Commentary: Conspiracy Theories..and is it ok to eat pork?

By Guy C. LaMar

In this commentary, I’d like to address conspiracy theories – and the largest findings in this area are the politically-based forms of conspiracies.Now, for a long time in various churches, I have listened to this person and that person ramble on about this or that conspiracy theory.And often I would find myself amazed and flabbergasted at the focus of “Christians” and how they allow themselves to be drawn into worldly matters which consume them!If we, brethren, let our guard down, our armor down, then we can easily become a victim and become swayed away from the focus on the Kingdom of God and of His righteousness and to worldly matters.I’ve been guilty of it myself. I ALLOWED myself to be a part of these fruitless conversations with worldly people IN CHURCH.Let us always remember – Satan the devil is the god of this world - 2 Corinthians 4:4.And this means that he is the ruler of this worldly system.True Christians are merely strangers in this world – passengers you might say. And we are to have Jesus Christ as our guiding Light – so that others who are in darkness can see this Light of Christ that they may see a way of escape from the darkness of Satan the devil’s world and its churches.Now, it appears to be always the same ol' same ol' – the extreme right-wing propagandists that claim that the government is “out to get them”! And the left-wing propagandists claim that former President Donald Trump had arranged riots and protests, along with creating a “deadly” COVID-19 vaccine, and so on and so on and ….Now, ever-so-often, these propagandas turn out to have some truth to them. But, very few.But, in this world there are certainly a slurry of conspiracy theories to choose from; and they grow exponentially year after year – e.g.
Did LBJ have JFK murdered?
Did Castro have JFK murdered?
Did the mob have JFK murdered?
Was hypnosis used by the government to send out assassins?
Did the US fake the 1969 moon landing?
Did Adolf Hitler fake his death?
Are there faces on Mars?
True Christians should free their minds from such worldly silliness and political things of such.Jesus instructs us – “’ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [such as shelter, food, clothing, and all your needs] shall be added to you. Therefore DO NOT worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble’” – Matthew 6:33-34.God’s living word – the Bible – tells us that God places leaders in power and He can take leaders out of power – to go along with His plan!True Christians should focus on the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God – and allow God’s word to consume their thoughts.And NOT polluting their minds with JUNK – either from the television or the Internet.Brethren, this only makes us more worldly – enslaving us into Satan the devil’s grasp – and less holy – cf. 1 Peter 1:16.Consuming our minds with political garbage will drift us further and further away from Almighty God and His begotten children, and we will find ourselves becoming even more wrapped in worldly matters – to the point where God becomes an afterthought.This makes our peoples idol worshippers.Someone who professes to be a Christian yet is so thoroughly concerned about conspiracy theories and worldly politics are merely busybodies who have lost their Christian compass.“And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not” – 1 Timothy 5:13.Several years ago, I met a couple who was very warm and kind, and they were in tune with the ministry work I was doing until I refused to acknowledge or accept their conspiracy theory belief – the flat earth theory. Sadly, they turned hateful towards me. I was in utter shock and dismay at how fast people can turn against you. And I was even more amazed at how easy some people can fall for some of the most insane and absurd theories.God’s living word is crystal clear!God’s people are NOT to allow such garbage into their minds.God’s people are NOT to pollute their thoughts with such foolishness.God’s people are to guard their minds.God’s people are to allow ONLY what is good and pure (godly) in.“Keep your heart [your mind] with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” – Proverbs 4:23.God’s people should have no time for the JUNK of this world!God’s people are to focus on godly matters – i.e. the Holy Bible and to ‘live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ – cf. Matthew 4:4.Now, I’ve had fellow ministers try and tell me that I need to watch worldly news more. Yet, all the while I can see clearly that they have made worldly affairs more of their focus than godly matters. Sadly, I have been witness to them using worldly news to be their guide for their sermons. They would take a worldly news event or a political position and entwine it to Scripture – forcing it into their political ideologies.They politicize the living word of God!Last year I had some of the most trying of times in Church, with people who were consumed with worldly political affairs along with their own conspiracy theories and bringing it to the forefront of church service.I just couldn’t get across to them that they were going down the wrong path.Sadly, there was a man in the church that basically spit on the very word “grace.” He boastfully proclaimed to all that he was enthralled by worldly news. It has consumed him.Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that those who have the Holy Spirit are able to recognize those who also have the Holy Spirit – along with those who do not.Yes, true Christians are to discern the spirits – to recognize true conversion or not. To see if one truly has God’s Spirit within them or not.We are WARNED, brethren, not to have company with the unfruitful works of darkness.And, we are told to expose them.Now I, personally, have made it a point to stay clear of these types of people – and though I will not drop a name of a misguided person – I will, however, call out bad spirits influenced by Satan the devil!The flesh is weak against Satan the devil.When push comes to shove – Satan the devil is the one to blame.People need to be more careful in how they are and what they allow into their thoughts because it becomes a reflection of what is inside of them.“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” – Philippians 4:8-9.Is it ok to eat pork?God's word talks about people being dull of hearing in Matthew 13:15 and Hebrews 5:11.I have experienced this so many many times that people when offered the SIMPLE truths of God through the Word of God they refuse to listen to accept it.People love to hold on to the ready-made religion. The religion they were born into the ready-made world with.The worldly people, those who are NOT being called at this time, absolutely positively REFUSE to open their ears to the truths of God.Denying its awesome beauty and plan set before us by God Almighty..People had rather go along with their emotional religion than the TRUE religion of Jesus Christ.Of which makes them embrace of the religion of the world under the aegis of Christianity.Which is a lie.Which is a falsehood made up by Satan the Devil.Today at work a debate was brought up about eating pork.I waded through the word of God on the topic, yet this one guy bickered about his defense to stay in sin.I flat out told him, that they are no less guilty of having homosexual sex then by consuming pork.Dwell on this strongly!God the Father never changes.
Jesus Christ never changes.
So says the word.Jesus was the God of the Old testament as John chapter 1 reveals.Homosexuality is not called an abomination in the New Testament but yet everyone knows it is an abomination unto God because it is stated in the Old Testament.In the New testament it says people who are homosexuals and those who do things alike, meaning things that God disapproves with, will NOT be in the Kingdom of God.1 Corinthians 6:9.-10Don't you know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers of themselves as women, nor homosexuals,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.If God says something is an abomination then that means He intensely hates it.So, Why would God change his mind on something that He intensely hated?I had to explain how the law of God is still alive and well.And that this person confused the Levitical priesthood laws in reference to the laws that we are to keep that God put before us.The physical laws that God put before mankind are for the benefit of mankind. They're not grievous.Jesus said in Matthew 5:18, "until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished," emphasizing the enduring nature of God's law.Accomplished, meaning that all would be embracing in the laws of God which will be the case in the coming Kingdom of God.God doesn't change,
Malachi 3:6 I the Lord do not change.Jesus never changes.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.Yet mankind in this modern age of religiosity tries to claim that God found flaw in Himself and wanted to do away with his own rules.They want to say that God said that it's okay to commit what He once called abominations as long as it's not homosexuality because to them that is the one abomination that never goes away as an abomination. Yet, if it's an abomination about eating pork then God did away with it.Do you see how stupid their thinking is on this?That's the same as saying in the Christian world, If people can eat pork then they might as well be homosexuals without any issues with God.Go ahead and sin like crazy.And yet most of these so-called Christians don't realize that the ONLY definition in the Holy Word of God as to what sin is, is the breaking of God's law 1 John 3:4.God is very clear, God does not change. When God makes a rule it's a solid rule. If God hates something He's not going to like it down the road sometime. If He hates it He hates it.Plus Jesus said we are to live by every word of God and the New testament had not been formed when He made that statement.
(Matthew 4:4)God declares eating a pork, which is swine, an abomination.Isaiah 66:17
Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig's flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord.A pig has hoofs but they do NOT chew the cud.Deuteronomy 14:8
And the pig, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch.I tried to explain the filthiness of a pig.The pig was the choice that Jesus sent the demonic spirits into. Because it is the most vile of creatures.The biggest insult a person could call someone in the time of Christ was to be called a swine.The law of God is love.God made the physical laws for mankind out of his love for mankind. That if mankind abided in those laws then they would be close to God.And when mankind embraces those laws by doing them obediently then mankind is showing in return their love for God.But mankind, on the whole, they claims the title of Christian, does not do what the word means.Christian means to follow christ.To emulate the ways of Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ lived in the law of God perfectly. The only person who ever accomplished that.Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow.Jesus told us to strive to be perfect as The Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)It were truly true Christians then we're going to follow the example given to us by Jesus Christ.Jesus did not eat pork, Jesus declared pork an abomination.The pork eating that people do today identify themselves as being servants unto the devil.How so?Because they're doing the will of the Devil!They're doing what the devil wants, NOT what God wants.They're going against God!They're embracing something that God intensely hates!The devil has deceived the whole world.
(Revelation 12:9)The devil is the father of lies.
(John 8:44)Jesus warned that in vain people would worship Him by doing the teachings of mankind. Instead of the teachings of God.
(Matthew 15:9)The thoughts of these worldly religions are based on the deception of the devil.Any religion that claims to be of the Christian religion that okays the consumption of pork is working for the devil and NOT for God.In the Bible where it talks about, eating flesh of animals, in Acts 15 that is talking about idolatry NOT the go-ahead for eating unclean animals.People will claim that the Bible says you can eat any flesh of animal. That's not true!The people of the time of Christ knew NOT to eat things that were unclean. It wasn't considered food to eat swine, mice and such things.Those things were never considered food. So when it says you can eat any food that you like as they interpret Romans chapter 14.People interpret the Bible but the Bible interprets the Bible itself.People knew at that time what was considered food and what wasn't. So for the statement eat anything food-wise it's talking about anything that's considered food by the laws of God.It's through the years from that time of that writing that people have polluted and twisted and perverted the word of God to say it's okay to eat anything you desire. That comes from the Devil!Keep in mind, up until the last words of the Holy bible, swine / pork was and is considered an abomination unto God. Mankind was never meant to eat pork.For those who desire to do so might want to question theirself. Are they pleasing God? Knowing that God said it's an abomination?I suppose they can be like the queers and justify themselves and they're homosexual deviancy.Trying to be a shyster with God won't work.I tried to do what I could to get across to this individual that they're placing themselves in a very dangerous place.And they brought the topic to me. I didn't bring it to them. But as God's word says prove all things, by the word. I attempted to do my part.People don't seem to grasp that God's word is decoded with a little hair and a little there throughout the bible. It's like a puzzle."A little here, a little there, precept upon precept, line upon line" Isaiah 28:10-13.This is God's method for us to teach His Holy Word, where knowledge is imparted gradually and repeatedly, like a child learning.Also we might want to take note that Jesus on the Sabbath preached from the bible. And guess what folks? He was preaching the Old Testament.The Old Testament is a documentation of God's word. Just as the New Testament is.The New Testament complements the Old Testament. The New Testament reinforces the Old Testament.People will hold on to their traditions over the truths of God. This is how the devil wins the people over. Jesus warned of this. (Mark 7:7-13)Of course everyone can make their own excuses and reasonings as to stay in sin.But one has to think hard on it, when one stands before Jesus Christ on judgment Day, they have to ask themselves is the risk worth it?Is the lust of the flesh more important than eternity in the Kingdom of God?Once the truth has been presented to someone and they deny that truth then the guilt is on them.The word of God is clear. That trying to twist and turn a desire to stay in sin so as to give over to the desires of the belly, the lust of taste, equals future destruction.Putting something in your body that God calls an abomination is allowing wicked evil within the body.

Happy New Year?

By Guy C. LaMar

Here are various sources on this so-called New Year.The Encyclopædia Britannica (1998):
“The earliest-known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 BC in Mesopotamia, where in Babylonia the New Year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the spring equinox (mid-March) and in Assyria with the new moon nearest autumn equinox (mid-September).”
The Encyclopædia Americana (1999):
“Among ancient peoples the beginning of the year was determined by one of various events, such as the spring or autumnal equinox or the winter or summer solstice. In Egypt, for example, beginning about 2773 BC, the year began with the heliacal rising of Sirius, which coincided with the start of the flood period of the Nile and came not long after the summer solstice.”
So, the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians (think modern Lebanon) and Persians (think Iranians today) began their new year with the autumn equinox (September 21), while the Greeks, until the 5th century BC, observed their new year with the winter solstice (December 21).The World Book (2001) states –
“Many ancient peoples … performed rituals to do away with the past and purify themselves for the new year. For example, some people put out the fires they were using and starting new ones. …In early times, the ancient Romans gave each other New Year’s gifts of branches from sacred trees. In later years, they gave gold-covered nuts or coins imprinted with pictures of Janus, their god of gates, doors, and new beginnings. JANUARY was named after Janus, who had two faces – one looking forward and the other looking backward.”
The Encyclopedia Britannica (1998):
“By the Roman republican calendar, the year began on March 1st; after 153 BC the official date was January 1st, and this was confirmed by the Julian calendar (46 BC).In early medieval times most of Christian Europe regarded March 25th (Annunciation Day) as the beginning of the year, though for Anglo-Saxon England New Year’s Day was December 25th.”
Now, the Celts (which historically included the Gauls, Celtiberians, Gallaecians, Galatians, Britons, Gaels, and their offshoots) celebrated the new year on November 1, marking the end of summer and the harvest, and the beginning of the cold, dark winter ahead. Truly, a precursor to All Hallows' Eve – better known as Halloween – in which they would build “sacred” bonfires to scare off evil spirits and to honor their sun god.So, since Roman Catholic leaders falsely assumed that our Lord Jesus Christ was born on December 25th, they also erroneously assumed His mother Mary conceived Him on March 25th – nine months before.Days and Customs of All Faiths (1957):
“March 25th is called the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary…It celebrates the occasion when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the young Jewish maiden and announced to her that she was to be the mother of Jesus…Although the Church began very early to commemorate this event, the date itself cannot have been fixed before the date of Christmas was established, which was sometime late in the fourth century. The two dates are dependent on each other, because they must normally have been nine months apart…Then, reaching all the way back, people decided that this was not only the day on which Christ’s earthly life began -- it was the day everything began, the day of Creation itself. From here it was a very short step – an almost unavoidable one – to the idea that March 25th must be the beginning of the year, and from the twelfth century until the calendar reform in 1752, March 25th was New Year’s day”
Brethren and friends, as you should plainly see, the true history of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is smothered and deeply rooted in pagan traditions. It originated in the minds of men.The very first month of God’s sacred calendar is called in His living word, Abib/Nisan. The definition of Abib from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is “head (of grain), already ripe, but still soft – green ears of corn.” Later, the Jews would call this month Nisan – the first month of the Canaanite calendar. God's New Year for 2022 is April 2, 2022 on the Gregorian calendar.God’s New Year for the world begins in the spring, when things are coming alive. Not in the dead of winter, when things are dormant.

Commentary: Does Your Appearance Count?

By Guy C. LaMar

I was once asked, “Why do you dress up in a suit and tie all the time?”Well, first off – I love dressing up in a suit and tie. That is my personal preference.But, where it comes to dressing up in a suit and tie for Church services, the answer is crystal clear:If you are going before a king, queen, or even a president there are regal rules. The do’s and don’ts for meeting with a king, queen, or even a president of a nation. Now, in regards to Queen Elizabeth II - if you should find yourself lucky enough to meet with Her Majesty – according to Lucy Hume, Head of Content of Debrett’s in London, “You would be looking at a dress code like a white tie, which is similar to black-tie that we’d see on the red carpet but the bowtie is white and it has a wing collar for men.” 1You must be top-notch!All men would dress up in a suit and tie.For women she went on to say, “and for that dress code women would be expected usually to wear a long formal evening gown.”Now, righty so – if you are going before the King of the universe – Jesus Christ – then you had better be at your extreme best!So, if people truly have God in their heart and mind, then they are going to be all about HONORING His Majesty as best they can.Yet, with Almighty God, it is not just what you dress up in – cf. 1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 17:10; see also Matt. 7:16-20.It is a matter of dressing in your best that you have to wear when you come into the presence of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! – cf. Matt. 18:20.When I go before God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in Church it is most humbling to me.We are obeying our loving Creators’ command - “’a holy convocation’” Lev. 23:3 – to assemble (if we are able to) with fellow brethren – coming before God the Father and Jesus Christ!To us, that is super huge!Being together at our very best and in our very best clothes shows our great reverence for God.Now, there was a time when I knew this old farmer and he wore to Church services overalls. And the preacher got onto him about the fact that he should wear a suit and tie.Well, that old farmer shut the preacher down quickly. He told the preacher that he had on his very best overalls and that God is not looking at the outward man – but on the inward man. And that old farmer was right.He isn’t required to dress up in that preacher’s style of dress. That old farmer had his own dress and God recognizes anyone for what is on their heart.But, there is a flip side to this coin – if regal rules within our societies say that we must dress up for a king, queen, or even a president of a nation, we had better show even greater honor to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – Masters of the universe – than that king, queen, or president!!Truly this present evil age has become more and more about being disrespectful and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”!Truly this world’s speech has become evermore vulgar in their vernacular – cf. Eph. 4:29.There was a time when the greater majority of our peoples would dress with style.There was a time when the greater majority of our peoples spoke with respect towards each other.There was a time that if a person spoke with vulgarities they would have been deemed, low class. As Cathy Carmode Lim wrote so eloquently in Life And Lims, “We as a society seem to have forgotten what it means to be sensitive to the needs and desires of those around us. It’s all about “me,” what “I” want or think is acceptable, and the heck with everyone else.” 2 There was a time when most people spoke with dignity and class. It spoke volumes as to how others saw them.But, as the apostle Paul instructed Timothy, in these last days our societies have gotten filthier and filthier – and it is getting worse by the moment – cf. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.God’s begotten children should be classy – as our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’” – Matthew 5:13, 16. We are to be above reproach.How a person looks does say a lot about them.Simply put: Christians, keep it classy!

Commentary: Long Life

By Guy C. LaMar

In the Book of Genesis chapter 6, the LORD God says –“ … ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS’” – Genesis 6:3, NKJV throughout.Now what the LORD God is saying here is that beginning from that time forward mankind only had 120 years left to live upon the earth, because the LORD God was going to allow the Great Flood to occur upon the world.So, mankind only had 120 years to live at that time.It does not mean that mankind cannot live past 120 years. According to a Twitter tweet, a 300-year-old Pakistani woman is alive and well!?So, the LORD God’s reference here to 120 years was a countdown until the Great Flood.Now obviously mankind cannot live 1,000 years in the flesh.The oldest patriarch in God’s living word – the Holy Bible – recorded was Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, and he lived 969 years of age; and he died. Patriarch Noah lived 950 years; and he died. Our father Adam lived 930 years; and he died.Now, Methuselah’s grandfather was the pre-Deluge Patriarch Enoch, who ‘walked with God 365 years, and God took him’ – and he eventually died.Methuselah’s son Lamech, the father of Noah, lived 777 years; and he died.These four men all died natural deaths before the Great Flood.Patriarch Noah died a natural death after the Great Flood.Now, why were humans living so long!?There are many theories which abound. One of which is “Perhaps a canopy of water vapor surrounded the earth before the flood, providing the massive volume of water required for a global flood. If so, this continual blanket of clouds could have shielded the earth from the effects of harmful cosmic radiation, creating ideal living conditions and resulting in longer lives.” 1Indeed, the oxygen level in Earth’s present atmosphere is 21%. Earth’s ancient atmospheric oxygen level, according to the analysis of air bubbles trapped in ancient amber, was at one time 35%!Also, they WORKED WITH THEIR HANDS! They certainly were not lazy gluttons, and they were not sitting around living off the government, popping pills, drinking alcohol to excess, smoking funny cigarettes, and eating junk food!They also were not overcrowding their minds with pure junk that is offered in the world!They were physical and active people!Also, the men mentioned, abided in the dietary laws commanded by the LORD God – cf. Leviticus 11. These men lived by the commanded laws of the LORD God.Their focus was on the LORD God.Patriarch Mahalalel (which means “the shining one of El”), lived 895 years; and he died. Seth, a son of Adam, when men began to ‘call on the name of the LORD’ – meaning, they began to include the name of God within their own name, such as Mahalalel – lived 912 years; and he died. Enosh, one of Seth’s sons, lived 905 years; and he died. Cainan, a son of Enosh, lived 910 years; and he died. Patriarch Jared lived 962 years; and he died.After the Great Flood, the life of mankind began to shorten.This was due in part to climate change, environmental change, oxygen levels, diet, along with the way that people began to live as they crowded themselves into cities.Postdiluvians Arphaxad lived 403 years, Salah lived 403 years, Eber lived 430 years, Peleg lived 209 years, Reu lived 207 years, and Serug lived 200 years.Now, lifespans are not based upon how well one may look as one grows in age. Often I hear people say that this person or that person looks so old at 50 or 70 years old. Well, it could be possible that a particular individual actually LIVED and not just existed.That individual actually DID SOMETHING with their life – as in, they made a difference in others’ lives. And, mostly for the betterment of others, not for the detriment of others. The individual “gave” of themselves – to the degree that he/she now has stress-lines upon his/her face.Also, of course, physical abuse of the body can bring upon early death. If a person does not physically take care of themselves they can easily hurt themselves and greatly shorten their life.Make no mistake – if a person truly applies themselves, lives right, applies God’s Way, then they can be assured a much longer and more fulfilling life.Also, if they apply a more positive mindset and stay clear of negative people, then they may indeed live a much longer life.Trusting in man over the LORD God will certainly hinder one’s life!Yet, and it may be true, that a person may pack in their life so much living that by the time they reach 50 or 70 years of age, they have truly lived more than someone who had lived 300 years of age!?King David was like that. He died at the age of 70 (2 Samuel 5:4), and had lived a long and fulfilling life! He truly did more in 70 years than most people do in 300 years!When we place the LORD God as the main focus in our life, we live our life in service to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, we will truly experience a far more fulfilling life. We will know just what fulfillment is all about.The KINGDOM to come to this EARTH will last a THOUSAND YEARS to begin the establishment of the ETERNAL RULE of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ’s Way under the direction of the saints of God.

TRUE CHRISTIANS DON’T NEED TO BE STUFFY CONCERNING CHRISTMAS

By Guy C. LaMar

If you know the true background of the origins of Christmas, then count yourself blessed in knowledge.There are so many professing Christians that get so torn up and out of shape concerning Christmas. They can become absolutely nuts!Also, many people wear their feelings too much on their sleeve. Many want to be a showboater with their emotions. They want to show everyone their disdain and their dislikes for this or that. And, they want others to support their disapproval.To me──that’s a “religious snob.”As good ol Charlie Brown says this time every year, “Good Grief!” We as true Christians should be concentrating on ourselves, and not worrying about how the people of this world perceive things. It’s not necessary to express our opinions just because we do not agree with something.Doing so only brings animosity from others. It is not necessary.Personally, one thing I will say about the Christmas season ── many of the songs are some of the most fantastic praise songs that one could ask for!Such as, “Silent Night” ── with the uplifting and inspiring lyrics –Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure Light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birthAs well as, “The Little Drummer Boy” –‘Come,’ they told me
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A newborn King to see
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
To lay before the King
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum
So, to honor Him
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
When we come
Pum-pum-pum-pum …Both of these are wonderful and magnificent songs to praise and worship our soon-coming King of kings and Lord of lords! I give zero tolerance to even hearing stuffy religiosity types who want to only say negative things about many of the Christmas songs.Yes indeed. The customs of Christmas are pagan in origin ── to the core!However, a great many of the songs that we hear every Christmas season are absolutely wonderful and don’t have anything to do with Christmas. It just so happens that there are people who will associate certain of those songs with Christmas. Mostly, because of what they believe that Christmas is supposed to be about.Surely, the whole concept of “giving gifts” to others would be far more spectacular if it were year-round. To have a “giving” spirit. Which is the Spirit of God. Because LOVE is truly about giving.Our Lord Jesus admonished the scribes and Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. He called them hypocrites!“ …’ These you ought to have done [the paying of tithes of mint and anise and cummin], without leaving the others undone.’”He called them, "’ Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!’”In other words, ’DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF MY LAW’ ── INCLUDING, OF COURSE, LOVE FOR OTHERS!Don’t cry over spilled milk!Stop your bellyaching!Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill!Quite your whining!It’s like the people who are real sticklers about using only Hebrew names for God. For crying out loud ── the majority of those people are not even Jewish!The LORD God (the family of God, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) is intelligent enough to know and understand EVERY LANGUAGE humanity speaks! They are intelligent enough to know who is saying something (in any language) in reference to the glorious family of God. Yet, the majority of mankind just helps themselves to try and limit God.The LORD God created mankind with the ability to create all the different languages around the world! And, certainly, the Lord GOD has His own language. And upon being born into the very family of God upon our resurrection (God willing), we will begin speaking this “pure language” (Zephaniah 3:9), and will receive a new name (cf. Revelation 2:17)!Sadly, it never ceases to amaze me how a great many professing Christians make Christianity so stuffy and complicated. They make Christianity into almost something that you could loathe. They place unbearable yokes and wild restrictions on nearly every aspect to where it makes you unable to be “free.”Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’”– Matthew 11:28-30.There’s an old acronym ── a design principle first noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960 ── “Keep it simple, stupid!” But I say – keep things simple in the simplicity that is in Christ – which is biblical (2 Corinthians 11:3).Quit concerning yourself by trying to change the mindset of others.God the Father does the calling ── not us.We, as true Christians, are to be “ ‘the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill”– Matthew 5:14. Showing others by our good examples, not our good arguments.As a feller on a work site once told me, “You take care of you, and I’ll take care of me.” Another version of this ── “Clean up your own backyard. You tend to your business, and I’ll tend to mine.” And, our Lord Jesus Christ says, "’And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?’” – Matthew 7:3.Truly, expressing negative opinions can distance others from us. It can cause division and alienation.HELPING OTHERS is what we should be about.Those Who Have Not Been CalledAlso: The multitude of our peoples who have not been called to God’s living truth and do not properly understand the true origins of Christmas ── there are a great many of them that have a far better loving spirit towards others than some who do have the proper understanding.Sadly, there are those who do have the proper understanding of the true origin of Christmas that do get haughty and “holier than thou” in their knowledge.And it makes them rather unpleasant to be around.Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, “’ I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47) And if ANYONE hears My words and DOES NOT BELIEVE, I DO NOT JUDGE HIM; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.’” – John 12:46-47.Our Lord Jesus came to ‘preach the gospel to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; and to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD’– cf. Luke 4:17-19.TO BRING LIGHT TO A DARKENED WORLD.If you are obediently disciplined to the living word of God, then you will be obeying the LORD God. And as we are on this journey of understanding the living word of God, we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18.The LORD God tells us concerning the customs of the nations around us –“Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.2) Thus says the LORD:‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. 3) For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. 4) They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.’”- Jeremiah 10:1-4.Certainly, speaking of the ancient Asherah poles of that day. Yet, isn’t it ironic the LORD could just as easily be describing the customs of obtaining and decorating a modern Christmas tree!?NOTE THAT OUR LORD says, “’ DO NOT LEARN THE WAY OF THE GENTILES!’”So, surely, a true Christian who is obeying what the LORD God instructs us in regards to not learning the way of the Gentiles, would not embrace any of the customs of Christmas!If you know and properly understand the true origin of the customs of Christmas, you will celebrate the LORD God ── and not be like the majority of our peoples of this world, and celebrate themselves. And, you will certainly have our Lord Jesus Christ FRONT AND CENTER! You will obey our LORD God!As the apostle Paul wrote ── under divine inspiration ── in the Book of Galatians –“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20.And this is IMPORTANT to note: Our Lord Jesus Christ was the God of the Old Testament! – John 1:1-4.“In THE beginning was the Word [the Logos, the Spokesman – Jesus], and the Word was with God [God the Father], and the Word was God.”In other words, the very word God in Hebrew is Elohim; meaning “Gods” – the word is grammatically plural. It’s as if the word “God” is a surname.“2) He was in THE BEGINNING with God [God the Father]. 3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4) In Him was life [meaning, inherent life], and the life was the light of men. …14) And the Word [the Logos, the Spokesman – Jesus] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”So, the overall majority of the time ── the LORD God of the Old Testament was the God that would “become flesh” – our Lord Jesus of Nazareth. The words of the Old Testament are the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ!The New Testament magnifies the Old Testament!This is a living truth of the Eternal One!ConclusionNot all people are being called at this time to the living truth of God. As the apostle Paul said ── again, under divine inspiration ──“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23) BUT EACH ONE IN HIS OWN ORDER …” – 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23.Those that are not called in their lifetime, will come to be called when they are resurrected. They will be offered eternal salvation.There was one who asked our Lord Jesus, “Lord, are there few who are saved?’” - Luke 13:23. Our Lord Jesus says in the Book of Matthew, “’ For many are called, but FEW are chosen.’”– Matthew 22:14.The apostle Paul wrote, “Even so then, at this PRESENT TIME there is a remnant according to the election of grace. … 7) What then? Israel [speaking of the house of Israel and the house of Judah] has not obtained what it seeks; but THE ELECT have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8) Just as it is written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.’” – Romans 11:5, 7-8.So, brethren, don’t be bitter or judgmental of those people who celebrate Christmas. They don’t know what they don’t know. They are like a newborn child. You aren’t judgmental against a newborn child because they don’t know algebra, or know how to cook a Thanksgiving Day dinner, or even how to drive a car! Again, “EACH ONE IN HIS OWN ORDER!”Also, it could be that their capacity to properly understand isn’t right for this PRESENT TIME to understand!?Again, you do you ──take care of yourself, take care of your dwelling ── that’s what you need to be concerned with.Be ‘a light unto the world’– not an argument unto this world.

Commentary: Women in the Church

By Guy C. LaMar

As we go along in this journey towards the end of this age we are seeing more and more a great weakness within the Church of God.More and more men are failing as leaders, and more and more women are calling the shots in churches.Women are being ALLOWED positions of AUTHORITY over men.Whether in the Church or in the home.It appears that men – as a whole - are or are becoming emasculated.People NEED to stop thinking outside of the structured Church box to give out THEIR OWN worldly input of thoughts of things so as to change what God’s very established living word says.People NEED to get back to the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints and stick to the solid trunk of the tree – God’s living word!No one wants to hurt people’s feelings, but we live in this present evil age of extremely petty and overly sensitive people.Now personally, I’d rather piss off people for defending the living Word of God than make God angry at me because I did not stand up for His word.And, take note: I am very well established in what I believe that I will NOT change one iota to what I stand for!With me, there is NO ROOM for any debates on this subject.It is important to stand against those who wish to twist God’s word to fit their own agenda.Friends, I will NEVER EVER allow a woman to teach in any church meeting that I am over, and nor will I stay in a church meeting where a woman is teaching.Now, I have no issue with a woman giving testimony in praise to Almighty God – but that will be outside of the actual church service – meaning, she will NOT be allowed to speak between the opening prayer and the closing prayer.After the closing prayer – which is officially the end of church service – she may give her testimony.Because a church service is actually during services and begins with the opening prayer of a blessing on the services and the closing prayer – the conclusion of the service.Before and after that it is only fellowship time – a weekly “family reunion” of the brethren in Christ Jesus our Lord.The apostle Paul teaches – inspired by the Holy Spirit of our God -
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12) But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” – 1 Tim. 2:11-12; KJV.“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12) And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man” – 1 Tim. 2:11-12; NKJV.“Let a woman learn in quietness and be submissive in every respect. 12) For I do not permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness” – 1 Tim. 2:11-12; NET.“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12) I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man” - 1 Tim. 2:11-12; NIV.“Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12) But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet” – 1 Tim. 2:11-12; NAS.“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12) For I do not allow a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over men; but she is to keep quiet” – 1 Tim. 2:11-12; Challoner-Rheims, Catholic Version.“Women should listen and learn quietly and humbly. 12) I never let women teach men or lord it over them. Let them be silent in your church meetings” – 1 Tim. 2:11-12; TLB.
He also teaches us in 1st Corinthians –
“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” – 1 Cor. 14:34; NKJV.“Let your women keep silent in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law” – 1 Cor. 14:34; KJV.“ … As in all the congregations of the saints, 34) women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says” – 1 Cor. 14:33, 34; NIV.“Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says” – 1 Cor. 14:34; NAS.“Women should be silent during the church meetings. They are not to take part in the discussion, for they are subordinate to men, as the Scriptures also declare” – 1 Cor. 14:34; TLB.
People need NOT try and pervert the living word of God to fit their own agenda.

The Sabbath

By Guy C. LaMar

According to the Bible, which is the LIVING WORD of God, Jesus and the apostles consistently observed the Sabbath, demonstrating that it was NOT done away with, and in the book of Acts it further shows that early Christians continued to practice Sabbath worship, proving its ongoing observance in the early church.It was during the second and third century that the Roman Catholic Church decided to recruit paganism in order to get more for their membership. So they adopted the sun god worship so as to distance themselves from the Jewish dedication to observing the Sabbath.Jesus shows us the Sabbath's importance even at the end times. By telling us to pray that during the time of the Great tribulation that we should pray that our flight not be on the Sabbath.None of God's laws and commandments will ever be done away with. Heaven and Earth will pass away before God's laws and commandments will.Jesus, the Word made flesh, did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, teaching that not a jot nor tittle would pass from the law until all things were accomplished (Matthew 5:17-18). This steadfast truth remains unyielding: the Sabbath, a day of rest and holiness, is as relevant today as it was when God HIMSELF rested on the seventh day after creation.In the BOOK OF ACTS, the apostles continue to honor the sacred day of the Sabbath, for it was not merely a tradition but a divine ordinance. In Acts 13:14, we see Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue on the Sabbath day, signifying the continued observance of this commandment. Throughout Acts, we witness that despite the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles, the observance of the Sabbath remained a vital part of early Christian life. If the early church had regarded the Sabbath as abolished, why then would they continue to gather on the seventh day to teach and to pray?Even in the END TIMES, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath. In Matthew 24:20, He tells His disciples to pray that their flight from the coming tribulation would not be on the Sabbath. This plea from the Savior underlines the enduring significance of this day of rest, even when the world is facing its most tumultuous period. For the Sabbath was never a mere ritual, but a sign between The ETERNAL and His people, a day set apart for rest, reflection, and renewal, pointing ultimately to the rest that we will find in Christ.None of God's laws and commandments will ever be done away with, as it is written in Matthew 5:18—"For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." These words of Jesus are a solemn reminder that the laws of God, including the command to observe the Sabbath, are eternal. They transcend time and culture, unchanging in their purpose and relevance. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but His Word remains forever. And as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:31, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."In this age of confusion and compromise, it is crucial that we, as followers of Christ, return to the foundational principles of God's Word. The Sabbath is not merely a day on the calendar—it is a sign of God's sanctifying presence and a means of aligning our hearts with His will. It is a day to cease from the hustle of the world, to lay aside our labors, and to commune with the Creator who gives us rest.When we dishonor the Sabbath, we not only ignore a commandment but we miss out on the spiritual nourishment that God has graciously provided. The Sabbath is a gift, a time to reflect on His creation, His redemptive work, and His promise of rest in Christ. It is a day set aside to renew our spirits and draw closer to Him, for in the Sabbath we find a shadow of the ultimate rest that is ours through Jesus Christ.So let us not be swayed by the traditions of men or the influences of a world that seeks to erase the distinctions of God's commandments. Let us return to the simplicity and power of the Sabbath, for it is a day that points us to the heart of The ETERNAL'S plan, a plan that will never be abolished or undone.As the Psalmist declares: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8). Let us remember, then, the beauty of the Sabbath, and let it be a beacon of light in a dark and weary world, pointing us to the rest that we can only find in the ETERNAL and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.The LIVING WORD of God stands firm, unwavering through the ages, and the Sabbath stands as a testament to His holiness and His love for His people. It is a day to rejoice, to rest, and to reflect on the goodness of our God, who made us for His glory and who calls us to a life of holiness, rest, and worship. The Sabbath will endure, for it is God's command, His gift, His sign, and His promise, that Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but His Word will never fail.

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