Don't Dump On The Banquet Table

There are scriptures in the Holy Bible which tell us of a Heavenly Banquet where we will be served by Christ Jesus, and sup with Him.  Here is one such scripture: “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Luke:12:37

I was a part of a ‘Christian’ social group called 'Truth Under Fire'.  I appreciated much of what they said, and were attempting to do.  The creator of the group was a sincere man, as was most of the participants it seemed to me.  Yet, the group creator, and members, began posting political, and condemning entire swaths of people that didn't fall in with their particular political party and position.  They felt proven right by a distortion of religious means and philosophy.  I attempted to bring the group focus back to Christ Jesus, and His Kingdom.  If one is a Christian their Kingdom is not of this world, and their political involvements in this earthly realm will be born of Heavenly source, resource, and residence.  For the follower of Christ Jesus, our focus and our residence is the Kingdom of Heaven.  God is our King, and there is no other.  He is the merciful and holy Ruler, and His Kingdom is neither Capitalist nor Democratic.  Furthermore, the Child of God can never be too Heavenly minded… we are to be entirely Heavenly minded.

The creator of the group posted a particular political post – an article that was written under the heading, ‘The Whole Truth of God'.  It was simply a base article decrying the sins of a political leader of the opposite political party.  The article was entirely gossip and slander, and declared as ‘God's Truth'.  This cut me to the quick.  This behavior is clearly decried in the Holy Bible.  It is entirely unholy.  The Bible tells us: “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”  Matthew:12:37.

The scriptures warn us against gossip and slander.  This is fresh for me because it is something the Holy Spirit has been correcting me on.  Gossips and slanderers will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:10.  We must take great care in our words, and offer every one – written, or spoken – over to the control of the Holy Spirit.  When I expressed my concerns over the direction this post had taken the group, my concerns and scriptural references were met with only self defense and contempt – even some scoffing.

I cried and prayed before submitting my responses to the group regarding this article.  I did not want to simply react on the offense, and barge ahead with my words.  I asked Jesus, in my prayers, “Why does this article upset me so?”  Immediately I saw a picture in my mind of someone squatted over the Banquet Table of Jesus, and defecating on it – to be crude, as the picture in my mind was meant to be, this person was taking a dump (dumping) on the Banquet Table of Christ Jesus.

When we engage in slander and gossip against those with whom we disagree, or feel threatened by, we are taking a dump on the Banquet Table of Christ Jesus, and we must be warned, this behavior will not be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Most of us would not allow anyone into our house who would insist on dumping so crudely upon our table of friendship and fellowship!  The true Christian believes, and heeds, the words of Christ Jesus – that judgement begins in the house of God!  “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter:4:17.  The Follower of Christ Jesus is instructed to PRAY for their perceived enemy – not malign them to others in gossip and slander under the umbrella of ‘defending God’, or exposing what is false.  Our fight is NOT against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers.  Our prayer should be as Jesus' prayed, “Father forgive them.  They don't know what they're doing”.

I have asked forgiveness of the Father, through the shed blood of Christ Jesus, for the times I have dumped on His Banquet Table.  I offer my words over to the Lord God, daily.  I ask that He put a guard upon my mouth, and the words that I write.  I pray for the lost, and also for those who call their self by Christ's Name.  I am not surprised at the evil in the world, and the world political systems.  I am not surprised that Christians are being martyred in Muslim countries.  I do not fear the Muslim, nor do I hate them.  I do not fear, or despise, the Stranger (Immigrant) among us.  I am a bit surprised at the Christian who is scared, shocked, or indignant, over these.  It is as if they really do not believe what is written in the scriptures of the Holy Bible.

I will conclude with 2 Timothy 3, which I believe describes what we are witnessing today within the House of God, where judgement will begin… “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.   For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.   But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.   But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.   Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The Greatest Love

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."

Years ago I was sitting in an AA meeting, which I used to attend regularly, and I was crying.  I was in the pain of a recent breakup - another one - and lamenting that I just did not know what love is.  I quoted the scripture where Christ Jesus states that "perfect love casts out fear".  I said that I had no clue what that meant, and I truly did not.  During, and following, the meeting there were members of the group offer me words of wisdom, and consolations.  That was the day I determined to find out what love is.

I had been raised in a Christian home, and practiced as a Christian for many years.  I even had real encounters with the Lord God.  I knew the Bible really well, and even still read it regularly.  Yet, at that time I was living in rebellion to God.  There was nothing holy about my existence.  Still, I knew that Christ Jesus was the only true example and manifestation of love that had ever walked the planet.  I determined, that day, to follow Christ Jesus as my path to learn to come to know love.

Following that day, also, I grew very far apart from my Christian roots - and heavily into the Occult.  The scriptures say that the sin of rebellion is as the sin of Witchcraft.  This is truth.  We can see, in many churches today, Occult behaviors and practices - and blindness against such by those deceived.  My rebellion was that of being unable to accept, and bring myself in accord with, the difficult words of God.  I was in rebellion against the idea of eternal hell for those who reject the gift of Christ Jesus.  It even got to the point where I did not believe in hell as a consequence for humans who are in rebellion to God.  I dismissed, and cherry picked from, the scriptures of the Holy Bible.  I challenged its authenticity, and argued against God's Words.  I designed my own belief system, and found a 'Christian' church which would support it - Universalism.

There is a sad scriptural account of the time when many of Jesus' Disciples left Him, and fell away, because they found Jesus' Words too difficult to accept.  John 6:60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve."

As I grew farther away from the Heavenly Father, I still followed Jesus in my expression and understanding of love as demonstrated by Christ Jesus.  He was my focus.  Love became my primary aim.  I went through years of struggles, disappointments in relationships, and a continual practice of working to align myself with the Christ, in love.  I never had much consideration for holiness.  No understanding, really, of holiness.  Love became all, for me.  And, I was so imperfect in the practice.  Yet, opportunities for this practice increased and abounded, as they will for the one sincere in their intent, whatever it may be.  Then, in the painful wake of another relationship going bad, I had a dream.

In this dream I was at a park, I believe, with the love interest of the time  We decided to go on a drive to take care of a matter.  As we were driving there appeared in the sky cloud 'mandalas'.  These clouds were encircling the entire horizon - the earth.  From each opening in the cloud mandalas came a pulsating, brilliant, light.  This light pulsated form the sky to the earth, non stop, as water from a falls.  It was intense.  The guy I was with drove the car directly into the light.  I couldn't' believe what he was doing.

Instantly, upon driving into the light, we were seated in a massive area lined with rows of metal folding chairs.  These chairs were full of humanity seated in the rows of chairs.  I looked behind me and there were people seated as far as the eye could see.  All those seated had entered through the pulsating light.  At the front stood a fit and slender man.  His eyes were blue as the shirt he was wearing, and his look was neither warm, nor cool.  He seemed unaffected emotionally - very even tempered and objective.  His blue shirt was neatly tucked into khaki slacks.  The man's hair was long and blonde and pulled back into a neat pony tail.  He was asking the people in the crowd, individually, a single question.  Depending on their answer, individuals either stayed in their seat, or were zapped away in an instant, by a light, up from the room.  I had no idea where they were zapped away to.

Immediately I was disturbed.  I knew this man up in the front of the room was judging the people based upon their answers.  Instantly I became upset.  Out of concern I put my arm around the guy I was with.  I knew how irreverent and mouthy he could become when he was indignant over something.  He had no belief in, or reverence for, God.  I was worried about what he would do when it came his time to be questioned.  I turned, again, to observe the crowd behind me.  I knew that in the crowd of humanity represented was a Hitler, and a Charles Manson, and all other manner of evil men who had passed to this side through the pulsating lights.  And, I knew of the darkness and ignorance of their Souls that led to the manifestation of their lives.  I knew how very lost each and every one was.  I knew, too, that I chose love for every one, and I would send NO ONE into hell.  I was angry with the judge.  I was afraid of the Judge.

At that moment an old man a few chairs down from us, and to our left, was just answering the Judge's question.  Our turn to be questioned was approaching quickly.  He was a gentle and unafraid old man.  He looked at peace and undisturbed.  He was pleasant in demeanor.  As the old man was finishing up his answer to the Judge's question he looked at me, smiled, and said with a type of assurance, "Ya know, sometimes life just reaches up and punches you right in the nose.  That's OK.  Everything is just opportunity".  And that concluded his answer to the Judge.  The Judge responded to the Old Man, and I heard a gentleness in his voice.  I was a bit surprised, and no longer afraid of the Judge - to look at him.  I looked up and the Judge was looking at me with nearly a hint of a smile.  Instantly I knew what my answer was - no matter what question the Judge asked me.  I knew that my answer was love.  I was going to ask that the Judge to give me the penalty for all those who had been 'zapped', or would be zapped.  Although I did not know what that would mean for me, personally - an eternity of hell, or redemption following the cost - I knew I was willing to be zapped so that every other one of humanity would not have to face the consequences of the ignorance and darkness of their tragic lives.  Upon my love for all of humanity I was going to offer my life and suffer their consequence, as well as mine, even though I was completely blind as to what that meant for me, personally.  I knew that was what love required of me.

That was when I awoke from the dream.  In that moment I understood the heart of Jesus - His love for mankind that prompted His sacrifice for the redemption of mankind - the forgiveness of their sins so they may be restored to relationship with the Creator of all Heaven and Earth.  This is the Gospel of "Peace on Earth, goodwill toward man", sang by the Angels in celebration of Jesus' birth.  Jesus paid the eternal penalty of our ignorance and darkness (sin), because He loves us.  Because the Father God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son to pay our consequence for darkness, ignorance, and sin.  Even still, the majority of mankind chooses, and loves, their darkness over the gift of life in Christ Jesus.  That leaves the sad condition that there is no more sacrifice left for sin for those who reject the sacrifice made for every lost Soul through the King of Kings, the Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.  For those who reject the provision in Christ Jesus for eternity in the Kingdom of God - in eternal fellowship with God - all that is left is the eternal horror of hell.

This blog was prompted by the scripture I read yesterday morning - a scripture that has stayed with me through until today.  I relate to its sentiment, and rejoice when I find words that resonate so personally with me in the Holy Bible.  Romans 9:1 "I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen."

I just say, in response to the sentiment of this scripture, "me too".  I would that all would come to Christ Jesus and be saved from the consequences of sin and death.  The sacrifice has been made, for the sake of love.  There is no more sacrifice left to be made.  If we repent, and ask Jesus to forgive us our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin.  He is not willing that anyone should perish.  Neither am I.  Are we willing not to perish in our sin?  Christ Jesus is the ONLY Way to right relationship to the God of our Creation.

Jesus left us with the story of the Prodigal's Son, revealing the Father's Heart toward us:
Luke 15:11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..."
Luke:23:34(a)

War and Signs

War is upon us, and signs of the end of times according to the ancient scriptures of the Holy Bible.  Fires are destroying important habitats all over the planet.  Flood waters are rising.  Storms are increasing.  Violence, and atrocities against human life, is escalating.  The hubris of man cleaves to the notion we will somehow save ourselves - that we are 'evolving', as a species, and learning lessons from History.  We have immersed ourselves in entertaining distractions, and allowed Hollywood dramas and players to design our truths - our belief systems.  Does this scripture, which I shall now submit, sound reasonable and akin to the times in which we now live?  If so, it would be prudent to repent and turn to Christ Jesus.  "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."
Luke:12:5

Here is some of what Jesus said about the end of times on planet earth:

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Matthew:24:3-51

While it is good to be cognizant of the times, they should not consume our attentions.  Our hope, alone, is in Christ Jesus.  We all shall meet our Maker at the end of our individual times.  The Heavenly Father lets us know that if we turn to Him He will turn to us.  We turn to the Father through Christ Jesus, the Savior.  When we become children of the Living God, through Christ Jesus, Jesus then tells us, "Do not fear... These things will take place..."

Jesus also warns us, after receiving Him and His Words, "Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Matthew:13:18-23

Let us take care then, in our salvation, to keep our focus, attentions, and affections, upon Christ Jesus, His righteousness, and the Kingdom of God - our Eternal Home.  For those who are in Christ Jesus this world, and its governments, are not our home - not our own.  Let us not allow this world to overtake and distract us from our Eternal Home.  Let us not live in self defense and preservation.  Rather, let us surrender our lives, unto death, for the eternal consequence of participation in the life and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."
1 Peter:4:12-19