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Angel – (ἄγγελος; מַלְאָךְ)

An angel is a spirit being; however, since the word “angel” actually means “messenger” it can also be used for humans. When it is not translated correctly, the meaning of a passage can be changed by implying it is a spirit being rather than a human messenger, such as with the seven churches in Revelation. Context clearly shows it is the human messenger (pastor) of the assembly being addressed, not an angel (spirit being).

Angels only appear to men in the likeness of men (Daniel 9:21, the man Gabriel). They appear in person, in visions (Daniel 8:15-16), or in dreams (Matthew 1:20, an angel appearing to Joseph in a dream).

John the Baptist is referred to as a messenger in Matthew 11:10, which is a quote of Malachi 3:1.

There are different ranks of angels: Archangel (Michael), who is the single highest-ranking angel (Jude 9), Thrones (Colossians 1:16), Dominions (Ephesians 1:21), Principalities (Ephesians 3:10), and Powers (Ephesians 6:12). Demons are from the lower ranks of the angels (Ephesians 6:12 Principalities and powers. The world powers of darkness and spiritual malignant evil in the heavens). They are angels who followed Lucifer (Satan) in his attempt to put his throne up in the third heaven with God (Isaiah 14:13; Revelation 12:4). Therefore, the word “angel” is not exclusively used to describe this type of spirit being.

For the sake of understanding a passage in Scripture, it is important to distinguish between whether a spirit being is referred to or a human, who both can act as messengers. In addition, Lucifer can also disguise himself as a messenger. Therefore, who the messenger is can also be important to identify.

The laws received by Israel were not from angels, but human messengers (Moses and […]

Angel – (ἄγγελος; מַלְאָךְ)Luther Walker2023-11-25T08:06:37-08:00

Immersion (βάπτισμα)

Baptism – (βάπτισμα; βαπτίζω) Immersion. Baptism means “to immerse”. This immersion permanently impacts the object immersed, such as a garment immersed into dye.

The failure to translate this word was done early in the Church’s history through the Latin use of “Babtismus”, which is defined in English as “washing” or “sprinkling”. Having its root in the false religion of Catholicism, the meaning of the word was masked to justify theological religious practices that are not Scripturally based, such as baptizing a child by sprinkling. The issue with this definition is that the Greek Language has specific words for “washing” and “sprinkling”, showing that baptism has a different meaning.

“Washing” (λούω), involves the cleaning of the entire body. Jesus told the disciples in the upper room once a person is washed, they only need to clean their feet (John 13:10), referring to how a Christian deals with sin. We have been washed and regenerated (born again) by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). This washing is through the Word to those of the Church (Ephesians 5:26) and is referring to a complete washing away of sins.

“Sprinkle” (ῥαντισμός; ῥαντίζω) is used six times in Scripture. It is what was done with the blood of animals for cleansing the earthly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:13), which was a shadow of the real temple in Heaven that was cleansed by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood (Hebrews 12:24). It is also used for Christians who have been sprinkled by the blood of Christ in the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, 1 Peter 1:2, and cleanses our heart from a malignantly evil conscience (Hebrews 10:22).

“Baptism” (βάπτισμα) is not actually a Christian word by origin, it was used in Koine Greek for a garment dyed, a […]

Immersion (βάπτισμα)Luther Walker2023-11-25T17:43:30-08:00

2 Corinthians Compassions and Encouragement

The Father of Compassions, 2 Corinthians 1:3

God is the Father (the source) of Compassions and Encouragement, 2 Corinthians 1:3

Well Spoken of

He speaks well of us concerning spiritual things in the heavens, Ephesians 1:3

According to His great mercy we are born again, 1 Peter 1:3

He is the One who is well spoke of into the ages, Romans 1:25

Compassions – Having pity; Sympathetic sorrow for someone suffering or in distress

It is by the compassion (pity) of God that we are able to present our bodies as living sacrifices to Him, Romans 12:1

As the chosen of God we are to put on compassion (pity), Colossians 3:12

Our Pity needs to be Based upon the Pity God Shows Us

Those who broke the Mosaic Law were shown no pity, Hebrews 10:28

Not permitting Sin Among the Saints

That is not love, 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

Removing those who continue to sin from among the saints, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7

Showing Grace to Those who Turn from Sin, 2 Corinthians 2:6-7

Encouragement – to comfort, encourage, exhort

It is a Gift from the Holy Spirit for the Church, Romans 12:8

Not out from error or uncleanness or deceit, 1 Thessalonians 2:3

Exhorting is important alongside teaching, 1 Timothy 4:13

Discipline from the Lord is for our Encouragement, Hebrews 12:5

There are times when we need to bear with a word of exhortation, Hebrews 13:22

God Encourages Us in Our Tribulation, 2 Corinthians 1:4

Tribulation – a time […]

2 Corinthians Compassions and EncouragementLuther Walker2023-11-25T17:46:20-08:00

The Definition of Love – Seeking to Usurp the Love of God

If with the tongues of men and angels I speak, but do not have love, I become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophecy and I perceive all mysteries and know all things, and I have all faith so that to move a mountain, but do not have love I am nothing. And if I give all my goods and if I give my body in order to be burned, but do not have love, it profits nothing – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

As Christians, we are instructed to love one another as Christ loved us. Our commandment is to love the brethren and when we are loving we will not violate any law. However, there is also a love related to the world system that often gets mixed into the true love we are to show towards those of the Church.

A new commandment I give to you, in order that you should love one another just as I have loved you, in order that also you should love one another – John 13:34

I recently encountered an example of this worldly type of love in a story of a barber that goes down to the local park in his city each week, bringing his own power and supplies, to offer free haircuts to the homeless. Now at first this may seem like a wonderful thing to do. Even perhaps an expression of love. But is it God’s quality of love, or a human love that is seeking to usurp the love of God?

The love of God seeks the best for the one loved. Is offering a benefit to those who refuse to work an expression of God’s love or human […]

The Definition of Love – Seeking to Usurp the Love of GodLuther Walker2023-12-14T08:37:21-08:00

1 John Reader Addition

This translation is intended to give a clear understanding based on the original language, taking into consideration all available manuscripts to reproduce the original letter from John. The original language should always be considered the only authority by which each word, phrase, and all other parts of speech are based upon. Where additional information is needed to better explain the meaning and use of a word, a footnote has been added.
Because the book of 1st John was originally a letter, it has been returned to its original form to reduce confusion to the reader by breaks in the middle of sentences and concepts caused by the addition of chapters and verses. Brackets and paratheses are used for clarification within the text.
1st John was written by the Apostle John in 90 A.D. from Ephesus.

What was from a beginning, what we have heard, what we have discerned with our eyes, what we have watched, and our hands touched concerning the Word of the life. And the life was manifested, and we discerned, and testify, and announce to you, the eternal life that was before the Father and was manifested to us. What we discerned and heard we announce also to you, in order that you also should have fellowship with us. And the fellowship, indeed our fellowship, is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And this we write to you, in order that our joy should be made full. And this is the message that we heard from Him and announce to you, that the God is light and there […]

1 John Reader AdditionLuther Walker2021-10-27T08:59:37-07:00

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