Great Truths and Relevant Prophecies for all
Nations and Peoples during this 21st Century
September 12, 2024
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Highlighted today: Approaching God in Search of Honor, Glory, and Immortality
Peace Publishers LLC. Resources for self-instruction, classes, sermons, and conferences in fifteen categories. A Commentary on Revelation by HD Shappley is being added.
Translate documents on this site using Google’s Gemini (over 100 languages
and the dialects for them), or Microsoft Copilot.).
The “CHRISTIAN VOTE.” Christians and Their Interactions with the Secular-Material-Political Nations of the World.
Perspectives perhaps also of value to “VOTERS”
of other religions.
The Sacred Scriptures of Pure Christianity say: “Solid food is for the MATURE, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14
Thinking that this subject in the category of “Solid Food” might be of interest even to readers “unskilled in the word of righteousness,” I have thought it best to offer it one small “SERVING” at a time.
Two "Servings" brought out as of 11 September 2024. More on the way.
The "First Course" of the full banquet of “Solid food” on the “CHRISTIAN VOTE,” also applicable to the “Religious Vote” in general.
Perspectives from “ABOVE, in the SPIRITUAL KINGDOM”
A warm greeting, particularly to all souls on planet Earth who identify themselves in one way or another as followers of Jesus Christ, of Nazareth. And a friendly “Hello” to all other inhabitants of this quite marvelous spaceship. I cordially invite you to patiently examine with me the delicate and almost always controversial topic of the “CHRISTIAN VOTE.” Or, we may say the “RELIGIOUS VOTE,” in general, worldwide, for the “PERSPECTIVES” developed may prove to be of some value to religious people of all kinds in their respective countries and circumstances.
On this occasion, I respectfully address you from where I am presently here “ABOVE, in the KINGDOM of GOD and of CHRIST.” “ABOVE,” meaning that in mind and spirit, I have taken this
position “ABOVE EARTH,” transported here by my thoughts, reflections, contemplations, explorations, and spiritual reasoning. “ABOVE,” in “heavenly places in Christ,” where the Lord and Savior blesses his true followers “with every spiritual blessing.” Ephesians 1:3. “ABOVE,” in this blessed spiritual Kingdom that is “not of this world.” John 18:36; Ephesians 5:5; Acts 8:12
If you also find yourself, in mind and spirit, in these “heavenly places,” then praise the Lord! If not, I encourage you to ascend as soon as possible, rising above the material spheres of secular-worldly-political nations, citizenships, cultures, and the milieu of manmade religions.
To be sure, I am not always “up here.” Often, this physical body, with its physical-material needs, compels me to be “down there.” Nevertheless, I prefer to be here because this Kingdom of God is incomparably superior to earthly nations and kingdoms.
The "Second Course" of "Solid Food" on the subject of the "CHRISTIAN VOTE," also applicable to the "RELIGIOUS VOTE" in general.
That is not really me "up there, above," with Earth over to my left, but an image Microsoft Copilot AI created following detailed instructions I gave the APP in an effort to illustrate my somewhat detached view of the planet from my privileged position in the Spiritual Kingdom of Christ and God.
DUAL Citizenship
Here, “ABOVE,” “in heavenly places in Christ,” I have SPIRITUAL CITIZENSHIP in the Spiritual Kingdom, which is also incomparably superior to any earthly citizenship.
The apostle Paul refers to this extremely valuable, unique citizenship when he writes: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NIV
That illustrious apostle Paul of the 1st century CE functioned as a spiritual citizen of God’s spiritual Kingdom by preaching the “gospel of the kingdom” (Acts 8:12), establishing and organizing congregations of Christians in various provinces of the Roman Empire.
Regarding his earthly socio-political status, Paul was a Roman citizen—a privilege that, during the first century of the Common Era, belonged inherently only to males of the free population of Italy and to those who inherited by birth. Some men acquired it by buying it (Acts 22:22-29); others, as a reward for outstanding military service or other significant contributions to the Roman Empire.
Now, it’s worth noting that the apostle Paul did not disdain his Roman citizenship; rather, he appealed to it and took advantage of it opportunely. On more than one occasion, he invoked it
to escape unjust treatment, including beatings and imprisonment. Acts 22:22-28; 23.26-30; 25:6-12, 21.
For instance, in Jerusalem, when the Roman tribune ordered Paul “to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging.” Paul alerted the centurion that he was a “Roman citizen.” Upon verifying it, the centurion informed the tribune, who responded: “I bought this citizenship with a large sum.” To which Paul replied: “But I am a citizen by birth.” Acts 22:22-29. By asserting his Roman citizenship, Paul avoided being flogged.
Proceeding thus, the apostle Paul effectively established, with the Lord’s guidance, a wise and practical guideline for all Christians across all countries and times concerning the concept they should have, and any sincere, honest religious person should also have, of the duty to value and honor earthly citizenship, not abusing the benefits and privileges it offers. Meeting its requirements as long as these do not compel the true believer, in the context of Pure Christianity, to violate the precepts of God’s Sacred Writings as recorded in the New Testament of Jesus Christ.
This exception is dramatically highlighted by the reaction of the apostles when ordered by the Jewish Sanhedrin (a judicial and legislative court of 71 elders) “not to teach in” the “name” of Jesus. “…the apostles answered, 'we must obey God rather than men'” (Acts 5:27-32), fearlessly repeating what they had said previously to the Jewish authorities, as related in Acts 4:19-20.
In the Roman Empire of the first century, there were different classes of Roman citizens. As a foreigner from the nation of Israel, which came under Roman rule in 63 BCE, Paul, though a Roman citizen “by birth,” was not allowed to vote or otherwise intervene in Roman government affairs. Similarly, the Roman tribune stationed in Jerusalem, having purchased his citizenship, was also ineligible to exercise such rights.
The "Third Course" of "Solid Food" on this subject is a little heavier. It is described as: The "Right to Vote" becomes complicated for True Christians. Coming up. You may want to eat it slowly so as to aid in spiritual digestion.
"An Idol is nothing in the world." About 10 minutes to read the study.
Also on this Home Page, “The Greatest, Most Powerful, Purest, and Most Beautiful SYMBOL of TRUE CHRISTIANITY is LIGHT.”
There are 17,000,000 Mormons all around the world in the 3rd decade of the 21st century. With statues of Moroni on the spires of many of their elegant temples. What about them?
The following is a 3 minute 15 second read.
Detailed prophetical SIGNS on the END of TIME and the MATERIAL UNIVERSE are one of the principal reasons the Sacred Scriptures of Pure Christianity stand out above those of other major religions of the world.
What is the SECOND MOST IMPORTANT END-TIME SIGN of the SACRED SCRIPTURES of PURE CHRISTIANITY for HUMANITY in the 21st CENTURY?
Well, after much study and meditation, personally, I would say that the SECOND MOST IMPORTANT END-TIME SIGN of those that reveal what will be happening around the terrestrial globe in the “LITTLE TIME” leading up to that tremendous, prophesied “END” is the worldwide, astounding ACCUMULATION by vast human populations of TEACHERS WHO WILL TEACH WHAT THE MASSES “WANT TO HEAR.” NOT what they NEED TO HEAR but WHAT THEY “WANT TO HEAR.”
They “will find more and more TEACHERS who please them… meet their needs… tell them what they are itching to hear… tickle their own fancies… who approve of their lifestyles.” “…all kinds of new messages that will make them happy… something pleasing and gratifying… in accordance with their own lusts… desires …concupiscence.” “Something pleasing and gratifying” that will “cater to their passions.” They will “gather around them… heap up for themselves… bring in many… accumulate… more and more TEACHERS.” “Concupiscence” means: “Strong desire, especially, sexual desire.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concupiscence
They “will not tolerate sound and wholesome instruction… good, healthy, true teaching… sound doctrine… and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths… always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”
All of these striking phrases are taken from different translations of 2 Timothy 3:1-7 and 2 Timothy 4:3-4 of the Sacred Scriptures. Different but wonderfully complimentary.
They are prefaced by prophetical declarations identifying them as SIGNS. “But understand this, that in the LAST DAYS THERE WILL COME TIMES of DIFFICULTY.” And: “For the TIME IS COMING when people will not…”
If my knowledge and perception of the world of which I am a citizen today are even close to accurate, these “LAST DAYS,” these “TIMES of DIFFICULTY,” are surely upon us, upon the whole world. For I see HORDES of TEACHERS like those described in action all around the world, in all kinds of educational institutions. Even great numbers of government leaders and employees, politicians, civic leaders, religious leaders, industry administrators, business owners, etc., have turned into TEACHERS like those described, to one degree or another.
The Sacred Scriptures call these “DAYS” the “LITTLE WHILE.” Not a few people call them the “AGE of AQUARIUS” or the “NEW AGE.” There are also solid reasons to identify them as the “AGE of SENTIMENTALISM,” or the “AGE of EMOTIONS.” In contrast to an “AGE of TRUE KNOWLEDGE, REASON, and WISDOM.” For confirmation of these observations on "AGES," you may enter these terms in AI platforms such as Gemini and Copilot.
An artisan in India makes clay idols of Lord Ganesha, god of success.
The only authentic Sacred Writings of TRUE CHRISTIANITY, dating exclusively from the First Century of the Common Era
and compiled as the New Testament of Jesus Christ, say: "...an IDOL IS NOTHING in the WORLD..." 1 Corinthians 8:4. Applicable, as the Writings make clear in many texts, to all idols, icons, and sacred religious artifacts of all kinds, including relics, of all religions all around the globe of Earth, including churches that
What about 17,000,000 LSD around the world with their statues of Moroni?
How many people in the world follow religions, including churches of Christianity, that use idols (statues, images, shrines), icons, and amulets to represent their deities, founders, and sacred personages, real or imagined, earthly or heavenly?
Approximately 3.2 billion.
AI Copilot
A 4 minute 30 second read.
make and venerate them. They are "NOTHING." Worthless, of no value, to the "living and true God," author of True Christianity.
An ornate IDOL "formed by ART and IMAGINATION of MAN" of the "Virgin Mary."
The two largest churches by far of Christemdom are full of IDOLS and ICONS. A very large, WARNING SIGN made by God HANGS over them. It says:
"FLEE from IDOLATRY!" For all idols are "NOTHING." They are "DUMB."
The only TRUE GOD of True Christianity is NOT "worshipped with men's HANDS, as though He needed anything, seeing He gives to ALL life and breath, and all things." Acts 17:25. So, "what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" NONE! None whatsoever!" For WE," that is, true Christians, "are the temple of the living God," a spiritual temple through which God and Christ manifest themselves in the world—a truly sublime, glorious concept. Would you agree? 2 Corinthians 6:16; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19
WHY are all idols, icons, religious images, and relics absolutely "NOTHING" before the "living and true God?" 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Not only because they are made "with men´s hands," but also because, as the Sacred Writings say, they are all "DUMB!" 1 Corinthians 12:2.
"DUMB!" So classified repeatedly from ancient times by the "living and true God." For example in the Sacred Writings given to the Israelites. “Our GOD is in the HEAVENS; HE DOES ALL that HE PLEASES. Their IDOLS are silver and gold, the WORK of HUMAN HANDS. They have MOUTHS, but do not speak; EYES, but do not see. They have EARS, but do not hear; NOSES, but do not smell. They have HANDS, but do not feel; FEET, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their THROAT. Those who make them become LIKE THEM; so do all who trust in them.” Psalm 115:3-8.
Therefore, we humans "should not worship devils, and idols of gold and silver, and brass and stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk." Revelation 9:20. Esteemed reader, do you really want to be "LIKE THEM?"
If, 2,000 years ago, even the "POETS" of Athens, Greece, "the city wholly given to idolatry," their country filled with exquisite idols, altars, and temples made by "human hands," their culture, literature, and history saturated with idolatrous fantasies, understood that humans "are indeed" the "OFFSPRING" of GOD, all of us today should have the simple intelligence and common sense "NOT to think that the DIVINE BEING is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by ART and IMAGINATION of MAN." Acts 17:22-29. IF WE HUMANS ARE NOT SO MADE OF CLAY, WOOD, STONE OR PRECIOUS METALS, THEN HE DEFINITELY IS NOT! "Therefore, my dearly beloved, FLEE from IDOLATRY." 1 Corinthians 10:14
Accepting this GREAT TRUTH and timely exhortation, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of Greeks, Romans, and other peoples of those times "turned to GOD from IDOLS to serve the LIVING and TRUE GOD." 1 Thessalonians 1:9. They REPENTED "of the works of their hands" (Their idolatries. Revelation 9:20) and other sins, and were promptly BAPTIZED (immersed in water) "for the forgiveness of sins". Acts 2:36-47; 8:26-40; 22:12-16. Steps all who, today, are "CARRIED AWAY unto... DUMB IDOLS," should also take without delay.
If your spiritual-moral life revolves around IDOLS, why would you not turn from them "to the Living God?" Are ancient cultures, traditions, religious pageantry, and/or financial concerns too strong for you to renounce them, notwithstanding the fearful spiritual dangers for the soul they pose? They surely were NOT for multitudes in the first century! However, for even greater masses of humans, sadly, they were! Like "a man named Demetrius," in
Ephesus, "a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis-Diana," a "business" that brought wealth to him, and "workmen in similar trades." Such "a large number of people" in that city "turned away" from idol worship when they heard the apostle Paul say "that gods made by hands are not gods at all!" that Demetrius rose up in angry, violent defense of idols and idolatry, inciting a tremendous RIOT in Ephesus (the second largest city of the Roman Empire), "temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the
sacred stone that fell from the sky." Acts 19:23-41.
Are you, dear reader, perchance a mere "child
of traditions and cultures," believing in "sacred stones, shrines, idols, and places," or an objective, intelligent adult capable of "turning away" from idols to seek and serve "the LIVING and TRUE GOD?" Acts 17:22-31
What is your PERSONAL DECISION?
Most IDOLS and ICONS of the 21st century have been embedded in cultures, religions, economies, politics, races and families for hundreds, even thousands of years. Inherited by each new generation like genes, language, diets, clothing styles, etc. Accepted unquestionably as natural, right, and good. Turning away from them is almost unthinkable, even when correct knowledge and common sense demand that step should be taken. Tremendous will-power is required in most cases to make such a dramatic change. A "change" defined as "conversion" in the Living and True God's vocabulary. Conversion to True Christianity, and not a conversion to Pure Secularism or Atheism.
The "TRUE GOD" is a "LIVING GOD." Acts 14:15; Romans 9:26. Needless to say, he is not an inert, lifeless sculpture of clay, wood, or stone, nor a mere painting. "GOD IS SPIRIT," the "ALMIGHTY," and cannot be forced by any human to manifest his matchless Power and Glory in inert matter. "TRUE WORSHIPERS" worship Him "in SPIRIT and in TRUTH." "...in the CHURCH of the LIVING GOD, a pillar and buttress of the truth." John 4:23-24; 1 Timothy 3:15
TODAY, in the 21st century, there are tens of thousands of congregations of "the Church of the Living God" all around the globe of Earth. If you want to find one, search for "Church of Christ acapella," or "Churches of Christ acapella" on the Internet, in your country and local area, translating the above search terms to your preferred language if it is other than English. "Acapella" means "worship without musical instruments," a teaching of the New Testament Sacred Scriptures and a practice followed by almost all churches until modern times. "Acapella" is not a word in the name of the Living God's church, but a search term that distinguishes that church from most of Christendom. "SING... spiritual songs." Ephesians 5:18-21; Colossians 3:16. "We Sing, without Playing Musical Instruments," is Subtitle 5 of "The Church Christ Built." "The churches of Christ salute you" (Romans 16:16) is a divine identification of congregations that worship "in Spirit and in Truth." John 4:24
Contact information for Churches of Christ in India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pakistan is provided at the end of this message.
An ornate, graven image (idol), "formed by ART and IMAGINATION of MAN," of the "Virgin Mary," with a fantastic gold crown, a rosary in her left hand, and a crucifix in the right. Her worshippers call her "The Queen of Heaven," giving her many other high-sounding titles and attributing enormous powers to her, even greater than those of Jesus Christ and God the Father. In a dangerous mental-spiritual transaction, they project their own beliefs, desires, petitions, and veneration to the image, convinced they will be blessed by the "Virgin," NOT understanding that such interactions with IDOLS expose them to receiving a "STRONG DELUSION," of "power and false signs and wonders," "so that they believe what is FALSE," because they refuse "to LOVE the TRUTH and BE SAVED." 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. Any serious student of these subjects knows that the entire, worldwide Mother Goddess cult (Diana-Artemis, Athena, Durga, Mother of God, Mother Earth, Gaia, Pachimama, etc. ) to an invented "Virgin Mary" is 100% absent from the original Sacred Writings of True Christianity in the New Testament.
"MY IDOL!" "Idolize. To worship as a god. To love or admire to excess. To practice idolatry." https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idolize. Of course, you may idolize anything or anyone. Saint, priest, teacher, preacher, theologian, shaman, philosopher, lover, singer, actor, actress, author, artist, designer, politician, financial wizard, wild type, rebellious soul, Internet influencer, mogul, mafioso, etc. A religious statue, sculpture, amulet, or painting BE CAREFUL YOUR IDOL DOES NOT DISAPPOINT YOU, DECEIVE YOU, CORRUPT YOU, DESTROY YOU ETERNALLY! No fully sane, intelligent human idolizes anyone or anything.
Following is Contact Information for some Churches of Christ in India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
اسلامی جمہوریہ پاكستان ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਚੀਅਨ ਚਰਚ” (Krishchian Charach) Church of Christ. 218-3C1, Township, Lahore, Punjab 54770, Pakistan. +92 42 515 7057. Multilingual.
Filipinas. Iglesia ni Cristo. Church of Christ. Baguio City. Top Floor Marlett’s Bldg., Km.4 Marcos Highway, 2600. 0916 543 7746. midtownchurchbaguio.org
Thousands of Churches of Christ in the great country of INDIA, many bilingual.
Indonesia. Jakarta. Church of Christ: Gg Gading I/14 (Dr. Stovall Foundation), Jakarta, Java 10350, Indonesia. Phone: +62 21 386 1517. Many more in the country.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL DECISION? If you want to begin following "the Living and True God," you "must BELIEVE that" he "IS REAL and rewards everyone who searches for him," though "he is actually not far from each one of us." Hebrews 11:6; Acts 17:26-28. That kind of true "...faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ," or by reading it. Romans 10:16. Then, that true "...faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6) impels the sincere believer to REPENT of his SINS. For the Living and True God no longer overlooks "the times of ignorance... but now he commands all people everywhere to REPENT." Acts 17:30-31. Also, to CONFESS with" the "mouth that Jesus is Lord." Romans 10:9-13; Acts 8:37. And to "BE BAPTIZED... in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins." Without delay! Acts 2:38; 16:25-34; 22:16; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20. Indeed, "...there is salvation in no one else... no other name... by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12. This is THE WAY to Salvation and Eternal Life. When you take these necessary STEPS, Jesus Christ will add you to the CHURCH he established (Acts 2:47; Matthew 16:18), of which he is the only "Head" and "Savior." Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18-20
If there is a congregation of this church near you, you may go there and ask to be baptized. If there is not, you may contact an evangelist or congregation through the Internet, by telephone, E-mail, texting, etc., requesting assistance in obeying the gospel of Christ. Another option is to ask a family member or friend of good conduct to baptize you, and then proceed, personally, to teach Pure Christianity to others, baptizing them and forming a congregation, using the GUIDELINES in two documents on this site to accomplish what would be a glorious work worthy of highest praise.
Dear Reader, my fervent desire is that this study may be a blessing to you. Sincerely yours, Homer Dewayne Shappley
There are 17,000,000 Mormons all around the world in the 3rd decade of the 21st century. With statues of Moroni on the spires of many of their elegant temples.
What about them?
All of the 17,000,000 are followers of the man Joseph Smith, who, from his youth until his violent death at 39 years of age, acquired an ever-increasing fame as a ‘disorderly person and impostor.’ He was a plagiarizer of contemporary literary works. He authored fictions about religious and historical events that he proclaimed as realities and true facts in a book he published titled “The Book of Mormon.” He founded the Mormon Church, with the fictional prophets Mormon and Moroni as key players in the fantastical dramas on which it rests. He also
established earthly-religious entities, such as the Autonomous Theocratic City of Nauvoo, Illinois, complete with its own bank, which failed quickly. Smith organized a religious army, the Nauvoo Legion, and fueled dangerous physical confrontations by threatening vengeance on his enemies, his ungodly rhetoric and actions causing the “Missouri Mormon War.” He was an unstable, turbulent religious-political leader so bold as to run for the presidency of the United States. A megalomaniacal religious leader, he claimed all sorts of authority and power, assuming numerous grandiose titles. And yes, he was a POLIGAMIST—with more than thirty wives! He met a violent death in jail when a mob of citizens, furious over his tyrannical aggression, immorality, hypocrisy, violations of civil codes and laws, and political and military ambitions, stormed the jail, killing both him and his brother Hyram.
How can one believe in and follow such a human being, honoring and glorifying him, and spreading his religious fictions throughout the entire world? Deceived, and deceiving uninformed, naive victims.
The COMMON SENSE of a well-informed and objective person dictates that such a human being would be worthy of nothing but UTTER REJECTION.
However, it seems that COMMON SENSE has been isolated, silenced, and killed among the 17,000,000 present-day Mormons when it comes to religious matters.
In them, we observe the phenomenon that affects multitudes of us humans, namely: while the MIND FUNCTIONS RATIONALLY in various areas of knowledge—for example, in the realms of science, secular jobs, and professions—achieving even very impressive feats, it DOES NOT FUNCTION in the SAME RATIONAL WAY in the domains of emotions, religion, moral conduct, and spirituality in general. It should, but it doesn’t. As a consequence of this very grave failure, planet Earth is populated by countless individuals sane, rational, and competent in secular-material matters, yet, paradoxically, bewildered, irrational, naive, superstitious, deceived, and ignorant when it comes to matters of religion and spirituality!
The REMEDY for this dangerous mental-spiritual malady, which often results in a great loss of time, money, jobs, and perhaps even the soul itself in God’s judgment, is to vigorously activate the invaluable faculty of HUMAN WILL-POWER. This involves compelling the mind and the spirit to function intelligently and rationally in all matters related to religion and spiritual life. It includes adamantly refusing to blindly follow any religion inherited from ancestors, instilled by cultures, imposed by political powers, propagated by charismatic religious leaders, recommended by philosophers, psychologists, lecturers, or popular writers, or communicated with threats of divine punishment, etcetera.
About 7 minutes to read the following message.
The Greatest, Most Powerful, Purest, and Most Beautiful SYMBOL of TRUE NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY is
"LIGHT."
"LIGHT" for the ORIENT, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, EUROPE, NORTH and SOUTH AMERICA!
For the WHOLE WORLD!
The CREATOR of the UNIVERSE and MANKIND is "LIGHT," DWELLS in "LIGHT." "In him is no darkness at all."
His SON, JESUS CHRIST, perfect image of his Father, explains to all humans: "I am the LIGHT of the WORLD," and that is through his WORD and EXAMPLE.
Their faithful"CHILDREN" on Earth are "LIGHT." Dear READER, are YOU ONE of THEM?
The apostle Paul writes to the evangelist Timothy: “I charge you in the presence of GOD…he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable LIGHT...” 1 Timothy 6:13-16. So then, the SOVEINGN GOD of all creation DWELLS in LIGHT!
"...unapproachable LIGHT,” that is, for humans of planet Earth in their present physical state. But not for the glorified Son of God who sits at his Father's right hand in Heaven, having received from his Father "all authority in heaven and on earth" during this Common Era (Acts 2:29-36; Matthew 28:18), nor for the angels in Heaven who serve the God of Light. Matthew 18:20. Now, beloved friend, that LIGHT will also become "approachable" and accessible for all humans who qualify to be judged "children of light" and are blessed with new spiritual, immortal bodies in the resurrection of the dead in Christ or the transformation of those alive on planet Earth when the Lord Jesus returns "a second time." Ephesians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:28
This Sovereign God "who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man" (Acts 17:24), and that would include cathedrals, religious temples of every kind throughout the entire world, all houses of prayer and worship, all church buildings, etc. "GOD IS SPIRIT," a SPIRITUAL BEING (John 4:24), with "form" (John 5:37), "who dwells in... LIGHT." in his own magnificent "TEMPLE in HEAVEN." Revelation 11:19; 14:17.
"The glory of God gives LIGHT" to the new "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" that comes "down out of heaven from God" to the "new earth", and the "lamp of the Lamb" illuminates it. Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 21:2, 9-11, 22-27. In that "heavenly... city of the living God," "night will be no more." Its spiritual inhabitants (God the Father, Christ his Son, the Holy Spirit, the angels who serve them, and all humans of all earthly ages and places, redeemed and glorified eternally) "will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their LIGHT, and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:5
The Sovereign God of True Christianity not only "dwells... in light," HE IS LIGHT! "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that GOD IS LIGHT, and in him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is "LIGHT."
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am THE LIGHT of the WORLD. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of LIFE.” John 8:12. "In him was life, and the LIFE WAS the LIGHT of MEN. The LIGHT SHINES in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:4-5. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will SHINE on YOU.” Ephesians 5:14
John the Baptist was LIGHT.
Of him Jesus said: “He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his LIGHT.” John 5:35
"The GOSPEL of the glory of Christ" is "LIGHT."
Referring to "those who are perishing," the apostle Paul writes: “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the LIGHT of the GOSPEL of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. Christ Jesus has “abolished death and brought life and immortality to LIGHT through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:10
Full, correct Knowledge of the Wisdom, Will, and Glory of God is "LIGHT."
“For God, who said, 'Let LIGHT SHINE out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the LIGHT of the KNOWLEDGE of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:9-14. "Your WORD is a LAMP to my feet and a LIGHT to my path." Psalm 119:105
"The Prophetic Word" of God is "a LAMP SHINING in a DARK PLACE."
"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a LAMP SHINING in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19-21
Surely, it is evident that the Greatest, Most Powerful, Purest, and Most Beautiful SYMBOL of TRUE NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY is "LIGHT."
NOT the cross or a crucifix, for they are SYMBOLS of terrible physical suffering and horrible death.
NOT the drawing or painting of a fish, for that SYMBOL was used in some places and times when many Christians faithful to the New Testament were persecuted and not a few were martyred.
NOR material cathedrals, temples, houses of worship, church buildings, etcetera, constructed by men, for God and Christ do not dwell in them. Acts 17:24
NOR religious crowns, thrones, rings, crosiers, pompous titles, and vestments of Romanesque, medieval design and colors, for all these are SYMBOLS of worldly, fleshly, politicized, secularized, corrupt, apostate religions. Matthew 23:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Revelation 17:1-6
NOR containers for the bread of the Eucharist, for Christ is not physically nor spiritually present in any such religious recipient.
NOR ornate costly chalices for mass, religious statues, paintings, icons, sacred relics, shrines, altars, sacred grounds, amulets, prayer wheels, votive candles, holy water, incenses, censers, and other such objects of human origin, for such SYMBOLS are condemned explicitly and implicitly in the New Testament of Christ. 1 John 5:21; "An idol has no real existence." 1 Corinthians 8:4-6
The True Followers of GOD and CHRIST, who are the TWO GREAT SPIRITUAL LIGHTS for the WHOLE WORLD, are themselves "CHILDREN of LIGHT."
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are LIGHT in the Lord. Walk as CHILDREN of LIGHT.” Ephesians 5:8. “For you are CHILDREN of LIGHT, CHILDREN of the DAY. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Every person of every race and nation of planet Earth who accepts God and Christ as the two GREAT LIGHTS of the whole WORLD, really believing, repenting of sins, and being baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of sins, becomes a "CHILD of LIGHT, of the DAY," and thereby all such souls obedient to the gospel of light may begin to "SHINE as LIGHTS in the WORLD, being "CHILDREN of GOD without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation." Philippians 2:15. "
Whoever BELIEVES and IS BAPTIZED will be SAVED, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38. You will also be added by Christ himself to his very own church, which is the "kingdom... not of this world". The "kingdom of Christ and God," a Spiritual Kingdom of Spiritual Light and Justice. Acts 2:36-47, Matthew 16:18; John 18:36; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 5:5
125 articles, studies, slides, videos and short documents available as of today.
627,346 Sessions from 21 May 2021 (beginning date) to 31 August 2024.
This Site was begun on 21 May 2021 by Homer Dewayne Shappley, author and creator of approximately 2,600 HTML documents in Spanish and 125 in English. 25,682,443 sessions and 48,878,691 documents opened to 31 August 2024 in both languages on five sites maintained. 27,083,230 tracts, booklets, books, Bible course lessons, cassettes, and CDs produced to 31 March 2024.