What I have learned over the years
Living a Holy Life
Living a Holy Life
Doing the Right Thing
By Danny Lee Baxley
Still in the works --- May 4, 2024
Still working on this -- September 19, 2024
Still working -- maybe this never ends?
Send your comments and questions to -- dan@servantsofyahshua.com
This is a message to me, the author, more of a personal reminder to myself about living a truly Holy Life -- but it seemed appropriate to share with others -- I have spent 48+ years figuring this out, that is, for myself -- of course, my rebirth began before that, almost 10 years earlier, but it was in April 24, 1976 that I was baptized into His Name, and the Name of our Heavenly Father -- 58 + years -- admittedly, not a straight path, but one with lots learning twists and turns, even an occasional U turn. Most of the twists would be my fight against my own fleshly desire; the turns came as results of trying to adjust to what the Word was teaching, or so I thought, but most were attempts to live by the words of men. The U-turns came when it became clear that I was headed in the absolute wrong direction. Some U-turns were more of a Right or Left Turn, not so much a U-turn. But in each of these adjustments, I seemed to stay on that narrow path, and if I can, so can you -- it is called growing, or maturing in the Spirit, so let us do that.
This then this is my advice, not so much to you or for you, but for myself -- to myself -- things I have learned and still wrestle with (speaking in the flesh), but all leading to a better picture, not for you, perhaps, but for me, and it is hoped that this might be of benefit to someone else, looking to live a Holy Life -- perhaps a confirmation, then so much the better. Of course, for some this will be too much, and for others it will not be enough -- after all, we seem to be living in the time when everyone does what they think is right in their own eyes -- Judge 17:16 -- true then, true today. And who can deny that we are living in a time of increased knowledge?
Dan 12:4 But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
But what knowledge? I have witnessed the teaching of the "Theory of Evolution", torn apart, exposed for the lie that it is, only to see it continue to be taught as a proven truth in the schools and echoed on the internet and in television documentaries as a complete truth. Truly amazing. How is this one lie so ignorantly accepted, especially among the educators of the world? A new generation is born, and the educators immediately begin cramming this lie into their little heads. Few escape, as I witness to this very day. Even those who are of a religious bent will excuse this teaching with statements like -- "Well, maybe God used evolution to create?" Just another form of denial, and a display of disbelief. It can and has been proven, if you will only look, opening the eyes and see that Evolution is not a Science of truth but a fabrication of lies and fantasy imaginations of those claiming to be educators. This is nothing new, not at all, but in today's wealth of knowledge, with all of the masses of collected information and discoveries, how is it that this last couple of generations of people seem lost?
Putting myself in a Box [ ]
This article is me, just me, figuring things out, and sharing along the way. I say, Servants of YaHshua, because this much-traveled path includes my brother Ron. Also, input, questions, and encouragement from others seeking, many of whom are called, obviously, as we have been. Letting others traveling a similar path know that they are not alone; there are others, a few others. But as time has rolled on, we see the same old mistakes and influences recurring. Each new generation, apparently, is refreshed to find its own way, as the passing generation – well, passes.Making one, maybe two things clear – for me, anyway: We should strive to live by the Whole Word of our Heavenly Father, as delivered by His First Born, His Apostles and His Prophets, as best we can, as it is shown to us, never giving ourselves up to any particular man, other than our Master Teacher, YaHshua, our Savior, and His Spirit as our guide – as under the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father, Mat 11:27.In the New Testament, there is hardly a page you can turn, or a verse read, that does not give you instructions about how to conduct yourself, along with warnings -- blessings and curses. Just read your Bible and believe what it says, and then conduct yourself accordingly. Liars all, who keep saying, Well, that was for then; this is now. Read the Word for yourself and push out the words and thoughts of others; just believe what you are reading, and apply it to yourself. In Matthew 4:7 and other places, we are told NOT to TEST our God -- how can the pot question the maker about its purpose? Yet, there is a place for Testing, but it is not as in a challenge or sarcastic self-grandeur, as in an intellectual game of words -- no, it is about proving His Word and words are true. In other words, apply His instructions and the instructions from His Prophets and Apostles, who have all already gone to the grave, leaving behind those inspired words for us -- nothing new is being written -- what needs to be said, and what needed to be said, has already been said. In Malachi 3:10, He says, "Test me now and see ..." This is not about trying to trip Him up, or to disprove, or some other avoidance mechanism, no -- this is just saying that, as a people or as a single individual, we can try applying His Words in our own lives and see the fruits. If you are looking for the right way to live the way that brings the greatest happiness, then live by the Word, the Word already delivered -- 1 Cor 4:6. Jude 1:3.If I seem to ramble, please be patient -- to me, it is not rambling; it makes perfect sense, but for some readers it might seem otherwise. In truth, as a whole, we are all in a box -- a box (ball?) called Earth -- we are contained within a thin envelope of life, surrounded by empty, dead planets, with our own planet only one breath away from joining them, every breath we take depending on this thin blue line of oxygen, that is so rare, and yet taken for granted. We cannot, in our present condition traverse the Universe (sorry Elon, but there is a limit to flesh and blood apart from this unique planet) -- fantasize about it, all you want, but the fact remains, the flesh is limited -- there needs to be a change, a voluntary rebirth, so to speak, making it possible for us to move beyond our physical confinement. We need to become more than just a physical being in decline, even from birth. We need something; we need someone responsible for our present condition to stand up and deliver us, to save us. But why save true rebel, the spirit of rebellion, why? Perhaps this is the reason our Creator has put us in a container that comes to an end, that is meant for destruction? Perhaps this is how our Creator separates the rebellious toward God and man, only to deliver, personally, those whom He has chosen, and those who willingly seek and accept Him? This is the Box that I am in, and I see all other thinking humans in as well. This is why we need a Savior. Someone we can pledge to, with an honest desire for change. Seeing the evil not only in ourselves and the need for change, not in the body alone, but in our spirit with His Spirit.
What follows is not an exact road map, but just a starting point for some. This could help to keep some truth seekers out of the grasp of those who have led some sheep to their unnecessary death, not just physically, but spiritually as well. Follow the Word, not men, or women, for that matter. History is filled with sheep being led off by wolves. A couple of the more recent examples (historically) would be Jim Jones, David Koresh -- just look them up. These are but a couple of the more infamous. Some blame the American government and law enforcement for their destruction, but who is really responsible? What does the true killer say when caught? Oh, wasn't my fault. I'm the victim here. Satan and his tribes blame everyone else for what they are doing. The real protection you have against both is to be a Bible-believing, law-abiding citizen. Romans 13:1-7 -- read it, read it again, and again if necessary. It is our duty to live in a way of peace with all men, no matter the society or place in the world we live in -- Romans 12:18, Heb 12:14. We are made to be followers of our Father in Heaven, and live by His Gift to us, our Messiah and Savior, YaHshua. Learning from others is one thing, but who do we follow? Not men. Paul saw this inclination among believers to begin following specific teachings of other men and women, taking on the names of groups or churches after those they followed. This should not be the way for those who follow, or seek to follow, YaHshua's teachings and those of His Apostles. The New Testament writings, literally the words of YaHshua, the record of His Offering for us, and the words of His Apostles, as led to deliver to us by His Holy Spirit. The New Testament, no matter the language, is filled with how we should live and grow in Him. Teachers? Fine, but not Masters, as so many seem to gravitate to. A human flaw, perhaps? Reading 1 Timothy 4:3, we see Paul recognizing this human flaw, and if so obvious back then, how much more today? We see this in everything -- religion, religions, cults, and politics, governments, kingdoms, etc. The latter points back to what Paul told the Roman believers in 13:1-7 -- had the people been more aware and centered on truth, men like Hitler could never have come to power -- make no mistake, there were thousands of believers who never followed Hitler beyond keeping the peace. And as time proved, those who stood up to the Beast in Hitler and his devils imprisoned themselves, along with those. A little reported fact -- 6 million Jewish people perished under the special forces formed to kill them, and along with them, another 6 million "non-Jews", millions of whom were Christians, obedient to civil law, but opposing Hitler and his thugs, and paying for it with their own lives. So, who is guilty, the government of Germany? No, it is the people. Without public support, Hitler and his goons could never have done what they did. He told people what they wanted to hear. Once in power, he would shut down all dissent, and people of that change in government began to look the other way, still hearing only what they wanted to hear. Make no mistake, the PEOPLE of Germany could have stopped it. Some, a few, not many did stand up openly, and others secretly, helping those targeted to hide from the thugs and those willing to beat up their own fellow citizens, even murder them.
As children of the Most High, let us approach our Heavenly Father with questions, and let His Word (Spirit) and the words He gave to our Savior and His Apostles be our guide. In those words, we find our answers. Most is pretty simple: just believe what is written, and you will see how the word is proven true in your own life. This is meant only as a jump-start. Not everyone is given understanding of everything all at once, but we can agree on one thing that is certain -- YaHshua is Messiah, our Savior -- it is through Him that we have any hope of entering the Kingdom of God the Father.
First, what did YaHshua, the First Born have to say about our standing before our Heavenly Father? Didn't He say that we must become like an innocent child? How is this possible, for an adult person, to return to being a child? A familiar question, maybe? And what did our Savior YaHshua say? This is revealed in a longer teaching, something we should consider in the broader context --
Mat 18:1 In that hour the disciples came to YaHshua, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"Mat 18:2 YaHshua called a little child to Himself, and set him in the midst of them,Mat 18:3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (We are the children -- 1 John 4:4 -- Romans 8:16)Mat 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.Mat 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child in My Name receives Me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.
This is an obvious reference to anyone who has been called, found, or found by YaHshua, and who then, literally, has His Name, becoming a child of the Living God -- our spirit bearing witness with His Spirit that we are Children of the Living God, our Father in Heaven. What is it about little children that would be relatable between us and Him as His children? For one thing, children believe their parent without question. As flawed as a child is, this is the one true thing; the Parent is the truth in all things. By this, we, too, believe the Word, the words handed down to us as written by or inspired by our Heavenly Father for our instruction. His word is true, above all others -- YaHshua told us that He spoke what He had already heard from the Father in Heaven -- John 14:10 -- John 7:16 & 17:6 - 9 -- He prays for them, AND NOT THE WORLD. Yes, He came for the whole World, but only for those living on it who are specifically chosen and those who will accept Him, called or not, who are seeking true honesty and, in their own confession, accept Him, the One sent, our Savior, YaHshua. YaHshua, the First Born of many, having Himself come from the Father, bears up what is truth and what is not -- some truth to be understood and lived by, other truth revealing even the evil that is present and not to be followed. He came from our Heavenly Father, as the First Fruit, to guide us into eternity.
John 6:63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.Pro 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.Pro 30:6 Don't you add to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar.Rom 3:4 May it never be! Yes, let the FATHER be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, "That you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment." YSRB (come into judgment -- or -- brought before others to be judged)
Our word? Only in that we base what we say on His words -- we are then repeating, in our own words, what He has already said or taught us, just as YaHshua said He was doing. His words are so right that if we are brought before a tribunal for His Name's sake and judged by others, our words will prevail because we base what we say on His words, the basis of all truth -- that we might be justified in our words. Let's look at another translation of this same verse --
Rom 3:4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." NIV (when you judge -- or -- call into question)
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged. KJV (when you are judged -- or -- called into question)
Three different slants on the same verse, all correct. The Greek for the word translated as Judge, judged, and judgment in all three examples means -- to properly distinguish, decide, or call into question. These first choices apply here. All "judgments" are not meant to be "condemnation," something our Lord forbids. But if we judge anything, let it be by His Word -- while in this world judging and being judged, if for no other reason, to keep true evil in check. In a lawless society, evil rules the day, and the outcome is eventual self-destruction. We, in this modern society, are witnessing this, as every day seems to bring new news about another rebellion or war. How do we survive such a world?
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
We are not different from those before us, even before our Lord and Savior came -- we are all of one blood -- Acts 17:25-26. But He came to save us, to set us apart, to give us the gift of Salvation, offering another path, a way to separate the demons from the elect -- those of the devil from those chosen, called, and determined by the God of Heaven Himself. But what do we do in the meantime, living in these bodies of flesh and bone? We still share in a condition that all men and women share from the beginning -- same impulses and temptations-
Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.Pro 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD (YHWH) weighs the heart.(Pro 30:12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
We hear this comment more and more, "Your truth" and "My truth," as if we all speak the truth, just different truths, different ways. Talk about confusion. This led me to ask, "What is My truth"? Turns out, it is NOT "my truth" or "your truth" that I am looking for, but HIS TRUTH -- the Greater Authority -- and who is Greater than our Creator? And let us not forget --.
First things first, and something the whole world, in one way or another, by trial and error or not, almost all societies agree with the Ten Words found in the ancient Hebrew Text, we call the Ten Commandments, attributed to having been written by the One who created us all, even Israel, to whom these Ten Commandments were given. Each society that has succeeded has these commandments in their charters, in their constitutions, in their book of laws, in one form or another, proving the success of such basic rules of conduct. If, then, most civilized societies, even those with ideological differences in world conduct, with leadership bent on the submission of others, contain these rules of order, governing the conduct of their citizens. Some more strict than others. So, what then is the great separator? For some it is their day of worship. For others, it is the God that they call on. Many times, it is the God that individuals call on, in groups or individually, that leads them to a particular day of worship. Being identified as different is to indirectly accuse fellow citizens of living life in error, and this irritates many -- not that they see their error, only that they see your error, apart from them. This, of course led to our Lord's admonition about following the broader path as opposed to the narrow path -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- from this we can come to a conclusion that if we are following the masses, say, the popular trend, not in obedience to authority, or the commandments we love, but in the God that we profess, this is what truly sets you apart. It is not the day you worship on, but the God you confess, by Name. Not important? Then why does anyone bother with baptism? And in whose Name are they baptized, or called to confess? The Word says it does matter --
Act 2:21 It will be, that whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved.Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.(Act 10:43) All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His Name.Isayah 12:4 In that day you will say: "Give thanks to YaHWeH, call on His Name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His Name is exalted.Psa 79:6 Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy Name.Jerimyah 10:25 Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy Name: for they have eaten up Jacob (Israel), and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate. (Who are the "heathen"? Anyone not Israel/Judah -- yes, even those who would call you an infidel are themselves, infidels, or heathens, worshipping things they
It is said that the first four Commandments tell us how to honor our Creator God, while the last six tell us how to respect our fellow man. Which God you worship, whether of stick and stone, matters only to you, but life without some sort of idea about a High Intelligence, a Creator of some sort who will hold all accountable, is not life at all, but only a waiting for the end of a useless life with no purpose. In this, we can all agree. For a person who does not believe in anything beyond this short, physical life, there is nothing, and such a person would not be reading any of this anyway. In some shape or form, all accept the Hebrew Ten Commandments as a basis for honorable human conduct. Everyone says that they want Peace on Earth -- acceptance of His Ten Commandments would bring that about -- as simple as that.
Why then do we have constant war and rumors of wars? Why this constant human conflict, backbiting, whore-mongering, murderous gossip mills (Internet social media), humans shredding humans, all evident in this world of "Enlightenment"? Because we are living on a planet made up of "good and evil". Not all humans are good. In fact, we are told that most are not good at all, no, not one -- Mt 19:17 -- not real goodness. Yes, some actions and conduct are admirable and honorable, but in comparison to our Creator? No, not one. We may want to be "good," which is to say, "godly," but for the most part we do not know how to find it and cannot achieve it fully. It is something to strive for, but without His Word of Truth, we are swimming in dangerous waters. We need a life jacket, and that is where our Lord, our Savior, comes in -- YaHshua, whom we confess and accept as our Salvation. The following words are for us, all of humanity, from age to age, and are never more apparent than in this age of communication, in this Media age of gossip -
Isa 59:8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goes therein shall not know peace. (Isaiah 59: 1-13, read it all, it is about us)
We have to admit that we are broken, something a lot of people are reluctant to do, this is were "repentance" comes in to the picture and our "confession" the YaHshua is Messiah (The Christ), and a life of "overcoming" begins.
Repent -- Change one's mind
Mat 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YaHshua (the) Christ (Anointed) for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
And there is this business of OVERCOMING -- overcoming would mean that we work on Living a Holy Life. After all, to "overcome" something, takes effort. -- but, what is it that we are to overcome?
1Jn 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of the FATHER: every spirit who confesses that YaHshua the messiah has come in the flesh is of the FATHER, 3 and every spirit who doesn't confess that YaHshua the messiah has come in the flesh is not of the FATHER, and this is the spirit of the Anti Christ, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already. (The spirit of the Anti - Christ was already present and working in that first century and even now is present -- READ it AGAIN)1Jn 4:4 You are of the FATHER, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world. (Overcome them who object or deny His Name, a Name that Identifies our true Savior)1Jn 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.1Jn 4:6 We are of the FATHER. He who knows the FATHER listens to us. He who is not of the FATHER doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of the FATHER, that we keep His commandments . His commandments are not grievous.1Jn 5:4 For whatever is born of the FATHER overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.1Jn 5:5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that YaHshua is the Son of the FATHER?
Rev 3:5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his (your) name before My FATHER, and before His angels.
Rev 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies (congregations, churches) .Why replace the therm God with Father? Because, in most cases, when the term for Theos, or Deity, from the Greek of Latin or God are used in the New Testament, it is in reference to The Father, and by making this clear we see something many miss in translation -- that God The Father is the Power behind everything even YaHshua our Savior -- 2 Pet 1:17 -- see examples from the King James below the verses quoted:
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord YaHshua the Christ,
Gal 1:4-5 Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Some say it is to "obey" the Law. Now, do not make the mistake others have made -- including myself at one time in my journey. Do not say the Law is Old Covenant and we are New covenant, so the Law is, well, set aside, and then go about replacing the LAW delivered by YaHWeH (YaHuaH) Himself, with other rules and regulations and laws of obedience -- even the replacement of Holy Days with religious "holidays". The hypocrisy is chilling when you think about it. Much of Christianity has replaced the Laws, that is, Commandments, written by the finger of God Himself with other doctrines and rules, and laws of religious obligations -- taking captives for profit.
That aside, back to the initial question -- what is it that we are to overcome? Read the following from a modern translation the WEB version and compare with the KJV. Notes were added to update what Peter said, and still says what is fitting for us today, as we are the witnesses covering nearly 2,000 years bearing His truth:
The preacher, Balaam, knowing better, worked for money, letting greed rule over his better sense -- he is but an example, that actually lived. Why is the faith spoken evil of? For the examples set in the open, on public display, one master preacher after another found to be living just as described. We could make a list of names, but the list is much greater and more complete in the books being kept in Heaven -- how strange too, that those who would harp on the sin they see in the Churches are themselves full of immorality, living as the children of Satan, doing his bidding -- some of the deceivers do not know that is what they are. True believers you might say, just the wrong kind -- 2 Tim 3:12-13. As in the days of Noah, only 8 souls survived the judgement of that day -- Mat 7:13-14.2Pe 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Lord (YaHshua) who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. (Nearly 2,000 years later? Everything being equal on the eternal side, on this side, in the physical realm, each person only has a time space of less than 100 years. The centuries before are a number amounting to less than 2 days, or less on the eternal side -- in personal time, compared to all other time, the destruction those false teachers are bringing on themselves is certainly coming quickly. He does not delay as some count, delay -- 2 Pet 3:9 -- His time is the real time, our is but second, even less than that -- 2 Pet 3:8)2Pe 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned.2Pe 2:3 In covetousness (greediness, fraudulence) they will exploit (sell you out for money) you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn't linger, and their destruction will not slumber (They are being noticed -- but not stopped, yet -- it is up to you to overcome them, not letting those who have crept in as wolves to make hay of you, that they should "overcome you, but you them. How? By knowing the Word yourself -- 1 Tim 2:15 -- this does not mean you disrupt or try to take charge -- 1 Thes 4:11 -- but like the Bereans in the first century, setting and example for us -- Acts 17:11)2Pe 2:4 -11 For if the FATHER didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Hell (Earth - Rev 12:9), and committed them to pits of darkness (Jude 1:6), to be reserved for judgment; 5 and didn't spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man dwelling among them, was tormented in his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds): 9 the Lord knows how to deliver the Godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment; 10 but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries; 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don't bring a railing judgment against them before the Lord.2Pe 2:12-16 But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed, 13 receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, revelling in their deceit while they feast with you; 14 having eyes full of adultery, and who can't cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing; 15 forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing; 16 but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man's voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.
If you overcome them, then your are the overcomer and have the power over those who would use and abuse you, not in the flesh but in and by His Spirit in you -- We must "overcome" their deception, not letting them overcome us -- if we are to be overcome, the let it us be overcome by the First Born, YaHshua, and by the His Holy Spirit2Pe 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. 18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; 19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are bond servants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him.
2Pe 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior YaHshua the messiah, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. (But, do these deceivers see this? Those deniers of His true Identity, calling on another, do they know it? Some do, and apparently some deceivers believe their own deceptions -- deceiving and being deceived -- 1 Timothy 3:13)2Pe 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to his own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire." (HOLY COMMANDMENT? REPENT = )2Pe 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YaHshua the Anointed for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. (This is exactly what His Apostles did, and from them we have their writings, their witness that his was done. And then what happened? The wolves came in and scattered the sheep, even replacing our Lord's Identity with "another" --Mat 4:17 From that time YaHshua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (This was and still is out Lord YaHshua's Holy Commandment to us -- to everyone. See how this changes when you restore His Birth Name?)
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My Truth, or, Your Truth? How About, Their Truth?
Funny, I never really thought about that -- My truth thingy -- but we hear that type of talk more and more -- Your truth, my truth -- how about Your Stupid, My stupid? Sometimes, I "think", we can be the joke.
Being a Bible based kinda guy, Truth has always been the Word -- The Book that serious believers see as inspired and good for proof and reproof, like a source of Real Truth, trusting what it says, over and above what any person, man, woman, transgender, homosexual, cat person, dog person, snake, or beast person says.
Rom 3:3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?
Rom 3:4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
If the Word says something is wrong, then it is wrong -- simple. Apparently not so simple for some. Not to get into all of the various reasons and excuses for why history is filled with so many killings and torturing others for "their truth" -- what it really comes down to is that human nature, like spoiled babies want their own self-centered way, no matter who is hurt. by not keeping this evil in check, liars, cheats, killers and thieves run rampant, as in -- the Heathen rage. This small investigation is going to "blindly", yes, "blindly" accept the Hebrew/Christian Bible as the source of real truth, as the INSPIRED Words of the Living God -- for all mankind -- His TRUTH, not yours, or their's, but His. So, don't fight me over this, this is my choice, My Truth, if you will -- and if you don't like it? Well, I just don't care. I do, really, but seeing that we are all liars compared to His Word, I cannot trust you any more than I can trust myself. His Word and words, if hear, will correct me, and for those rare times of indecision (rare?) His Spirit will see me through, I do pray.
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A Living Sacrifice -- A Reasonable Service:
Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
First:
Let's be clear -- as soon as you give up your right to question, or stop questioning and just accepting whatever you are told, is when you become susceptible to those who would make merchandise, that if profit, from you and others doing the same thing -- going along to get along. We see this all the time. This is what is meant by, "...working our your own salvation...". This is not to say that we become argumentative, not at all, but to ask the hard questions and expect and answer from accepting out tithes and contribution for the Work, we should expect answers, even if the answer is, "I don't know", or, "I will check into that and we can discuss it." We should always show respect for those in leadership positions, but the ultimate responsibility for your personal salvation is yours --
Php 2:12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Remember that old phrase, "Bending to peer pressure"? When that happens, you know the groups you are with have given up their direction and are operating like a hive rather than Children of The Living God. Not joining the Hive put YaHshua on the Cross and His disciples into hiding. The Hive that formed in Jerusalem became the poorest of all the believers in community and was eventually completely destroyed. Others were driven into hiding and, after nearly 300 years of hiding in the wilderness, so to speak, reemerged as something totally different, becoming the State Religion of the Roman Empire. We can rely on only one thing to Unify the Children of the Living God -- His Holy Spirit, in Him, through Him, and the Father, and only by our Repentance and Confession -- for all who do not Confess In His Name are of the Anti-Christs. Let that soak in -- There is a repentance in the baptism of John, the Baptist, and most never get any further than that. Next comes the Baptism of YaHshua, where you are literally baptised into His Name, into His Spirit, the Holy Spirit of the Father. John's is a Baptism of repentance, but stops short of being a baptism into the Savior sent under a particular Identification just as as it is revealed to us in Acts 4:12 -- there can be no other. Most who call themselves Christians have stopped short in their baptism. Remember, baptism is not unique to Christians. Those of Judah were baptizing as an act of repentance long before John the Baptizer came along. The idea that water cleansed the body as well as the spirit was a practice the Essenes, a Jewish sect that lived in the Qumran area close to the Dead Sea, around the second century before YaHshua the Messiah was born. Many are baptised by various forms, into the names of many different gods -- gods that are no gods. We should be sure to whom we are accepting and confessing -- names do matter.
We see that this message of repentance is for everyone, specifically for the Gentiles (non-Israeli) and for Israel/Judah as well. But how many times do the Jewish people need to be witnessed to? Even Paul gave up on them. Paul is in Rome, speaking to the Romans, Roman Gentiles who have become or are interested in becoming followers of YaHshua. Everyone outside the Chosen Nation of people, Israel/Judah, is called a "Gentile," heathen, or pagan -- everyone else. This includes all other religious groups, nations, and people. Everyone outside the Chosen Nation of People is a GENTILE. We must understand this. Why? Because it is the people of Israel/Judah with whom a Covenant was made. This Covenant included ways to live a Holy Life in a Nation, or as a Nation. It included personal direction as well as national and civil law -- these instructions became the Constitution by which the people of Israel and Judah agreed to conduct themselves, and the Leaders, from the Kings on down, would accept as common to all.
These Covenant Rules include not only personal rules and Laws to govern personal conduct but also rules and regulations governing animal sacrifice, something all the nations were doing to their gods. For the Chosen people, things had to be different, even if it meant something more -- like pointing toward the One who would end this endless flow of blood. And to that we can say, HalleluYaH.
A New Covenant was introduced, a Covenant dating back before Israel -- a Covenant made with a man named Abram, whose name would be changed after the confirming of this Covenant to Abraham, a Covenant of Promises. This Covenant with Abraham was passed on to all Israel, with some additions, all of which were spoken and delivered to the people with each amended version -- first at the foot of Mount Sinai, and later at the end of Joshua's entry into the Holy Land, and both times the people pledged their willingness to accept the Covenant as a people, as a nation. Of course, while individuals may have stayed true to the Agreement, the nation as a whole did not. Does Israel observe this Covenant today? No, they do not. There are some groups, like the Hebrew Roots movement, that work to restore the Old Covenant and teach that we should live by it, which is impossible. For one thing, according to the Covenant, we, as believers in YaHshua as our only hope to Salvation, have, by His lone sacrifice, put an end to animal sacrifice. The Old Covenant still requires the blood of bulls, sheep, and goats. Learn from the Old? Yes, but trying to put the New into the Old? Our Lord had something to say about this very thing.
Mat 9:17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wine skins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wine skins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wine skins, and both are preserved."
That last point is missed by most who quote this when discussing the Old and the New Covenants -- you do not mix one with the other, and both survive side by side. But still, men try to pour the New into the Old. And yet, by the Word, both are supposed to be able to live side by side, at least for now. History shows, however, that men just will not allow the pure teaching found in the Truth of His Word. Why would the Old be preserved if we have the New? Because the Old has great value, for it is from the Old Wine that the New came to be. In the New Testament writings, we have some 400 direct quotes from the Old -- that is, of course, speaking from the point of view of a follower of YaHshua as Messiah and Savior. A Jewish person of faith may not see the covenant Moses oversaw as Old in the sense of being replaced. But, as mentioned, even in the Gospel writings, the Messiah, YaHshua, and His disciples quoted from the Old Testament a lot. Without the Old Testament, the New is much more difficult to understand correctly. We have more than the Old Covenant, a Covenant covered in the first five books of what we call the Old Testament, or the Torah. The other parts of the complete writings, history, and prophetic words are of great value.
Those of Israel already had a pattern set before them defining a Holy Life -- the Torah -- the first five books of the Law, which contained what Moses wrote and was given to the people of Israel. This is usually recognized as the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It was near impossible for them, as a nation, to stay within the confines of the Covenant contained in the Torah. As opportunity presented itself, including what the Torah hinted at and what the Prophetic writings declared (if they had eyes to see and ears to hear), they, with clouded minds, missed one of the biggest opportunities of all time -- the First Coming of their Messiah, whom they rejected. But, to be clear, their God, our God, had thrown a veil over their minds, causing them to stumble and thus making it possible for gentiles like us to come into the fold of His righteousness as a gift to us, but in the New Wine Skins. Nothing we had earned, but a gift, making them, that is, Israel/Judah, essentially, a sacrifice for us, as we become a nation of gentile believers that will stand, or should stand, as the New Wine in the New Skin, while they, in rejecting YaHshua, stand still in the Old Wine. Their failure became our win.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Does not come about by repentance -- a gift -- and will not be withdrawn -- He said it, so it is.)Rom 11:28 As concerning the Gospel, they (Israel) are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake.
(Rom 11:30) For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.Rom 11:32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.
They could have experienced something better, but at a pivotal moment in their history, they chose not to accept the One sent to them. Yet this was our Heavenly Father's plan, working out not only their salvation but ours as well. A few individuals did accept YaHshua as Messiah and Savior, but as a nation they chose to allow those over them, in the flesh, to hang their Savior, our Savior, with the help of the Civil government of Rome, on the execution Cross, as if He were a common thief or murderer. This, however, opened the door of acceptance for the Gentile populations. But remember, their judgment was clouded, as determined by our Creator, for our sake -- to allow a way for us too to enter the Kingdom of Eternity. And make no mistake, while He put a veil over their minds, His intent is ultimately to save all Israel.
But what is it that we are to do? Follow the Old Covenant, as some in the Holy Names Movement or the Sacred Names Movement say? Pour the Old Wine into the New? Not according to our Lord YaHshua. Some in the Christian group orders go so far as to say that Christians are the New Israel -- and, seeing the truth about His true Identity, begin to claim to be Jews themselves, by their actions in attempts to restore the Old, essentially claiming to be Jews, better Jews, and this is a dangerous game they play -- Rev 3:9.
At one point, the Roman Church claimed it was the New Israel and that it was its duty to usher in the 1,000-year rule of what it thought the Kingdom of God should be. Of course, with Roman leadership under the one they called 'father," the Pope, or Pa Pa -- despite the Word of Truth telling us not to call any MAN our Father on Earth -- Mat 23:9 -- on and on it goes -- no end to the natural wickedness of men and women. So, what is our "Reasonable Service"?
The Holy Life? A Reasonable Service
Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Doing what is Right -- Doing the Right Thing
At the top of the list is -- Doing what is Right: Sometimes a Commandment by number or numbers does not cover a particular situation. Perhaps we do not have a Bible close by and are but babes in Him? This is when we just know what we should or should not do. Sometimes it is to do nothing, as we wait on Him to show us. But, most often, I have found we already have the answer, and our conduct, or action, is and should be appropriate, leaving us with a clear conscience. This, I believe, is what is meant by judging ourselves. 1Co 11:31 - For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Let us take a look at what the Apostles instructed. Not once do we hear them say that the New Wine (Covenant) Believer should jump into the Old Covenant with the Jewish believers. We also see a bit of the problem in the formation of the New Congregation. The Old and the New stood side by side. Some, however, could not see this, and even those with one foot in the Old and one in the New mistakenly thought that the Gentile converts should become Jews too, or at least live as they do. It took several decades and the Gospel of John to make it plain that Jews were not asked to become Gentiles any more than Gentiles were being called to become or live like Jews. The New Covenant is covered elsewhere. We are considering personal conduct and where we seek our guide toward living a Holy Life.
Act 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism
but accepts men from every nation who fear (in awe) Him and do what is right.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (Believers, listen up)Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Restoring His Birth Name Means Something
Rom 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "YaHshua is Lord," and believe in your heart that God (The Father) raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.Rom 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.Rom 10:11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame."Rom 10:12-13 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved."
Be Perfect? Or Become Perfect?
2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect (complete - repair - growth - moral character), be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (complete - mental, moral character), be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.Heb 13:21 Make you perfect (complete - repair) in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through YaHshua The Christ (Anointed); to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Mat 5:48 Be you therefore perfect (complete - growth), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (labor - growth -mental - Moral Character).
Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to YaHshua the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Heb 11:40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect (accomplish - finish - fulfill).1Jn 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.1Jn 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.1Jn 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God (YaHshua, the First Born).1Jn 3:10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother (fellow believer -- ).
Still in the works -- to be continued
This is the Good New about the Coming Kingdom of God:
Mat 6:33 But seek you first the Kingdom of God (the Father), and His (The Father's) righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 26:29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom.
Mar 4:10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.
Mar 4:11-12 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!' "
Mar 4:13 Then YaHshua said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? (WHAT? Read these verses again) NIV
Mark 4:11 And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. KJV (It is a mistake of the Christian Communities to think that we are in the Age of Salvation -- we are not, not yet -- read it again -- His words, not mine. Does it sound like He is calling on you or me to reveal anything to those outside of His calling us? To you it is given, not to the world in general, not to them, religious leaders or not)
From these few verses, we can see that it was never in the plan of our Father in Heaven to save Israel/Judah at that time. The implication of these words, spoken by our Savior, is that salvation, while available, is not available to everyone. Amazing. Yes, there are many NT passages about taking the Gospel to the world, about baptism, and about preaching the Kingdom of God. But availability and salvation NOW are two different things. Yes, salvation is available, but not for everyone at this time. A time is coming for the Judgment. Think about it: if salvation were for the world now, that is, for everyone, then there would be no need for the Judgment Day, a time (1,000 years) AFTER our Lord's return. Think of it like this -- If all Israel had accepted YaHshua as the promised Messiah and Savior, then what? Well, you and I and perhaps millions of others would not be here -- an earlier arrival of the Kingdom would have advanced the Plan by nearly 2,000 years. We are also told that Israel's failure is for our benefit -- Romans 11:12. (The Coming Great Quake)
This is the Good News about our Salvation and that of all Saints:
Col 1:9-15 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of the FATHER; 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; 12 giving thanks to the FATHER, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 3 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love; 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; The Preeminence of (the) Christ 15 who is the image of the invisible the FATHER, the firstborn of all creation. (YaHshua has a beginning, while the Father does not, He has always existed)
Col 1:16-20 For by Him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through Him, and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things are held together. 18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. 19 For all the fullness (God the Father) was pleased to dwell in Him; 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Once Saved Always Saved? Here is a good link to a Youtube presentations by Chris White about this doctrine --
Why should this be an issue, when Baptism into His Name was to lead to you and me into being a New person, not the same old sinner, but one striving to walk a better path, one of doing the right thing, working to overcome the sinner in us as well as the preachers of unrighteousness that present themselves as something they are not -- without the word that has already been delivered to us, we have little defense. Our study of His Word and the words of the Apostles by their Gospel record and their letters us, we hold to account those who would change the teachings to their own, either for personal gain or misguided ambitions. This is why we too are instructed by the letter of the word to consider the words of our Savior and His Apostles over the words of others -- John 17:20. Doing what is "right" under any circumstance and being one who overcomes, as the Lord lives in us -- that is Change. And, if once saved meant always saved, as some are teaching, then why bother? Think about it -- that puts an end to living a life of repentance. Once saved always saved? That kind of thinking sounds more like the enemy speaking than the Spirit of our Lord. Remember some of the parables that YaHshua used to teach messages to the public, and would explain to His disciples, like the one about the seed falling on rocky ground and fertile ground, or the one about the servants given a certain number of talents -- in these teachings there are always losers, and a warning for us not to become the loser. But some do believe this gospel message of no lose, and so their Bibles gather dust, as if the Word is nothing, finding it much more pleasant to listen to words of, well, possible enemies of the Way, or our Lord and His Apostles (The office of Apostle has already been laid into the foundation of the Spiritual Church, and that foundation cannot be laid again). We should consider what our Lord teaches about the seed that falls upon stony ground and does not take root, as mentioned earlier, in this parable some were scorched and withered away -- Mark 4:4-9. Certainly, we do not need to go any further than that. We are running the race -- Acts 20:24 & 1 Cor 9:24 -- not sitting on the sidelines.
email comments to: dan@servantsofyahshua.com