Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:14-20 – Sower Parable Explained

Mark 4:14-20 – Sower Parable Explained

|| Matthew 13:18-23;[1] Luke 8:11-15

MK4:14 “The Sower sows the Word. MK4:15 Now those by the side of the road where the Word is sown, when they hear Satan arrives instantly and takes away the Word that was sown in their hearts. MK4:16 And in the same way those sown on rocky soil, these are those who when they have heard the Word receive it at first with great joy. MK4:17 But, without any real roots they endure only for a little while, and as soon as trouble or oppression occurs because of the Word, they instantly stumble. MK4:18 Now those that are sown among the thorns, these are those who hear the Word, MK4:19 but the anxieties of this period of time,[2] and the seduction of riches choke the Word,[3] and it becomes unfruitful. MK4:20 Finally, those who are sown in good soil are those who hear the Word and welcome it and also produce fruitage – some thirty, some sixty, and some one-hundred.”

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[1] Matthew 13:18-23: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Anxieties of this period of time: Or, KJV: cares of this world; NEB: worldly cares; GDS: worries of the time; MON: anxieties of life. [1 John 2:15-17]

“15 Do not continue loving the world-order of humanity, nor the things in the world-order of humanity. If anyone ever loves the world-order of humanity then the love of the Father is not in such a person. 16 Because everything in the world-order of humanity – the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the prideful display of possessions of this life – it is not of the Father but it is from the world-order of humanity. 17 For the world-order of humanity is going its way and its desire with it, but the person doing the will of The God will remain throughout that new Age to come.” (1Jo 2:15-17 mhm)

[3] The seduction of riches choke the Word: Or, KJV: the deceitfulness of riches; RIE: lure of; NEB: false glamour of wealth; WMS: deceiving pleasures of being rich. [1 John 2:15-17]

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Preceding

Matthew 13:10-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Why Speak in Parables?

Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:1-9 – Teaching in Parables

Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:10-13 – How Will You Understand?

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Additional reading

1. Seeds, weeds and kingdoms
2. Jesus the Storyteller 2 Interpreting Jesus’ stories
3. The Parable of the Sower

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Related

1. Speaking in Parables
2. Parable of the Sower
3. The Parable of the Sower
4. We Are the Soil
5. What kind of seed are you?
6. What Kind Of Soil Does Your Seed Grow In
7. The Garden of our Heart
8. The Seeds We are Called to Sow
9. Seeds and Me
10. Sunday Sermon: Sowing Discipleship
11. Aim To Pass The Test
12. How Is Your Hearing?
13. Exploring The Parable of the Sower
14. The Parable of the Sower in Modern Day
15. Matthew 13: Jesus, the Greatest Storyteller Speaks in Parables to Bring the Kingdom to Us
16. Overcoming the Thorns
17. Mark 4:18-19
18. What You Can’t Buy
19. Search Me, God

Matthew 16:21-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Think God’s Thoughts

Matthew 16:21-23 – Think God’s Thoughts

|| Mark 8:31-33

MT16:21 Beginning at this moment Jesus Christ[1] started revealing[2] to his disciples that it was a necessity he go to Jerusalem and suffer very much because of the [Jewish] elders, chief priests and scribes – to be killed and raised up the third day.[3] MT16:22 But, Peter confronted Jesus[4] and began giving him a rebuke,[5] saying, “Courage,[6] Master, that will not happen to you!” MT16:23 Now Jesus turned away [from Peter][7] and said: “Get away from me, Satan![8] You are scandalous to me[9] because you are not minding the things of The God[10] but human [thoughts]!”

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[1] Jesus Christ: The full name and title of the Nazarene is rare in the Gospels. Compare Matthew 1:1 {A bible of a genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham}; Matthew 1:18 {But thus was the genesis of Jesus Christ. His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph. Before they came together she was found to be pregnant from the holy Pneuma.}; Mark 1:1; John 1:17; John 17:3. – The Greek is KHRISTOU and means one christened or anointed. A Hebrew bias word would be, Messiah. – The form Jesus Christ occurs 150 times in the Christian Bible, the most often in the Letter to the Romans. The phrase means “Jesus the christened one; or Jesus the Messiah; Jesus the Anointed.”

[2] Started revealing: Or, KJV: shew; RIEU: began to make it clear; WMS: first time clearly taught; TCNT: began to explain; BECK: kept point out. There is now a prophetic drive toward destiny in Jerusalem.

[3] Third day: The first use of “third day” though the strong inference has been made earlier. See notes on Matthew 12:40. In the Gospel of John Jesus the subject early without the disciples understanding it (John 2:20).

[4] Peter confronted Jesus: Or, KJV: Peter took him; RHM: taking him aside; NEB: took him by the arm. Our imaginations are stirred by exactly what happened.

[5] Rebuke: Or, KNX: remonstrating; WMS: chide; NOR: protestingly said; BECK: started to correct him; MON: reprove him. The very thought startles us. Peter has just confessed the Nazarene to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and he feel emboldened to correct Jesus. On the other hand it may tell us more about Jesus: that Peter would even feel he could approach his Lord with words of concern and courage. Surely, Jesus is approachable.

[6] Courage: The Greek is HILEOS. Or, KJV: be it far from thee; RHM: mercy on thee; RSV: God forbid; RIEU: heaven save you; KIT: propitious; WMS: heaven shield you; GDSP: God bless you. We see Peter’s impetuous grasp of his Master at what he has just heard as though he were at once holding him back and at the same time moving him out of range of the others.

[7] Jesus turned away [from Peter]: Or, RIEU: turned his back on him; PME: turned around. He must release himself from Peter’s panicked grasp.

[8] Get away from me, Satan: KJV: get thee behind me, Satan; PME: out of my way; NEB: away with you, Satan; TCNT: get out of my way, you Satan. The words are surely curt and firm. They are not a slip of the tongue, but thought out for Peter has a serious flaw in his character. This will manifest itself later. Jesus has already said this once before at Matthew 4:10. There it was directed to the real Satan in person. Here it is an unwilling instrument whose suggestion resists the will of God. See notes also at Matthew 12:26. Compare Mark 8:33. + Satan: The name means “Resister; Rebel; Apostate.” The name occurs 68 times with the first occurrence at 1 Chronicles 21:1. It occurs most often (17) in the Book of Job.

[9] You are scandalous to me: The Greek is SCANDALON. Or, KJV: offense; ASV: stumbling-block; KNX: a stone in my path; RIEU: a snare in my path; TCNT: hindrance; BECK: tempting me to sin.

[10] You are not minding the things of The God: Or, KJV: though savourest; RHM: not regarding; RSV: not on the side of; WEY: thoughts are not God’s thoughts; GDSP: you do not side with God; MON: no intent on what pleases God; TCNT: you look at things, not as God does. Compare 1 Corinthians 2:16. This could be rendered: You are ignorant of God’s mind but use human thinking.

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Preceding

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:8-11 – A Temptation to Gain World Rule

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Matthew 16 Asking for signs from heaven

Matthew 16 Calvin’s view

Matthew 16 Spurgeon’s view

Matthew 16:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Signs of the Times

Matthew 16:5-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Watch Out for the Leaven of False Teaching

Matthew 16:13-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Building a Hades-Proof Congregation

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Additional reading

1. Did the Inspirator exist
2. Most probable and accurate image of Jesus Christ according British scientists
3. The Christ, the anointed of God

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Charge of Demonism

|| Mark 3:23-30; Luke 11:14-23

MT12:22 Then they approached Jesus with a demonized person[1] – blind and mute – and he cured him, so the speechless man spoke[2] and began seeing. MT12:23 And the crowds were beside themselves[3] and were saying, “Is this person not the Son of David?”[4] MT12:24 But when the Pharisees heard this,[5] they said, “This fellow does not exorcise demons save by Beelzebul,[6] the ruler of the demons.” MT12:25 Realizing their thoughts, Jesus told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be devastated.[7] Every town or house divided against itself will not remain standing. MT12:26 And so if Satan[8] exorcised Satan he was divided against himself. So, how would his kingdom[9] remain standing? MT12:27 And, if I am exorcising demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons[10] exorcise?[11] Therefore, they will be your judges.[12] MT12:28 But, if I exorcise demons by God’s Pneuma,[13] really the Realm of the God has passed you by.[14] MT12:29 Or, how is anyone able to enter a powerful person’s[15] home and grab his [valuable] cups[16] without first binding the powerful person? And only then can his home be pillaged.[17] MT12:30 The person not with me is against me,[18] and the person not assembling with me scatters.[19]

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Jesus Heals a Demon-possessed Boy – 1684 – folio from Walters manuscript W.592,

[1] Demonized person: Or, KJV: possessed with a devil; WEY: demoniac. Compare Matthew 9:32.

[2] Speechless man spoke: We wonder at his first words.

[3] Beside themselves: Or, KJV: the people were amazed; WMS: dumbfounded; PME: wild with excitement.

[4] The Son of David: One of the earliest designations given Jesus (Matthew 1:1). Note, Joseph is also so-called (Matthew 1:20). See footnotes on Matthew 9:27.

[5] Pharisees heard this: The whole incident must drive them wild with hatred: they see the miracle and note the crowd’s reaction. The focus is on the Nazarene and this arouses their jealousy.

[6] Beelzebul: See footnotes on Matthew 10:25. Jesus makes it clear this is a cryptic name for Satan.

[7] Devastated: Or, KJV: brought to desolation; WEY: in which civil war rages; GDSP: destruction; PME: bound to collapse.

[8] Satan: The Jewish clergy have really called Jesus Satan. This is about the worst accusation that can be made against a godly person. It is even beyond “apostate.” See the notes on Matthew 4:10 and 5:22.

[9] His kingdom: Satan has his own kingdom and there are those within the realm of that kingdom. These are those he rules over and who have becomes “sons of the wicked one.” The major characteristic which differentiates the two kingdoms is hatred and love (Matthew 13:38; John 8:44; 1 John 3:10).

[10] Your sons: The rabbis were called “father” and thus their own disciples were their children or sons. Or, NJB: your experts; WEY: your disciples. Compare 1 Kings 20:35; 2 Kings 2:3.

[11] Exorcise: Josephus records a case of casting out demons (Antiquities 8. 2. 5). He also reports the Jewish rabbis used a herb or drug Macherus (Wars of the Jews 7. 6. 3). In the Jewish apocryphal book Tobit there is an example of the exorcism of a maiden with whom a wicked demon was in love (Tobit 6:16; 8:1-4).

[12] They will be your judges: It is possible the “they” are the rabbis own “sons” who will critique their master’s words and actions in this accusation. Or, RIEU: you stand condemned by them; NEB: if this is your argument, they themselves will refute you.

[13] By God’s Pneuma: In Luke 11:19, 20 this is God’s “finger.” Thus, the Pneuma or Spirit is likened to God’s finger, a very small part of all that God is.

[14] Passed you by: Or, KJV: comes unto you; RHM: has come upon you unawares; MOF: reached you already; GDSP: overtaken you; PME: swept over you unawares. As matters develop the Pharisees are in a highly dangerous situation with relation to God and the unforgivable sin: they have called Jesus an apostate and demonized (Matthew 5:22). It is possible, therefore, that their opportunity to become part of the realm of Nazarene profession (the Christian Church) is dim indeed. They may have missed their opportunity (Matthew 23:13, 15, 33).

[15] Powerful person’s: Or, strong man’s. Compare Isaiah 49:24-26.

[16] Grab his [valuable] cups: Or, KJV: spoil his goods; RHM: seize his goods; TCNT: carry of his goods.

[17] Home be pillaged: Or, KJV: spoil his house; MON: rob his house; WMS: make a clean sweep of his house; WEY: ransack his house.

[18] Not with me is against me: Compare Luke 9:50.

[19] Not assembling with me scatters: Or, GDSP: anyone who does not join me in gathering, scatters; BAS: he who does not take part with me in getting people together, is driving them away. The Greek is SYNAGON related to “synagogue.” How does one gather or assemble with Christ?

 

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Preceding

Matthew 12:1-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Something Greater than the Temple

Matthew 12:9-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Is It Lawful to Cure on the Sabbath?

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Related

1. casting out demons and the battle of the wills
2. March 30, 2018: “Possession”
3. SGW, 2-16-18, Luke 11:14-28
4. Fourth Monday in Ordinary Time

Valse profeten en leraren als roofzuchtige wolven in schaapskleren #5 Valse leraren en afvalligen

Geestelijken van de Room Katholieke Kerk die beweren tot de enige ware kerk te behoren

Doorheen de geschiedenis kan men mensen vinden die in het openbaar beweerden dat zij God en Christus kenden maar in werkelijkheid zouden ze zowel God als Christus verloochenen door hun werken (Titus 1:16). Velen zouden ook beweren dat zij deel uit maken van de Universele Kerk of van een Katholische Kerk, welke als de grootste geloofsrichting binnen het christendom, mits hun meerderheid dan ook de ware kerk zou zijn. Velen van die kerkleiders beroepen zich op het Oude (inclusief de Deuterocanonieke boeken) en Nieuwe Testament van de Bijbel maar ook grotendeels op de traditie. dat laatste wordt wel veel over het hoofd gezien. Traditie mag dan wel zeer populair zijn, meestal heeft het weinig bijbels maar veel volks en heidens.

Vulgata Sixtina

Mohammed die de hel bezoekt – Perzisch tapijt 15de eeuw

Het is duidelijk dat kerken die zichzelf al eeuwen christelijk noemen, niet meer dan een façade van het christendom vertegenwoordigen. Doorheen de jaren zijn er meerdere strekkingen gekomen die allemaal mensen willen doen geloven dat zij de enige kerk zijn waardoor mensen ‘in de hemel’ kunnen komen. Of dat laatste wel bijbels zou zijn, het is te zeggen in overeenkomst met Gods Woord zou zijn, gaan echter weinigen na.
De bijbel spreekt wel van een hemelrijk, hemel, een koninkrijk, aarde en zelfs ook van hel, maar weinigen hebben er een idee van wat er in dat Woord van God mee bedoeld wordt of waar er in die Oude Geschriften over die zaken gesproken wordt en in welk verband.

De vele valse leraren die de geschiedenis en de wereld rijk is zijn steeds heel listig te werk gegaan. Eerst en vooral zijn er diegenen die de Woorden van de heilige Schrift helemaal verdraaien en met populaire ideeën de mensen weten te bekoren. Vervolgens zijn er diegenen die net als smokkelaars „heimelijk” hun afvallige ideeën in gemeenten introduceren. En net zoals een vervalser valse documenten echt probeert te laten lijken, gebruiken afvalligen „vervalste woorden” of onjuiste argumenten om hun ideeën waar te laten lijken. Zoals de eersten verdraaien ook zij wat de Bijbel zegt (2 Petr. 2:1, 3, 13; 3:16) om hun „bedrieglijke leringen” te verspreiden .

2 Petrus 2: 1-3: 2 1 Maar er zijn ook valse profeten onder het volk geweest, en zo zullen er ook onder jullie valse leraren zijn.+ Die zullen ongemerkt schadelijke sekten invoeren, en ze zullen zelfs de eigenaar die hen heeft gekocht+ niet erkennen, waardoor ze een snelle vernietiging over zichzelf brengen. 2 Bovendien zullen velen hun schaamteloze gedrag*+ navolgen, en vanwege hen zal er spottend over de weg van de waarheid worden gepraat.+ 3 Ook zullen ze jullie hebzuchtig uitbuiten met misleidende woorden. Maar hun vonnis — lang geleden geveld+ — laat niet op zich wachten* en hun vernietiging zal zeker komen.*+

Door valse leerstellingen kunnen bepaalde mensen anderen zo ver krijgen dat zij de bijbel niet zo zeer als gids of leidraad voor hun leven gaan gebruiken, maar kerkelijke leerstellingen gaan volgen. Zij die tot een geloofsgemeenschap behoren die de bijbel, Gods Woord volgden, maar aangetrokken worden door leringen die hen andere dingen voorschotelen dan in de bijbel staan en waarbij de persoonlijke keuze en verantwoordelijkheid kan afgewenteld worden, zullen als makkelijke prooien verleid kunnen worden, veelal door te zwaaien met cijfers dat zij een grotere groep vormen, waardoor het geloof in de kleine gemeenschap ondermijnd wordt. Zo kunnen de verleiders mensen er toe brengen hun kleine geloofsgemeenschap te verlaten. Door afvallig te worden en door schadelijke leringen te verbreiden wordt de tegenstand tegen God verder voort gezet.

We moeten er bewust van zijn dat de bijbel ons verteld van selecties en dat er geschift zou worden. De apostel Paulus waarschuwde al dat er in zijn tijd reeds bedrieglijke leraren actief waren. De grondoorzaak waardoor ze van de leringen van Jezus Christus waren afgeweken, was volgens hem dat ze geen echte „liefde voor de waarheid” hadden.

2 Thessalonicenzen 2:9-10-12: 9 Maar de aanwezigheid van de wetteloze is het werk van Satan,+ met allerlei krachtige werken, leugenachtige tekenen, wonderen+ 10 en allerlei onrechtvaardig bedrog,+ bedoeld voor degenen die vernietigd worden. Dat verdienen ze, want ze hebben de liefde voor de waarheid niet aanvaard, wat ze had kunnen redden. 11 Daarom laat God ze misleiden door een bedrieglijke invloed, zodat ze de leugen gaan geloven.+ 12 Zo zullen ze allemaal geoordeeld worden omdat ze de waarheid niet geloofden maar plezier hadden in onrechtvaardigheid.

Dikwijls kan men ook in geloofsgemeenschappen mensen vinden die niet echt gelovig zijn. Noch steeds zijn er mensen die goddeloosheid onder de dekmantel van godvruchtige toewijding beoefenen (2Th 2:7). Zij zullen happig zijn om twijfel te zaaien over bepaalde dingen of regelmatig de Bijbelse zaken betwisten. Door hun tegenkantingen zullen zij ook regelmatig verdeeldheid kunnen zaaien alsook verwarring creëren. Door hun wijze van handelen zouden mensen hun ogen moeten open gaan, en zouden zij moeten kunnen inzien dat zij eigenlijk god niet toebehoren maar wel de Satan, of de Tegenstander van God. Er zijn er zelfs die met met allerlei krachtige werken, leugenachtige tekenen, wonderen, mensen kunnen aantrekken en doen geloven dat zij werkers voor en van God zijn. Zo zijn er bepaalde kerkgroeperingen die maar al te graag uitpakken met hun ‘mirakels‘. De wonderen die Jezus verrichte waren voldoende om te bewijzen dat hij een man van God is. Met hun zogenaamde ‘duiveluitdrijvingen‘ en ‘gebedsgenezingen’ trekken zij massa’s mensen aan. Anderen spelen graag in op de gretigheid voor het geld en beloven mensen veel materiële rijkdom als zij ook veel geld geven voor hun kerk. In sommige landen zien wij hierdoor mega kerken ontstaan, waar men zwaait met de dreigstok van eeuwige verdoemenis in hellevuur als men de kerk niet ondersteund en zich niet bekeerd tot hun gemeenschap.

In wezen mogen wij er op aan dat die verleiding ook onderdeel kan zijn van Gods Plan. Namelijk kunnen zulke verleidingen er ook voor zorgen dat diegenen die God niet echt diep in hun hart willen volgen maar eerder op uit zijn voor hun eigen gewin, er af vallen.

Al in het begin van de mensheid kwam de mens in verleiding door zijn eigen verkeerde gedachten. De mens liet zich gaan door zijn gedachten die listig als een slang zijn, zoals het bij Eva was.

2 Korinthiërs 11:3:3 Maar ik ben bang dat, zoals Eva op een sluwe manier door de slang werd verleid,+ jullie denken op de een of andere manier verdorven zou kunnen worden en jullie de oprechtheid en de eerbaarheid* zouden verliezen waar de Christus recht op heeft.+

Eveneens moeten wij er bewust van zijn dat er een tijd zal komen waar men nog meer te keer zal gaan tegen God en Zijn gebod en tegen hen die Jehovah God willen volgen in alle eerlijkheid. Een groot deel van de bevolking zal niet graag zulke predikers horen die de Waarheid verkondigen en zullen niet nalaten hun tegenzin voor hen kenbaar te maken.

2 Timotheüs 4:3, 4: 3 Want er komt een tijd dat ze de gezonde* leer+ niet verdragen maar hun eigen verlangens volgen en leraren om zich heen verzamelen die hun vertellen wat ze graag willen horen.*+ 4 Ze zullen niet meer naar de waarheid luisteren en zullen aandacht besteden aan verzinsels.

Vele mensen verkiezen eerder hun geloof in te vullen zoals zij het wensen en vrij te zijn, terwijl ze van alles in het leven mogen genieten. Zij voelen zich niet bereid enige opoffering te doen voor een geloofsgemeenschap die hen strenge regels voor legt of wenst dat zij zich aan een god zouden gaan onderwerpen die ze helemaal niet kunnen zien of niets menselijks zou hebben. Langs de andere kant trekt een god met menselijke trekjes wel aan, daar zij dan bij die godheid ook zwakheden kunnen ontdekken en wat gelijkheid met hen kunnen vinden. Want graag zouden zij op gelijke voet staan met hun god, maar moet die godheid hen toch dingen kunnen geven die zij nog niet hebben.

Jehovah God kent het hart (1 Samuel 16:7) en toetst het (Spreuken 21:2), ziet of die open staan voor Hem of verhard zijn,  en gaat de motieven na. Hij zal mensen bekijken en beoordelen naar hun gedrag en zal eveneens naar onzuivere personen die onwaarheid verkiezen, „een werking van dwaling” gaan, „zodat zij geloof gaan hechten aan de leugen” en niet aan het goede nieuws omtrent Jezus Christus (2Th 2:9-12).

Spreuken 16:2: 2 Een mens denkt dat al zijn wegen goed* zijn,+ maar Jehovah onderzoekt zijn motieven.*+

Spreuken 24:12: 12 Als je zegt: ‘Maar we wisten er niets van’, zal hij die de harten* onderzoekt het dan niet merken?+Hij die je* in het oog houdt, weet het en zal elk mens vergelden naar zijn daden.+

Jeremia 17:10:10 Ik, Jehovah, doorzoek het hart,+ onderzoek de diepste gedachten,* om iedereen te geven wat hij verdient op basis van zijn gedrag, op basis van de resultaten van zijn daden.+

God houdt ons in het oog en zal naargelang onze acties ons ook beoordelen. Sommigen die zich als geestelijke uitgeven of mensen tot hun geloofsgroep te krijgen zouden daar best dieper over na denken. Als geestelijke en prediker draagt men nog een grotere verantwoordelijkheid dan als leek. Die geestelijken die dan ook dingen doen die indruisen tegen de Wet van God zullen ons dan ook een teken aan de wand moeten zijn. Hen moeten wij zeker niet volgen. Maar indien hun gemeenschap hun wandaden toedekt moet ons dat ook doen nadenken over die waarde van die geloofsgemeenschap.

Huichelarij en valse leringen zijn van alle tijden, maar de ware gelovige moet zoeken om zoveel mogelijk aan Gods kant te staan en hen die Gods Woord verdraaien links laten liggen. een grote meerderheid is zo danig gaan geloven in de leugens van de 4de eeuwse christenen die een overeenkomst hadden gemaakt met Constantijn de Grote, dat het nu wel algemeen goed lijkt te zijn. Toch mogen zij die God echt liefhebben er op aan dat er een tijd van beproeving komt waarbij ook de ware liefhebbers van God duidelijk te voorschijn zullen komen.

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Voorgaande

Valse profeten en leraren als roofzuchtige wolven in schaapskleren #1 Stromen van gelovigen

Valse profeten en leraren als roofzuchtige wolven in schaapskleren #2 Een Zoon als gids en Geschriften als leidraad

Valse profeten en leraren als roofzuchtige wolven in schaapskleren #3 Van een bepaalde wereld zijnde

Valse profeten en leraren als roofzuchtige wolven in schaapskleren #4 Ambitieuze mannen, verdraaide woorden en akkoorden met wereldleiders

Positie en macht

Christenen die het juiste hart hebben om anderen te roepen om naar God te komen

Meerderheid protestantse kerken zit op zwart zaad

De Bijbel als Gids

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Aanverwante lectuur

1. Uitdagende vordering 1 Wiens Woord
2. Bijbelgezegden over God
3. Bordreklame voor God
4. Woord van God
5. Rond de bijbel
6. Bible a guide – Bijbel als gids
7. Gods vergeten Woord 6 Verloren Wetboek 5 Ketters
8. Jezus’ mirakelen voldoende om zijn identiteit te bewijzen
9. De Ekklesia #10 Addendum 1: een moderne theocratie?
10. De Ware Kerk
11. Drie jaren en terugkijkend op meerdere decennia
12. De nacht is ver gevorderd 14 Studie 3 Lessen uit het verleden 3 Hizkia-Sedekia, Jesaja-Jeremia
13. De nacht is ver gevorderd 16 Studie 3 Lessen uit het verleden 5 Aanpakken
14. Gelukkig de mens die niet de raad volgt van wie zonder God leven
15. Hellevuur

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Verder gerelateerde lectuur

1. Hoe kan ‘n liefdevolle GOD mense hel toe stuur?
2. Goddelike Oordele en Tekens van die Tye
3. zelfdoding een raadsel
4. Engouement pour le satanisme et la magie noire : l’Église catholique manque d’exorcistes
5. Scripture for Tuesday, August 29 (8/29)
6. The Devil and Father Amorth (2017) [Exorcism Documentary]
7. Exorcism and Ritual Magic: Why the Relationship’s Important
8. Wicked within: U.S. plunges toward ‘occultism and demons’
9. Put The Devil Behind You (Matthew 16:21–28)
10. With Apocalyptic Disaster Approaching, Is Intercessory Prayer a Christian Ministry?
11. Exorcist director William Friedkin left completely terrified filming a real life exorcism for his new documentary
12. Conditions in the camp worsen
13. The Cross Exalted In Our Souls – The Joy of the Holy Spirit – A spiritual feast day
14. Basics Everyone Should Know About “Hauntings” – #1
15. Wardruna’s Helvegen – Who Shall Sing Me Into the Death-Sleep?
16. Norse Mythology – Neil Gaiman
17. Mythology
18. Mormons are going to hell?

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Man enticed to long for more

From the onset of times the human beings showed the want for more. The woman was enticed by what God asked her not to touch.

Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For the first man and mannin the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, in the middle of the Garden of Eden, looked so attractive because they knew it could give something they had  not yet. They too wanted to have knowledge of good and evil like their Creator had. They longed for having as much knowledge and power as their Divine Maker had. This is their greed, because they had everything what a man needs. Everything was provide for by the Most Highest.

Though the thoughts of the man and mannin, Adam and Eve, was preoccupied with gain. They thought it could well be that God hold something hidden for them, which they too could use. As such they did not trust God and showed how they wanted to come on the same level as Him and that they wanted ore than He had given them.

The giving in to the temptation (the nachash) was bringing them to mutiny, revolting against their Divine Maker.

It is that revolt against the Divine Creator that still bothers mankind today. Today also the preoccupation with material things rather than intellectual or spiritual things brings people further away from God. Having received the knowledge of good and evil each individual should know what is good and what is bad. People who have come to the Christian faith for sure should know that when they are preoccupied with material things, that would be definitely wrong.

We do not say that you as a Christian may not have your own house, a car, a television or hifi set. There is no objection against having material things, but the obsession with acquiring and caring for “stuff” is a dangerous thing for the Christian.

Already in the Garden of Eden God gave a signal that He wants an intense connection with man. Man’s thought should go in the first instance to its Maker. After man got expelled from the Garden of Eden God insisted still to have a pure connection with Him, not giving more attention to material objects or subjects, not having idols placed in a higher ranking than the God above all gods.

Man has to be careful how he treats others and how he gives attention and obligation or glorification to others. Any preoccupation, obsession or fascination with anything other than God, man should know, is something what displeases God. He wants us to love us above all persons and above all things. It is with all our heart that we should give honour to the Most High.

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

Jesus called that love for God the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27). All our passion and prayer and intelligence should go in the first instance to Jehovah God.  When we do that we shall be able to find life.

“”You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”” (Luke 10:28 NIV)

therefore we should be very careful and attentive into what we put our energy and for what we want to strive. It is what is deep in our heart that God knows. He knows what we rally want and wherefore we long.  In our heart should be the choice for God and not for material things.

The Elohim, Jehovah God should be our focus. Our eyes should be directed on Him.  He alone is worthy of our complete attention, love and service. To offer these things to anything, or anyone, else is idolatry.

We should recognise that when we are wanting for other things than those which are important in the Eyes of God, than we fall for the weakness of man.

The end of the Edenic period, Adam and Eve are thrust into a bleak Antediluvian world. Thomas Cole, 1828 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is true, man is caught up in the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things that have entered this world and choke it. But we should know that the material gain the world wants us to believe would make us happy, is just an empty soap bell.

“but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19 NIV)

We should not be fashioned according to this world, but should listen to the words of the sent ones from God, like to Jesus Christ, and follow the examples of them, living in humility and simplicity, always following not our will but the Will of God.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

We must come to see that the word of material wealth proves unfruitful. We are cheating ourselves by thinking that we will be happy or more fulfilled or content if only we had more of whatever it is we are chasing. This is a lie from the father of lies, satan, which every adversary of God still wants us to believe today that we better not believe in God and try to earn as much money as possible in every way we can. Many are using bad ways to gain capital and do not mind what others may think of it or worse what God might think of it. Though for sure God shall take it into account. One day there shall be a moment of judgement for man. Then it will be time to justify for the actions that one has taken.

Those adversaries of God wants us to be chasing after something they know will never satisfy us so we will be kept from pursuing that which is the only thing that can satisfy — God Himself.

Many are blinded by those satans and do not come to see that the financial gain or the material wealth is the mammon, the killer of mankind.

All should know that one cannot serve both God and money.

“”No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”” (Luke 16:13 NIV)

When we put our eyes on that material gain we shall be deceived and disgusted to continually feeling dissatisfied, never feeling contented. We must seek to be content with what we have, and materialism is the exact opposite of that contentment. It causes us to strive for more and more and more, all the while telling us that this will be the answer to all our needs and dreams.

The infallible Word of God sheds light on how human beings best live and unto what they best give attention in their life. That life does not get its satisfaction in the abundance of the things which a person can come to possess.

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”” (Luke 12:15 NIV)

Man’s eyes should be focused on that what is much more important in life than the treasures of this world: the Kingdom of God.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Long before the master teacher Jeshua was born there was a man who had enough material wealth as one of the richest kings of the world. King Solomon had no shortage of anything and had absolutely everything what he desired. Though he also came aware that was not really what brought him happiness.  He declared,

“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV)

Be aware that whoever loves wealth shall never be satisfied with his income. Perhaps it can take a long time before we come to such awareness. In the end, Solomon came to the conclusion that there is one greater thing we do have to bear in mind.

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV)

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Preceding articles

Building up the spirit of the soul

Back from gone #2 Aim of godly people

Matthew 5:38-42 – 5. The Nazarene’s Commentary on Exodus 21:24

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 1 Charity and neighbour love

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 2 Prayer and neighbour love

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 3 Forgiveness and neighbour love

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 4 Treasures’ and neighbour love

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Additional reading

1. God above all gods
2. An openingschapter explaining why things are like they are and why we may have hope for better things
3. Bereshith 2 Man and Woman placed in a Royal Garden
4. Orders for the first human beings and Rebellion against their Maker
5. The figure of Eve
6. Moment of getting knowledge and its consequence
7. Scattered, broken, thwarted reflection of God
8. Sources of evil
9. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #4 The Fall
10. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #5 Temptation, assault and curse
11. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #6 Curse and solution
12. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #8 Looking for the 2nd Adam
13. A Living Faith #4 Effort
14. Faith and trial
15. No good thing will he withhold

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Further reading

1. 1. Living
   2. Need and Want
   3. Livable Wages
   4. Greed
   5. Vanity and Greed
   6. Thingamabobs? I Got Twenty… I Want More!
   7. The Price Of Keep Wanting More.
   8. Greed for money
   9. An irrational reward system
   10. Our Entire Economy Is Based On A Massive LIE That Is Killing People
   11. Our culture is damaging our well-being
   12. Fortune and Fate
   13. Mammon: the god of the modern church
   14. Is what you Want what you Need? -by Jeyran Main
   15. Greed is God: How economics became a religion
   16. How much is enough?
   17. Too Much Stuff (Part 2)
   18. Enough by John C. Bogle
   19. They Deceived Him
   20. A Holy Judgement 
   21. When Does It All End?
   22. Learning to Surrender your anxieties to the Prince of Peace
       That there are people who are convinced they can give more to their family and should not bother about it proves Jack Bennett with his text: No Shame In Wanting More
   23. But that there are some things we can do without and some things we cannot do without, such as a clean conscience and a useful life, may give to ponder you the text:Quotes of Note #9 On Money & Wealth
   24. ‘The power of greed’: Greed is one of Christianity’s seven deadly sins, and it predates capitalism. In our society, who is greedier – the consumer or the capitalist? Are there any positive aspects to greed?
   25. The Price is Wrong: No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Mat 6:24, ESV)
   26. Rich Toward God While they may not be mutually exclusive, if we are honest with ourselves, they frequently are in competition. Pursuing possessions on earth often has a way of cutting into laying up treasures in heaven.
   27. Avoiding covetous distractions
   28. Quick Thought – Monday, July 17, 2017
   29. Jesus Was Out
   30. Four things that kill the fire of God 
   31. Stop The Greed
   32. Starve the beast
   33. Self-discipline: How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy
   34. The Rich Man and Lazarus
   35. Generosity by Johannes Brahms
   36. 2 Kings Chapter 15
   37. No Other Gods
   38. Idols In The Temple, Part One
   39. Why Is God Jealous?
   40. 3 Kinds of Idolatry
   41. Patriotism — self-examination losing out to self-infatuation? “Patriotism is the go-to religion of those who would worship a super-sized version of themselves and seldom quibble to persecute non-believers, foreigners and conscientious objectors. It is a grandiose
   42. Episode 9: Emperor Worship and American Idolatry
   43. Depravity may lie in two extremes
   44. Conversion
   45. Whose God is it anyway?
   46. Modern Romans
   47. Why Make Idols?
   48. Evangelicalism’s Golden Calf
   49. Shabbat Balak: the Holy and the Idolatrous
   50. Weekly Torah Commentary – Mattot-Maasei July 21, 2017
   51. The Problem of American Worship
   52. Whom are you serving?
   53. Verse of the month: July 2017

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