “The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.”
Note: God will not clear the guilty, their children are unfortunate. To clear in Hebrew is naqah which means to free from punishment; to cleanse; to let go unpunished; to acquit; to be exempt from punishment; to leave unpunished; – which occurs 61 times in the Old Testament. God will by no means to acquit the guilty. To visit on in Hebrew is paqad which means to punish; to reckon; to strike against; to fall upon; to attack; to afflict; to inflict; to avenge; – which occurs 323 times in the Old Testament. God will avenge the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.
Deu 32:5, “They have acted corruptly toward Him, They are not His children, because of their defect; But are a perverse and crooked generation.”
Note: Sin is acting corruptly toward God. Defect in Hebrew is m’uwmwhich means blemist; spot; blot; moral stain; flaw; bad nature; failing; fault; deformity; imperfection; – which occurs 21 times in the Old Testament. Perverse in Hebrew is `iqqeshwhich means crooked; distorted; perverted; twisted; froward; false; deceitful; corrupt; unreasonable; abnormal; wayward; – which occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. Crooked in Hebrew is pethaltol which means twisted; distorted; tortuous; crafty; perverse; deceitful; dishonest; corrupt; deformed; irregular; abnormal; – which occurs 1 time in the Old Testament. We also live in perverse and crooked generation. Those who acted corruptly are not God’s children. Warmonger, oppressors, imperialists, colonialists, militarists, hegemonists, monopolists, capitalists, supremacists, racists, liars, killers, and robbers are children of the devil; they are not children of God.
Jos 4:22, “then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.”
Note: Inform in Hebrew is yada` which means to declare; to teach; to tell; to admit; to acknowledge; to confess; to make known; to instruct; to reveal; to advise; to show; to cause someone to know something; to communicate knowledge to; to let someone know; to impart information; – which occurs 1,007 times in the Old Testament. This is a general principle. Saved parents must inform and instruct their children about the way of God, the salvation of God.
2Ki 4:1, “Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”
Note: Creditor in Hebrew is nashahwhich means usurer; lender; extortioner; taker of usury; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. In ancient times the law was so unjust, if you owe a debt you cannot pay, the creditor can come to take your children to be his slaves. In America where fraud is so prevalent and rampant, Los Angeles Daily picked up my name and address from telephone book and falsely sent to a collection agency to falsely charge me of owing subscription fee although I never subsribed or read their paper. They threatened to ruine my credit if I did not pay. A lawyer friend helped to solve my problem, the paper owner apologized. The American legal system is so flawed and unfair that there is no penalty for false charges and false accusation. It is best you do not go into debt, for your children may suffer.
2Ki 17:31, “and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim.”
Note: The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to the false gods Anammelech. Today it is unlawful to burn your children in the fire to offer to any false gods.
2Ch 25:4, “However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, which the LORD commanded, saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Note: The Law of God commands that Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin. You shall perish for your own sin. Fathers cannot save their children, children cannot save their fathers. Each shall be put to death for his own sin. That is justice.
Job 17:5, “He who informs against friends for a share of the spoil, the eyes of his children also will languish.”
Note: Languish in Hebrew is kalahwhich means to fail; to faint; to be used up; to make an end; to expire; to waste; to become feable and weak; to decrease vitality; to suffer an unpleasant situation; to wither away; to diminish; – which occurs 225 times in the Old Testament. He who betrays his friends for profit, the eyes of his children also will languish.
Psa 34:11, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”
Note: Fear in Hebrew is yir’ah which means to respect and have reference and piety toward God; to be afraid of; to dread; to have holy fear; to have a reverential owe of; – which occurs 43 times in the Old Testament. David had learned to fear the Lord. Teach your children the fear of the Lord and it will be well with them.
Psa 36:7, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”
Note: Precious in Hebrew is yaqar which means excellent; costly; bright; clear; rare; splendid; weighty; prized; highly valued; glorious; valuable; heavy; dear; magnificent; highly esteemed or cherished; great; lovely; – which occurs 35 times in the Old Testament. The lovingkindness of God is more precious than jewels, diamond or gold. The children of God take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. Take refuge in Hebrew is chacah which means to trust; to have hope; to make a refuge; to seek shelter or protection; to flee for protection; to put trust in God; to confide or hope in God; – which occurs 74 times in the Old Testament.
Psa 78:5, ”For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children,”
Note: Testimony in Hebrew is `eduwth which means witness; precept; revelation; evidence; the tablets inscribed with the commandments; divine decree; – which occurs 59 times in the Old Testament. Christian parents should teach their children, the Ten Commandments, the Law of God, and above all the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psa 103:13, “Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.”
Note: Compassion in Hebrew is rachamwhich means mercy; pity; love; tenderest affection; deep sympathy; – which occurs 91 times in the Old Testament. The Lord has compassion on those who fear Him much more than a father has compassion on his children.
Psa 103:17, “But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,”
Note: Lovingkindness in Hebrew is checed which means mercy; kindness; goodness; favor; faithfulness; pity; love; benevolence; grace; tender and benevolent affection; – which occurs 253 times in the Old Testament. Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedaqah which means righteous acts; justice; truthfulness; salvation; prosperity; rectitude; virtue; equity; – which occurs 167 times in the Old Testament. The lovingkindness of God is from everlasting to everlasting on His children; and God’s righteousness to God’s children’s children. From everlasting to everlasting means forever.
Psa 127:3, “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Note: The word gift in Hebrew isnachalah which means inheritance; heritage; possession; property; patrimony or portion; endowment; present; – which occurs 224 times in the Old Testament. Reward in Hebrew is sakar which means wages; price; pay; fare; salary; compensation; benefit; hire; – which occurs 28 times in the Old Testament. The simple-minded people have abused this Scripture and distorted its meaning. The rationale is: since children are a gift of the Lord, so those who have most children have many gifts from God. All children are gifts of the Lord. False! Not all children are gifts from the Lord. This is an example of using isolated verse of the Bible to contradict the Bible. Mind you, there are other Scriptures you must consider.
Isa 30:1, “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “Who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin;” Rebellious in Hebrew is carar which means revolting; stubborn; refractory; backsliding; to be evil; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. Rebellious children are rebellious people. God does not like rebellious people who add sin to sin. There are no rebellious people like the white supremacists who add sin to sin in addition to what they had done in the last 500 years.
Isa 57:4, “Against whom do you jest? Against whom do you open wide your mouth and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of rebellion, offspring of deceit,” Deceit in Hebrew is sheqerwhich means lie; lying; deception; falsehood; fault; falsehood; wrong; wronfulness; falsity; false tongue; vanity; untruth; sham; – which occurs 115 times in the Old Testament. God does not like people of rebellion and offspring of deceit. The phenomenon of 21st century is the great number of American and European leaders and politicians who lie, lie, and lie without shame; and the Western media that distort, defraud, and deceive people with fake news, fake reports, fake views without conscience and in abundant ignominy.
Jer 4:22, “For My people are foolish, they know Me not; They are stupid children and have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know.”
Foolish in Hebrew is ‘eviylwhich means one who despises wisdom; one who mocks when guilty; one who quarels when wrong; one who is licentious; perverse; silly; – lack of good sense; absurd; ridiculous; unwise; which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. Stupid in Hebrew iscakal which means silly; sottish; doltish; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. Those who pretend to know God they are foolish and stupid children. People who foolish and studpid have no understanding. The thing that frightens me most are American and European leaders and politicians who are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know. Shrewd in Hebrew is chakam which means cunning; crafty; subtle; skilful; prudent; intelligent; artful; clever; calculating; – which occurs 193 times in the Old Testament. American leaders and politicians are very shrewd, when they want to do evil, they always use noble cause and good reason to target their perceived enemies; for example they would claim it is a threat to their national security; or for the cause of democracy, rule of law, human rights, justice, freedom, etc. God calls them stupid children who have no understanding. These people who are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know — they are more dangerous than Islamic terrorists. Eze 2:4, “I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’” All the wicked are stubborn and obstinate people. Hos 2:4. “Also, I will have no compassion on her children, because they are children of harlotry.” Harlotry in Hebrew is zanuwn which means whoredom; adultery; fornication; prostitution; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. The Scripture says God has no compassion on children of harlotry — that is children produced by adultery, fornication, prostitution or whoredom. God does not like bastard children. There is a religion that officially allows and legallizes polygamy. Children produced by polygamy, polyandry, bigamy, adultery, fornication, sexually immorality are children of harlotry. This is serious: God has no compassion on children of harlotry. America has a vicious and malicious social policy, a woman without husband can have as many children as she could and receive the larger share of welfare. In other words, the more children of harlotry a woman has, the more welfare benefits she receives. In this way it becomes the vicious cycle of producing children of harlotry. The daughters of harlotry imitate their mothers to produce children of harlotry and live comfortably on welfare without work. Hos 5:7, “They have dealt treacherously against the LORD, for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the new moon will devour them with their land.” This Scripture says those have borne illegitimate children have dealt treacherously against the Lord. Illegitimate in Hebrew is zuwr strange; enstranged; loathsome; strange woman; prostitute; harlot; woman who turns aside; woman who turns from the way; unlawful intercourse with a strange woman; – which occurs 80 times in the Old Testament. The Lord does not like illegitimate children. Heb 12:8, “But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” Illegitimate in Greek is nothos which means bastard; one born out of weblock; one born not in lawful weblock; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. The Scripture says illegitimate children are not sons. Illegitimate children are not the children of God. Thus you cannot use an isolated verse of the Bible to contradict the Bible. Behold, children of the righteous are a gift of the LORD; illegitimate children are children of the wicked. God does not like children of harlotry, rebellious children, children of rebellion, offspring of deceit, stupid children, stubborn and obstinate children, illegitimate children, children of wrath, etc. are not the children of God; they are children of the devil. Children of the devil are not gifts from God.
Pro 13:22, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
Note: Inheritance in Hebrew is nachal which means heritage; possession; property; birthright; legacy; – which occurs 84 times in the Old Testament. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. The wicked leaves a debt to his children’s children. A bad country leaves national debt to the future generations.
Pro 14:26, “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.”
Note: Confidence in Hebrew is mibtach which means trust; hope; security; certitude; faith; dependence; assurance; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. To show the meaning of this word, let me ask this question: Do you think the rich and powerful have confidence in this world? Refuge in Hebrew is machaceh which means shelter; hope; trust; shelter from danger; – which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. Those who fear the Lord there is strong confidence, and their children will have refuge. American leaders and politicians make a big strategic mistake and blunder in believing all overseas foreign military bases will protect America. In a nuclear war, rockets and missiles will directly target the mainland America, there will be no refuge.
Pro 31:28, “Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:”
Note: The greatest blessing the Lord had give me was my mother; I rise up and bless her, bless her memory. I was most fortunate to have such a good and great mother. I wrote an article called Mother dedicated to my mother. Please read
https://williewongthought.hpage.com/mother.html
Bless in Hebrew is ‘ashar which means to pronounce happy; to be made fortunate; to praise; to glorify; – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament. Treat your mother well when she is fine. I asked and took my mother to a very nice restaurant in Orange County. But my mother was old and not able to eat well and did not have much appetitie.
Mat 2:16, “Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.”
Note: Herod committed infanticide, so did Pharaoh. They were all cowards because infants were threat to them.
Mat 3:9, “and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.”
Note: The Jews were too presumptuous and over self-confident because they suppose to be children of Abraham. God is able to use stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Mat 7:11, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
Note: Evil in Greek is ponēros which means wicked; full of peril; bad; of bad nature and condition; diseased or blind; hurtful; harmful; degenerate; calamitous; ill; culpable; derelict; vicious; facinorous; grievous; malicious; atrocious; – which occurs 90 times in the New Testament. The essential nature of man is bad and evil. Jesus Christ says so, and this settles the dispute of a million philosophers, psychologists and sociologists who claim to be otherwise. For this reason, Jesus also says, “You must be born again!” Men being evil knows how to give good gifts to their children. How much more our heavenly Father will give what is good to His children who ask Him. Luk 11:13, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Children of God, you can ask our heavenly Father to give you the Holy Spirit.
Mat 18:3, “and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Note: Convert in Greek is strephō which means to turn; to turn oneself; to change one’s heart and mind; to turn around; to reverse oneself; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. To become like children is to become humble, to be simple, and to take God at His word.
Mat 19:13, “Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.”
Note: To bring children to Jesus that He might lay His hands on them, touch them, and bless them was a great privilege we do not have today. But you still can dedicate your children to God. The Roman Catholic Church baptizes infants because they count infants as members. It is wrong to have child baptism because children do not understand how to believe and repent.
Mat 21:15, “But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant.”
Note: To be indignant in Greek is aganakteōwhich is to be much displeased; to have indignation; to be showing anger; to be sore displeased; to be moved with indignation; resentful; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. The chief priests and the scribes and Pharisees were hyprocrites who did not like the wonderful thing that Jesus had done so they also became indignant when the children were shouting in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David. Usually no one should shout in the Temple, this was the right time the children shouted in the Temple, Hosanna to the Son of God! Hosanna in Greek is hōsanna which means an exclamation of adoration; oh save! Save us! Save now, we pray! Be propitious! A cry of acclamation and adoration; a cry of praise to God; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. American and European leaders are like the chief priests and the scribes and Pharisees. When they see China is doing well and going to be the number one economy in the world soon, American leaders become indignant and they have to smear China and sanction China. When Chinese companies are on top of the world, American leader becomes indignant and has to smear them and sanction them under false pretense of threat to American national security. When the Chinese government is doing well in controlling and treating COVID-19, American leaders become indignant and call China virus and make outrageous accusations and charges. When China is doing well in controlling terrorist activities in Xinjiang and the people become harmonious and prosperous, American and European leaders smear China of forced labor, violation of human rights, and sanction the products of Xinjiang, etc. American and European leaders better take a look at their mirror! Look at how they systematically violated human rights and also racial discrimination for a long, long time.
Mat 21:16, “and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘OUT OF THE MOUTH OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF’?”
Note: Children do not lie. Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies they praise God. Ask the Chinese children whether they like the change that has taken place in China.
Mar 7:27, “And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Note: In the wrong culture, the adults eat first. In the right culture, let the children be satisfied first. This is an important truth: It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. When I first came to China in 1985 hired by the Ministry of Education as a professor, there were no dogs. Today there are too many dogs and you see and smell dog feces everywhere. There are cultures that treat children as dogs, and there are culturea that treat dogs as children. Don’t be fooled by pets industries and merchants, no dogs or pets are allowed in Heaven.
Luk 20:36,“for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”
Note: The true believers are the sons of God. In Heaven there is no more gender, like angels. When Jesus returns those who are dead in Christ will be resurrected and those who are alive will be transformed. They cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection, and they have eternal life. In this world there are males and females, in the Kingdom of God all believers becomes sons of God.
Jhn 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,”
Note: As many as in Greek is hosos which means as long as; whatsover; whosoever; as great as; as far as; whoever; no matter how many; as much as; so many as; as many as; – which occurs 117 times in the New Testament. Receive in Greek is lambanō which means to take; to have; to lay hold of; to claim; to procure; to take possession of; to strive to obtain; not to refuse or reject; to choose; to select; to accept; to get hold of; to take to oneself; to appropriate to oneself; to believe the testimony of; – which occurs 254 times in the New Testament. Right in Greek is exousia which means power; lawful authority; strength; jurisdiction; liberty; permission; privilege; just claim; prerogative; – which occurs 102 times in the New Testament. Hear ye! Hear ye! John Calvin was wrong. Jesus says, as many as, there is no exclusion or discrimination. Whoever receives Christ as their Lord and Savior, to them God gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. Followers of Calivin, you have been fooled to believe in another gospel.
Jhn 8:39, “They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.”
Note: If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. Like father, like son. You cannot claim to be a son of Abraham and do the deeds of someone else. You cannot claim to be children of God and do the deeds of the devil.
Jhn 13:33, “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
Note: Jesus calls His disciples little children. Little children is a term of endearment. You know Peter was not a little child. Jesus was going to die and return to Heaven. Believers cannot go to Heaven now until they die or when Jesus returns.
Act 17:29, “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.”
Note: Being the children of God, we ought not to think like the children of the devil. Being the children of God, we have the image of God. God, the Divine Nature, is not made of gold or silver or stone or wood or paper. Chinese Christians pay special attention not to bow or worship idols, family idols, ancestor idols, etc. Some Chinese culture is opposed to the Christian culture and practice.
Rom 8:16-17, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
Note: The only proof that you are saved is the Holy Spirit testifies with your spirit that you are a child of God. A person may join a local church, has baptism, observes the Lord’s Supper, gives to the church, etc. and still does not belong to Christ if he is devoid of the Spirit of Lord. If we suffer with Christ we may also be glorified with Him when He returns.
Rom 8:21, “that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
Note: When Christ returns, our bodies will be transformed into glorious, immortal and spiritual bodies, then we will have the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Rom 9:8, “That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.”
Note: The children of God are not the children of the flesh. The children of God are the children of the promise.
1Co 14:20, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.”
Note: This is a precious Christian principle and practice.
The children of God cannot be children in thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in thinking be mature. Mature in Greek is teleios which means perfect; of full age; complete; fully developed; consummate; of the highest degree; full grown; adult; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. For example, solid food is for the mature, not infants. Thinking in Greek is phrēn which means understanding; the faculty of perceiving and judging (Strong’s Concordance); comparison; opinion; judgment; reasoning; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Mature thinking does not think like children. Children do not have mature thinking. Once a boy in June in America asked me when will be Christmas. My answer: “It’s a long way to Tipperary. It’s a long way to go. It’s a long way to Tipperary.” Children do not have the concept of time. Childish thoughts are silly and immature. 1Co 13:11, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” A mature Christian did away with childish things.
2Co 12:14, “Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”
Note: This is a Christian principle: Children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. How many miserable parents do not know how to be parents. How many men and women produce children in this world they cannot feed, clothe, house, and educate? I do not have sympathy for economic refugees (or economic opportunists) who illegally flee to Europe for better living. The nations that created war refugees should be financially held accountable to all true refugees in the world.
Eph 2:3, “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”
Note: People who live in the lusts of their flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and who are by nature children of wrath. God not only does not like children of harlotry, illegitimate children, stupid children, rebellious children, etc. God also does not like children of wrath.
Eph 4:14, “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;”
Note: Mature Christians are no longer to be children, this is a manifestor of adulthood. Christians must not be tossed here and there by theological and ideological waves, and carried about by every wind of false doctrine like the doctrine of John Calvin, etc. Toss in Greek is klydōnizomai which means to toss to and fro; to surge; to fluctuate; to be agitated mentally; – to throw with a jerk; to fling to and fro or up and down; to hurl; to rock; to throw from side to side or up and down; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Unbelieving theologians and philosophers have the trickery of men and craftines in deceitful scheming of thoughts. Christians must stand firm in the Faith.
Eph 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;”
Note: Imitator in Greek is mimētēs which means follower; emulator; copycat; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. It is wonderful that the children of God are beloved children; let beloved children be imitators of God. Beloved children are certainly gifts of God. In all my life I have never met beloved children as the children of Denmark which I described in my article The Theory of Good Society. Please see
Eph 5:8, “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”
Note: Formerly in Greek is pote which means in time past; in times past; in the old time; once; aforetime; in the past; previously; – which occurs 32 times in the New Testament.
Christians have “old self” and “new self.” Formerly we were in darkness that is our “old self,” but now we are Light in the Lord that is the “new self.” So the children of God must walk as children of Light.
Eph 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Note: Right in Greek is dikaios which means righteous; meet; just; proper; upright; virtuous; keeping the commands of God; innocent; faultless; guiltless; approved of or acceptable to God; observing divine and human laws; that which regard for duty demands; whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God; – which occurs 96 times in the New Testament. It is right for children to obey their parents in the Lord. Chinese Christians do not have to obey their parents in worshiping idols, false gods, or ancestors.
Eph 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Note: Provoke in Greek is parorgizō which means to anger; to rouse to wrath; to exasperate; to enrage; to evoke anger; to stir up rage; to incite resentment; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Some foolish fathers think they have the right to provoke their children to anger. Just like some stupid parents say they give life to their children. Parents do not give life to their children. When man and woman have sexual intercouse, it is the natural law that conception takes place and the mother gives birth. Only God gives life; it is laughable that some parents claim they give life to their children. For that reason, many men and women produce a great number of illegitimate children they are not able to feed, clothe, house, and educate. Some father must change their silly mind in order not to provoke their children to anger.
Phl 2:15, “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”
Note: Sons of God are children of God. Children of God must prove themselves to be blameless and innocent, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we appear as lights in the world. If you watch on TV what Western leaders and politicians say publicly without shame, you know you are in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
Col 3:20-21, “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.”
Note: Exasperate in Greek is erethizō which means to provoke; to stimulate to anger; to stir up anger; to cause annoyance or irritation to; to enrage; to aggravate; to exacerbate; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. God is fair and just. Children ought to be obedient to their parents. Parents do not exasperate your children. When parents constantly aggravate their children, they may lose heart.
1Th 2:7, “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.”
Note: Gentle in Greek is ēpios which means affable; mild or kind; proper; free from harshness, sternness, or violence; soft and tender; amiable; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Gentleness can be proven by deed, not just word. Pastors care for church members like a nursing mother tenderly care for her own children. To be a pastor is not easy.
1Ti 3:4, “He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.”
Note: Control in Greek is hypotagē which means subjection; obedience; direct influence over; authority to manage; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Dignity in Greek is semnotēs which means gravity; honesty; honor; purity; the characteristic of a person who entitled respect and honor; probity; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. An overseer in the Church must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity. Once on my way back from Hangzhou in a high speed train, a three-year old girl suddenly slapped the face of her mother, and yet her mother acquiesced without dignity. A minister who has a playboy or playgirl cannot be tolerated. Some parents are so sick and silly that they think to spoil their children is to love them. There are many managers who have no idea how to manage. Unfortunately, these are supervisors who act like military superiors to exasperate the employees. Some supervisors speak, think and act as if they are bosses. Enlightened CEO knows that the company is owned by stockholders. Many children are disobedient because their parents do not have dignity. The first lesson parents must teach their children is obedience. Parents fail miserably if their children are not under control with all dignity.
1Ti 3:12, “Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, andgood managers of their children and their own households.”
Note: Among qualifications of deacons are that they are good managers of their children and their own households.
1Ti 5:4, “but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”
Note: For children or grandchildren to practice piety and make some return to their parents is acceptable in the sight of God.
Practice piety in Greek is eusebeō which means to show piety; to act piously and reverently; to respect or support; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Once in America a white old man told me his son had not visited him more than 10 years. For children to give financial and moral support to their parents is acceptable in the sight of God. More seriously,
1Ti 5:8,“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” If you fail to support for your own household and your parents, you have denied the Faith and you are worse than an unbeliever. There are church members who are worse than unbelievers!
1Ti 5:10, “having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.”
Note: A good reputation matters for Christians. Too bad some leaders and politicians do not seem to care about their bad reputation — politics and politicians become a cesspool! A Christian widow has to have a reputation for good works in order to qualify for church’s assistance. With regard to washing the saints’ feet, I believe this is a Jewish Christian custom. I have never known in the Gentile Christian world where anyone is washing the saints’ feet just as another Jewish cultural custom of women with their heads covered. I had known a Taiwainese sect whose leadership was cryptic mystic, and secretive, but their women members wear a symbolic small cap in their heads. False teachers are good at majoring in the minor and treating weightier things as minor.
Tit 1:6, “namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.”
Note: Elders of the church must be above reproach. They must be the husbands of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipations or rebellion. Dissipation in Greek is asōtia which means excess; riot; profligacy; prodigality; dissolute life; indulgent or promiscuous; wild; loose; dissipated; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Rebellion in Greek is anypotaktos which means unruliness; insubordination; disobedience; refractoriness; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. Elders cannot have dissipated and disobedient children, much less ministers.
Tit 2:4, “so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,”
Note: This is the most useful principle and practice: Young women love their husbands and their children. Women who have extramarital affairs and love fine clothes and expensive jewelry are not Christian women.
1Pe 1:14, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,”
Note: Lusts of the flesh, lusts of pleasure, lusts of deceit, and ungodly lusts belong to the unrighteous who conform to the world and they are in ignorance. Ignorance in Greek isagnoia which means lack of knowledge; moral or spiritual blindness; incognizance; foolishness; stupidity; unawareness; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Christians are obedient children of God. Those who are confirmed to lusts are ignorant people.
1Pe 3:6, “just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”
Note: Christian women copied Sarah have become her children to do what is right without frightened by any fear.
There is no fear for those who do what is right. There should be fear for those who do wrong.
2Pe 2:14, “having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;”
Note: We are told God does not like children of harlotry, illegitimate children, children of wrath, foolish children, etc. We now learn there are accursed children. Cursed by who? God curses the people who have eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed. Accursed in Greek is katara which means cursed; execrated; imprecated; detested; loathed; to be under a curse; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Are not executives of Washington, Wall Street, and Hollywood having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed? Wall Street in 2008 created a financial crisis that robbed the world more than US$50 trillion dollars! The Pentagon and the military-industiral-security complex are well trained in greed like a black hole that swallowed up trillions of dollars yearly.
1Jo 2:12, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake.”
Note: The children of God, their sins have been forgiven for the sake of the name of God.
1Jo 2:28, “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”
Note: Abide in Greek is menō which means to remain; to continue; to dwell; to endure; to survive; to live; to wait for; to stand; to persevere; to submit to; to remain faithful to; to go on being; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. The children of God must remain faithful to Christ, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. Only the children of God who remains true in Christ will have confidence at His coming. Those who backslide and who are not faithful will shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.
1Jo 3:1, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
Note: How great a love the Father has bestowed on us that we would be called children of God. To be called children of God is better to be president of America. Because the world did not know God and so it does not know us.
1Jo 3:2, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”
Note: Now the children of God do not appear physically different from the children of the world. The children of God have not yet appeared what they will be. When Jesus appears, the children of God will be like Christ, because we will see Him just as He is.
1Jo 3:7, “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;”
Note: Make sure no one deceives you. The one who practices righteousness is righteousness, just as God is righteous. How many American and European leaders and politicians claim to be Christians, but do not be deceived, for they do no practice righteousness. White supremacists smear and sanction nations and people who do not follow them.
1Jo 3:10,“By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.”
Note: By what standard we can differentiat the children of God from the children of the devil? By this which is obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
1Jo 3:18, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”
Note: The children of God love not with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. White supremacists in the last 500 years have oppressed and mistreated many nations and peoples and have done evil in the world by their deeds. They are in truth the children of the devil.
1Jo 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
Note: The children of God have overcome the devil and the world, because greater is He who are in us than he who is in the world.
1Jo 5:2,“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.”
Note: How do we know that we love the children of God. When we love God and observe His commandments. The love of God and observance of His commandments go together. You cannot have one without the other. A man is a liar if he says he loves God and yet disobeys His commandments. If a man observes God’s commandment, it is needless to say he loves God. Those who love God also love the children of God.
1Jo 5:21, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
Note: Guard in Greek is phylassōwhich means to beware; to keep watch; to have an eye upon; to guard so that it be safe; to protect; to guard from being lost or perishing; to care for; to take care not to violate; to observe; to be on guard; to preserve; to avoid, shun, and flee from; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Little children, take care to avoid, shun, and flee from idols. Do not worship idols. But in America, idols are not made of gold, silver, stone, wood, or paper. Americans worship money, sex, and power.
3Jo 1:4, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
Note: There is no great joy than to hear the children of God walking in the truth.
S. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD:
Psa 103:19, “The LORD has established His throne in the Heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”
Note: Sovereignty in Hebrew is malkuwth which means reign; royal power; empire; sovereign power; kingdom; dominion; rule; dominion; royal dominion; supreme power; controlling authority or influence; – which occurs 92 times in the Old Testament. Rule in Hebrew is mashal which means to reign; to govern; to have dominion; to exercise authority and power over; to exercise control; to judge; to determine; to dominate; – which occurs 84 times in the Old Testament. Now you know the meaning of sovereignty. Do you want a simple definition? Sovereignty means God rules over all. This simple Biblical definition will clear your mind all your life. GOD RULES OVER ALL: kingdoms, mankind, animals, nature, spirits and demons, the whole universe, with no exception. To understand the sovereignty of God, at least you need to put the power of God, the knowledge of God, the wisdom of God, the righteousness of God, the grace of God, the holiness of God, and the will of God combined into one integrated concept; but the sovereignty of God is not a concept, it is a universal reality, it is an all-around, existing, occurring, embracing, total, versatile finger of God. Derived from the Word of God, this is my bigger definition of the sovereignty of God: The authority and power of God are absolute, perfect, supreme and ultimate that He rules over all and there is no one and nothing in the universe can stand in His way.
Apparently, it is wrong to think there are ten things you should know about the sovereignty of God. For God rules over “all”. No one is able to know “all.” All includes all man knows and does not know. All means unlimited. All means infinite. All definitely includes nature; mankind; spirits and demons; animals and plants; insects and microorganism; the animate and inanimate objects; visible and invisible; Heavenly and earthly; past and present and future events; time and space; human affairs; national and international affairs; life and death; Heaven and Hell; human words, deeds and thoughts; sciences and philosophies; stars and planets; sufferings and sins of saints; certainties and uncertainties; chances and opportunities; accidents and incidents; the known, unknown and unknowable; the cryptic and mystic; evil doings of the wicked; the possible and the impossible; blessings and calamities; good and evil; times and seasons; things in Heaven and on earth; before and after; things do not endure and things that endure forever; thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; the hidden and the revealed; the old and the new; the universe or cosmos … For those reasons, when I think of the Sovereignty of God I cannot help simultaneously also think of the Power of God, the Knowledge of God, the Righteousness of God, the Holiness of God, the Grace of God, the Wisdom of God, the Glory of God, the Kingdom of God, and the Will of God. Oh, my thinking is so limited, finite, narrow, restricted, and useless; but the Sovereignty of God is so boundless, endless, limitless, measureless, and eternal.
Gen 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Note: This is the wonderful testimony of Joseph, what is cited above is what Joseph says to his brothers who sold him for a slave. The life of Joseph is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty. The wonder of all wonders concerning the sovereignty of God is the fact although man means evil against somebody, God is able to mean it for good. God can turn the evil intention of man into something good for His children. The life of Joseph illustrates Roman 8:28. This clearly explains how good and evil are also under God’s control.
Num 22:22,“But God was angry because he (Balaam) was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him.”
Note: The incident of Balaam the greedy prophet illustrates the sovereignty of God. Balaam went to king of Moab to curse Israel for the wages of unrighteousness. (2 Pe 2:15). God was angry because Balaam was going. No one can go against God.
Woe is the man who has God as his adversary. Adversary in Hebrew is satanwhich means opponent; enemy; one that contends with; opposer; antagonist; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. God sent the angel of the Lord and took His stand in the way as an adversary against Balaam. White supremacists who want to dominate the world do not know there is an angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand. To stand in the way is to cumber or encumber, and to hinder. No one can stand in the way of God.
2Ch 20:6, “and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the Heavens? And are You not Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”
Note: Jehoshaphat was one of the few who really understood the sovereignty of God. In his prayer to God, Jehoshaphat said God is the Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over all the kingdom of the nations. Power and might are in God’s hand so that no one can stand against God. Anyone who stands up against God will be cut down.
Job 42:2, “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”
Note: Do you have the knowledge of Job? Many make a fool of themselves by saying ‘I know.’ The suffering Job made the statement above to the Lord out his experience. Thwart in Hebrew is batsarwhich means to cut off; to cut away; to cut out; to restraint; to withhold; to withstand; to wall up; to fence up; to clip off; to isolate; to diminish; to frustrate; to make inaccessible; to dig out; to make nothing of; to run counter; to foil; – which occurs 40 times in the Old Testament. No one and nothing can run counter the purpose of God. The sovereignty of God also includes God can do all things, and no purpose of God can be foiled or failed.
Psa 29:10,“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as King forever.”
Note: Every man is a victim of his circumstances. God is above any circumstances. The Lord sits on His throne over the flood or upon the flood. The Lord sits enthroned as the Ruler and King forever, the flood does not bother Him. Have you seen the power of flood which can sweep everything away? God is not moved by anyone or anything. The sovereignty of God includes His rule over the forces of nature and nature itself.
Psalm 115:3, “ Our God is in the Heavens; He does all that He pleases.”
Note: You know the simple Biblical definition of the sovereignty of God: God rules over all. God rules over all also means God does all that He pleases. Psa 135:6, “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In Heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” God rules over all also means God does all that He pleases without time and space restriction.
Pro 16:4, “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.”
Note: This is the beauty of the sovereignty of God: God has made everything for its own purpose. Do you know how many things in the universe in time and space? Even septillions cannot account for them. Do you know stars alone cannot be numbered? Everything serves God’s own purpose. This Scripture puts even the devil in despair, because the devil thinks the wicked are his children and therefore under his control. No! Even the day of trouble or the day of evil is under the sovereignty of God.
Pro 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Note: Probably the famous proverb, “Man proposes, God disposes” is derived from this Scripture. Plan in Hebrew is machashabahwhich means thought; purpose; device; imagination; cunning means; invention; contrivance; intention; project; – which occurs 56 times in the Old Testament. Do you know that the United States has “RAND PLAN” to attack China and win. The American strategists are greatly mistaken: America cannot fight a proxy war and limited war to win against China. This war of aggression cannot be conventional, it will respond as nuclear war. All nuclear weapons of China, Russia, etc. will retaliate and target the whole mainland America directly and instantly. The whole United States, from California to New York, from South to North, will be burning up like a thousand Sodom(s) and Gomorrah(s). Simultaneously all American overseas military bases will also be destroyed. The analogy is a thousand hawks can tear the eagle to pieces. The United States can kill 1 billion Chinese, but there still will be 400 million Chinese left overseas. China and Russia can kill 350 million Americans, there will not be one American left in the world. So you see the numbers are against America. The nuclear war will be mutual destruction and destruction of the whole world. American leaders and politicians have no right to lead America and the world into total destruction. Stand in Hebrew is quwmwhich means to rise up; to stand up; to establish; to confirm; to perform; to continue; to abide; to accomplish; to endure; to persist; to fulfill; to carry out; to hold good; to make good; to succeed; – which occurs 630 times in the Old Testament. The plans of warmongers will fall and make no good, only the purpose of the Lord will stand.
Isa 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” Note: Only God can declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done. There is none like God. Purpose in Hebrew is `etsahwhich means counsel; advice; plan of action; prudence; determination; intention; direction; judgment; – which occurs 88 times in the Old Testament. God’s intention will be established. Good pleasure in Hebrew is chephetswhich means desire; delight; longing; that in which one takes delight; pursuit; something precious; matter of mind; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. The purpose of God will be established, and the intention of God He will accomplish. The sovereignty of God will make it so.
Jer 32:27, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”
Note: Flesh in Hebrew is basarwhich means mankind; the body; all living creatures; person; the human race; living beings; flesh and blood; – which occurs 264 times in the Old Testament. Difficult in Hebrew is pala’which means hard; to be beyond one’s power; to be extraordinary; too high; arduous; challenging; tough; not easy; – which occurs 102 times in the Old Testament. The Lord is the God of all mankind. Everything is easy for God. Nothing is too difficult for God. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over all mankind and all things. What is impossible with men is possible with God.
Dan 2:20-22, “Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.
It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”
Note: Perhaps no one in the Old Testament who knows more about wisdom, power, kings and kingdoms, profound and hidden things than Daniel. Time in Aramaic is `iddan which means duration of time; a measurable period; what measures in minutes, hours, days, months, and years; occasion; a fraction of eternity; – which occurs 13 times in the Old Testament. Time is made of past, present, and future. Epoch in Aramaic is zeman which means a set time; season; a memorable time or event; an extended period of time; a division of time; era; a distinctive period; – which occurs 12 times in the Old Testament. God also rules over times and epochs and events of times. The sovereignty of God includes having wisdom and power, changing the times and the epochs, removing kings and establishing kings; and God gives wisdom and knowledge and understanding to men, and revealing the profound and hidden things. The Scripture cannot be mistaken: The light dwells with God, it does not say God dwells with light.
Dan 4:17,“This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is Ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.”
Note: God is the Most High who is Ruler over the realm of mankind, and over all the realms. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over the realm of mankind, and all other realms. God always does as He wishes or pleases.
Dan 4:35, “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?”
Note: Inhabitant in Aramaic is duwrwhich means dweller; resident; resider; occupant; tenant; habitant; the people who live; one that inhabits a place; denizen; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. Account in Aramaic is chashabwhich means to think of as; to regard; to repute; to consider; to reckon; to take for; to look on; to view; to deem; – which occurs 1 times in the Old Testament. Nothing in Aramaic isla’which means nothing; not anything; of no interest, value or consequence; not important or insignificant; a nobody; – which occurs 29 times in the Old Testament. The current world population is 7.8 billion as of January 2020 according UN estimates by Worldometer. Among the 7.8 billion inhabitants, there are presidents, prime ministers, politicians, pimps, prostitutes, supremacists, militarists, monopolists, capitalists, colonialists, hegemonists, racists, warmongers, oppressors, aggressors, dictators, exploiters, trouble makers, liars, killers, robbers, and even a few decent men — amazing God counts or looks on all the inhabitants of the earth as nothing, not worth anything! Think about it. I am nothing! You are nothing! He is nothing! She is nothing! It is nothing! They are nothing! We are nothing! Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
Mat 8:26, “He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.”
Note: We are afraid because we have little faith. There are many things in the world that make us afraid. Right now in America many are afraid of the pandemic CORONOVIRUS. Because of the American and European stance of aggression and world domination, and persistent provocation against Russia and China for no reason, a nuclear war that will destroy the world is looming large on the horizon. When arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up, the boat was being covered with the waves; Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. This was like the Scripture which says that God sits on His throne at or upon the flood. Jesus was able to sleep at or upon the waves because Jesus had sovereignty over the sea, the wind and the waves. Jesus stills the sea because He rules over the sea. Rebuke in Greek is epitimaō which means to straightly charge; to scold; to chide; to reprove; to censure severely; to forbid; to reprimand sharply; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ rebuked the sea, the wind, and the waves just like a man rebukes his dog. Calm in Greek is galēnē which means stillness of the sea; condition free from storms, high winds, or rough waves; a state of peace and tranquility; freedom from agitation or disturbance; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. If you trust in the sovereignty of God, there will be perfect calm in your mind. What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him? Jesus Christ is much more than a Man, He was God before He came into the world. Jesus Christ is our great God and Savior who rules over all.
Mat 19:26, “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Note: This is the vital difference between man and God, between a creature and the Creator. What is impossible with man is possible with God. The sovereignty of God includes the impossible. Man has the fancy of the impossible dream. Impossible is impossible, dream is just a fancy.
Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Note: Impossible in Greek is adynateō which means that cannot be done; what cannot happen; not to have power or ability; to be weak; to be unable; incapable; extremely difficult; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Nothing is impossible with God means all things are possible with God. Nothing is too difficult for God. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over the possible and the impossible. In God’s vocabulary, there is no such a word calls impossible. For God rules over all.
Luk 4:36,“And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.”
Note: This incident that Jesus Christ with authority and power commands the unclean spirits and and they come out illustrates that the sovereignty of God rules over demons and unclean spirits. The more you realized the sovereignty of God the more amazed you will be.
Luk 9:1,“And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”
Note: Christ Jesus called the twelve apostles together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Jesus Christ gave power and authority to the twelve Apostles as never before, and never since. It was reported that some faith healers can heal only certain diseases, and some healing does not last. No preacher today can compare with the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
Luk 10:19,“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”
Note: The word “enemy” here means the devil. The Lord Jesus Christ had given power and authority to the twelves Apostles to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing would injure them. Believers today must not imitate what the Apostles did. You cannot imitate DIVINE authority and power. I have not known anyone in the last days Jesus Christ has given such power and authority.
Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Note: It is beyond science that God causes all things to work together for good. Do you know the most successful companies in the world can only have three or four things working together. God rules over all things also mean God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. Here lies the eternal assurance and comfort of all saints. Suffering saints, what have you to worry when you know God causes all things to work together for your good?
Rom 11:33-36, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN?For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Note: This Scripture explains the sum of God’s sovereignty. I do not believe anyone really understands what “all things” here mean. I believe theologians have a hard time just to understand “from” and “through” and “to.” The sovereignty of God includes the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God, His unsearchable judgments, His unfathomable ways; and from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To God be the glory forever. Amen.
1Co 15:24,“then comes the end, when He hands over the Kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.”
Note: The end of the world will come. When Jesus Christ hands over the Kingdom to the God and Father, and when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. Abolish in Greek is katargeōwhich means to destroy; to do away; to put an end to; to inactivate; to cease; to render useless; to deprive of force; to annul; to pass away; to be done with; to terminate; to bring to nought; to put down or away; to vanish away; to make void; – which occurs 38 times in the New Testament. The leaders and politicians of the sole superpower today are so arrogant and speak and act like dictators of the world, smearing and sanctioning so many countries and peoples. The day is coming when Jesus Christ will abolish the United States of America, NATO, EU, Australia, Canada, UK, Japan, etc. and they will vanish away like clouds in the sky.
Eph 1:21-23, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as Head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Note: You may still remember of the simple and Biblical definition of God’s sovereignty; in addition, Jesus Christ is far above all rule and authority and power in subjection under His feet and as Head over all things.
Col 1:16, “For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.”
Note: All things in Greek is pas which means every thing; any thing; whosoever; whatsoever; the whole; any and every; – which occurs 1,410 times in the New Testament. The sovereignty of God includes all things, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, by God were created, all things were created through Christ and for Christ.
Jas 4:13-15, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”
Note: Man has too much self-confidence. In fact, man does not know about tomorrow. Man does not know what his life will be like tomorrow. God not only knows tomorrow, He knows from everlasting to everlasting. The sovereignty of God includes ruling over human lives. No one, not even scientist can know when his life will vanish away. I love the promise: my life is hidden with Christ in God. If the Lord wills, I will continue to engage in the ministry of the Word until God calls me home.
Rev 12:10,“Then I heard a loud voice in Heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.”
Note: The enemy or the accuser is the devil. When the power, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, the devil will be thrown down to the Lake of Fire forever and ever.
The sovereignty of God has nothing to do with the thoughts and theories of Machiavelli, Bodin, and Hobbe. The best of human concept of sovereignty is supreme authority within a territory. God’s absolute, perfect, supreme and ultimate authority and power are not limited or restricted by territory, time and space. Unexpectedly, the sovereignty of God includes on October 2, 2020 the arrogant and deceitful Donald Trump having Covid-19. The American nuclear shield cannot protect any American. No one know yet what and how God is going to do with America… It is wrong to think of the Sovereignty of God and… The sovereignty of God stands alone, God has sovereignty in Himself and by Himself and for Himself; no human or anything else that stands in His way. God’s sovereignty is so absolute and supreme that it does not relate to or depend on anyone or anything. Whatever a man does or thinks or says do not affect the sovereignty of God a bit. The I AM WHO I AM is, was, and is to come, for ever and ever. Glory be to the Name of God.
T. THE WILL OF GOD:
Mar 3:35,“For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
Note: Will in Greek is thelēma which means desire; pleasure; the purpose of God; what one wishes to be done; choice; inclination; determination; decree; volition; something desired; what God wishes to be done; – which occurs 59 times in the New Testament. The will of God is supreme that every Christian must fulfill it. To do the will of God is to please God. The most important knowledge is to know the will of God and then to do it without question. Blessed is the person who knows what is the will of God for his/her life, and it is the greatest job to do the will of our Father. Jesus Christ deems doing the will of God is supreme and of highest value that He considers anyone who does the will of God as His brother, sister, and mother. However, it is important to know there are two types of the will of God: the general will of God is for every child of God and there is no exception; the special will of God is for the specific child of God. The general will of God is written in the Bible for every Christian to know and do. The special will of God only for the specific Christian to find out and do.
Jhn 1:13, “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Note: Christians are born again by the will of God. New life is not by the effort of man.
Rom 1:10, “always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.”
Note: Apostle Paul considers any success of his undertaking by the will of God.
Rom 8:27, “and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Note: The mind of the Spirit is to intercede for the saints according to the will of God.
Rom 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Note: Do not be conformed to this world is the general will of God for every believer with no exception. Christians may prove the will of God is that which is good and acceptable and perfect. A Western leader claims to be a Christian and seeks to assassinate the national leader of another country because that leader does not accept his domination, this act cannot be proven to be the will of God. Because killing or murder is neither good, nor acceptable or perfect.
Rom 15:32, “so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.”
Note: The will of God is joy to every servant of Christ and also to all believers. Rejoice in the Lord.
2Co 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:”
Note: Paul was called an apostle by the will of God. No apostle was called by personal or private will. The twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ. There is no more new apostle. A man has to be called to be a servant of Jesus Christ. It does not seem that every preacher is called by the will of God. There are occupational preachers and false preachers.
2Co 7:9, “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.”
Note: It is possible that Christians are made sorrowful and suffer according to the will of God. If you do wrong and suffer, that is not according to the will of God. If you do right and suffer, that may be according to the will of God.
2Co 7:10, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Note: There are sorrows which are according to the will of God, and there are also sorrows which are not according to the will of God. For a sinner to have sorrow that produces a repentance without regret is according to the will of God.
2Co 8:5, “and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”
Note: It is the will of God that every believer give himself first to the Lord. God has to be First in every Christian life.
Eph 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:”
Note: The preacher must be by the will of God. The faithful in Christ are saints living now for Christ. Saints are not dead believers cannonized by the pope.
Eph 5:17, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Note: A Christian is foolish, if he knows only the general will of God for everyone, but he does not understand what is the special will of the Lord for him.
Eph 6:6, “not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”
Note: Servants of Christ must not be men-pleasers. The slaves of CHRIST only do the will of God. How to do the will of God? First, acknowledge yourself as a slave of Christ. Second, do the will of God from the heart. The only way to do the will of God is to do it from the heart.
Gal 1:4,“Who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”
Note: It is according to the will of God and Father that Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil world. Prosperity gospel inspires its followers to love money and to love the world.The problem of preachers and followers of prosperity gospel is the fact they love this present world, which is contrary to the will of God.
Col 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.”
Note: It is the highest goal of all Christians to stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
1Th 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;”
Note: This is the general will of God for all believers, our sanctification; that is to abstain from sexual immorality. Black church members have a tendency and inclination to protect their leaders from greed and sexual immorality. No preacher is exempt from greed and sexual immorality.
2Ti 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,”
Note: It is the will of God to give His children the promise of life in Christ Jesus.
Heb 10:36, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”
Note: The children of God have need of endurance and patience, so that when we have done the will of God, we may receive what was promised. Those who suffer with the Lord will glorify with the Lord.
1Pe 2:15, “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Note: The will of God is always for believers to do right. Western leaders and politicians do evil and think they are doing the will of God.
1Pe 4:2, “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
Note: It is the will of God for all believers to live the rest of the time no longer in the flesh for the lusts of men. To live for the will of God is the greatest blessing, the greatest happiness, the greatest honor, the greatest pleasure, and the greatest success which the world does not know.
1Pe 4:6, “For the Gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.”
Note: I do not understand the first part what Peter is talking about of preaching the Gospel even those who are dead. I do not find explanation anywhere in the Scriptures. But one thing is clear that we Christians must live in the spirit according to the will of God.
1Pe 4:19, “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to the faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
Note: We all suffer according to the will of God, and we must entrust our souls to the faithful Creator in doing what is right. To do what is right is to do the will of God.
1Pe 5:2, “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according tothe will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;”
Note: God does not call everyone to shepherd the flock of God, but those who do must exercise oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness. Those who preach the Gospel for money are for sordid gain. Sordid in Greek is aischrokerdōswhich means for filthy lucre; for base gain; for dirty money; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. How many leaders, politicians, high ranking officials, executives, lawyers, doctors, dentists, hospital owners, drug and insurance companies, monopolists, capitalists, hegemonists, supremacists, terrorists, etc. with eagerness live and work for sordid gain. It is much worse when preachers preach the Gospel for sordid gain.
1Jo 2:17, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
Note: The world and its lusts are passing away; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. What is the purpose of the Christian life? What is the highest goal of the Christian life. The purpose of a man’s life is greatly influenced by his values. The values of Americans are money, power, and sex. There are people try to add social and humanitarian values to the purpose of life. The Christian values are faith, hope, and love. In the West, position, property, possession, power, prestige define whether a man’s life is a success of failure. The so-called secrets of happiness have a lot to do with material and carnal matters.
After a lifetime of study and deliberation, I have reached a conclusion what is a fulfilled Christian life in accordance with the Word of God. What is a fulfilled Christian life is no secret.
A fulfilled Christian life is simply doing the will of God.
Just as the Lord says, “BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO
YOUR WILL”
(Heb 10:9). In following the steps of the Lord, we must do the same. Every Christian must find the special will of God for his life and do it. Doing the special will of God in your life is the summum bonum.
Isa 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” Note: Only God can declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done. There is none like God. Purpose in Hebrew is `etsahwhich means counsel; advice; plan of action; prudence; determination; intention; direction; judgment; – which occurs 88 times in the Old Testament. God’s intention will be established. Good pleasure in Hebrew is chephetswhich means desire; delight; longing; that in which one takes delight; pursuit; something precious; matter of mind; – which occurs 44 times in the Old Testament. The purpose of God will be established, and the intention of God He will accomplish. The sovereignty of God will make it so.
ON September 3, 2025 for China to mark 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression and fascism is a historical necessity and hard-earned victory. All foreigners who heroically sacrificed their lives for China in their fight against Japanese aggression must individually be commemorated and remembered, their relatives are eternal friends of China. I have never seen such a great parade before, the size and scope of it would overwhelm your mind; every aspect of it was systematically planned, every step of male and female soldiers was of uniform procedures, every military vehicle with all nuclear missiles and every war airplane in the sky well performed; the words such as grand, massive, superb, magnificent fail to describe the whole celebration. I wholeheartedly salute every Chinese military man and woman who participated. From 1931-1945, the brutal behavior of Japanese and its inhuman atrocities were worse than wild beasts and deserve ten atomic bombs in recompense. Even today Japanese government and leaders do not admit and repent of their war crimes, they worship executed war criminals as their national heroes and living gods. Japan never apologizes and pays compensation for killing 35 million Chinese, made hundreds of thousands sex slaves, millions of labor slaves and untold atrocities. Never again will China be oppressed. I am sure the militant Japan is deterred, but America is on the wrong side of history. Thank God it did not rain.
The mayors of Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Chicago are for crooks and criminals, they must be dismissed and deported. All the facts point to the need, Ukraine must be destroyed and its leader executed in order to end the war. Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis are terrorists and the countries that harbor them must be destroyed all together.
Since Gaza, West Bank, etc. are the Jewish lands, Palestinians must evacuate from all Jewish lands and flee to Arab lands where they are safe to receive international aid and build a Palestinian state of their choice.
The leader of Ukraine is corrupt and evil. Ukrainians are stupid to follow the path of destruction. He was the one who instigated war with Russia. Now he asks for security guarantees. The nincompoop should be executed to end the war.
Palestinians, Africans, and others serve as example of peoples who want to eat and do not want to work. UN, WHO, EU, etc. champion their cause. Palestinians do not want evacuate from Gaza, Jewish lands to resettle in Arab lands. Because they will lose their status as refugees where they can get their food, fuel, water, medicine and everything for free from international community. These problems multiply with the passage of time.
UN, EU, GERMANY, UK, FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZELAND, ETC. are strange and unreasonable peoples. Who is stopping Palestinians to build a Palestinian state in an Arab land? It is wrong and illegal to build a Palestinian state in Jewish land (Gaza, West Bank, etc.). That is the cause of conflict.
The fact that National Guards have to patrol Washington, D.C. with weapons speaks loudly and badly of the capital. The mayor of Washington, D.C. should be dismissed and deported. All the more urgent the national capital should move to Lincoln, Nebraska, without delay.
The mayor of Washington, D.C. bowed to the illegal acts of street people who set up tents on public streets. She should be dismissed and deported. The National Guards are empowered to trash the tents, clear the streets and vanish street people. Los Angeles is a disgraced city because the California Governor and Los Angeles mayor failed to solve the problems of street people who not only set up tents on public streets, but also urinate and defecate. All the more urgent for the national capital to move to Lincoln, Nebraska. In the face of national debt exceeding $37 trillion, the people can save money by abolishing the House, retain the unicameral legislation of Senate to move also to Lincoln Nebraska. All this can be accomplished legally by a national referendum. America is ruined by dark and evil forces.
Heroes of all races who sacrificed their lives for China in the war against Japanese aggression should be celebrated and remembered. The descendants of them are eternal friends of China. Descendants of American Flying Tiers whose forefathers had sacrificed their lives in the war against Japanese aggression and atrocities must always be honored and remembered. The Chinese government must treat them as eternal friends, and they are welcome to China anytime. Such blood bonds must be appreciated and maintained forever.
The world wrongly marks the anniversary of dropping atomic bomb on Hiroshima while neglecting the Japanese aggression and atrocities of killing 35 million innocent Chinese without remorse or reparations. UN over–appointed unqualified blacks and media have given too much coverage to unworthy black spoke-persons. It is amazing no matter how beautifully white organizations and individuals hail human rights, civil rights, democracy, development, technology, benefits, justice, etc., what they are actually after is MONEY. This can be said equally true about blacks.
Pet economy is wasted economy. Money should better be spent on nutrition and education of children and orphans. In cities all dogs must have annual license of Y5,000, cats Y4,000, and birds Y3,000. It is exempt for rural areas. If a dog defecates in public place, it shall be fined Y3,000 plus cleanup by owner or walker.
Global media highlight the number of Palestinians who have died, but fail to consider why Palestinian Authority and Palestinians do not want to evacuate from Jewish land and resettle in Arab land. Palestinians, men and women, young and old, are shameless beggars. They remain in Gaza to qualify for refugees so that they can get everything free from international community. The international community is ignorant of the fact that GAZA and related territories all belong to the Jews. Israel has every right to take back and take over Gaza and related territories. Palestinians must evacuate and relocate to Arab lands, make a living and establish its own Palestinian state without further delay.
French nincompoop Macron recognized Palestine as a state but failed to know that Palestine does not have territory and sovereignty. Leaders of UK, GERMANY, AUSTRLALIA would commit the same mistake by supporting terrorists. Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis are wicked terrorists, they should be destroyed without mercy. Leaders of Palestinian Authority are guilty for the death and malnutrition of children because they lead Palestinians to the path of destruction. They could have led Palestinians to lands of Arabs to earn a living and build their own Palestinian state. Palestinians (young & old, man & woman) are most shameless beggars for food & water, they don’t want to go to an Arab land to earn a living and build their own Palestinian state. Africa amid famine has the most fat people in the world, they are also shameless beggars. Ukrainians are shameless beggars for weapons, they do not have reason for existence. Harvard though the richest university in the world is a shameless beggar for US aid. Japan claims to practice democracy, its ruling party lost election miserably, yet its prime minister shamelessly wants to stay in power. The world must realize years of aid to Africa produced nothing, trillions of dollars went to black holes. Africa is corrupt, unmotivated and useless. Black leaders and politicians take advantage of it; dress well, eat well, and live a luxurious life style. Black problems can be solved only by Blacks. Let Africa alone to survive on its own. Blacks create most of the problems in the world, given too much coverage and platform in world media, over–appointed and given too many spokespersons and positions in UN. Any nation who shares destiny with Africa will be doomed. Nothing good comes out of Africa: primitive religion, superstition, spiritism, orgies, black magic, tribalism, voodooism.
If the Texas flooding is an act of God; Ukraine conflict, and conflicts of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis must be acts of the devil.
India must coexist with China, at the same time India and South Africa must be expelled from BRICS besause they do not remain true to BRICS’ founding mission, they do not belong, must be replaced by Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. US and EU must not rearm Ukraine, let Russia destroy it, and never to be rebuilt. The leader of Ukraine must also be executed.
Palestinian Authorities are guilty for leading Palestinians to a path of death, children died and suffer malnutrition. Palestian Authorities do not lead Palestinians (who are Arabs) to a land of Arabs to work for a living and build the Palestinian state.
American forces have successfully wiped out three Iranian nuclear sites through B-2 bombers. The “everlasting consequence” is Iran cannot be a nuclear threat anymore. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Dutch people to demolish NATO — the war machine.
Deliberation has been long and covered all pertinent and contingent factors involved in order to come to conclusion to SAVE AMERICA from destruction and decay. AMERICA needs to cut off the two continents of Africa and Latin America: NO TRADE, NO DIPLOMACY, NO POSTAL SERVICES, NO NEWS, NO COMMUNICATIONS, NO BANKING TRANSACTION, NO RELATIONSHIP, NO AID, AND NO ENTRY TO THE U.S.
America declares no immigration, no assylum application, no entry from African and Latin American peoples.
Build the great wall secure and strong along Mexican borders and maintain military action to deter and stop illegal migrations from Mexico, via land, sea or air.
Expell all personnels from African and Latin American embassies and consulates located in America.
Deport illegal aliens 45 million already residing in America and most of them on welfare. Deport unlawful migrants of Latin America to Mexico, those who are not Mexicans can find their ways home. If Mexico refuses, bomb and attack them. Deport all unlawful Africans back to Africa. Designate one African nation to receive deportees by airplanes.
Reform the welfare system that all applicants require to be American citzens and require work to get their benefits.
Leave Africa and Latin America alone, let them do or die.
Iran is a terrorist nation, its nuclear facilities sooner or later should be destroyed completely. Apparently, last time bombing did not do a good job.
Terrorists Hamas, Hezebollah and Houthis should be destroyed completely. Palestinians should be forced out of Gaza.
African, Arab, and Muslim nations should have no part in reconstruction of Gaza.
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
Hello, 1.4 billion Chinese! I want to tell you Christmas is not a Western holiday. For the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all the peoples in the world. Jesus first came to die for sinners, to be the Savior of the world. He is coming again to be the King of kings and the Lord of lords to rule the universe for ever and ever.
The word “Christmas” does not exist in the Holy Bible. According to the prestigious Encyclopedia Britannica, “Christmas holiday Written By:
Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanicjōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French—all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role.”
Today the secular Christmas celebration is un-Scriptural, devoid of Christian elements; Christmas shopping has become a big business, and Santa Claus has nothing to do with Christmas. This article is written to let you know the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ which proclaims good news (good tidings) or the Gospel to the whole world, for the Savior of the world was born. When Jesus was born, hope was born.
The true meaning of Christmas is not shopping, but salvation. The central message of Christmas is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, came down from Heaven some 2,000 years ago to save sinners. In order to save sinners from eternal damnation in Hell, Jesus Christ died on the cross for all sinners, no matter who you are. The good news of Christmas is that whoever comes to Christ, accepts and believes in Him will have eternal life in Heaven.
Christmas means the birthday celebration and commemoration of Jesus Christ. Although the Bible does not specify the birthday of Jesus Christ, it is nothing wrong to celebrate Christmas once a year on December 25th. In fact the whole world rejoices by marking the history of the world designated as B.C. or A.D. However, there are many wrong ideas and bad practices in celebrating Christmas.
I believe it will be good for China to designate December 25 as a national holiday.
AP Beijing December 23, 2013 reported crackdown and blocked meeting at a church in Henan province’s Nanle county; the pastor and more than a dozen of his aides have been detained by police for more than a month and denied access to their lawyers. I do not know this was rue or not, but I believe the Central Government does not prohibit Christian meeting at a church. There is no government censure of Chinese Christian churches in Shanghai. In fact, I am sure Chinese Christians absolutely do not pose any threat to China. It is known that foreign journalists and professors at Chinese universities sow seeds of division in China; and foreign diplomats engage in dirty work behind the scene to destabilize Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Taiwan. Do not get the wrong idea the U.S. supports religious freedom. You are not allowed to read the Bible and say prayers in American public schools. Congressmen cannot send Merry Christmas message to their constituents using official mail. The U.S. government advocates same-sex marriage and pay benefits to same-sex couples, etc. which are condemned by the Holy Bible. I believe the only reason that a church should be banned if it is a staging station of foreign conspiracy and spy activities. I also hope the Chinese government let Christianity be practiced, the Gospel be proclaimed freely without any need of government authorization or any organization recognition, and that Christian churches can be established anywhere without help or hindrance by any entity. Why? I am sure true Chinese Christians are patriotic and they are NOT foreign agents in anyway.
Christianity represents Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the world.
Jhn 18:36, “Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My Kingdom is not of this realm.” Christianity does not identify with any earthly nation or state and it has no concern for the kingdoms of the world.
Many Chinese preachers do not know Jesus Christ or the Bible for the Church of Jesus Christ does not seek power or social status in this world. Christianity is not a man-made religion; it is the revelation of Jesus Christ – the Way, the Truth and the Life to the world.
On Sunday, December 22, 2013 I went to a Chinese church. The topic of the sermon was Good News of Great Joy and the Scriptures cited were
Luk 2:8-11,“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Note: Both the sermon and the Scriptures were appropriate for the season. To bring good news in Greek is euaggelizō which means to announce glad tidings, the glad tidings of the coming Kingdom of God, and of the salvation to be obtained in it through Christ, and of what relates to this salvation; to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to proclaim the good news that pertain to Christian salvation; – it occurs 95 times in the New Testament. But the poor Chinese preacher delivered his sermon like a funeral service without power and without central message of Jesus Christ. There was no clue or hint of what was good news of great joy. It is not known why many Chinese pastors do not or are unable to preach the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. He talked much about lepers and leprosy which did not relate in anyway to the good news of great joy. An old lady who sat on my left gave a big yawn. Oh, pray God to send the power from on high to revive Chinese churches and evangelize the big Chinese population. The Youth Choir sang A Son Is Given in English while 99 percent of the Chinese congregation does not know the English language. The church is a pulpit for proclamation of the good news of great joy, not a theater of performance. There was once a famous American church, the center of prosperity gospel which was full of theatrics. They even sold tickets for Christmas plays, but Crystal Cathedral went bankrupt and invalidated the founder of prosperity gospel. Sermons and songs must use the language of the people to be understood. As comparison in America the Word of God is choked with materialism, secularism, capitalism, imperialism, sexual deviancy (homosexuality) and the love of money and power which corrupted many churches.
What is the good news of great joy? Sinners can be saved.
1Ti 1:15, “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.”
Note: All kinds of sinners can be saved; even the robbers and murderers crucified on the cross can be saved. The liars and murderers and warmongers of Washington, the crooks and criminals and greedy capitalists of Wall Street, and the violence and sex promoters of Hollywood can be saved. The evil trinity of Washington, Wall Street and Hollywood is responsible for most of the evil in the world today. The problem is that many of Washington, Wall Street, and Hollywood executives do not know or think they are sinners; many of them speak and act as if they were the VIP of America, the rulers of the world.
Jesus says to the people of Washington, Wall Street and Hollywood as well as to pimps and prostitutes,
Luk 13:5,“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Mar 1:15,“And saying: The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Note: The Gospel in Greek is euangelion which means good tidings; good news; the Gospel of Christ; the Gospel of God; the Gospel of the Kingdom; the glad tidings of salvation through Christ; the proclamation of the grace of God in Christ; the sayings, deeds, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the good message; the true doctrine concerning the salvation of souls; the New Testament Gospels; – which occurs 77 times in the New Testament.
“Old English godspel “glad tidings announced by Jesus; one of the four gospels,” literally “good spell,” from god “good” (see good (adj.)) + spel “story, message” (see spell (n.1)). A translation of Latin bona adnuntiatio, itself a translation of Greek euangelion “reward for bringing good news” (see evangel). The first element of the Old English word originally had a long “o,” but it shifted under mistaken association with God, as if “God-story” (i.e. the history of Christ).”
How can you be saved? Good news of great joy, it does not require money, merit, position, power, or good deed.
Act 16:31,“They said: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Rom 10:8-10, “But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Will you come now and repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Luk 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest Heaven, And peace on earth, goodwill toward men!”
Note: Peace in Greek is eirēnē which means a state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war; peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord; the way that leads to peace (salvation); a course of life promoting harmony; good order; – it occurs 92 times in the New Testament. Good will in Greek is eudokia which means kindly intent, friendly attitude, benevolence; – it occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Peace has two aspects: Jesus Christ came into the world to die for sinners in order to reconcile men with God so that the redeemed can have peace with God. Those who have peace with God will also have peace with their fellow men.
Historically, since the end of World War II, American leaders and politicians have proven to be liars and killers and robbers in hundreds of unjust wars and brutal military interventions the United States has incited and killed millions and millions of peoples around the world. Jesus Christ says, Jhn 8:44,“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature,for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Although almost all American presidents and military leaders claim to be Christians, but Jesus Christ defines liars and murderers as children of the devil. During the presidency of Richard Nixon, the only U.S. president who sought a just and lasting peace; I wrote a personal letter to President Leonid Brezhnev of the USSR appealing for peace and arguing against the waste of trillions of dollars on nuclear arms race instead of building a good society for its people. Brezhnev did not respond but I heard some echo about the waste of arms race. Here is a time for peace if American leaders, politicians and militarists really want peace.
My international readers are the intellectual elites of the world, see and judge for yourself what I propose for peace is rational and reasonable or not. It is a lie to say China is a threat to America or Japan or any Asian nation. It is also a lie to say Russia is a threat to America and NATO. All the United States needs to do are only two steps:
(1). Demolish the Axis of Evil in Asia Pacific:
A. Demilitarize the war crime nation of Japan.
B. Close all American military bases in Asia Pacific and return to North America where the U.S. belongs according to the Monroe Doctrine.
C. Return Taiwan and Diaoyu Islands to China.
D. Cease to interfere or intervene in the internal affairs of nations.
(2). Disband NATO:
A. Shut down all American military bases and missile and anti-missile sites in Asia and Europe.
B. Cease manufacturing and selling weapons of mass destruction.
C. Learn from President Richard Nixon in seeking a just and lasting peace for the world.
D. Give up the empire, regain a respectable Republic.
If American leaders insist and want war, hear the warning of the coming King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ who says:
Mat 26:52,“Then Jesus said to him: Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.”
Although American leaders have escaped the International Criminal Court (ICC), for sure no one can escape the Supreme Court of Heaven – the Judgment of God. The decision is yours.
Christmas means the good news of Jesus Christ for the whole world!
Mar 1:1, “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Note: The Gospel begins with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the beginning of the Gospel. There is no Gospel outside of Jesus Christ. There is no Gospel in any other religion. For all religions teach you have to do good in order to be saved. It is like telling a drowning person you have to be careful not to fall into water, or you should have learned how to swim in the first place. No one can save himself, and no one is good enough to go to heaven. The Gospel of Jesus Christ tells the good news what Jesus Christ has done for you. When Jesus Christ was born, hope was born so that sinners may be saved and have eternal life in heaven.
The word “gospel” in Greek is euaggelionwhich means good tidings or glad tidings – good news; it occurs about 77 times in the New Testament. It can be briefly defined as the glad tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ. The good news has to do with the Kingdom of God of which Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the founder. To set up the Kingdom of God, God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the world, died for sinners on the cross in order to procure salvation and eternal life for believers. Jesus Christ rose from the dead to accomplish the redemption. He ascended into heaven sitting at the right hand of God… To consummate the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ is coming again to reign with the saints forever and ever. The good news is the truth that sinners who cannot save themselves, simply by believing in Jesus Christ they can be saved and become the children of God to inherit the Kingdom of God.
On Sunday, December 08, 2013, I heard a Chinese female preacher’s sermon on 1Jo 3:23,“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” Her preaching did not touch on what and why we have to believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. She did not preach why the name of His Son Jesus Christ is so important. She did not preach the Gospel of salvation as it is written in the Scriptures, Act 4:12,“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Her whole focus was deliberately on loving one another. Her fatal theological fault and failure is that she said to love one another is on the same level of importance as believing in Jesus. This sounds like a modernist gospel. There is nothing wrong with loving one another. Even if you give all your possession to feed the poor, and surrender your body to be burned, but if you do not have faith in Christ Jesus, it profits you nothing of your salvation. No good deeds, no love, no any kind work can make you deserve the salvation of God, the salvation of your soul. For you are not saved by work, you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:8-9,“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” She seemed not to know that loving one another and do all the good deeds cannot save your soul. Tts 3:5-6,“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit; whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
This is the pattern of sermon of most Chinese churches today; they put the cart before the horse. They teach a drowning person how to swim. They teach a critically ill person to practice good healthy habits. They teach a bad tree to bear good fruit. Chinese preachers teach their members how to behave; but they do not preach how to be saved. I do not know why Chinese preachers apparently do not preach the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is worst, this female preacher cited Nelson Mandela as a good Christian. Did she not know Mandela had 3 wives? She cited the words of Mandela when he walked out jail he left everything behind. Does she not know Apostle Paul says, Phl 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It is very dangerous to set any secular man as a Christian model. Can the words of anyone alive or dead be comparable to the Scriptures?
I met an old Chinese lady at the church there and told her the Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple like 1,2,3.
(1). God loves you and all the people in the world although we are unworthy sinners. This is the wonder of God’s love, not that we deserve it.
(2). We are all sinners who cannot save ourselves. No one else can save us from our sins. But God sent His Only Son who had no sin to come into the world to die for our sins on the cross. Jesus Christ rose from the death and so He is able to save all who come to Him.
(3). If you repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ with your all heart that He is your Lord and Savior and confess to the world you are His follower, you will be saved. I have met many Chinese church members who do not know whether they are saved or not or what is the proof that they are saved. Your baptism, your participation in the Lord’s Supper, your membership of a church, your giving to the church, your good deeds and giving to charities, and how much love you have, etc. are not proof that you are saved.
Rom 8:9,“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” This is the test: do you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you? The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are one and the same. If you do not have the Spirit of Christ, you do not belong to Christ. Can you know whether you have the Spirit of Christ in you or not? Yes, you can. How?
Rom 8:16-17,“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
Note: Clearly the Bible proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ and explains clearly the way of salvation. You can know for sure whether you are saved or not, whether you are a child of God of not. I cannot tell you, and no one else can tell you whether you are saved or not. The Holy Spirit can. If you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit will tell you so. If you still do not know but you want to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; you can say the following prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe You are the Son of God and the Savior of the world who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Lord, save my soul. Please send the Holy Spirit into my heart and give me a new life and let me know I belong to You and I am a child of God. Amen.
A big department store sent me 2 discount coupons of ¥100 each; they are worth about $33.33. I was careless and did not read the expiration date in the back. When I wanted to use them, they had expired. What a waste! God offers every human being a gift of salvation absolutely free. It is grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If you repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will receive the eternal life. Many people do not realize that God’s salvation also has an expiration date.
Hbr 4:7: “He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”
God is calling you today to repentance; do not harden your heart. It is possible to harden your heart. You can even reject Christ and go to Hell.
2Cr 6:2,“For He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—
How Does One Get to Heaven
Through the Word of God I learn the Great Commission is the mandate for the nations due to sin, for Jesus Christ came into the world to save that which was lost. Humanity is lost because of sin and straying away from God. Believers or disciples of Jesus Christ have the mandate to preach the Gospel to every creature. The gist of preaching the Gospel is to tell people how to be saved. MARK 16:15-16, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Jesus divided peoples into two groups, the saved and the condemned.
The important question is: HOW DOES ONE GET TO HEAVEN? There are four theories, namely, Universalism, Pluralism, Inclusivism, and Exclusivism. The last one is not a theory, but the way of God. Salvation is the way of God; the first three theories are the ways of man.
UNIVERSALISM teaches that everyone will be saved. The basis is that God’s infinite love is directed to all. Those who believe in Universalism also quote the Scriptures, except they quoted them all wrong.
Mat 25:34,“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Mat 25:41,“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.” Thus Jesus puts peoples of the world into only two groups; those on His right are saved and blessed. Those on His left are damned. There is nothing universal about salvation. The offer of salvation is universal, but the acceptance is personal. Christianity is personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior.
PLURALISM teaches there are different paths to God. Major world religions provide independent salvific access to the divine reality. This theory is very wrong, definitely goes against the teaching of Jesus’ claim, Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Act 4:12,“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under Heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, is the only Way– One Way.
INCLUSIVISM believes all who are saved are saved on the basis of Christ’s provision. A personal response to Christ is not necessary. On the contrary, Jesus clearly demands personal action. Jhn 5:40, “And you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.” Jhn 6:37,“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” So Inclusivism is dead wrong. Salvation includes only those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The following is reported as having said by Billy Graham, 3-31-1997:
“Well, Christianity and being a true believer–you know, I think there’s the Body of Christ. This comes from all the Christian groups around the world, outside the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they’re conscious of it or not, they’re members of the Body of Christ. And I don’t think that we’re going to see a great sweeping revival that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time. I think James answered that, the Apostle James in the first council in Jerusalem, when he said God’s purpose for this age is to call out a people for His name. And that’s what God is doing today, He’s calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world or the non-believing world, they are members of the Body of Christ because they’ve been called by GOD. They may not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts they need something that they don’t have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think they are saved, and that they’re going to be with us in heaven.” I was surprised that Mr. Graham said the above, he was all wrong. I don’t care what Mr. Graham or anyone else thinks, Jesus is right – they are all wrong. Mr. Graham misinterprets the Body of Christ – the Church. Mr. Graham’s view on the Church of Jesus Christ is neither Biblical nor Evangelical. Muslims, Buddhists, etc. do not belong to the Body of Christ. Only the saved and sanctified believers belong to the Body of Christ.
EXCLUSIVISM believes in God’s love, the redemption of Jesus Christ and the necessity of repentance and acceptance of God’s salvation.
Jhn 3:18,“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Jhn 3:36,“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Jesus makes it clear, we must believe in Him, and we must obey the Son of God. The Bible settles the question how to be saved once and for all.
When can you be saved? God says: Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. There was one young woman who lived in sins; she did not want to get saved now. She said she wanted to be saved at the last moment. You do not know when your last moment is. When you walk out your home this morning, you may not walk back. If you suddenly get hit and die in an accident, your expiration date may have passed. The date of your salvation may expire. It is true, now under the dispensation of grace, you can be saved any time; but you do not know when Jesus Christ returns. When you go bed tonight, you may not wake up and the date of your salvation may expire on you. For me to pass the expiration date and lost ¥200 was a small thing. For you to lose the day of your salvation, you will have to suffer eternal punishment in Hell is an unthinkable loss. Please get ready to meet your God, do it now. Will you come to Jesus now?
1. Christmas is not a Western or American festival or holiday.
Christmas is joy for all races and peoples of the world.
Luk 2:10-11,“But the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Note: There are many things that make people afraid in this world: crime, poverty, disease, hunger, unemployment, war, discrimination, corruption, injustice, terrorism, etc. The true meaning of Christmas is good news of great joy for all the people – for the peoples of all the world. The Savior was born so that you do not need to be afraid. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world who is able to save you to the end. This is the good news for all to rejoice.
Mat 2:10-11,“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Christmas is not commercialism. Capitalists love Christmas not because they love Jesus, because Christmas is the best season of the year to market their products and services and promote materialism in order to make money. Preachers of prosperity gospel proclaim material and monetary blessings intended to enrich themselves.
Note: You can worship only God. The wise men from the East worshiped Jesus because they knew Him to be God. The wise men gave gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts to Jesus as if to acknowledge the three offices of Jesus as King, Priest and Savior.
Christmas by tradition is a great time for gift-giving. So many Christians follow the custom in honoring the Lord. America is a capitalistic society, compounded by greed, there are more frauds committed than the stars in the sky. During Christmas scam artists ramp up their activities to prey on the generosity of the holiday season. The most infamous are the fake charities. There are many unlicensed organizations asking for money in the name of charity. Even registered charities, the most shocking practice they can raise $100, keep $99 and give away $1 and still be countered as charity. If things have not changed, the Salvation Army is most dependable. Even many Christmas sales are fraudulent. I used to observe a department store which jacked up the prices of merchandise and then put up %50 discount sign.
A German beer company used a Christmas tree to advertise and market its beer and liquor. People use Christmas in 1,001 ways for monetary gain. Greedy capitalists do not love Jesus, but they love Christmas as a great season for making money. I saw another liquor company decorated a Christmas tree to sell the hard liquor (I do not mention the name of the liquor because I do not want to advertise it). The Bible says, drunkards will go into Hell. See Who Will Go to Hellon my website.
The greatest gift is not material or money.
Rom 6:23,“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of God to humankind. Jesus Christ was born to die for sinners so that all who repent and believe in Him may receive the free gift of God which is eternal life in Christ.
2. Christianity is not white man’s religion.
Although the Gospel of Jesus Christ reached Europe first and the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as its state religion and later became the corrupt Roman Catholic Church.
The way white peoples have misrepresented Christianity dishonor the Lord Jesus. The way white peoples claim to be Christians and at the same time they are supremacists, imperialists, hegemonists, militarists and capitalists blaspheme the name of Christ.
3. Christianity is not “manifest destiny” of white people.
But God manifested in human form as Jesus Christ.
Christianity is not “white man’s burden” but the burden of the Lamb of God who bore the sin of the world. Western nations have used Christianity to justify their imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism, and world domination. The white supremacists historically have done so much evil and in the most un-Christian way.
The giant 100-foot-tall stylized Christmas tree with a big cross on top of it erected by South Korea near the demilitarized zone was not a harmless attempt at spreading holiday cheer. It was more like admitting Christianity is a tool of Western imperialism. Any symbol of Christianity must not be used for political or military propaganda. That was not the right way of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has nothing to do with Western colonialism, imperialism, hegemonism or capitalism. Just as atheism in not on God’s side, so is Western militarism.
4. The West is practicing a false version of Christianity.
Europe and America have only the form of Christianity without substantive reality. The Western values of money, power, and sex are contrary to the Christian values of faith, hope, and love. Western imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism, militarism, and capitalism have done great evil in the world. Is it not sad, since eternity is the most important matter; white or black supremacists thinking they are Christians and yet they lie, kill, destroy, and rob many nations and peoples–falsely believe they will enter the Kingdom of God?
5. When Christ was born, hope was born.
The hope of glory for mortal humanity to inherit immortality. The Messiah promised by God for a few thousand years finally arrived – the dawn of a new day, the day of salvation. By repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, sinners may have the forgiveness of sins and receive the eternal life.
The Christian hope is Jesus Christ, based on the Word of God.
Rom 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” The hope that the Scriptures say is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Rom 15:12, “And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” The hope in Jesus Christ is not to have prosperity and material blessings in this life.
1Cr 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” Greedy capitalists are the most miserable people because they have no hope and without God in the world. Preachers and believers of prosperity gospel are the most pitiable people in this life.
Eph 1:18, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”
Where are the riches of the glory of His inheritance?
Col 1:5, “Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel.” The West practices a false version of Christianity because they pin their hope on earth. So all Christians can declare with Paul,
Tts 1:2, “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.”
Tts 2:13, “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” When Jesus Christ returns, the blessed hope will be realized. You can have hope in God by accepting and believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
6. The true meaning of Christmas was proclaimed by the angel.
“But the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. To you is born this day in the city of David the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luk 2:10-11) Gospel means good news. Christ in Greek is Christos which means “anointed” equivalent to Hebrew “Messiah” – the One anointed by God, the Son of God. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Mat 1:21) Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation.” Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. Jesus is the Christ who can save you from your sins.
Commercialism is rampant in the name of Christmas. For example, a hotel hosts a Christmas feast at $300 per person. It would be better to use the $300 to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ or for the furtherance of the Gospel. See the article GIVING on my website. For example, you can use $300 to reach 300 poor persons with the good news by giving one with $1 each and saying: Jesus is the Savior and Jesus loves you. Jesus was born so that you have hope, Jesus died so that you can be saved. Jesus rose from the dead to give you eternal life. That is the true meaning of Christmas.
7. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luk 2:14).
Glory belongs to God. Men need peace. How to have peace? Sinners are enemies of God and the wicked do not have peace. For this reason, Jesus Christ came down from Heaven to bring us the Gospel of peace. Christ made peace with God on our behalf through the blood of His cross. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:1) Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose from death for our justification. So anyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ may have peace with God and receive eternal life.
8. People who have peace with God will also have goodwill toward men.
Those who have malice and ill will are not Christians. Warmongers and aggressors are not Christians. Oppressors and greedy capitalists are not Christians. You cannot be evildoers and call yourselves Christians. Let people turn away from evil and do good. Let us seek peace and pursue it. For Jesus Christ is coming again soon to judge the world and reign and rule with the saints forever and ever. White supremacists by definition are not Christians. It is impossible to be a Christian and a warmonger and a killer.
The most laughable thing is the white and black supremacists who claim to be Christians and at the same time they engage in wars to conquer and subdue other nations and peoples. There is no such a thing calls Christian nationalism. There is no Christian imperialism. There is no Christian nation on earth. There is no Christian capitalism. There is no Christian terrorism. All who commit terrorist acts are children of the devil.
9. What does it mean to keep Christmas well?
Not as anyone puts it. All the stories about Christmas — from Matthew and Luke to John (3:16) are good; and certainly not from Dr. Seuss, Scrooge, Fezziwig Christmas Ball which are foreign to the Bible. No man is qualified to remind us how to keep Christmas, except the Word of God. Christmas is centered on Jesus Christ. When Christ was born, hope was born. You can celebrate Christmas with charity, humility, good will and a prayer for peace and still miss the central message of Christmas. A prayer for peace by warmongers and hegemonists is an abomination to the Lord because God hates hypocrisy.
During the Christmas season crooks and criminals are very active and busy in seizing the opportunity of good will to prey on the givers. Have you not already received e-mails of all sorts asking for donation? These are shameless crooks and criminals who get money illegally in the name of charity. They would presumptuously use the name of God or Christ and for the purpose of the Gospel and the poor, in a variety of schemes. Do not give a penny to them. If things do not change, I recall Salvation Army is an honorable charity organization. When I give to what I think deserving beggars on the street, I always give with a message: Jesus loves you.
Luk 2:9-11,“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them: Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you miss the message of Christmas.
Luk 2:14,“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” If you pursue money and power to dominate the world, you do not have goodwill toward men and you do not glorify God.
Jhn 3:3,“Jesus answered and said to him: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
A Catholic priest wrote, “If Christmas is the season opener, Easter is the Super Bowl.” God does not recognize the Super Bowl; Super Bowl is nothing to God. Rom 1:4,“Who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.” The resurrection of Jesus does prove His divinity. It is not the day that matters, not the church’s liturgical calendar that matters; it is the Word of God that matters. It is silly to argue whether Easter is more important than Christmas or vice versa.
Rom 14:5-6,“One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.”
Gal 4:10-11,“You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, lest I have labored over you in vain.” The Roman Catholic Church has many man-made doctrines and traditions of men which are not in the Bible. The Bible never says the Christmas season lasts 12 days or the Easter season lasts 50 days.
What Catholic theologians and scholars say are unimportant. The Gospel of John does not mention the birth of Jesus because the Gospel presents Jesus as the Word, and the Word was God. Jesus Christ is God. God certainly did not have a birth day, for God is Self-Existent and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting. Catholics are wrong to believe that Mary remained a virgin her entire life. Mary was a virgin because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Certainly Jesus was not the carpenter’s son; Jesus was the Son of God.
Mat 1:18,“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, beforetheycame together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.” Jesus was conceived before Joseph and Mary came together (had sex). How could Mary remained a virgin in perpetuity when she and Joseph came together and produced sons and daughters?
Mat 13:55-56,“Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then didthis man get all these things?”
Mar 3:31,“Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent wordto Him and called Him.” The Bible does not say how many children Mary had with Joseph, we are told they had 4 sons and daughters, not knowing how many daughters and without giving names of their daughters. There is no Christmas Mass, midnight or not. Mass was a Catholic invention, contrary to the Bible. The Bible teaches about the Lord’s Supper, to remember the death of Jesus Christ.
If you think the Gospel of Jesus Christ has something to do with earthly and material blessings, you are absolutely mistaken. As the Gospel of John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” There are two great benefits in believing in Christ and being saved by grace: the believers will not perish in hell, but have eternal life in heaven. To believe in Jesus Christ is to receive eternal life.
You may have received many Christmas gifts, but if you have not received the greatest gift of God, Jesus Christ, to be your Lord and Savior; all material and financial gifts are nothing and will pass away. To receive Jesus Christ is to receive eternal life.
There is no safe place anywhere in the world. During the Nixon’s presidency, probably in an overall assessment, America was the best country in the world and it was the golden era of American history. In 1975 I went to investigate and study the most advanced civilizations in the world consisting of England, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. By 1976 I concluded weather aside; Norway was the most desirable country in the world. However, the massacre took place in July 2011 announced the paradise was lost in Norway, compounded by the defective Norwegian legal system. You cannot find a good and safe place anymore in the world anywhere. You will be so disappointed no matter where you are and no matter what kind of political system a country might have. Let me tell you the good news, there is a better country if you look up.
Hbr 11:16, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” One morning I was on my way to church, a female janitor asked me if it would cost money to go. I told her it was free. You can have a better country than anyone on earth and the Holy City the New Jerusalem for free. If only you confess you are a sinner unable to save yourself and believe in Jesus Christ the Savior who died for sinners and rose again from the dead to offer eternal life to whoever comes to Him. This is the good news. December 21, 2012 will not be the end of the world. The end of the world will come when Jesus Christ returns to establish the Kingdom of heaven and reign with the saints forever and ever.
In America and the West, corporations use Christmas trees to sell liquor and all kinds of products; they love Christmas out of capitalistic greed, not because they love Jesus. In South Korea they erected and lighted a giant Christmas tree tower to engage in psychological war with North Korea. Christianity is NOT a tool of capitalism, imperialism, hegemonism and militarism. The leaders of South Korea are practicing a wrong version of Christianity, if they are wise they should break the bondage and yoke of American imperialism, engaging in peaceful negotiation with North Korea and abandoning the destructive policy of Koreans killing Koreans, and cease to be an American frontline to be sacrificed for the unholy American alliance.
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
This article is written to let you know, the judgement of God is as sure as death. No one can escape the judgment of God. It is only a matter of time. The wise must prepare for the inevitable.
The Judgment of God may be sooner than you think! Who has thought the arrival of CORONAVIRUS?! This article is written to let you know that God will judge the world when Jesus Christ comes again to be the King of kings and Lord of lords. No one can escape, not even the leaders and politicians of the sole super power; not Western leaders; not Islamic terrorists. No one can escape.
Rom 2:5, “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
Note:Judgement in Greek isdikaiokrisiawhich means a just sentence; righteous judgment; the final judging of humankind by God; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. You are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart. An unrepentant heart is the evil heart of unbelief.
In order to understand the Judgement of God, it is necessary to understand first the concept of law, the nature of divine law, the meaning of judgment, the wrath of God, why judgment is necessary, how God executes judgment, God institutes death penalty, when does God execute judgment, who is to judge the living and the dead, and the last judgment. In the judgment of God the Lord of hosts is exalted, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. The judgment of God is not a court of judgment. The voluminous Scriptures on the Judgement of God may be dogmatic, but never apologetic in character. The truth of God is not a theological development over time. For God is both the Ruler and Judge. One should never treat any Biblical subject from the point of view of Judaism or any ideology or influence of any religion. We must take God at His Word. Judgment is the path of justice. The universality of the judgment of God applies to all humankind, the living and the dead, from the beginning of the world to the end of the world. It is absolutely wrong to compare the judgment of God with ancient or Oriental monarchs and cruel tyrants who delighted in tormenting their subjects.
Eze 7:27, “The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with horror, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. According to their conductI will deal with them, and by their judgments I will judge them. And they will know that I am the LORD.’”
Note: The judgment of God will let the peoples of the world know that God Almighty is the LORD. LORD in Hebrew isYĕhovah which means LORD GOD; JEHOVAH; the Existing One; the proper name of the one true God; the SELF-EXISTENT or Eternal; the Supreme God; the God of the Heavenly hosts; the most holy name of God; – which occurs 6,825 times in the Old Testament. The judgment of God reveals who God is.
Just as the creation of the Heavens and earth declares the glory of God and that God Almighty is the Creator; the sovereignty of God declares that God rules the universe; the redemption of God’s own possession declares God is our Redeemer; so the judgment of God declares God is the Judge of Heavens and earth, the Judge of nations and peoples, and the Judge of the living and dead, the righteous and upright Judge.
The Day of Judgment is not a concept inherited by Jesus. The idea that Jesus was influenced by tradition of men, the cosmic myths of Babylon, fables, cultural or historical development of surrounding nations, Persian dualism or pagan thinking is absolutely false and facetious. Secular academics and unbelieving theologians are ignorant both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. The Day of Judgment is Scriptural from the beginning. Jesus Christ only explains it more clearly. Jhn 5:22-24, “Furthermore, the Father does not judge anyone, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,so that all people will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears My message and believes the ONE who sent ME has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life.”
Note: To be saved is to have crossed over from death to life and to have eternal LIFE and will not be condemned. The saved will be exempt from the judgment to come, for their sins have been forgiven atoned by the precious blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Exo 32:34, “But go now, lead the people where I told you. Behold, My angel shall go before you; nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.”
Amo 3:2, “You only have I chosen among all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”
Note: The basic idea of judgment is for God to punish iniquities, to punish sin. Only God is the Judge, there is no other.
It is incorrect to say with the Jews, the judgment of the living was a far more prominent idea than the judgment of the dead. The following Scriptures prove otherwise:
Job 21:13, “They spend their days in prosperity, And suddenly they go down to Sheol.”
Psa 28:1, “A Psalm of David. To You, O LORD, I call; My Rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the Pit.”
Psa 30:3, “O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol; You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the Pit.”
Psa 55:15, “Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.”
Psa 143:7, “Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the Pit.”
Note: Hell is the Bottomless Pit.
Pro 1:12, “Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the Pit.”
Isa 38:18, “For Sheol cannot thank You, Death cannot praise You; Those who go down to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.”
Eze 32:18,“Son of man, wail for the hordes of Egypt and bring it down, her and the daughters of the powerful nations, to the nether world, with those who go down to the Pit.”
The great day of the Lord as the Day of Judgment is prominent and prevalent even in the Old Testament:
Joe 2:31, “The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before thegreat and awesome day of the LORD comes.
Zep 1:14, “Near is the great day of the LORD, Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly.”
Isa 13:6, “Wail, for the day of the LORD is near! It will come as destruction from the Almighty.”
Isa 13:9, “Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, Cruel, with fury and burning anger, To make the land a desolation; And He will exterminate its sinners from it.”
Eze 30:3,“For the day is near, Even the day of the LORD is near; It will be a day of clouds, A time ofdoom for the nations.”
Joe 1:15, “Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.”
Joe 2:1, “Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near.”
Joe 2:11, “The LORD utters His voice before His army; Surely His camp is very great, for strong is He who carries out His Word.The day of the LORD is indeedgreat and very awesome, and who can endure it?”
Joe 2:31,“The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
Oba 1:15,“For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head.”
2Pe 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the Heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”
Note: What kind of “intense heat” can melt elements? They are intense heat produced by atomic and hydrogen bombs.
Isa 13:13, “Therefore I will make the Heavens tremble, And the earth will be shaken from its place At the fury of the LORD of hosts In the day of His burning anger.”
Eze 7:19, “They will fling their silver into the streets and their gold will become an abhorrent thing; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetite nor can they fill their stomachs, for their iniquity has become an occasion of stumbling.”
Zep 2:3, “Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’S anger.”
1Co 1:8, “who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: Christians seek to be blameless in the Day of the Lord.
I. THE CONCEPT OF LAW
There are two types of law: human and divine. In human law, law is usually a system of enforceable rules governing social relations and legislated by a political system connected to ideology and value.
Human law is any law made by man, be it by one man who is usually the king; or by a group of men (legislators). Divine law was made by God through His servants such as Moses and prophets, and the last by Jesus Christ. Divine Law is long completed as it is written in the Bible (The Old and New Testaments). As Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended to the Heaven; He sent the Holy Spirit to inspire the Apostles and disciples to complete the New Testament. If anyone claims to have a new revelation other than what is written in the New Testament, he must be an impostor and a liar.
Law is necessary if groups of people are to live together in a place or territory. No law is needed if one man lives alone by himself in the universe. He is law to himself with all consequences. His behavior only affects himself and no one else. In a one man universe, law is not necessary because the man does what he pleases, good or bad, he himself will reap the benefits or suffer the consequences of his conduct. Law by itself implies that man is bad, he requires law to rule his behavior.
Human Laws are based on and greatly influenced by ideology. Concepts of ideology may be liberal, conservative, dogmatic, progressive, capitalistic, democratic, autocratic, communistic, imperial, socialistic, authoritarian, equalitarian or totalitarian. Human ideologies are like humans, full of faults and flaws and failures. Especially in Western nations, their governments and justice systems are held hostage by military-industrial-security complex, special interests of lawyers, health care, banking, labor, Wall Street and Hollywood. The 99 per cent of the population is ruled by one per cent of the population. The so-called Rule of Law is often practiced as the Rule of Money and Might.
Law is not necessary for a good man, for a good man is law to himself. For two persons to live together, law of a complex nature may not be necessary. However, rules are necessary even for two persons if they are going to get along or live in harmony.
In this article we are not concerned about human laws, for human laws do not apply or govern God. The law of a nation only governs its land. There are Western imperial nations that impose their laws on other nations which are unlawful and illegal. God punishes men not according to human laws. God judges men according to His laws.
Est 1:15, “According to law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?”
Note: Now the king faces a crisis when his queen does not obey his command. It is interesting to know that even a king has to act according to law. A lawless king will not be respected by his servants and people. And so King Ahasuerus consulted hiswise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—. Somehow I feel the ancient system of government works better and more effective than all Western powers today that claim to be democratic and constitutional. I find Memucan to be a wise and interesting fellow. Memucan in Persian is Mĕmuwkanwhich means“dignified”, one of the 7 princes of Persia in the reign of Ahasuerus. The meaning of his name fits the person properly. There are so many undignified leaders nowadays not to say corrupt politicians.
Est 1:16-22, “In the presence of the king and the princes, Memucan said, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women causing them to look with contempt on their husbands by saying, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in to his presence, but she did not come.’This day the ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s conduct will speak in the same way to all the king’s princes, and there will be plenty of contempt and anger.If it pleases the king, let a royal edict be issued by him and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti may no longer come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king give her royal position to another who is more worthy than she.When the king’s edict which he will make is heard throughout all his kingdom, great as it is, then all women will give honor to their husbands, great and small.This word pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed.”
You see how important are wise men and women of a country to make good national proposals. Unlike the legislators today of many Western powers who are servants of big corporations and special interests and so no one serves the national interest. Some so-called think tanks made proposals to engage in unjust wars. The U. S. government has a “RAND PLAN” to win nuclear war against China. America is held hostage by military-industrial-security complex that rules the nation. A certain Western power has the most violent and unsafe society because the nation has no gun control law. The gun lobby buys up all congressmen so that there is no gun control law and guns are readily available to any one. The nation also has the most costly, fraudulent and predatory health care system in the world because government officials have the best health care paid by the tax payers, and they don’t care how crooked doctors, dentists, hospital owners, drug and insurance companies, medical suppliers, labs, etc. defraud, overcharge and bankrupt the families. The vast bureaucracies of many nations are self-serving and virtual ruling government bodies. It is significant that that the laws of Persia ruled more effectively and efficiently than Western democracies with so-called constitutions.
“So he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province according to its script and to every people according to their language, that every man should be the master in his own house and the one who speaks in the language of his own people.”
Note: There are so many dim-witted leaders and politicians who do not realize the importance to have one national language. Years ago I proposed the American English to be the sole national language, the official language of government, business, school and public. In private everyone is free to speak in any language you choose. Some years ago I was pissed off by an American airport in the east to use the public speaking system to make announcements in Spanish!
Dan 6:12, “Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?” The king replied, “The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.”
Note: According to the law of the Medes and Persians, a signed injunction by the king may not be revoked.
Dan 6:15, “Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
Note: The king was forced to agree and recognize, that it is a law of Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king established may be changed.
Jhn 7:51,“Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?”
Note: It is universally recognized legal practice that Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing.
Rom 2:12, “For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law.”
Rom 3:19, “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.”
Note: It is clear we all have sinned. The Gentiles have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law. The Jews have sinned under the Law will be judged by the law and also perish. The Law cannot and does not save anyone. God will judge sinners. The super powers cannot escape.
The Western leaders are the most lawless, they can attack and sanction any country or people they don’t like. They are above the international law and they make laws to force on other nations and peoples. The judgment of God will be more severe with those who claim and pretend to be Christians, in fact they are children of the devil who rules the world.
II. THE NATURE OF DIVINE LAW
Human law by nature is very different from the divine law. Human law may be biased, unfair, arbitrary, unjust, unrighteous, etc. If violation of human law is so serious, how much more is transgression of divine law. The divine law is not local, but universal. In the Law of God, right or wrong depends solely on the sight of God, everything must subject to Hill will. The Law of God is not based human moral premises or ideologies. God does not seek consensus of men.Psa 115:3, “But our God is in the Heavens;He does whatever He pleases.” 1Co 4:20, “For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.” God does not pervert justice. God does not pay attention to folly. God does not care about the social norms, legal opinions or theories of men. Human supervenience does not determine the Law of God. To God, induction or deduction are elementary.
Deu 10:17, “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.” Psa 119:142, “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.” The Law of God is truth.
A. THE LAW IS HOLY.
Rom 7:12, “So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy andrighteous and good.”
Note: Law in Greek is nomos which means a rule; command; custom; precept; injunction; controlling principle; anything established; Mosaic Law; the sacred books of the Old Testament; the moral instruction given by Christ; – which occurs 196 times in the New Testament.
Holy in Greek is hagios which means pure; blameless; consecrated; worthy of veneration; incomparable majestic; divine; – which occurs 248 times in the New Testament. Righteous in Greek is dikaios which means just; morally right; meet; upright; virtuous; innocent; faultless; guiltless; wholly conformed to the will of God; approved or acceptable to God; equitable; – which occurs 96 times in the New Testament. Good in Greek is agathos which means that which is good; of good nature; useful; pleasant; agreeable; upright; honorable; excellent; distinguished; beneficial; admirable; suitable; advantageous; morally sound; wholesome;- which occurs 128 times in the New Testament.
The problem is: the Law is holy but man is sinful. A sinful man is unable to keep the holy Law.
B. THE LAW IS SPIRITUAL.
Rom 7:14, “For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.”
Note: Spiritual in Greek ispneumatikoswhich means non-carnal; supernatural; pertaining to spirit, higher than man; belonging to the Divine Spirit; regenerate; incorporeal; relating to the inner character of a person; religious; – which occurs 29 times in the New Testament. The problem is: the Law is spiritual but man is carnal. Man is of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. Flesh is the enemy of the Spirit. The flesh is weak and unable to fulfill the Spiritual law.
C. THE LAW IS GOOD.
Rom 7:16, “But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.”
1Ti 1:8-10, “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderersand immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.”
Note: Good in Greek iskaloswhich means beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable; excellent in its nature and characteristics; valuable or virtuous; praiseworthy and noble; wholesome; right and proper; – which occurs 105 times in the New Testament.
Mat 7:11,“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
Note: You here means every man and woman. By the authority of Jesus Christ man is evil, no matter what scientists and philosophers may say otherwise. Evil in Greek is ponēroswhich means wicked; of a bad nature of condition; bad in essential character; degenerate; calamitous; vicious; facinorous; malicious; grievous; – which occurs 90 times in the New Testament. The question of whether man by nature is being good or evil is forever settled by the truth of Christ. Here lies the problem: the Law is good, but man is evil. The mismatch makes it impossible to realize the goal. That is the reason the evil man cannot save himself from his sins. No man can offer salvation to himself or to others. Western leaders who pretend the rule of law are the most wicked people on earth.
D. THE LAW IS PERFECT.
Psa 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
Note: Perfect in Hebrew is tamiym which means without blemish; upright; without spot; complete; full; without spot; sound; healthful; having integrity; sincere; whole; upright in conduct; blameless; flawless; pure; – 140 times in the Old Testament. Needless to say, man is imperfect.
Psa 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.”
Note: Wonderful in Hebrew is pala’ which means wondrous; marvelous; surpassing; extraordinary; distinguished; great; admirable; astonishing; – which occurs 102 times in the Old Testament. We need the Lord to open our eyes to reveal wonderful things from His law.
Psa 119:72, “The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
Heb 7:19, “(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”
Note: Make perfect in Greek is teleioō which means to finish; to fulfill; to accomplish; to consummate; to consecrate; to carry through completely; to bring to an end; – which occurs 33 times in the New Testament. Here is the problem: the Law of the Lord is perfect, but man is flawed, fallible and full of faults and shortcomings unable to obey the Perfect Law. Grace brings in a better hope to trust in the Lord our God and Savior.
E. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRIME AND SIN.
Rom 5:13, “for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”
Note: Impute in Greek is ellogeōwhich means to put on one’s account; to reckon in; set to one’s account; lay to one’s charge;
Violation of human law is usually called or considered a crime; violation of divine law is a sin. A sin may not be a crime, a crime is usually a sin. For example, adultery is not a crime in many countries, but adultery is a sin.Polygamy is not a crime in Islamic states, it is a sin by the Law of God. Greed is not a crime in many nations, actually I do not know any country treat greed as a crime; but creed is a great sin in the sight of God. Violation of the Sabbath in not a crime in the whole world, I am not sure it is a crime or not in Israel. Violation of the Sabbath is a sin according to Mosaic Law. Refusal to serve as jury is a crime in America, I believe it is not a sin. Especially I have served as a juror, and I do not believe the American jury system serves justice. A black man in Los Angeles killed his wife and a white man was declared not guilty by his black jurors. Blasphemy is not a crime in secular countries, but a crime in Islamic nations; and a great sin against God.
Do not confuse the Law of Moses with the law of any nation. The Law of Moses was established for the Jews according to theocracy, not democracy as many Western nations claim to be. The Law of Moses is divine law. God rules the Jewish state according to His statutes, commands and oracles. But the Jewish fathers could not fulfill the Law, and they could not obtain the righteousness derived from the Law.
When Jesus came a new dispensation began. Whatever man could not observe under the law, Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and obtained the righteousness of God. Therefore the Scripture says, Rom 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Gal 2:16, “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Gal 5:3, “And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.”
Note: The problem of man is unable to keep the whole Law.
Phl 3:9, “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Note: On the basis of Law, every man dies in sin. On the basis of faith, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is saved by grace through faith.
Mat 5:18,“For truly I say to you, until Heaven and Earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Mat 7:12,“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Note: If all human beings treat people the same way you want them to treat you, law would not be required.
Mat 22:36,“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
Mat 22:37-38, “And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment.”
Psa 119:142, “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.”
Psa 40:8, “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”
Psa 119:77, “May Your compassion come to me that I may live, For Your law is my delight.”
Deu 4:8, “Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?”
Deu 27:26, “Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”
Note: Under the law, all peoples are cursed.
Deu 31:12, “Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.”
Note: People who hear and learn and fear the Lord, observe His words.
Jos 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”
Note: If one is careful to do according to all that is written in the Bible, he will make his way prosperous, and then he will have success.
Rom 13:10, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Note: Love is the highest moral principle: Love does no wrong to anyone. Wars, conflicts, discrimination, oppression, aggression, sanction, greed, exploitation, injustice, and terrorism are all born of hatred. Jesus teaches love your neighbor as yourself. Watch out the religion of hatred. Watch out the ideology of hatred.
Jos 8:34, “Then afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.”
Note: To obey the words of the law is the blessing, to violate the law is the curse.
Jos 23:6, “Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left.”
Note: The way of truth is plain and straight, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left.
1Ki 2:3,“Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.”
Note: To obey God and to walk in His ways so that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.
2Ki 14:6, “But the sons of the slayers he did not put to death, according to what is written in the book of the Law of Moses, as the LORD commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not be put to death for the sons, nor the sons be put to death for the fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Mosaic Law is so complex and comprehensive, roughly composed of moral law which deals with God and human relationships; and ceremonial law (I feel the term is not adequate) which deals various offerings and sacrifices and purification and cleaning, etc. The following Scriptures are an example of Ceremonial Law:
Lev 7:1, “Now this is the law of the guilt offering; it is most holy.”
Lev 7:7, “The guilt offering is like the sin offering, there is one law for them; the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it.”
Lev 7:11, “Now this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be presented to the LORD.”
Lev 7:37, “This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering and the sin offering and the guilt offering and the ordination offering and the sacrifice of peace offerings.”
Lev 11:46, “This is the law regarding the animal and the bird, and every living thing that moves in the waters and everything that swarms on the earth.”
Lev 12:7, “Then he shall offer it before the LORD and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, whether a male or a female.”
Lev 13:59, “This is the law for the mark of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, for pronouncing it clean or unclean.”
Lev 14:32, “This is the law for him in whom there is an infection of leprosy, whose means are limited for his cleansing.”
Lev 14:54, “This is the law for any mark of leprosy—even for a scale.”
Lev 14:57, “to teach when they are unclean and when they are clean. This is the law of leprosy.”
Lev 15:32, “This is the law for the one with a discharge, and for the man who has a seminal emission so that he is unclean by it.”
Our focus is on Moral Law because that is whereby God judges the people. The Ten Commandments is a case in point.
III. THE MEANING OF JUDGMENT
Isa 5:16, “But the LORD of hosts will be exalted in judgment, And the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.”
Note: Injustice insulted God, justice exalted God. The Lord of hosts is exalted in His judgment. God shows Himself holy in righteousness. God is exalted in His power, in His power of executing judgment on the wicked and the unrighteous. Righteousness and justice belong to God. The throne of God is not made of ivory and gold, royal it may be. The throne of God is the throne of righteousness and justice. The judgment of God is not a doctrine of supererogation.
Psa 67:4, “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.”
Isa 33:22, “For the LORD is our judge, The LORD is our lawgiver, The LORD is our king; He will save us—The coast lands will wait for Me, And for My arm they will wait expectantly.”
Psa 97:2, “Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.”
Psa 103:19, “The LORD has established His throne in the Heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.”
Note: The throne of God symbolizes His power, glory, and sovereignty.
Psa 9:8, “And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.”
Note: Equity in Hebrew is meysharwhich means uprightness; straightness; evenness; equality; smoothness; rectitude; sincerity; probity; justice; equal treatment; fairness; – which occurs 23 times in the Old Testament.
Ezr 7:26, “Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment.”
Note: Law is made to observe whether it is divine law or human law. There are two types of law: human law and divine law. Human law was made by king or ruler. In modern time, in countries where there are no kings, they have legislative body. As a case in point, the government of United States of America is made of three branches: the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The Executive Branch of government is represented by the President. The Legislative Branch of government is represented by the Congress. The Judiciary Branch of government is represented by the Supreme Court. On theory there is balance of power in the U.S. government. In reality democracy does not function properly, the government is held captive by vested interest and special interest. You must be blind to believe the American government is democratic and serves the American people. The American so-called democracy is ruled by one percent of the population over the ninety nine percent of the population. The one percent rulers consist of rich and powerful groups such as the Wall Street, the military-industrial-security complex, the health-care industry, the legal association, the labor, etc. America was built great by Protestant Ethics and American dream was real. I am a product of American dream. Since the end of World War II American government has gone astray turning into an evil empire, and the American dream is dead. I am not going to dwell on political theories and systems of government. I am not going to dwell here on why the American democracy and system of government have failed. I am pessimistic about the future of America for serious and solid reasons. All the facts and evidence force me not to have confidence that the American government will do as well as when President Richard Nixon was the president.
Divine law was represented by the Ten Commandments, which is the basis of almost all human laws: Here is a list of the abbreviated Ten Commandments based onExodus 20:2-17.
The following is an abbreviated Ten Commands for easy memory. I fully support the presentation which reflects the full original Ten Commandments Moses received from the Lord God Almighty. The Mosaic Law is much more detailed and represented by the Pentateuch (the first Five Books of the Old Testament).
Deu 4:12-20,“Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice.So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone.The LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that you might perform them in the land where you are going over to possess it.So watch yourselves carefully, since you did not see any form on the so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water below the earth.And beware not to lift up your eyes to Heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of Heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole Heaven.But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today.”
Deu 29:29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this Law.”
Although originally the Ten Commandments were given to the Jewish people, the children of Abraham. Christians are under grace, and not under law. However, except the Fourth Commandment of keeping the Sabbath which Christians do not need to observe, the rest of nine Commandments still apply to Christians. Christians are not told to observe circumcision or any day. Sunday is the day the Lord rose from the dead. Since early days Christians worship the Lord on Sunday, and keep every day holy for the Lord.
Gal 4:9-11, “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?You observe days and months and seasons and years.I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.”
Note: Christians do not turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, do not want to be enslaved by tradition and human teachings. Observance of days and months and seasons and years cannot save you. Catholic Church invented many useless observances before and during the Crucifixion.
Col 2:16-17,“Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day—things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Note: Food or drink or festival or new moon or Sabbath are things which are a mere shadow of what is to come. What was to come was Christ. When Christ came, grace and truth came. When Christ was born, hope was born. Jesus Christ came to reveal God to mankind. The substance belongs to Christ because Rom 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Act 3:18-21, “But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you,whom Heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.”
1Jo 3:23-34, “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
Note: Even if you keep the Ten Commandments, and you do not obey God’s commandment to believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, you will perish and die in your sins. For God says,Mat 17:5, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” God wants to whole human race to listen to His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. To listen is not only to hear, but to follow and obey.
Psa 7:11, “God is a righteous judge, And a God who has indignation every day.”
Psa 50:6, “And the Heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah.”
1Th 4:1-4“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.”
There are vast differences between crime and sin.
Dan 6:9-12,“Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?” The king replied, “The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.”
Note: Injunction in Hebrew is ‘ecar (Aramaic)which means an interdict; decree; prohibition; order; edict; command; – which occurs 7 times in the Old Testament. The importance about a statement is whether it is true or false, right or wrong, it does not matter who says it.
Dan 6:15, “Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
Note: Statute in Hebrew is qĕyam (Aramaic) which means an edict; decree; law; – which occurs 2 times in the Old Testament. It is interesting that it is a law of Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed. An unfair and unjust law should be abolished, not only changed. Only the Word of God does not change.
The law of man (usually made by king) in the form of an injunction or statute may not be changed and must be carried out. So the enemies of Daniel used law to trap the king and so the king must cast Daniel into the lions’ den. The king was bound by the law he made. The history was that the Living God shut the mouth of the lion and saved Daniel. The point here is the seriousness of the law, even the king is bound by law to carry out the punishment. Violation of human law has consequences. There is penalty for violation of law. How much more violation of God’s law.
Dan 9:11,“Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice; so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him.”
Note: Miserable man does not know or realize how terrible to sin against God. Fear God who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mat 5:17-18,“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.For truly I say to you, until Heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Note: Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law and our Savior accomplished the righteousness of God. So on the cross Jesus declared, “It is finished!” The redemptive work of Christ was finished and completed.
Mat 23:23,“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”
Note: Pharisees and hypocrites did not know and neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. The justice system that enriches the legal professions and lawyers, but does not serve justice and mercy and faithfulness is injustice. Faithfulness in Greek is in Greek ispistis which means fidelity; integrity; conviction of the truth of anything; belief with the predominate idea of trust; credence; credibility; – which occurs 243 times in the New Testament. Do you believe the justice system of your country has fidelity and integrity? Do you trust your leader or leaders? Sad is the answer.
2Ch 19:8, “In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
Note: The king is not possible to personally handle so may legal cases, so he appoints able and honorable people to judge disputes among his subjects.
Jhn 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”
Note: There are at least two dispensations in the administration of God, law in the Old Testament, grace and truth in the New Testament. Law was under Moses, grace and truth is under Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Rom 7:7, “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”
Note: Law becomes an instructor to give us the knowledge of sin. Law does not save, but it leads people to the Savior Jesus Christ. No one can observe the whole Law, so all have sinned and need to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Rom 8:3-4, “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Note: God sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, the Righteous for the unrighteous, so that what Jesus Christ has fulfilled the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in believers who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
Rom 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Note: Since Christ had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law, so Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes in Him. End in Greek istelos which means finality; ending; termination; the limit at which a thing ceases to be; the end to which all things relate; the conclusion of an act or state; ultimate purpose; Christ has brought the law to all end; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. Since Christ had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law, so Christ has brought the law for righteousness to the end. There is no possibility of earning the righteousness of God through the Law. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Rom 13:10, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; thereforelove is the fulfillment of the law.”
Note: Love is the highest Christian ideal. Jesus Christ teaches, Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor, so love is the fulfillment of the law.
Gal 3:24, “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may bejustified by faith.”
Note: Law has become our tutor to point to us we have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and leads us to Jesus Christ the Savior of the world so that we may be justified by faith. No one can be justified by work. No one is good enough to go to Heaven.
1Ti 1:8, “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully.”
Note: The Law is good, but men are sinful.
Heb 10:1, “For the Law, since it has onlya shadow of the good things to comeand not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.”
Note: The Law is a shadow of the good things to come. The good things to come are grace and truth in Jesus Christ. The sacrifices offered under the law do not make any man perfect. The sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ offered once and for all makes those perfect who draw near in the sight of God.
1Jo 3:4, “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”
Note: Sin is defined as lawlessness; and everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness.
Rom 14:23, “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.”
Note: A higher definition of sin: whatever is not from faith is sin. The greatest sin for a man is not to believe in God, and His Son the Savior.
1Jo 3:4, “Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Note: Another definition of sin: sin is the transgression (violation) of the law.
Rom 4:15, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.”
Note: If there is no law, there is no transgression. Transgression of the law brings about wrath — punishment.
Eze 34:17,“As for you, My flock, thus says the Lord GOD,‘Behold, I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the male goats.”
Eze 34:20, “Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them,“Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.”
Note: God will judge between one sheep and another; between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
Deu 29:23, “All its land is brimstone and salt, a burning waste,unsown and unproductive, and no grass grows in it, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His anger and in His wrath.”
Note: The wicked and evildoers, watch out God’s anger and wrath.
Jde 1:15, “to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all theungodly of all their ungodly deedswhich they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
The Divine Law is unlike the human law such as the American laws the opinions of the judges expressed in a review of the facts and law applicable to the controversy leading up to the adjudication expressed in the formal document. There is no distinction of civil and criminal case. Every case is criminal. Everything God does is formal and final. The all-knowing God knows instantly from the beginning all at once all the facts of the sinner’s conduct (deed, word, and thought) past and present, God does not need to consult other judges or legal precedent to determine the meaning and relevancy of His law. In the Books of God, no fake evidence has any chance to be presented, no dream team to make phony and theatrical presentation, and no jury consensus is sought or required. The sinner has no place to hide from the Omnipresent God. The trial will be swift and speedy. In an instant the sinner will be made to recall and remember all his deeds, words and thoughts through Divine illumination. As I understand the Bible, there will be no individual or case by case trial. Beforehand angels will separate billions and billions of mankind into two groups, one on the right and one on the left of the Judge of the living and dead. Mat 13:49,“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just.” Mat 25:33, “and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.”The Omniscient eye of God sees the defendant totally naked as he/she really is. What appears complex to men is so simple to God. God does not have doctrinal paradox or discursive dilemma. The sinner is unable to gainsay. There will never be a retrial, new trial or reversal of judgment. There will be no court fee, or fee of any kind. God’s execution of judgment is always just and fair, correct and righteous irrespective of person and it is final and eternal.
IV. THE WRATH OF GOD
THE LAW BRINGS ABOUT WRATH.
Rom 4:15, “for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”
Note: Wrath in Greek is orgēwhich means anger; vengeance; indignation; violent patience; justifiable abhorrence; anger exhibited in punishment; God’s response to man’s obduracy and disobedience; divine retribution; – which occurs 36 times in the New Testament. The wrath of God is a natural divine response to man’s disobedience and violation of the Law. A Holy, Righteous, and True God cannot tolerate sin and transgression of the Law.
Job 19:29, “Thenbe afraid of the sword for yourselves, For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, So that you may know there is judgment.”
Note: God wants the people to be afraid of His judgment for God is angry with the wicked sinners, God will punish the unrighteous.
Heb 10:30, “For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”
Note: Vengeance is Greek is ekdikēsis which means revenge; punishment; meting out justice; vindication; retribution; retaliation; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. Repay in Greek is antapodidōmi which means to recompense; to render penalty and vengeance; to requite; to make retaliation for; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. It is God who executes revenge or retaliation.
When God judges means God repays the wicked.
Psa 1:5, “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.”
Note: The wicked will not stand in the judgment means the wicked is unable to put up with with the final decision and bear the wrath of God.
Psa 7:6, “Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; Lift up Yourself against the rage of my adversaries, And arouse Yourself for me; You have appointed judgment.”
Eze 7:3, “Now the end is upon you, and I will send My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and bring all your abominations upon you.”
Note: God’s judgment is the end of everyone.
Eze 7:8, “Now I will shortly pour out My wrath on you and spend My anger against you; judge you according to your ways and bring on you all your abominations.”
Note: Abomination in Hebrew is tow`ebah which means a disgusting thing; wickedness; abhorrence; something abominable; something impure and illicit; something loathing; – which occurs 126 times in the Old Testament. God will bring on the wicked all their loathing things.
2Ch 36:16, “but they continuallymocked the messengers of God, despised His Words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy.”
Note: Western leaders who claim to be Christians continue to lie, lie and lie; kill, kill and kill; rob, rob, and rob. When the wrath of God arises against them, there will be no remedy. Remedy in Hebrew is marpe’which means healing; treatment; cure; deliverance; tranquility of mind; relief; – which occurs 17 times in the Old Testament,
Eze 25:14,“I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel. Therefore, they will act in Edom according to My anger and according to My wrath; thus they will know My vengeance,” declares the Lord GOD.”
Isa 13:13, “Therefore I will make the Heavens tremble, And the Earth will be shaken from its place At the fury of the LORD of hosts In the day of His burning anger.”
Note: The burning anger of God is so awesome that the Heavens tremble and the Earth shaken.
Rom 4:15, “for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”
Rom 1:18-32, “For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.Professing to be wise, they became fools,and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committingindecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”
Note: Suppress in Greek iskatechō which means to hold back; to detain or retain; to hinder; to restrain; to hold down; – which occurs 25 times in the New Testament. You watch some Western leaders who suppress the truth in unrighteousness by word and deed again and again, they do not seem to be afraid of the judgment of God to fall upon them suddenly.
Rom 2:1-16, “Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will betribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.For when Gentiles who do not have the Law doinstinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,on the day when, according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”
I do not know anything in history comparable to what Japanese had done to China in 14 years of aggression and occupation: mass murders, sexual slavery, labor slavery, bombing, germ warfare, and all kinds of atrocieties and brutalities’ only God knows everything. Japanese government and leaders had denied all their war crimes. Japan had never paid any war reparations and compeansations for killing 35 million innocent Chinese. On the contrary, Japanese leaders worship executed Japanese war criminals as national heroes and living gods. Being an ally of America, America not only remilitarized Japan, but also helped to whitewash Japanese war crimes, rewrote history, and distorted historical facts. I do not know whether God will judge Japan in this world or not. I know Japan, Japanese goverment, Japanese leaders and peoples, wiil never escape the judgment of God.
Jhn 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Note: Abide in Greek is menō which means to dwell; to remain; to continue; to stay; to tarry; to endure; to last; – which occurs 118 times in the New Testament. The wrath of God continues and remains on unbelievers.
Rom 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
When American and European leaders and politicians make false charges against China and Russia, they suppress the truth in unrighteousness. They do not seem to fear God.
The Bible provides an example of the fierce wrath of God:
Rev 16:19, “The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.”
Rom 2:5, “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
Note: The stubbornness and unrepentant heart of sinners are storing up wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Western leaders have committed so much evil in the world, who knows how much the wrath of God are storing up!
Eze 22:31, “Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads,” declares the Lord GOD.”
Note: Indignation in Hebrew is za`amwhich means anger; rage; fury; wrath; insolence; outrage; – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament.
Eph 5:3-7, “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;and there must be nofilthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.Therefore do not be partakers with them.”
Ezr 5:12, ”But because our fathers had provoked the God of Heavento wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon.”
Note: Provoke isrĕgaz(Aramaic) which means to enrage; to irritate; to stir up purposely; to make one angry; to evoke; to arouse; – which occurs 2 times in the Old Testament. Sons of disobedience and evildoers provoke God to wrath.
Ezr 7:23,“Whatever is commanded by the God of Heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of Heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.”
Psa 59:13, “Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more; That men may know that God rules in Jacob To the ends of the earth. Selah.”
Isa 51:20, “Your sons have fainted, They lie helpless at the head of every street, Like an antelope in a net, Full of the wrath of the LORD, The rebuke of your God.”
Jer 7:20, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, My anger and My wrath will be poured out on this place, on man and on beast and on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground; and it will burn and not be quenched.”
Psa 76:7-8, “You, even You, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?You caused judgment to be heard from Heaven; The earth feared and was still.”
Note: The arrogant warmongers, dictators, oppressors, supremacists, militarists, imperialists, capitalists, monopolists, secular academics, unbelieving theologians, fraudulent and corrupt doctors and hospital owners, scientists and philosophers, crooks and criminals, tycoons and terrorist cannot stand in God’s presence once God is angry.
Rev 19:15, “From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.”
Col 3:6, “For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience.”
Note: The wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience. Sinners, unbelievers, evildoers, idolaters, the wicked, the unrighteous, the greedy, the corrupt, etc. are the sons of disobedience.
Jas 5:9, “Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
Note: The Judge is standing right at the door means the judgment is near.
Rom 5:9, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath ofGod through Him.”
Note: The only way to be saved from the wrath of God is to repent of your sins now, to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Having now been justified by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, receiving the forgiveness of sins, we shall be saved the judgment of God.
The JewsAre Condemned by the Law, Moses could not save them. Only the Messiah can save them.
It may be possible to avoid the destruction of nuclear war, it is absolutely impossible to avoid the wrath of God.
V. WHY JUDGMENT IS NECESSARY.
Psa 9:7, “But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment.”
Note: The God we worship is the Lord who abides (lives) forever; the sovereignty of God requires that He established His throne for judgment.
Lev 19:15, “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly.”
Judgment is necessary to administer justice. To administer justice one must observe the principle of justice. The principle of justiceincludes:
(A). You shall do no injustice in judgment.
(B). You shall not be partial.
(C). You are to judge fairly.
(D). The judgment is God’s.
Deu 1:17, “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.”
Note: To achieve the goal that the judgment is God’s:
(A). You shall not show partiality in judgment.
(B). You shall hear the small and the great alike.
(C). You shall not fear man.
God’s judgment is righteous judgment.
Deu 16:18, “You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”
Law cannot exist without judgment. Law without judgment is not law. Law without judgment is like a parent without discipline.
Gen 31:42, “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, so He rendered judgment last night.”
Note: God knows and sees everything. God renders judgement fairly.
Lev 19:35, “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measurement of weight, or capacity.”
Note: Many nations have wrong measurement and wrong standard in judgement and wrong values and wrong systems of government.
1Ki 3:28, “When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.”
Note: King or head of a nation needs the wisdom of God in him to administer justice. The world is in a mess because many world leaders do not have the wisdom of God. The king who handed down right judgment will be respected. The leader of a nation who walks in the light and take the right path will be respected. Many wrong leaders are leading their nations astray and leading their people to decline and destruction. A warmongering leader is the curse of any nation.
Ch 19:6, “He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.”
Note: Israel was under theocracy, the judges do not judge for man but for the Lord. Some nations today practice their evil religious laws and inflict great injustice to their peoples. Some countries who claim to be practicing democracy are held hostage by their rich and powerful groups and their peoples suffer injustice and inequality.
2Ch 19:8, “In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
Note: Where the ruling elite makes the laws, administers the law, and prosecutes the law, justice is often perverted. Litigation becomes big business, the legal profession is greatly enriched by rules and regulations, the establishment serves the interest of the rich and powerful at the expense of the great majority.
1Ch 16:33, “Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; For He is coming to judge the earth.”
Note: Because the LORD is coming to judge the earth, then even the trees of the forest will sing for joy.
1Ki 8:32, “then hear in Heaven and act and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked by bringing his way on his own head and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.”
2Ch 6:23, “then hear from Heaven and act and judge Your servants, punishing the wicked by bringing his way on his own head and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.”
Psa 110:6, “He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.”
Isa 3:13, “The LORD arises to contend, And stands to judge the people.”
Note: Contend in Hebrew isriyb which means to strive; to chide; to plead a cause; to debate; to grapple; to wrangle; to hold a controversy; to defend; to rebuke; to argue; – which occurs 72 times in the Old Testament. God is not a pacifist or reservist, God arises to contend for justice.
Isa 11:4, “But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.”
Note: Slay in Hebrew ismuwth which means to kill outright; to have one executed; to put to death; to strike down; to destroy; – which occurs 984 times in the Old Testament. With the breath of God’s lips He will kill the wicked.
Psa 82:8, “Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations.”
Note: Many do not know it is God who possesses all the nations.
Psa 94:2, “Rise up, O Judge of the earth, Render recompense to the proud.”
Psa 96:10, “Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.”
Psa 96:13, “Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness.”
Psa 68:5, “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation.”
1Sa 2:10, “Those who fight against the LORD will be shattered. He thunders against them from Heaven; the LORD judges throughout the earth. He gives power to His king; He increases the strength of His anointed one.”
Note: To be shattered in Hebrew ischathath which means to be broken in pieces; to be dismayed; to be afraid; to be confounded; to be abolished; to be beaten down; to ruin, to be scared; to be terrified; to be broken down in fear; to be frightened; to be put to shame; – which occurs 57 times in the Old Testament. Those who fight against the LORD will be demolished or shattered or to be broken in pieces.
1Co 4:5, “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”
Note: Part of the judgment of God is to bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts.
Jde 1:6, “And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept ineternal bonds under darknessfor the judgment of the great day.”
Note: Only the eternal God can make eternal bonds to keep fallen angels under darkness for the judgment of the great day.
Rev 14:7, “and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the Heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”
Note: On the Day of Judgment the hour of God’s judgment will come, and that coincides with the second coming of Jesus Christ.
VI. HOW DOES GOD EXECUTE JUDGMENT
Some scholar thinks himself clever: judgment is a function of the intellect; that act by which we predicate one thing of another. Judgment is defined as the act by which the mind combines or separates two terms by affirmation or denial. A judgment always implies the presence of two ideas in the mind, a comparison of these two ideas, and the affirmation of their agreement or disagreement. This scholar only recognizes two ideas in his mind.
Isa 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Note: God declares His thoughts are not human thoughts, nor are His ways human ways. Thought in Hebrew is machashabah which means imagination; purpose; means; device; plan; invention; contrivance; intention; that which one meditates; act or product of thinking; something in the mind; cogitation; – which occurs 56 times in the Old Testament. Way in Hebrew is derek which means manner; method; road; path; direction; habit; mode of action; course of action; route; means; – which occurs 679 times in the Old Testament. I do not have problem with God’s thoughts and His ways. I regularly find fault and flaw with any human criminal justice system and I often disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision. Do you know how high are the Heavens higher than the earth? Do you see how stupid the ways many nations are managing their countries? That explains why the whole world is in such a mess and deplorable condition. Consequently, the longer I live, the less confidence I have in humanity. The more I see the less I trust in the government of men. Open up your eyes and look far and wide, where can you find a decent country in the whole wide world today?
(A). Punishment must fit the sin or crime.
Ezr 7:26, “Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment.”
Note: First the people cannot be ignorant of the law. There are some Western nations who take pride with their so-called democratic system of government, and yet their legal system is so complicated, and their laws not only are voluminous but required legal opinion or interpretation of a judge or a certified lawyer. The proof is the language of law or rule or regulation that even a Ph.D. may not understand. I had a classmate in law school who told me she could not understand the whole life insurance policy. They use difficult legal language and clouded verbiage, not plain English language, so that common people by force need to hire legal services in all sorts of matters and procedures. Just like the income tax form is so complicated coupled with awesome rules and regulations and cryptic instructions that ordinary citizen are forced to hire an accountant or lawyer to file their income tax returns. How can people observe the law that they do not understand?
Execute is `abad (Aramaic) which means to do; to work; to make; to prepare; to administer; – which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. Strictly is‘ocparna’(Aramaic) which means speedily; swiftly; fast; forthwith; carefully; diligently; studiously; wisely; entirely; perfectly; – which occurs 10 times in the Old Testament. The American jury system is useless and waste of time. In the first place the jury themselves do not understand the law, it is a travesty of justice to require full agreement. How many wicked and vicious criminals escape judgment that they deserve because the jury could not agree completely. Let judgment be executed upon the criminal strictly or speedily. The American justice is the slowest to benefit the criminals and enrich defense lawyers and prosecution and the court.
There are various kinds of punishment for various types of sin or crime. Some sins according to Mosaic Law must be executed strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment.
Psa 9:8, “And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.”
Note: Righteousness in Hebrew is tsedeq which means justice; natural, moral and legal right; righteous cause; what is right, just or normal; equity; straightness; rightness; what is right and just; what ought to be so; integrity; – which occurs 123 times in the Old Testament. Equity in Hebrew is meyshar which means uprightness; upright things; evenness; straightness; levelness; smoothness; rectitude; that are equal; sincerity; probity; justice; that which is just; – which occurs 23 times in the Old Testament. The righteous God will judge the world in righteousness, and He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.
(B). Each shall be put to death for his own sin.
2Ki 14:6, “But the sons of the slayers he did not put to death, according to what is written in the book of the Law of Moses, as the LORD commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not be put to death for the sons, nor the sons be put to death for the fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”
2Ch 25:4, “However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, which the LORD commanded, saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Note: Sin or crime is personally liable. According to the commandment of the Lord, The fathers shall not be put to death for the sons, nor the sons be put to death for the fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin, whether small or great, man or woman.So the practice of Chinese emperors to put to death the nine clans of one offender or culprit is un-Scriptural and unfair and unjust.
Jer 38:4, “Then the officials said to the king, “Now let this man be put to death, inasmuch as he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people but rather their harm.”
Note: It is possible and rational to put to death a traitor for his treasonous words against his own country, not seeking the well-being of his people but rather their harm. This is the legal opinion of the officials.A man can betray his own country by aiding the enemies and seeking their well-being and harming his own people.In fact, there are many Chinese traitors in Taiwan and Hong Kong, etc. according to the legal opinion expressed, they may be put to death. The Chinese leaders must see the real situation in Taiwan and Hong Kong clearly without delusion. Those Chinese traitors do the bidding of their Western masters intending to destroy and overthrow the Chinese government. The Chinese leaders cannot be soft and make wrong judgment. As regards Taiwan, it is high time to liberate Taiwan by force and execute all Chinese traitors and foreign agents there. With respect to Hong Kong the evidence is amply clear, those rioters and criminals and terrorists are hired and recruited foreign agents with intent to overthrow the Hong Kong government. Talking with traitors is like bargaining with terrorists. The Hong Kong leaders are too soft, the police force is too weak to maintain law order, the legal system is held hostage and unable to administer justice. It is a deadly mistake to consider or treat those traitors in Taiwan and Hong Kong as Chinese people. They are not, in fact they are foreign agents hired to overthrow Chinese government. It is high time for Beijing to send in the liberation army to restore law and order and execute the Chinese traitors, foreign agents, crooks and criminals. The government which hesitates will be lost. Force can only be brought down by stronger and legal force. Fire can only be put out by the wrath of judgment. Mercy to the enemies is suicide to yourself. The time to act is now (08/26/2019). China must act before it is too late!
Jdg 20:13, “Now then, deliver up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and remove thiswickedness from Israel.” But the sons of Benjamin would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the sons of Israel.”
Note: To put to death the worthless fellows who are worthy of death is to remove the wickedness from the land. So those nations that abolish death penalty and let murderers and killers live is to add wickedness to their land. Many Western nations have abolished capital punishment and thus they violated the death penalty instituted by God and pollute their lands with innocent blood and injustice.
1Sa 2:25, “If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the LORD desired to put them to death.”
Note: Those who are put to death according to the Law of God because the Lord desired to put them to death. The Holy and Righteous God desires to put to death those evil criminals who are worthy of death.
1Sa 22:17, “And the king said to the guards who were attending him, “Turn around and put the priests of the LORD to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me.” But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD.”
Note: When a wicked king gives order to put the righteous to death, the servants of the king are justified to disobey. When a government engages in a war of aggression and destruction or does wickedly and unjustly, the citizens may refuse to go to war on legal principle and refuse to cooperate on ground of injustice.
Rom 2:16, “on the day when, according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”
Note: This is the core of justice, not only God will judge according to deeds, God will judge the secrets of men. Secret in Greek is kryptoswhich means hidden matter; concealed matter; private matter; the hidden things of darkness and shame; undercover; things covered; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. Do you know many most powerful and rich people in the world have most shameful and disgraceful secrets? When a nation commits most atrocious and outrageous acts, the evil leaders call and classify them as top secret. God knows all the top secrets of Washington, Tokyo, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, NATO, G-7, EU, Islamic State, etc. God knows the dark secrets of every nation, all leaders of nations, all business executives of corporations, all Washington, Wall Street and Hollywood executives. God knows the secrets of all fraudulent, excessive and overcharges manufactured by corrupt and crooked doctors, hospital owners, drugs and insurance companies, labs and medical suppliers. God knows your secrets, my secrets, and secrets of everyone. God will judge the secrets of all men and women.
Heb 13:4, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
Note: The U.S. Supreme Court and many Western nations recognize same-sex marriage. God only recognizes the marriage between a man and a woman. Marriage in Greek isgamoswhich means the intimate union of man and woman; the binding of man and woman; wedding; nuptial; wedlock; matrimony; – which occurs 22 times in the New Testament. Marriage is to be held in honor among and by all. The marriage bed is not to be defiled or soiled. Infidelity, unfaithfulness, and extramarital affairs defile the marriage bed. God will judge fornicators and adulterers.
Jhn 12:48,“He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the Word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”
Note: Reject in Greek is atheteō which means to despise; to cast off; to disannul; to bring to nothing; to do away with; to set aside; to disregard; to nullify; to frustrate; to make void; to refuse; to slight; to bring to naught; to oppose; to rebuff; to repel; to spew out; – which occurs 21 times in the New Testament. There is no sin greater than to reject Jesus Christ the Son of God and do not receive His sayings. The Word of God will judge him without mercy at the last day.
GOD WILL JUDGE PEOPLE IN THREE AREAS, NAMELY, ACT, WORD AND THOUGHT.
(C). God will bring every act to judgment.
Ecc 12:14, “For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
Note: Act in Hebrew is ma`asehwhich means work; labor; deed; doing; thing done; undertaking; enterprise; pursuit; product; achievement; action; activity; conduct; – which occurs 231 times in the Old Testament. God judges every man according to what he has done, covert or overt. God may ask what is this deed that you have done? Whatever you do in deed, lawless deed, evil deed, detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed, shall be judged.
When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God. When God called Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Adam said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.” When anyone sins, he becomes afraid, naked, and tries to hide himself. God will judge every hidden deed, so that no one can hide before God or lie to God.
Cain was angry when Abel offered to God better than his. When Cain rose up against Abel in the field and killed him, then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And Cain said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” When one commits sin or crime, he always pretends his ignorance or innocence. Every criminal wants to cover up his crime. Every sinner wants to cover his sin. Whether it is a sin or a crime, God knows the secrets of everyone, no exception. God does not exempt every transgression and disobedience.
Isa 47:10, “You were complacent in your evil deeds; you thought, ‘No one sees me.’ Your self-professed wisdom and knowledge lead you astray, when you say, ‘I am unique! No one can compare to me!”
Note: Some Western leaders are so warped and wicked that they state and think and act as if America is unique and exceptional, appointed by God to rule the world. It is part and parcel and continuity of the historical infamous atrocity and abomination known as the “White Man’s Burden.” For that reason they work desperately covertly and overtly to undermine, destabilize and sanction countries they consider their rivals or competitors such as Russia and China in many ways, including trade, technology, finance, banking and monetary system, diplomacy, currency, import and export control, and establishment of strongholds of hundreds of military bases. They campaign regime change to those countries that do not wish to join the Axis of Evil. They finance and conduct violent and destructive revolution to export their so-called democracy, civil rights, human rights and freedom. They continuously conduct massive and intrusive military exercises and have their warships and warplanes encroaching the defense lines of Russia and China. They set up military alliances with Japan, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU, NATO, G-7, QUAD, etc. to encircle and target Russia and China. They plan first strikes to demolish their so-called enemies. They make war plans, for example the U.S. has “RAND PLAN” to make war against China and thinking they will win. So they have military bases all over the world with nuclear weapons. Their self-professed wisdom and knowledge lead America astray since the end of World War II. They want “America First” to dominate and dictate the world, which underlines and generates the chaos and problems and troubles in the world today and may cause the coming nuclear war to destroy the whole world. They think they are unique. No one can compare to them. They may be complacent but God sees them. They spend the night plotting and scheming, and get up early to continue in their evil deeds.
Eze 24:14, “I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming and I will act. I will not relent, and I will not pity and I will not be sorry; according to your ways and according to your deeds I will judge you,” declares the Lord GOD.’”
Note: Relent in Hebrew ispara` which means to go back; to let go; to let loose; to let alone; to ignore; to loosen; to dismiss; to absolve; to remit a penalty; to overlook; to slacken; to soften; – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament. God will not remit or soften His penalty.
(D). God will judge every word.
Mat 12:36, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”
Note: Careless in Greek is argos which means idle; at leisure; barren; useless; inactive; slow; without premeditation; unprofitable; pernicious; indifferent; negligent; spontaneous;- which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. God will judge every act or deed, and every idle word. God hears and records every lie American and European leaders and politicians have declared, repeated, published.
Mat 12:32, “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.”
Note: This Scripture does not mean it is o.k. to speak a word against the Son of God. If in your ignorance you spoke against Jesus Christ and repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your sin shall be forgiven you. But to speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. I believe a certain Harvard teacher who fabricated that she discovered Jesus Christ had a wife had committed the sin against the Holy Spirit.
Dan 11:36, “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.”
Note: If every careless or nonsense word will be judged, how much more severely will those who speak monstrous things against the God of gods. I believe careless or nonsense word include hasty word.
Isa 32:6, “For a fool speaks nonsense, And his heart inclines toward wickedness: To practice ungodliness and to speak erroragainst the LORD, To keep the hungry person unsatisfied And to withhold drink from the thirsty.”
Note: I am inclined to believe what Jesus says “careless word” and what Isaiah says about “nonsense” would also be judged.
Jas 4:11, “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.”
Note: To speak against a brother will also be judged.
Mat 5:37, “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.”
Note: When you say as it is to make a statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’. That is how to speak. When you say ‘yes’ which is ‘no’; or when you say ‘no’ which is ‘yes’; you speak evil. To speak evil will be judged. There are Western leaders who publicly and openly distort facts with fake news.
Jas 5:12, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by Heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.”
Note: There are many Americans who still think and believe if you say yes to negative statements about America, you are not patriotic. No matter how patriotic you are and pledge allegiance to any country, according to Jesus Christ, yes must be yes, no must be no. We must obey God rather men. We must obey Jesus Christ rather than any country.
Jde 1:15, “to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
Note: Harsh in Greek issklēros which means hard; fierce; rough; stern; violent; offensive; intolerable; severe; stiff; hard and bitter; irritating; insulting; negative; crude; unpleasant; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers and rascals have spoken all the harsh things which they have spoken against God and Jesus Christ; God will execute judgment upon them.
Luk 19:22, “He said to him, ‘By your own words I will judge you, you worthless slave. Did you know that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?”
Note: The Judge of the living and dead will judge you by your own words. I was young and now I am old, I have never heard and seen anyone who is so evil, corrupt, crooked, distorted, perverted, wicked, malicious, vicious, self-conceited, and so shameless to tell lies, falsehoods, false accusations, fake charges, calling black white and white black; calling lie truth and truth lie as a Western leader so deliberately and psychopathically mispresent and misinform and mislead people amid COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Remember, God will judge you by your words, not only your thoughts and deeds.
(E). God will judge every thought.
Gen 6:5, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
Note: Every intent of the thoughts of man’s heart is only evil continually. God will judge every intent of the evil thoughts of man’s heart. Every base thought, inner thought, inward thought, impulsive thought, accursed thought, wrong thought, evil thought, wicked thought, etc. will be judged.
Mat 5:28, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Note: Jesus Christ, the Judge of the living and the dead, declares that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Almost all people know they they will be judged for sins they committed in the act. All governments on earth put people on trial for their crimes committed in deed. Some people may have the idea that they are responsible for their words. If you say you are going to kill the president of the United States, you will be arrested even if you have not done it. God will judge every man according to his word also. Very few people know they will be judged for their thought. Jesus Christ validates a man can commit sin in his heart.
Sins committed in one’s heart is almost infinite. Whoever thought that only thinking about sin is sin itself? You can commit sin in your heart, say wrong and terrible things in your heart (nonverbal).
Mat 24:48, “But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’
Pro 26:24, “He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart.”
Pro 26:25, “When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart.”
Eze 14:4,“Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Any man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will be brought to give him an answer in the matter in view of the multitude of his idols.”
Note: You may not be aware that some Taiwanese politicians who claim to be Christians and yet they worship idols in public. Do you set up idols in your heart?
Dan 8:25, “And through his shrewdness He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence; And he will magnify himself in his heart, And he will destroy many while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of princes, But he will be broken without human agency.”
Note: If you watch world news on TV, if the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, you can see some world leaders and politicians magnify themselves in their hearts. Pro 6:14, “Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil, who spreads strife.” If you have spiritual eyes you can see some warmongers with perversity in their hearts continuously devise evil, who spread strife everywhere in the world.
Psa 44:21, “Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.”
Note: God knows the secrets of the heart; the secrets of many famous people have been found out or uncovered.
Act 5:4, “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Note: Beware, evil deed can be conceived in your heart to lie to God. God knows what is in your heart, in my heart, in everybody’s heart. God knows all the secrets of our hearts. God knows all the wickedness in our hearts. After you have learned the Scriptures how people sins in his heart, do you think anyone can stand before God just in one area of judgment of the heart? How can man stand before God, for he is sinful.
Nah 1:6, “Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the burning of His anger? His wrath is poured out like fire And the rocks are broken up by Him.”
Note: Indignation in Hebrew isza`am which means anger; wrath; rage; fury; fierceness; outrage; – which occurs 22 times in the Old Testament. No one, not even a dictator or terrorist, a general or warrior, can stand before God’s indignation and burning anger.
Heb 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Note: Intention in Greek is ennoia which means intent; mind; the act of thinking; consideration; meditation; deliberation; notion; conception; thoughtfulness; will; manner of feeling; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. God not only can read and judge your thoughts and also intentions of your heart. Western leaders sly and falsely said that they are extremely concerned about Hong Kong. In fact, they are not concerned about the well-being of Hong Kong people at all. They planned, financed and supported rioters and terrorists to cause death, destruction and desolation in order to overthrow the legitimate Hong Kong government. Their real intention is to lie, kill, and rob Hong Kong resources and make Hong Kong a Western colony like Taiwan.
Rev 6:17, “for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Psa 1:5, “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.”
Psa 5:5, “The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity.”
Psa 76:7, “You, even You, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?”
Note: Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers, how can you stand in the presence of God when once God is angry with you?
Psa 130:3, “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
2Ch 20:6, “and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”
VII. GOD INSTITUTES DEATH PENALTY
Deu 21:22, “If a man has committed a sin worthy of death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree.”
Some sins or crimes are worthy of death in the sight of God. There are some sins which are so great, so grievous, so vicious, and so abominable that God wants to put the offender to death right away. Death penalty is appropriately applicable to a sin or crime worthy of death. Not all sins, and for that matter, not all crimes are worthy of death. Death penalty was not invented by man. God Himself instituted death penalty. Whoever opposes death penalty opposes God. Western nations pretending to be advanced in civilization abolish death penalty. They consider the life of a murderer more precious than the lives of 89 innocent persons. Countries that abolish death penalty commit injustice. 2Ch 19:6, “He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.”
We are here to focus on the moral law of God only. Death penalty or capital punishment applies to the following sins or crimes. God decides what sin or crime deserves death penalty according to the Law of God, also called Mosaic Law to the Jewish people. The Law punishes people according to what they have done, and not what they have thought. A criminal is not the same as an ordinary citizen. Therefore I object to the privilege of covering the face of criminals. I believe all criminals should be exposed for the public to see and recognize who they are. They should be televised nationwide. For terrorists the whole world should recognize their faces before they are executed. That practice will shame them and shame their families and friends and relatives. Consequently, the religious cover-up clothing should be outlawed lest criminals commit crimes and people could not see and identify them.
1. Killer shall be put to death.
Exo 21:12, “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.”
Lev 24:17, “If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death.”
Lev 24:21, “Thus the one who kills an animal shall make it good, but the one who kills a man shall be put to death.”
Note: Killing an animal is not the same as killing a man. The life of an animal is not worth the life of a man. However, the killing of whales by Japanese hunters and profiteers is most cruel, unnecessary, and wicked. Whales are among the most magnificent creatures of God. God knows 35 million Chinese were killed by Japanese soldiers and uncounted brutalities and cruelties Japanese militarists did in 14 years in the war of aggression to the Chinese. God knows exactly how many innocent peoples American leaders and politicians have killed since the end of World War II in hundreds of unjust wars and bloody military interventions. God also knows the secrets and top secrets of Washington.
Num 35:16, “But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.”
Num 35:17, “If he struck him down with a stone in the hand, by which he will die, and as a result he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.”
Note: If a wicked man struck down a man, the man did not die instantly. But as a result he died later, the act is still considered a murder.
Num 35:18, “Or if he struck him with a wooden object in the hand, by which he might die, and as a result he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.”
Num 35:21, “or if he struck him down with his hand in enmity, and as a result he died, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death, he is a murderer; the blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.”
Note: Killer or murder deserves death penalty. God differentiates the killing of an animal from the killing of a man.
Num 35:31, “Moreover, you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death.”
Note: There is no ransom for a murderer, death is the penalty.
2. Killer of father or mother shall be put to death.
Exo 21:15, “He who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.”
Killer of either parent, patricide or matricide deserves death penalty.
3. Kidnapper shall be put to death.
Exo 21:16, “He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.”
Kidnapping deserves death penalty whether the victim is a man, a woman or a child for whatever motive.
4. Cursing of father or mother shall be put to death.
Exo 21:17, “He who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.”
Lev 20:9, “If there is anyone who curses his father or his mother, he shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother, his bloodguiltiness is upon him.”
Note: I do not know any nation enforces this law and practices this penalty, but God considers cursing of parents deserves death penalty. Beware, those who curses their parents may escape penalty in this world, but God considers them dead already.
5. Owner of animal in the habit of killing people shall be put to death.
Exo 21:29, “If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.”
Note: Notice the phrase “previously in the habit” and “its owner has been warned”. The principle applies to owner of any animal, be it tiger or a vicious dog or a deadly snake; if it kills people, the owner and the animal both shall be put to death. Those who keep deadly animals cannot escape death penalty if their animals kill a man, a woman, or a child.
6. Whoever has sex with an animal shall be put to death.
Exo 22:19, “Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.”
Lev 20:15, “If there is a man who lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; you shall also kill the animal.”
Lev 20:16, “If there is a woman who approaches any animal to mate with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”
Note: Bestiality is awarded with death penalty. But you hardly heard the report of such crime and penalty anywhere.
7. Everyone who profanes the Sabbath shall be put to death.
Exo 31:14, “Therefore you are to observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.”
Note: This is a specific law applicable to the Jews. Christians do not observe the Sabbath or Sunday. Christians keep every day holy for the Lord.
8. Whoever works on the Sabbath shall be put to death.
Exo 31:15, “For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.”
Exo 35:2, “For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.”
Note: This law is applicable to the Jewish people under the Mosaic Law.
9. If any man sacrifices his offspring to false god shall be put to death.
Lev 20:2, “You shall also say to the sons of Israel: ‘Any man from the sons of Israel or from the aliens sojourning in Israel who gives any of his offspring to Molech, shall surely be put to death; the people of the land shall stone him with stones.”
Note: There may be rarely primitive and superstitious and uncivilized people in the jungles who commit such sin and practice such crime. All my life I have not heard one case of it.
10. Adulterer and adulteress shall be put to death.
Lev 20:10, “If there is a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, one who commits adultery with his friend’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”
Note: If this penalty is administered and practiced in Western and Arabic nations, they will be depopulated. The Bible considers more than one wife at a time is adultery. Polygamy is adultery. In the Old Testament, some people had several wives. In the New Testament, only monogamy is allowed and recognized.
11. If a man has sex with his father’s wife, both shall be put to death.
Lev 20:11, “If there is a man who lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”
12. If a man has sex with his daughter-in-law, both shall be put to death.
Lev 20:12, “If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”
Note: Incest is awarded death penalty according to the Mosaic Law.
13. If a man has sex with a man, both shall be put to death.
Lev 20:13, “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”
Note: In the sight of God, homosexuality deserves death penalty. President Obama had same-sex marriage and homosexuality legalized in America. The United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage.
14. A medium or spiritist shall be put to death.
Lev 20:27, “Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.”
Note: Medium in Hebrew is ‘owb which means necromancer; one who has a familiar spirit; one who evokes the dead; spirit of a dead one; a soothsayer; a man or woman when a python is in them; a person who claims to receive messages from the dead; – which occurs 16 times in the New Testament. Spiritist in Hebrew is yidd@`oniy which means one who has a familiar spirit; soothsayer; necromancer; a spirit of divination; – which occurs 11 times in the Old Testament. Medium or spiritist shall surely be put to death.
16. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death.
Lev 24:16, “Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.”
Note: Blaspheme in Hebrew isnaqab which means to curse; to take the name of the Lord in vain; to express contempt; to smear; to offend; to show no respect for God; to speak ill of; to libel; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. The one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. Those who curse God even no nation put them to death, in the sight of God they are condemned to death already.
16. False prophet or dreamer who counseled rebellion shall be put to death.
Deu 13:5,“But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the LORD your God who brought you from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to seduce you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from among you.”
Note: The false prophets and those who counsel rebellion against God or to seduce people from the right path shall be put to death by God sooner or later.
17. The man who acts presumptuously by not listening to the priest, nor to the judge, shall die.
Deu 17:12, “The man who acts presumptuously by not listening to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, nor to the judge, that man shall die; thus you shall purge the evil from Israel.”
Note: Presumptuously in Hebrew is zadown which means proudly; arrogantly; insultingly; contemptuously; swelling with pride; impudently; insolently; haughtily; – which occurs 12 times in the Old Testament. The priest who stands there to serve the Lord is a representative of God. The man who insults the priest insults God. The man who is contemptuous of the priest is contemptuous of God – so the man shall die.
All who commit the sins or crimes mentioned above shall be put to death, not because men or authorities put them to death. It is God who puts to death and give life. There is no one who can deliver from the hand of God. Death penalty is the judgment of God.
Deu 32:39, “See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”
VIII. WHEN DOES GOD EXECUTE JUDGMENT
God executes judgment on sinners or criminals on a case by case basis at the time He appointed. Judgement may be executed in this life, as well as in the life to come throughout eternity. Examples of divine judgment on the wicked in secular history however interesting cannot be trusted due to interpretation problem. We only use Biblical history.
A. At the present in this life.
The following are historical examples how God executed judgment on some individuals at the present in this life:
(1). Sodom an Gomorrah
Gen 13:13, “Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD.”
Note: Wicked in Hebrew isra`which means evil; bad; disagreeable; malignant; unpleasant; displeasing; unkind; vicious; wrong; wretched; noxious; hurtful; sad; – which occurs 690 times in the Old Testament. Exceedingly in Hebrew is m@`od which means very greatly; too much; in the highest degree; – which occurs 289 times in the Old Testament. The men of Sodom were wicked in the highest degree and they sinned against God. Sin is against God.
Gen 18:20-21, “And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave.I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”
Note: Outcry in Hebrew is za`aq which means cry of distress; a shriek; the cry for aid; clamor; a strong expression of anger and disapproval; – which occurs 18 times in the Old Testament. Grave in Hebrew iskabad which means heavy; sore; grievous; weighty; insensible; abundant; numerous; vehement; plentiful; troublesome; burdensome; – which occurs 132 times in the Old Testament. God said, the outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah was indeed great, and their sin was exceedingly grave. God knows the exact fact about everything and every situation.
Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
Gen 19:1-29, “That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.” “Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square. ”But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate.But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!” So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him. “Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing.Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.” “Stand back!” they shouted. “This fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he’s acting like our judge! We’ll treat you far worse than those other men!” And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door.But the two angels reached out, pulled Lot into the house, and bolted the door.Then they blinded all the men, young and old, who were at the door of the house, so they gave up trying to get inside.Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place—your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else.For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the LORD, and he has sent us to destroy it.” So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The LORD is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking. At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!” When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the LORD was merciful.When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”“Oh no, my lord!” Lot begged. “You have been so gracious to me and saved my life, and you have shown such great kindness. But I cannot go to the mountains. Disaster would catch up to me there, and I would soon die.See, there is a small village nearby. Please let me go there instead; don’t you see how small it is? Then my life will be saved.”“All right,” the angel said, “I will grant your request. I will not destroy the little village.But hurry! Escape to it, for I can do nothing until you arrive there.” (This explains why that village was known as Zoar, which means “little place.”)Lot reached the village just as the sun was rising over the horizon.Then the LORD rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation.But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.Abraham got up early that morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the LORD’s presence.He looked out across the plain toward Sodom and Gomorrah and watched as columns of smoke rose from the cities like smoke from a furnace.But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.”
(2). Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
The King Acknowledges God
Dan 4:1-3, “Nebuchadnezzar the king to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language that live in all the earth: “May your peace abound!“ It has seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders which the Most High God has done for me.
“How great are His signs And how mighty are His wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom And His dominion is from generation to generation.”
The Vision of a Great Tree
Dan 4:4-18, “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace.I saw a dream and it made me fearful; and these fantasies as I lay on my bed and the visions in my mind kept alarming me.So I gave orders to bring into my presence all the wise men of Babylon, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.Then the magicians, the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners came in and I related the dream to them, but they could not make its interpretation known to me.But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and I related the dream to him, saying,O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, since I know that a spirit of the holy gods is in you and no mystery baffles you, tell me the visions of my dream which I have seen, along with its interpretation.Now these were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was looking, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great.
‘The tree grew large and became strong And its height reached to the sky, And it was visible to the end of the whole earth.
‘Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, And the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches, And all living creatures fed themselves from it.
‘I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from Heaven.
‘He shouted out and spoke as follows: “Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit; Let the beasts flee from under it And the birds from its branches.
“Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, But with a band of iron and bronze around it In the new grass of the field; And let him be drenched with the dew of Heaven, And let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth.
“Let his mind be changed from that of a man And let a beast’s mind be given to him, And let seven periods of time pass over him.
“This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know Thatthe Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of men.”
‘This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Daniel Interprets the Vision
Dan 4:19-27, “Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him. The king responded and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.’ Belteshazzar replied, ‘My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries! ‘The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earthand whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt and in whose branches the birds of the sky lodged—it is you, O king; for you have become great and grown strong, and your majesty has become great and reached to the sky and your dominion to the end of the earth.‘In that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven and saying, “Chop down the tree and destroy it; yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field, and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him share with the beasts of the field until seven periods of time pass over him,” this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.‘ And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. ‘Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity.’
The Vision Fulfilled
Dan 4:28-37,“All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king.Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon.“ The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from Heaven, saying,“King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you,and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.” Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward Heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.
“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of Heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’
“At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me.
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of Heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
Note: How Nebuchadnezzar was punished, repented, and restored was a very interesting history.
(3). King David
Nathan Rebukes David, 2Sa 12:1-23, “Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said, “There were two men in one city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a great many flocks and herds. But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb which he bought and nourished; And it grew up together with him and his children. It would eat of his bread and drink of his cup and lie in his bosom, And was like a daughter to him. “Now a traveler came to the rich man, And he was unwilling to take from his own flock or his own herd, To prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him; Rather he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.” Nathan then said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these! Why have you despised the Word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’ Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.” So Nathan went to his house. Then the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. Loss of a Child
2Sa 12:16-23, “David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground.The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them.Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he requested, they set food before him and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Evil things raised up against David:
Son of David Amnon raped his sister Tamar. Son of David Absalom avenged Tamar by killing his brother Amnon. Absalom’s strongconspiracy against David and so David fled Jerusalem. Shimei cursed David. Absalom entered Jerusalem and declared king. Absalom wasslain by Joab, David mourned for Absalom.
A worthless fellow Sheba lifted up his hand against David.
NOTE: David was a man after God’s own heart, but when David sinned God’s judgment was upon him in his lifetime.
(4). Korah’s Rebellion
Num 16:1-40, “Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took action, and they rose up before Moses, together with some of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen in the assembly, men of renown. They assembled together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”When Moses heard this, he fell on his face; and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His, and who is holy, and will bring him near to Himself; even the one whom He will choose, He will bring near to Himself. “Do this: take censers for yourselves, Korah and all your company, and put fire in them, and lay incense upon them in the presence of the LORD tomorrow; and the man whom the LORD chooses shall be the one who is holy. You have gone far enough, you sons of Levi!”Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi,is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;and that He has brought you near, Korah, and all your brothers, sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking for the priesthood also?“Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD; but as for Aaron, who is he that you grumble against him?”
Num 16:12-40, “Then Moses sent a summons to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; but they said, “We will not come up.Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to have us die in the wilderness, but you would also lord it over us?Indeed, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor have you given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Would you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!”Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering! I have not taken a single donkey from them, nor have I done harm to any of them.”Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company be present before the LORD tomorrow, both you and they along with Aaron.Each of you take his firepan and put incense on it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty firepans; also you and Aaron shall each bring his firepan.”So they each took his own censer and put fire on it, and laid incense on it; and they stood at the doorway of the tent of meeting, with Moses and Aaron.Thus Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the doorway of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation.Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,“Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.”But they fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?”Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get back from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.’Then Moses arose and went to Dathan and Abiram, with the elders of Israel following him,and he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin.”So they got back from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the doorway of their tents, along with their wives and their sons and their little ones.Moses said, “By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these deeds; for this is not my doing.If these men die the death of all men or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.But if the LORD brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the LORD.”As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open;and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions.So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.All Israel who were around them fled at their outcry, for they said, “The earth may swallow us up!”Fire also came forth from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense.Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,“Say to Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, that he shall take up the censers out of the midst of the blaze, for they are holy; and you scatter the burning coals abroad.As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, let them be made into hammered sheets for a plating of the altar, since they did present them before the LORD and they are holy; and they shall be for a sign to the sons of Israel.”So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers which the men who were burned had offered, and they hammered them out as a plating for the altar,as a reminder to the sons of Israel that no layman who is not of the descendants of Aaron should come near to burn incense before the LORD; so that he will not become like Korah and his company—just as the LORD had spoken to him through Moses.”
Note: In the case of Korah and his company (250 men), God consumed them instantly. Spurn in Hebrew is na’atswhich means to despise; provoke; blaspheme; abhor; contemn; deride; reject with contempt and derision; speak evil; – which occurs 24 times in the Old Testament. Korah and his company have demonstrated the awful consequences of those who spurn the Lord. Eggs must not hit the rock. Fear the Lord.
(5). Pride Is Uzziah’s Undoing
2Ch 26:16-21, “But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the LORD, valiant men.They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the LORD God.”But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, beside the altar of incense.Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he wasleprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the LORD had smitten him.King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the LORD. And Jotham his son was over the king’s house judging the people of the land.”
Note: Uzziah in Hebrew is `Uzziyah which means “my strength is Jehovah”, son of king Amaziah of Judah and king of Judah himself for 52 years;– which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. The name Uzziah is having a good meaning, but his character betrays the meaning of his name. Uzziah is an example how God executed judgment on a man right away. Uzziah was so proud that he acted corruptly. To be proud in Hebrew is gabahh which means to exalt; to be haughty; to make high; be lofty; to be arrogant; to soar; to mount up; to be elevated; to lift up in pride or arrogance; – which occurs 39 times in the Old Testament. To act corruptly in Hebrew isshachathwhich means to mar; to destroy; to waste; to spoil; to go to ruin; to decay; to pervert; to act wickedly; – which occurs 164 times in the Old Testament. This is a big moral lesson. Pride leads one to act corruptly. Pride corrupts and ruins a person. Pro 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” It is true in the case of Uzziah, and it is applicable to all people. Unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers their hearts are so proud that they speak corruptly against the Lord as if their foreheads are leprous. To be unfaithful in Hebrew isma`al which means to trespass; to act against; to act treacherously; to violate; to commit a trespass; to transgress; to act covertly; to cover up; to sin against Jehovah; to turn aside from God; – which occurs 45 times in the Old Testament.
What is wrong with Uzziah? He wants to violate the order set up by God. For a man uninformed of the Word of God would misunderstand the situation. What is wrong for Uzziah to enter the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense? All idolaters burn incense on the altar of false gods. But our God is holy and mighty. Azariah the priest with eighty priests of the LORD opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the LORD God.” Well, that is the matter. Not even a king is not authorized to do the sacred duty of a priest. A priest is consecrated by God to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. Consecrate in Hebrew is qadash which means to sanctify; to dedicate; to hallow; to purify; to appoint; to prepare; to set apart as sacred; to observe as holy; to honor as sacred; – which occurs 203 times in the Old Testament. Unless one is appointed, prepared and sanctified, even a king is not qualified to perform sacred rites before God.
The temple of the Lord is the sanctuary, not a palace of the king. To act against God is to be unfaithful. An unfaithful man be it a king will have no honor from the Lord God. Honor in Hebrew is kabowd which means glory; splendor; dignity; reputation; respect; copiousness; majesty; – which occurs 202 times in the Old Testament. To be enraged in Hebrew isza`aph which means wroth; wrathful; intensely angry; to be peevish; to boil up; – which occurs 6 times in the Old Testament. Why is the sinful man always gets angry?
B. After the death
After death, comes judgment.
Heb 9:27, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comesjudgment.”
Note: I believe all men whether have been judged during life or not, after death comes judgement. There are two deaths: the first is the physical death which will fall on all men, for all have sinned and so all will die. The second death is the sentence of the last judgement for all unrepentant sinners and unbelievers, which is the eternal death in Hell with body and soul. The judgment after death is to determine whether one is to go to Paradise or Hell (temporary) after death. It is unlike the American criminal justice system which takes years in the trial, God who knows everything will order the angel to send this man or that man to Paradise or Hell.
The Rich Man and Lazarus
The Rich Man and Lazarus were real story, not a parable.
Luk 16:19-26, “Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day.And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores,and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’“ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. ‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.”
Note: We believe Abraham’s bosom was another name for Paradise. We also believe Hades had been moved so that not only a great chasm fixed, there is no way anyone in Hades could see anything in the Paradise. Evidently, Luk 23:40-43, “But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your Kingdom!”And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
C. Eternal judgment
For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Eternal judgment is the last judgement, and Jesus Christ is the Judge of the living and the dead, sitting on the white and glorious throne.
Rom 14:10, “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
Heb 6:2, “of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead andeternal judgment.”
Note: The eternal judgment is the last judgment.
2Pe 2:4, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment.”
Note: You might not think about this. The Hell fire is an unquenchable fire. Usually fire gives light, but Hell fire does not brighten or shine; Hell is pits of darkness. The wicked suffer in Hell under darkness.
2Pe 2:9, “then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the Day of Judgment.”
Note: The Lord keeps the unrighteous under punishment for the Day of Judgment.
2Pe 3:7, “But by His Word the present Heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Jde 1:6, “And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”
Note: Only the eternal God can keep the fallen angels in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.
The eternal judgment serves as a WARNING to all who are alive, there are things which we should do, and things which we should not do. Not only we should consider what we should do, we must do it. Not only we should consider what we should not do, we must not do it. We should do whatever the Lord wants us to do as it is written in the Bible. We should not do whatever the Lord does not want us to do as it is written in the Word of God.
Zec 8:16, “These are the things which you should do:speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.”
Note: There are things which we should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace. You see many Western leaders just do the opposite: they speak lies to fool the world with fake news. Under the banner of democracy, civil rights, human rights and freedom they do evil deeds and injustice. They make false judgment and they like war to oppress and destroy other nations that do not follow them.
Rom 2:2-3, “And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?”
Note: Those who practices sins and unrighteousness described in Romans Chapter 1-2 will not escape the judgment of God.
IX. WHO IS TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
Jhn 5:20-24,“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
Note: The Judge of the living and the dead is not apparently Jesus Christ, it is certainly and expressly Jesus Christ. For God does not judge anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, Jesus Christ, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. Let it be known, the Judgment Seat of God is the Judgement Seat of Jesus Christ.
Jhn 3:18-19, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.”
Note: Listen! This is the greatest good news. The Judge of living and the dead says: He who believes in Him (Jesus Christ) is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of only begotten Son of God. If you believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God now, you will not be judged. Is there anything better? You do not need to donate or work or burn incense, you need only to just believe in Jesus Christ so that you may receive forgiveness of sins. If you do not believe in the name of the Son of God, you have been judged already. Judgement in Greek is krisis which means damnation; condemnation; sentence of condemnation; legal decision; accusation; formal court decision; the final judging; – which occurs 47 times in the New Testament. Men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. Evil men who commit evil deeds deserve judgment.
Act 10:42,“And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.”
Note: The abilities and qualifications of the Judge of the living and the dead do not depend on human system of jurisprudence in determining what is right or wrong, to approve or disapprove an action, or to consider an object as true or false, good or evil. Is it necessary to call your attention that, the Judge of the living and the dead is the Lord God Omnipotent, also the Omnipresent, and the Omniscient.
Rev 19:6, “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”
Note: Omnipotent in Greek is pantokratōrwhich means the Almighty; He who holds sway over all things; the Ruler of all; the universal Sovereign; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. Right now the Devil rules the world, and so you see many of his agents are busy doing evil, including warmongers and terrorists. The day is coming when the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.
Jhn 2:24-25, “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men,and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”
Note: Jesus Christ knew all men, and He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. The longer I live, the more people I know, the more I know there is no nothing good in man. That is why you must be born again. You must receive a new life and new nature. You need the Spirit of Christ to live in you and guide you.
Jhn 13:3, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.”
Jhn 6:64, “But some of you do not believe Me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.)”
Note: Divine knowledge is complete, the Lord Jesus knows the end from the beginning, from everlasting past to everlasting future.
Jhn 21:17, “He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
Note: The Lord knows all things. We all know Islamic terrorists do not know Jesus Christ, do not love Jesus Christ for they kill Christians. But Western leaders who claim to be Christians do not know Jesus Christ either, for they do what the Devil desires to lie, kill and rob.
Act 17:31, “because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”
Note: God has fixed a day of judgment, it is not influenced by event, man, circumstance, time or space.
Rom 5:16, “The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgmentarose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free giftarose from many transgressions resulting in justification.”
Note: The Lord Jesus Christ has two roles: the role to judge the living and the dead, and the role to save all who come to Him for forgiveness of sins. As the Judge of the living and the dead, Jesus Christ condemns all sinners and those who do not believe in Him. As the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ justifies all sinners who repent and believe in Him and gives them eternal life a free gift of God.
Rom 14:10, “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
2Co 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Note: The judgment seat of God is the judgment seat of Christ.
Jhn 5:27-30, “and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
Note: Authority is Greek is exousia which means power to command; right; jurisdiction; liberty of doing as one pleases; strength; influence and privilege; the power of judicial decisions; the power to decide; convincing force; competency; token of control; – which occurs 102 times in the New Testament. Mat 28:18, “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth.” All authority, absolute and unlimited, includes the authority to judge, to reward, to punish, to control, to appoint, to forgive, to command, to govern, to rule, to reign — authority over all and everything.
We believe God gave Jesus Christ the authority to execute judgment because Jesus Christ was willing to empty Himself to become Man in humble form and even obedient to the death on the cross.
Act 10:42, “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.”
Note: The poor Roman Catholics who worship Mary as the Mother of God or Holy Mother might ask Mary for help or mercy. They are completely misled and mistaken. Mary was the maid of God who has no power to help or forgive. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only Judge of the living and the dead. The Chinese have a common belief, death ends everything. Death does not end everything; it only ends your life on earth. After death every sinner or unbeliever faces judgment to be sent to Hades, waiting for resurrection, to face the last judgment, and finally to be sent to Hell, the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, to be tortured forever and ever.
Act 17:30-31,“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”
Note: The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the proof to all men that God has appointed Him to judge the world in righteousness.
Rom 14:9, “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”
Note: Jesus Christ is not only the Judge of the living and the dead, He is also the Lord both of the dead and of the living.
2Ti 4:1, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His Kingdom.”
1Co 6:2, “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent toconstitute the smallest law courts?
1Co 6:3, “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?”
Note: One thing that may surprise the world is the fact that the saints will judge the world. Another thing that surprises me is that the saints will judge angels. Once I wrote an article that I wished I were an angel. The Bible does not explain in detail how do the saints will judge angels. My position is never to speculate on anything or subject the Bible is silent. We believe the Word and obey God.
Jhn 5:24,“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My Word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
Note: Sinners, this is good news, this is the greatest news. This may be your last chance. He who hears the Word of Jesus Christ, and believes God who sent Him, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. A saved believer has passed out of death into life. The saved sinners are free from the judgment to come. The saved will be judged according to their works to determine whether they will receive rewards or not, not to judge their sins to send them to Hell for everlasting punishment.
Jhn 5:28-29,“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”
Note: According to Jesus Christ, the Judge of the living and the dead; there are two resurrections. Those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life because they have passed out of death into life. Their sins are forgiven and washed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment because they did not believe in the name of the Son of God.
1Pe 4:5, “but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
Note: To give account means to give answer or explanation in reference to judgment to the Judge of the living and the dead.
X. THE LAST JUDGMENT
Jesus never regarded the last judgment as a matter of dispute. Jesus never spoke with hesitancy or uncertainty on any subject. The last judgment is eschatological which will take place in connection with the second coming of Jesus Christ. Do not trust in deceptive words of secular academics or unbelieving theologians. Jesus often emphatically and typically says, Truly, truly, I say to you! When Jesus speaks, God speaks. Jesus is the Word of God. It would be a serious and fatal mistake to think there is a second chance after the last judgment. The punishment inflicted upon sinners, unbelievers, evildoers, sons of disobedience, the wicked and the unrighteous is everlasting in Hell.
Purgatory invented by the Roman Catholicism does not exist, while Hell, the Lake of Fire, is Scriptural and eternal.
Evil men and impostors try craftily to drive a wedge between Jesus and the apostles by saying the teachings of Jesus concerning the Messianic Judgment-day may not be a reflection of the Apostolic hope. These are diabolical and deceptive words. All apostolic teachings confirm and conform to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Apostolic teachings are not the teachings of apostles, they received revelation directly from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. To subject to the teachings of Jesus is to subject to the will of God. All apostles (excluded Judas, included Paul) subject all things to Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd. Jesus was superior to, and independent of, all Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The teaching of Jesus is central and supreme. The truth of Christianity in this: Jesus Christ, the Word of God, precedes and supersedes anyone in Heavens or on earth at any time and for all eternity.
Jesus makes the following strong statements with authority, NO ONE, unmistakably.
Mat 11:27, “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to revealHim.”
Note: God has handed all things to Jesus Christ. Hand over in Greek is paradidōmi which means to give over; commit; deliver up; give into the hands of; give over into one’s power; entrust; present; pass authority or responsibility to; to yield control of; – which occurs 134 times in the New Testament. God has passed the authority and responsibility of all things to His Son Jesus Christ. No one knows Jesus Christ except the Father, nor does anyone know the Father except the Son. Without Jesus Christ no one knows the Father. No prophet, no founder of religion, no theologian, no scientist, no philosopher, no Mary, no Apostle, no saint, etc. can know God on his own without Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to reveal God. Reveal in Greek is apokalyptōwhich means to uncover; to lay open what has been veiled or covered up; to disclose what before was unknown; to make known what before was unknown; to make manifest; to take off the cover; to make bare; – which occurs 27 times in the New Testament. There is only one revelation which is the revelation of Jesus Christ. All other so-called revelations about God by man-made religions are false and fake. The interpretation of the Word of God by Jesus Christ is final and conclusive.
Mar 10:18, “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Note: This statement implies no one is good except God alone. You call Jesus good, do you know that Jesus is God and therefore He is good?
Luk 10:22, “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”
Note: All things mean everything, in Heavens and on earth, in the universe.
Luk 18:19, “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Jhn 1:18, “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”
Note: No one has seen God at any time; not even Abraham or Moses. Explain in Greek is exēgeomai which means to declare; to tell; to lead out; to draw out in a narrative; to unfold a teaching; to interpret; to clarify; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority to clarify God.
Jhn 3:13, “No one has ascended into Heaven, but He who descended from Heaven: the Son of Man.”
Jhn 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Jhn 6:65, “And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
Jhn 10:18, “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
Note: Jesus Christ was never a victim of anyone under any circumstances. No authority can take Jesus’ life. No one has taken the life of Jesus, but Jesus on His own initiative and willingly died for sinners on the cross according to the will of God.
Jhn 10:28, “and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
Note: How precious and how dear, the Lord Jesus gives eternal life to His believers and followers. Christians will never perish; and no one will snatch believers out of Jesus’ hand. No one is more powerful than Jesus Christ.
Jhn 10:29, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
Note: In the whole universe, no one is greater that God the Father. No one is able to snatch His children out of the Father’s hand. This is the eternal security of Christians in Christ Jesus.
Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I AM the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Note: Jesus Christ is the only WAY to God. This is the TRUTH. To believe in the TRUTH of Christ is to receive LIFE.
The following Scriptures agreed by all Apostles and disciples of all ages:
Act 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under Heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jhn 5:19-24, “Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
Note: The Judgment Seat of God is the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son. He who honors the Son honors the Father. He who hears the Word of Jesus and believes God who sent Jesus, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
Christians or believers in Christ will not come into judgment at the Last Judgment. Christians will be judged for their works whether they receive reward or not, not their sins.
1Co 3:11-15, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”
Note: If a Christian builds on the foundation which is Jesus Christ, after the test by fire, and if the work remains, he will receive a reward.
Mat 5:12, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in Heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Mat 6:4, “so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Mar 9:41,“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.”
1Co 3:8, “Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”
Rev 22:12, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”
The Judgment Seat of Christ
2Co 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Rev 20:11, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.”
Note: The glory, power, majesty and honor of the Lord who sits on the great white throne is so great and awesome, even earth and heaven fled away from His presence!
1Pe 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if itbegins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”
Note: We believe the Great White Throne is the same His glorious throne. The last judgement will begin with the household of God, those who are children of God. The works of Christians will be judged to determine if they receive a reward or not.
Jhn 7:24,“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Note: There are deluded people who may think God may treat them differently because they look beautiful. Delilah may think she is beautiful. Many Hollywood actresses may think they are beautiful, but God does not judge according to appearance. No one can charm the Holy God. There is no VIP treatment in judgment or in Hell. Unrepentant beautiful people (actors and actresses) will be also judged and to be sent to Hell as all ugly sinners. Some may be deluded to think God may make exception because they were former presidents of nations, prime ministers, chairmen, kings, queens, princesses, princes, moguls, tycoons, generals, scientists, academics, theologians, philosophers, etc. In fact, the Lord especially despises all the corrupt honored of the earth.
Jesus will in the last judgment separate all the peoples in the world into two groups only: the saved, believers and followers, Apostles and Prophets, the righteous on the Right; the unsaved, lost, evildoers, unbelievers, the wicked and the unrighteous on the Left.
The Judgment
Mat 25:31-46, “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’These will go away intoeternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Note: There will be only two destinies: eternal punishment and eternal life. There is no purgatory. There is no second chance.
2Co 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
2Pe 2:3, “and in theirgreed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”
Note: In the last days you witness most corrupt and greedy leaders and politicians, to exploit with false words without shame. They lie, lie, and lie. They kill, kill and kill. They rob, rob and rob. They lift up high the banners of Democracy, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Freedom and Humanitarian Aid whenever they want to do evil deeds and invade and occupy and destroy other nations. They are not only warmongers and evildoers, they are shameless hypocrites. They are well-trained in greed and expert in lies and false words and they walk craftily. The Bible warns them, their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Rom 2:17-29, “But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God,and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law,and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal?You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God?For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written.For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.”
Rev 14:7, “and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the Heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”
Rev 18:20, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.”
Rom 2:2-3, “And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?”
Gen 31:42, “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, so He rendered judgment last night.”
1Ki 3:28, “When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.”
2Ch 24:24, “Indeed the army of the Arameans came with a small number of men; yet the LORD delivered a very great army into their hands, because they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash.”
Ezr 7:26, “Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment.”
Psa 76:9, “When God arose to judgment, To save all the humble of the earth. Selah.”
Ecc 11:9, “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.”
Note: When you are young, remember old age will come. When you are alive, remember after death is judgment.
Isa 5:16, “But the LORD of hosts will be exalted in judgment, And the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.”
Eze 20:36, “As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you,” declares the Lord GOD.”
Rom 2:5, “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
Note: Warmongers and terrorists, thieves and robbers, crooks and criminals, are storing up wrath day by day.
Rom 12:3, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
Rom 14:10, “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
1Co 4:5, “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light thethings hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”
Note: Believers of all ages could not and do not speculate or surmise on what Jesus could or could not have said. We stand firm only on exactly what Jesus has said. It does not matter to Christians what the apostles or anyone else could or could not have said about anything. Our faith is purely and solely based on the Word of God.
2Th 1:5, “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”
1Pe 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if itbegins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”
Rev 14:7, “and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the Heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”
Rev 20:4, “Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the Word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
Gen 31:42, “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, so He rendered judgment last night.”
Exo 28:15, “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.”
Exo 28:29-30, “Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.You shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the LORD; and Aaron shall carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD continually.”
Lev 19:15, “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly.”
Lev 19:35, “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measurement of weight, or capacity.”
Num 27:21, “Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”
Deu 1:17, “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.”
Deu 16:18, “You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”
Jos 20:6, “He shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the manslayer shall return to his own city and to his own house, to the city from which he fled.”
Jdg 4:5, “She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment.”
2Sa 15:2, “Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way to the gate; and when any man had a suit to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And he would say, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.”
2Sa 15:6, “In this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel.”
1Ki 3:28, “When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God.”
1Ki 7:7, “He made the hall of the throne where he was to judge, the hall of judgment, and it was paneled with cedar from floor to floor.”
1Ki 20:40, “While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.”
Judgment at the Throne of God
Rev 20:11-15, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and Heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and bookswere opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire.And if anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.”
Note: It is clear from the Scriptures quoted above, the unbelievers and the wicked went to Hades after death. They will rise again for the last judgment (eternal judgment) when Jesus Christ returns to judge the living and the dead by the books recording all their sins. The second death is not annihilation. Those who are in Hell will continuously feel pain and death, but not dead. They will be tortured day and night, body and soul, forever and ever. They will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Hell) with death and Hades – this is the eternal punishment of body and soul. The saved whose names are written in the Book of Life will enter into eternal life.
2Pe 2:9, “then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.”
Eze 39:21, “And I will set My glory among the nations; and all the nations will see My judgment which I have executed and My hand which I have laid on them.”
Psa 143:2, “And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no man living is righteous.”
Note: In the sight of God no man living is righteous. In the sight of God, right or wrong, good or evil, is decided. Judgement is not based on the view of any man or any legal system. Judgment is based on the decree of God. The only way to avoid the eternal judgment is while you are alive on earth, repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Through the redemptive work of Christ who died on the cross for our sins, and by grace through faith, you may obtain the righteousness of God in Christ and the forgiveness of sins. And thus all believers are justified and received the right to become the children of God, there is no more condemnation for the saved.
Dan 7:22, “until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the Kingdom.”
Ecc 11:9, “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.”
Isa 66:16, “For the LORD will execute judgment by fire And by His sword on all flesh, And those slain by the LORD will be many.”
Heb 10:27, “but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.”
Note: Terrifying in Greek is phoberos which means fearful; terrible; awful; formidable; frightful; affected with fear; inspiring fear; causing terror; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Expectation in Greek is ekdochēwhich means looking for; waiting; awaiting; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. A terrifying expectation of the world is the judgment of God. The second coming of Jesus Christ is the greatest expectation of believers and followers of Jesus Christ, but it is the most terrifying expectation for the world because the Judge of the living and the dead is going to judge the world and consume the adversaries with fire.
Jer 25:31, “A clamor has come to the end of the earth, Because the LORD has a controversy with the nations. He is entering into judgment with all flesh; As for the wicked, He has given them to the sword,’ declares the LORD.”
Mal 3:5,“Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts.”
The judgment for the ungodly, unrighteous, and the wicked is clear and firm and final. They will all go down to eternal Hell. The righteous Judge will also reward the godly, the righteous believers and servants of the Lord. For example, the Lord will award the crown of righteousness to the Apostle Paul, etc.
Rom 8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Note: What does it mean to be in Christ Jesus? If you are in Christ, all your sins are forgiven, there is now no condemnation.
Rom 8:10-11, “If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Note: To be in Christ means to have the Spirit of Christ dwell in you and give you a new life.
2Ti 4:8, “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Rev 20:4, “Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the Word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
The Last Judgment will be the sequel of the reign of Jesus Christ.
Mic 4:3, “And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war.”
Note: In the Millennium when Jesus Christ and saints will rule the world for a thousand years on earth, there will be peace, safety and tranquility:
Isa 11:6-9, “And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them.Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.”
On the whole, the judgment of God is the most serious matter. The last judgment is the final judgment for sure, there is no wishy-washiness about it. Eternal punishment is eternal. Eternal life is eternal.Eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven is the highest and noblestsummum bonum, things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.
God is going to judge the mankind, great and small, male and female. No one can escape the judgment of God, be it president, prime minister, pimp or prostitute, supremacist, racist, militarist, capitalists, imperialist and terrorist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE JUDGMENT OF GOD?
You have learned a great deal about the judgment of God.
Rev 21:3-5, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying,
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men,
and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”And He who sits on the throne said,
“Behold, I am making all things new.”
And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
Will you be there?
You can be there by believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Judge of the living and dead, as your Lord and Savior.
The leader of Ukraine is corrupt and evil. Ukranians are stupid to follow the path of destruction. He was the one who instigated war with Russia. Now he asks for security guarantees. The nincompoop should be executed to end the war.
Palestinians, Africans, and others serve as example of peoples who want to eat and do not want to work. UN, WHO, EU, etc. champion their cause. Palestinians do not want evacuate from Gaza, Jewish lands to resettle in Arab lands. Because they will lose their status as refugees where they can get their food, fuel, water, medicine and everything for free from international community. These problems multiply with the passage of time.
UN, EU, GERMANY, UK, FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZELAND, ETC. are strange and unreasonable peoples. Who is stopping Palestinians to build a Palestinian state in an Arab land? It is wrong and illegal to build a Palestinian state in Jewish land (Gaza, West Bank, etc.). That is the cause of conflict.
The fact that National Guards have to patrol Washington, D.C. with weapons speaks loudly and badly of the capital. The mayor of Washington, D.C. should be dismissed and deported. All the more urgent the national capital should move to Lincoln, Nebraska, without delay.
The mayor of Washington, D.C. bowed to the illegal acts of street people who set up tents on public streets. She should be dismissed and deported. The National Guards are empowered to trash the tents, clear the streets and vanish street people. Los Angeles is a disgraced city because the California Governor and Los Angeles mayor failed to solve the problems of street people who not only set up tents on public streets, but also urinate and defecate. All the more urgent for the national capital to move to Lincoln, Nebraska. In the face of national debt exceeding $37 trillion, the people can save money by abolishing the House, retain the unicameral legislation of Senate to move also to Lincoln Nebraska. All this can be accomplished legally by a national refrerendum. America is ruined by dark and evil forces.
Heroes of all races who sacrified their lives for China in the war against Japanese aggression should be celebrated and remembered. The descendants of them are eternal friends of China. Descendants of American Flying Tiers whose forefathers had sacrified their lives in the war against Japanese aggression and atrocities must always be honored and remembered. The Chinse government must treat them as eternal friends, and they are welcome to China anytime. Such blood bonds must be appreciated and maintained forever.
The world wrongly marks the anniversary of dropping atomic bomb on Hiroshima while neglecting the Japanse aggression and atrocities of killing 35 million innocent Chinese without remorse or reparations. UN overappointed unqualified blacks and media have given too much covergage to unworthy black spoke-persons. It is amazing no matter how beautifully white organizations and individuals hail human rights, civil rights, democracy, development, technology, benefits, justice, etc., what they are actually after is MONEY. This can be said equally true about blacks.
Pet economy is wasted economy. Money should better be spent on nutrition and education of children and orphanes. In cities all dogs must have annual license of Y5,000, cats Y4,000, and birds Y3,000. It is exempt for rural areas. If a dog defecates in public place, it shall be fined Y3,000 plus cleanup by owner or walker.
Global media highlight the number of Palestinians who have died, but fail to consider why Palestinian Authority and Palestinians do not want to evacuate from Jewish land and resettle in Arab land. Palestinians, men and women, young and old, are shameless beggars. They remain in Gaza to qualify for refugees so that they can get everything free from international community. The international community is ignorant of the fact that GAZA and related territories all belong to the Jews. Israel has every right to take back and take over Gaza and related territories. Palestinians must evacuate and relocate to Arab lands, make a living and establish its own Palestinian state without further delay.
French nincompoop Macron reognized Palestine as a state but failed to know that Palestine does not have territory and sovereignty. Leaders of UK, GERMANY, AUSTRLALIA would commit the same mistake by supporting terrorists. Hamas, Hezebolla, Houthis are wicked terrorists, they should be destroyed without mercy. Leaders of Palestinian Authority are guilty for the death and malnutrition of children because they lead Palestinians to the path of destruction. They could have led Palestinians to lands of Arabs to earn a living and build their own Palestinian state. Palestinians (young & old, man & woman) are most shameless beggars for food & water, they don’t want to go to an Arab land to earn a living and build their own Palestinian state. Africa amid famine has the most fat people in the world, they are also shameless beggars. Ukranians are shameless beggars for weapons, they do not have reason for existence. Harvard though the richest university in the world is a shameless beggar for US aid. Japan claims to practice democracy, its ruling party lost election miserably, yet its prime minister shamelessly wants to stay in power. The world must realize years of aid to Africa produced nothing, trillions of dollars went to black holes. Africa is corrupt, unmotivated and useless.Black leaders and politicians take advantage of it; dress well, eat well, and live a luxurious life style. Black problems can be solved only by Blacks. Let Africa alone to survive on its own. Blacks create most of the problems in the world, given too much coverage and platform in world media, overappointed and given too many spokespersons and positions in UN. Any nation who shares destiny with Africa will be doomed. Nothing good comes out of Africa: primitive religion, superstition, spiritism, orgies, black magic, tribalism, voordoism.
If the Texas flooding is an act of God; Ukraine conflict, and conflicts of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis must be acts of the devil.
India must coexist with China, at the same time India and South Africa must be expelled from BRICS besause they do not remain true to BRICS’ founding mission, they do not belong, must be replaced by Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. US and EU must not rearm Ukraine, let Russia destroy it, and never to be rebuilt. The leader of Ukraine must also be executed.
Palestinian Authorities are guilty for leading Palestinians to a path of death, children died and suffer malnutrition. Palestian Authorities do not lead Palestinians (who are Arabs) to a land of Arabs to work for a living and build the Palestinian state.
American forces have successfully wiped out three Iranian nuclear sites through B-2 bombers. The “everlasting consequence” is Iran cannot be a nuclear threat anymore. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Dutch people to demolish NATO — the war machine.
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*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
The virgin birth is not the birth of a virgin.
This article has been written to show you that the birth of Jesus Christ was not like other people, because it was supernatural. It is not a natural thing that a virgin gives birth to a child. It is actually impossible for a virgin to become pregnant. The virgin Mary knew it, every woman and man should know it. The virgin Mary to have a child was a supernatural thing beyond human ability or capability.
Humans can do only the natural, never the supernatural. For God nothing is impossible, for God controls the natural as well as the supernatural. However, this is one and only event in history, and it shall not repeat again.
The virgin birth is not the birth of a virgin or her so-called immaculate
conception. Mary was not perfectly sinless as a certain religion claimed. The Virgin Birth refers only to the birth of Jesus Christ by Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, without a human father. The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ was foretold by the prophet, “Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Look, a virgin will conceive and bear a son and call His name Emmanuel.”
(Isa 7:14) Sign in Hebrew is ‘owth which means a portent of good omen, a miraculous sign; – it occurs about 79 times in the Old Testament.
Emmanuel in Hebrew is `Immanuw’el which means “God with us” or
“with us is God” – it occurs only 2 times in the Old Testament. This is the definition of Incarnation; God came to be with men. “Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Look, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and they will call His name Emmanuel, which means God with us.” (Mat 1:22-23 ) It is important to know that prophecy is what the Lord spoke through His prophet. So the birth of Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Virgin in Greek is parthenos which means a marriageable maiden, an unmarried girl who has never had sexual intercourse with a man; – it occurs 14 times in the New Testament. A virgin by definition is not only an unmarried young woman; a virgin is a young woman who has never had sexual intercourse with man. A virgin is definitely an unmarried woman, but an unmarried woman may not be a virgin. In some countries, unmarried young women are still virgins; in many other societies, many of them are no longer virgins. In some secular society, boys and girls have sex as young as 10 years old. Another example, one third of all births in America are illegitimate. Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit and it took place just as God spoke through His prophet.
There is no nation on earth which has more deviant, demonic, diabolical, deceitful, deceptive, dirty and devilish claims, doctrines, beliefs, rumors, ideologies, and lies than the United States of America. Currently there were some women who claimed they were virgins and they got pregnant without having sexual intercourse with men.
Apparently these women claimed to be like virgin Mary. The Bible makes it clear liars will go to Hell. It is not worthwhile to dwell on liars of infinite varieties. Before the virgin birth of Jesus Christ the Son of God through the virgin Mary, it never happened before. After the virgin birth of Christ, it never happened after and will never happen again. The Roman Catholic Church teaches a false doctrine called Virgin Mary in perpetuity is self-defeating. That was not true. According to the Bible, after the birth of Jesus, Mary had sex with Joseph and bore several children.
Mat 13:55-56, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother
called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?”
Mar 6:3, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of
James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with
us? And they took offense at Him.” The Bible mentions the names of
Mary’s other four sons, namely James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Mary
also bore at least two daughters although their names were not
mentioned. Once I told a Filipino woman (a Catholic) who worked at the
same place with me that after Jesus was born, Mary lived a normal life
with her husband Joseph and had at least 6 children; and so the Catholic teaching was false and she was surprised. In the history of mankind, there was only one virgin Mary who gave birth to Jesus Christ the Son of God. There had never been before, it had never been after, and it will never happen again.
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ signifies two cardinal doctrines of
Christianity namely the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. The
Humanity of Christ means He was sinless, the Righteous, the Perfect
Man – God manifested in human form as Man. The Divinity of Christ
means Jesus Christ existed before Abraham was, before the universe
was, before time and space for Jesus Christ is the Eternal Father who
created the universe. Jesus Christ was truly God and truly Man, perfect
God and perfect Man.
Luk 2:10-11,“But the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold,
I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for
today in the city of David there has been born for you the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This was fulfilled the prophecy of Isa 9:6, “For a
Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government
will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful,
Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ”
1. Before they came together.
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened like this: When His mother
Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.” (Mat 1:18) To come together in Greek is synerchomai which means to cohabit conjugally, come together in the sense of sexual union; – it occurs about 32 times in the New Testament. The historical fact was that Mary became pregnant –before she and Joseph cohabited as husband and wife.
Luk 1:17, “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
John the Baptist was a forerunner before Jesus to make ready a people
prepared for the Lord.
2. How can this be?
Mary was an intelligent woman, she raised the question how can a virgin without sex to be found with child?
When the angel Gabriel brought the news to Mary, she was troubled and asked: “How can this be since I am still a virgin?” (Luk 1:34) Virgin in Greek is parthenos which means an unmarried girl, a maiden who has not known a man in the sexual sense; – it occurs about 14 times in the New Testament. Even Mary did not believe a virgin could be pregnant without sexual intercourse with a man. To her this was impossible. How can this be? A pure virgin like Mary expressed her deepest concern and feelings. One thing was sure: Mary was still a virgin when Jesus was conceived in her womb and she did not have sex with a man or any man.
Of course the explanation of the angel put her fears to rest. What is
impossible with nature is possible with the God of nature.
3. Joseph was thinking to divorce Mary privately.
Joseph knew that he did not have sex with Mary, and so how did Mary
become pregnant. When Joseph saw Mary was pregnant, he was thinking to divorce her privately because he did not want to publicly shame her. He thought she had sex with another man. One thing was clear: Joseph did not have sex with Mary, that was why he wanted to divorce her privately. However, an angel of the Lord explained to Joseph that the pregnancy of Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit. See Mat 1:18-24.
“Joseph did not have sex with her until she gave birth to her firstborn
son; and he called His name JESUS.” (Mat1:25) Jesus in Greek isIēsouswhich means “Jehovah is salvation”, the Savior of mankind; – it occurs about 975 times in the New Testament. Jesus is Yĕhowshuwa` in Hebrew which means Jehovah is salvation or Savior; – it occurs about 218 times in the Old Testament.
4. Conceived by the Holy Spirit.
How could a virgin be pregnant without sex with a man? The birth of
Jesus Christ was a supernatural act. The angel explained to Joseph,
“… for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (Mat 1:20 )
To conceive in Greek is gennaō which means to beget, procreate, to be
born, become the father of; – it occurs about 97 times in the New
Testament. Angel Gabrielexplained to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come
upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luk
1:35) To come upon in Greek is eperchomai which means to supervene, influence, approach, and overtake; – it occurs about 10 times in the New Testament. The fact that the Holy Spirit supervened in the conception of Jesus by virgin Mary indicates it was not the natural process of event; it was something supernatural in nature. The Bible does not explain how the Holy Spirit influenced the conception of Jesus in the womb of a virgin.
To overshadow in Greek is episkiazo which means to cover with
preternatural influence or exert with creative energy; – it occurs only 5
times in the New Testament. The conception of Jesus is beyond scientific explanation, just as God is beyond scientific explanation. The most intelligent man on earth cannot understand how the Holy Spirit came upon Mary to make her pregnant. The wisest man under the sun cannot understand how the power of the Most High overshadowed Mary. One thing is certain: The conception of Jesus Christ was holy and immaculate because it was not the natural result of sexual union between a man and a woman tainted by sin. The conception of Jesus was holy not because Mary was immaculate, but because it was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
The conception of Jesus was sinless. The birth of Jesus Christ was holy because He was born without sin. This never happened in history before and will never happen again. Joseph did not have sex with Mary until Jesus was born; therefore Jesus was not a son of Joseph. When Jesus was twelve years old, He said to Joseph and Mary: “Why did you look for Me?” Don’t you know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luk 2:49) As a matter of fact, Jesus had a human mother without a human father. No other human being was ever in such a unique situation. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.
See Jhn 3:16. “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, (and we saw His glory, as the glory of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” (Jhn 1:14) Word in Greek is logos which means
utterance, speech, meaning, reason, the Divine Expression – it occurs
about. Flesh in Greek is sarxwhich means the body (as opposed to the soul or spirit), carnal existence, human nature, the physical nature of man; – it occurs about 151 times in the New Testament. To become in Greek is ginomai which means to cause to be, to come into being, to come into existence; – it occurs about 678 times in the New Testament.
This Scripture succinctly explains the meaning of Incarnation, that is,
God became Man. God became Man in the body of the person Jesus
Christ; Jesus Christ did not become God, for Jesus Christ was and is
God.
Since Jesus Christ was God Incarnate, was Mary the mother of God?
Absolutely not! The question implies ignorance about God. God does
not and could not have a mother. A God who had a mother
chronologically cannot be God. Mary has been referred to in the Bible as “the mother of my Lord” (Luk 1:43), “Jesus’ mother” (Jhn 2:1), and “the mother of Jesus” (Act 1:14); but never as “the mother of God.” Why is there such a distinction? Here are some fundamental reasons:
(A.) Blessed among women.
“And the angel came to her and said to her: Hail, you who are highly
favored, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.”
(Luk 1:28) Highly favored in Greek is charitoō which means to be
endowed with special honor, to be treated graciously, to be honored with blessings; – it occurs only twice in the New Testament. Although Mary was highly favored in the sight of God and blessed among women, this does not mean that Mary was divine or sinless. Blessed in Greek is eulogeō which means to invoke blessings; to be praised; to be consecrated; to make happy; to bestow blessings on; to be favored of God; to speak well of; to invoke a benediction upon; venerated; beatified; enjoying the bliss of Heaven; – which occurs 44 times in the New Testament. Mary was not the mother of God as Roman Catholic Church teaches. God does not have a mother.God cannot have a mother. If God has a mother, then he is not God. The Word became flesh through the physical instrument of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary so that the conception of Jesus Christ was holy and not tainted by sin. Mary was the mother of Jesus refers to His humanity only, for God could not have a mother. Before Mary was, Jesus Christ is. God by definition is the Self-Existent Eternal Being. If God had a mother, than the mother of God existed before God. No one existed before God, from eternity to eternity God is ONE and ONLY.
The immaculate conception of the blessed Virgin Mary does not mean
the birth or conception of Mary was sinless by her parents. It means only the conception of Jesus by Virgin Mary was sinless, because it was solely conceived by the Holy Spirit. The conception of Jesus was
preserved free from all stain of original sin, or any sin. Mary
was a sinner just like other man and woman, not free from Original Sin
or personal sin. Christians do not believe Mary was free from all sins,
Christians believe the conception of Jesus was immaculate or free from all sins.
(B.) The maid of the Lord.
“And Mary said: Look, the maid of the Lord…” (Luk 1:38) Maid in Greek
is doulē which means a female slave (involuntarily or voluntarily),
handmaid or bondmaid; it occurs only 3 times in the New Testament.
For this reason Mary knew she was the maid of the Lord, just an
instrument or vessel of God, certainly not the Mother of God. If Mary was the maid of the Lord, how could she be the mother of God? No mother would call herself the maid of her son. Mary knew perfectly the divine origin of her Son Jesus.
(C.) My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
“And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced
in God my Savior.”
(Luk 1:46-47) To magnify in Greek is megalynō which means to make or declare great, to esteem or extol highly; – it occurs 8 times in the New Testament. To rejoice in Greek is agalliaō which means to leap much for joy, exult exceedingly, to be overjoyed; – it occurs 11 times in the New Testament. Savior in Greek is sōtēr which means a deliverer, preserver; – it occurs 24 times in the New Testament. Interestingly, the word “Savior” used by Mary is the same word in the original language used by the angel in Luk 2:11 in the original language referring to Christ the Lord.
Although Mary was very special and blessed, but she needed the Savior just like any other human being. A person who needs the Savior must be a sinner. Jesus Christ the Son of God is the Savior of the world. If God was Mary’s Savior, how then could she be the mother of God? A certain religion magnifies Mary; the true religion magnifies the Lord Jesus. Those who think Mary was the mother of Jesus, and so she is more important than Jesus do not understand the Word of God and do not know Jesus Christ. God became Man in the person of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit using the womb of virgin Mary. To say Mary was the mother of Jesus is correct, to say Mary is the mother of God is absolutely wrong; for God does not and could not have a mother. But Mary was smarter than I am, Mary knew the difference between soul and spirit. Mary’s soul magnified the Lord, and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior. Frankly, both my soul and spirit magnify and rejoice in God my Savior. Only I do not know how my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
5. The same is My brother, sister, and mother.
“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in Heaven, the same is
My brother, sister, and mother.” (Mat 12:50)
Jesus Christ puts obedience to the will of God as the basis of spiritual
relationship. Jesus Christ makes it clear that a woman who does the will of God is the same like His sister or mother! Notice Christ did not say father. There is only one Father who is in Heaven. Roman Catholics commit blasphemy by calling the pope, “Holy Father.” On the cross Jesus told Mary and John that they were mother and son.
Jhn 19:26-27, “When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”
The disciple whom Jesus loved was John. Jesus said to John, Behold
your mother Mary. So John took Mary into his own household. The Lord Jesus committed His mother to be taken care by His beloved disciple John.
6. Mary was NOT a virgin in perpetuity.
A certain religion teaches that Mary is a virgin in perpetuity. However,
the Bible teaches that Mary was a virgin before the birth of Jesus. After
the birth of Jesus, Joseph had sexual relations with Mary as husband
and wife. As a result of the union, Joseph and Mary had several children.
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His
brothers, James, Joses, Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?…”
(Mat 13:55-56) No, Jesus was not the carpenter’s son, for the carpenter
knew it, and Mary knew it. When the author cited the Scripture to a
Catholic woman, she was so surprised to learn the first time that Mary
bore several children after Jesus. Clearly, a woman who had sexual
relations with her husband and bore several sons and daughters could
not remain a virgin in perpetuity. The absurdity of such a doctrine by a
certain religion that Mary is the perpetual virgin is self-evident.
7. Mary is NOT mediator between God and men.
A certain religion teaches falsely that Mary is the mediator between God and men. From the Biblical point of view, this is a damnable heresy. A heresy is doctrinal departure from the revealed truth. Since Mary was a sinner and a human and needed the Savior, she could not be the mediator between God and men. The Bible unmistakably teaches that Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and men. “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself as a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim 2:5-6)
Mediator in Greek is mesitēs which means a go-between, middle man,
intermediary, reconciler or intercessor, arbitrator, one who intervenes
between two; – it occurs 6 times in the New Testament. It is un-Scriptural to pray to Mary, and to worship Mary is committing idolatry. The fact that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary does not promote Mary to a divine status. Although Mary was the mother of our Lord, Mary does not have any power OR influence to confer blessings on anyone. It is significant to know that after Jesus’ Ascension, Mary was mentioned only once in the Bible.
Act 1:14,“These all with one mind were continually devoting
themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of
Jesus, and with His brothers.”
Mary the mother of Jesus and His brothers and all other disciples and
the women were with one mind continually devoting themselves to
prayer. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is indicative of the holy conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, not the immaculate conception of Mary. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is the good news that God became Man in order to save sinners from eternal death in hell. When Christ was born, hope was born because Christ brings hope to the world. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. God offers eternal life to any ones who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God.
A Catholic priest wrote, “If Christmas is the season opener, Easter is the Super Bowl.” God does not recognize the Super Bowl; Super Bowl is nothing to God. THE teaching of Roman Catholic Church to pray to Mary is not only blasphemous, it fools one billion people!
Rom 1:4, “Who was declared the Son of God with power by the
resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus
Christ our Lord.” The resurrection of Jesus does prove His divinity. It is
not the day that matters, not the church’s liturgical calendar that matters; it is the Word of God that matters. It is silly to argue whether Easter is more important than Christmas or vice versa.
Rom 14:5-6, “One person regards one day above another, another
regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his
own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he
who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who
eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.”
Gal 4:10-11, “You observe days and months and seasons and years.
I fear for you, lest I have labored over you in vain.” The Roman Catholic
Church has many man-made doctrines and traditions of men which are
not in the Bible. The Bible never says the Christmas season lasts 12 days or the Easter season lasts 50 days.
What Catholic theologians and scholars say are unimportant. The
Gospel of John does not mention the birth of Jesus because the Gospel presents Jesus as the Word, and the Word was God. God certainly did not have a birth day, for God is Self-Existent and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting. Catholics are wrong to believe that Mary remained a virgin her entire life. Mary was a virgin because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Certainly Jesus was not the carpenter’s son; Jesus was the Son of God.
Mat 1:18, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His
mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together
she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.” Jesus was conceived before Joseph and Mary came together (had sex). How could Mary remained a virgin in perpetuity when she and Joseph came together and produced sons and daughters?
Mat 13:55-56, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called
Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And
His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all
these things?”
Mar 3:31, “Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing
outside they sent word to Him and called Him.” The Bible does not say how many children Mary had with Joseph, we are told they had 4 sons and daughters (names were not provided), not knowing how many daughters and without giving names of their daughters. There is no Christmas Mass, midnight or not. Mass was a Catholic invention,
contrary to the Bible. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for
sinners was complete once and for all, it is not going to be repeated or
reenacted. The Bible teaches about the Lord’s Supper, to remember the
death of Jesus Christ until Jesus Christ returns.
This wonderful Savior Jesus Christ was God who
became Man, born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, who died for our sins, rose again to justify all who believe in Him, ascended to the highest Heavens, and He is coming again to judge the world and reign with the saints forever and ever in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mary was not the Savior. It is wrong to pray to or
worship Mary who was only a blessed woman, not
God. There is no other savior except the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Would you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and
Savior? No matter who you are, and no matter where you are, would you do it now?
*Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ absolutely free. We do not want donation. We only want you to know the truth.
BY WILLIE WONG
A person who stinks does not know he/she stinks. The fool does not know she/he is a fool
This is the voice of an old dying American in the wilderness who does not seek money or power.
International community, knowingly or unknowingly, is greatly mistaken. Gaza does not belong to Palestinians. Gaza belongs to Israeli. Palestinians are originally Arabs who invaded Palestine under British rule. It is good and right for Palestinians to relocate permanently in lands of Arabs to establish a Palestinian State of their own.
Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages, Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners of war. That is stupidity, the numbers are stupidity. Hamas who killed hostages must be killed. Hamas who mistreated hostages must be punished.Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis are wicked terrorists, they must be destroyed without mercy.
Palestinians do not have homeland. Gaza, West Bank, Golan Heights, etc. belong to the Jews. It is good and right that Palestinians be resettled permanently in any Arab land to make a living and build a Palestinian State of their own.
Palestinians must be evacuated from the Jewish lands and resettle permanently in Arab lands to build their own Palestinian state. Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis are terrorists to be destroyed completely. That is the only way to peace.
Palestinians are also useless, shameless and worthless peoples to loot and rob international aid trucks. They are violent and unproductive. Leaders and politicians of Palestinian Authority lead them to the path of destruction by illegally occupying the Jewish lands. They do not want to go to the Arab lands to build their Palestinian state. They rather stay in Jewish lands in order to receive aid for nothing. No aid should enter to help Palestinians.
Hamas should be held responsible for killing hostages and be punished. The UN chief speaks and supports terrorists should be gone. All UN high-paid officials should be replaced; and UN to be reformed in 100 days. It is a false peace. Gaza, West Bank, Golan Heights, Rafah, etc. are Jewish lands. UN, WHO, Arab-Muslim-Black nations and Palestinian Authority speak and support terrorists Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis without making any demand. Palestinians do not have homeland in Jewish lands. They must evacuate from Jewish lands and go to lands of Arab to build a Palestinian state. That would be true peace but they do not want peace.
This is the voice of an old dying American in the wilderness who does not seek money or power.
1. The new President must attack Mexico militarily for violating American sovereignty, being the conduit of unlawful migrants for years AND drugs trafficking. Drop a few bombs on Mexico City may be a good start.
2. Deport 45 million illegal aliens already residing in America and use military to prevent invasion of hordes of illegal migrants from entering the United States and reject all asylum seekers. Build walls and militarize the borders for safety and security.
3. Mexico threatens loss of US 400,000 jobs, US by canceling NAFTA will cost Mexico 4 million jobs.
4. Use military to repel unlawful migrants and shoot at migrants who cut the fence or destroy the wall.
5. Withdraw support from Ukraine, END the war, and execute the Ukraine leader for war crimes and corruption.
6. Enact the law to require citizenship to apply for welfare, and all welfare recipients must work to get benefits.
7. Annihilate Iran, terrorists Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis; and force Palestinians to evacuate from the Jewish lands and go to lands of Arabs.
8. America has been playing the fool so long, of course America must be FIRST for America.
9. Former imperialists and colonialists must pay compensations to their former colonies. African nations are big talkers but small doers. Africa must be self-sufficient and receive no aid.
10. A nation has no reason to exist if it does not have water, food and fuel and basic infrastructure.
11. It is strangest that UN, WHO, ICC (International Criminal Court) etc. Speak and Support terrorists HAMAS, HEZBOLLAH and HOUTHIS.
12. It is a felony to harbor, hire or help unlawful migrants or illegal aliens.
Is there any future or hope for the world where the terrorists Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis make demands and UN, WHO, EU, all Arab-Muslim-Black nations serve and support them willingly?
America and EU can change the world by changing course, cease all hostilities against Russia and China, like President Nixon sought a just and lasting peace for the world. I believe the overwhelming majority of Americans want this.
I propose the world to impose a moratorium of 20 years on the undeveloped, unproductive, insufficient and useless nations. No matter what internal conflict and tensions, civil war and war with neighbors, coups d’etat, famine, drought, or man-made disasters, the international community will not interfere. Moratorium means no communication, no diplomacy and no aid in whatever form. After 20-year of burning themselves out, many nations will vanish, and those who do well will survive. That is when the international community can help those nations who really want to become decent and respectable and responsible nations.
WHO IS WILLIE WONG?
I am a Christian by grace, a Chinese by grace, an American by nationality. I am neither a communist nor a capitalist. Above all I am a follower and servant of Jesus Christ. In English I am a Ruskinian, In Management I am a Koontzian. In Politics I am a Nixonian. In Philosophy I am Willie Wong Thought.
WILLIEWONGTHOUGHT IS A SYSTEM THINKING OF
WILLIE WONG AND HIS WORLDVIEW. THIS IS NOT A
COMPANY OR A BUSINESS. IT DOES NOT SEEK
CUSTOMERS OR PROFITS. IT DOES NOT BUY OR
SELL. ITDISSEMINATES KNOWLEDGE AND PROCLAIMS
TRUTH AND WISDOM. IT PREACHES THE GOSPEL OF
JESUS CHRIST ABSOLUTELY FREE. WE DO NOT WANT DONATION. WE ONLY WANT YOU TO KNOW THE TRUTH.
WHO IS WILLIE WONG?
I am a Christian by grace, a Chinese by grace, an American by nationality. I am neither a communist nor a capitalist. Above all I am a follower and servant of Jesus Christ. In English I am a Ruskinian, In Management I am a Koontzian. In Politics I am a Nixonian. In Philosophy I am Willie Wong Thought.
WILLIEWONGTHOUGHT IS A SYSTEM THINKING OF
WILLIE WONG AND HIS WORLDVIEW. THIS IS NOT A
COMPANY OR A BUSINESS. IT DOES NOT SEEK
CUSTOMERS OR PROFITS. IT DOES NOT BUY OR
SELL. ITDISSEMINATES KNOWLEDGE AND PROCLAIMS
TRUTH AND WISDOM. IT PREACHES THE GOSPEL OF
JESUS CHRIST ABSOLUTELY FREE. WE DO NOT WANT DONATION. WE ONLY WANT YOU TO KNOW THE TRUTH.
Most people in the world think they are smart, a few even confess boldly that they are wise. This is the worldview of mankind. Things are not what they believe. This article is written from the sight of God. Who and what God considers a fool. Mankind engages in a vast variety of activities that seem more lie to incur pity than admiration when viewed objectively. The fool does not know. Many human pursuits are self-destructive and yet they are so proud of themselves. The fool not only does not have wisdom, the fool does not have self knowledge.
Pro 9:12, “If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will suffer from it.”
There are some men who are fathers and very wise, but their sons were stupid. A wise father is no guarantee to have wise sons.
Pro 12:15, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a person who listens to advice is wise.”
Have you ever met a fool who confessed that his way was wrong? Some leaders and politicians are leading his country to suicide and destruction, and yet they think they are doing great for “democracy”!
Epicurus said, “ The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.”
Nowadays the world is too dangerous to let fools have their own ways. The whole problem with the world is not that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, they actually want to force their way to the whole world whether you accept it or not. They want to dominate the world with their ways. Not only they do foolish things, they do dangerous things through unilateralism.
For over 500 years the European imperialists and colonialists and capitalists have been self-satisfied. They have never confessed their guilt and started to pay reparations and compensations to their victims.
1Co 2:14-15, “But a natural person does not accept
the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one.”
Someone said, “The wise through excess of wisdom is made a fool.” If excess means too much, I do not know anyone in history had excess of wisdom. Solomon turned into a old fool when he loved foreign women who led him to idolatry.
There is a saying that you cannot fool a person twice. But do you know American people have been fooled by phony democracy for more than 300 years?
But do you know the foolishness of political bigotry? Do you know any country which is free from the foolishness of political bigotry? The White peoples have so much political bigotry for centuries that they act, talk, and think God has decreed them to rule the world? They even believe they have the right to dominate to the world, which is the perennial cause of conflict and confrontation in the world today.
If any American speaks about American youth like that, he may be ostracised. Look at how American women and girls dress today intentionally to expose their breasts. Funny part is the whole world of women and girls are following them.
The enemies of truth even frustrated and hindered me in writing this article. So you see the importance and value of this article.
I. WHAT IS FOLLY.
Merriam Webster defines a fool as “a person lacking in judgment or prudence.”
Folly is synonymous with foolishness and stupidity. A fool is a foolish and stupid person.
In this article we focus only on follies of mankind.
Due to the sinful nature of mankind, there are almost infinite varieties of folly. I have identified the following as categories of folly. There are too much follies in human affairs. Man can make a fool of himself in infinite varieties. The following are only 26 categories identified as follies or foolishness.
1. Uselessness
Uselessness means a person is not fulfilling his/her functions, not doing what he/she is expected to do. A thing can be useless too. Besides to salvation, the greatest blessing God had bestowed upon me was my wonderful mother. When I compare all the women I have known to my mother, the concept of uselessness is most relevant. I don’t want to say much to offend many people. Useless people are usually shameless people. Dog owners are useless and shameless people because they plainly practice an immoral principle: what they do not want, they give it to others. They do not want their dogs to urinate and defecate at home, so they walk their dogs to urinate and defecate outside. A good country and smart city must have laws to punish polluters.
There are useless nations, useless leaders and politicians, useless doctors, useless teachers, useless parents, useless supervisors, useless repairmen, useless husbands, useless wives, useless children, useless friends, useless human beings.
If I list the useless nations, won’t I be the target of many nations?
Marcus Tullius Cicero said, “All places are filled with fools.” Fools may be useless persons.
A corporation is miserable when top management does not know what management is.
Man can be useless in infinite varieties. Friends turned traitors are of a bitter kind. There are innumerable useless people in the world.
Ukraine war is a case in point. The nincompoop and puppet of Ukraine loves war because he receives billions of dollars and weapons from America and EU and NATO. He spends $7 billion a month just for his puppet government.
Millions of lives and trillions of dollars are lost in wars from the beginning of history. When will mankind become wise?
against the same stone, is a proverbial disgrace.“
In other words, a person is considered a fool who make the same mistake twice.
A smoker and drunkard repeated do the bad things.
A gambler displays his folly. The folly of mankind is making the same mistake many times. As a case in point, European powers knew they had done evil under imperialism and colonialism, yet not one European nation has repented of their sins and crimes and made reparations and compensations to their victims. Instead even today they support American hegemony to dominate the world.
Pro 26:11, “Like a dog that returns to its vomit, So is a fool who repeats his foolishness.”
A person who repeats his foolishness is a fool.
5. Anger
An angry person loses his self-control, that is folly.
I believe if you are right, you have no need to be angry. If you are wrong, then you have no right to be angry. Psychopathic supervisors are angry all the time because they do not know how to solve problems. Most psychopathic supervisors have no idea what management is. They think management means controlling and humiliating subordinates.
For psychopathic supervisors their angers are deemed as demonstration of their powers. They enjoy humiliating their subordinates.
The folly of laziness is to get what you deserve. The value of a lazy person hits the bottom.
The Bible says,Pro 6:6, “Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise.”
A man without descendants is considered unfortunate; but he does not have the burden of worrying about his children.
7. Jealousy or envy
The West used to despise China because of its backwardness and weakness. Now the West is jealous and envious of China because of its spectacular successes in all areas.
Pro 14:30, “A tranquil heart is life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones.”
Do you see the rottenness of Western nations who label China as a national threat?
CPC must be credited for the spectacular success of China modernization. The West is reluctant to admit that. But there are no Western parties which are better than the CPC? Also must be credited are millions of Chinese scientists, engineers, managers, technicians, and workers. If you don’t believe it, come to China and see it for yourself.
Mat 27:17-18, “So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
For he knew that it was because of envy that they had handed Him over.”
Pilate the governor knew it was envy that the Jewish religious establishment wanted to crucify Jesus.
Job 5:2, “For irritation kills the fool, And jealousy brings death to the simple.”
I do not know how jealousy brings death to the simple.
8. Excess
America is a nation of excess. It is the greatest folly to legalize same sex marriage, and obsessed with money, power, and sex. America is a slave to power and money that it wants to dominate the world at any cost.
A foolish American politician shouted jubilantly, “We don’t have to apologize for American exceptionalism or western values.” Western nations which claim to be Christian nations have disgraced Christianity. Western values are nothing but money, power, and sex; which no true Christian can subscribe to. As an American, I have duty to tell the truth about America. In fact, every nation has its follies. Do I want to be hated by all nations?
As an American, I must tell the truth about America. America is the nation of excess: oversexed, overfed, overspent, overindulged, overaggressive, overprivileged, overmedicated, overopinionated, etc.
Can you think of obesity as physical excess?
Plato said, “The excessive increase of anything causes a reaction in the opposite direction.”
9. Over the limit
America is a nation which lives above its means, its national debt has exceeded $31 trillions. Not one American leader and politician worries about it because it is their debt. The tragic funniness is the fact while America is incurring the largest national debt in history, yet its leaders and politicians find money to support the proxy war in Ukraine in order to weaken Russia. They want to dominate the world at all cost. An individual can charge his credit cards to the point he cannot pay and has to declare bankruptcy. Just as a driver cannot go over the limit on a freeway, so
individuals and nations cannot go over the limit in expenditures.
10. Unpreparedness
Sun Tzu said, “He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.” Do you know how many fools go to take exams unprepared and hoping they have good luck to pass? There are even people who go to interview for a job but they arrive late? Being unprepared heightens one’s folly. The Lord teaches a practical lesson: count the cost. Luk 14:28-30, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, “saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” I disagree with a white preacher who preached a racial gospel but his philosophy of “Finish the job” had a great impression on me a young boy. Sun Tzu also said, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”
Parable of Ten Virgins
Mat 25:1-13, “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom
came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.
Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ “But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.”
This Scriptures cited above does not mean half of the world’s population are foolish. It does not mean half the world’s population will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It means those who are not ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ will not enter.
11. Madness
Irrationality or go after the wind is considered folly. For example, buying $10,000 lottos hoping to win. The mad behavior of mankind is almost infinite. There are not a few blacks who believe because they were descendants of slaves, therefore they are entitled … in America. There are also whites who believe because they were born white therefore they are Christians. It is a fool who believes madness is freedom. A young woman was madly in love, when she was pregnant, the man abandoned her. Western leaders and politicians are mad because they label China a national threat. European leaders and politicians are mad to boycott and sanction Russian cheap gas and oil. They display a form of political madness in following American unilateralism and hegemony. Phony democracy is a form of madness insisting all is well when Americans are miserable with inflation, high crime, invasion of illegal migrants, threat of nuclear war, the few rich and powerful rule America, and injustice becomes a way of life. Isaac Newton said, “I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.”
Americans doing the same thing (elections) over and over again cannot expect different results. How about Americans vote for revision of the Constitution to stipulate the national sovereignty lies in the hands of American citizens so that through National Referendum with a majority (51%) Americans have power to remove bad and wrong leaders instantly and change national policy such as foreign wars immediately.
It is madness to believe in American Exceptionalism and practice manifest destiny to rule the world.
“Americans were annually wasting 130 million dollars of energy and 165 million dollars of food. In addition, each American wasted an average of 2. 3 million liters of water per year. The most dangerous items wasted by America are: water, paper, energy, glass, food and plastic.”
This is not counting America wasting trillions of dollars in fighting unjust wars for so long!
Underestimation is overestimation of one’s capacity, like a lightweight fighting a heavyweight. It is a fool to bear a burden that his strength is short. Underestimation can also be a faulty planning. For example, no one can complete $100,000 project with half price. It is a fool to buy a house he is not qualified and he cannot afford. It is a fool to live on credit, everything he owns is bought by installment.
14. Ignorance
Example is the belief if you drink liquid detergent, it will cure you from the Pandemic.
False knowledge is a false belief. Many Chinese believe in the next life they can marry the ones they love. The next life is not what the Bible describes as the life to come, the eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible teaches when you die you do not change into any other animal. You either go the Hell or enter Heaven for good.
Granted we are all born ignorant, and we are ignorant in the things we do not know. I was a stupid boy who could not swim and did not realize the danger of crocodile. Had not been the grace of God I would have been drowned and eaten by a crocodile in my childhood. False beliefs can constitute ignorance.
Those drivers who do not respect pedestrian right not only are ignorant, they are uncivilized and dangerous. Those drivers who speed up when they see pedestrians crossing are candidates for murders.
I am frightened by American and Europeans leaders and politicians who insist on going the wrong way in conquering and dominating the world at all cost!
15. Unsuitability
A carpenter is unfit to perform a surgery. A round peg cannot go into a square hole. You cannot wear shorts in a cold winter. Coconuts are not grown in North Pole. A black or Asian woman does not have blonde hair. These are simple truths which are apparent. An unsuitable national policy is not transparent. An unsustainable national program may not be apparent. However, a 5 ft. shortie does not have a promising career in playing basket ball or volley ball. Suitability is a concept which is applicable to individuals or nations alike.
16. Wrong instrument
In a age of technology, technology obsolescence can mean a demise of a corporation or nation. Chinese leaders were smart in building modern infrastructure of high ways, rail ways, high speed trains, subways, bridges, etc. to increase the speed of transportation and reduce its costs. You cannot use microscope to study the distant stars. Capitalism is the wrong ideology in developing any nation, even today many are not aware of it. I think in the face of inflation, high costs of living and energy crisis, Europeans of many nations begin to awaken. Thousands and thousands of them demonstrate against the national policies of their countries. When will American and European leaders and politicians open their eyes and realize what they have been doing for so long are wrong and a waste of time, money, and efforts. When will they realize imperialism, capitalism, hegemony, oppression, aggression, military conflict, unjust wars, boycott, embargo, sanctions, high tariffs, unilateralism, white supremacy, gender inequality, racial discrimination, etc. are no longer fashionable in this world, they do not work and they become political and economic bypass and burdens.
Incivility is usually identified in words and deeds. The following are only some considered uncivilized behavior:
1. Polluting the environment.
2. Cursing and shouting in public.
3. Spitting.
4. Smoking where it is not allowed.
5. Graffiti.
6. Violation of traffic laws.
7. Obscenity and vulgarity.
8. Walking dogs to urinate and defecate in pubic places.
9. Forced begging.
10. Selling hard drugs.
11. Pimping and prostitution.
12. Police brutality.
13. Damaging public property.
14. Causing disturbance.
I am especially disgusted whenever I hear American girls and young women indulge in vulgarity and profanity.
18. Lies
It is a folly to lie because you will be found out. As a manager I could interview a person for 15 minutes to determine his/her expertise. The American and British leaders who lied about the weapon of mass destruction of Saddam Hussein will go down in history no one can erase. The journalists who wrote many lies about Richard Nixon got rich at the expense of a great leader. Plato said, “False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.” I wonder how Western leaders and politicians and mass media can live with themselves by spewing out so many black lies about China.
China has done so many good things in Asia, Africa, etc. The Western media blinded their eyes and sealed their lips never mentioned one item of good deed. Just mention one example, the Jakarta-Bandung Railway, the first high speed train in South-east Asia. In comparison, the richest and strongest nation on earth – USA – does not have even one high speed railway. What America and Europe have done for any nation in the world? Nothing but wars and a bunch of related evil deeds such as sanctions and creation of hardship and poverty.
It has been proven many times that Western mass media is a liar, and it stabs the human society too many times. Soon no one will pay attention to Western media for all its lies and falsehoods. American mass media tells big lies so frequently that no one will believe anymore.
19. Deception
This is the age of deception and misinformation. How many individuals and organizations thrive and live on lies through false ads and scams. How many spams and phishings are committed daily by those who use empty millions to fish a few hundreds real money from greedy individuals through Emails. This is being done in the names of the rich and famous. No government is doing anything to stop this big business deception! Benjamin Franklin said, “Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough to be honest.” Honest and dependable persons are rare in this world.
American culture is a culture of promiscuous sex and fornication starting with high school students and adultery among married adults. It is like a birthright for dating young people to have sex as if it is abnormal if you don’t. American culture is contrary to Bible teaching of Christian conduct and holiness. According a magazine that promotes promiscuous sex, “The share of Americans who say sex between unmarried adults is “not wrong at all” is at an all-time high.” This immoral sexual practice and escapade is vulgarly known as “hookup”, “sexting”, “kink”, “polyamory”, and “ “fifth base”, etc. It is and it will be harder and harder for Christians to live in such a secular and sex-indulgent and un-Christian America. Let me warn Americans, if you practice sexual immorality, don’t you dare comfortably call yourselves Christians.
The American and Western mass media have no sense of shame or morality, continuously spew out fake news, false statements, smears and slurs at China — which is the only nation accomplishes so much for its own people and marching boldly and speedily to achieve its many lofty goals. China unselfishly and most generously is helping many nations in particular Asia and Africa, while America and Europe only do evil things and nothing else.
Marcus Tullius Cicero said, “Nothing is more unpredictable than the mob, nothing more obscure than public opinion, nothing more deceptive than the whole political system.)”
Customers who have been defrauded by banks know even better.
20. Injustice
Those who commit injustice never think of themselves being fools. Banks defraud customers by deliberately not sending out monthly statement which they are under law required to do freely. If you ask for a monthly statement which never reaches you, you must pay $5 for each monthly statement. Since banks do not regularly and consecutively send customers monthly statement, you have no way to audit your account and the banks can easily fail to post your credits, and you have no way of knowing it. This is an injustice the US government is not interested to right. It is shocking if you find the regulators protect the regulated industries at the expense of the helpless individuals.Hos 10:13, “You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested
injustice, you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because
you have trusted in your way, in your many
warriors.” In America the rich and powerful rule with injustice. American leaders and politicians want to keep power and money for themselves. They never support an election to vote for revision of the Constitution to stipulate national sovereignty lies in the hands of American citizens, with a majority (51 %) they have power to remove any office and change any national policy.
There was a famous black preacher who preached a false gospel. Black people made exception of him and made excuses to cover up his sins, but he was an FBI certified immoral person. Immorality disqualifies any preacher. An immoral person is more than a fool, he is moral trash and garbage of any community.
A drunkard who drives and kills people is no accident. An evil drug company that manufactures wrong drug or vaccine to harm and kill people for profit is no accident. There are many things which appear like accidents are actually not accidents because they are caused by irresponsible parties.
China is beginning to build a socialist nation with high quality of life. Western leaders and politicians and mass media are frightened, busy and actively attacking China with fake news and false accusations laughable. China has had so many spectacular successes in many fields and fronts, I have no doubt that China is able to build a society of great quality of life before any Western nation could even dream of.
To build a good society is no result of accidents.
Babbling is the fool who talks too much meaninglessly.
My nephew used to make fun of a Chinese professor who always began to say something with the words, “I think…” He never seemed to know what he was talking.
Pro 9:13, “A woman of foolishness is boisterous, She has a lack of understanding and knows
nothing.”
Pro 21:9, “It is better to live on a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”
Pro 21:19, “It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and irritating woman.”
Pro 25:24, “It is better to live on a corner of the roof, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”
Pro 27:15, “A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike.”
These are not sexist statements. King Solomon had intimate knowledge of a great number of women.
women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women,
from the nations of which the LORD had said to the sons of Israel, “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you; they will certainly turn your heart away to follow their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
He had seven hundred wives, who were princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned
his heart away. For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of his father David had been. For Solomon became a follower of Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and of Milcom the abhorrent idol of the Ammonites.
So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not follow the LORD fully, as his father David had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abhorrent idol of Moab, on the mountain that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abhorrent idol of the sons of Ammon. He also did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.
Now the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him regarding this thing, that he was not to follow other gods; but he did not comply with what
the LORD had commanded.”
You see even Solomon with all his wisdom, his foreign wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. The influence and seduction of women succumb even the wise Solomon. Women can turn men who loved them into fools. Solomon was not like his father David who kept God’s commandments and followed the Lord with all his heart, to do only that which was right in His sight; — son not like the father.
25. Illusion
Illusion is something unreal taken by fools as real. People who have illusion usually have also delusion.
For example, Europeans have illusion in believing joining EU and NATO they will have national security. Not knowing by joining NATO they would be first subject to nuclear attack. They are joining the death camp. False beliefs are also illusions.
Europe and America have an illusion that they are Christian nations. There are pleasures in believing an illusion where truth is painful.
It is too much and I am embarrassed to say to American and European leaders and politicians, “Wake up!” As an American citizen, it is my duty to be concerned about the future of America. As a servant of God, it is my duty to warn world leaders and politicians of the judgment to come.
Zec 10:2, “For the household idols speak deception, And the diviners see an illusion And tell deceitful dreams; They comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, They are wretched because there is no shepherd.”
Let me tell the truth: Americans are wretched because there is no leader. The world is also wretched because there are many false leaders.
I think the greatest danger or delusion today is cherished and espoused firmly by American end European leaders and politicians. They believe they are exceptional and they have been appointed by God to rule the world. They believe they are blessed by God because they deserve to be blessed.
26. Irresponsibility
Irresponsibility not only makes fools, it also makes immoral persons. Irresponsibility is the general term that applies to many categories of fools. An irresponsible doctor commits malpractice which may harm or kill patients. An irresponsible teacher ruins the future of his students. An irresponsible bus driver may take a whole load of tourists down to the valley of death. I have never read the study of the consequences of irresponsible parents, because it is a longitudinal study from childhood to adulthood that deters researchers from engaging in such a project. We have a few historical cases such as the virtues of Mencius’ mother undoubtedly contributed to the positive results of making Mencius a good man and a great philosopher. Next to salvation, I am forever grateful to God for giving me such a wonderful mother, whose godly influence lasts a lifetime. You never meet a bad and wicked person who is responsible.
Among the irresponsible persons, dog owners are the most disgusting. They plainly practice the immoral principle: What they do not want they give it to others. Dog owners do not want their dogs to urinate and defecate at home, so they walk their dogs to urinate and defecate in public places. They are not only most disgusting, they are also shameless. Smart cities and responsive governments must establish laws to severely punish the shameless polluters of the environment.
There is no such a thing like a responsible criminal, a responsible robber, rapist, and terrorist. Someone said, “There are two reasons why people fail. One is irresponsibility. The second is fear.” I agree that irresponsibility is the first reason that many fail. I don’t agree with the second reason of fear. Hitler was the German leader who was irresponsible in killing 6 million Jews. Hitler had no fear of God or men.
America is practicing an era of organized irresponsibility. Can you tell who is responsible for the largest national debts exceeding $31 trillions? Who is responsible for waste of lives and money in unjust foreign wars for so many years? Who is responsible for the two parties which betray American interest? Who is responsible for the federal bureaucracy which is costly and self-serving? Who is responsible for inflation, high crime, injustice, and invasion of illegal migrants? Who is responsible for the most costly and fraudulent and organized crime healthcare system in the world which enriches corrupt doctors and hospital owners with indemnity? Who is responsible for continuously practicing the phony democracy of elections without removing bad leaders and changing the wrong national policies?
Who is responsible for the folly of one age or generation?
Is political folly of the leader be blamed on the nation?
Richard Whately said, “It is folly to expect men to do all that they may reasonably be expected to do.” I have discovered, The first step of morality is responsibility.
II. WHAT CONSTITUTES A FOOL.
In the sight of God, who is the greatest fool?
Psa 14:1, “For the music director. A Psalm of David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they have committed detestable
acts; there is no one who does good.”
An atheist is the greatest fool of all fools.
The folly of all follies is the fool who has said in his heart, “There is no God.” It is like a blind man who shouted in the day that there is no existence of the Sun because he cannot see it. A man who denies the existence of God must also deny the creation of God;
Psa 14:2, “The LORD has looked down from Heaven upon the sons of mankind to see if there
are any who understand, who seek God.”
Psa 25:2-6, “My God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies rejoice over me.
Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without
cause will be ashamed.
Make me know Your ways, LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.
Remember, LORD, Your compassion and Your faithfulness, for they have been from of old.”
Heb 2:3-4, “how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles
and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”
Jde 1:24-25, “Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now
these Words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great.” When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching;
for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”
Jesus Christ defines everyone who hears the Words of Jesus and acts on them is a wise man. And everyone who hears the Words of Jesus and does not act on them is a foolish man.
Ecc 2:14, “The wise person’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one and the same fate happens to both of them.”
The fool walks in darkness. The whole West walks in darkness but Westerners do not know.
Job 12:25, “They grope in darkness with no light, And He makes them stagger like a drunken person.”
The Scripture cited above describe how the fool walks in darkness.
Psa 82:5, “They do not know nor do they understand; They walk around in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are shaken.”
American and European leaders and politicians do not know nor do they understand; they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Pro 2:13, “From those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness.”
America and Europe leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness.
Pro 4:19, “The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble.”
Isa 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
Woe to American and European leaders and politicians and mass media who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet of bitter. Woe to those who call phony democracy good, and good evil; who substitute injustice for sweet and justice for bitter.
Mat 6:23, “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”
Mat 22:13, “Then the king said to the servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet, and throw him into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place.’”
The Bible calls Hell the outer darkness.
Mat 25:30, “And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.”
Jhn 1:5, “And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it.”
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world who shine in the darkness.
Jhn 3:19, “And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved
the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds
were evil.”
Can anyone reason and debate whether Western leaders and politicians and Western media do not love darkness rather than the Light and their deeds are not evil?
Jhn 8:12, “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I AM the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
Is it not clear as the day that Western leaders and politicians and Western media do not follow Jesus Christ but walk in darkness?
Jhn 12:46,“I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in
darkness.”
If Western leaders and politicians and Western media believe in Jesus Christ, they will not remain in darkness. No one can dispute that.
Act 26:18, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’”
It is my hope and prayer that Western leaders and politicians and Western media may open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may
receive forgiveness of their sins.
2Co 4:6, “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
Eph 5:11, “Do not participate in the useless deeds
of darkness, but instead even expose them.”
In obeying the Word of God I expose the useless deeds of darkness of Western leaders and politicians and Western media.
Eph 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
places.”
Are you surprised how much the Scriptures talk about darkness, do you now see the Light shining in darkness?
IV. WHAT A FOOL DOES
1. A fool does not delight in understanding.
Pro 18:2, “A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind.”
2. A babbling fool will come to ruin.
Pro 10:10, “He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will come to ruin.”
3. A fool spreads slander.
Pro 10:18, “One who conceals hatred has lying lips, And one who spreads slander is a fool.”
4. A fool is doing wickedness like sport.
Pro 10:23, “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a person of understanding.
The Word of God hits the nail in the head. For the fool, doing wickedness is like sport.
5. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.
Pro 12:15, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a person who listens to advice is wise.”
6. A fool displays foolishness.
Pro 13:16, “Every prudent person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays foolishness.”
7. A fool is arrogant and careless.
Pro 14:16, “A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.”
Have you ever met a fool which is not arrogant and careless?
8. A fool rejects his father’s discipline.
Pro 15:5, “A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who complies with rebuke is sensible.”
9. A fool has no sense.
Pro 17:16, “Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, when he has no sense?”
10. The eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
Pro 17:24, “Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.”
That is exactly the description of a bad leader in Ukraine, he sees victory over Russia, he cannot see destruction in Ukraine. Since he has victory, why does he need any international help to rebuild his country anyway?
11. A fool is perverse in speech.
Pro 19:1, “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than a person who is perverse in speech and is a fool.”
12. Any fool will quarrel.
Pro 20:3, “Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, But any fool will quarrel.”
13. A fool repeats his foolishness like a dog that returns to its vomit.
Pro 26:11, “Like a dog that returns to its vomit, So is a fool who repeats his foolishness.”
14. The provocation of a fool is heavier than a stone and weightier than the sand.
Pro 27:3, “A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.”
15. A fool is one who trusts in his own heart.
Pro 28:26, “One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.”
16. A fool always loses his temper.
Pro 29:11, “A fool always loses his temper, But a wise person holds it back.”
17. The fool walks in darkness.
Ecc 2:14, “The wise person’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one and the same fate happens to both of them.”
The worst and most characterizes a fool is that he walks in darkness. Don’t you think all these years the Western leaders and politicians are walking in darkness?
18. The fool folds his hands and consume his own flesh.
Ecc 4:5, “The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.”
Are these not the accurate description of many corrupt leaders and politicians of underdeveloped and unproductive countries who are overpopulated and underachieved in the world but always ask international community for humanitarian aid?
19. The fool’s sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a foo.
Ecc 10:3, “Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.”
are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him.”
21. The fool multiplies words.
Ecc 10:14, “Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?”
22. A fool speaks nonsense.
Isa 32:6, “For a fool speaks nonsense, And his heart inclines toward wickedness: To practice ungodliness and to speak error against the LORD, To keep the hungry person unsatisfied And to withhold drink from the thirsty.”
23. Honor is not fitting for a fool.
Pro 26:1, “Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.”
24. Making an unjust fortune will be a fool in the end.
Jer 17:11, “As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, So is a person who makes a fortune, but unjustly; in the middle of his days it will abandon him, and in the end he will be a fool.”
25. There is more hope for a fool than for a person wise in his own eyes.
Pro 26:12, “Do you see a person wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
26. Give honor to a fool is like one who binds a stone in a sling.
Pro 26:8, “Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is one who gives honor to a fool.”
27. To hire a fool is like an archer who wounds everyone.
Pro 26:10, “Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is one who hires a fool or hires those who pass by.”
28. Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves.
Pro 26:5, “Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves, So that he will not be wise in his own eyes.”
29. Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent.
Pro 17:28, “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is
considered prudent.”
30. The father of a fool has no joy.
Pro 17:21, “He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.”
Pro 30:32, “If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!”
1Sa 26:21, “Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again since my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have made a very great
mistake.”
Whenever I read the historical account of King Saul, I always feel sorry for his son Jonathan. Jonathan was a handsome, courageous and good young man.
2Sa 1:17-27, “Then David sang this song of mourning
over Saul and his son Jonathan, and he told them to teach the sons of Judah the mourning song of the bow; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar.
“Your beauty, Israel, is slaughtered on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!
“Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate. “Mountains of Gilboa, May there be no
dew nor rain on you, or fields of offerings! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
From the blood of those slaughtered, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, And the sword of Saul did not return unstained.
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, And in their deaths they were not separated; they were swifter than eagles, they were mightier
than lions. Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with jewelry, who put
gold jewelry on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slaughtered on your high places.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been a close friend to me. Your love for me was more wonderful than the love of women.
How the mighty have fallen, And the weapons of war have perished!”
Jonathan was a good man who had a bad father. Like it or not, your destiny is tied up with members of your family.
natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males
committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.”
6. Greed.
7. Lack of integrity.
8. Bad habits.
9. Bad debt.
10. Gambling.
11. Shameful activity.
12. Undependable.
13. Disloyal.
14. Bad reputation.
15. Temper.
1Ti 6:9-10, “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced
themselves with many griefs.”
WHAT ACTIVITIES MAY RUIN ONE’S CAREER.
1. Laziness.
2. Neglect of duty.
3. Shameful activity.
4. Incompetence.
5. Insubordination.
6. Negligence.
7. Tardiness.
8. Carelessness.
9. Bad dress.
10. Bad image.
WHAT ACTIVITIES MAY RUIN ONE’S FINANCE.
1. Spendthrift.
2. Gambling.
3. Charging credit too much.
4. Borrowing.
5. Late payment.
6. Debt.
7. Buying what one cannot afford.
8. Love of luxury.
Once on TV a fallen from grace female Pentecostal preacher was interviewed on TV, she said she loved expensive things without a contrite heart, as if because she preached the prosperity gospel and so she was entitled to have expensive things. There are preachers in America who considered Christian offerings their own money.
An individual can play the fool by practicing what one cannot afford.
Once I asked my students, given the facts:
IF I HAVE $50,000 IN MY BANK Account. Mercedes-Benz A-Class is enjoyable to drive and has a first-rate interior, but it’s not as roomy or comfortable as some other luxur… »
$35,950 MSRP
My not financed-savvy students all agreed I could afford it. They had simple-minded mentality. They did not take into account of car insurance, car repairs, car maintenance, etc.
Judas the Traitor is the greatest and worst person who played the fool for time and eternity.
Jhn 6:69-71, “And we have already believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” Now He
meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot; for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.”
There is a mystery here that Jesus called Judas Iscariot a devil, not a demon. I do not know why. I do not speculate. I do not transmogrify the Word of God because I fear God.
Mat 26:14-16, “Then one of the twelve, named Judas
Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray
“30 pieces of silver is worth something like $216 USD in today’s money.”
Would you sell the Lord for $216 USD?
Jhn 13:1-3, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He would depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them
to the end. And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him. Jesus, knowing that the Father had handed all things over to Him, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God.”
There is one important truth that many still do not know. The devil is able to put evil thought into the heart of man. The devil cannot enter the heart of a child of God because he has the Spirit of God living in him and the devil is afraid of the Spirit of God.
remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You shall see to it yourself!” And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary
and left; and he went away and hanged himself.”
Judas really played the fool for he returned the money and acknowledged Jesus was “innocent” and hanged himself. One who plays the fool always has consequences.
Act 1:18, “(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.”
It was an awful tragic end for Judas.
Should we have any pity on Judas? Never. For Jesus says, Mar 14:21, “For the Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
You know the world would be better off if the historical wicked men had not been born! In this world a lot people do not know that Juvenile record, school F record, and criminal record can ruin one’s future. Once I witnessed a White’s teenage girl shoplifting and so I stared at her as a warning but I did not report her.
WHAT ACTIVITIES MAY RUIN ONE’S SOUL?
Wickedness
Unbelief
Greed
Lust
Love the world
Jesus asks you,Mat 16:26, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
VI. COUNTRIES WHICH PLAY THE FOOL.
The following factors make any country play the fool:
1. OVERPOPULATION
2. BACKWARDNESS
3. CORRUPTION
4. CIVIL WAR
5. WAR WITH NEIGHBOR
6. UNDERDEVELOPMENT
7. LARGE NATIONAL DEBT
8. LACK OF PUBLIC HYGIENE
9. LACK OF BASIC NECESSITIES
10. LACK OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
11. LACK OF MOTIVATION
12. JOINING DEATH CAMP – NATO
I think Sweden and Finland play the fool by joining the death camp of NATO. In a nuclear war, the Europeans will first taste nuclear destruction! American leaders and politicians are guilty for incurring the largest national debt in history exceeding $31 trillions.
A small poor city cannot afford a subway system. American mismanagement cannot even build a subway in Los Angeles.
In a short period of time, China has done so much good for its own people and the world. It is tragic and sad that America and Europe are blind by prejudices and self-conceits, pretty soon the whole Asia and Africa will be indebted to China.
VII. GOD SAYS TO THE FOOL
Luk 12:16-21, “And He told them a parable, saying:
“The land of a rich man was very productive.
And he began thinking to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’
And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down
my barns and build larger ones, and I will store all
my grain and my goods there. And I will say to
myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy
yourself!” But God said to him, ‘You fool! This
very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’
Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God.”
You know you can die any time. What about tonight?
Jesus is asking you,
Mar 8:36-37, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?”
Mat 23:33, “You snakes, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of Hell?”
Jesus says,
Jhn 3:16-21, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.”
Will you come to the Light of the world?
Heb 2:2-3, “For if the Word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment,how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard.”
If you don’t, you cannot escape!
You who are rich and powerful, what if God says to you tonight, “You fool!”
IN CONCLUSION
You have learned so much from the Scriptures about the fool. I am sure you do not want to play the fool.
IF YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, GOD BECOMES YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER. IF YOU REJECT CHRIST, GOD IS YOUR JUDGE!
