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Light at the end of the tunnel
John 12:47–48 (NKJV)
47. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
I quoted the first verse above in the passage on facebook and had an inquirer ask a good honest open minded question about the next verse that follows; verse 48, which I will answer here as best I can according to what know about it. I would have answered in the comment box on facebook but a short answer would not be sufficient for such a good question. Here is the question: “Hi Dennis. I’m currently investigating Christian Universalism (it wasn’t long ago I thought that was an oxymoron, but not anymore.) Anyway, you quote John 12:47 above, I assume as evidence for universalism. What do you make of the very next verse though, that speaks of a judge that will "condemn" those who reject Jesus "on the last day." To me, being condemned on the last day sounds like some kind of permanent eternal punishment (whether that’s eternal torment or annihilation) – can you speak to this?” My reply follows.
Our religious “programming” has a lot to do with “how we see things”, how we interpret what we are seeing, how it is processed in our understanding of what we are looking at. Jesus said “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Mat 6:22–23 (NKJV) If you were always taught that God was an old man with a long white beard; when you read the word “God” or think about God this picture is what you will see because of your “programming”. It is the same thing with reading the bible. We have imbedded in our minds certain ideas about certain things that “automatically” come out when we are presented with a topic that pertains to that idea. I am not saying this to say that this person is in more darkness than any one of us has been in before including myself. I was at one time unable to see what I now see; but was seeing what I had been programmed to see also.
This is the case here with these verses. The inquirer said: “To me, being condemned on the last day sounds like some kind of permanent eternal punishment (whether that’s eternal torment or annihilation). I am glad he used the words “sounds like” because that is precisely what and why you immediately come to this conclusion. The way it “sounds” to “you” is being processed and filtered through years of religious calluses and programming that taught that judgment is always a bad thing and most likely is eternal, painful and permanent.
First of all we need to see what these verses are saying and not saying. Because of our prior religious teaching we tend to “read into” text in the scriptures words that are not actually there but only in our minds. You mentioned the words “Condemn”, “Eternal” and “Punishment” when actually none of these words are in the text…. The words used are “Judgment”, “Judge” and “Last Day” I think these are where you are getting the words you used. Concerning these actual words used here I would first like to say the type of “Judgment” we receive from God filtered through the cross – is not a “bad thing” but a very “Good thing” one we should look forward to like getting medicine from a doctor because it is the cure for the illness or infirmity; in other words – what is wrong with us needs to be made right and that’s what the judgments of God do for us in Christ now. That’s a good thing. Jesus Christ is on the throne and the will of God is to bring the earth and all people and operations in it in line with His will or “righteousness, and as it is in heaven. The Kingdom of God will overcome all other kingdoms and defeat every enemy by graciously correcting their errors in love – “Pray for your enemies and do good to them” Mat 5:44. In so doing even death will be destroyed as the final enemy of God’s children. Where there is absolute righteousness, or nothing is wrong – which is what sin is – there can be no death. “The wages of sin is death” Rom. 6:23 no unrighteousness no sin, no sin – no death. The bible says in Isaiah in the Amplified version:
Isaiah 26:9b (AMP)
9 ……for [only] when Your judgments are in the earth will the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God).
You see the judgments of God are meant to bring about a good result in the end. They are not just to inflict pain and cause suffering as we have been taught in traditional Christian theology. That type of judgment from an Almighty Loving God seems rather distorted to me now. Or I could use the word he used in his statement in that it would be an “Oxymoron” to say that the only purpose for our Loving Gracious God’s judgments was to inflict pain and suffering – and that for all eternity….. think about it.
A friend commented after him pointing out that “Satan is called the accuser of the brethren” meaning that Satan is the one that actually is used to judge us guilty using the very law of the bible against us. This has always been Satan’s tactics; Gen 3:1 (did God say?) using God’s word to mislead us in how we view God and his plan for us. I don’t know if this is what she was getting at but here are a few verses showing how God actually uses Satan in the process of Judgment. This is a start anyway in the examination of this subject which can go on into some very deep waters; but these three should be sufficient.
Luke 22:31, 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 1 Tim. 1:19-20
Luke 22:31 NKJV
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
1 Corinthians 5:4–5 NKJV
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:19–20 NKJV
having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Just look at the verses stated about how that Satan is used to bring judgment on these individuals; was there not a good end in mind? A “Purpose” for the Judgment? To bring about the needed remedy for the dysfunction or unrighteousness (sin) and end in the unrighteous one becoming righteous! Notice -Peter’s faith was strengthened – the sexual immorality was cleansed from among the group and in this individual – Hymenaeus and Alexander learned not to blaspheme God. These are GOOD things brought about by the judgments of God using Satan. Not only for the others involved but also for the individuals that committed the sin; example – who “learned” not to blaspheme, thus becoming better people! God is Good, loving, and kind to all; including the wicked Mat 5:45. He does not desire to hurt them, that is against all that is in His nature; but God desires to “correct” us or “fix” the problem – whatever is wrong, in so doing bring about right. God does not “lose” anything – or get furious and condemn them to eternal suffering – or being unable to fix them become frustrated and just exterminate them! No, “Nothing is too hard for God” or beyond His reach or outside his ability to make right. Jer 32:17, 27 Mt 19:26
This whole process is for our good and our learning by firsthand experience the righteousness of God so that we can fully enjoy and appreciate our relationship with Him throughout all eternity! Hallelujah! Praise God Who was in Christ Reconciling the world to himself!!!
2 Corinthians 5:19–21 (NLT)
“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
We need to see these words of Christ in John 12:47-48 by the Spirit Who knows no limits rather than seeing them through the limitations of the fleshly nature of the natural man. Let’s take verse 47 first. It is easily understood and means exactly what it says; “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world” We simply do not see the magnitude of the words because of the limitations imposed on our thinking through the preconceived notions of our fleshly nature – “Surely God doesn’t really mean that” or “God could not be that Gracious could he?”. We have the same problem with the second, verse 48, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” We read this and immediately our lower nature and limited fleshly thinking says “This surely means that God will judge and condemn us” because we are thinking in a legalistic mentality from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil giving more recognition to our works resulting in sin rather than thinking in a Spiritual state of mind, giving more recognition and Glory to the Love and Grace of God toward all of his creation; especially His Children.
Actually Jesus says the ones that reject him and do not receive His “Words” NOW will be judged LATER (‘in’ the last Day) by the “Word” He has spoken.
Two completely different Greek words are used here for “words” and “word” the first is not the plural of the second as we would think of it in English. “Words” here in Greek is “Rhema” meaning a presently spoken, or being spoken word NOW which is only “part of the whole – “Word” here, which in the Greek is “Logos” is the whole “Message” “Reasoning” “Topic” “Compilation” or even “treatise, systematic treatment of a subject (Ac 1:1)” which HAS been spoken by Christ.
The phrase “in the last Day” is regretfully translated “at” the last day” in some translations which gives it a onetime thought of finality or strictness. This is not what the Greek word means here Ref. in the Louw, J. P., & Nida, Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : Based on semantic domains it is (Louw Nida 83.13) Greek “en” and means here a position defined as being within certain limits—‘inside, within, or “in” the last day, as the NKJV has it and many others. “en” is often translated as “in those days” or “in that day” giving it a broader meaning than limiting it to one day or the strictness of a onetime final event. In fact Jesus only uses the phase “the last day” six times and four of those does not have this word preceding it. The only other place Jesus used this phrase with “en” preceding it was in John 6:39 where he says “John 6:39 (NKJV) “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” And we know that the Father had given “All to Jesus” for it says in John 3:35 (NKJV) “The Father loves the Son, and HAS GIVEN ALL THINGS into His hand.” And better yet, the word “things” is not actually in the manuscript but was added by the translators. So the passage says “The Father has given ALL into his hand” Then later Jesus says of this “all the Father had given him he would LOSE NOTHING” – he saves ALL! So the only other place Jesus used these words in John 12:48 He was saying He would “LOSE NOTHING”. So whatever this judgment is it is not one where he would be losing anything! (accept our sinful nature)
So what is this judgment all about? The same thing all of God’s Judgments are about – “LOVE”. In His Love and mercy our Father desires ALL of His Children and All of creation to be RECONCILED back into a right relationship with him. This is why He created us – for the His pleasure and enjoyment in our relationship with Him. He would receive no pleasure in our ending up in an eternal torture pit or annihilating the ones that sin against him. And by the way, that would be all of us.
His judgments are for our correction, reconciliation and salvation; bringing about “repentance” – literally “a change of mind” turning us to his way and righteousness. And according to Jesus and Paul He will not give up until the last one comes home. He will not accept just 99 of His sheep but will continue to seek for and follow after that very last one until He brings it home with rejoicing! Luke 15:3-7. This is when it will be fulfilled that “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as LORD to the Glory of God the Father” Phil. 2:9-11, Isa 45:23, Rom. 14:11 When Christ will have the final victory destroying the last enemy – death. Then all that will be left is LIFE as it has swallowed up death forever. And Judgment will have served it’s purpose and be finally and forever finished!
YES! The Judgment of GOD is a GOOD THING!
So I said all that to say this: Being judged in the last day after we have received the whole counsel and message of God through Christ (Word=Logos) in our understanding – the logos – will certainly bring about the will and desire of God which is YOUR SALVATION! No matter how painful or difficult the process may be – that’s up to you now and then – “in the last day” You see “God’s Mercy endures Forever” and doesn’t’ even stop when our physical heart may stop beating. He is faithful to his word! His plan and redemptive purposes for mankind. Jesus Christ promised He came to SAVE THE WORLD! I believe He did what he said he came to do! In writing this I can hardly contain myself. Just the thought of it makes my heart overflow with unspeakable joy! It truly is GOOD NEWS! Hallelujah! Praise God in Christ Jesus!
About Universal Salvation or Reconciliation:
These verses dealing with judgments have nothing to do with our “ultimate” final and finished salvation and reconciliation back to God – that is a done deal through the Cross, death and resurrection of Christ; He said “it is finished” and He meant it – from His perspective. Now “we” are in the “process” of “working out our salvation” in Christ – making a reality in the physical world what is already done in the Spiritual Kingdom of God. Making God’s will to be done now on earth and in our lives what is already done in heaven or the Heavenly Kingdom/Realm/Rule – that is coming to earth through the Lordship of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords progressively ruling and reigning in the lives of people in the earth. This is what Jesus was talking about when He said to pray to the Father that His “Kingdom would come and His will would be done in earth as it is in heaven” Mat. 6:10
Philippians 2:12–13 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [awe and reverence – (NET. AMP.)] 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Hope this helps you along your journey into the Kingdom and Knowledge of God and His Christ.
Peace,
Evangelist Dennis D. Caldwell
Posted in Day of Judgment, God's Testing, judgment, Judgment day, Judgments of God, Reconciliation, Testing, Universal Reconciliation, Universal Salvation | Leave a Comment »
Matthew 10:28 (NKJV)
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Luke also records this. Here is his version.
Christ Warns About Hypocrisy
In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark WILL BE HEARD in the LIGHT, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms WILL BE PROCLAIMED ON THE HOUSETOPS.
4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid ofthose who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
You have to put both of these passages from Matthew and Luke together to the whole picture and all of what Jesus says.
Jesus is speaking about the Deceptive phony teaching and religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Then He tells us to “proclaim from the housetops” what light He has given us exposing the darkness. THAT’S WHAT I’M DOING! Most religiously trained minds being seared by the Serpent (mine was too at one time) will read Luke 12:4-5 and immediately (because we were trained to) think that this is speaking of GOD casting someone into hell. because when we read “Him who” and “He” or “Him” we have been taught this refers to GOD. Actually it doesn’t once say “God” and is not referring to “a person” at all or a fiery eternal torture pit – Hell; that is if you look at the original language. I will give you a run down of these words in the order that they are printed in the text and show you what the original language has. Then you can easily see what is really being said here. Also you will notice that assuming this is referring to GOD throwing someone into hell is completely out of context and off the subject of “what” Christ was warning about in this passage, “ this that” which He was actually referring to. I will also show what a couple breaths later, he actually said to them about fearing GOD.
Here are the words in this passage we will look into in the order as they are translated and sometimes inserted into the text to make it say what they thought or wanted it to.say; “those” “who” “they” “whom” “Him” “who” ”He” and “Him”, Eight of them. I have them highlighted in the text above so you can easily identify them as we refer to them.
1. do not be afraid of “Those” = 3588. ὁ ho; fem. hē, neut.tó, def. art. Originally a demonstrative pron. meaning THIS, THAT - 543 occurrences; AV translates as “WHICH”413 times
2. afraid of those “Who” = Added by the translators, there is NO word there.
3. no more that “They” = Added by the translators. There is NO word there.
4. I will show you “Whom” = 5101 τίς [tis /tis/] 538 occurrences; AV translates as “WHAT” 260 times
5. fear “Him” = 3588. ὁ Originally a demonstrative pron.meaning THIS, THAT
6. fear Him “who” = Added by the translators. There is NO word there.
7. after “He” has = Added by the translators. There is NO word there.
8. I say to you, fear “Him” = 5126 οὗτος [touton /too·ton/] pron. Accusative case singular masculine of 3778; GK 4047; 64 occurrences; AV translates as “THIS” 39 times.
So now we have
1. Do not be afraid of “this that”
2. No word
3. No word
4. I will show you “What”
5. fear “This That”
6. No word
7. No word
8. I say to you fear “This”
Since it is at the center of our topic let’s go ahead and look at the word “HELL” in this passage:
Hell = Actually two words here, one we just looked at is left out G3588 “This that” –> Hell = G1067 Gehenna – (dump)
The word Gehenna is derived from the Hebr. expression, gā-Hinnom, Valley of Hinnom – A deep, narrow ravine west and south of Jerusalem. At the HIGH PLACES of Baal in the Valley of Hinnom, parents
sacrificed their children as a burnt offering to Molech IN FIRE 2 Kin. 23:10 The prophet Jeremiah foretold that God would judge this awful abomination of human sacrifice and would cause such a destruction that “the Valley of the Son of Hinnom” would become known as “the Valley of Slaughter” Jer 19:5-6 Apparently, the Valley of Hinnom was used as the garbage dump for the city of Jerusalem. Refuse, waste materials, and dead animals were burned here. Also it appears to have become the common cesspool of the city, into which its sewage was conducted to be carried off by the waters of the Kidron.
It is interesting that in this passage above where God is warning of judgment on this detestable practice of child sacrifice in fire; God says this; in Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 19:5 (NLT)
“They have built pagan shrines to Baal, and there they burn their sons as sacrifices to Baal. I HAVE NEVER COMMANDED SUCH A HORRIBLE DEED; IT NEVER EVEN CROSSED MY MIND TO COMMAND SUCH A THING!”
Now if it never entered God’s mind to burn people in fire; how is it that most of Christendom teaches that a burning hell awaits them in Gods final judgment and eternal place for most of mankind…
Furthermore, it is also interesting that According to Rabbinical Judaism: (You know Jesus was a Jew) the Hebrew term Gehinnom became a figurative name for the PLACE OF SPIRITUAL “PURIFICATION” for the wicked dead in Judaism. According to most Jewish sources, the period of purification or punishment IS LIMITED TO ONLY 12 MONTHS and every shabbath day is excluded from punishment. After this the soul will ascend to Olam Ha-Ba,the world to come, or will be destroyed if it is severely wicked. (I will list references at the end of the article)
No eternal punishment in fire mentioned here. Only garbage dumps, sewage drains, and FINALLY PURIFICATION lasting no more than ONE YEAR! And not even that if you take out the Sabbaths….
SO, What is “This That” Jesus was just warning about in the context of this passage? “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy Luke 12:1 Now we have the right pieces lets put it all together in the literal wording we have found above.
4. “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of “that which” kill the body, and after that has no more that can do. 5. But I will show you “what” you should fear: Fear “this” after has killed, has power to cast into that – the hell(Gehenna – dump) yes, I say to you fear “this”!
I can imagine Jesus point to “that” valley dump as He spoke and saying fear your life ending up as “that”. Stinking, useless garbage. Because of – following the hypocritical teaching of the Pharisees. ““Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy”
Matthew adds “destroying” body and “soul” (“your life”) in hell (Gehenna – a dump) Let’s look at these words here from Matthew that are not in Luke’s account
Destroy – G622 Guess what, it means – to destroy! Not necessarily to go out of existence but used many times to denote being “ruined” or “ render useless”
Soul – G5590 to breathe, blow. Soul, that immaterial part of man held in common with animals. Also the inner self, heart, mind; a psychological faculty, life.
Fear what? Fear the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy! Religious hypocrisy that is. Religious hypocrisy is Dishonest, Deceitful, Two-faced evil teaching that spreads “like leaven” throughout the whole community sucking the life out of the soul until you are no good for anything but to be thrown into the garbage dump – a useless, ruined stench to everything that is godly. YES, we should fear that!
Here is another bit of information that may help. After doing a complete exhaustive search in 62 bible versions of the Gospels I found NOT ONE place where Jesus told anyone to “Fear God” in the original languages….
Jesus DID SAY something about ~ GOD and fear ~ in this passage; in the very next two verses!
But YOU, He said to the ones he was addressing, DO NOT FEAR GOD, the one who loves you so much He never forgets about you, who has even numbered the hairs of your head!
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Andnot one of them is forgotten before GOD. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
I would like to bring to your attention again what the passage is NOT saying. It does not say Fear “HIM” or”GOD” who is able…..” it says Fear “this that” Which is referring back to (THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES – staying in context) = Fear this, that, the Pharisees are teaching (leaven) which will kill your real life (soul) here and end you up in the garbage dump of life. Luke’s account includes a detail Matthew leaves out which is who Jesus had just been talking to and about ”THIS” “THAT” WHAT” Jesus is warning them about…. Again I am just honestly looking at the whole picture here and the original language being used hoping it will be helpful – not to be argumentive.
Many bible translators with their warped religious minds have “manipulated” the translation of many words in very sly cunning ways many times with just a small word that changes the whole meaning of the passage – as the serpent deceived Eve “has God said?” Gen. 3:1 This leads your thinking in a different direction being unaware of this craftiness. Considering their religious brainwashing I’m not sure they are even aware they are being used to do this….
Many have asked me; So, you don’t believe the bible? Yes… in the original language. But for whatever reason God has allowed many to be deceived…. Or we would not have all these damnable doctrines being taught - from the bible…
Unfortunately many misguided church leaders centuries ago found out – Religion is Power or should I say Power over the people. And that’s what keeps the money flowing and the religious machines gears turning….. Just like gas in your tank and oil in your motor; fear fuels the fire that keeps burning in the minds of unlearned unknowing masses drawing them back week after week, year after year seeking peace where there is no peace. Only a nagging unrest in their hearts that they try to sooth and smother with religious good works that never completely satisfy their empty, worn out, thirsty souls. So they continue coming back to a dry well that the owners keep assuring them there is water they are just not dipping the bucket the right way or fast enough or deep enough or long enough. Till they finally look at each other with pasted on smiles uttering the right satisfying words as if they’d had a cold drink of the water of life. All the while knowing deep inside they are as thirsty as they were before they came. But continue in their masquerade of Grace which is really works and faith which is really fear….. You know I’m talking to you and you know I am right….
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28–30 (AMP)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. [Jer. 6:16
30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
After all, He is, not will be, “THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD!” That includes you my friend – Do you believe this?
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Evangelist Dennis D. Caldwell
Dictionaries, Concordance and Lexicons and references:
Wiki – Hell - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna
Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament AMG Publishers.
Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
Posted in Deceptive Traditions, God's Promise, Gospel, Good News, Universal Reconciliation, Universal Salvation, word of God, Words | Leave a Comment »
Perfect Timing
Zechariah 14:5-9
The Day is coming–the timing is God’s–when it will be continuous day. Every evening will be a fresh morning. (8) What a Day that will be! Fresh flowing rivers out of Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea, half to the western sea, flowing year-round, summer and winter!(9) GOD will be king over all the earth, one GOD and only one.
(The Message Bible)
What a Day that will be! YES! The day is coming and now is because God is now. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus is beginning to shine forth in all the earth. As we look to Him our face is illumined with the same glory reflecting the love of God for the entire world through Christ in us “the hope of Glory” not a maybe-so hope but as the literal meaning of the word hope in the Bible – it means a confident expectation. What we once called light is now darkness in comparison to the true light that now is beginning to shine from the message of universal reconciliation. The time has come that the fresh living waters of the Spirit of truth are flowing out from his servants all over the land. This is a message that is not stale and stagnant but living and fresh. It is new manna from heaven appearing new every day. Just as the Israelites could not keep the manna from the past day (it would rot) but gathered new manna each day. This is a fresh message of hope to the world – EVERYONE – no one will be excluded; truly “good news” to all mankind. God is revealing to us that His victory over sin and death was complete. Jesus Christ was the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of THE WORLD! He did not fail. God will be all in all and king over all the earth. Yes it is coming and the day is even dawning now in you and in me.
Ephesians 5:8-14
…… The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! (9) The good, the right, the true–these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. (10) Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. (11) Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. (12) It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. (13) Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. (14) Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!
(The Message Bible)
This morning I had a fascinating experience. As I sat at my desk in my study on the second floor, I can see out two windows one to my left looking to the north and one in front of me looking to the east which looks out over the hills here on Crowley’s ridge. It was about 7 AM. the day was just dawning but you could not see the sun yet. All-of-a-sudden looking through the window to the east, the sun peaked over the hill side just seeing the top perimeter of its orange glow. And to my amazement and joy I could actually see the sun in motion moving upward growing brighter and brighter. This was a breathtaking display of one of my all time favorite verses; in
Proverbs 4:18
“But the way of the upright is like the light of early morning, getting brighter and brighter till the full day”
(Bible in Basic English)
This was a dazzling confirmation from the Lord that we are on the right track and this message is dawning now in this new day and will become more and more clear to everyone until we all come to the unity of the faith! Now I will be 50 my next birthday this month and I don’t think I have ever seen anything like that. It was a spiritual experience. I was seeing the beauty of Gods creation working in perfect harmony. I could almost feel the rotation of the earth as the sun moved upward in the horizon, it was wonderful. Then noticing my calendar on the wall it had the cycles of the moon phases on the exact days it would be in each stage. I thought how magnificent the beauty of perfection in the design of the universe. To think that day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, decade after decade, millennium after millennium; the universe stays in perfect time so that you can accurately predict its position with precision on the individual days of a calendar many years or even millenniums ahead of time! Considering this: is it not foolish to think that our awesome almighty creator God has left his most treasured creation to chance or uncertainty? That would be the height of foolish reckoning. What is His most treasured creation? Why it’s the human race, YOU and ME! The times of our future are secure in His hands and we will all be brought home to our Father at our proper and perfect time. - 1 Corinthians 15:22–23 (NASB95) “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order:” We are assured by the promises of GOD through His omnipotence and infinite wisdom guided by His love that -
We will arrive at our appointed destination right on time.
Ephesians 1:8-10
He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need,(9) letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, (10) a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
(The Message Bible)
Prayer:
Psalms 31:14-15
But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hand.
(NASB)
Alias: Iconoclast
Evangelist Dennis D. Caldwell
Written 1/6/2007
Posted in God's Promise, God's Sovereignty, Gods Timing, Universal Reconciliation, Universal Salvation | Leave a Comment »
Job 36:26 (NLT)
“Look, God is greater than we can understand"
Job 36:26 (The Message)
“Take a long, hard look. See how great he is—infinite, greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out!
What do you think? Would you think that would be – Greater GOODNESS – or Greater DREADFULNESS – Greater GRACE – OR Greater Condemnation – Than anything you could ever imagine or figure out or "not know" because it is beyond our understanding ?
How would you explain this to people? Are you teachers and preachers out there listening too? I want you more than anyone to think about this.
I do believe in Universal "Reconciliation" "Restoration" and "Salvation". But contrary to what is said about me and others like me; I never said we are not responsible for our actions. The bible is clear on that. Which includes in great part what we say – maybe more than anything else….
There is great power in our words we speak to others. Look at these words in the dictionary:
GOODNESS – Virtuousness, personal Virtue, Kindness, Decency, Integrity, Righteousness.
DREADFULNESS – extremely unpleasant, harmful, or serious in its effects, Misery, Atrociousness.
GRACE – Generosity in Spirit, a capacity to tolerate, accommodate, or forgive people.
CONDEMNATION – To force somebody to experience something very unpleasant, especially something permanent or long-lasting.
(Encarta Dictionary)
Now, either way you see it;
What is your picture of God you are painting in peoples’ minds?
And, why is this picture of God in your mind?
Think about it….
Either way; now that you are informed, YOU decide. We all will have to answer to Him for our every word.
Matthew 12:35–37 (NKJV)
35 A GOOD man out of the GOOD treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
36 But I say to you that for every IDLE WORD men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment.
37 For by YOUR WORDS you will be justified, and by YOUR WORDS you will be condemned.”
Matthew 5:7 (NKJV)
Blessed are the MERCIFUL,
For they shall obtain MERCY.
Luke 6:35–36 (NIV)
35 But LOVE your enemies, do GOOD to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is KIND to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be MERCIFUL, just as your Father is MERCIFUL.
Further witnesses:
Jude 22 (NIV)
22 Be MERCIFUL to those who doubt;
James 2:13 (NKJV)
13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. MERCY triumphs over judgment.
Yes! Mercy will triumph over judgment! Hallelujah!
Luke 1:77–79 (NCV)
77 (Jesus)=(God saves) will make his people know that they will be saved by having their sins FORGIVEN.
78 With the loving MERCY of our God,
a new day from heaven will dawn upon US.
79 It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death.
It will guide us into the path of PEACE.”
So, What type of "Greatness" that is beyond our deepest imagination or ability to know or understand would you say our GOD is like?
Great Goodness.
Great Dreadfulness.
Great Grace and Mercy.
Great Condemnation.
Great Fearfulness.
Great Peacefulness.
What characteristics would you say the gospel reveals about God?
“Take a long, hard look. See how great he is—infinite, greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out!
Whether you agree or not I pray Gods’ unlimited, unmerited, unimaginable GRACE, MERCY and LOVE be poured out on you!
Peace friends,
Evangelist Dennis Caldwell
Posted in Gospel, Good News, Power of Words, Religion, Religious Leaders, Universal Reconciliation, Universal Salvation, What is God like, Word Pictures, Words | Leave a Comment »
A WORD FROM THE LORD
Religious Leaders and their theological system are going to fall.
Matthew 3:10–12 (NKJV)
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear “GOOD” fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
"These verses, especially v10 has been on my heart lately. I keep on hearing verse 10 in my mind…you know, like when you just can’t get that tune or those lyrics out of your head playing over and over. I think the LORD is saying something to me. I think it is about the times. I know what John the Baptist was speaking of in this verse… warning the religious leaders they were about to fall… as truth and light come into the darkness, the darkness cannot understand it or extinguish it. Even though the destruction of Jerusalem and their system of worship did not come for over 70 more years – it did come.
This verse haunting me started about the time of the uproar about Rob Bell’s new book "Love Wins" came out. I think it is a word from the LORD, I think it is about religion today, I think it is to the religious leaders and preachers of today just as John the Baptist was speaking to the religious leaders of his day. "LIGHT" and "TRUTH" have dawned once again to reveal the sometimes ignorance, sometimes lies, of these sometimes well meaning leaders and preachers that are in the darkness. Get ready, that darkness is about to be exposed by the LIGHT!!! The darkness does not understand it and cannot overcome it!
A new Age is dawning. Most people in the Message of Universal Reconciliation knew this was coming but we did not know who God would use or how it would come about. It looks like God decided for whatever reason to use Rob Bell to light the fire that will become an unquenchable bonfire as The LORD burns up the chaff and gathers the wheat – FOR ALL TO SEE – that “DIVINE MYSTERY” or “SACRED SECRET’ that has been hidden for ages in the darkness. And what is that mystery? The Apostle Paul begins to explain it:
Romans 16:25 (NASB95)
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,
Jesus Christ first announced its coming as the Kingdom of God coming and ruling on the earth.
Mark 4:11–12 (AMP)
11 And He (Jesus)* said to them, To you has been entrusted the mystery of the kingdom of God [that is, the secret counsels of God which are hidden from the ungodly]; but for those outside [of our circle] everything becomes a parable,
12 In order that they may [indeed] look and look but not see and perceive, and may hear and hear but not grasp and comprehend, lest haply they should turn again, and it [their willful rejection of the truth] should be forgiven them. [Isa. 6:9, 10; Matt. 13:13-15.]
Just because someone is in an important position doesn’t necessarily mean they are always right. I don’t know about you but I had always known from a child that there was something wrong with what I was hearing about this Loving God who would prepare a burning hell that people went to forever and ever – not because of sin as I was told but just because you did not follow the correct procedure or say the right words – which no one seemed to agree on…. I knew in my heart that something was missing or out of place in what I was hearing from the preachers and Sunday school teachers. I could even feel it down in my bones. “I KNEW” something was not right with all this. I did however have a different picture of God in my heart that I was taught to think was wrong! Taught to “think” it was wrong but I could not help but “believe” it was right…. God had to be much more loving and gracious than what I was hearing from the preachers (Not from my family). Now I have found we were right all along… Jesus said “Unless you become as little children”…. Mat 18:3
Ephesians 3:5 (AMP)
[This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit.
"What is this Mystery or Secret Plan of GOD?"
Ephesians 3:6 (WNT)
I mean the truth that the Gentiles [All other People]* are joint heirs with us Jews, and that they form one body with us, and have the same interest as we have in the promise which has been made good in Christ Jesus through the good news,
Ephesians 3:9 (JNT)
and of letting everyone see how this secret plan is going to work out. This plan, kept hidden for ages by God, the Creator of everything,
Think God always does things the same way every time? Think again, the next verse says God is unlimited in the aspects of his wisdom in the creation, order and operation of His universe. Yet, it all works together beautifully and perfectly, somehow…. though many things seem so different and even opposite. We live in a Uni-verse, one song being sang in unison by a wide range of voices in beautiful harmony. God is not limited in any way by a law, rule, order, or formula that we would see as a problem. A plus B does not always equal C in God’s economy if He doesn’t will it so. His wisdom is much greater than that; delving into dimensions we could not begin to comprehend.
Ephesians 3:10 (AMP)
[The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.
It should be understood here that “the church” is from the Greek word ekklēsía which means “The called out assembly” of people. Not any church organization or denomination. It is talking about the body of Christ in particular.
I like how it is paraphrased here in “The Message Bible”.
Ephesians 3:10–11 (The Message)
Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:26–28 (AMP)
26 The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints),
27 To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles [All other people]* are the riches of the glory of this mystery, WHICH IS CHRIST WITHIN and AMONG YOU, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.
28 “Him” we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing EVERYONE and instructing EVERYONE in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present EVERY PERSON mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) “IN CHRIST” (the Anointed One).
Colossians 1:26–28 (The Message)
This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this:
"CHRIST IS IN YOU", [All you People]* so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. IT’S THAT SIMPLE! That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound COMMON SENSE so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. (The Message)
This is really all very simple common sense teaching. Though it has been a mystery hidden in God for ages – it was because God willed it so; it is crystal clear and cannot be denied once you see it. Christ is in you – all of you. Because Jesus died to reconcile all back to God, all were reconciled back to God, 2 Co 5:18-19 It’s really that simple. Just Christ, in all, that’s it, no more no less, not adding any religious rules, rituals, or rehearsals, formulas or creeds. One died for all therefore all died with him; He was raised to life for all therefore all have his life, 2 Co 5:14-15 1 Co 15:21-22, 49 it’s that simple. One man’s sin brought us all under sin and condemnation therefore one man’s righteous act bought us all out of sins’ condemnation; Ro 5:18-19 it’s that simple really. Just Believe it, you have already received it. This is not some new teaching. This is all in the bible, always has been; it’s just simple, common sense. Jesus was a no nonsense man; He said He came to save the world Jhn 3:17, Jhn 12:47 and so He did and said “It is finished” Jn 19:30 He meant it, It really is that simple. Sound too good to be true? See Hab. 1:5. It’s because you have been brainwashed by religion. It’s religion that has “added” all the rules, regulations, rituals, and rehearsals, formulas and creeds to Jesus’ “Only Believe” Mark 5:36. It is the religious systems that have multiplied complications to all this. And it is these organizations and those that support them that are about to be exposed and fall because of their UNBELIEF in the truly “Almighty” “God” Isa. 45:18 and “Lord” Jesus Christ Acts 2:36 the “Savior” of the “World” 1Jhn 4:14 who “took away” the sin of “the world” Jhn 1:29. You cannot possibly believe these verses and attributes of God are absolutely true and believe at the same time in limited salvation and eternal torment. Unless you believe The Father and the Son have failed in what They planned and said They would do; and the Holy Spirit hasn’t enough power to accomplish what He was sent to do….
Do YOU really believe God is God and is able and will do what He says?
IT REALLY IS THAT SIMPLE!
Colossians 1:20 (NKJV)
20 and by Him (Jesus Christ)* to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
"Things" is not in the original language but was added by the translators. So the text reads "RECONCILE ALL TO HIMSELF". “Things” on earth or in heaven is there but should be “he/she/or the” on earth or in heaven. (Reverse interlinear for NKJV-NT with Scrivener’s edition of the Textus Receptus and Louw-Nida Greek Lexicon 92.24)
Ephesians 1:9–10 (AMP)
9 Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in Him,
10 [He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth.
Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
In him "WE" [ALL]* were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of "HIS WILL", (Not ours)* ( “we all” suggested by the context and ref Col 1:20 )
"Yet, HIS WILL was that OUR WILL would BECOME His Will. As Jesus said “Not my will but Thy will be done” that is the essence of the message or gospel of the Kingdom or Reign of God that Jesus came proclaiming, God’s Will overcoming ours bringing heaven to us not vice versa – “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. So that eventually in the maturity and climax of the ages; ALL -no matter what realm they are in; heavenly, earthly, under the earth (sheol or hades) – ALL will voluntarily turn to Him being overcome by His extravagant LOVE and GRACE after having seen and made to understand that they were reconciled to God by His Mercy through the Cross, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ" No one will want to – or be able to, resist our Beautiful Savior and God when they truly see Him as He is – portrayed in our Lord and Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ! Jesus Himself said;
John 12:32 (NKJV)
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL peoples to Myself.”
I looked up the word for “ALL” in the Greek and do you know what it means? – “ALL” the totality of any object, mass, collective, or extension—‘all, every, each, whole. (Louw-Nida Greek Lexicon 59.23)
It should be noted that the Greek word used here translated “draw” means to pull or drag, requiring force because of the inertia of the object being dragged –( Louw-Nida Greek Lexicon 15.212). Here are references to every place it is used in the NT. It is translated “drag or dragged” in Act 16:19; 21:30 and James 2:6 and with the same meaning as using force in Jhn 18:10; 21:6 it is also in Jhn 6:44 Yes, we are so self-centered and stubborn most of the time we have to be strongly motivated to change our minds. I think the meaning here is; when we see the Love and Mercy of God in the Cross of Christ we are “irresistibly drawn” by such a display of Love!
There are hundreds of references to this Divine Plan to save the world in the OT but it wasn’t completely understood until the missing piece of the puzzle emerged and plainly proclaimed by Jesus Christ himself and later explained by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul who was the first apostle and prophet to be given the complete revelation. The Old Testament writers could see it and spoke of it by did not fully understand it because Christ was yet to come. Here is just one of the beautiful references to it in the Psalms. It is also interesting that this is an undisputed messianic Psalm clearly portraying Jesus Christ’s suffering by crucifixion, the purpose and accomplishment of it being beautifully expressed here in verse 27.
Psalm 22:27 (NKJV)
All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You.
Now that’s a Promise!
And then the Psalm ends with this magnificent prophetic statement saying that it will be future generations that will proclaim and understand this truth!
Psalm 22:30–31 (NIV)
Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it! – see John 19:30
Most theologians greatly underestimate the power of God in the work of the cross of Christ while accusing us who believe in Universal Reconciliation of lessening its value in some way. Which has more effect, power, and value; saving some – really only a few considering all of history; or saving the entire world? It’s pretty simple isn’t it?
Yes, He will irresistibly draw all to Himself through his cross, death and resurrection. As it says here in these verses in some translations; He will accomplish and complete his purposes and finish his plan. It is a sure and steadfast promise for the anchor of your soul and for the world! This is when it will be fulfilled where it is said in Philippians:
Philippians 2:10–11 (NKJV)
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the GLORY of God the Father.
"Today’s religious leaders and preachers will say that this is a "forced" confession. Let me tell you with all confidence; God the Father or Jesus Christ would receive no glory or enjoyment from a forced fake confession". Furthermore the scriptures say in 1Cor 12:3 that "no one can say Jesus is LORD except by the Holy Spirit" Furthermore the Old Testament reference to this says “Every tongue shall take an oath or swear allegiance” one says “give praise” Isa. 45:23 That doesn’t sound like a forced confession to me.
These secret truths are what the religious leaders and preachers of today and all the way back to those coming out of the dark ages have not been able to see because of the blindness of their hearts.
Today however these secret basic truths are once again being revealed by the Spirit through the openness and softening of many hearts through the work of the Spirit. Why now? It’s Gods timing… I say “once again” because before the dark ages Universal Reconciliation was the predominant teaching for the first five hundred years!
Although there have been many before him; however, Rob Bell and his new book "Love Wins" have been chosen by God to pierce the hearts of many today that they might take a much closer look at themselves and what they are actually teaching about our Heavenly Father and His Successful Savior and our LORD Jesus Christ. I pray for all the religious leaders, teachers and preachers of today; Christian or otherwise to be granted the grace that I myself and many others have been granted to open our eyes to truly see Our GOD and LORD; to see what He is really like, fully considering all His attributes and character; then hopefully look at the original meaning of the scriptures from that perspective and “RETHINK” what they believe about God our Father, The Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 45:5–10,18, 21–23 (NKJV)
5 I am the Lord, and there is no other;
There is no God besides Me.
I will gird you, though you have not known Me,
That they may know
from the rising of the sun to its setting
That there is none besides Me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other;
7 I form the light and create darkness,
I make peace and create calamity;
I, the Lord, do all these things.’
8 “Rain down, you heavens, from above,
And let the skies pour down righteousness;
Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation,
And let righteousness spring up together.
I, the Lord, have created it.
9 “Woe to him who strives with his Maker!
Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth!
Shall the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’
Or shall your handiwork say, ‘He has no hands’?
10 Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What are you begetting?’
Or to the woman, ‘What have you brought forth?’ ”
18 For thus says the Lord,
Who created the heavens,
Who is God,
Who formed the earth and made it,
Who has established it,
Who did not create it in vain,
Who formed it to be inhabited:
“I am the Lord, and there is no other.
21 Tell and bring forth your case;
Yes, let them take counsel together.
Who has declared this from ancient time?
Who has told it from that time?
Have not I, the Lord?
And there is no other God besides Me, (think about it…)
A just God and a Savior;
There is none besides Me.
22 “Look to Me, and be saved,
All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
23 I have sworn by Myself;
The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness,
And shall not return,
That to Me every knee shall bow,
Every tongue shall take an oath.
And Jesus Christ said of his work – “It is Finished”
And so I believe and therefore say,
So be it,
and
It is So,
Amen,
Evangelist Dennis Caldwell
*My additions
Posted in Deceptive Traditions, God's Sovereignty, Heaven, Hell, Hell lies, Kingdom of God, Love Wins, Mars Hill Church, Preachers, Religion, Religious Leaders, Rob Bell, Universal Reconciliation, Universal Salvation | 2 Comments »
The week of February 21 through 28 the 700 Club on Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) is going to feature interviews on those who claimed to have gone either heaven and/or hell. I received the following email notice from the 700 Club:
“Next Week on The 700 Club
Be sure to join us every day next week for a special series:
LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE – Heaven and Hell
• Meet real people who went to heaven and hell
• Find out what really happens when you die
• Discover what the Bible has to say about heaven, hell, and how to be sure where you’ll spend eternity
Tell your friends and family not to miss a single day—all next week on The 700 Club!
Pat Robertson”
This “special series” is going to poison the hearts and minds of millions of viewers around the world. The stories and comments by CBN hosts will NOT tell you what REALLY happens when you die and they will NOT REALLY tell you the whole story about what the Bible has to say about heaven and hell. They will mix the truth with enough poison to make you very sick of heart.
We, at Tentmaker Ministries, have prepared a little antidote to Pat Robertson’s CBN poison at the following links:
http://tentmaker.org/articles/ever-been-to-hell-and-back.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/ifhellisreal.htm
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/hell_test.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/jesusteachingonhell.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/hells_fruit.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/TheBibleHell.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/GatesOfHell.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/Hell_is_Leaving_the_Bible_Forever.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/ScripturalProofs.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/ScholarsCorner.html
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/once_saved_always_saved_slagle.html
Audio:
http://www.tentmaker.org/audio/audio_index.html
Video:
http://tentmaker.org/podcasts/category/lovewins/
Tentmaker Resources:
http://www.tentmaker.org/store/index.php
Dear reader,
If you know someone near and dear to you who follows Christian Broadcasting Network and its poisonous teachings, please send them these links.
They are an antidote to the Hellfire and damnation messages that fill the internet and airwaves of this world.
Remember, God is Love, a love that NEVER fails and for Whom NOTHING is impossible including your salvation, the salvation of your friends and even the salvation of your enemies.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
If Jesus commands His followers to do this and in this way to overcome our enemies, don’t you think God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is going to overcome His enemies the same way?!
Of course.
Jesus Christ, is indeed, the savior of the whole world.
THIS is the Victorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul, the apostle, preached.
This is truly “Good News,” the “Glorious Gospel.”
This is the only gospel worthy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This gospel, is indeed a “joy to all peoples.”
BELIEVE IT! And be set free from the
“traditions of men which make the word of God of no effect.” Matthew 15:6-9
The teaching of Hell is a tradition devious men have injected into the church and even in many Bible translations. It is time to expose this tradition for what it is, Satan’s greatest lie which most of the church has swallowed. It is time to be freed from this abominable lie.
Gary Amirault,
Tentmaker Ministries.
From Tentmaker Blog:
http://tentmaker.org/blog1/life-beyond-the-grave-heaven-or-hell-cbn-700-club/comment-page-1/
Thanks,
Dennis
Posted in after life, afterlife, CBN, Christian Broadcasting Netw, Heaven, Hell, Hell lies, Jesus Christ, salvation | Tagged after life, afterlife, CBN, Christian Broadcasting Network, does hell exist, heaven, hell, life after death, NDE, near death experiences, OBE, out of body experiences, Pat Robertson, Tentmaker Ministries, testimonies | Leave a Comment »
It has been revealed to me that my Mother and I most likely had an angelic visitation or apparition of one of the cloud of witnesses that compass us about watch over us in our daily lives. This was revealed to me during my quiet time with the Lord in the morning. The day before this revelation we had been out shopping. We were at Walmart and Mom had already worn herself out walking around in The Dollar Tree store; and besides that it was cold, windy and raining. So she just decided to give me her list and let me go in for her and get what she needed. Although I also have trouble walking because of the pain in my joints from my back and neck injuries, polyarthralgia and fibromyalgia, especially my right knee which needs replacing; I am still better able to get around than she is with her advanced arthritis, scoliosis and several bones that had been broken and did not heal correctly because of her age and other complications. We are quite a physically challenged pair but we always have a good time together – and we get the best parking places! (Sometimes). Also we had my constant companion and best friend Yogi (my little Maltese dog) with us – he goes with me everywhere I go, if it is at all possible anyway. So she decided to stay in the car with Yogi and I went on in the store and did the shopping she needed then came back out to the car. When I opened the door and started to get back in the car Mom had a bewildered look on her face and pointing to my checkbook wallet lying in my seat and said "a young lady brought this to the car and asked "is this your checkbook? It was lying in the parking lot". She said “I don’t know what name is in it?” The young lady said “Dennis Caldwell”. Then she said “yes that’s my son” and took the checkbook laid it in the seat and looked up to thank the young lady but she was already gone. She said “I looked around to see which way she went and could not spot her anywhere." Then I said to Mom, "Wow that was a blessing! Just goes to show you that the Lord is looking out for me". That has my checkbook, several credit cards, and even my social security card in it – I could have been ruined had it gotten in the wrong hands!" I said "Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord!" I had paid for my Mother’s things in the store with Mom’s checkbook so I hadn’t missed mine. Then Mom said "you know, that young lady looked just like Christy". Christy is my deceased niece, my brothers daughter who was killed in an automobile accident while my daughter driving the car 15 years ago about this time of year.
Then the next day I was doing my quiet time with the Lord in the morning and for some reason had read a devotional that I haven’t read in quite a while; "Our Daily Walk" by F.B. Meyer. That days reading opened to the passage in Hebrews Chapter 12:23 where it speaks of those who had passed on before us -"the spirits of just men made perfect". I continued in the bible reading on into the next chapter Heb 13:1-2 where it goes on to say we are sometimes visited by angels or messengers being unaware of it". Although a verse can stand alone in having a specific personal meaning; It is best to read all around a verse to get the context of it; also being aware that the bible did not originally have chapters. Then I also read George H. Morrison’s "Classic Sermons Devotional" for that day which I have never read; this lead me to Hebrews 12:1 which speaks of "The Great Cloud of Witnesses that compass us about" watching over our daily race of life which just happened to be in the same biblical context as the first devotionals reading. At once, I had an unusually strong intuition and assurance – God was speaking to me about something. I knew in my spirit that this was no coincidence; God was trying to tell me something but what? I had not made the connection yet.
I usually call my mother in the morning and through the day to check on her so when I called that morning I told her "God was trying to tell me something significant this morning in my quiet time but I have not figured it out yet". When I got off the phone I began to look up all kinds of references to these passages in my computer bible programs library. The more I read the more I saw this was obviously speaking to me about our loved ones who had crossed over looking down on us and encouraging, protecting, and even praying for us.
I realize some will strongly disagree with what I am saying; and say they don’t believe this is possible while quoting scripture trying to prove it. All I can say is as you can see I also have scripture and reference to other works that would agree with my conclusion. We all have a right to believe what we will so that is fine if you disagree. Although I know what I know personally and experientially which cannot be shared in its reality with another. Only through the spirit and this media of writing can I attempt to share these things. So let the readers decide for themselves.
As Dr Morrison put it "And if our loved ones lean from the galleries of heaven while we are running the race of life and death, is it not conceivable they are praying also? Are there not golden bowls there full of odors which are the prayers of the saints? (Rev 5:8) I think we shall never know how much we owe when we are weary, suffering, tempted, overwhelmed, to the prayers offered within the veil by those we have loved long since and lost awhile. We are encompassed by a cloud of witnesses. They watch us, they love us, and they pray for us" -Dr Morrison’s classic devotional sermons for November 30; delivered from his pulpit in Wellington Church Glasgow, Scotland, from 1902 to 1928
I started to get up and go on with my daily routine when I distinctly heard in my spirit "ask your Mom – was the checkbook wet?" She would have known because she would have instinctively dried it off. And besides that as sopping wet as it was in the rain and on the parking lot even the checks would have been soaked. Immediately I began to make the connection…. I called my Mother back and asked her "this is important and I’ll explain in a minute, was the checkbook wallet wet when the young lady gave it to you?" She thought a minute, and said "why no! And it was raining! If it had been wet I would have noticed and wiped it off". Then I said, "Yes and with the rain and the wet parking lot even the checks would have been wet". Then Mom said "Oh my, I’m getting chills! That was Christy!" I said "YES! That is what the Lord was trying to tell me this morning!" Then Mom said she looked up at a picture of Christy she has on her wall and said "Now I’m really getting chills, in the picture of Christy on the wall she is wearing the same pull-over top she had on at the car yesterday!" We were both overjoyed at the goodness of God in this wonderful blessing!
This was obviously a visit from the heavenly cloud of witnesses that watch over us cheering us on in this race of life. And this time God even allowed one of them to come down and save me from a financial disaster! Also I think it is significant that it was Christy since it was this time of year that she crossed over. We have been having no small tension in our family because of Christy’s younger sister lately and were worried about it causing trouble at our family’s Christmas gathering this year at Mom’s house. Mom has been especially upset and worried over this; but was immediately relieved and felt a great sense of peace with this revelation. We both agreed that this was not only God protecting me from great financial loss but also sending a message that it is going to be ok with our families and our Christmas gathering. I think it is even significant that my niece’s name is Christ-y…. Christ, and Christ-mas…!
I talked to Mom this morning on the phone and she said "I am absolutely… I can’t think of the word…. ahhh jub jub JUBILANT today! When I think of what happened yesterday – I know it was a message from God that everything is going to be alright!" At once I thought of the word "Jubilee" and told Mom that is ironic that you would think of the word "jubilant" (which she would rarely use) to explain your feelings today; this is a second witness and confirmation that God is working everything out for everyone in our family and with everyone. Then I explained to her that the word "Jubilant’ is a synonym of the word "JUBILEE" which she already knew was the 50th year holy day when everything is restored back to its original owners, symbolic of the “universal reconciliation” accomplished by Christ – all debts are canceled and all is reconciled with everyone in all the world! A new beginning with all made right again! PRAISE GOD! “BEHOLD I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW!” Rev 21:5
This was not only a heavenly message to calm Mom’s uncertainties; but a great assurance for me in more ways than one!
God is so Good! HALLELUJAH!
Heb 12:1-2 MKJV Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith,
Heb 12:22-23 MKJV But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to
The spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 13:1-2 MKJV Let brotherly love continue. (2) Do not be forgetful of hospitality, for by this some have
entertained angels
Without knowing it.
Rev Dennis Caldwell
Posted in Angels, Revelation, Universal Reconciliation, Universal Salvation | Leave a Comment »
Click on the link below to view the video:
Bishop Jim Swilley tells his side of the story
Don’t listen to bits and pieces of hearsay, exaggeration, and lies. Hear the man tell the story himself. Listen with your heart, then decide.
Funny how quickly people forget all the good someone has done when they see or hear something they don’t like and most likely don’t understand.
And remember he was the same man then as he is NOW – NOTHING HAS CHANGED OR WILL…
I honor and support this great man of God my friend, Pastor, and Bishop.
Peace, Grace, and Love in All Things,
Rev. Dennis Caldwell
Posted in Bishop Jim Swilley, Gay, Hate, Peace, Sexual Orentiation | Tagged Bishop Jim Swilley, Gay, Grace, Hate, Love, Peace, sexua | Leave a Comment »
You can study to know many things ABOUT God; although “Knowing God” is a completely different EXPERIENCE. Knowing what God’s ways, personality, temperament, character and tendencies are is in other words knowing His SPIRIT. Then you can be sure how He will respond in any major circumstance or decision.
1 Corinthians 2:11,10,12 (NKJV) For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:11 (WNT) For, among human beings, who knows a man’s inner thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? In the same way, also, only God’s Spirit is acquainted with “God’s inner thoughts”.
John 14:21 (CEV) (Jesus said) If you love me, you will do what I have said, and my Father will love you. I will also love you and “SHOW YOU WHAT I AM LIKE.”
To “Know” God is to know WHAT HE IS LIKE! The Father revealed this to us by the Spirit of Christ in Jesus.
John 14:7 (NKJV) “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on” you know” Him and have seen Him.”
John 14:16–17 (NIV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But “YOU KNOW HIM”, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Your family and closest friends know you best. They know what you most likely will do, or not do, in major circumstances. For instance if someone told my wife that I was going to look for someone that had wronged me and I had said that I was going to pour gasoline on them and burn them to satisfy my anger; she would think they were out of their mind and tell them “apparently you do not know my husband very well; he would never do such a thing”. It’s the same way with The God that I know and have become intimately acquainted with; when you really know Him you instinctively know some of the things that are taught about Him “CANNOT BE TRUE”. When someone tells me that my God sent His Son into the World to save the world (John 3:17, 12:32, 47; 1John 4:14) then turn around and say His purpose and mission will be mostly a failure as most people will end up in a eternal burning torture pit, “HELL” to suffer in pain forever to satisfy his anger toward them for the sin His Son paid for, also which, by the way, God is not holding against them (2Cor 5:19). Or because of their unbelief due to Him not drawing them to Himself (John 6:44) or even lack of ever any opportunity to believe; makes no difference. It is “to hell with you” you did not measure up or follow the right directions…. This sounds utterly absurd and is the height of blasphemy and deprivation of character toward our most loving and gracious heavenly Father.
This my friends is why I cannot and will not accept the traditional teaching of hell. Because The GOD, I “KNOW” would not do or agree to such a thing; it would never even inter his mind.
Jeremiah 7:31 (NET) (GOD SPEAKING)
7:31 “They have also built places of worship in a place called Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom (“Gehenna” the word usually translated hell in the gospels) so that they can sacrifice their sons and daughters by fire. That is something I never commanded them to do! Indeed, it never even entered my mind to command such a thing!”
Jeremiah 7:30–31 (The Message)
“The people of Judah have lived evil lives while I’ve stood by and watched.” God’s Decree. “In deliberate insult to me, they’ve set up their obscene god-images in the very Temple that was built to honor me. They’ve constructed Topheth altars for burning babies in prominent places all through the valley of Ben-hinnom, altars for burning their sons and daughters alive in the fire—a shocking perversion of all that I am and all I command.
Think about it people…..
The wonderful truth is that God in His Love and Sovereignty has chosen to save the world through Christ Jesus this is the REAL GOOD NEWS! (Luke 15:3-6; Jhn 3:17, 12:32,47; Act 3:21; Rom 5:18-19; Eph 1:9-10; 4:4-5; <Isa 45:23; Rom 14:11; Phl 2:9-11; 1Cor 12:3;>1Tim 2:3-6; 4:9-11, Rev 5:13) Like Abraham I am fully convinced that He is full well and able to do what he wants and what He has promised!
Romans 4:21 (NKJV)
(Abraham) and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
– He cannot fail one iota, He is GOD! I could go on and on with hundreds of verses, but this should be sufficient for my point. If you want more just go to my main website www.completerestorationinchrist.org from there I have links to my other websites and many, many more resources.
As I have pondered these things for many hours and thought of all the really good friends and other acquaintances I have had through the traditional church. I have come to a conclusion as to why anyone would believe such a horrendous lie about our Glorious Loving Father and Savior of ALL creation.
First of all I don’t think most seriously think about what they are really saying so flippantly when they say; and make supposedly humorous church 
signs outside their buildings indicating someone will be “ETERNALY” BURNED IN AN EVERLASTING FIRE! What an unbearable hideous thought; stop and REALLY THINK ABOUT IT….. FOR-E-V-E-R billions of years and no relief, no let up, no mercy whatsoever…. And eternity is just starting my friend… And for what purpose? What will it accomplish in the plan of GOD? What GOOD will it do? Are not all GOD’S works GOOD? And how is this “justice”? For a lifespan of an average man even if one sinned continuously? When you really think about this; I know you don’t want to, but force yourself to stop and just think about this for just 10 minutes, just keep going farther and farther into the 
future, lifetimes pass, civilizations pass away, stars burn out, whole galaxies spin into oblivion and the man, women, or child are still BURNING IN THE FLAMES – SCREAMING IN AGONY – nothing has changed and nothing EVER will just continuous howls of pain and torment…… sentenced to EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT AND SUFFERING HORRIFIC TORMENT IN FLAMES OF FIRE – for a lifetime of sin; common sense tells me something is wrong with that picture friends…. 
Secondly, like I did at one time, they trust the translators of the bible way too much without ever questioning them or it.You do realize the bible was not written in English and it is up to the translators to determine many times options between meanings of words…. Paul said we should “test all things” and “keep that which is good”. By the way, did you know that the apostle Paul who wrote two thirds of the New Testament never bothered to mention “Hell” Hmmm you’d think if it were as bad as it is preached and that serious He’d of given it a little space, at least a verse or two. Paul only uses the word “hades” one time which in other places is translated hell; and in that place he declares that it is rendered powerless 1Cor 15:54-57. When something as serious as our eternal wellbeing is at stake I believe we should take every precaution to be sure we know the truth. Including looking up words that have been translated and retranslated from one language to another where they are giving information on this most important subject. For instance the word translated “Forever” is 99% of the time from a word that either means “an age” or a limited time. Or it is the adjective of that same noun. Simple grammar will teach you that an adjective derived from a noun can never have more value or force than the parent word allows. For example the adjective “hourly” can never any meaning other than having to do with “hours” – the noun it is derived from; it could never mean years in other words. I could go deeper but time will not permit. It is sufficient to say that the underlying language of the bible rarely uses the word for eternal accept where it has to do with the attributes and character of GOD and NEVER in conjunction with punishment. Most do not know that there are many versions of the bible that do not even have eternal punishment in them at all and most of them were written 100-200 years ago. Most do not know enough about church history to know that Universal Salvation was the predominant teaching of the early church during the first 300 – 500 years. These are documented proven points I am making that are easily checked out. And that’s the problem most of today’s church leaders and parishioners never question or check out anything; they just blindly believe what they are taught putting way too much trust in their teachers. Jesus once said “when the blind lead the blind…….” You finish it. I am not trying to blame or point a finger. I do not know everything but I want to confirm what I know is right. What I don’t know I am working on and will continue till I cross over to the other side. It is our responsibility in this life to continue to gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding; proverbs says
Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
So I will continue to strive for this treasure as long as I have breath. I don’t want to be like the lazy servant that only returned the one talent he was given. None of us is going to 100% agree with each other or be 100% right all the time. But we don’t need to close our eyes to truth that is staring us in the face just because we don’t want to see it because it will rock the boat or even tip the boat over. I would rather be hanging on to a small stick of truth that cannot sink than to be relaxing on the Titanic for a leisurely cruise.
The traditional church, its leaders and followers have done untold good and wonderfully blessed this world; I am thankful for that and my associations with it in the past. I am not trying to condemn the church. I am trying to correct an error that is holding back multitudes from a real relationship with Our God through Jesus Christ Our LORD! Now that I have come to know our GOD better; I know that He is immeasurably more awesome and good than we had ever imagined or thought. This, my friends is the GOOD NEWS that I am so fervently trying to get out. I believe when the world really sees the REAL GOD and how he “Really is” we won’t have to beg anyone to come to church or to him we will have to get out of the way of the stampede headed his way!
In conclusion: When we walk in The Spirit of GOD, Knowing the Mind, Heart, along with Irrefutable, Unchangeable, Character of our most Wonderful, Awesome, All-Sovereign, All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Present, All-Loving, GOD and Savior, keeping these as first and foremost in our thinking; it will bring us into a Relationship with CHRIST that will easily and permanently answer many questions you could never learn from a worldly or religious point of view.
Grace, Peace, and Love to All,
Rev. Dennis Caldwell
Posted in Bible, Hell, Hell lies, knowledge, Spirit of God, Universal Salvation, word of God | Leave a Comment »
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