tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.comments2023-03-01T11:09:01.465-06:00Growing in Grace and KnowledgeMotherTarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-89661125048291332992014-07-02T19:39:00.780-05:002014-07-02T19:39:00.780-05:00Hmmm... Interesting insight. Of course I'd ne...Hmmm... Interesting insight. Of course I'd need to go back and examine the Hebrew. But do you mean to say that the signs are marked AFTER they happen? I ask this, because this was a major point I made in the post, because the ones making a big deal over this year's and next year's eclipses claim they foretell an event, and yet the examples they give of such eclipses in the past and tie them to Jewish happenings have all happened AFTER the event, which breaks down their guess of these eclipses FORETELLING an event.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-27166916110189587802014-06-30T17:24:27.182-05:002014-06-30T17:24:27.182-05:00The Father's exact words from Genesis 1:14 &qu...The Father's exact words from Genesis 1:14 "let them serve as signs to MARK sacred times, and days and years..." The key word here is "mark" If you wanted to see how fast you could run from point A to point B, you would time yourself and MARK where you stopped (point B). You would include the entire distance from point A to point B and Mark it as official time (or sacred time). Not agreeing with any sides here just adding some clarification.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03796559830967841417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-56449532814167495442014-06-29T20:33:00.682-05:002014-06-29T20:33:00.682-05:00You have pretty well covered it well Tara. All the...You have pretty well covered it well Tara. All the split-off groups since 1990 from the WCG [Herbert Armstrong] continue to follow this man's teachings and example. They have not yet come to admit they were following a cult leader during his last 20 years of life. They exhibit the Laodicea church attitude of Revelation 3. <br />And they will not put on eye slav so they can really see truth from error. Keith HuntKeithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05392380237034504601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-87401571619507905402014-06-29T13:09:40.926-05:002014-06-29T13:09:40.926-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-52345973010723359612014-06-29T12:52:14.829-05:002014-06-29T12:52:14.829-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-4136927860825177542014-06-29T12:51:53.913-05:002014-06-29T12:51:53.913-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-39722345906798118902014-06-27T20:03:06.053-05:002014-06-27T20:03:06.053-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-44569822977770540012014-06-25T16:44:22.588-05:002014-06-25T16:44:22.588-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-45209095606963453132013-02-06T10:49:15.843-06:002013-02-06T10:49:15.843-06:00Of course this is ridiculous. Father doesn't ...Of course this is ridiculous. Father doesn't want any child to die, true, but the whole reason God made man is to give us free will. He could have easily begot/birthed numerous children just as He did the Firstborn, just straight to spiritual sons. So you say God our Father wouldn't do something so horrible as to put any child in the fire but yet he'd do something so horrible as to put us through this fleshly life full of pain and death rather than just birth us as spirits from the get-go. NO! He did it this way so that we'd have free will, and yes, it's true that some will choose not to be children of God and will not willingly serve the Elder Firstborn, and they will die the second death. Don't ignore the numerous scriptures which teach this. MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-45818112281720893192012-01-25T22:08:43.624-06:002012-01-25T22:08:43.624-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-36413441348184275452011-12-15T10:25:44.627-06:002011-12-15T10:25:44.627-06:00The law is to love the Eternal One our God with al...The law is to love the Eternal One our God with all our hearts, soul, and mind and to love our fellow man as we love ourselves. Under the new covenant, people who are called by Father God can be conceived with his Spirit (Seed/Sperm) and are expected to follow this law of love in spirit. It's further defined by the Ten Commandments, to which many statutes could be written in letter (and many for the time of Moses were written in letter), but rather squash liberties with a bunch of written commands, we are to be led by the Spirit of God. The Ten Commandments--the Law of God--still applies. It's just that we have a better covenant based on heart/mind spiritual attitude rather than on carnal ways. The book of Hebrews goes in depth explaining the differences between the two covenants.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-42531119764217327782011-12-14T21:21:17.858-06:002011-12-14T21:21:17.858-06:00The word law in Rom. 2:13, 5:20,& Gal. 3:19 is...The word law in Rom. 2:13, 5:20,& Gal. 3:19 is confirming the fact that<br />that the law was changed after Jesus' crucifixion as an act of righteousness. See Heb. 7:12 Therefore for the individual who has the faith to obey God by this law he will be declared righteous by God.<br />The question is what is the Way this law must be obeyed or perish.Theodore A. Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10197982266788152081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-46639742221558900222011-11-30T14:56:22.667-06:002011-11-30T14:56:22.667-06:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-15892114921418677732011-11-30T13:46:02.066-06:002011-11-30T13:46:02.066-06:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.hkaluahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445130336567205217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-61861216559691140102011-11-21T18:42:46.241-06:002011-11-21T18:42:46.241-06:00Thank you, and I pray God blesses and strengthens ...Thank you, and I pray God blesses and strengthens you for this new baby and all that entails! I have two of my own, and I know without Him I would not have been able to make it through. I look forward to hearing from you whenever you get time. :)<br /><br />JessicaJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04546877940823554488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-66099214049949451892011-11-21T16:49:31.927-06:002011-11-21T16:49:31.927-06:00I've printed everything and will read through ...I've printed everything and will read through it all soon and eventually get back with you. I hope it will be soon, but I can't make any promises. I'm nearing my pregnancy due date, so I'm about to have a new baby (will hopefully be able to get to this before the baby is born), and being at the end of pregnancy makes things more difficult with the other three children and the keeping of the home, homeschooling, etc. Just want you to know that I got these messages and intend to get back to you.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-42912681614128351232011-11-21T16:33:50.702-06:002011-11-21T16:33:50.702-06:00While Paul gives a TON of instruction to his churc...While Paul gives a TON of instruction to his churches, teaching so much doctrine on practical living and mysteries and such, John writes in his first epistle to the church with such simplicity, that they needed NO MAN to teach them because the anointing they have from God teaches them, His word abiding in them. Jesus said the words He spoke to them while He walked on the earth were "spirit" and "life." John says that the Word is that Eternal Life which was with the Father and was made manifest to those who saw and touched and walked with Him. That they were actually the Father's words, commanded (as Moses said in Deut) by God to be spoken to the people so they would heed them, (every word) and live by them. <br /><br />I myself do not believe the these folks who say Jesus commanded us to follow the Torah. I believe He commanded us to follow Him. That He alone is the Good Shepherd and the Way to life. I believe that He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets when He spoke God's words to us and finished the works of His Father. I believe that Christ Himself is our Law. If we abide in His teaching, found in the gospel accounts, believing and obeying all that He taught, we will ourselves fulfill the requirements of the Law. And when we fail, He is the propitiation for our sins. The Spirit is given to us to do all of this, not by our own strength, or by the flesh, but by the Spirit of God we walk in obedience to Him and know Him. And this is eternal life.<br /><br />At least that's my understanding of things so far. I am always open for God to help me see where I am in error. I don't know what to believe about Paul, but I don't think one needs to read his writings to understand that Jesus brought about a New Covenant. He said that the Law and the Prophets were until John. He is the New Covenant. So I figure if I just spend my time reading the gospels for awhile, and letting that soak in really deep, I think all the other things will fall into their rightful place. Thanks for letting me share with you, Tara. I hope to hear what you feel about these things I've mentioned.<br /><br />JessicaJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04546877940823554488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-7432479336214078172011-11-21T16:32:22.796-06:002011-11-21T16:32:22.796-06:00So if you don't mind, I will start with my str...So if you don't mind, I will start with my struggle with #11. I have always questioned the countless number of denominations that all name the name of Christ, but hold to so many different doctrines. Jesus said that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. All these teachers teach something different because they all interpret the Bible differently, especially Paul's writings. This divides. If we would have followed Jesus teaching, no one would be called "teacher" or "leader" save Jesus alone and all brethren would heed His words spoken in the gospels. He has the words of eternal life. These are recorded in the 4 gospels and I believe the words that came out of His mouth are our Father's words and are fully sufficient for knowing Him in truth. John even says that the Son has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true. The word was made flesh and dwelt among them. This is that Prophet to whom Moses testifies, saying that God would command Him what to say and all should heed His words. My sheep hear MY voice... amen?<br /><br />Now Paul comes along, with this vision of Jesus, never having met Jesus in the flesh. He just sees this bright light who proceeds to give him much doctrine in revelations etc. I am not at all saying this isn't from God, but I want to test ALL things. Shouldn't we test every vision and revelation? Even Paul says, let God be true and every man a liar. So my question is this.. John says that Jesus Christ (Eternal Life, the Word of the Father) has come IN THE FLESH, and by this we can know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. I believe this means that every word which proceeded from Jesus own mouth came of the Father, that we may live thereby. This is the Spirit of truth. Jude says they were to contend for the faith which was ONCE FOR ALL delivered to the saints. Was there really a need for a second appearing of Christ (not in flesh) to teach much doctrine and mysteries never taught to the disciples? Maybe so, but I still want to make sure I'm hearing His voice alone. Jesus tells His own that the Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth and would bring to their remembrance all that He taught them. If Paul met Christ on that road and repented and believed, wouldn't you think he would have gone to the twelve to receive Jesus doctrine? He even prayed "I pray not for these alone (his disciples), but for all who would believe in me through THEIR words." <br /><br />I have to say it is interesting that Paul refers to these revelations he had, and that John also had a Revelation and wrote it down for the 7 churches. The difference though is that John said that it was a revelation of Jesus Christ, which "God gave him to show his servants" and he sent and signified it by his angel to John. So that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Whereas Paul, all alone, heard this voice and received instruction privately, then taught this to the churches. I don't understand why the Lord wouldn't have revealed Himself like He did with John, since He Himself said that He comes in His Father's name, by His authority. Not speaking on His own authority or by His own name. Some say the Jesus who was revealed to Paul spoke by his own authority, not in His Father's name. I won't go so far as to call this one an "angel of light" as they do, but I still question and want to test this against Jesus own words. He says He goes away and sends the Spirit to lead them into all truth. <br /><br />cont...Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04546877940823554488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-30654316584716924792011-11-21T16:29:07.945-06:002011-11-21T16:29:07.945-06:00Thank you Tara. I read your article on the Paul re...Thank you Tara. I read your article on the Paul rejectors, it was full of info and very interesting. These folks I've come across who reject Paul do so (it seems) because they believe Jesus, being the word of God made flesh, was actually the Torah in flesh. I will write out some of the things I've read and then post what I am struggling with and what I disagree with.<br /><br />1.They say that He commanded we follow Him, that He did not come to abolish the law but to live it perfectly. And by giving us His Spirit, we are able to walk as He did. And when we sin, He is the propitiation for our sins, being that he died and rose again. <br /><br />2.They mention John in his first epistle a lot, who says that if we say we abide in Him we ought to walk just as He walked. This, in their estimation, means that we obey all the commandments of God the way Jesus did. <br /><br />3.That Jesus was angry with the leaders because they didn't keep the Torah as God intended, but they added all the commandments of men to weigh people down and keep them from entering the kingdom, not having a heart for God but for themselves. Jesus came to draw men to Himself, the Torah (teaching, instruction) in flesh to fulfill it from the heart.<br /><br />4.They say in Rev. 2:2 Jesus is referring to a trial of Paul at Ephesus, where they tested him and found him (and others) to be false apostles. They say there are only 12 Apostles which Jesus Himself commissioned to go into all the world, to all nations (Jew and Gentile), and Peter says that by His mouth the Gentiles should hear...<br /><br />5.They also say that Jesus, condemning the eating of meat offered to idols in Rev. was referencing Paul, a type of Balaam, since Paul said an idol is nothing, suggesting that the conscience of a man supersedes the Law of Moses, causing the children of God to sin.<br /><br />6.They bring up the fact that Jesus only wrote to the 7 churches in Asia because they were the only churches He established and rebuked in love. <br /><br />7.They say Paul admits all in Asia had forsaken him and that means they didn't receive his doctrines. Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for standing firm in the faith, testing those who say they are apostles and are not.<br /><br />8.They say James was written for a trial of Paul, specifically correcting the doctrine of justification by faith alone, saying Abraham was not justified by faith alone, but by doing what God commanded, thus his faith was made perfect.<br /><br />9. They say Jesus told His 12 Apostles "freely you have received, freely give" whereas Paul taught that the Scripture about not muzzling an ox was written for men and that he should be allowed to reap their material benefits.<br /><br />10. They say that Jesus warned that if any man says He returned, believe him not. And Paul was given a whole lot of instruction from this Jesus he met on the road to Damascus that added to what Christ taught His Apostles. <br /><br />11.They say all the factions of Christianity come from Paul and his letters, not from the teaching of Jesus Himself. That there is one flock and one Shepherd, there are not supposed to be shepherds/pastors or teachers in the congregations of the Lord's people. This has led to much error. <br /><br />I would say first, I myself question Paul because of some of the things listed above. I am asking God for wisdom, which I believe He gives liberally to those who seek to know the truth and not follow the ways of any man. I'm asking that He root out all error from my heart and show me what is true.Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04546877940823554488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-17517354482523708062011-11-15T17:59:31.831-06:002011-11-15T17:59:31.831-06:00Jessica-
More and more people, as they are seeing...Jessica-<br /><br />More and more people, as they are seeing the truth that we need to keep the ten commandments--all ten of them--many of them are then only afterward believing another lie--that Jesus' and Paul's teachings disagree--and so reject Paul. I've even seen some go on to later reject Christ himself. <br /><br />The confusion is in the understanding of Paul's writings, which even Peter said in that day many people misunderstood and twisted unto their own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16-18).<br /><br />People do not understand how we are saved. We are saved by GRACE only, BECAUSE all have sinned. ONLY Salvation (Jesus/Yeshua) gained salvation by works. He gave up his part in the God family for a short time, and to gain that place back, he had to go through human life without sinning even once. The rest of us are saved by his blood sacrifice and his ongoing high priesthood intercession.<br /><br />NOW, that being said, ONLY those who REPENT--who turn away from a lifestyle of sin, which is breaking God's law as defined by the ten commandments--RECEIVE GRACE. Those who do NOT repent do NOT receive grace. If you had a child (and perhaps you do), and he or she did something against your command, but he or she genuinely repented, and you knew he or she was repentant at heart and would try his or her best not to do it again, you would likely forgive that child and forgo punishment or lessen it. The child would receive GRACE from you. That is what saves the child from the punishment. There is NO amount of work the child can do to make up for doing the wrong. The wrong is already done. The child is saved by grace. On the other hand, if the child is unrepentant and keeps doing the sin, you will likely punish the child. The child will NOT receive grace. <br /><br />REPENTANCE is the KEY. Repentant people receive grace. So, THIS is how we are justified by grace and works. We do not get grace if we do not show repentance. And that is what James also taught. Our faith is shown/proved BY our works. We can talk grace and faith until we're blue in the face, but if we don't have that EVIDENCE of repentance, it's just lip service. <br /><br />Paul talked highly of the law and keeping God's commandments. He taught that those who walk in sin would not inherit the Kingdom of God. He taught the truth when he said that people were not saved by works of the flesh, like circumcision in the flesh. We are NOT. That is also something that is NOT required under the new covenant. I have studies that go in depth with this on my website (endtimecog.net). <br /><br />I have a lengthy study article on Paul-rejecting and how Paul and Jesus were in truth AT ONE with each other. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to you. You can find it here: http://www.endtimecog.net/articles/paulrejectors.html<br /><br />Jessica, tread very carefully when dealing with such folks that teach against Paul. I've seen so much bad fruit come about, even rejecting the Messiah. Study the word for yourself, prove all things, and pray for the Spirit of Truth to lead you. <br /><br />Thank you for your prayers and encouragement regarding my trials. I hope you are doing well yourself. I've though many times about you and wondered how you've been doing. It's good to hear from you.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-46984841013939602832011-11-14T12:23:45.402-06:002011-11-14T12:23:45.402-06:00Hi Tara, thank you for writing on this subject of ...Hi Tara, thank you for writing on this subject of Paul. I have been of late dealing with all the questions and doubts that arise from those who say Paul taught a different gospel than Jesus. For instance, Jesus said if you will enter life, keep the commandments. Whereas, they say Paul said no commandment could bring life because of the knowledge of sin. That we are justified by faith apart from the Law. Yet Jesus taught that a man is justified by his words or condemned by his words. There is a site called Jesus' Words Only that explains in detail why they say Jesus and Paul taught opposite. I feel this huge spiritual battle going on, enough to make me physically ill. The fear of God came over me like never before, because I do not honor God and keep His commandments. I have disregarded His Sabbath, believing what I was taught, that Christ is our Sabbath Rest in the New Covenant. I am very confused and pray to God with tears that I might know how to please Him and not fall under His wrath, being disobedient to His Law. At the same time I will not immediately throw out Paul, or say as they do that he was lead of Satan who appeared to him as the bright light on the road to Damascus, for fear that I may blaspheme God's Son and the words He spoke through Paul. But I have many questions about Paul now, because they say James was written for a trial against Paul at Ephesus, and how the only true churches were the 7 Jesus speaks to in Revelation, claiming that the reference in 2:2 to those who say they are apostles and are not, but lie, is referring to Paul and those who followed him. They claim that Paul himself said that all who were in Asia turned away from him. That Paul is why there are so many factions in Christianity. They make seemingly sensible arguments, which makes it all the more confusing. Such as that Paul never tested the voice that He heard, and say that Deut says if a prophet or a dreamer of dreams comes leading the people away from obedience to the Law that they are not to go after him. They say Paul fulfills the ravening, Benjamite wolf prophecy. Some even dare to say that the Jesus who was by revelation known to Paul was an abomination, saying that because of the Scripture which says that he who justifies the ungodly and he who condemns the righteous are an abomination to God. And that Paul says we are not to work but to believe on Him who "justifies the ungodly." While James says we are justified by works and faith. I am writing all these things down because I know you love God and keep His commandments and the faith of His Son, and I believe that you have good understanding in the Word. Please help me to see the error here, if there be error. Also, how can I keep the Sabbath in a way that honors God? Thank you Tara, and I pray God brings you through all the trials you are facing unto stronger faith and great reward. Blessings in Christ,<br /><br />JessicaJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04546877940823554488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-3063822354788030762011-11-06T21:50:28.346-06:002011-11-06T21:50:28.346-06:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-32381755034578340902011-11-06T20:16:26.411-06:002011-11-06T20:16:26.411-06:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15759012699035810441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-73327949862762982312011-11-03T20:06:51.260-05:002011-11-03T20:06:51.260-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.MotherTarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903535973645217080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862769340928983606.post-29323020225981262822011-11-03T16:07:13.359-05:002011-11-03T16:07:13.359-05:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Michelle Gibsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com