Iknew a man. I know his wife. I worked with this man. I loved him. He died. I know women and I knew their husbands and worked with them, loved them and they died. I have lost friends and family. Others have had loss. Others will. But out of respect for my beloved their wives and husbands, children, siblings and friends and their memories and anyone that may read and believe the poison of continuous grief and seemingly unrelenting mourning and depression, I must say this is not what God’s Word says! It is not the will of God.
Even harder is that some of those I write of should know as they were taught what God’s Word says. What about John 10:10? Did Jesus Christ come that we might have life (Greek word zoe— life in all its manifestations? This life is— physical, mental, emotional, financial, etc., and spiritually.
What of I John 4:4? Is He that is in us, not greater than he that is in the world?
What of II Corinthians 4:2, are you renouncing the hidden things?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 King James Version (KJV)
How is a widow supposed to act according to the Word? How are widows supposed to be cared for, according to the Word? Just do a search for the word “widow” in a concordance. If there are not those that are caring for you and you are not doing what you are supposed to do, change.
Where is the comfort? Where is the hope? Not only search for these, but also how are they to help you or anyone that grieves?
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith [Greek pistis— believing]? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 3:1-3 KJV
“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings,”
Galatians 5:7,8, 19-21a KJV
Those are all of the works of the flesh. They are every emotion, every action and everything that exalts itself above God. Even unending grief and non-stop mourning are works of the flesh that we are to renounce. They are hidden and hiding in us, those secret rooms of inner shame (fears) that prevent our living the more than abundant life of John 10:10. They are just as miserable and familiar as, the “miserable comforters” of Job.
From the book of Galatians, which is a correctional epistle to the Church, it corrects the doctrinal errors that crept into the Church for failing to adhere to the doctrinal epistle of the book of Romans. As God led here with the ‘less’ (“works of the flesh” of Galatians 5), what is the ‘more’— His remedy?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 KJV
How can we resist, which results in the devil and all his host, all of world wisdom, the systematizing of error and“works of the flesh” flee from us?
It is very simple. There are only two ways. Both are required, not optional— required.
1. Renew (like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly) your mind to what the Word says (see Romans 12:1, 2). 2. Operate the manifestations of the spirit and ESPECIALLY speaking in tongues.
“All truth must be understood in light of the manifestation of the spirit.”
Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille
And now Ladies and Gentlemen the “more” of Galatians chapter 5. It is fruit. It is fruit of the spirit. It is fruit that is in concretion. It is fruit that is evident. It is fruit that is visible and real. It is fruit that can be known, first by the individual and then the whole world or at least those that orbit your sphere of influence. This fruit is not something that can be guessed at. This fruit is not a hope. This fruit is not imaginary, pretended, made-up or a mere positive confession or mental ascent. It is not conditional on any therapy, medication or anything one could do to raise themselves up by their bootstraps. This fruit is not just for some. This fruit is available to every child of God— male, female, young, old, widows, widowers, any— child of God. This fruit of the spirit is in direct proportion to what we believe —
1. our renewed minds 2. our operation of the spirit in us
But guess what? One of the fruit in this incredible group of fruit, is that it increases our believing! Would this also build up the other eight fruit? Yes!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,faith [pistis— “believing”], Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22, 23
“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;”
Psalm 30:11
If you know it say it. If you know it, sing it. Believe it!
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
Psalm 100 KJV
Reap the gladness of God!
“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;” Psalm 30:11 KJV
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
We have seen these words before in a previous post ‘All Truth’ and there as well as here, it is a quote by Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille, December 31, 1916 — May 20, 1985
“All truth must be understood in light of the manifestations.”
Dr. VPW
I am only a year older now in 2024, than he was in 1985. Let me not take anything for granted! But what do these words mean— “all truth” and “manifestations?”
So there is not any misunderstanding, we have the entire Bible, the Word of God today, because of “manifestations!” Now before we get into this more deeply, let this also be understood.
I don’t care if you actually heard the above quote with your own ears, from the lips of him who said them. I don’t care if you were there when it was first written. I don’t care if you are still involved in the ministry that he founded. I don’t care how many stories, pictures, poems or quotes by Dr. VPW you or anyone may use.
I don’t care how long you have been with that ministry— 40, 50, 60 years or more. I don’t care if you still are. I don’t care if you have Rev. in your name. I don’t care how many programs you graduated from or classes you have successfully completed. I don’t care how much money you have donated or how much you may still donate daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. I don’t care how many countries, cities and towns and hamlets you are in or reach. I don’t care if you have the legal copyright of words, for moving the Word of God over the entire World. I never heard of God copyrighting “so mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed” – Acts 19:20 KJV
I don’t care how much money is made. I don’t care how well what is used is maintained, restored and repaired. I don’t care what is sold or what is bought. I don’t care how many books and materials and resources are made available. I don’t care how many languages that all of this is translated in. I don’t care how many free Sunday service streams or podcasts are made available. I don’t care how polite, civil, and not wanting to offend anyone, someone may be. I don’t even care what you wear or don’t wear, if it is your best out of respect for God and His Word. I don’t care how many materials or books that anyone has or has read or listened to. I don’t care about your library. I don’t even care if all you sell and say is according to the accuracy and integrity of God’s Word. If there is anything else, I don’t care about, then I don’t care about those either. I don’t care how many verses of scriptures one knows.
The only thing I care about is— whatever is done or is spoken, is it according to the spirit of God! Where is the “all truth” understood by, the “manifestations” of the spirit?
Exile or Exodus? Religion or Resurgence? Having a form of godliness or the spirit of God Moving? Death and dung of the kingdom of the dead or True Revival? Hangers-on or Remnant? Only by spiritual discernment can these be known! Even the very elect can be deceived. See: II Corinthians 11:14; Matthew 24:24
Is life a calendar and reading your teachings so as not to make a mistake? Are you afraid of making a mistake? Are you motivated then by fear? Are you afraid by holding onto a familiarity with the past? Is it the fear of loss of all you’ve ever known, your friends and family, your job, substance, power and respect? Are you prepared to die to your fear upon the hills of your traditions? Is fear from God? Have you cut off God in not allowing him to work in you, to will and do of His good pleasure? Are you teaching according to manifestations of the spirt? Are you teaching others about the manifestations of the spirit? Are you teaching others HOW, to operate the manifestations of the spirit? Are the worship manifestations operated in a home fellowship or on a public or private stream. They may be operated correctly, but is it being done decent and in order and most especially, according to God’s Word? How would anyone know?
What does the Word Say?
It must be spiritually discerned = manifestation of discerning of spirits!
If the answer is no to any one of those questions in the paragraph above or those numbered 1, & 2, above, then you are not promoting the right stuff! And guess what else that means? It means though you may be my friend or kindred, I am to avoid you!
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
Romans 16:17
How would I know? How would you know? Discerning of spirits. Is this not a manifestation of the spirit? There are 7 things in God’s Word that He does not want His people ignorant of. One of these is spiritual matters—
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
I Corinthians 12:1
The words “spiritual gifts” is the one Greek word pneumatikos πνευματικός — things pertaining to the pneuma = spirit or spiritual matters. In the following verses of I Corinthians chapter 12 verses 2-31, I Corinthians chapter 13 and I Corinthians chapter 14, God’s Word explains HOWwe are not to be ignorant of these spiritual matters. HOW, by operating the nine manifestations of the spirit, with believing, hope and love! Those three characteristics are all spiritual in nature! “All truth can only be understood in light of the “manifestations of the spirit!” This brings to us, the fruit of the sprit (Galatians 5:22, 23), just because, we operate the manifestations of the spirit, which include, discerning of spirits.
Discerning of spirits is HOW we can know if anyone is not promoting the right stuff! This is HOW we can know, even though they are a friend or a kindred and are not promoting the right stuff and that we are to avoid them. There is no other way to say it, it must be spiritually discerned!
All of this work in the spirit or with spiritual matters must be to CORE principals:
1. For the perfecting of the saints, 2. For the work of the ministry, 3. For the edifying of the body of Christ:
Ephesians 4:12 KJV
I don’t care who you are, if you operate a gift or gift ministries to the Church, have a Rev. in your name, are so and so or anyone, if they or you are not walking this way, then they or you are not walking in the way of holiness— see: Isaiah 35:8
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”
Colossians 1:9 KJV
Sure we pray and cease not to pray for those we love or that God has brought to the path you are traveling on. But what is wisdom? It is the application of knowledge. Look how these are tied to “spiritual understanding.” These are talking about revelation manifestations — word of Knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning of spirits. These are the three revelation manifestations of the spirt from I Corinthians chapters 12, 13, 14. These are the eyes and ears of the individual believer first and then, for the whole body or Church of Christ.
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”
II Timothy 3:14
II Timothy is the first century church in its ruin. Even before the apostle Paul had died, most who had previously stood with him left him. Have you ever seen anything like this in our day and time? I speak to those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
Paul himself erred in judgment (not heart) when he went to Rome. But God still did the best He could for Paul and the Church in the circumstances. It was in Rome under house arrest that Paul wrote the church epistles containing the greatest revelation ever given to the Church and its “riches” – Christ in you and I, the hope of glory! Paul had the revelation and the green-lightGO from GOD to write these epistles and it “fulfilled the Word of God”.— see: Colossians 1:27 and Colossians 1:25
Dr. Wierwille is dead. None can follow him anymore. Did he as every apostle of the Bible had done before, pass the mantle on to another? Yes. Are the gifts and callings of God without repentance? Yes they are. There are such things in the Bible as universal truths like these and— ask-answer, seek-find, knock and it shall be opened to you. If you are curios enough, humble enough and honest enough and if God is at work in you to do of His good will and pleasure, all these things will be available to you to “Know— that you know that you know!” Ever heard that before? Have you also ever heard, “Make it your own!” What is that, but God’s Word living in our words, vocabulary, language, intelligence and experience that He can work in us by way of, the manifestations of the spirt!
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
Philippians 3:15 KJV
“All truth must be understood in light of the manifestations.”
Dr. VPW
All this maybe be heartfelt and sincere profound and wonderful and deep. Maybe they are obtuse and possibly cryptic or a meaningless quote by someone that lived and now is dead. These words means absolutely nothing unless, they are spiritually discerned and this “all truth” cannot be understood without operating the manifestationsof the spirit!
This understanding begins with one getting saved, born again or whatever you want to call it. It is not by confessing all your sins, but the savior from sin, Jesus Christ. And you must know by your senses-knowledge, from the rightly divided Word and spiritual manifestations of the Word itself, that God raised him from the dead— see: Romans 10:9, 10. Then and only then can you learn to operate the manifestations of the spirit and discern these spiritual matters. It is the integrity and accuracy of God’s Word that He magnified above all His name that will allow each individual whatever they need to believe. It is up to the individual (you or I) to accept this FREE gift of God’s Grace, Mercy, Peace and Love. If you need more information to believe these things, just ask I will help!
Do that and then come see me— find me and we’ll talk about spiritual matters.
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
Are you more valuable? Are you more valuable today than yesterday? Are you more valuable right now than you were?
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
II Corinthians 4:7 King James Version
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.”
Exodus 34:1, 2 KJV
So Moses did as God had said and he went up to Mt. Sinai. There the finger of God engraved the 10 commandments upon the stones. As a result of being in the presence of God and His Shekianah glory, Moses face shone.
“And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone;”
Exodus 34:30a
For illustrative purposes only Moses and Skekinah glory
The word “Shekinah” was adopted by Christians as a way of describing God’s presence with His people. The phrase “Shekinah glory” is a symbol referring to that divine presence. God promised to “dwell among” His people: “And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony” (Exodus 25:22).
The word is related to the Hebrew language word “shakan”, which means “to dwell” or “to reside” with the added emphasis of being a permanent resident in a community. In the Bible, this display of God’s dwelling among human beings is described as His “glory.”
Yes, Moses became more valuable to God.
“Precious [literally the word is costly] in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15
It costs God a lot at the death of one of His. They are no longer around for God to work in to will and do of His good pleasure.
The five hardest words in all the bible to audibly say and are very guttural like a babaric yawp is found in the beginning in the book of Joshua—
“Moses my servant is dead;…”
Joshua 1:2a KJV
But what did God tell Joshua to do? Read the rest of the verse—
“…now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.”
Joshua 1:2b
Jesus loved Lazarus. The hardest two words expressed at the death of his friend was—
“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35
Jesus loved Lazarus. The hardest three words he spoke about him was—
“…Lazarus is dead.”
John 11:14b KJV
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
II Corinthians 4:7 KJV
We are valuable!
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Ephesians 1:1-23
Are you more valuable today to God?
I am!
I am more valuable in time and money. My value can draw more time and money, health and prosperity.
When we walk down the street are we like honey to the bees, nectar to hummingbirds? Do the mountains appear to shout for joy at the sight of us? Does the wind whisper our name? Do the rivers sing and the fountains spray with joy as we pass? Do the trees seem to clap their hands as you walk by?
This is how God sees us not for what He would have us to be, but as he is, so are we in this world!
“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”
I John 4:17
Note the 5 times the words “as he is” are used in I John—
1. AS HE IS in the light— I John 1:7 2. see him AS HE IS— I John 3:2 3. AS HE IS pure— I John 3:3 4. AS HE IS righteous— I John 4:7 5. AS HE IS so are we— I John 4:17
Valuable!
“God has no hands but our hands with which to give His people bread. God has no feet but our feet with which to walk among the almost dead. We say that we are His and He is ours. Deeds are the proof of this, not words, And these are the proving hours.”
Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille
Note: NO, thse are not the same words as Teresa of Avila of the 14th century or the poem and hymn by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
“All truth must be understood in light of the manifestations.”
Dr. VPW
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Deuteronomy 29:29 Kings James Version (KJV)
In one verse of scripture and in the Old Testament, I am pointing out, God reveals. How did he do that in the Old Testament? In the Old Testament, God revealed His word by way of manifestations. There were seven then:
Prophecy (to hold forth or to foretell) Word of knowledge Word of Wisdom Discerning of spirits Faith (believing to bring to pass the impossible) Miracles Gifts of Healings—
Notes: This is the only manifestation that is also called “gifts” (plural) and “healings,” also plural. This is because; God is willing and able to heal us of multiple things (plural) and of the same things (multiple times = plural). Healing in part or in full (being raised from the dead) is always a gift and a manifestation of the spirit of God. The spirit of God was “upon” men and women in Old Testament (O.T.). The spirit of God is “in” men and women after being born again of God spirit. See Romans 10:9, 10
This having the spirit of God “in,” men and women first became available on the Day of Pentecost, thousands of years ago. See Acts chapter 2.
Before Jesus Christ who for the first time ever, by manifestations of the spirit, revealed the sprit kingdom of the devil, the closest anyone got to understanding discerning of spirits may have been Job—
“Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. “
Job 31:35 KJV
Job knew he had an enemy by the spirit of God “upon” him. Jesus Christ revealed the devil as he too, had the spirit of God upon him. But he also knew there was a day coming in the future, that his disciples and anyone could be able to do the works that he did and even “greater works!”
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”
John 14:12 KJV
“And when he had said this, he breathed on [literally this word is “in” and the word “them” should be deleted or lined out. Jesus Christ breathed “in” (inhaling and exhaling) and was showing by revelation to his disciples and anyone, HOW to receive the pneuma hagion (Greek for “spirit” “holy, the gift of holy spirit from God who is Holy with a capital H and Spirit with a capital S.
John 20:22 KJV
See Apendix II page 233 ‘The Uses and Usages of the words Pneuma and Pneuma Hagion – Receiving the holy spirit today, By Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille
This in-breathing first occurred in Acts chapter 2. Let us look to it.
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, (literal = “heavy breathing”) “and” (this sound like inhaling and exhaling) “it filled all the house” (the temple) “where they were sitting, (being decent and in order during an hour of prayer).“
By the way, God did this out in the open in front of at least all the heads of the households of Israel. They were all required to be present in Jerusalem and in the temple on certain feast days (High or Holy days) from which is we get the word holidays. Pentecost was one such required day to be in the temple, at certain hours of prayer.
This was not done in some “upper room” where the men were separated from the women and where they slept, but in the Temple, in the open and in front of men and women that had come there from all over the then world.
In addition to the sound of “heavy breathing” the 11 plus Matthias (newly appointed replacement for Judas Iscariot) saw—
“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2: 2-3 KJV
This “sat” was completely complete completeness! This was the first time in the history of the world that anyone could have the spirit of God, born in them. Not even Jesus Christ had this because, it just was not available until this moment of time and he had already been resurrected, ascended up far above all and “sat” down on the right hand of God because, then and only then, was all completely completed and complete. Then on this the Day of Pentecost, it “sat” upon each of these 12 first. What was the result of this sitting (“sat’) this receiving or filling to capacity this decomai (Greek for filled to capacity)? The word dynamite comes from this word decomai as it is potential power and only potential, until and unless it is activated.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost literal =”holy spirit” (Greek pneuma hagion lower case, the gift) “and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit (God- the capital S here is properly suppled) “gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:4 KJV
Who began to speak? The 12. Who was responsible for what they spoke in languages of men or of angels? God – the Spirit! That they spoke was their responsibility. What they spoke was and still is God’s.
The phenomenon of Pentecost was these men were all Galileans and only understood most likely, just or only, the common tongue of Estrangelo Aramaic. But there were many people that understood exactly what they were saying—
“And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
Acts 2: 8-11 KJV
Is this a complete list of the languages spoken this day by originally just theses 12 disciples, called also as apostles? I do not know, but they did not understand what they were saying. Others as listed, surely did. There is no guarantee that if you or I ever speak in tongues that someone would understand the language that we are selves do not. But God certainly has done this, can and may still! This is precisely why not to teach personal experiences, but teach the Word. God will make sure we have our own personal experiences IF, we walk according to His will.
This was all done in the temple during an hour of prayer. It was all done decently and in order. There was astonishment on the part of the hearers and doubts about how it was possible that these ignorant and unlearned men could be speaking with languages they themselves did not understand, but others did and they heard them speak, “the wonderful works of God!” There was nothing done here that was weird or shameful or embarrassing to the speakers or was anything done with confusion.
These 12 were the first, but not the only ones this day.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:41
This baptism was not like that of John the Baptist, dry cleaning, 😂 dunking, dipping, sprinkling or anything to do with water. It was an in-filling of the spirit of God “in” them, which figuratively is to flow out, living rivers of water. This filling is the Greek word lambano and means filled to capacity and overflowing.
Whereas decomai (filling) is potential or inert power, the Greek word lambano (filling) is the overflow or dynamic, energetic. Get it? If we understand the mechanics of speech and breathing in (inhaling) and breathing out (exhaling), we can understand how to speak in tongues and that we can today, still speak in tongues.
Does Acts 2:41 say these about 3,000 souls spoke in tongues? You figure it out. Were there less than or more than 3,000 souls? It says “about.” I don’t know what that means or the exact number, but God knows and that’s what He wanted written, “about!”
Before we continue here, we need briefly to return to Deuteronomy.
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV
We are working on the “secret things” (manifestations of the spirit). This same verse of scripture in the O.T. tells us that these “secret things” are “revealed” and belong to us and here comes the why—
“that we may do all the words of this law(His Word).”
We have looked into the O.T. and listed seven of the manifestations of the spirit that were available. Those same 7 and only seven did Jesus Christ operate because, none others were available. Others operated the seven including the original 12 disciples that Jesus also, ordained as apostles. By the way, Judas Iscariot was among them. The 70 sent out by Jesus Christ and perhaps others that I do not know about could operate 7. All these could only operate 7 of these manifestations because, that is all, which was available. One the day of Pentecost and even now, right now in our day and time there are nine. Two more became available. All nine are found in I Corinthians 12
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:”
I Corinthians 12: 7-10 KJV
By their nature, these nine in application are for worship, revelation and impartation.
Worship Manifestations
Speaking in Tongues Interpretation of Tongues Prophecy (to hold forth or to foretell if by a prophet)
For edification – encouragement to a more worthy endeavor and peace and comfort, quiet acquiescence. A message from God or for God in the language (when interpreted) of the majority of the body of people present at the time
Revelation Manifestations
Word of knowledge Word of Wisdom Discerning of spirits
The eyes and ears of the Church and the individual believer
Impartation Manifestations
Faith (believing to bring to pass the impossible) Miracles Gifts of Healings
The manifestations of power
All of these manifestations produce the “fruit” of the spirit from Galatians.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5: 22, 23 KJV
Fruit
Love Joy Peace Long suffering (endurance) Gentleness Goodness Faith (believing yes, operating the manifestations produce fruit which includes believing) Meekness (humbleness) Temperance (self control)
Against such as these, the fruit of the spirit, there is no law! Note that manifestations is singular (manifestation) in I Corinthians 12 as “fruit” is singular in Galatians 5. This is like a bunch of grapes 9 grapes (manifestations) and 9 fruits one bunch all – in all.
“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 1:11, 12 KJV
“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 Spirit.”
I Peter 1:21 KJV
These two verses form a mathematical axiom that things equal to the same things, are equal to each other.
“Revelation” = “moved by the Holy Spirit”
That’s by manifestations of the spirit
Now even with all the knowledge that comes to us by revelation, it is still possible for us not to read God’s word and not to heed it. If we do not renew our minds to the Word (Romans 12) and not operate the manifestations regularly or accurately. This is where, when, why, how and to whom —
“All truth must be understood in light of the manifestations.”
Dr. VPW
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Proverbs 14:12 KJV
If for a season (some period of time) error is not reproved and allowed to continue, it becomes a false doctrine for doctrine (right believing) and a return to legalism out of fear and spiritualism for false signs and wonders. These are the ways of death. These are the doctrines of devils with devil spirit influence and control to possession, whenever possible.
What are we to do?
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;”
Hebrews 2:3 KJV
Someone has to be taught the word of God, renew their mind to it and speak it. Then signs, miracles and wonders (manifestations) will follow and then “fruit” of the spirit. This is still the only way. It is these manifestations of the spirit of God in operation that is proof to the believer first, then others that we’ve got the real deal!. Manifestations of the spirit are like God’s marketing, advertising and copywriting program. The product is salvation (wholeness) and has cost Him everything, his only begotten son, Jesus Christ.
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
Philippians 3:15 KJV
Let us continue to make God manifest (known) by—
All truth being understood in light of the manifestations of the spirit.
In other words, let us renew our minds and bringing into captivity, every thought to the the obedience of Christ. Let us renounce the hidden works of darkness, by lovingly and faithfully and accurately manifesting the power of God. If we think otherwise, God will reveal this to us if we have the ears to hear.
If you do not know – ask, seek and knock. If you know, do it. If you have erred or forgotten, take heed.
“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”
Psalm 7:11
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
How can you tell if a leader (especially) spiritual leaders are those we should follow? Although there are several characteristics of leadership, what is or should be, their first principles?
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
Ephesians 4:11 King James Version, A doctrinal epistle— ‘How to believe rightly’
The pronoun “he” in the above verse is God. God gave. And these gifts to follow are plural. These plural gifts listed are defined as:
1. “apostles” brings new light to a generation. It may be old light, but it is new to the generation where it is brought 2. “prophets” are individuals that speak for god. Their speaking or prophecies can either be fore-telling (predicts future events before they come to pass) or forth-telling (they simply declare what the Word says or what God wants said in the situation.
Note:
Prophets may seem difficult to be around and above all else, they are going to say and do what God wants said and done and this may contradict what is popular and trendy. The test of a true prophet is that without exception, ALL their prophecies (fore-telling) must come to pass! See: Deuteronomy 18:22
3. “evangelists” are adept at getting individuals to the place where they can believe to become part of the family/household of God and in working with new believers 4. “pastors” bind up wounds, comfort and encourage. They are also protectors like shepherds to their sheep. see: Psalm 23 5. “teachers” are adept at teaching the rightly divided word and are able to communicate effectively so the student can know, understand and apply the Word. Instruction has to be so simple and clear, even a fool or child can understand it. see: Isaiah 35:8
Note:
All of these ministries, ministers, and/or leaders are skilled at and involve teaching! It is not uncommon that a minister operates more than one gift ministries. Unless one knows by sense knowledge what that gift ministry or those gift ministries are, they are or can be spiritually discerned (manifestation of discerning of spirits)
The “gifts” are not given to the individuals, they are given to the Church (all the people of God or those wanting to know God)
The character of those that are operating these ministries to the church are given in: I Timothy 3:2 (The church in its rule) and II Timothy (the Church in its ruin). In both of those books it is established (used twice), that leaders are to be— “apt to teach.”
As I wrote above, all of these ministries are to teach. So what is the purpose of these ministries. What are the first principles of a true ministry, minister, and/or leadership? In one verse of scripture, God tells us…
True Leadership
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Ephesians 4:12 King James Version, A doctrinal epistle— ‘How to believe rightly’
“FOR…”
1. the perfecting of the saints
This ministry, minister, and/or leader’s first and foremost function should be to perfect the saints (heaven’s holiest). These ministries should be helping us grow in our relationship with God and our walk with him. They should be challenging us where our thoughts contradict God’s thoughts (His Word). The status quo is not enough. Just repeating what has already be researched and taught and believed is not enough. They should be teaching how to believe rightly (doctrine). They should be correcting our practical errors, calling us back (reproof) for failing to adhere to the doctrine (right believing). They should be correcting doctrinal error (correction) from failure to adhere to doctrine (right believing). We need to be taught the spiritual realm and this includes the manifestation of, discerning of spirits. Anything less than this “perfecting of the saints” is just a Christian veneer. Beware that underneath are doctrines of devils and devil spirits.
If these ministries we are listening to or following are not perfecting us each individually and as a whole, this ministry, minister and/or this leader is not of God or they have forsaken their first commitment!
2. the work of the ministry
If this ministry, minister, and/or leader that we are listening to or following are not doing the work of the ministry for us each individually and as a whole, this ministry, minister and/or this leader is not of God or they have forsaken their second commitment!
3. the edifying of the body of Christ
If these ministries we are listening to or following are not edifying the body of Christ — each individual and as a whole, this ministry, this minister and/or this leader is not of God or they have forsaken their third commitment!
A broken commitment of any of these three is a broken commitment, period.
There we have what God says these ministries, these ministers, and/or these leaders are supposed to do, in just one verse. Without exception, all of these ministries, these ministers, and/or these leaders are to do not just do one of these, but all of them. If they are not faithful to these what are they to do, what are all of us to do if they or we do not walk accordingly?
Cast Down
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
II Corinthians 10:5 KJV A reproof epistle— ‘How to get back to believing rightly’ Corrects the practical errors for failing to adhere to the doctrine (right believing)
Anyone that exalts themselves, their thoughts, their words and their imaginings above God, need to cast them down and bring them into captivity, every thought to the obedience of Christ. What does the Word say?
“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
II Corinthians 4:2 KJV A reproof epistle— ‘How to get back to believing rightly’ Corrects the practical errors for failing to adhere to the doctrine (right believing)
We came into this world as bipartite beings – two parts. We had a body and a soul. We still do. But our prototypes or the originals (Adam and Eve) were tripartite beings – three parts. They each had a body, a soul and a spirit. The spirit was given them upon a condition. If they walked according to what God had told them, the spirit would remain But we know from Genesis, they did not and they lost their spiritual connection with God. For thousands of years, the spirit of God came upon certain individuals, but it was temporary because of, the imperfections of body and soul. All people were appointed to die until Jesus Christ redeemed us from this curse.
Then on the Day of Pentecost, (see: Acts 2) the 12 apostles for the first time ever in the history of the world, experienced two things and one was in public (in the Temple), where all the people could see it and hear it.
These 12 apostles were all Galilean and Galileans were not known for their great intellect or language skills. They were not liked much by the other Judeans of the nation of Israel. They spoke one language and it was most likely the most primitive and simplest form of Aramaic. It was called, Estrangelo Aramaic. This was a common language at the time. This is the language that Jesus Christ likely read and spoke and most likely, as did Adam and Eve. But on the day of Pentecost, these first 12 received the gift of holy sprit, eternal life spirit and this was the birthday of the Church.
Since Pentecost was a feast, a holy day, a special Sabbath, at least the heads of every household of the Judeans were required to be in Jerusalem and at the Temple during the appropriate times. The scripture in Acts lists at least some of the parts of the world these Judeans were living in when they returned to Israel, Jerusalem and the Temple. It also mentions many if not all the languages these people understood in the countries from which they came.
“…we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
Acts 2:11b KJV
The miracle of the new birth was evidenced by the “cloven tongues of fire” that sat upon them. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he instructed his disciples/apostles how to receive the coming promise of the Father and he literally breathed in…
“And when he [Jesus Christ] had said this, he breathed on them,” [breathed in] and saith [said] unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: [holy spirit]“
John 20:22
So when the 12 apostle in Acts 2:2 saw the spirit of God descending and spreading out as cloven tongues as fire and when if “sat” (spiritually complete), they opened their mouths and using the mechanics of speech, began to speak in tongues.
According to I Corinthians 13:1 the languages were either of men or of angels. If they spoke languages of men these could have been dead languages where no one, including the speakers would understand what the words were or meant. If they spoke in the languages of angels, no one would understand them, including their own selves.
We know that Jerusalem was crowded, as was the Temple area for all the special Sabbaths (5 times per year), including that Pentecost. We know that many of these Judeans came to Israel, Jerusalem and the Temple, from other countries. We know that many of these countries were named. We know that the Galileans (those that spoke in tongues) only usually spoke and understood Estrangelo Aramaic and would not understand what they were saying. But other people did understand the languages that were spoken by the Galileans. “They heard them speak…”
The miracle of Pentecost was that initially, only these 12 received the gift of holy spirit. We know that on this same day, about 3,000 others were added to the Church. (see: Acts 2:41) It does not say that the about 3,000 added souls spoke in tongues, but they had the same potential as the the 12.
The phenomenon of Pentecost was that many of the tongues that were spoken by the 12, were not understood by them, but many people in the Temple heard them and their response was that they heard them speak (they understood the language spoken) “the wonderful works of God.”
There is nothing in God’s Word that says if you or I speak in tongues that someone(s) in the area where we speak, would understand the language we speak.
The simple thing here is, what we speak in tongues is God’s business, but that we speak in tongues is ours.
We are still talking about the ministries and ministers and/or leadership and how to detect them and what to do if they are we are not casting down anything that is not God’s word. This is correction practically (reproof) and the correction of doctrinal error (correction) for failure to adhere to the revelation given in the doctrine (right believing). Along with revealing the ministries and those that are supposed to be operating them for the Church and how to correct them or ourselves, there is one more thing we must all understand.
Having taken what time was taken to go over the manifestation of this spirit and specifically, speaking in tongues, that is critical to this next verse.
“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
II Corinthian3 4:2 A reproof epistle— ‘How to get back to believing rightly’ Corrects the practical errors for failing to adhere to the doctrine (right believing)
Casting down imaginations and every thought to the obedience of Christ is equal to “renouncing the hidden works of dishonesty.” Notice that word “hidden”
These things are hidden, crafty and deceitful. How is anyone supposed to do any of these things:
1. if they are “hidden” how would you and I know 2. how could what is revealed (the “hidden”) be “renounced” without some supernatural ability (the “manifestation of the truth”— manifestations of the spirit)
What can reveal these hidden things of dishonesty and etc. is the same that enables one to do these things is— “by manifestation of the truth.” The only way to manifest the truth is to operate the manifestations of the spirit (9 — see: I Corinthians 12, 14).
By operating the nine manifestations of the spirit, one produces (God in Christ in you— see: Colossians 1:27) produces the fruit of the spirit (9— see: Galatians 5:22)
Remember that all people have a body and a soul. Any one or a combination of the five senses receives information: seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching. But having the spirit of God, spiritual information can also be received. If you can understand the principles of learning sensual knowledge, the principles work the same way in the spiritual realm. The spirit of God in the one must make spiritual information understood to the individual, in ways in which that individual can understand it— make sense.
But we must understand that we are or were once just body and soul and could only learn by our 5 senses. What some erroneous folk call the sixth sense, by sheer logic, puts it into the category of spirit or into the spirit realm. It is spirit coming into concretion into the natural world.
We know from the scriptures that there are many gods, but only two main or principal ones. The one, Lucifer, the Devil, a fallen archangel that according to the Bible is legally, “the god of this world.” (see: II Corinthians 4:4)
The rulership of this world, was transferred to Lucifer (serpent = just one of his many names) from Adam, when he and Eve disobeyed God.
The second or I should say the first and only true God (with a capital G) is, the true God and creator and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. My intent was to begin with the lessor and end with the greater— less and more.
To our minds, we can figuratively renew them (see: Romans 12:2) and not be conformed to this world. We can change what we think by replacing our thoughts with God’s thoughts. But to be really “transformed” and to really prove by the renewing of our minds—
What is good What is Acceptable What is the Perfect will of God…
We must operate the manifestations of the spirit. In so doing we see the results— the proof that we are doing the right stuff. The individual may understand their operation of the spirit, but all can see the fruit that is produced by operating the spirit. This is how we commend ourselves to the conscience of others, in the sight of God!
In Conclusion
In order for us to know for sure if the ministry and ministers and/or leaders are really walking with God, they must be faithful, (not perfect) but faithful to:
1. the perfecting of the saints 2. the work of the ministry 3. the edifying of the body of Christ 4. understand, teach and live that all of theses are gifts to the church, not the individuals 5. understand, teach and live that all of these must be “apt to teach” 6. they must first study to teach (see: II Timothy 2:15) 7. they must teach the rightly divided word that we can continue as disciples and THEN we can know the truth and Then we can be made (not set) free by the truth 8. If they or we falter and fail, all must be taught to cast down everything to the obedience of Christ 9. In order to really do all of the above, all must teach or be taught that it is only the “manifestation of the truth” (the 9 manifestations of the spirit), whereby ONLY GOD can produce the fruit (God in Christ in us— the spirit of God in us and we know that we know that we know. And the world can see it.
To close this out, let’s look at some scriptures from the book of James. In the book of James, Jesus Christ, the Red Thread from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 is— The Royal Law.
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude [likeness] of God: Out of the same mouth proceedeth[proceeds] blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
” For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
James 3:8-10,16 KJV
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
James 3:17-18
The only way that the tongue can be tamed is, if God tames it. The only way He can do this is by the fruit of the spirit. (see: Galatians 5:22, 23) The “fruit of the spirit” is, but one of about 18 of the purposes and benefits of the manifestation of, speaking in tongues.
The only way there can be fruit of the spirit is by the individual free will to operate the manifestations of the spirit. The only way the individual by freewill can operate the manifestations of the spirit is to have, the spirit of God and be taught HOW to manifest.
All of these things are what the ministries and the ministers and/or leaders should be “apt to teach” and teach!
Notes:
Speaking in tongues alone has at least 18 purposes and benefits. Producing fruit of the spirit is just one of these eighteen. We need to look at these in the future.
Most people have been taught (and I was once among them) that there are 66 books in the Bible. Jesus Christ is the Red Thread, the Go-through (used as a noun) that binds the entire Bible together from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. Jesus Christ is the subject of the entire Bible. He is concealed and then revealed in 56 books in the bible. We need to look at these in the future.
There are 9 manifestations of the spirit. We need to look at these in the future.
There are 9 fruits (singular “fruit” of the spirit, like one bunch of fruit with 9 grapes on it). We need to look at these in the future.
I have written before that some 90% of the entire planet do not know what happened the last two weeks in the life of Jesus Christ. We need to look at these things in the future.
I will go a step further here. Roughly 90% of the whole world do not understand the Bible at all, believe even less and those that do believe, most cannot from the scriptures say why or prove what they believe. We need to look to these things in the future.
There are seen things God does not want us to be ignorant of. It He does not want us to be ignorant then what does He want for us, what is available— to be wise, smart, to understand? Well of course He does! One of these these that He does not want us to be ignorant of is— “spiritual matters” (see: I Corinthians 12:1). We need to look into this and these seven in the future.
Now I am not saying I am a minister, but I am “apt to teach” because, I have been taught and I am still being taught.
How would I or anyone know these things unless we are taught? No one can believe more than they know. No one can know more than they have been taught. No one can lead anyone any farther than they have been led themselves. These are laws of learning. This is what the ministries, ministers, and/or leaders should be doing — teaching (“apt to teach”).
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without apreacher [publicly expound the scriptures]? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Romans 10:14-15 KJV A doctrinal epistle— ‘How of believing rightly’
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
If you will you listen to me my words will help you
If you will listen to my words God will be able to help you
These are quite the promises, but I know of whom I speak I know the words I will choose Words are powerless or they are powerful How much power that you need will determine from whence the power comes Either way I will give you my best Words that I know will help you or… His words that I know will help you If you hear them He will help
The rest is up to you
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Ephesians 3:20 King James Version
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
This blog Acts2One (Birthday of the Church) began, April 8, 2015. On this same date in 2024, that will be nine years ago. Much has happened since then, but not the purpose of this blog. You can view the first post here:
Today, I want to share some source inspiration for this blog. It begins here as it ended almost nine years ago with scripture, the same scripture.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:1-4 King James Version
Almost 44 years ago (1980), a wonderful artist I had met named Meg, was inspired and commissioned to make a large work of art depicting the original day of Pentecost or what I here call Acts2One (The Birthday of the Church).
“This print is a rendition of the original day of Pentecost, shortly before the twelve apostles received the gift of holy spirit into manifestation. This pictorial rendering was inspired by the record in the Book of Acts as Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille, Founding President of The Way International, expounded it.”
“The original outpouring of the gift of holy spirit on the day of Pentecost occurred in the Temple, the house of prayer, and only the twelve apostles received into manifestation the original gift from the Holy Spirit.”
“Traditionally, the fire is depicted as hovering above the apostles, but this painting accurately shows it as a “pillar like as of fire” descending, according to Acts 2:3, and splitting into cloven tongues and sitting upon each one of the twelve apostles. The cloud above the Temple and the pillar of fire descending into the Temple represent the outpouring of the gift of holy spirit from God.”
“Seeing the phenomenon of the “cloven tongues like as of fire,” the twelve apostles received the gift of holy spirit and breathed in as Jesus had instructed them to do according to John 20:22. This “breathing in” on the part of all twelve apostles is the “rushing mighty wind,” or “heavy breathing,” of Acts 2:2. Immediately after this historic moment of the outpouring of the gift of holy spirit on the day of Pentecost, the twelve apostles, filled to overflowing with holy spirit, manifested the fullness of the holy spirit by speaking in tongues “as the Spirit [God] gave them utterance.” This was the first time in the history of the world that God made available the new birth, and the twelve apostles were born again, which is to be filled with “power from on high.” This was the birthday of the Church.”
“The First Limited Edition of twenty-five hundred numbered prints of The Day of Pentecost—Dechomai was specially commissioned by the Board of Trustees of The Way International, New Knoxville, Ohio. The original painting was presented to the Board of Trustees on Pentecost Sunday, May 25, 1980, and is on display in The Word Over the World Auditorium.”
“Consideration was given to the ministry research of the day on color and related principles. The color-chord system was employed, utilizing five selected colors in acrylic paints. The original of The Day of Pentecost—Dechomai, from which this print was photographed, is 5½ feet wide by 10 feet high. The size of the print is approximately 27 percent of the original. The Way International Research Department was helpful in insuring the Biblical accuracy of this illustration.”
“May this print bless all who see it, and may they be inspired to manifest the fullness of the gift of holy spirit.”
The Quoted words above are verbatim from: The Way.org
Print Dimensions: 16″ x 20″ available from: The Way.org
Along with this beautiful image, which helps us understand visually, what occurred on the Day of Pentecost for the first time ever and thousands of years ago, enjoy the following Youtube video. It is also by Way Productions of, The Way International.
Everywhere we turn, poets, singers and songwriters, philosophers and perhaps nearly everyone talk about, speak about, read about, paint about, sing about and contemplate in all ways of the imagination, what is perfect and perfection. Why we even may use and think about perfect imperfection? By this time in our lives and in the vast archives of stored data of human knowledge, what is perfect or perfection is, just as elusive as a butterfly or pretended as fairytales. Perfect is just imagined and imagination is just for children?
But some might even consider that what is perfect or that perfection is something real and it just needs to be developed as —
Practice makes perfect
Does practice make perfect? Wouldn’t one need perfect practice to achieve perfection? 😂 And with the facts that we are imperfect, how could we ever become perfect? And with all this imperfection —
Does this all seem like in the world today, January 7th, 2024
Does this all seem seem like in the world today, January 7th, 2024 –
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded,’ lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
II Timothy 3:1-5 Kings James Version
What about Christians, are we or they not affected and perhaps even influenced by what we just read?
“…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
II Timothy 3:12 KJV
Yep, But
Yep, but we or those Christians can be affected, influenced and that’s a form of persecution. If any will to live godly (live in godliness, live in God), shall (absolutely) suffer), but look at verses 16 and 17 of this same third chapter of II Timothy. Personally, I never saw the conditions of the world and the Christians being persecuted with these next verses, ever before, just the other day! WOW and WOW, now I’m sharing it with you and for FREE. What is the profit of reading this? –
What is the profit of reading this verse or anything from the Bible?
“All scripture”[from Genesis 1:1 – Revelation 22:21] “is given by inspiration of God” [Greek – θεόπνευστος, ον theopneustos = “God Breathed’], “and” [which] “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for” [which is] “instruction in righteousness.”
II Timothy 3:16 KJV
WOW, in one verse of scripture, we just read the profit of the whole Word of God, the Bible. Now, in one verse, what is it’s purpose?
Would you be interested in reading one example of something perfect or perfection, from the Word of God, the Bible? I am interested. But Look at the first word and last word in the entire Bible. Remember, previously in another post, we saw that you and I are hard-wired for stories and this is why artificial intelligence will never replace humans? Where did I possible get that idea?
Originally, the first word, the very first word in Genesis 1:1 was and should accurately be, “God.” That makes sense, “perfect” sense. Without God being first, there would be no other words to follow or anything, living or non-living of all that He created.
The very last word in the Bible from Revelation 22:21 always was and still is in English, “Amen.” The word “Amen” literally and simply means – “so be it.”
GOD SO BE IT!
“God, so be it! That is the whole story of the Bible, if it were to be told in just a few words. If you were a copywriter (of which I am one), what other direct-response copy is needed to tell His story? None, it is perfect. It’s people that have issues with simplicity and want more details and complexity. Talk about simplicity and perfection, what is the purpose of God’s Word, the Bible?
What is the purpose of God’s Word, the Bible
What is the purpose of God’s Word the Bible? Are you ready for this, it is going to blow your mind, it blew my mind (figuratively speaking of course.) 😂 The whole purpose of God’s Word (the Bible), is –
“That the man”[all inclusive noun = men and women and children, which can understand] “of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
II Timothy 3:17 KJV
WOW this Word of God is able to make those willing to follow God [men or women and children at the age of accountability or whatever age the child can understand it] a man, woman or child of God, first of all here, “perfect.” Biblically speaking, a male did not become an adult until he reached the age of 30, nor could any spiritual ministry begin or a king be crowned, in ancient Israel until he became a man at age 30. Up until then, he was a youth. Think about that!
Perfect
But getting back to this verse, any man, woman or child willing to follow God and His Word who speak for God is, a man, woman or child of God. Look at the next part of this verse –
The purpose of this Word of God is that we who speak for God may be “perfect”
The purpose of this Word of God is that we who speak for God may be “perfect”? What? Yes, that’s what we read, that’s what it says and that’s what it means. But in the Greek there are several words which in English are translated “perfect.” In this verse, the Greek word is artios ἄρτιος and this is its only usage in the entire Bible. This is highly significant. In ancient Greece, profane literature was non-biblical literature that did not necessarily include expletives or swear words as we think of the profane and profanity of today, but was secular or even mythology, but not scriptural originally. But in profane Greek literature, the Greek word artios (“perfect”), was used as follows –
Artios was used for a ship (a sailing vessel), totally outfitted for a voyage. It had everything on board to outfit the journey from start to finish. Everyone on board would have everything needed before they left, while they traveled and more than enough, to get them to their final destination. That’s perfection!
The verse continues to expand upon this perfection. This Word of God’s purpose is for that anyone that speaks for God might be “perfect” how?
The words “thoroughly furnished” should be translated, “through and throughly perfected”= expanded usage of the verb referring to the noun “perfect” (artios). To what end are the men and women and children of God to be through and throughly perfected? That we who speak for God, may be “through and throughly perfected?“ This completely, completed completeness, this perfection is, in order that we may be –
“thoroughly furnished” – completely, completed in this completeness, this perfection “unto” [to] —
“…good works!”
Talk about your mega-WOW factor and minds blown! Now, let us put together, all we have read. Even though today, January 7th, 2024 the world all around may seem to be nuts (insane, evil) –
“lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:”
Excerpt from: II Timothy 3: 1-5 KJV
And even though we could be affected, influenced and “shall be persecuted” if we will to live a godly life and speak for God, be we God’s men, God’s women or God’s mature children, we all “shall” –
“…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Excerpt from: II Timothy 3:12 KJV
We have this wonderful Word of God, which is “profitable for doctrine, reproof and correction,” [“which is instruction in righteousness”] or [right living] –
“All scripture” [from Genesis 1:1 – Revelation 22:21] “is given by inspiration of God” [Greek – θεόπνευστος, ον theopneustos = “God Breathed”], “and” [which] “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for” [which is] “instruction in righteousness:”
II Timothy 3:16 literal according to usage
Why do we have this profitable word even though the world is nuts (insane, evil), and we shall suffer persecution
Why do we have this profitable word, even though the world is nuts (insane, evil), and we shall suffer persecution?
We have this wonderful Word of God for one and only one purpose, that we that would live Godly, we that speak for God, might be “perfect” – [“through and throughlyperfected”] “unto” [“to”] “all good works!”
“That the man” [all inclusive noun = men and women and children, which can understand] “of God may “be perfect,” “through and throughly perfected” [“to”] “to all good works.”
II Timothy 3:17 literal according to usage
Say What You Just Said
So what was just said and we read, even though it seems like the following are our times, right now, January 7th, 2024 –
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
II Timothy 3:1-5 Kings James Version
And –
“…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
II Timothy 3:12 KJV
But –
“All scripture”[from Genesis 1:1 – Revelation 22:21] “is given by inspiration of God” [Greek – θεόπνευστος, ον theopneustos = “God Breathed”], “and” [“which”] “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for” [‘which is”] “instruction in righteousness:”
II Timothy 3:16 literal according to usage
So that –
“That” [whosoever] “of God may be perfect,” [through and throughly perfectedto”] “all good works.”
II Timothy 3:17 Expanded translation according to usage
WOW, mind’s blown! Have a nice day.
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
Why do we spend so much time and effort on the pursuit of happiness? Why do we run from it to either grow up or just to be a responsible adult? Maybe we don’t believe we deserve to be happy or are worthy of happiness? Perhaps our efforts are to punish ourselves and forbid ourselves from happiness because of, bad stuff we have done or think we have done?
Oh, I’ve come to terms with happiness because, it is so elusive like a butterfly or like a carrot on a stick – neither of which we can ever seem to net or catch. Happiness always seems so temporal if we find it or it’s just out of reach.
So over the years, I developed my own little theory about happiness. Part of it comes from a line from many “fairytales” we are likely familiar with from our childhood. Another comes from a song by the late Jimmy Buffet-
Happily Ever After (at least once in awhile)
Well isn’t that special? No, it does not really help anyone or me, why not? Well, news flash to me, happiness is a relative thing. This means it could be different for nearly every person. Maybe we form groups, associations, clubs, families and clans when our people-social unions have the same or similar types of happiness in common?
Oh I get it, maybe we get talked out of happiness or we are not supposed to pursue happiness because, it’s childish? Funny thing is that we all want to be happy and we all pursue happiness anyway. What about the people of the United States and the ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ in our founding documents?
But here is something I just discovered – joy is right in front of us.
How convenient for me to have discovered this and to be sharing it with you at Christmas time or during the holiday times if you prefer – Hanukah, Kwanzaa or whatever. But sticking with Christmas, look at the many references to “joy” from carols and songs:
“Joy to the World” Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy” “Ode to Joy” “Joyful , Joyful We Adore Thee” “Oh For Joy” “Joy” (probably a lot more, but “joy” is everywhere)
About the last one above, “Joy” is a song by English singer-songwriter Mick Jagger. Yep, that’s what you read and that’s the guy, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones. Go figure. But his song ‘Joy’ was released on his fourth solo album, Goddess in the Doorway (2001). Rolling Stone Magazine called it “a rocking, gospel-tinged collaboration with Bono of U2” – featuring Pete Townshend (remember the rock band The Who), on guitar. “Joy” was one of three tracks from Goddess in the Doorway to be featured on Jagger’s greatest hits album, The Very Best of Mick Jagger.
“Joy is everywhere!
Maybe we can’t see joy because, we are not looking for it, we’re focused on happiness? Joy is not relative! Not only is it not relative, it is universal. It’s real. It’s scientific. Joy knows no language, culture, education, age, borders, sex or anything else that otherwise separate us people from each other.
Joy is common to all. Joy is all around us. Joy is everywhere. I suppose we don’t look for it because, once we experience it, we feel just like kids again. No, joy may not make us younger, but it sure can make us feel young and well hey, that could certainly contribute to both our good health and long life.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22 King James Version (KJV)
A merry heart can physically effect our pain response, immune system and so many other physiological and biologic processes. No guessing there or mere positive-projection, it’s real. So is joy.
Just for fun, how many times is the word “happy” and the word “joy” used in the Bible?
25 times the word “happy” is found in the King James Version 187 times is found the word ”joy”
Before we look at many of these, would you agree that “joy” is found many more times in the Bible than the word “happy”? Would you think there might be a reason, a purpose, a design for this and that it is intentional?
So let’s look at some “joy” from the Word of God. If we should experience joy and if it is so readily available to all people everywhere, wouldn’t God mention it in His Word?
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5 KJV
Sure, when we make others mad, we are uncomfortable with that for a while, but it does not generally last indefinitely, not with God anyway. And grief and mourning may be difficult especially at night, but what comes up in the morning? Have you ever been on an airplane and it’s dark and stormy out? Did you ever get above the clouds and see the sun shining? How does this make you feel? Do you not feel joy?
“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:”
Psalm 66:1 KJV
Like cheerful humming, that could be a a “joyful noise.”
“Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.”
Psalm 96:12 KJV
Waving fields of grain, don’t they make you feel joy? What about trees waving in a gentle breeze? Don’t these make you feel joy as if the trees are rejoicing too? What is rejoicing but to re-joy again!
“Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together.”
Psalm 98:8 KJV
Water through the rocks sounding like clapping and echoes through the hills (plus their rounded shapes), aren’t those joyful sounds?
“And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.”
Ecclesiastes 2:10
Joy in ceasing from your labor and joy from the many things you see that your heart desires = joy.
“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”
Ecclesiastes 2:24
Joy is everywhere and it is from God and by His multitude of reminders in nature that all people should joy.
“Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.”
Isaiah 9:3 KJV
Having a larger population of joyful people increases joy. At harvest time we joy to see the bounty of the fields being brought in.
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 12:3 KJV
Drawing water from a well causes joy especially if you are really thirsty and the water is cool and refreshing, to save you from a parched throat.
“And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.”
Isaiah 16:10 KJV
Look at the opposites of the verse – joy from a field of plenty (good food to eat), vineyards full – joy from eating grapes and from drinking a little wine.
“The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.”
Isaiah 24:8 KJV
The sound of the harp, a violin, flute, piano, guitar, trumpet and other musical instruments cause joy.
“Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;”
Isaiah 32:14 KJV
Leaping, jumping and frolicking little donkeys, horses, goats too, cows, calves, sheep and more, have joy and bring us joy when we see them act this way.
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Isaiah 35:10 KJV
Singing songs bring joy.
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12
What beautiful mind pictures or figures of speech this verse brings to mind. When we experience joy it is as if the echoes we hear from the hills are sounding joy (breaking out with singing), and the wind through the trees seem to have joy when you walk by!
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3 KJV
Having oil to light your lamps, for your food and to soothe our often tiredness and soreness, give us joy.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16 KJV
Surely we have all heard words like this and it was as we just eat them up because, they give us such joy.
“The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 33:11 KJV
Voices speaking or singing or humming can cause us joy. Newlyweds and weddings give us joy. Birthdays and all manner of celebrations give us joy.
“For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy.”
Jeremiah 48:27 KJV
Skipping causes joy. Try it if you still can! Ask a child or watch them skip. All of these things will cause joy.
“The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.”
Joel 1:2 KJV
Just the opposite of the things above, joy can be experienced because of trees, their fruit and their leaves all in abundance.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Matthew 2:10 KJV
When the Magi saw the astrological signs in the sky, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy because, they were following “his star!” We experience joy when we see stars.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”
Matthew 13:44 KJV
Have you ever been somewhere and the location was so wonderful and it gave you so much joy, you wanted to buy the house there, rent it, or maybe buy the property and build your home there? Rounding the bend and seeing that you are almost home again, does this not bring joy!
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Matthew 25:21 KJV
Isn’t it obvious that if what you do gives joy to others that you would benefit and be joyous or joyful too?
“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”
Matthew 28:8 KJV
Come on, surely we must know that in the above verse that the word “fear” is respect or awe as, how would it be possible to be afraid and joyful?
“Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.”
Acts 2:28 KJV
Seeing the countenance of another gives joy.
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Acts 20:24 KJV
Finishing your degree, finishing the work week — (TGIF Thank God It’s Friday and the weekend), making it to retirement, finishing your course or purpose in life, gives joy.
“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
Romans 5:11 KJV
Joy in, the word “in” is the Greek preposition en = totally within. Joy in God. So yes, enjoy yourself, totally in God.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13 KJV
“Joy and peace in (en = totally within), believing why? So we can abound in hope through the power of the spirit of God from God in us. How? Because all of this comes from the the God of Hope. The word hope is used twice here. The number two (2), numerically means = “it is established”
“And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.”
2 Corinthians 2:3 KJV
My joy is that it is the joy of all! Have you ever felt joy just because others you care about joy?
“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.”
2 Corinthians 7:4 KJV
Even joy in tribulation! Notice it does not say happiness in tribulation (pressure etc), but joy!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Galatians 5:22 KJV
All people can experience joy, but the Christian can receive even more (“fullness of joy”) and it is a fruit (1 of 9 fruits), we receive when we operate the manifestations of the spirit – speaking in tongues, tongues with interpretation, word of prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, manifestation of believing, miracles, and gifts (plural) of healings (plural). What? Not only can we have joy in operating the manifestations, but we get “joy” as one of the fruit of the spirit when we do? Yep, that’s what it says and that’s exactly what it means. Fullness?
“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Psalm 16:11 KJV
“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”
1 John 1:4 KJV
“Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,”
Philippians 1:4 KjV
There is joy in praying for others.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV
Joy in seeing each other again throughout eternity and the joy of being with Christ at his coming (his return).
“For ye are our glory and joy.”
1 Thessalonians 2:20 KJV
“Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;”
2 Timothy 1:4 KJV
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
The joy that is future and comes by God revealing it has no different effect than if it was happening now because, it is happening— always in the now!
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
1 Peter 1:8 KJV
Joy so incredible that we may not be able to articulate it, but it can be experienced. This is why joy is an inside job! It is often both an inside and an exterior response from what comes to us from without. God has these reminders everywhere that cause joy.
“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
2 John 1:12 KJV
Joy not written with paper and ink but face to face that “our” joy is full. Joy is made to be experienced, immediately.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
3 John 1:4 KJV
The writer (Paul), and the author (God), have no greater joy than to see their children (in the World), and (in the Word), walk in truth.!
There is joy everywhere –
Snowflakes on your tongue and eyelashes Squiggly mud between your toes Fish leaping from the water A red barn, especially in the winter snow The contrast of a pair of cardinals, in the white snow Building a snowman Making mud pies Sandcastles – seeing them and building them Candles and fires Cooking fragrances – seasonings and spices Fresh cut grass and growing living things Decorating for the holidays Cookies and Candy, Gingerbread The first flower of spring – crocus coming up through the snow Bubble baths Singing birds Seeing a hummingbird, a butterfly or a honey bee Bluebird and Robin eggs and their fledglings leaving the nest Dancing in the rain Ice skating or pretending to, inside with your socks on and with children Puppies and kittens and children A hug and a kiss –
and the list is almost endless.
There is joy everywhere.
There was a band leader named Louis Prima (December 7, 1910 – August 24, 1978). He was an American trumpeter, singer, entertainer, and bandleader. He once sang on a song – ‘Enjoy Yourself’
So, go ahead and Joy and En-joy yourself!
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
Iam aware, as a Christian, I am certain of at least a few things. One is that quite often, we are commanded to forgive others and this would include ourselves. Perhaps the latter may seem improbable or difficult, but not impossible.
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32 King James Version (one of many, many references to forgiveness) KJV
God forgives and He forgets—
“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
Hebrews 8:12 KJV
Should we forget?
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”
Philippians 3:13 KJV
Is it even possible to forget? Take at look at I Corinthians chapter 13. In speaking of the several characteristics of walking in this, the wonderful Love of God, God’s Word says of this “love” —
“Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, THINKETH NO EVIL;”
I Corinthians 13:5 KJV
WOW, how could not even thinking evil be possible, if we could remember our sins or we never forget them? Well it is possible to live like this. But still, we have this treasure in an earthen vessel. (see: II Corinthians 4:7 KJV)
Personally, it is generally not hard for me to forgive others because, I know what I have been forgiven of.
But I also know again that I have this treasure in an earthen vessel. I know that I am fraught with faults and failures, weaknesses, and imperfection.
When it comes to forgiveness, there are times when I find this extremely difficult, if not impossible, especially, when we’re talking about forgiving and forgetting what others have done, not for what they’ve done against me, but to others.
Being human, I want restitution, sometimes vengeance, and sometimes, to see the comeuppance due to certain ones, whose behavior I view as reprehensible.
I am mindful that God will repay and it’s not up to me. This does not in any way mean I find this to be easy to do. (see: Romans 12:19 KJV)
I know that despite the truth of God’s Word, sometimes we must endure and we see so much contradiction and confusion, cruelty and downright evil in the world. With so many opposites appearing as what is perceived as reality and normal, there is to me, no wonder why people have a difficulty believing God, believing in God— in His goodness, and forgiveness and not forgetting the evil that is done.
I look to examples of how others deal with such things. I find beauty, comfort and encouragement from those who stand against such and endure the bitterness and the bite of sin and evil against our mortal flesh, our souls and our spirits if possible.
I know that it was for joy (the revelation of you and I one day being with Jesus Christ, for what he stood against and for), that he could endure. I know it was because of this “joy” that he, though despising the shame being hurled at God his Father, because of others rejection of him and thus God, and all because Jesus always did his father’s will. I know it was this “joy” that enabled him to endure to the end.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
I have given the example of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul, who wrote the seven Church epistles, “to “fulfill the word of God,” (see: Colossians 1:25), is, another example.
But Paul voted (cast his ballot), for the death of Jesus Christ, directing other followers to be imprisoned and he consented (agreed with, voted, cast his ballot), for the stoning of Stephen a great man, a doer of many miracles in the first century Church. Perhaps now you can understand another verse of scripture, which is to this day, still being misinterpreted and accuses God for what he does not do. Is it precious in the sight of God that his children are killed because, they immediately go to heaven to be with Him?
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15 KJV
The word “precious” above is literally the word “costly.” It costs God much to loose any of his saints (heaven’s holiest), as they are no longer on the earth to do the works of Jesus Christ and greater works (see John 14:12)
The apostle Paul said of himself —
“And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.”
Acts 22:19, 20 KJV
If there was ever an example of forgiving and forgetting, Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul are two examples. But how difficult is it, to not only forgive, but to also forget?
Jesus Christ was a perfect man, born without sin and never committed sin. By choice (freedom of will), he always did the will of God, his Father. But he forgave and he forgot.
The apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), was a member of the ruling body of Israel, known as the Sanhedrin. They would have been like the Supreme court, whose decisions were final. According to the Misnah or or the Mishna“study by repetition”, or “counsel,” the first major written collection of the Jewish oral traditions known as, the Oral Torah, these 70 elders plus Moses himself are the source for the 71 judges of the “Great Sanhedrin.”
For details of the apostle Paul’s life prior to his conversion to Christianity, see at least the following references:
Acts 6:8 to 7:60, (Acts 9:4, 22:7 and 26:14), Acts 23:6, Acts 26:10 and Galatians 1:13, 14
Look at Acts 22 —
“And I [Paul] persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.”
Acts 22:4 KJV
I have given two examples, one of Jesus Christ, and that of the apostle Paul. They had to wrestle with forgiveness and they had to contend with forgetting.
The apostle Paul once made reference to a particular Roman torture technique that he himself was subjected to and delivered from. He was literally tied to a dead corpse, which would have eventually killed him as the rotting flesh would have begun to rot his own flesh. But Paul used this literal situation to convey a greater spiritual truth— comparing the weakness of sinful flesh when he said—
“O wretched man that I am! who shalldelivermefrom the body of this death(literally— “this dead body”)?”
Romans 7:24 KJV
But I find these two individuals almost superhuman, and I myself have often needed some less than perfect flesh to be able to relate to. Be they real or fictionalized or at least embellished, I seem to have needed such as this, to make its point upon my heart, especially recently.
I found such an example in the memory of a movie I had watched years ago. It is from the life of a woman who had to endure the shame of rape and to keep it hidden from her own husband to keep him alive. This is a movie wherein I found so much depth of heart in the same unfolding— horrific and tragic events. For the opposite reasons, my wife Susan, refuses to watch this because, it is so — horrible and tragic.
But the movie I am referring to here is called ‘Rob Roy’. It is the true story of a 1700’s Scottish Klansman named, Rob Roy MacGregor, portrayed by Liam Neeson. His wife is Mary MacGregor and she is played by Jessica Lange.
What was her alternative to forgiving and forgetting the evil she endured by another? To me, the greatest line of the entire movie and its main point to me, and the dogged determination on her face when it was spoken, occurred when Jessica Lange, as Mary McGregor, facing the one who had raped her to humiliate her and to draw her husband out so that he could falsely accuse him and kill him for crimes that he himself had committed, to hide his own sin and guilt, was simply and so beautifully stated —
” I will think of you no more!”
If we cannot forgive and forget or if we refuse to forgive and forget, perhaps an alternative without seeking vengeance is, to live peaceably and quietly with those we love and of the others to…
…Think on them no more!
I find (especially and particularly this Holiday Season), in myself— a sweetness, a cheerfulness and a peace, despite sorrow which has come to me over someone dear to me in passing. I am resigned to let God do what He does and to do my best in what I get to do and should do.
Some dear loves of mine have passed. But they are at peace and in pain no more. Their next waking moment will be at the return of Jesus Christ, when he comes for his saints. First he will come for those dead in Christ and then those of his alive at his coming. Whether I forgive others and forget what they have done may in essence be, what I have done, but I do not have to—
think on them any more!
My wife Susan and another have also, found some solace, some consolation and some resolve in this.
To me, this is safe anchorage in an ocean of doubt, upon calms seas, for me, my little dinghy.
Dinghy on calm water, by John White
Now if you want to dispute any of this, Go for it, but I did not write the Bible, I am just…
Pentecost 