God is love by Barry DuPont

God is love. At first glance one might see a contradiction is scripture between some statements about love and the growing threat of condemnation and separation that was being communicated to the old covenant adherent.

In fact this "first glance" should not be ignored. When we read about "loving your enemy", and so then being perfect in the way like God is perfect (or mature), and when we listen carefully about what Paul said about love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 we should be surprised by the simultaneous message of destruction and perishing.

Often in biblical futurism this is addressed in either some form of Universalism or by just ignoring the "love" verses and embracing the "judgment" scriptures.

The fulfillment approach offers a viable alternative to the "duality" of message that so often is embraced in some form or another. That alternative is that salvation was either through belief and holding fast until the end, or through destruction and perishing, where the perishing is simply the end of the old covenant creature.

This works very will with 1 tim. 4:10 for example. And also many statements in Corinthians chapter 3 and 5. Which paint a destruction "in the flesh" or the the glorying in the flesh and so then a salvation in the spirit. Not to be seen in a physical verses spiritual dichotomy but rather as a fulfilled revelation in human history. Where "the flesh" is a mind set in the standing of types and figures.

In this way then the threat of "punishment" also corresponds to the "law" mindset or the "consciousness" in the ending of types and figures.

All of this info then begins to fit together with forcing the puzzle pieces into places that they don't rally seem to belong.

So then God is love. But God did chose to speak with the defiled conscience of man in "religion". A "religion" of types and figures.

This matches also like glove the statement we see in 1 John. Especially chapter 2-4.

So we see then that those of "the faith" were being perfected in love in anticipation of the day of judgment so that they could have boldness in this "day".

Many more "parts" and "pieces" do fit together in this whole "picture". More than can be brought up in a little post.

One of the things that this approach answers is the problem of soteriology being linked directly to eschatology. It would be hard to dismiss the "perfection" the "completion" of the faithful in this very eschatolgical time restraint.

In other words we can have neither one or the other. Both are behind us. For both are framed in fulfillment. Both are framed in their holding fast until the end with the promise of their faith and hope being actualized.

This then fits perfectly with the whole concept of a fulfilled revelation. One of a love of God revealed. A love so deep that even through destruction there was life given. A revelation that man does not stand in any independence whatsoever. Types and figures removed! Yes God is love. No contradiction no glossing over passages of scripture or pitting some verses against others.

Where the severity of God in ending the old was for the benefit of all. Where we cannot brake love we can frustrate it. And while there is no condemnation there is consequence. But in all of this what we see is an inherent Union. God is inescapable. That simply cannot promote a mind set of exploitation of others in what we can get away with. No that's senseless in this scenario. Rather God is inescapable. So stop trying! It's fruitless.

Love is the meaning of life itself. Love is it's own reward.

Barry DuPont
http://infinite-grace.com/
https://www.facebook.com/barryj.dupont

Time for a Christian Revolution by John Pitts Jr

John's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pittsjr.john

I received an email from a minster who is embraced by the mainstream platforms of Christianity. The minister will remain anonymous, because he sent me the email in confidence, stating that due to his affiliations, which have been established over many years of labor, he is are unable to openly declare the things that I do. This man of God went on to encourage me to continue to boldly declare truth and let truth dismantle every erroneous tradition we’ve held and worshiped for ages, no matter what. I love the nick name that developed from that dialogue, “Johnny the Butcher” for I am called to slay as many sacred cows as I can get my hands on! Lol Worship, in the simplest of terms, is to ascribe worth to a thing, just talk to a Christian today and several worthless idols will surface… “Child the devil sure is busy!” “I just don’t want anyone to go to hell” “Those demons where so busy, I got sick!” The problem is Christianity has several gods, but that is another subject for another note! Lol

Today I want to share with you what the Lord has shown me is presently taking place across the globe. We are in the midst of an awesome great awakening and it is happening outside the institutionalized church, this is so exciting! Listen to them on mainstream Christian networks, you hear the panic in their voice, for they feel their influence slipping away and they can’t explain it… Many of them have resorted to fear tactics, telling the saints that they have no covering, when they leave their institutions. Others are peddling 24 hour miracles for a seed of $24 and 24 cents! Lol there is a new generation rising up who wants nothing to do with their BULL, (1 Kings 18:33) like Elijah we’ll cut it up and lay it out to be consumed in fire!

Let me tell you, people are so desperate to preserve their LIE, that they’ll warp the very scriptures they reverence ABOVE His innervoice! A friend of mine, received an email from someone he knows personally, asking him if he was a Universalist. We refuse to be labeled by anyone by the way, when asked what sect do we subscribe to, our reply is I am! Well, my friend quickly discovered that the woman was not trying to hear him at all, she simply felt it was the leading of the Lawd to warn him from deception and hell’s fire, for surely they are more powerful than Christ! Appalled at the fact that my friend did not waiver, and when she discovered that my friend, could NOT BE MOVED by her fears, I’ll address the bold print later, instead of agreeing to disagree, in one last desperate move, she sent him a scripture with words added, as if he would not read the text himself … Below is the text with her addition copied directly from the email…

“2 Peter 2:1-9 Beware of false prophets and teachers who teach there is no eternal Hell ... God will not spare the unrighteous, did not spare the angels, did not spare the ancient world of Noah, Sodom and Gomorah, to make them an example to those who would live ungodly, and will keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment ....” When we read this, I mean we laughed for about 20 minutes or so, people are so desperate to preserve their LIE that they will do anything, even, not expound upon, but add to the text.

Listen you guys, Mainstream Institutionalized Christianity will soon be just like the Klu Klux Klan, no threat at all, a delusional group; they will be the only ones unaware of their insignificance! There is a revolution happening as we speak, all of humanity is awakening to the true nature and Love of God, and the fact that not one will be lost. You are not alone, God has kept to Himself seven thousand, there are thousands of us and we are uniting as we speak!

Some of us are coming out the closet now, but it is not time for everyone to come out of the closet, stay in their pews for a season, stay in their worthless schools of ministry for a season, let their prophets continue to prophesy over you confirming what you already know, let them continue to ordain you in their empty ordination services… Take a note from my friend, Rob Bells life and let them set you up as pastor of their ‘Mega Church’ and when the time is right… *BOOM* we will implode the whole worthless structure that has been keeping men from entering the kingdom (Matt 23:13)! Joel’s Army is getting in formation, we are the Josiah generation, and we’re tearing down the high places! For those of you who are out, cry loud and spare not, let the Pharisees throw stones, let them cut you off and label you false! Is it better to please God or man?

Let it be known, we are not Evangelical, we’re not in a race against time, rescuing people from an angry God or an imaginary hell! We are not Pentecostal or Charismatic, stuck in one place, seduced by their very own gifts and hypnotized by outward manifestations, living life from one encounter to the next! We are not kingdom now, delusional, caught up in authority as if His Kingdom is an earthly one! When asked what are you, simply shout, “I am that I am and that’s all that I am!” We’ve entered the Most Holy Place, we’re no distraction live! This is a place of rest, and from this perspective, it is finished! We are ministers of RECONCILIATION, compelling all men, Christian and Non, to simply BE reconciled to God! (2 Cor 5:18)!

In a statement above I placed the words NOT BE MOVED in all caps and bold, because a friend of mine quoted this text as a status, and I liked it, because it is one that I preach from often. The funny thing was my friend stated in the comment thread that this scripture was an anti-universal scripture. Listen, anytime you see someone try and use a text to discredit another’s position, they are carnal and that is a Pharisee spirit! The letter kills, but it is the Spirit that brings life(2 Cor 3:16)! The scripture that was quoted was Colossians 1:22-23 which states,

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Now, here is why we all must study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, “rightly dividing” the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15) Because if not, you may take heed to tradition, which is nothing more than profane and vain babbling which only leads to more ungodliness (or un like Godness!)

My response was… “Though I am not a Universalist, I do believe in Ultimate Reconciliation, and this scripture when used in context with the whole, would support what many may call Universalism. I can inbox you more on that, if you are at all interested?.. If not, I understand and will say that your point has been made, and will cease from responding... Love you”

The tradition of the Pharisees will always point out how much you are not like God, (serpent’s voice) placing conditions on your identity in Christ (If you eat of this tree)! Look at the above scripture carefully and silence the serpent’s voice (the carnal MIND)! God never separated from us, we separated from HIM, not in spirit, for that is impossible! We were alienated or separated from God in our own MIND, and that is wicked! The good news is that God, reconciled us ALL (2 Cor 5:19) indicated above by the statement NOW has He reconciled (past tense).

Now, here’s the kicker, the condition presented in the text! Many who have a presupposed inclination toward the afterlife, heaven and hell, see this scripture referencing those three somehow, I am personally not sure how, other than the possibility that they are filtering the text through the years of erred teaching. This text is not speaking of the afterlife, it is speaking of the Here and Now, speaking of how we presently present ourselves before God (His Sight) in every moment! Either you will embrace what your “carnal mind” speaks of you and present yourself before God in flesh (where there is guilt, shame and condemnation) or you will continue in faith (mind of Christ), and not BE MOVED away from the Hope of the Gospel which you heard and was preached to every creature under heaven, my God this is good stuff!!!

What is the HOPE of the Gospel? Well, when we read further down the text my friend quoted, you will read in verses 26 and 27 that the mystery which was at one time hid from ages and from generations, is now made manifest (or is being revealed) to his saints. And that God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the Hope of glory! You see, this is the earnest expectation of all creation, this is what creation is waiting and travailing for (Romans 8:20)! The seed of Christ is in all man, the problem is in the mind (John 1:9)! It is our job as ministers of reconciliation to Harold this good news until all humanity is awaken out of its sleep! Shout it from the roof tops, let them call you whatever they want to call you, Inclusionist, Universalist, Ultra Grace Preacher, even false prophet, you simply respond by saying, “I am that I am and everything He is, I am!(1 John 4:17)” The Truth will prevail, God is shaking everything that can be shaken and He is burning up everything not like Him! Let’s be a part of this Revolution!!!!

Hebrews 12:24-29 (KJV)
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not weescape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.

No matter how this may appear to some, it is all in the love for all humanity (for the Love of God)!

John Pitts Jr on Facebook

God's Message To The World by Bob King

Bob King's Facebook

Having accepted the position that God loves all mankind, that there is no fiery furnace waiting to torture people with end, that God wants mankind to live a rich, full life, I have been thinking about the majority of people around the world that have never had access to the Bible and the Bible stories.

It appears to me the way God spoke to the Israelites is he knew their culture and used that as a basis for talking to them.  He didn’t talk to them as if they were living in an entirely different culture. He dealt with them as they were. He used the way they saw themselves and the way they perceived him to lead them down the path of life.

At one stage, the Israelites wanted a king because when they looked around, other nations had a king. God told them a king was not a good idea, but they insisted and God relented. Their mindset was that they wanted laws to live by and God gave them laws.  But he only gave the law to them, not the rest of the world.

Does this mean God loved the rest of the world less than he loved the Israelites? That is no longer an acceptable position for me. God loves all mankind completely and unconditionally.

So I am considering the possibility, no, the probability God gave insight to living a rich, full life to the other cultures around the world and not just to the Israelites. Consider the American Indian. He seemed to have a love and respect for life in many ways above and beyond European Christian culture that we read about when the Europeans came to the North American continent.

The Far Eastern cultures also seem to have a sense of how to live a rich, full life as well with many insights they some people in America today are discovering and using to enrich lives.

Where did the American Indian or the Far East get their insights to a happy life? Is it not reasonable to consider the possibility or probability that God gave them some insight based upon how they viewed themselves and a higher being?

Having just entertained these thoughts, I googled “Buddha quotes”.  The following are some of the quotes I found, none of which I find contrary to my Biblical understanding of living a rich, full life, but rather I find them quite true. All of them, if taken to heart, will help one have a richer, fuller life.

·         All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

·         All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?

·         An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

·         Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.

·         Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

·         Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.

·         Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

·         Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

·         Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

·         In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.

·         It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe that lures him to evil ways.

·         Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.

·         Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.

·         Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. 
The mind is everything. What you think you become.
The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood. 
There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.

·         Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.

·         You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.

·         You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.

·         You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

And then, I googled “Hindu quotes”:

·         True happiness consists in making others happy.

·         Help your brother's boat across, and your own will reach the shore.

·         Like the body that is made up of different limbs and organs, all mortal creatures exist depending upon one another.

·         A man becomes like those whose society he loves.

·         A person consists of his faith. Whatever is his faith, even so is he.

And then, I googled “American Indian quotes”:

Tecumseh - Shawnee

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and Demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and Its purpose in the service of your people.  Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, Even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and Bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, The fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts Are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes They weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again In a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

Ohiyesa, Wahpeton Santee Sioux

The Wise Man believes profoundly in silence - the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence - not a leaf, as it were, astire on the tree, not a ripple upon the surface of the shinning pool - his, in the mind of the unlettered sage, is the ideal attitude and conduct of life. Silence is the cornerstone of character.

Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood is ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence ... What are the fruits of silence? They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character.

It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way, it will in time disturb one's spiritual balance. Therefore, children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving.

Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota
Oh, Great Spirit Whose voice I hear in the winds, And whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me, I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things your have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my Spirit may come to you without shame.

These are just some of the things I found.  But what I found is intriguing. All of these peoples speak of truths – truths of inner peace and of getting along with others.  That was also the message of Jesus who spoke to a people of a different culture and time, but spoke the same things. Jesus spoke of an abundant life. Different time, different people, different culture, but essentially the same message.