

Take nothing for granted when perplexity abounds in far places. Misery knows no limits in this war between good and evil! |
Choose Life or Death continued... What kind of people will be preaching the “gospel of the kingdom” to “all the world” before the end? "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14 When reading the book of Titus in the Bible, this letter from Paul should be taken very seriously by Christians of this day! (Comments found in parenthesis have been inserted by this writer). "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life (souls in new bodies), which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching (personal witnessing), which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders (the act of appointing Spiritual leaders) in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless (qualification for leadership as a bishop), the husband of one wife (not unmarried or divorced man), having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly (obedient children). For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine (adherence to the word of God) both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (hypocrites are seldom taken seriously). For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision (Jewish religious leaders): Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake (motivated by monetary gain). One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables (superstition and manmade traditions), and commandments of men, that turn from the truth (such as many who come in the name of the Lord in this generation). Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure (perceptions perverted by deception); but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God (false ministers of righteousness); but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:1-16 Association with satanic systems is imposed upon Christians who believe compromise is the only way to survive in corrupt societies of today! Instead of unity within the Body of Christ for the purpose of mutual benefits, there has been excessive competition, selfishness, and lust for materialism. Instead of professing Christians being willing to work, trade, buy or sell for the welfare of each other, most have chosen to cooperate with corrupt governments and businesses that promote evil. Christian men and women lack the courage needed to cease participation in places where rebellion against God abounds. Rather than choosing sacrificial lifestyles to avoid compromise, choices are made to avoid the pain of poverty and homelessness. Most Christians willingly seek employment from enemies of God. Their earned money is then spent for goods and services offered by the heathen -- which makes the success of evil systems possible. Maybe a few fake Christians need to learn a few things from the Amish? (Comments found in parenthesis have been inserted by this writer). "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith (not attempting to remain politically correct), in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home (not keepers of marketplace enterprises), good, obedient to their own husbands (not their fathers or other men), that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded (not a comedian). In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech (no lies, boasting, or profanity), that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants (employed workers) to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things (instead of compromising with practices of evil governments and businesses). For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (turning away from desires for worldly goods, seductive financial rewards, and recognition leading to pride), we should live soberly (modestly), righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity (save our souls), and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." Titus 2:1-15 Certain Christians have been given the ability by God to discern spirits – knowing whether they be good or evil. These particular Christians are able to identify which government entities or businesses are satanically controlled. Each true Christian should be willing to avoid participation with enemies of God once they are known – rather than submitting to “worldly” enticements. (Comments found in parenthesis have been inserted by this writer). “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man (even if it is true), to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men (do not be quick to publicly condemn the heathen once they are identified). For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (being born again); Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works (not evil works for the sake of fleshly survival). These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies (ignore fleshly ancestry), and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject (turn away from those who refuse Truth more than once or twice); Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses (keep busy doing the practical things that make modest lifestyles possible), that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen." Titus 3:1-15 Continued... Choose Life or Death/October of 2008 |