A Better Understanding (Vol. 1): Volume I

By G. Ancel Killion

SUMMARY OF WRITINGS

All writings herein are resulting from an extensive search of the entire bible to determine if all things being taught about the Christian belief are factual. Along with considering those things being taught I have also considered the Bible is not in good order as far as prophesies are concerned. Many things God gave his writers of the scriptures were not of benefit for them at that time, but were intended for those living in the end times. In order to correctly determine the destination of the inhabitants of the earth as God has planned, I know it to be a fact that every prophesy has a fulfillment, and presented in these writings is what I have found that I believe to be those fulfillments. Many things that are found in the Old Testament are written as if they had already occurred, so this must be considered when reading those scriptures of prophesy. This is just another reason why some prophesies may seem to be out of order. In reading my findings most people of the Christian belief will come to realize they are in difference in their belief with what I have found. The churches claiming to be of the Christian belief have many different ideas about this belief, and by knowing about those different ideas that churches teach, I was determined to prove or disprove what I believe some of which to be misguided ideas. Those churches that maintain the idea that by the Bible being presented as New and Old Testament in dividing it, determining the Old Testament as history only, are making a grave mistake. In truth much of the Old Testament portion of the Bible contains prophesy yet to come about. This includes the very first prophesy of the Bible found at Genesis 3:15 which is only partially fulfilled, and contains Gods promise of eventually removing Satan from power. I have determined that God is allowing the earths population time to come to the realization only He can provide for what man needs to maintain a happy and enjoyable life on the earth. Had He not allowed this time that has passed since the failure of our original parents, those living today would not have had the potential for life. He did not create man to live on this planet without needing His direction. The great thing one must come to realize is the fact that God has plans for the earth to return it to what he intended from the very beginning of his putting man on it. He put man in the Garden of Eden for the purpose of populating the earth with his fleshly beings in which he created in his own image. He did not create the earth for it to then become non existent. Of those that find things that I have put in writing that do not agree, I ask that they at least study the scriptures provided to decide if what they have been taught might be in error. A great amount of mans doctrines have been incorporated many years ago in their teaching that leads those astray that truly want Bible truth. Those that use discernment will know those false teachings are leading them in the wrong direction. There truly are many mysteries contained in the Bible that can easily be misunderstood. Even those chosen by Christ that served with him while he was on the earth to help with his teaching did not totally understand the destination of the earth until they were told in private what to expect. Most of the false teachings that are found in the Christian belief today were initiated in the very first century after the death of those personally taught by Jesus Christ. In order to maintain those false doctrines being taught in the churches today, many scriptures that prove them in error must be omitted from the Bible in order to present those false beliefs. The greatest hindrance of these false teachings is to those that consider the Old Testament as history only. To those that refuse to accept the Old Testament as containing prophesy yet to be fulfilled might as well forget about reading any further. These will never come to a good understanding of the B

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 25, 2010
• ISBN: 9781462825479

G. Ancel Killion

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A Better Understanding

VOLUME I

G. ANCEL KILLION

Copyright © 2010 by G. Ancel Killion.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

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Cover Reference

Isaiah 2:2 And it must occur in the final part of the days [that] the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream.

We are fast approaching God’s kingdom coming to the earth, and all the existing kingdoms will be removed and be replaced with one world government ruling from heaven. The mountain in this scripture represents God’s coming kingdom. To be above the other mountains simply means all other kingdoms will be replaced by God’s coming kingdom. Soon the world will see the power of God as he directs his son to remove all existing powers, and establish a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. Just as the cover depicts, to it all the nations must stream.

Introduction

These writings are as a result of my search of the scriptures and learning what I believe to be Bible truth. The scripture found in Daniel tells us the time will come when Bible truth would be made clear to many. We are now in that time, and many have truly roved about in the scriptures and finally get the abundant knowledge that was promised by Jehovah. I do not claim to be an expert writer, but this is my attempt to put in order the things that have long been hidden, which have now come to light.

Daniel 12:4 And as for you, O Daniel, make secret the words and seal up the book, until the time of [the] end. Many will rove about, and the [true] knowledge will become abundant.

What was Daniel told to make secret? Take a look at what was written in the scriptures just prior to being told to make secret the words.

Daniel 12:1-3 "And during that time Mi´cha·el will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of your people. And there will certainly occur a time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time. And during that time your people will escape, every one who is found written down in the book. 2And there will be many of those asleep in the ground of dust who will wake up, these to indefinitely lasting life and those to reproaches [and] to indefinitely lasting abhorrence. 3 And the ones having insight will shine like the brightness of the expanse; and those who are bringing the many to righteousness, like the stars to time indefinite, even forever.

Clearly, Daniel was writing about what is to happen in these last days. We are in those last days, and we are fast approaching what was prophesied for those living at that time. Many refuse to accept that the great prince Michael is in fact referring to our savior Jesus Christ. It should not be that difficult, because who besides Jesus is standing in behalf of all of us? Another thing said in these scriptures is we would be in a time of distress, and we are in that time now. Also, there is a promise that there will be those that survive this difficult time. Then it clearly tells of the coming event of those who have been in their graves to be resurrected. Some that have been accepted for heavenly life will be taken to heaven to serve with Jesus during the judgment time, and then millions will be brought back to earth to undergo a time of judgment. Then we see the scriptures telling of those that will refuse to accept what has now come to light, and these will lose the opportunity for achieving everlasting life. Clearly, the scriptures are also telling of those with insight at that time will be bringing many to righteousness and everlasting life. Daniel made it clear in other scriptures this would come about at the time of the end (Daniel 8:17, 12:9). Many other scriptures make it clear all this knowledge would come to light in the last days (Psalms 97:11; Isa. 11:9, 58:10; Rev. 22:17). The following information contains many different Bible subjects. Everything written in this collection of Bible subjects is made clear with scriptures that support what is being said. Hopefully, the one reading this will find information in these writings that will help clear up misunderstandings of the scriptures. Most of the scriptures in these writings have been taken from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. I feel this is one of the clearer translations of the scrolls that make up the Bible.

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FIRST PROPHECY

Have you taken note of the very first thing prophesied in the Bible? If so, do you understand what is meant by this first prophecy? Did you know it has both history and still future things found in this first prophecy that God said would come about?

Genesis 3:15 And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.

This first prophecy found in the Bible is coming directly from Jehovah God and is directed to the angel that has gone bad, Satan. This scripture has a great deal to say and has an effect on all mankind. The Bible as we know it resulted because of the act of the disobedience Adam and Eve committed in the Garden of Eden. By good discernment, one can come to realize that Jesus is being referred to in this scripture and will be the one to destroy Satan. All authority over heaven and earth will be given to God’s only begotten Son [Matthew 28:18] Many scriptures referenced support the conclusion shown below.

And I

Obviously, this scripture is coming from Jehovah himself with a promise of vengeance.

Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who are anxious at heart: Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! YOUR own God will come with vengeance itself, God even with a repayment. He himself will come and save YOU people.

Isaiah 43:11 I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior."

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of [the] living God.

shall put enmity

Here, clearly, Jehovah is saying he will put hatred in the mind of Satan and in the mind of someone that will carry out his punishment for this angel that went bad.

Genesis 22:17 I shall surely bless you and I shall surely multiply your seed like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand that are on the seashore; and your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies.

James 4:4 Adulteresses, do YOU not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.

Jude 9 But when Mi´chael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: May Jehovah rebuke you.

Revelation 12:7-8 And war broke out in heaven: Mi´chael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battle 8 but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven.

The dragon in this next scripture is Satan, and the woman is God’s heavenly organization headed by Jesus Christ, and the remaining ones of her seed represent those chosen ones still on earth at the time of the conclusion of this system of things.

Revelation 12:17 And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.

between you

No doubt, here Jehovah is talking to Satan.

Ezekiel 28:14 You are the anointed cherub that is covering, and I have set you. On the holy mountain of God you proved to be. In the midst of fiery stones you walked about. 15 You were faultless in your ways from the day of your being created until unrighteousness was found in you.

Revelation 12:7 And war broke out in heaven: Mi´chael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled

and the woman

The woman here represents God’s heavenly organization.

Isaiah 54:5 "For your Grand Maker is your husbandly owner, Jehovah of armies being his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Repurchaser. The God of the whole earth he will be called.

Galatians 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

Revelation 12:1 And a great sign was seen in heaven, a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon was beneath her feet, and on her head was a crown of twelve stars

and between your seed

Meaning, Satan and all those that choose to follow him.

Matthew 23:33 "Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are YOU to flee from the judgment of Gehen´na?

John 8:44 YOU are from YOUR father the Devil, and YOU wish to do the desires of YOUR father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie].

1 John 3:10 The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother.

and her seed

Meaning, all those that choose to follow Jehovah and his trueness.

Genesis 22:18 And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves due to the fact that you have listened to my voice.’"

Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shi´loh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong.

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. It says, not: And to seeds, as in the case of many such, but as in the case of one: And to your seed, who is Christ.

Galatians 3:29 Moreover, if YOU belong to Christ, YOU are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise.

He

Jesus is the one who represents Jehovah and all those that follow him that are looking forward to his kingdom.

John 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to him: Well, then, are you a king? Jesus answered: You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.

will bruise you

Meaning, God has assigned his only begotten Son to remove Satan so as to be unable to influence mankind during the judgment period, and he will eventually give a deathblow to Satan.

Revelation 20:2 And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

in the head

A blow to the head in biblical terms means to kill, so obviously, the torment symbolizes what Satan is experiencing while he is still alive, because he truly will be done away with following the judgment period. While still alive indicates the time is coming when he will truly be dead. Being hurled into the lake of fire symbolizes his death.

Revelation 19:20 And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur.

Revelation 20:10 And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet [already were]; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

and you

Again, this is referring to Satan.

Hebrew 2:14 And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet [already were]; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

will bruise him

Meaning, he will hurt Jesus and even kill him, but it will not prove a permanent death because his Father will resurrect him in the end.

Micah 16:20 "At this time you make cuttings upon yourself, O daughter of an invasion; a siege he has laid against us. With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.

Matthew 27:50 Again Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and yielded up [his] spirit.

Mark 8:31 Also, he started teaching them that the Son of man must undergo many sufferings and be rejected by the older men and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and rise three days later.

in the heel

Obviously, to be wounded in the heel in biblical terms is not a permanent bruising.

Acts 3:15 Whereas YOU killed the Chief Agent of life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which fact we are witnesses.

Philippians 2:8 More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.

It should be obvious that these scriptures tell a story about how God will use his only begotten Son to eventually rid us of the one that caused all the problems we are having even today. Satan will lose out in the end, and that will bring everything back as God intended at the beginning of mankind.

Romans 16:20 For his part, the God who gives peace will crush Satan under YOUR feet shortly. May the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus be with YOU.

Hebrews 2:14 Therefore, since the young children are sharers of blood and flesh, he also similarly partook of the same things, that through his death he might bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, that is, the Devil;

Most so-called Christians do not relate the first prophecy with the destruction of Satan and his followers; but very soon, the first prophecy will be in its final stages, and its completion will be imminent. Those believing all prophecy dealing with God’s only begotten Son has been completed are overlooking many scriptures that prove otherwise. There are many mysteries in the Bible that the reader can easily overlook containing very important things that would help in their understanding. This first prophecy is probably one of the most overlooked prophecies that let us know what is to happen in the end-time with Satan still in control. With good study, one will conclude that this truly is speaking of our savior, and God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and he being the one that will rid the earth of Satan, the devil.

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DOES GOD PUT US ON TRIAL

James 1:13 When under trial, let no one say: I am being tried by God. For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.

Many times, people say they believe God is just testing them when it seems they are under trial. First of all, this could not be true because nothing bad comes from God. He will do nothing to deceive you, so it is impossible for him to put you on trial. Some will say it is God’s will when something bad happens to them, but anything bad that happens is simply not God’s will. I have actually heard people say it was God’s will when they lost a baby, but this is wrongful thinking; because God would never do that. Out of ignorance, they have justified God taking a life, because he needed that person in heaven. It is only ignorance of the Bible that prompts someone to believe this way. On the other hand, Satan is always looking for someone to put to death. The following will answer the question; "does god put us on trial?"

Psalm 37:32 The wicked one is keeping on the watch for the righteous And is seeking to put him to death.

We should never say our God acts unjustly, for it is impossible for him to act in this manner.

Deuteronomy 32:3-6 For I shall declare the name of Jehovah. Do YOU attribute greatness to our God! 4 The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; Righteous and upright is he. 5 They have acted ruinously on their own part; They are not his children, the defect is their own. A generation crooked and twisted! 6 Is it to Jehovah that YOU keep doing this way, O people stupid and not wise? Is he not your Father who has produced you, He who made you and proceeded to give you stability?

Job 34:10 Therefore, YOU men of heart, listen to me. Far be it from the [true] God to act wickedly, And the Almighty to act unjustly!

It is easy to find the powers of Satan, and one good place to look is in the book of Job to see what Satan can do. Satan caused Job to lose everything, including making him very sick. If one feels he is being tested, it would be advisable to consider it is not God, but it is probably Satan that is making you feel you are under a test. God will not put anything in front of you in order to see how you will act, so it is very clear God does not test you. Even Job mistakenly blamed God for his problems, but it was clear that Satan was the one doing him harm. Even though Job was thinking wrongfully, he still gave God the benefit of having that right to do this.

Job 1:18-22 While this other one was yet speaking, still another one came and proceeded to say: "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their brother the firstborn. 19 And, look! there came a great wind from the region of the wilderness, and it went striking the four corners of the house, so that it fell upon the young people and they died. And I got to escape, only I by myself, to tell you." 20 And Job proceeded to get up and rip his sleeveless coat apart and cut the hair off his head and fall to the earth and bow down 21 and say: Naked I came out of my mother’s belly, And naked shall I return there. Jehovah himself has given, and Jehovah himself has taken away. Let the name of Jehovah continue to be blessed. 22 In all this Job did not sin or ascribe anything improper to God.

It is clearly stated in the scriptures that God does not put us on trial, just as he himself cannot be tried by anyone. For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone. This is why it is important to search the scriptures in order to come to true Bible understanding.

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ASTROLOGY

The worship of the stars is not something that occurred only in recent years because the reference to this false worship can also be found in the scriptures. This worship or belief can be found in about every newspaper in the country. Many people follow it religiously every day. This belief is referred to in the Bible as the army of the heavens. (In some Bibles, all the host of heaven) Scriptures show that people would go upon their rooftops to worship the stars. The scriptures make clear the belief in astrology will not be tolerated by God.

Deuteronomy 4:19 and that you may not raise your eyes to the heavens and indeed see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the army of the heavens, and actually get seduced and bow down to them and serve them, which Jehovah your God has apportioned to all the peoples under the whole heavens.

The army of the heavens, and altars of worship on the roof-tops must be considered when determining if this belief is proper.

Deuteronomy 17:2-5 "In case there should be found in your midst in one of your cities that Jehovah your God is giving you a man or a woman who should practice what is bad in the eyes of Jehovah your God so as to overstep his covenant, 3 and he should go and worship other gods and bow down to them or to the sun or the moon or all the army of the heavens, a thing that I have not commanded, 4 and it has been told you and you have heard it and have searched thoroughly, and, look! the thing is established as the truth, this detestable thing has been done in Israel! 5 you must also bring that man or that woman who has done this bad thing out to your gates, yes, the man or the woman, and you must stone such one with stones, and such one must die. (Please also see 2 Kings 17:16-17; 2 Kings 23:12; Jeremiah 8:2; Jeremiah 19:13, 32:29; Zephaniah 1:5, and; Acts 7:42.)

The Bible makes it very clear that those that worship any of God’s creations are not acceptable.

Exodus 20:3-4 You must not have any other gods against my face. 4 "You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. (Also see Isaiah 47:12-13 and; 2 Kings 23:5.)

Many Bibles label these worshippers as astrologers (some Bibles call them wise men from the east) as they do not worship God, but practice the reading of the planets as their gods by their belief in astrology.

Daniel 2:27 Daniel was answering before the king and saying: "The secret that the king himself is asking, the wise men, the conjurers, the magic-practicing priests [and] the astrologers themselves are unable to show to the king.

Daniel 4:7 Daniel was answering before the king and saying: "The secret that the king himself is asking, the wise men, the conjurers, the magic-practicing priests [and] the astrologers themselves are unable to show to the king. (Kindly see Matthew 2:1-2, 7-9.)

The worship of anyone or anything is forbidden by our God Jehovah, and according to the scriptures, there is no other god.

Jeremiah 7:18 The sons are picking up sticks of wood, and the fathers are lighting the fire, and the wives are kneading flour dough in order to make sacrificial cakes to the ‘queen of the heavens’; and there is a pouring out of drink offerings to other gods for the purpose of offending me. (Also see Jeremiah 44:17, 19.)

In order to stay in good relations with God, it is advisable to keep clear of anything that relates to astrology. To consider one’s horoscope as guidance for our lives is something that we should realize is not in our best interest as it can rouse God’s fury. If you believe your astrological sign has an influence in your life, it would be advisable to change your belief in that area. Even though you may not feel you are worshipping the stars, would it not be best to keep clear of anything that is not good in God’s eyes? There are those that can predict the future of others, but this also is forbidden by God.

Leviticus 19:31 "‘Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them. I am Jehovah YOUR God. (Please also see Deuteronomy; 18:11; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14; and Isaiah 19:3.)

It should be very clear that astrology is something that should not be a part of our lives in any way because it is something God totally rejects.

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CELEBRATE CHRIST’S DEATH

Christ our savior was sacrificed on the same day of the year that those under the Mosaic Law celebrated their Passover. This scripture clears the way of no longer being required to celebrate their ancestors having been passed over and not having lost their firstborn. The scripture also tells us a celebration shall be continued on this day, but for a different reason. We shall instead celebrate the sacrifice of our savior, Jesus Christ. Clearly, according to what is said here, the reason for the celebrating on this day was changed. This was and still should be celebrated once a year on the date of Nisan 14. Nisan is the first month of the Jewish lunar year and begins with the visible new moon nearest the spring equinox. The commandment found in these scriptures clearly says to discontinue the celebration of the Jewish Passover and replace it with the new celebration representing Christ’s sacrifice. This is the only celebration that is found in the Bible relating to our savior Jesus Christ and not his birth, which is celebrated in error as well as celebrating his resurrection, which cannot be found anywhere in the Bible. We must celebrate Christ’s death in remembrance of him (Ref. Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Also, the commandment found in these scriptures clearly says to continue this practice until Christ returns.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Clear away the old leaven, that YOU may be a new lump, according as YOU are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our passover has been sacrificed. 8 Consequently let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth.

The idea of not eating bread with leaven represents truth without the contamination of man-made rules and laws that do not represent true laws of God. Even today, many are not teaching Bible truth and, not unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees of long ago, is adding or changing Bible truth to doctrines of men. The warning was given to watch out or beware of this false teaching (Matthew 16:12). Christ was without any sin and spoke nothing but truth about his father and what his father requires of us. We must stop mixing doctrines of men and teach nothing but Bible truth.

Matthew 15:9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’" (Please also see 1 Peter 1:19; Mark 7:6-8; and 1 Timothy 4:1-3.)

If it cannot be found in the Bible, it would be a good idea not to celebrate something that cannot be substantiated. Remember what God had to say about those that were led out of Egypt and were saved by the parting of the sea, when they did an improper celebration following their having been saved.

Exodus 32:7-10 Jehovah now said to Moses: "Go, descend, because your people whom you led up out of the land of Egypt have acted ruinously. 8 They have turned aside in a hurry from the way I have commanded them to go. They have made a molten statue of a calf for themselves and keep bowing down to it and sacrificing to it and saying, ‘This is your God, O Israel, who led you up out of the land of Egypt.’" 9 And Jehovah went on to say to Moses: "I have looked at this people and here it is a stiff-necked people. 10 So now let me be, that my anger may blaze against them and I may exterminate them, and let me make you into a great nation."

This should be fair warning to those that do improper celebrating. If we are celebrating things that relate to God or his Son Jesus Christ that are not found as a commandment of us, we must discontinue that practice. We celebrate many other things that are not favorable to God, and these too we must stop.

Galations 4:9-11 But now that YOU have come to know God, or rather now that YOU have come to be known by God, how is it that YOU are turning back again to the weak and beggarly elementary things and want to slave for them over again? 10 YOU are scrupulously observing days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for YOU, that somehow I have toiled to no purpose respecting YOU.

The celebration of the death of Christ is found in the scriptures and is one that must be done on a yearly basis just as the Passover was done. The only celebration that is required from God is to celebrate Christ’s death, and no other celebration should be done. All one has to do to understand this is to relate any celebration to what was done by those that made the golden calf in honor of God when he brought them out of slavery.

Exodus 32:4 Then he took [the gold] from their hands, and he formed it with a graving tool and proceeded to make it into a molten statue of a calf. And they began to say: This is your God, O Israel, who led you up out of the land of Egypt.

Because of their actions, Moses threw down the tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written.

Exodus 32:19 So it came about that as soon as he got near the camp and could see the calf and the dances, Moses’ anger began to blaze, and he at once threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain.

How much more warning do the Christians of the world need to stop with their improper worshipping? God is probably blazing against those doing worship by celebrating anything other than to celebrate Christ’s death.

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GOD’S NAME

Do you know God’s name, and do you use God’s name? For some reason, most so-called Christians never use God’s name. Some Bibles use his name extensively, but most versions don’t use it much at all. As a matter of fact, many of the latest Bible publications have removed his name entirely. For instance, the latest printing of the King James Version has eliminated it from their pages. In older versions, there were very few places where his name could be found (Gen. 22:14; Ex. 6:3; 17:15; Judges 6:24; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2, 4). Most Christians just use the word God or Lord when they talk about him. Is there anything wrong about just using a title for someone’s name instead of using a proper name that much better identifies him? Yes, there is a great deal wrong with not using God’s name. Consider the following scriptures and find out why we must use his name.

Psalm 9:10 And those knowing your name will trust in you, For you will certainly not leave those looking for you, O Jehovah.

Psalm 33:21 For in him our heart rejoices; For in his holy name we have put our trust.

Psalm 91:14 Because on me he has set his affection, I shall also provide him with escape. I shall protect him because he has come to know my name.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.

Jeremiah 16:21 Therefore here I am causing them to know; at this one time I shall cause them to know my hand and my mightiness, and they will have to know that my name is Jehovah.

Joel 2:32 And it must occur that everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will prove to be the escaped ones, just as Jehovah has said, and in among the survivors, whom Jehovah is calling."

There are many gods, but there is only one true God, and that is Jehovah. Do you have a close relationship with a good friend but do not know that friend’s name? Of course not, and if you talk about that good friend, you always refer to them by their name. It is the same with our God as we want to have a close relationship with him also. We must realize that there are many false gods that people pray to in this world. When you pray, do you want these to think you are praying to their god and not the only true god, Jehovah? Our God knew there would be other gods that people would worship, so he sent words to his prophets on how to deal with this.

Exodus 3:15 Then God said once more to Moses: "This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, ‘Jehovah the God of YOUR forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to YOU.’ This is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation.

Isaiah 12:4 And in that day YOU will certainly say: "Give thanks to Jehovah, YOU people! Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high.

Ezekiel 38:23 And I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’

Malachi 3:16 At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name.

John 17:26 And I have made your name known to them and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them."

Acts 15:14 Sym´eon has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.

It is very obvious that by leaving Jehovah’s name out of the Bible makes it very difficult to separate Jehovah our God from his Son, whom is to Lord over all creation. Read this next scripture very carefully as David is writing that Jehovah is telling David’s Lord something. In this scripture (In the Old Testament), David is considering Jesus, not Jehovah, as his Lord. Obviously, Jehovah is talking to someone other than himself, is he not?

Psalm 110:1 The utterance of Jehovah to my Lord is: Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.

Now see what Jesus himself said about this scripture as recorded in the New Testament.

Matthew 22:41-45 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together Jesus asked them: 42 What do YOU think about the Christ? Whose son is he? They said to him: David’s. 43 He said to them: "How, then, is it that David by inspiration calls him ‘Lord,’ saying, 44 ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet’? 45 If, therefore, David calls him ‘Lord,’ how is he his son?"

Acts 2:34 Actually David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand,

Hebrews 1:13 But with reference to which one of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand, until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet?

Next, consider what Jesus himself said to Satan about his Father, Jehovah God.

Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him: Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’

In this scripture, it is clear that Jesus is not saying that he himself is to be worshipped. Jesus, also in this next scripture, says, not he himself is Jehovah, but that Jehovah is his Father. Jesus here makes it very clear that he and his Father are distinct individuals.

John 8:54 Jesus answered: "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father that glorifies me, he who YOU say is YOUR God;

It is very easy to recognize the fact that Jehovah and Jesus is not the same person as this next scripture shows that Jesus is subject to Jehovah.

Philippians 2:9-11 For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every [other] name, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, 11 and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

It should become very clear as to why the name of our God is being removed from some Bible versions as it accomplishes what they have set out to do, and that is to confuse who Jesus really is. This can be overcome even with those Bibles that have removed his name. See what Jesus says about his relationship with God in the following scripture.

John 17:20 Jesus said to her: "Stop clinging to me. For I have not yet ascended to the Father. But be on your way to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and YOUR Father and to my God and YOUR God.’

Jehovah is the personal name of the only true God. He is the creator and, rightfully, the sovereign ruler of the universe. The translation from the Hebrew tetragrammaton tells us God’s name means "he causes to become." The four Hebrew letters are represented in many languages by the letters JHVH or YHWH. In many writings referencing the Hebrew scriptures of the Old Testament, the Jews referred to the name Jehovah as, the name of excellence, the great name, and the only name. Should we not use the name of Jehovah in our prayers so there is no doubt as to whom we are praying?

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YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE

Is it possible that translators of the Bible could have made a mistake with some of their writing when they were translating from Greek to English? Yes, and most Bibles that are written in English today have a good example of that. This is because of not having good Bible understanding. Another reason is that the Greek language does not have commas in their writings. Consider the usage of a comma in the scripture Luke 23:42, as used in various Bibles saying "you will be with me in paradise."

Most Bibles read like what is found in the Revised Standard, Truly, I say to you today you will be with me in Paradise.

The Riverside New Testament reads, I tell you truly to-day you will be with me in Paradise.

The New Testament by George M. Lamsa reads, Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise.

The Emphasized Bible by Joseph B Rotherham reads, Verily I say unto thee this day: With me shalt thou be in Paradise.

King James Version reads, Verily I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

American Standard Version reads, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

The New World Translation reads, "And he said to him: Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.

This is only a few examples of the various translations that obviously had a different idea as to the meaning of the scripture. As you can see by the many different punctuating, the meaning can be totally changed. There are basically two ideas represented here as to when the occurrence was to come about. One idea is that, because of punctuation, the wrongdoer would be with Jesus that very day; but on the other hand, because of punctuation, the wrongdoer would be with Jesus at a later date. It appears there is some confusion as to when it really is to be. Obviously, because of some misunderstanding in other areas of the Bible, this influenced the translators to punctuate as they did. So which punctuation is correct that determines when the criminal would be with Jesus? This can be answered easily by determining what this paradise is, and also where it is. Since Jesus spent the next three days in hell, it stands to reason that this was not paradise (Acts 2:27, 31). As we know, Jesus was resurrected as a spirit being, and forty days after being resurrected, he returned to heaven (1 Peter 3:18; Acts 1:3). It is easy to see that Jesus at this point had not entered into what is referred to as paradise. Since Jesus had been killed, he at that time was in a death state. Then after three days, he was brought back to life by God (Acts 2:24). Jesus was in Hades (hell), but unlike what many believe it is not a place of torment. Not unlike where others go when they die, it is simply man’s common grave.

Acts 2:27 because you will not leave my soul in Ha´des, neither will you allow your loyal one to see corruption.

The paradise being discussed here obviously is part of God’s kingdom that is to be restored. Jesus made it very clear that the kingdom was not going to be restored at that time.

Acts 1:6-7 When, now, they had assembled, they went asking him: Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? 7 He said to them: "It does not belong to YOU to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction;

Carefully read chapter 12 of Revelation and learn about the still future birth of God’s kingdom. The earth will be a part of that kingdom, and even though the heavens have already been cleansed of all unrighteous elements, the earth still has to have that cleansing done also (Revelation 21:1). This establishes that the wrongdoer is still not enjoying the benefit of being in paradise. This tells us that the punctuation must be positioned so as to reflect a later date. The wrongdoer as well as millions of others are still awaiting the resurrection, as we find this resurrection involves the righteous as well as the unrighteous (Acts 24:15). The mystery of where paradise is can be established by careful study of the scriptures. Paradise is going to be the restored earth as was promised long ago.

Psalm 37:29 The righteous themselves will possess the earth, And they will reside forever upon it.

Proverbs 2:21 For the upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it.

Matthew 5:5 "Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.

There are many scriptures that simply cannot be overlooked and clue us as to where that paradise is going to be.

Isaiah 66:22 For just as the new heavens and the new earth that I am making are standing before me, is the utterance of Jehovah, so the offspring of YOU people and the name of YOU people will keep standing. (Kindly also see Matthew 25:46 and Revelation 21:3-4.)

Even though Jesus is still sitting at the right hand of God, he will not be waiting much longer (Hebrews 10:12-13). Not long from now, the earth will become that promised paradise (Psalm 37:10-11). It is very comforting to read what God is going to do for the earth as he makes all things new (Revelation 21:3-5). Now, it is easy to see that Jesus was telling the wrongdoer that died alongside him that he would see him at a later date and not that very day. It is also easy to see that the paradise Jesus was talking about is going to be right here on the earth. Evidently, even the wrongdoer knew what and where the paradise was to be when he said, Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom (Luke 23:42). So the proper punctuation for the scripture that was quoted by Jesus should read, "Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise."

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SPIRITISM

Clearly, Christians must shun themselves from any form of spiritism because this is something that originates from the demons. The Bible clearly forbids that you get involved with this in any way. One form of spiritism is with fortune-telling, which is condemned by God. The consequences of being involved with it will lead to your destruction.

Isaiah 8:19-20 And in case they should say to YOU people: Apply to the spiritistic mediums or to those having a spirit of prediction who are chirping and making utterances in low tones, is it not to its God that any people should apply? [Should there be application] to dead persons in behalf of living persons? 20 To the law and to the attestation!

Leviticus 19:31 "‘Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them. I am Jehovah YOUR God.

Leviticus 20:6 "‘As for the soul who turns himself to the spirit mediums and the professional foretellers of events so as to have immoral intercourse with them, I shall certainly set my face against that soul and cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 20:27 ‘And as for a man or woman in whom there proves to be a mediumistic spirit or spirit of prediction, they should be put to death without fail. They should pelt them to death with stones. Their own blood is upon them.’

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 There should not be found in you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, 11 or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. 12 For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah, and on account of these detestable things Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you.

Acts 16:16-18 And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain servant girl with a spirit, a demon of divination, met us. She used to furnish her masters with much gain by practicing the art of prediction. 17 This [girl] kept following Paul and us and crying out with the words: These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are publishing to YOU the way of salvation. 18 This she kept doing for many days. Finally Paul got tired of it and turned and said to the spirit: I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour.

Galations 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, 20 idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, 21 envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these. As to these things I am forewarning YOU, the same way as I did forewarn YOU, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.

Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.’

Spiritism is the belief that the spirit part of human beings survives death of the physical body and is believed to communicate with the living and is usually done through a person who serves as a medium. Clearly, all forms of spiritism are strongly condemned in the Bible. There are many scriptures in the Bible that show that it is impossible for the living to communicate with those that have died.

Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. 6 Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they have no portion anymore to time indefinite in anything that has to be done under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in She´ol, the place to which you are going.

The soul is not something that survives the death of the body and with which living humans can communicate.

Ezekiel 18:4 Look! All the souls—to me they belong. As the soul of the father so likewise the soul of the son—to me they belong. The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that is sinning—it itself will die. A son himself will bear nothing because of the error of the father, and a father himself will bear nothing because of the error of the son. Upon his own self the very righteousness of the righteous one will come to be, and upon his own self the very wickedness of a wicked one will come to be.

When it is said, the spirit leaves the body, this is just another way of saying that the life force has ceased to be active.

Psalm 146:4 His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; In that day his thoughts do perish.

The spiritistic practice of talking with the dead is actually a deception that can put people in contact with the demons (angels that became selfish rebels against God) and often leads to a person’s hearing unwanted voices and being harassed by those wicked spirits. You can do yourself great harm by seeking healing or protection through spiritistic means. Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Some resort to spiritistic means to learn what the future holds or to assure oneself of success in some undertaking, but this is not wise.

Isaiah 8:19 And in case they should say to YOU people: Apply to the spiritistic mediums or to those having a spirit of prediction who are chirping and making utterances in low tones, is it not to its God that any people should apply? [Should there be application] to dead persons in behalf of living persons?

Leviticus 19:31 "‘Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them. I am Jehovah YOUR God.

2 Kings 21:6 And he made his own son pass through the fire, and he practiced magic and looked for omens and made spirit mediums and professional foretellers of events. He did on a large scale what was bad in Jehovah’s eyes, to offend him.

Great harm can come to those that engage themselves in games that involve a form of divination. If you are in any way being influenced by spiritism, you must free yourself from that influence by asking help from Jehovah (Proverbs 18:10, Matthew 6:9-13, 1 Corinthians 10:21, Acts 19:19, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:10-18).

It should be very clear that any form of spiritism should not be a part of your life, and if you are delving into anything that appears to have that look, you must clear yourself of it and never go back to it because your life depends on it.

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CONSIDER THE ENTIRE BIBLE

The entire Bible was written for us as a means of acquiring everlasting life. Some only search the New Testament, believing that is all that is required for salvation. Those that limit themselves to that portion will not get the whole picture and understand all of God’s requirements for achieving everlasting life. Notice the scripture found in Romans that clearly says all, and not just some of the scriptures were written for our instruction; this is why we should consider the entire Bible.

Romans 15:4 For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.

Some ministers are actually telling their followers the Old Testament is only history and that even if you commit it all to memory, it will not get you everlasting life. How wrong they are in doing this. They obviously only have a limited understanding of the Bible. The Old Testament is loaded with prophecy that is yet to occur, and is full of examples of how we must live our lives.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, (Please also see 1 Peter 1:10, and 2 Peter 1:19.)

A good example of the need to study the entire Bible can be found in Genesis, and is the very first prophecy found in the Bible. Within this scripture can be found what God has planned for his Son Jesus Christ and the demise of Satan.

Genesis 3:15 And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel."

The Old Testament is loaded with prophecy that tells of things that are yet to happen. It is very easy to see the importance of reading and understanding the entire Bible. The Bible differs from any other book in that God made sure we could read about the failures as well as the successes of those that lived back then. There are many things in the writings of the Bible that require much searching, because many things God gives are in secret, and to uncover those secrets, one must search diligently. Many scriptures tell how important it is to search the Bible for understanding, and one example is found in Ecclesiastes 7:12.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is for a protection [the same as] money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners.

We should never limit ourselves to the writings found in the New Testament, because there are many instructions from God meant for us today in the Old Testament, and many of those writings of the Old Testament were meant for us in these last days.

Daniel 8:17 So he came beside where I was standing, but when he came I got terrified so that I fell upon my face. And he proceeded to say to me: Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of [the] end.

Daniel 12:4 And as for you, O Daniel, make secret the words and seal up the book, until the time of [the] end. Many will rove about, and the [true] knowledge will become abundant.

Daniel 12:9 And he went on to say: "Go, Daniel, because the words are made secret and sealed up until the time of [the] end.

We must consider the entire Bible because our salvation may depend on it.

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THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN

Do you understand what is meant by the unforgivable sin? It could easily be confused and misunderstood as to its true meaning. When the scriptures say, "Whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him," is this clear in your mind as to what it really means? First we must know what is meant by the holy spirit. The holy spirit is God’s active force. One place the active force is working is in those that are spreading Bible truth to others. If you unknowingly speak against the holy spirit, would you be guilty of sinning against the holy spirit? Probably not because there were many spoken of in the Bible that could have been said to have sinned against the holy spirit, but did not suffer its penalty of death. Take for instance Saul, who later became Paul, who actually searched out Christians to have them killed. Evidently, God saw something in him that prompted him to make a change in Saul to use him in the preaching work. So, this is one example of how one would not fall under the idea of not being forgiven, because it is clear that Paul became a very devoted Christian. To sin against the holy spirit, one must have Bible truth, and when one has Bible truth, then sinning against the holy spirit knowingly, would truly be the unforgivable sin.

Matthew 12:31-32 "On this account I say to YOU, Every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. 32 For example, whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come. (Please see Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10.)

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible as regards those who have once for all been enlightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, (Also see Hebrews 6:6, 10:26 and 1 John 5:16.)

Consider the following scriptures as good examples of the workings of God’s holy spirit.

Mark 13:11 But when