LEMCO

Holy Scriptures

2012-02-04T21:26:00.000-06:00

The word inspiration is used twice in the KJV as far as I can find once by Elihu in the old testament, and once by Paul in the new testament.
Job 32:8   But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. ( it is the spirit* in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.)
Job 32:9 Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
Job 32:10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
Job 32:18   For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me
We know that Elihu is not talking about the holy ghost/comforter, because it was not given as of then.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
This is the information given Timothy, by Paul.keeping within context of the conversation leading up to this, we see Paul could have only been talking about Old Testament scripture.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];
2Ti 3:15   And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Since the New Testament was not yet in print,when Timothy was a child, we know Paul was speaking of Old Testament holy scriptures. It would be hard to make the jump that Paul was including any writings that came after his speaking to Timothy.

The word scripture appears 32 times in the KJV all 32 times refer to old testament scripture written by the prophets inspired/moved by God.

Let's look at what Peter said about scripture.

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Inspiration

2012-02-04T09:50:00.002-06:00

More than once Paul said he spoke of his own volition, not a commandment of God.
so that pretty much denied that every word in the bible came by inspireation/ God's
breath.
1Cr 7:6 But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment.
1Cr 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give
my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
There are many places in Paul's letters where it is apparent he is speaking on his
own.
unless you are willing to say Paul did not know of which he spoke, you can not
contradict what he said. Jesus Christ spoke the words of God, as Paul said he did
not always do so.
Unless you wish to contradict what Luke said about where he got his information that
he wrote about in two books, you can not say Lukes writings were whispered to him
by the :holy ghost"
Luk 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Luk 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Luk 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things
from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Luk 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
If you look at Lk 1:2 it is evident that Luke is speaking of the Apostles who were
with Jesus.Yes the Apostles had the advantage of calling upon the "holy ghost"/
comforter when they needed to do so, but even that does not mean every word they
wrote was breathed into their ear, by the spirit.
That said I believe every writer in the bible was inspired to do what they did, inspired
by their belief, inspired in the meaning influenced.

Throwing a fit

2011-07-28T08:18:00.001-05:00

In Texas, that is what we say a child is doing who doesn’t get their way, and falls on the floor screaming, crying, and kicking, snot running down their face, holding their breath until we think they are turning blue, all the while looking at their parent to see if these actions are bringing them around to their way of thinking.

Kid screamed, “I don’t want that oatmeal for breakfast, I want a hamburger” Parent said, (at least most parents) “you can’t have a hamburger for breakfast, maybe for lunch, we will see.” The fit is on.

I have found the best way to reconcile these differences is for both parties to get their say. And finally when the fit has not gained what the child wanted, and the fit subsides, the parent reaches down and picks the child up and tells them “I love you “ you never have a child love you more than that moment, he has been rescued from himself.

Is that what it takes for some of us to come to God become a little child with snot and tears streaming down our face, it seems that it is? But usually that tear stained child knows, and loves God better than those children who insist on having that hamburger for breakfast.

Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Yes when we come humbled before God, God forgives, and rescues us from ourselves.

John the baptist's question

2011-07-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Why did John have doubts?

(why would John, doubt the person, or mission of Jesus)?
Mat 11:2   Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
Mat 11:3   And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

(When,just a short time ago John is said to have spoken these words)
Jhn 1:29 ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Jhn 1:30   This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me
Luk 1:41   And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
(was this an indication that John knew Jesus even in the womb, yet now doubts him in real life? )

Why would anyone in that area doubt, did they not remember what had happened just a short 30 years before?

Mat 2:1 ¶ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2   Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Mat 2:7   Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. Mat 2:8   And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him], bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Mat 2:12   And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Mat 2:14   When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Mat 2:16 ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Did the Jews just forget all this happened, or did it happen?

KJV and trinity

2011-06-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

It's so strange to me that many today when asked what vrsion of the bible they use, They nearly always answer another besides the KJV. When asked why, usualy say , it is easier to read and understand, or it has newer research back up.
But you ask why they believe in the "Trinity God" , they run to the KJV and 1Jo 5:7 as fast as their little fingers can run. Why ? not because it is harder to read, but because it backs up what they already believe. When actually there is no place in 1 John that says there was a trinity in God. The only reason the three was mentioned, was to insure a true witness.
Jhn 5:31 ¶ If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (then he went on to disclose three witnesses,John, The Father, and scriptures) (that is exactly what John was doing in 1 John 5. nothing more.
Jhn 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
Jhn 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

KJV 1Jo 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1Jo 5:6 ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
KJV - 1Jo 5:8 - And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

NIV
1Jo 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1Jo 5:6 This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
NIV 1Jo 5:7 For there are three that testify:
* Late manuscripts of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth: the (not found in any Greek manuscript before the sixteenth century)
NIV - 1Jo 5:8 - the* Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
Footnote:
* Late manuscripts of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth: the (not found in any Greek manuscript before the sixteenth century)

Do you think the KJV people found something no one else has found, or do you think they made it to fit their belief, that God is three?

Trinity, facts

2011-04-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

The false doctrine of equality between The Great God of creation, and his subjects is easily disproven without ever leaving the confines of scripture, unlike the doctrine created by mortal man, a creation of ignorance.

The father
Mal 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? -----------.
Mar 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

The Son

Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Jhn 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Jhn 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

The holy ghost

Jhn 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Jhn 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, ------------.
Jhn 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, -----------.

Can anyone not discern, who is who from what is written in the bible.? Actually, it is very obvious.

autos--- he, she, it.
Jhn 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Yes the word "autos" is translated "him" why because if it were translated she, or it, what would that do to the false doctrine of the "trinity" ?

Recalled

2011-03-05T10:46:00.000-06:00

Why was the “holy ghost” recalled?

Jesus was setting with his apostles explaining that he was going to leave soon, and some were asking questions concerning the matter at hand, and Jesus spoke and said I will not leave you comfortless .
Jhn 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Jhn 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

As we see later Jesus did just that very thing. He asked that they might receive the “spirit of truth”
Jhn 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

We see later, the holy spirit did not consist only of the “spirit of truth” but all the spirits bestowed upon the son by the father.
Jhn 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Jhn 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.
I don’t think we should have any doubt as to who Jesus was speaking, when he said this. I don’t recall anywhere in scripture where it is said, all Christians have the power to forgive sins. So in answer to the question at hand, why is the “holy ghost” not with us today.
(Because it finished it’s work, on earth when the last Apostle died )

Lets look at the reason Jesus said it was time for him to return to the father.
Jhn 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Now lets look at what Jesus said about the Apostles.
Jhn 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Jhn 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Jesus was never intended to remain here, and neither was the one who followed him.

Why , Jesus’ blood?

2010-10-07T07:08:00.000-05:00

Heb :10:4: For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
God tried to bring man back to him by making man sacrifice things that were dear to him, his prized unblemished animals, this only served as an excuse for man to continue in his evil ways, knowing he had another animal to give, if no other way, he could buy one. At most a temporary fix, no minds were changed, no hearts convinced, no repentance.
The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ was not about him, it was about changing the heart and soul of mankind. The Father never doubted that his Son would do as he asked, he knew he would.

Heb :9:13: For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15: And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, ----------------------- .
What can take away your sins ? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. A sacrifice so great that God would not let Abraham carry it through, a father giving his own son.

The only way sins can be done away with is the changing of a heart, repentance. The blood of animals just didn’t have that effect, on the human heart.

If the story of Jesus does not change a heart, I don't know what would.

Not so common

2010-10-03T23:05:00.002-05:00

It is not uncommon to hear this greeting upon calling the congregation to order today.
“Welcome to our church this morning! Where we worship our lord and savior Jesus Christ, Although Jesus was God, he took on the form of man, so that he could die for our sins, so that we might be saved.” If you heard this, you might not think anything about it,
But , I’d like you to take a moment to think about what you just heard, and if that is the message given us in the bible.
First, we go to the Gospels. There are four gospels in our Bibles, and only two, Matthew and Luke, provide us any detail of the “Nativity scene” that is always portrayed in children’s Christmas programs. Listen to the actual verses and what they are telling us:
Mt: 1:20: But while he (Joseph) thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived (gennao) in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The Holy Spirit, which is the same thing as “The Spirit of God” in the Old Testament, is the mind and energy behind the works and word of God. Simply speaking, the Spirit is God’s power. This power caused Mary to miraculously conceive in her womb, a baby. Conceive, or in Greek, gennao, means to be begotten – come into existence. Jesus was brought into existence by God through God’s Spirit. If Jesus was brought into existence at the moment of conception, he was clearly not existing prior to being ‘begotten.’ The Scriptures are very clear on this that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and clearly presents the facts of exactly when he was begotten and how he was begotten and by whom he was begotten. There is no mystery in this. The gospel lays it all out for us, clearly, simply, concisely in both Matthew and Luke.

Luke gives us further detail on this matter:
Lk: 1:34: Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35: And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
For that reason, or because of Jesus’ supernatural birth [by] the divine intervention of the Almighty God; created Jesus in the womb of Mary, and because of this, his title would be “Son of God.”
Just as God created man (Adam, the first man) in Genesis 1-2, God created Jesus in the womb of a virgin Mary, and Jesus would later also be called the “last Adam.” (I Corinthians 15:45). Look at I Corinthians 15:20-23 and Romans 5:10-15 to explain further the importance of ‘the one man Jesus Christ’ who was a type of Adam (uniquely created by God). Adam brought sin and death into the world, but Jesus, through his obedience to God to the point of death, brought grace and eternal life.
When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are not celebrating the falsehood that is so prevalent today: “that God came down to earth in the form of a baby!” This is not found anywhere in Scripture. Jesus humbled himself, yes! But, if you read the context of this ‘humbling’, found in Philippians 2 (which is where most people substantiate this claim), it is all about the fact that Jesus was obedient to God to the point of his dying on the cross, and because of this reason, God highly exalted Jesus and gave him every authority, power, dominion, and name possible to bestow upon him! Although Jesus was born to be the King of all nations, he didn’t behave pompously and arrogantly, demanding to be served. Instead, he behaved humbly and obeyed God in every possible way, costing him his life. Jesus was then rewarded with a resurrection from the dead and eternal life,
I am not saying Jesus was born a common man, because the description of his birth tells us plainly he was not.
And the message Jesus brought within the doctrine of God, tells us we cannot remain a common man and ever enter God’s kingdom. We must become the uncommon man at birth Just like Jesus did, we must be reborn/ born again. we too, will be rewarded with a resurrection from the dead, and the gift of eternal life. If we go humbly before God the creator, and repent, and stay faithful until our end upon this earth.
If you humble yourself before God, you might be surprised what God can do through you.

May God the Father of Jesus bless you.

One of a kind

2010-09-19T09:07:00.001-05:00

Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

So searching the scriptures to see if what we believe or hear is encouraged in scripture and as Christians we should also be ready to provide a reason for the things that we believe.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

The reality is that many Christians who accept the doctrine of the Trinity, also remain confused and even those who have a deeper understanding of it, will admit that they do not understand it completely when challenged. An answer you often hear is that the Trinity is hard to understand because God is beyond our thinking and understanding.
(in other words they are saying Jesus failed at the work given him.)

The Trinity doctrine basically says that there is one God.
The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.
Hence God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Three, but they make up one God. Each is co-equal and co-eternal.
God is described as a class or family made up of these three personalities.
(three individual but equal Gods that make up one almighty)

If we consider all the scriptures that we have read then we must conclude that the Trinity is not only an inadequate way to describe God, but is actually a false teaching designed to take our eyes off the scriptures and place our trust in man-made creeds.

Similar to the Theory of Evolution, the doctrine of the Trinity is based mainly on imagination and they desperately cling to any scripture that could even have the slightest possibility of backing up their thoughts. But in doing so they have gone off track with the meanings of the scriptures that they quote and change the truth of God into a lie.
Trinitarians argue that the Trinity has always been taught by the Church and there was never a time that it was not. Of course they would say this, otherwise they would have to admit that it was an addition and therefore not a biblical doctrine nor a foundational one. But if the Trinity doctrine is not taught in scripture, then it is an addition. Now according to history, the original Nicene Creed included only the Father and Son. The Holy Spirit was added in decades later. So it seems clear that the theology was never always taught as they say, rather it developed over time and changed over time.
If we claim to believe in something, as Acts 17:11 says devote enough time to find out if it is true.
Let's look in the book of Revelation, where both God the Father and Jesus the Son are described as "the Alpha and Omega" we know that "alpha" is used here to refer to the "first/beginning" and "Omega" refers to "last/end" which simply means the one and only of a kind. If God is the only one of his kind, and Jesus is the only one of his kind (which they are) that pretty much eliminates the theory of "three of a kind" now doesn't it?