Thoughts on Isaiah 56, 1-8 (Salvation for the Nations through Sabbath observance)

This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” And let not any eunuch complain, “I am only a dry tree.” For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Sovereign Lord declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.”

Even more clearly than Isaiah wrote down in these verses, God can not disclose, that even the strangers that diligently seek him, must keep his covenant, and have his Sabbaths to hallow. In these verses God clearly says, that he will save all; who the Sabbath hallow and holds his covenant.

Since we all know, that the Bible does not refute itself, we would have to actually know, that we should hallow the Sabbath of the Lord. Not, to thereby obtain our salvation; but because we have received salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ. Everyone, who was actually accepted by Jesus, has the new covenant. The new covenant means, that we have been written in the heart, the commandments and ordinances of God. But anybody, who has the new covenant in his heart is led by the Holy Spirit and can hence fulfil the will of God, because his heart would like obeying.

I cannot understand, why still so many Christians despite knowledge of the Bible, hold on the humanly invented days. These days are invented 360 years after Christ by the Roman Established Church, due power politics considerations. But I can also not understand, then why the Protestant reformers have chosen the days of the Roman heretics and not the God-ordained Sabbath and the feasts of the Lord.

When I read in the Bible and think about it, I cannot even comprehend how people have so many interpretations; which twisting the word of God. The Bible but explains itself for itself. The Word of God is perfect and free of contradictions from the first to the last page. Everything you don’t know, explained you of God, if you serious ask him in prayer about getting. I was able on myself to experience this, on numerous occasions. Thereby I've found, that it usually are the words of Paul, which are not easily understood. To the present day, I was allowed to recognize again and again, that Paul exactly writes from that, which is to be read in the Torah and in the prophets. He explains it, just different.

The new Pharisees and scribes make it advantage of the fact that Paul's words are hard to understand and blinded the people, by their false teachings.

Personally, I have asked in prayer to God for forgiveness and apologized me, that I have let fooled me so long, from the new Pharisees and scribes.

It is God, who also warn the Gentiles through Isaiah, because he granting us a brief glimpse on the new earth. Thus we read in Isaiah 66, 22-24: “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the Lord, “so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the Lord. “And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

We see, then, that the new moon and Sabbath by God are valid for all eternity. How can people seriously claim that the Son of God, Jesus Christ has abolished this. Jesus himself told us that the son does not speak of Himself, but only what the Father gave him. Thus it is clear proof that nothing was overturned by the word of his Father through Jesus Christ. It would be completely absurd if God would contradict himself!

I am often asked whether I was actually aware of how complicated the Sabbath, the dietary laws, and the feasts of the Lord are to be observed. The people who make me this question look it as the Jews in Israel today to deal with these things. But They forget, that Jesus is not the Messiah for the Jews and therefore the Sabbath, the dietary laws, and the feasts of the Lord still celebrate with all of the requirements, which the Pharisees and scribes through misinterpretation of the Torah and the commandments have been added.

Jesus Christ has met and sanctified the Sabbath so as God has commanded. But he was sentenced by the Jews, because he had broken the Sabbath in their view. Thus, the dietary laws are simple and clear in the Torah by God declares and the Jews make a complicated process, because of they believe the interpretations of the Pharisees and scribes.

But Jesus said in Matthew 23, 13 - 15: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are."

Wherefore, holy the Sabbath, as it did Jesus Christ sanctified and keep the dietary laws as God has prescribed in the Torah. Celebrates the feasts of the Lord, and believe not unchecked the words of the new Pharisees and scribes. Even today, this look only to their power, their glory and their immense wealth. Is it not a contradiction if a church has untold wealth and in this world children still die of hunger? Should this church not rather stop to want alleviate the plight, until she stands themselves in poverty?

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations— a people who continually provoke me to my very face, offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick; who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil; who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of unclean meat; who say, ‘Keep away; don’t come near me, for I am too sacred for you!’ Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day. “See, it stands written before me: I will not keep silent but will pay back in full; I will pay it back into their laps— both your sins and the sins of your fathers,” says the Lord. “Because they burned sacrifices on the mountains and defied me on the hills, I will measure into their laps the full payment for their former deeds.” This is what the Lord says: “As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and men say, ‘Don’t destroy it, there is yet some good in it, ‘so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all.  I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah those who will possess my mountains; my chosen people will inherit them, and there will my servants live. Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me. “But as for you who forsake the Lord and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. You will leave your name to my chosen ones as a curse; the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth; he who takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes. New Heavens and a New Earth “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy." Amen (Isaiah 65, 1 – 18)

Thoughts about: but because you are not of this world?

Jesus Christ said in John 15:18-19: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."

These are clear words of our Lord. But what is the reality? How many who claim to be Christians are actually hated by the world? How many who claim to be Christians, still believe unbroken to the revealed word of God in the Bible? To find answers, we compare again, what the world teaches us and what God us teaches in His Word! Then we look at, which teaching will be do today believed!

The world teaches us that the earth and all life millions of years ago by a "Big Bang" have emerged. This doctrine is widely accepted and is taught in schools! A great many people who call themselves Christians, are agree with this theory.

God tells us, that He had created the earth and all life, in seven days with 24 hours. When you study in the Bible, then you can find out that this was done, around six thousand years ago. This doctrine will be rejected by many people, also of so-called Christians.

Both of these Event history cannot be proved, because no today alive human, has personally seen. Thus, there is no eyewitnesses in both cases; therefore is needs the faith!

The world teaches us, that the human is descended from apes, and has evolved over thousands of years, to what he is today. This doctrine is also widely accepted and is taught to our children. There are Christians that also believe in this theory.

God teaches us, that he had formed man out of clay, made ​​him godlike and breathed into him the breath of life. He also teaches, that he has done this in a day, so that, the human had to not needed to develop; because since his creation he was always what he is today. Even this doctrine today will be rejected by many people, even many Christians.

Here again we have the same dilemma. Of both teaching, there are no living witnesses, so here also faith is needed!

Because in these examples, the faith is always necessary, I want to you explain again, the importance of the concept of faith: "The English word Faith, is in the here discussed sense used as a translation of the Greek noun pistis with the basic meaning „loyalty, trust." The associated verb is pisteuein ("be faithful, trust"). The primary meaning was: "I put trust in ... I tie my existence at ... I'm true to ...". The word therefore aims confidence, obedience (compare: vow, betrothal), faithfulness. “  (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaube)

A prayer of Christians begins with the words: "I believe in God ..." Is this today really the case?

The Christian world has taught since the year 321 after Christ that Sunday is the Lord's Day and the day of rest is. This secular doctrine can be proved on the basis of history. The world and so-called Christians are agree with this theory, and on Sundays are not working.

God has been teaching since of creation; remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt on this day not working do, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and your cattle, nor your stranger within your gates. For in six days the LORD made ​​the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. This doctrine we do not find, in history books of the human; we find only in the Bible. The early Christians sanctified this until such time, as a church law that was decided at the Council of Laodicea (343-381 AD), it forbade them under threat of punishment. This in turn can be found in the history books. ("Christians should not be idly by kind of Jews on the Sabbath, but rather should work on that day. Christians have to give preference the Lord's Day (Sunday) and rest as Christians, if they must not work. But if they invented as Judaizing, they are of Christ excluded. ")

Source: http://urchristen.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/das-erste-sonntagsgesetz-oder-die-grose-sonntagsluge/

I believe in God? Is that with to them so, or they believe the world?

At the end of my today article, I would like due to some criticism I've gotten, to emphasize once again: I have never and will never claim that my posts is the only correct interpretation of God's Word. I do see my posts not as interpretation. I am aware that I am only a sinful man, and like everyone else, I need the mercy of God. My posts are thoughts and inspirations that I have during Bible study and prayer, and should serve as an inspiration for his own Bible study.

As so often, I want to emphasize again how important it today is to consider itself in the Bible, all what you heard and read. Every person takes the time for what he loves the most. Everyone which loves Christ, should take daily time, which he spends with Bible reading and prayer.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Ford all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. Amen (1. Peter 1, 13-25)

Thoughts about target groups church service

Of course, I know that this title sounds ridiculous and is certainly not biblical. But on 18.08.2013 I read a post on Facebook, which had been posted by Idea (http://www.idea.de). The article reported the fact that both the evangelical - as well as the Catholic Church actually spends its money for target group analysis and marketing strategies for specialized church services, approximately for youth, singles, families, bikers, soccer fans, art lovers and people with dementia to elaborate and apply.

I thought at first, that this article is a joke, a hoax. But in the article one could be read, that from radio Germany was dealt this question on 17 August in a broadcast. Next was to read, that two target group church services from Köln have been presented in the broadcast. A single-church service with 35 visitors by the Catholics and one evangelical church service for women by women with 20 visitors.

Up to this moment, I always thought, that target group analysis and marketing, are things of this world, for example to be able, to sell luxury items more effective.

But this post has taught me otherwise and shows me, how fraternizes with the world are the two great churches already. The people in the managerial level of these churches are no more called by God! These are humans, who do not know the Word of God. How else would it be possible, to such a sick idea to come, that we could bring the Word of God with advertising strategies, better to the man?

Jesus Christ Himself said in John 6, 44: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."

Even clearer he said in John 6, 65: "And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."

I think the contribution from Idea-media shows us, that the two churches are no longer be interested in God and His Word. These churches want only visitors and humans who pay their church tax. If in the leadership levels of these churches still God-fearing people were working, then they would know, that it does not require any advertising strategies, in order to make people familiar with the Gospel. It is enough, preach to the truth of the Word of God, and for the rest let work the Holy Spirit.

From my own experience I know, that no promotion strategy, would bring me to the vicinity to God. It was the wonderful works, which God did to me as he pulled me to him, which convinced me, to follow Jesus Christ. It was also the Holy Spirit, of taught me to understand the words of Paul in 2.Timothy 4, 2-5: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

Exact due these words I would realize, how many fables are taught by the churches in our day.

I pray to God, that people are finally beginning to read the Bible more closely and then compare what they have read, with that which is told in the churches.

The LORD reigned; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubim’s; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. The king’s strength also loved judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. He spoke unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. Amen (Psalm 99, 1-9)

Thoughts on the validity of God's Word

Although Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:17-20 said the following: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

How arrogant and conceited, but the modern human is become, if he imagines actually, that a creature can command his Creator, what up to date is and what not! In the Bible we read more than once that everything, what is written in the word of god, have eternal validity.

God has given His creatures; clear and simple guidelines on how they should lead their lives in order to gain salvation. He also gave to the human free will to choose either for or against him. Those who choose God, has to do nothing else, than to keep his commandments. This also applies things, of which is claiming now, from the people, that they did not up to date anymore! Just as the Sabbath, the feasts of the Lord, women be silent in the temple, clothing at church, food intake, etc.! These things, for God are always be valid. But God does not force anyone, to keep his commandments. He will not let that those go unpunished; which teaching different doctrines, as in the Bible is written. By the heresies of modern scribes and Pharisees (theologians and preachers), many people is blocked the way of salvation.

We should be aware that each, who instead of the God of the Bible, worships a God invented by people, commits idolatry. So also commits everyone idolatry who celebrates the invented feasts by people; and not the feasts of the Lord.

The true church of Jesus Christ has become very small; as a Roman Emperor invented a Christian state religion. Since that time the prophets of Christ become persecuted vehemently; and also with force brought silenced. That has not changed to this day. The difference to antiquity is, that the prophets today no longer killed, but be declared unsound mind.

But Jesus Christ has told us, that everyone who proclaimed the gospel in his name, will tracked. He spoke in Luke 21:12-19: "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life."

Solely on the basis of this statement, one can already see who is a true prophet of Christ. But you should check each belonged word, using the Bible. As far as I know, none of the modern Christian preachers, must be afraid, that him even just one of this Things happens which Jesus announced in Luke 21:12-19.

For a change, I do not want to end my contribution with a psalm today. Instead, with the Epistle to Laodicea. In fact I believe, that most of those who today call themselves Christian, would receive exactly this message of Jesus Christ. But that is not as a reproach, but that you rather to ponder about the word of God. Because I know, that no one is without sin and no one is infallible.

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation: “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Amen (Revelation 3, 14 – 22)

Thoughts about constant prayer

The fifth proof for real and true faith is constant prayer.

According to wiki dictionary means constant: continuously, persistently, persevering, changeless! (http://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/beständig)

Constant prayer means for us, that we are to have persistently and persevering communion with God. In a time as today, where everything should go so fast, is this a very big challenge. But real faith also makes this possible, as Jesus Christ in Luke 18, 1 explains: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

The Holy Spirit helps true believers, to pray persevering. This prayer takes place in the spirit, therefore nobody needs to pray persistently and audible. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6,18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Anyone who has true faith, has recognized that we must have no worries about anything, because the will of God always happens. Believe means also, the words of God to believe and the certainty to have in your heart, that God complies his promises. So you have the mind freely and be able constantly pray in the spirit for God.

Also, remember the worries and stress are of this world. True believers but are not of this world. So Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2, 1 - 4: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Examine yourself now, pray you already constantly, or are you still prisoner of the worries and needs of this world! To be in worry always means, to give too little or no faith in the words of God. Please God, he should let you grow in faith and always stay in His Word. Jesus Christ himself explains, how futile it is to be in worry, if you cannot even such a simple thing to be able to count as his own hair on the head.

In our modern world with all the luxury goods, which are extolled also through advertising, it is very hard to believe the words of God. Most people do not even know how useless these things are and that you none of these things needs to live. Just think, that all this luxury is only required, so that the world loves you.

Yet listen, to the words of the Apostle James, which he in James 5, 16 - 18 wrote: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."

Stay in the Word of God and you will realize that the New Testament removes nothing from the Old Testament, and vice versa. If you read the Bible, do not use any interpretations of the Pharisees (Priest) and scribes (theologians), because these are only thoughts from people, are brought to paper. Jesus Christ also warned us about them.

Now check everything you hear and read, with the word of God in the Bible and retain the truth! May the Lord bless and keep you. Shalom

As at Thy word the universe arose, so you were the king appointed. And when the world disintegrates, then Thou rules alone in splendour. You were and are since eternity and you will be in glory. You united - The only without second, nobody can standing on your sides. Without end and beginning in time, yours is the power, the glory. You are the lives eternally, my God, my salvation. In danger and distress you're my strength, my saviour! You are my refuge, my banner, my shield, my helper, call I to You. In your hand I always put my soul, whether I'm sleep or awake. And I trust you my body.  I am not afraid, God is with me! Blessed are You Lord our God, Master of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us, that we focus us to the words of the doctrine of God (Torah). Amen

Thoughts about genuine humility

As a third proof of real and true faith, we have true humility.

But we should know what humility means, for without this knowledge we cannot recognize for ourselves, whether our humility is really! Thus we can find in Wikipedia following statement: "In the Christian context it referred the attitude of the creature to the Creator analogous to the relationship from slave to the Lord; more generally, the" virtue which can emerge from the awareness back to staying behind the aspired perfection (God, moral ideal, exalted idol)."

Humility plays a special role in Jewish and Christian thought. In the Old and New Testament humility is an essential characteristic of the true believer, the person who is right with God. The root of the used Hebrew word contains the meanings of "to bend" or "bow down". In the Old Testament Humility is the opposite from arrogance. (Proverbs 29, 23)."

(http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demut)

True humility is therefore the absolute submission, the bow before our Creator. Not because God is a tyrant, but because we love him so. This total dedication to God requires absolute obedience, which also means that we not only respect his commandments and laws, but these also comply without contradicting. Our Lord Jesus Christ, has pre show us, exactly this Humility prior God.

In our time, where preached, self-realization and do yourself good, the most people refuses vehemently against this humility. Today many people are of the opinion to be a Christian, but that they have to humble themselves, they do not want to hear. The proclamation of a soggy-gospel and the misguided teaching that the Old Testament is today no longer valid; are for this responsible. So are being many people deceived and about the redemption defrauded, which in turn indicates that the Pharisees and scribes are not extinct, today they have other designations. About that the apostle James writes in the New Testament in James 4, 6: "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." And further to 4, 9 - 10: "Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Without genuine humility there will be no mercy, and many this will have to realize, when they will appear before the throne of the Lord. But then already it may be too late. You can read the Bible. The Bible is not secret doctrine. Anyone can understand what is written in the book of the Lord. So do not rely on teacher and self-proclaimed Bible teacher. The Word of God has eternal validity and Jesus Christ himself has declared that not even a dot or a comma is changed until the end of this world.

If you have recognized, that it is the will of God, to keep and hallow His commandments, His Sabbath, His laws and its festivals, then you should be do it. All this is proclaimed in his word, so it must be important for him! Anyone who has true and genuine faith, really loves God and humble themselves before him and want to fulfil his wishes and orders without question.

I wonder now, why we celebrate festivals since centuries, which has invented a Roman emperor, who claimed to be Christian? Why people since the same time think Sunday is the Lord's Day, however this day has been arranged by this Roman emperor? Not one of these Celebrations or Sunday is mentioned in the Bible!

Why people which read the Bible, do not think about such things? Are they so uninterested or so caught up in their churches, that they believe human words more than the word of God?

I personally noticed this contradiction immediately. Immediately after I became a believer and I had read first time the Bible. However, in the community in which I was at that time, nobody could give me a plausible and credible explanation. Yes, to this day no one was been able to explain me this contradiction. But a few weeks ago, when I was praying about it, I suddenly had a thought in my head, the did not want to disappear. He was: "Man is a creature of habit!"

Then I realized that yes this idolatry of Sunday, Christmas, Easter, ..., has been practiced for centuries, so that it was for the people to normalcy.

What people need today are courageous prophets, who proclaim the Word of God in truth and take up the fight against the powerful churches. Precisely such men, Jesus promised in Matthew 5, 12: "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Here as well, is: try yourself in all honesty at the Word of God. Let the Bible be your main textbook and you'll realize why this world also loves the Christians!

I wish you, that thou also humbly before God, grows in faith and joyful heart with the psalmist of Psalm 51:15 can shout: “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.”

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Amen

(Psalm 15)

Thoughts on the Love for God

In the second main part of my series I want my thoughts about the fruits or of the evidence of real true faith, familiarize themselves.

As a first proof of genuine and true faith is mentioned in many lessons the love to God. Therefore, today I will write down my thoughts about the love to God.

The love to God is, when it is not feigned, a sure proof of real and true faith. To ascertain that, you should examine yourself honestly and conscientiously. Would you respond to Jesus Christ as well as the young man in Luke 10, 27: "He answered, Thou shalt love Adonai your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself."

Above all, however this response, would really come from your heart? Is God in fact the most important thing in your life? Do you really love God more, than anything from the World, and more than your neighbour and more than yourself? Would you leave your earthly life for God?

Do you agree with the sons of Korah in the Psalm 42, 1-3, "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?"

Can you, without lying with Asaph Psalm 73, 25 sing: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you."

If you can answer all these questions, with an honest yes, then you have a first proof that your faith is a true faith, and all the previously treated uncertain points are also applicable to you in a positive way.

Of course, then you've also subjected you to the commandments and the law of God, so that you, no longer dominated by your old nature. Remember that is what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8, 7: "For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law (Torah) —indeed it cannot,"

To your understanding, the Torah, these are the five books of Moses, so also the commandments and laws of God.

If you think now, that this is no longer be applied to you, because someone has taught you the mistaken belief that this is no longer true in the new covenant, then your love for God is not complete and therefore not real and you were not honest with you. Remember, the Apostle Paul are lived in the new covenant, as he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. The new covenant was given to the Israelites. He had the content, that God would write his commandments and his laws in the hearts of the Israelites. Through Jesus Christ the Gentiles also have the opportunity, as we would say today, as an asylum seeker, to prove himself worthy to in Israel and in all twelve tribes indeed naturalized to be. You have to note that the tribe of Judah is only one tribe from God's people and only those people are Jews, but Jesus Christ is from the tribe of Judah.

I wish you that Jesus Christ will help you to recognize its truth, and the Holy Spirit will teaches you everything, so you can say to yourself quite rightly and without arrogance, I have a real and true faith!

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: These are the appointed festivals of the Lord that you shall proclaim as holy convocations, my appointed festivals. Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work: it is a Sabbath to the Lord throughout your settlements. These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall celebrate at the time appointed for them. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, there shall be a Passover offering to the Lord, and on the fifteenth day of the same month is the festival of unleavened bread to the Lord; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not work at your occupations.....

(LEVITICUS 23,1-8)

Reflecting on the decision made for Jesus Christ

The last point of the signs that genuine faith is neither prove nor disprove is the decision made for Jesus Christ.

At all times there were people who thought, that they had opted for Jesus Christ. But by the way of her life, could nobody this recognize. That was then, as now, the fact that them a false Jesus, were taught. Just think back on the time of the Crusades. All the knights who participated in it, thought on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ to fight, in fact, she only followed the call of power-hungry princes of the Church of their time.

Today, people go to great pop concerts with video wall and lighting effects, where additionally, but deliberately the alleged word of God is proclaimed. In this emotionally fuelled atmosphere, go all who were invited to come, in an ecstasy forwardly, to handed over, to a Jesus Christ, how does not exist in this type. Clever advertising strategists have especially for these so-called evangelistic campaigns invented a Gospel light, so that they can present to record-breaking numbers of supposedly newly rescued souls. After that time nobody does preach the pure Gospel, that the newly recruited not scare. Should such a person once read the Bible and ask shocked, then will someone explain that much of the Bible is not date anymore, and he has nothing to worry about. There are even today priests and theologians (Scribes and Pharisees), who lead the people astray.

Given these findings, I wonder how many Christians there would be actually, if you would preach and teach the Gospel today, how it's done Jesus Christ at his first coming?

Jesus Christ tells us in Luke 8, 13 - 14 why a decision made for him is not proof of genuine faith. He says: "Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."

We see, not the decision demonstrates the true faith, only the fruit, which means how someone who has chosen Jesus, live ​​his life. However, in order to bear fruit you should know that Jesus Christ himself has said that the entire Bible is valid forever. Only those who know the word of God, so the Bible can also bring fruit.

Let no one deceive you, because God's Word has not changed. God's holy day is still Sabbath and God's festivals are just those which he has decreed. The new covenant, which as many as an excuse, is another covenant of God with the children of Israel, who just does not abolish the feasts of the Lord, or other celebrations used.

If you decide you for Jesus Christ, you should know exactly for whom they choose. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who will establish his kingdom at his second coming. His day of the Lord will be the Sabbath, its feasts will be the feasts of the Lord and His laws will be the laws and commandments of God.

No one should think that Jesus will set up a kingdom without laws, for the Lord is not an anarchist.

In the second part of my series, I'll make my thoughts on the safe signs of genuine faith.

The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy. The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the Lord and he answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. O Lord our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. Amen

(Psalm 99, 1-9)

Where are we going?

With this post I would like interrupt shortly my series of the signs who genuine faith neither prove nor disprove. This time I will tell what I have seen during my holiday in Majorca and why it made me very sad and thoughtful.

It's not, that me the vacation had not fallen. No I find this is a very beautiful island.  I also had repeated opportunities to read at the beach in my favourite book, the Bible. But it was God's will that I should consciously perceive something quite different.

Like many of my friends and readers know, it was a gift from God, that my wife and I were able to afford this vacation ever. But there was only enough for a two star hotel in El Areal. That in my opinion this hotel does not deserve this two star, does not matter here, because I am to God infinitely grateful that we this holiday have had abroad.

Of course, such a hotel just only visit from people, who are not doing so well financially. During my stay, there were some young families from Russia and many, many young people from Germany, Austria, Holland and England. With these young people aged around 16-23 years, now the Story begins, what wanted God, to make aware me.

To the first, I want to say that I like young people, since they are our future.  However, I have learned, in the eight days in Mallorca the favourite pastimes in holiday of young people and that it was what makes me sad, but also very thoughtful. For about 90% of young people from this hotel, the favourite pastimes in holiday was alcohol, party, sex, and Randal!

Every day the same routine: On seven o clock in the morning they went to bed. Against two o clock in the afternoon they went to the beach, only to drink from a bucket full of alcoholic beverages through a straw. Six o clock in the evening, ​​fast back to the hotel to shower and get out on the road, of course, again with plenty of alcohol in their luggage. Finally, against ten o clock in the evening quickly attracted the evening clothing and down to the next party.

I saw many girls under twenty years, clothed with t-shirts, printed with requests for sexual favours. Also I saw, Scuffles between young boys. Damaged cars - street lights - outdoor dining equipment - and hotel room doors. Every morning very much broken glass on the streets, and workers who worked from seven o clock in the morning, to remove this garbage from the streets. One morning I also saw that a drunk young girl (about 16 years old) was in the hotel lobby, to sleep off their intoxication with bared genitalia at sofa.

I think it's bad enough that this all did not bother anyone. On the contrary, there is even a line of business, of the young people on the beaches of Majorca, sell the various party’s at very high prices. Yes, with the price for such a party certainly could a family cover their livelihood for one week!

After God recognize me so aware gave all this things, I imagine me now a lot of questions!

Where moves humanity? Who has the young people learned these values? How these young people have been educated? Is it necessary to be shown in today's movies and media alcohol, drugs, sex and violence to the last detail and even glorified? Why do young girls make themselves to be sex objects? And many more.

I remember a time when I was a child and teenager, we had to obey our parents. If I disobeyed once, I was beaten of my parents, as their final consequence. Disobedience in school was punished with blows of teachers, as their final consequence. Today, however, it is so that parents and teachers which use corporal punishment, will be displayed for assault! It will totally forget that God Himself has commanded the corporal punishment for disobedience. I can still remember me very well on a religious education, in which a classmate of mine asked the teacher, whether his parents do not love him, because he was never punished. This episode therefore stuck in my memory because this fellow was involved in a heavy robbery with 21 years!

It seems to me that many people have simply forgotten that God also is a punishing God. The modern image of God has been so distorted, that no one more really fears God.

One of the results, of this not more be afraid of God, has made me aware our youth during my holiday in Majorca. God led the people of Sodom and Gomorrah severely punished. But I think these people would be shocked, about the favourite pastimes in holiday of today's youth. But our modern society accepted it and believes it is good.

I think that the time has come to rethink again the modern bringing up children.

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1, 1-7)

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3, 1-12)

Thinking about assurance of salvation

The sixth point of the signs who genuine faith neither prove nor disprove is the assurance of salvation.

But what is meant by the term assurance of salvation? In Wikipedia we find the following statement: "assurance of salvation will be viewed in Protestant Christianity as the certainty of the believer, acquitted in the judgment of God. But this can also be dependent from personal feelings." (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heilsgewissheit)

Exactly this explanation also shows us why assurance of salvation genuine faith neither prove nor disprove. Something that is be dependent of feelings, seduced very quickly to the own deception. Many of today's popular teachings seduce the faithful much too fast to be sure to have salvation. But without real faith nobody will received the grace. Without grace you are not rescued, and without rescue assurance of salvation is not real. A very nice example about how deceptive it may be, to be quite certain of salvation gives us Jesus Christ in chapter 23 of Matthew's Gospel. He speaks to the people and to his disciples about the Pharisees and scribes. The Pharisees and scribes were sure, they have redemption. They had assurance of salvation. Yet Jesus said in verses 11-13 about them: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."

Everyone can easily imagine how big the anger and the hatred from the scribes and the Pharisees against Jesus were. But Jesus Christ revealed mercilessly the false religious rites and the false worship practices, of the respected religious leaders.

Much of what Jesus says in Matthew 23 about the Pharisees and scribes, he would say today too many leaders of the Christian churches. With reliability the verses 5-10: "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is you’re Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."

Of course he would today not say phylacteries and tassels, but rather purple and gold on the clothes. Instead of synagogues he would speak from churches. Jesus would today not say Rabbi, but rather pastor, Dean, Cardinal, and the many other modern names. Even the Pope he would describe as a Pharisee. Instead of scribes today Jesus would speak from theologian or theology teachers.

These are then as now the people who believe, they have assurance of salvation. These people are also not afraid, the people who believe on their teachings, guaranteeing them the assurance of salvation. It is this what Jesus then says in verse 15: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."

Like that time the Pharisees and scribes their worldly, from humans conceived religious rites and orders of worship mingled with the word of God. Is why they were so hard rebuked by Jesus Christ. It is also even today, that the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ by the leaders of the Christian churches is mixed with self-conceived religious rites and arrangements for worship and even with pagan festivals and holidays. They feign to the faithful that this must be so, because Christians must have a different religion as the Jews.

First, only one strain of the twelve tribes of the people of God are from Judah and therefore Jews and secondly, God has given His commandments and laws for all people who believe in him. Especially to its celebrations, he said: "These are the feasts of the Lord ..."

I recommend everyone to study Matthew 23 precisely in order to explore how strong the warnings, who proclaimed Jesus Christ in these verses are.

Jesus told us clearly that many false prophets and false teachers will be in the last days. The last days Began in the time of the first coming of Jesus.

Each who has of the true faith, which also has the assurance of salvation. But the basic requirement is too life a life which is beautiful for God. For all who are saved by grace will lead a godly life with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Amen

(Psalm 46, 1 – 11)

Thinking about knowledge of sin

Knowledge of sin is the fifth point of the signs that genuine faith is neither prove nor disprove.

The knowledge of sin alone may actually not be used as evidence to prove or disprove genuine faith. To recognize the sin does not necessarily means that you regret this, do penance and leave sin. A nice example gives us the Apostle Luke in Acts 24, 25: "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."

Yes, there are people who through the Word of God  know their sin exactly, but they love this bad habit so much that they does not want to leave this sin. It is not so long ago, because such people were taken into church discipline. But today we live dangerous  if we just mention that there is the possibility of church discipline. The poor sinner who says, he wants to leave his sin,  but he can not make it, is cared for and comforted in many parishes,  while even if it was the Apostle Paul personally; everyone who speaks of church discipline and explains if you really and heartily do penance,   you leave also the sin. However any that have the true faith, is the Holy Spirit to the side and helps.

But everyone itself should think about that, and conduct research in the Word of God. It must be remembered that the will of God has eternal validity and you should also know, that a wrong decision leads to the loss of Eternity.

On this subject, the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6, 16: "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?"

The Bible tells us in many places that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is not a carte blanche to remain in sin. If you confess him your sins, they repent from your heart and doing penitence in tears, he will be graciously to you. Or as Jesus himself often emphasizes: "Your sins are forgave, now go and sin no more!"

Remember also, if you have genuine faith, then you will hate sin as God hates sin.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me. Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. Those who seek my life set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they plot deception. I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth; I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips.” For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Many are those who are my vigorous enemies; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil slander me when I pursue what is good. O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior. Amen

(Psalm 38,1-22)