The Rose of Sharon is Jesus

How Can They Be So Blind “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12. Through the Holy Spirit of God we are given discernment, an ability to grasp the meaning of the scriptures. On the other hand, the spirit of this world keeps many people blinded to the truth. Not the blindness associated with normal eyesight mind you, but rather a blindness that affects the ability to see the things of God. Why do so many allow the god of this world to claim dominion over their lives? “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth...” 1 Corinthians 2:13. The Holy Spirit that dwells in every born again believer teaches us the things of God. Without the Spirit of God people are unable to learn much about Him or His ways. We believers can do our best to teach the lost and we should, although it’s not throug

“Tweaking the Scriptures” 7/12/2012   “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16 . The phrase “given by inspiration of God” comes from the Greek word “theopneustos”, which actually means God breathed. The above verse is a great verse to memorize as its truth is sure. Still, we must beware of “Tweaking of Scriptures” which occurs frequently these days. The corruption of God’s word is an ongoing, ever increasing, supernatural satanic attack. Even Bible publishers corrupt God’s truth. They’ve now included gender neutral changes as well as eliminating references to the Trinity.   “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17 . Even Eve did a little “Tweaking of Scriptures”. In the following verse we find Eve adding to the commandment God gave Adam. “But

Repent 7/5/2012   “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15 . Did Jesus tell any of His disciples to go out into the word and get people to repent first as a prerequisite for salvation? No. He was very clear when He spoke of the “one” requirement for salvation. He that believeth… shall be saved…believeth not…damned . Salvation is predicated on our belief in Christ, not on repentance.   In the following verse we find a multitude of people following Jesus   who were very much works orientated when it came to their understanding of how to please God. They questioned Jesus as to what they had to do in the way of works to be accepted by God. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29 . Believe on Him who God sent. “For God so loved the world, that he gav

A Peculiar People 6/28/2012   “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:13-14 . Messiah Jesus has purified and taken unto Himself those who have said yes to Him – a “peculiar” people. The Greek word translated into English as peculiar is “periousios”, which in today’s vernacular means “possession”. So as Jesus purifies unto Himself a “peculiar people” He’s actually taking them as His possession; they are His. In other words we who have been redeemed are God’s possession, His “peculiar people”.   Since God communicates with His children through His word should we consider any portion of His word as insignificant or of having no bearing on the lives of His “peculiar people” today? Certainly not. We learn how to live our lives and interact with others through His Word.