No Longer Winking

According to Bible, one can have a doctorates degree in religious education and still be clueless as to scripture's life applications, as knowing about God is quite different from knowing Him.

But natural man receiveth not things of Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14

And, unfortunately, it is human tendency to be lazy toward our own spiritual growth; allowing others to tell us what to believe. However, that isn't necessary. You already know verses. You just need to hear from God as to their application. 2 Tim. 3:14-15

Now, here's an example: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:3

Do we believe that? Do we really believe it? Because if we do, we might also consider this verse paraphrased.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be clergy, or doctrines, or denominations, or religions: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is head of body, church: who is beginning, firstborn from dead; that in all things he might have preeminence.

Col. 1:16-18 (par.)

Notice, Who gets preeminence ~ certainly not a preacher, or doctrine, or denomination, or religion ... or whomever else we give to be our guide.

How's that for a shocker? Ok, so maybe you had figured that out, already. But, do you really realize what this means?

There was a purpose for Communism as there is a purpose for Muslims; just like there is a purpose for Jews, Christians, Catholics, Mormons, etc. ~ which likely began with destruction of tower of Babel and should be a hint that we could actually learn from each other.

Sure, people claiming other faiths have done some pretty horrible things; but, so have some who claimed to be our faith, too. Additionally true, there are also a lot of untruths in other religions. But, news flash, there are a lot of untruths in all religions. Why? Because an abundance of knowledge tends to make one prideful, wherein one's faith is no longer based upon Spiritual discernment.

It took a cross to make peace amidst such diversified faith systems. Col. 1:20-21 And yet, within all faiths continue practice of name calling. We use to call them things like sinner, backslider and hypocrite. But, finally realizing we're guilty of same things, choice of words became more refined terms; like heathen, pagan, and cult.

It is said that Jesus is God while condemning every faith that does not call God 'Jesus'. However, within same faith system, it is rare to never that God's other names are used ... and He was God of Salvation even before New Testament. Ps. 68:20

The bottom line is, when we stand before our Maker, it won't matter what we believed but Who. And praise Lord, Jesus made provision wherein tower to heaven could be rebuilt; only, this time, not so we could be God ~ but so we can 'know' Him.

1 Co. 1:21

So, here goes some "Preaching, for Free"

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

That at name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to glory of God Father. Ph. 2:10-11

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Re. 6:4

For word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of heart. He. 4:12

And when he had opened third seal, I heard third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. Re. 6:5