Dear Editor,
There was a song years ago, “It’s A Big, Wide, Wonderful World.” Today I don’t think so. There are some wonderful people to enjoy, some wonderful places to see, some wonderful goals to strive for.
It was created wonderful by Jesus, but sin entered in the Garden of Eden, and it became a terribly blighted world.
If you don’t believe me, visit a hospital, drive by a cemetery. Speak to a woman whose husband has abandoned her. Explain why an elderly loved one is losing his memory. Talk to a heart broken couple by a wayward child. Tell me why millions are cold, hungry, unclothed and homeless. Erase from history books the marching armies who have killed billions. Justify wicked leaders, and so called natural calamities like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and epidemics.
When the word of God tells us of John 3:16, God did not love the world (humanity) because we were lovable. He loved us by his grace so by faith — why we were lost, helpless, and unlovable — we could still be redeemed.
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the term worldliness is a system headed by Satan. When it leaves God out of things we do.
To illustrate: There is nothing wrong with going to college, finding a mate, searching for a church to worship, grow and serve, finding a job, buying a car or a new home, but if you choose to do these things without seeking God’s direction in the choice, it is worldliness.
Every person born since Adam and Eve, has been born into a battlefield. On one side is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. With them is perfect eternal life, joy and peace. The other side is Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet. With them is darkness, unending death, sadness and hell.
“Whosoever will may come,” for God’s gift of salvation. The eternal destiny of souls is on the line. In 2013 the conflict will get worse, because Satan knows his time is running out.
Let us be used by God to lead the lost to Christ and encourage the saved to defend the Gospel.
Joe Lyerly
Rockingham
Go to: isr-messianic.org and ask them about C.J. Koster.
"Love your neighbor as yourself."
J. Murrey Atkins Library at UNCC
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Mashiyach (Messiah) was and is revealed in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic terms that are nonexistent in Greek. Therefore, Greek translators were forced to coin Greek terms or try to make existing ones fit. In many cases the original meaning were lost. Aramaic has direct Hebrew linguistics that flow between the Hebrew Tanakh (Old Testament) and the New Testament that provide a more precise understanding. In the AENT these rare and important Aramaic terms are explained in detailed footnotes and appendices for the reader.
Where does the Aramaic come from? The Aramaic text comes from the most ancient Aramaic sources within the family of Eastern Peshitta texts (including the Khabouris Codex). The most ancient readings are restored in the Aramaic and then translated into English. There are many footnotes in the AENT that explain differences within the Aramaic family of texts. The AENT strives for consistency and accuracy and uses bracketed words to enhance English sentence structure. The reader is provided an as-literal-as-possible translation without losing the English flow (to move or run freely in or as if in a stream).
AENT.ORG
"Love your neighbor as yourself"
I can tell that you know nothing about Hebrew or the Hebraic meaning of Scripture. Brettt "I said Scripture." Listen young man for just a minute. Here are some facts:
Some fallacies in today’s English Bibles take away from the full meaning of Hebraic words and their meanings despite some translations that have been a wonderful source of blessing to many.
1. Today’ Bibles don’t distinguish between “Torah” and “law.” The word “law” (nomos in Greek used for law/Torah) sometimes refers to the Torah but other times refers to something else, such as Pharisaic or Rabbinic law.
2. Jehovah (Isaiah 12:2, 26:4; Psalm 83:18): erroneous pronunciation coming from a combination of the letters JHVH and Hebrew vowel points. The Hebrew language has no "J" sound! According to the Encyclopedia Britannica 1991, under the heading "Yahweh", we find "The Masoretes, who from about the 6th to 10th century worked to reproduce the original text of the Hebrew Bible, replaced the vowels of the name YHW(V)H with the vowel signs of the Hebrew word Adonai or Elohim. Thus the artificial name Jehovah (YeHoWaH) came into being." It’s an artificial name invented by man. Does man have the right to change the name of the one who created him? Let it not be! But it happened here. The Hovah part of Je-hovah means RUIN ~ MISCHIEF. According to Strong's Concordance #1943 Hovah, another form for #1942; RUIN~MISCHIEF.
A couple of websites in case you want to look more into it:
Elijah.com/Jehovah.htm
ynca.com/Mini Studies/ishis
3. Many translations perpetuate the “tradition” of substituting “LORD” (for Yahuweh) or “GOD” (for Elohim). Why? Many and varied reasons to deceive mankind. A translation that purports to be literal, yet resorts to adding and/or subtracting from His Name does a disservice to the Almighty.
4. Names changed to remove “YAH” are: Yeshayahu/Isaiah, Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah, Tsephanyah/Zephaniah, Zekaryah/Zechariah, Mattithyahu/Matthew, Yahushua/Iesous, Iesus, Jesus.
I am sorry Mr. Editor but Brett Jones has not listened to or read any of the Scriptures we have given. Now the Scripture says that we are to shake the dust from our feet and depart from people like Brett Jones. I knows it all but trys to say that we say we know it all. My PTSD is showing so I need to get off of here right now and go lay down and calm down. Again I am sorry. Brett Jones please don't ever contact me and I will ignore all of your negative comments.
SHALOM, SHALOM
Beware of those who claim to have special knowledge and enlightenment. This is a classic sign of false teachers. They say "if you only knew what we know, you would know the truth" or
"We were once like you and if you listen to us you can know as much as we do."
Friends, all anyone needs is the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God. The LORD Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 "...I will build My church...." He did not use the word "church" but rather the Greek Word "Ekklesia" which means "a called out assembly, congregation or group." It is used 115 times in the N.T. 92 times it is used to refer to a local body of believers in Christ. Those who cannot tell the difference between the Sermon on the Mount, and the Upper Room Discourse, between the Mosaic Law and the Gospel of Christ, between the grace of God and the terror that fell on the people at Sinai, between the "Great Commission" and the "golden rule" , well, they simply cannot see.
Finally, we do not need a further explanation of the "grace of God." Thank you very much but that subject has been very well presented in the New Testament Scriptures. You can keep "Google" we'll keep the Apostle Paul and the LORD Jesus Christ.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
John 1:17-18 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:32."
Romans 10:9-13 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"Brett Jones
In Romans 7, 8 the word "law" sometimes refers to the "Torah", but other times it refers to a body of rules, a fixed system or pattern of behavior, as in Romans 7:21, 213; 8:2. Romans 8:2 is not a reference to the Torah as such, but to the system of sin and death in those who are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit (Romiyim 8:1, 2, 6, 7).
Unfortunately the KJV does not distinquish between "Torah" and "law." But there is His Law (the Torah) and therwe is Pharisaic law and Rabbinic law, for example.
Like most (and I was the same way fours years ago), not being aware of the Hebraic mindset, we are robbed of the full meaning of the Scriptures. Was not Abraham "the Hebrew?' Isaac? Jacob/Israel? Moses? Isaiah, Jeremiah, David Joel, Daniel, Joseph, Messiah, all His disciples (taught ones), Paul, etc, etc. There is not one Scripture that says Messiah founded "Christianity or the Church." In the Hebrew it is assembly or congregation. There is not Hebrew or Greek word for "Church." We all need to learn more about the Hebraic background of the Scriptures. Either myself or Bill Wilson will cover the subject of grace later.
Shalom
I am glad to address Matthew 5:17-18, espcially for those wanting to know more about God's great grace and salvation.
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." The LORD Jesus Christ.
1. The Lord Jesus is addressing the people and nation of Israel. They were looking and longing for their KING & Messiah and had been told by John and the LORD "to repent for the Kingdom was at hand (Matthew 4:17).
2. The phrase the "Law & Prophets" was a common Jewish expression that refers to all of the Old Testament Scriptures.
3. By stating it, the LORD Jesus is affirming that all which was written concerning Him in the Hebrew Scriptures would be fulfilled. Note Luke 24:36-50 " Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence. Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
4. He states that He did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them and that every last detail given in the Scriptures concerning Him would be fulfilled by Him. This was and is something that He alone could do for He is God. To use these verses to try to say believers in Christ today are commanded to attempt to "fulfill the Law and the Prophets" is to miss the entire point the LORD is making and twisting the Scripture completely out of context. Who would dare think we can do what He alone has done?
5. He is speaking to Israel as her rightful KING and is dealing with the subject of His Kingdom. The Laws of the King for His Kingdom supercede the Laws of Moses as stated by the Lord, "you have heard but I say unto you." These laws are not for believers in Christ following His death and resurrection. The church is a heavenly body and her home is in heaven not on this earth as Paul stated in Philippians 3:20-21 "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." If one cannot see the difference between "Israel" and the bride of Christ, the Church, they simply cannot see.
6. The Lord Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the prophets and in doing so He became the Mediator of the New Covenant. Hebrews 10:1-25 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;21 And having an high priest over the house of God;22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
7. The Scripture declares that CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS TO EVERYONE THAT BELIEVES (Romans 10:4). The Law of Moses has never and will never save anyone. This is the clear testimony of Scripture. Galatians 3:21-26 "Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
8. Believers in Christ today are under the "Law of Christ" not the Law of Moses. Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. "Love one another as I have loved you (The LORD Jesus Christ)." There are many commands for the believer in Christ in the New Testament. In fact, nine of the ten commands given to Moses are repeated in one form or another to those who have been saved by God's grace during this church age. ( Don't steal, kill, covet, commit adultery,etc.)The one command that is not repeated of the ten is the command to "keep the Sabbath day holy." The Sabbath was given to Israel as a special day and not to the bride of Christ, the church, regardless of what some might say. See Colossians 2.
9. The Apostles stated in Acts 15 that the "Law" was a "yoke that neither they nor their fathers could bear." Acts 15:10-11 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they."
10. The Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 1:21-22
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
If someone cannot see the difference between "Christ living in me" and "living by faith in the Son of God who loved me" and someone trying to "fulfill the Law of Moses" in order to please God, they simply cannot see.
The New Testament believer in Christ is not "lawless" but they are not now, have never and will never be, under the "Law of Moses." Believers are commanded to "walk in the SPIRIT" and "love one another as Christ has loved us."
The LORD Jesus Christ did fulfull the Law and the Prophets and in fact there remains many details waiting to be fulfilled when He comes to rule and to reign on David's throne as foretold of Him (Luke 1:31-33). The church was not foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures, it was a mystery and it's future and destination is heaven. John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Colossians 1:24-29 "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." The Apostle Paul.
"Him we preach" - JESUS - Every man perfect in Christ Jesus" Praise the LORD, amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me..., let those who glory, glory in the LORD!"
Friends, is Jesus your Savior? He is able to save to the uttermost all who come by faith to Him!
See -John 3:15-18; 20:30-31
Sincerely, Brett Jones
Let me remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul in Titus 3:1-11 “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned."
Also in 1 Timothy 1:3-11 "As I urged you when I went into Macedonia — remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust."
God's Word is clear but false teaching is always divisive, confusing and twisted. Stick with God's Word friends and remember that the LORD has commanded us to "walk in the Spirit" and never,no not ever, not once, did He command New Testament believers to "keep the Law of Moses, or the Sabbath Day.
Friends, those who cannot see the difference between the Mosaic Covenant and the New Covenant, the difference between the Children of Israel and the believers in Christ Jesus who make up His body, the church and the difference between the Commands given to Israel in the Mosaic Law and the commands given by the LORD Jesus to N.T. believers, simply cannot see.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest Name I know..."
Sincerely,
Brett Jones
The Almighty Himself spoke (Shemoth/Exodus 20:1) and wrote the Ten Words/commands Himself (Shemoth 31:18).In chapter 21 the Almighty spoke to Mosheh/Moses and said "These are the right-rulings which you are to set before them:" If mankind would just obey the Ten Words then the law of Moses would be a moot point. I know you are an intelligent man, so think for yourself, educate yourself and please address the above passage of Scripture in Matt. 5:17-18 instead of taking Galatians out of context, signifying nothing.
Well siad (I mean said) easy3.
"Follow the Torah, not FOR our salvation but BECAUSE of our salvation."
"If you love Me, keep My commandments."
NOT
"If you love Me change My commandments" (Deuteronomy 7:9; John 1:1-2, 10:30, 14:15)
Hey Brett Jones, why don't you answer the question? If sin is transgression of "the law" what is "the law" spoken of here?
Thank you for your letter to the editor. The good news of our "great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13) is the only good news on this planet. Keep spreading the good news of God's great grace and salvation and may the LORD Jesus open the eyes of those who have not yet been saved from the penalty of sin through His finished work on the cross of Calvary.
"Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no other name, under heaven, given among men, by which you must be saved ( Acts 4:12)"
Sincerely, Brett Jones
Hey Joe, what is sin but transgression of the law. What law, Joe?
1 John 3:4 “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (from Aunt Daisy’s KJV). This same verse from the Hebrew Translation “The Scriptures” (John/Yohanan for he was a Hebrew, was he not) “Everyone doing sin also does “lawlessness”, and sin is “lawlessness.” There again, what law? If we don’t want to be “lawless” which is sin (transgression of the law)? Hey Joe, what law? Could you tell everyone that?
“Let us be used by *God to lead the lost to **Christ…”
*(GOD) CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Etymology of the word. Anglo-Saxon god; German gott, (also goda, gode, gud, gade); akin to Persian khoda (GHODH).
(1) Proper name of the one supreme personal being, creator and ruler of the universe, to whom man owes obedience and worship.
(2) Common or generic name of the several (actually "many") supposed beings to whom, in polytheistic religions, divine attributes are ascribed and divine worship is rendered.
(3) Name sometimes applied to an idol as the image or dwelling place of a god.
(newadvent.org/cathen/06608x.htm).
AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY: God (a) A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions.
(a) god, from Old English god. (b) giddy, from Old English gydig, possessed, insane, from Germanic gud-iga, possessed by a god. (c) gotterdammerung, from Old High German gott. (bartleby.com/61/21/G017200.html).
ADDITIONAL ON-LINE REFERENCE: Word origin : God-our word god goes back via Germanic to Indo-European, in which a corresponding ancestor form meant "invoked one."
The word's only surviving non-Germanic relative is Sanskrit hu, invoke the gods, a form which appears in the Rig Veda, most ancient of Hindu scriptures: puru-hutas, "much invoked," epithet of the rain-and-thunder god Indra. (From READER'S DIGEST, Family Word Finder, page 351) (Originally published by the Reader's Digest Association, Inc./, Pleasantville New York, Copyright 1975).
THE SCRIPTURES ~ EXPLANATORY NOTES: Gad, son of Ya’aqob (Jacob), but there was another “Gad.” The astrologers of Babel called Jupiter (Zeus) by the name “Gad.” Also used as Ba’al-Gad or Ba’al-Gahd (Yehoshua/Joshua 11:17; 12:7; 13:5, Jeremiah 7:9; 23:27, Zephaniah 1:4).
If the sources noted above are accurate (and there is no reason not to believe so), then the word that is used for the Supreme Being, god, comes from a very pagan origin.
**(CHRIST, CHRISTOS, CHRESTOS) OXFORD CLASSICAL DICTIONARY, Second Edition, page 233, states, “Constantine combined veneration for the ‘Unconquered Sun my companion’ with that of Christ.”
ORIENTAL RELIGIONS IN ROMAN PAGANISM, Franz Cumont (one of the most knowledgeable scholars in this field), page 288, states “The vague deism of Constantine strove to reconcile the opposition of heliolatry (sun-worship) and Christianity.”
THE RELIGIONS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, John Ferguson, page 56, states “Constantine’s god was a fusion of the Unconquered Sun and Christ the Victorious.”
THE INTERPRETER’S DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE, F.D. Gearly, vol. 1, pages 571-572, states “The word Christos…was easily confused with the common Greek proper name Chrestos, meaning ‘good’.” He also quotes a French theological dictionary which states “It is absolutely beyond doubt that Christus, Chrestus, Christiani and Chrestiani used indifferently by the profane and Christian authors of the first two centuries of our era.” Gearly also states “The three occurrences of ‘Christian’ in the NT suggest that the term was at this time primarily used as a pagan designation. Its infrequent use in the NT indicates not so much lateness of origin as pagan provenance (origin).”
REALENCYCLOPEDIA, Pauly-Wissowa, under “Chrestos,” we find that the inscription Chrestos is on a Mithras relief in the Vatican.
CHRISTIANITY AND MYTHOLOGY, J.M. Robertson, page 331, we find that Osiris, the Sun-deity of Egypt, was reverenced as Chrestos.
ANTIKE UND CHRISTENTUM, F.J. Dolger, vol. 6, page 156, we read of the heretic Gnostics who used the name Chrestos.
To avoid confusion between Christ, Christos, and Chrestos (the Sun-deity, we should abide by the Word, Messiah.
Pagan worship is forbidden to the people of the Almighty (I hope we all see ourselves as His people), even if it is mixed with True Worship (see Deuteronomy 4:13-19; 12:1-4; 12:29-32; 18:9, Leviticus 20:23-26, Jeremiah 10:2-3, 1 Corinthians 10:14-21, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 1 John 5:21).
Isaiah 52:11 “Turn aside! Turn aside (repent)! Come out from there, touch not the unclean. Come out of her (Revelation 18:4-5)midst, be clean, you who bear the vessels of Yahuweh.”
Life is terminal.