When you are in the market for a mortgage, choosing between lenders can be overwhelming. Lenders will make all sorts of claims in their advertising boasting of their low interest rate. This rate determines the amount of the monthly payments, but is only one factor in the final mortgage cost.
Comparing the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) among lenders is usually a better benchmark of the costs of the loan. The APR is a requirement of the federal Truth in Lending Act to be reported to borrowers and it estimates the costs over the duration of the year.
APR takes into account the interest rate as well as points, origination fees, any mortgage insurance premium, home inspections, prepaid interest (if applicable) and other fees that are incurred in acquiring the mortgage loan. Simply stated, the APR gives you an idea of how these costs affect you over the length of the loan.
Although some costs, such as the title insurance, are omitted from the APR calculation, the APR is a much better standard to use when analyzing different mortgages.
After you have applied for a mortgage you will receive a copy of the Federal Truth in Lending Disclosure form, detailing not only the interest rate used to determine your payments but the APR will be shown as well.
The APR is always higher than the Interest Rate due to the affect of the costs necessary for acquiring a mortgage loan.
If you use this knowledge you can make a better informed decision about which loan is right for you.
Krista Scruggs is an article contributor to Lender411.com. Lender411.com will locate the best mortgage rate in your area by connecting you instantly with up to four qualified lenders. Visit Lender411.com today to compare mortgage rates instantly.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krista_Scruggs
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
- Where to invest when the housing bubble bursts
The short answer – Washington State. In a May 2006 forecast by Fiserv Lending Solutions and Moody's Economy.com, 10 Washington cities were listed in the top 17 for nationwide highest home value appreciation for the 12 month period of June 2006 to June 2007. All 10 were predicted to see from 10.5% to as high as 16.7% appreciation. The number two city for the entire nation was Wenatchee, second to Panama City, FL.
More recently, the housing market news has mostly been negative. Is the bubble bursting? Will housing prices go down? According to the National Association of Realtors, the October Pending Home Sales Index showed that pending home sales are up, indicating stabilization is taking place in the housing market. The index was up 4.3% to a level of 110.1. While this is lower than the previous year, it is still 10% higher than the benchmark 2001 value. Regionally, the index in the West rose over 9%.
With long-term mortgage rates still in the high 5% to low 6% range according to Spokane mortgage broker, Michael Sanborn, investors would be wise to consider, among other areas, these Washington markets: Wenatchee, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Yakima, Spokane, Bremerton, Longview and the Tri-Cities. All of these areas have a median price of under $200,000 as of the May 2006 forecast. Spokane real estate agent, and owner of Saint Lawrence Mortgage, Michael Sanborn says the combination of interest rates and home values throughout Washington State makes this a great time to invest.
Other Washington State cities that are on the list include Seattle, Everett and Tacoma, but the median price is much higher in these areas making it difficult for investors with little down payment to have positive cash flow. Liberty Lake real estate, a city outside of Spokane near the Idaho border, has also seen double digit appreciation over the last 5 years.
By Michael Sanborn
source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/invest-housing-bubble-bursts.html
More recently, the housing market news has mostly been negative. Is the bubble bursting? Will housing prices go down? According to the National Association of Realtors, the October Pending Home Sales Index showed that pending home sales are up, indicating stabilization is taking place in the housing market. The index was up 4.3% to a level of 110.1. While this is lower than the previous year, it is still 10% higher than the benchmark 2001 value. Regionally, the index in the West rose over 9%.
With long-term mortgage rates still in the high 5% to low 6% range according to Spokane mortgage broker, Michael Sanborn, investors would be wise to consider, among other areas, these Washington markets: Wenatchee, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Yakima, Spokane, Bremerton, Longview and the Tri-Cities. All of these areas have a median price of under $200,000 as of the May 2006 forecast. Spokane real estate agent, and owner of Saint Lawrence Mortgage, Michael Sanborn says the combination of interest rates and home values throughout Washington State makes this a great time to invest.
Other Washington State cities that are on the list include Seattle, Everett and Tacoma, but the median price is much higher in these areas making it difficult for investors with little down payment to have positive cash flow. Liberty Lake real estate, a city outside of Spokane near the Idaho border, has also seen double digit appreciation over the last 5 years.
By Michael Sanborn
source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/invest-housing-bubble-bursts.html
- Home Loan Refinance Offers Advantages When Timed Right
If it has been at least a year since you purchased and financed your home, it could be a good idea to consider refinancing your home. A home loan refinance offers great financial advantages under the right circumstances. In order to make sure you get the most benefits of refinancing; however, it is important to make sure you consider whether now could be right time to refinance your mortgage.
At one time, financial experts recommended that you only refinance your home if interest rates had dropped at least two points below the interest rate you obtained on your mortgage at the time you purchased your home. Today, that rule is no longer applicable. Even if the prevailing interest rate has not yet reached the benchmark of being two points lower than your mortgage interest, you can still take advantage of lower payments and interest savings.
The key to taking advantage of these benefits; however, is in balancing the cost of your home loan refinance with the amount of money that you will save. Certain costs are associated with refinancing, including application fees, credit reports and a possible title search.
Generally, it is a good idea to go ahead and refinance when you think you will be in the home long enough to offset the cost of the refinance with the amount of money you will save each month over the long run. For most homeowners this is about two years; however, that time frame could be largely dependent on exactly how much money you are able to save every month with a home loan refinance and how much it costs you to refinance. If you find that you are able to save more money when you refinance your mortgage, it will not take you very long to recoup the cost of the refinance through your savings.
Let us consider an example. Suppose you have a fixed rate mortgage for $150,000. Your current interest rate is 7%; however, you are able to achieve a 5.5% interest rate with a home loan refinance. On the original mortgage you would be paying $998 per month on a 30 year loan. At the new interest rate for the same length of time your payment would drop to $851 per month; amounting to a savings of $147 per month. If; however, your original interest rate was higher at 7.5% then you would save almost $200 per month. With an average closing cost of $3,000 on your home loan refinance, it will take just 15 months to recoup the costs of refinancing your home. After that time has elapsed, you can begin really enjoying the savings offered by refinancing your home. If you plan to be in your home for a long period of time, this provides you with the opportunity to take advantage of substantial savings.
In some cases; however, it can still be advantageous to refinance your home even if you think you will be selling in the short-term. For example, if you believe that your home has appreciated in sufficient value so that you will make enough profit on the sale of your home, it could very well be worth it to go ahead and consider refinancing to take advantage of the monthly savings in the interim.
Make sure you have the resources you need to determine how much money you could save with a home loan refinance. Visit Home Loan or Home Loan Refinance to find out how much money you might be able to save every month.
By Alan Lim
source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/home-loan-refinance-offers-advantages-when-timed-right.html
At one time, financial experts recommended that you only refinance your home if interest rates had dropped at least two points below the interest rate you obtained on your mortgage at the time you purchased your home. Today, that rule is no longer applicable. Even if the prevailing interest rate has not yet reached the benchmark of being two points lower than your mortgage interest, you can still take advantage of lower payments and interest savings.
The key to taking advantage of these benefits; however, is in balancing the cost of your home loan refinance with the amount of money that you will save. Certain costs are associated with refinancing, including application fees, credit reports and a possible title search.
Generally, it is a good idea to go ahead and refinance when you think you will be in the home long enough to offset the cost of the refinance with the amount of money you will save each month over the long run. For most homeowners this is about two years; however, that time frame could be largely dependent on exactly how much money you are able to save every month with a home loan refinance and how much it costs you to refinance. If you find that you are able to save more money when you refinance your mortgage, it will not take you very long to recoup the cost of the refinance through your savings.
Let us consider an example. Suppose you have a fixed rate mortgage for $150,000. Your current interest rate is 7%; however, you are able to achieve a 5.5% interest rate with a home loan refinance. On the original mortgage you would be paying $998 per month on a 30 year loan. At the new interest rate for the same length of time your payment would drop to $851 per month; amounting to a savings of $147 per month. If; however, your original interest rate was higher at 7.5% then you would save almost $200 per month. With an average closing cost of $3,000 on your home loan refinance, it will take just 15 months to recoup the costs of refinancing your home. After that time has elapsed, you can begin really enjoying the savings offered by refinancing your home. If you plan to be in your home for a long period of time, this provides you with the opportunity to take advantage of substantial savings.
In some cases; however, it can still be advantageous to refinance your home even if you think you will be selling in the short-term. For example, if you believe that your home has appreciated in sufficient value so that you will make enough profit on the sale of your home, it could very well be worth it to go ahead and consider refinancing to take advantage of the monthly savings in the interim.
Make sure you have the resources you need to determine how much money you could save with a home loan refinance. Visit Home Loan or Home Loan Refinance to find out how much money you might be able to save every month.
By Alan Lim
source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/home-loan-refinance-offers-advantages-when-timed-right.html
- Debt-To-Income Ratio - Why it's Just As Important As Your Credit Score
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a simple way of calculating how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. Lenders use the DTI to determine how much money they can safely loan you toward a home purchase or mortgage refinancing. Everyone knows that their credit score is an important factor in qualifying for a loan. But in reality, the DTI is every bit as important as the credit score.
Lenders usually apply a standard called the "28/36 rule" to your debt-to-income ratio to determine whether you’re loan-worthy. The first number, 28, is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that the lender will allow for housing expenses. The total includes payments on the mortgage loan, mortgage insurance, fire insurance, property taxes, and homeowner’s association dues. This is usually called PITI, which stands for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
The second number, 36, refers to the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income the lender will allow for housing expenses PLUS recurring debt. When they calculate your recurring debt, they will include credit card payments, child support, car loans, and other obligations that are not short-term.
Let’s say your gross earnings are $4,000 per month. $4,000 times 28% equals $1,120. So that is the maximum PITI, or housing expense, that a typical lender will allow for a conventional mortgage loan. In other words, the 28 figure determines how much house you can afford.
Now, $4,000 times 36% is $1,440. This figure represents the TOTAL debt load that the lender will permit. $1,440 minus $1,120 is $320. So if your monthly obligations on recurring debt exceed $320, the size of the mortgage you’ll qualify for will decrease proportionally. If you are paying $600 per month on recurring debt, for example, instead of $320, your PITI must be reduced to $840 or less. That translates to a much smaller loan and a lot less house.
Bear in mind that your car payment has to come out of that difference between 28% and 36%, so in our example, the car payment must be included in the $320. It doesn’t take much these days to reach a $300/month car payment, even for a modest vehicle, so that doesn't leave a whole lot of room for other types of debt.
The moral of the story here is that too much debt can ruin your chances to qualify for a home mortgage. Remember, the debt-to-income ratio is something that lenders look at separately from your credit history. That's because your credit score only reflects your payment history. It's a measurement of how responsibly you've managed your use of credit. But your credit score does not take into account your level of income. That's why the DTI is treated separately as a critical filter on loan applications. So even if you have a PERFECT payment history, but the mortgage you've applied for would cause you to exceed the 36% limit, you'll still be turned down for the loan.
The 28/36 rule for debt-to-income ratio is a benchmark that has worked well in the mortgage industry for years. Unfortunately, with the recent boom in real estate prices, lenders have been forced to get more "creative" in their lending practices. Whenever you hear the term "creative" in connection with loans or financing, just substitute "riskier" and you'll have the true picture. Naturally, the extra risk is shifted to the consumer, not the lender.
Mortgages used to be pretty simple to understand: You paid a fixed rate of interest for 30 years, or maybe 15 years. Today, mortgages come in a variety of flavors, such as adjustable-rate, 40-year, interest-only, option-adjustable, or piggyback mortgages, each of which may be structured in a number of ways.
The whole idea behind all these newer types of mortgages is to shoehorn people into qualifying for loans based on their debt-to-income ratio. "It's all about the payment," seems to be the prevailing view in the mortgage industry. That's fine if your payment is fixed for 30 years. But what happens to your adjustable rate mortgage if interest rates rise? Your monthly payment will go up, and you might quickly exceed the safety limit of the old 28/36 rule.
These newer mortgage products are fine as long as interest rates don't climb too far or too fast, and also as long as real estate prices continue to appreciate at a healthy pace. But make sure you understand the worst-case scenario before taking on one of these complicated loans. The 28/36 rule for debt-to-income has been around so long simply because it works to keep people out of risky loans.
So make sure you understand exactly how far or how fast your loan payment can increase before accepting one of these newer types of mortgages. If your DTI disqualifies you for a conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage, then you should think twice before squeezing yourself into an adjustable rate mortgage just to keep the payment manageable.
Instead, think in terms of increasing your initial down payment on the property in order to lower the amount you'll need to finance. It may take you longer to get into your dream home by using this more conservative approach, but that's certainly better than losing that dream home to foreclosure because increasing monthly payments have driven your debt-to-income ratio sky-high.
By Charles Phelan
source: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-13-2006-86282.asp
Lenders usually apply a standard called the "28/36 rule" to your debt-to-income ratio to determine whether you’re loan-worthy. The first number, 28, is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that the lender will allow for housing expenses. The total includes payments on the mortgage loan, mortgage insurance, fire insurance, property taxes, and homeowner’s association dues. This is usually called PITI, which stands for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
The second number, 36, refers to the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income the lender will allow for housing expenses PLUS recurring debt. When they calculate your recurring debt, they will include credit card payments, child support, car loans, and other obligations that are not short-term.
Let’s say your gross earnings are $4,000 per month. $4,000 times 28% equals $1,120. So that is the maximum PITI, or housing expense, that a typical lender will allow for a conventional mortgage loan. In other words, the 28 figure determines how much house you can afford.
Now, $4,000 times 36% is $1,440. This figure represents the TOTAL debt load that the lender will permit. $1,440 minus $1,120 is $320. So if your monthly obligations on recurring debt exceed $320, the size of the mortgage you’ll qualify for will decrease proportionally. If you are paying $600 per month on recurring debt, for example, instead of $320, your PITI must be reduced to $840 or less. That translates to a much smaller loan and a lot less house.
Bear in mind that your car payment has to come out of that difference between 28% and 36%, so in our example, the car payment must be included in the $320. It doesn’t take much these days to reach a $300/month car payment, even for a modest vehicle, so that doesn't leave a whole lot of room for other types of debt.
The moral of the story here is that too much debt can ruin your chances to qualify for a home mortgage. Remember, the debt-to-income ratio is something that lenders look at separately from your credit history. That's because your credit score only reflects your payment history. It's a measurement of how responsibly you've managed your use of credit. But your credit score does not take into account your level of income. That's why the DTI is treated separately as a critical filter on loan applications. So even if you have a PERFECT payment history, but the mortgage you've applied for would cause you to exceed the 36% limit, you'll still be turned down for the loan.
The 28/36 rule for debt-to-income ratio is a benchmark that has worked well in the mortgage industry for years. Unfortunately, with the recent boom in real estate prices, lenders have been forced to get more "creative" in their lending practices. Whenever you hear the term "creative" in connection with loans or financing, just substitute "riskier" and you'll have the true picture. Naturally, the extra risk is shifted to the consumer, not the lender.
Mortgages used to be pretty simple to understand: You paid a fixed rate of interest for 30 years, or maybe 15 years. Today, mortgages come in a variety of flavors, such as adjustable-rate, 40-year, interest-only, option-adjustable, or piggyback mortgages, each of which may be structured in a number of ways.
The whole idea behind all these newer types of mortgages is to shoehorn people into qualifying for loans based on their debt-to-income ratio. "It's all about the payment," seems to be the prevailing view in the mortgage industry. That's fine if your payment is fixed for 30 years. But what happens to your adjustable rate mortgage if interest rates rise? Your monthly payment will go up, and you might quickly exceed the safety limit of the old 28/36 rule.
These newer mortgage products are fine as long as interest rates don't climb too far or too fast, and also as long as real estate prices continue to appreciate at a healthy pace. But make sure you understand the worst-case scenario before taking on one of these complicated loans. The 28/36 rule for debt-to-income has been around so long simply because it works to keep people out of risky loans.
So make sure you understand exactly how far or how fast your loan payment can increase before accepting one of these newer types of mortgages. If your DTI disqualifies you for a conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage, then you should think twice before squeezing yourself into an adjustable rate mortgage just to keep the payment manageable.
Instead, think in terms of increasing your initial down payment on the property in order to lower the amount you'll need to finance. It may take you longer to get into your dream home by using this more conservative approach, but that's certainly better than losing that dream home to foreclosure because increasing monthly payments have driven your debt-to-income ratio sky-high.
By Charles Phelan
source: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-13-2006-86282.asp
- How Does God Measure Man's Success?
How does God measure mankind's success? Might I add: And, how does He measure our failures? Certainly not in the way mankind determines success and failure, as Yeshua's Holy Word will prove. Nevertheless, I shall keep to the query regarding success: which in effect does respond to our failures, as well. Noah definitely is a good Biblical figure with whom to begin. We also shall look at Job and, yes, even Christ Himself. Still, there are many Biblical examples of Adonai's yardstick, which measure will be summarized at the close of this response, as compared to humanity's ruler: never shall the twain meet.
First, how does man measure man's success? Quite simply, he determines success by educational levels achieved, importance of a job performed, amount of money earned, the quality and quantity of things that money can buy— such as clothes, a car, and a house as well as an abundance of food and delicacies on the dining room table— and, even by the woman on his arm: beautiful, perfectly formed to the eye, and possessing an impressive background. All this holds true of women as well: more so in today's societies.
Let us now discover how God measures mankind's success.
NOAH: Genesis c.6-c.10, Authorized King James Version Bible (AKJV)
The Lord begins by condemning humanity by the time Noah is 500 years old, in that they had become very flesh and worldly minded— 6:5,11~ And, God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence."
At that time, Yeshua determined to reduce man's life span to no more than 120 years, as opposed to a lifetime of almost 1000 years. This would begin after mankind once again multiplied following the great flood. Since then, it has been further reduced to 60 up to 80 years. Yet, Elohim's first thought was to utterly destroy all that He had created; but then, He looked upon Noah with GRACE. What success did He see in Noah that was worthy of Noah being saved from this planned destruction?
(Genesis 6:9~, AKJV) Noah was a JUST man and PERFECT in his generations, and Noah WALKED with God.
There is not another verse in existence where God may have considered any monetary successes Noah might have achieved prior to the great flood; therefore, it is obvious Adonai does not consider such worldly achievements when it comes to His Almighty judgment rendering either utter destruction or eternal life for each human.
Instead, El's opinion is based upon the achievement of attaining a just manner, perfection of heart and a walk with God: these three behaviours allude to the Father's Doctrine, His Twelve Statutes— bearing in mind they were verbal until Moses' time— which is as Jesus instructed, "Do my Father's will." Christ exemplified, this is to say magnified, and taught as well as made honorable the Father's Twelve Precepts (AKJV, Isaiah 42:21). To magnify is to live and teach those statutes as an example for others to follow and to honor our Creator. To make honorable is when others begin to live them also, that they may find honor with their Creator.
Despite the fact a flood of planetary magnitude— such to destroy all living things on earth— did not occur until 100 years after Noah began building the ark, which surely must have caused Noah some heckling and scoffing from friends and neighbors, c.6:22 reveals that he did "all that God commanded him." Noah was age 600 when the flood came and he died at 950 years of age: another 350 years after the flood receded.
Noah having obeyed El reveals two vital facts: 1) confirms for us God's opinion of Noah; and, 2) suggests yet another saving attitude we all should possess: faith and trust in the Lord, no matter how daunting or painful a command might seem or actually be or what we might have to suffer while our faith is tested. One point The Revelation makes about Elohim opening His files to the redeemed is that, ultimately, they each declare Him just and righteous in His final decisions. Nevertheless, we are shown His pure justice throughout the Bible, both against wickedness and for righteousness.
An important fact to note about Noah is that GRACE began with Noah. It did not begin with Christ, who did and still does represent humanity's last chance to obtain grace. Grace was to survive the great flood having destroyed the wicked of that day. Grace, today, is to be given opportunity to become like Noah through the strength then demonstrated by Christ, thus avoiding the end purging fire of God's final Wrath. Grace is being given the time to become "perfect as Christ was perfect and as God is perfect" and as Noah and Job were judged perfect.
Grace was not and is not and never was meant to be a replacement for Yeshua's Twelve Precepts: rather, grace is an offer to become obedient to El's Law, thereby saved from a fire reserved for those who consistently disobey His Statutes. Christ not only showed us how to obey but also revealed the rewards in doing so. Now, let us take a look at Job and why God found him worthy of grace.
JOB: the book of
It is clear Job was monetarily successful, as briefly noted in verse 3 of chapter 1; yet, the first and most vital point made about Job appears in verse 1: "That man was PERFECT and UPRIGHT, and one that FEARED GOD, and eschewed [AVOIDED] EVIL." There is no verse in Job citing God having at any time judged Job based his monetary success. Therefore, mention of Job's worldly success is merely that: a brief mention lending strength to all Job suffered as well as providing a reason for monetary and physical wealth having been restored to Job as a reward for having succeeded spiritually.
One might say, then, why did the Lord allow Lucifer to bring afflictions upon Job: the kind that took from Job every thing and every dear person he had in his life and, ultimately, his own heath? In Job's case, this was a test: would those monetary things and people mean more to Job than the god he appeared to worship. Still, throughout the book of Job, Adonai repeats His statement that there is no man as perfect and upright as Job: who fears God, which means Job obeyed, and who avoids evil.
Jesus declared this very thing to us: (paraphrased AKJV, Matthew 10:37-39) "If you love mother, father, sister, brother, friend, or even your life more than me, you are not worthy of me." Additionally, if we seek the riches of this world or refuse to give up riches already attained, we are not worthy of Christ and His Father. After all, it is written, (paraphrased AKJV, Luke 6:20; James 2:5) "I have chosen the poor of this world. They are blessed, for the kingdom of God is theirs."
To have excess and not share it with less fortunate brethren is to be found unworthy: according to the description and ways of Jesus' true followers of His true church, which isn't found denominationally. (see AKJV topical Bible "Truth Gathering" ©copyright 2003 by Bonita M Quesinberry, Infinity Publishing, http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-1686-7; c.30, 'Upon This Rock, Christ's Church,' pgs. 485-507; also, there is a previous TSaS response regarding Christ's church— either in the Post Archives or Files sections of its website)
And, who are our brethren? The same brethren of Christ. (AKJV, Matthew 12:50) "WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother." And, (AKJV, Luke 8:21) "My mother and my brethren are these which HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, AND DO IT."
Those who worship the Father and follow in Christ's footsteps are not guaranteed riches of this world. So, to think Mark and Luke meant otherwise is to err and cause Jesus to have contradicted Himself. In fact, Jesus taught and lived a vow of poverty. Rather, we are guaranteed only a roof over our heads— albeit, we might not own it, unless it is very humble— food in our mouth and sturdy clothes upon our backs. In other words, the very basics of life, often provided by others, and certainly appropriate for a life that is exceedingly temporary. (see AKVJ, Mark 10:29-31; Luke 18:29-30)
As for monetary wealth, Christ's people are guaranteed the riches of heaven and a mansion in which to live: all to be paid-in-full upon redemption and not before— most appropriate for a permanent life— after all, we have to earn it first. Once the earth is restored to like Eden, we then are given earth's riches: but not before.
How we live truly reveals the life we pursue: permanent or temporary. The wealthy live this life as though it were permanent yet they die anyway; and, the poor live it as though temporary yet die anyway. The difference is revealed upon Christ's return. Which of the two will gain God's Kingdom and His permanent riches?
Exactly as with Noah, Job's endurance of suffering while refusing to turn away from God, serves to confirm the accurateness of Eloi's opinion of Job as well as, once again, demonstrates those other redemptive attributes: faith and trust in God. In Job, however, we are given a glimpse of still other traits found favorable by El: 1) Job's abject humility demonstrated by feeling he somehow had offended God, rather than accuse and/or curse God; and, 2) despite Job's immense grief and suffering, rather than pray for himself, Job prayed for his friends: while they were condemning him, instead of lending moral and spiritual support to Noah.
CHRIST: the gospels, a man exemplifying how to obtain grace (see also "Today, Jesus Said… Let Me Introduce Myself" ©copyright 2002 Bonita M Quesinberry, Infinity Publishing: the complete life of Christ before anything was to the literal end, by chronologically paraphrased AKJV scriptures— http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-1240-3)
Christ was born sometime in October of 3 B.C. into the very poor, humble home of a carpenter: where He was raised and grew spiritually until He began His ministry in 27A.D. at age 30. From that day forward, until He died in April of 31A.D. at age 33 years and 7 months, Jesus essentially lived on the streets and parks or gardens or up in the mountains; but occasionally, He did stay overnight with friends. And, He traveled on foot.
According to Old Testament prophetic descriptions of our Messiah, he even was not pleasant to gaze upon; in fact, many turned away in disgust from looking at this short black man with a deformed body and badly disfigured face. (see AKJV, Psalm 119:141> Isaiah 52:14; 53:2~,3-13> Song of Solomon 1:5)
There was nothing about this outward man to encourage people to follow Him; and, certainly, Jesus possessed nothing of monetary value sufficient to cause world leaders to identify Him as a king, muchless anything else: other than as a deluded pauper with grand illusions and who must have been cursed by God, as far as they were concerned.
In God's infinite wisdom, He perfectly created Jesus: providing Him with absolutely no attributes the world looks upon with favour— neither physical beauty nor an abundance of earth's riches— thereby implying what it is the Father hates that we humans to aspire to; yet, El instilled within Jesus a desire for perfection many people then and today cannot resist: they and we all even forget that, physically, He was downright ugly— a fact never presented from pulpits. Think about it. If this description were presented to the world, exterior beauty and riches would fall away; racial prejudices would be non-existent; and we all would take a closer look at those physically afflicted and marred.
Thousands followed, and today follow, this man declared King of the Jews who, contrarily, rode into town not in a fancy chariot but upon a lowly donkey's back: an unbroken foal, at that. What attracted people, nonetheless, were Christ's words and His loving ways and His miraculous feats attesting to the identity He claimed. He taught only God's Truth and lived it, providing us the perfect example to emulate. He was and remains fully measuring up to God's yardstick of perfection: to which we also must measure up or fail to be chosen: leaving us subject to the pit of fire and brimstone.
Had Noah not been found a righteous man, there would have been no man living after the great flood. Had Job not been found a righteous man, nothing would have been restored to him. If Christ were not who He claimed to be, then He was a liar and we all shall perish; yet, Jesus must have been the Son of God. After all, He was resurrected from the dead and ascended to the throne of God: the facts of which are better documented than any murder case in history. Love and obedience will find us being resurrected and ascending to God's Kingdom. So, in summary, how does God measure our success?
GOD'S YARDSTICK: measuring mankind's success to determine his or her sentence of life or death
1. Love for God: following His will and His Son in utter respect and humility
2. Love for humanity: to pray for and help others, despite personal afflictions
3. Walk in Fear: respectfully and humbly obey Yeshua's Twelve Statutes
4. Be Perfect: avoid evil at all costs: giving good for evil
5. Be Just: fairness and equality in all things
6. Have Faith in: belief in everything God does and says— Trust
7. Have Faith of: same as Christ's belief that God would resurrect Him from the dead,
therefore He did not fear death— Trust
Isn't the Lord awesome! He never ceases to amaze me: when I prepare a response that, in the end calls for a simple summary of all that was written, it always concludes with seven points: a feat wholly out of my control and not even considered at the time I'm putting an answer together. Once again, we encounter Ishi's perfect number seven and it begins with love: the two royal commandments upon which hinge, that is to depend, the Ten Laws.
Without possessing unconditional love, we absolutely cannot obey wholly the remaining Ten Statutes: thus, grace is of no value to those who are disobedient in any single or multiple Precepts (AKJV, LOVE: Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5; 10:12-13; 11:1,13; 13:3-5; Joshua 23:11; Matthew 19:19; 22:37-38; Luke 10:25-28> LAW: Exodus 20:3-17; Deuteronomy 5:7-14,16-21). Grace was of no value to the people of Noah's day; so, they did not enter the Ark— despite Noah's warnings during the 100 years— and they all perished.
If we go by man's yardstick, some more than measure up while others fail miserably. The results are the same with God's gauge. Man's judgment of failure cannot utterly destroy the person so judged; however, God's rendering of failure results in utter destruction. So, as Peter and the other apostles said, "We ought to obey God rather than man." Of course, they merely were echoing the great preacher of Ecclesiastes. (Acts 5:29; Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Still, the only thing that counts is do we measure up to God's benchmark? The hour is late, my friend; so, isn't it time to stretch up to meet the height El requires? After all, it really isn't such a tall yardstick, quite easily attainable. You see, it's a choice we make: for or against— love or hate, obey or disobey.
In closing, I hear many people wonder about this "peace beyond understanding" spoken of so much today in the midst of a world torn by war. And, how does one get this peace "the world cannot know?" For that matter, how can we be happy in a world gone mad, full of senseless violence and destructive drugs? Kings David and Solomon answered clearly, "Great peace have they who love God's law: and nothing shall offend them. Happy is he who obeys the law." (Psalm 119:165; Proverbs 29:18)
Obviously, Noah and Job discovered this peace and happiness by having chosen obedience to Yeshua: and, it gave them as well as Jesus the tremendous strength necessary to endure terrible hardships, afflictions, and even death. It is this same strength that God's people need today in order to endure Laodicea's terrors just days before Christ's return. We are there. It is upon us: Jesus is even at the door.
* * * * *
Truth Seekers and Speakers
A unique Biblical Q&A forum
By Bonita M Quesinberry, R.C.
source:http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-9-2003-47398.asp
First, how does man measure man's success? Quite simply, he determines success by educational levels achieved, importance of a job performed, amount of money earned, the quality and quantity of things that money can buy— such as clothes, a car, and a house as well as an abundance of food and delicacies on the dining room table— and, even by the woman on his arm: beautiful, perfectly formed to the eye, and possessing an impressive background. All this holds true of women as well: more so in today's societies.
Let us now discover how God measures mankind's success.
NOAH: Genesis c.6-c.10, Authorized King James Version Bible (AKJV)
The Lord begins by condemning humanity by the time Noah is 500 years old, in that they had become very flesh and worldly minded— 6:5,11~ And, God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence."
At that time, Yeshua determined to reduce man's life span to no more than 120 years, as opposed to a lifetime of almost 1000 years. This would begin after mankind once again multiplied following the great flood. Since then, it has been further reduced to 60 up to 80 years. Yet, Elohim's first thought was to utterly destroy all that He had created; but then, He looked upon Noah with GRACE. What success did He see in Noah that was worthy of Noah being saved from this planned destruction?
(Genesis 6:9~, AKJV) Noah was a JUST man and PERFECT in his generations, and Noah WALKED with God.
There is not another verse in existence where God may have considered any monetary successes Noah might have achieved prior to the great flood; therefore, it is obvious Adonai does not consider such worldly achievements when it comes to His Almighty judgment rendering either utter destruction or eternal life for each human.
Instead, El's opinion is based upon the achievement of attaining a just manner, perfection of heart and a walk with God: these three behaviours allude to the Father's Doctrine, His Twelve Statutes— bearing in mind they were verbal until Moses' time— which is as Jesus instructed, "Do my Father's will." Christ exemplified, this is to say magnified, and taught as well as made honorable the Father's Twelve Precepts (AKJV, Isaiah 42:21). To magnify is to live and teach those statutes as an example for others to follow and to honor our Creator. To make honorable is when others begin to live them also, that they may find honor with their Creator.
Despite the fact a flood of planetary magnitude— such to destroy all living things on earth— did not occur until 100 years after Noah began building the ark, which surely must have caused Noah some heckling and scoffing from friends and neighbors, c.6:22 reveals that he did "all that God commanded him." Noah was age 600 when the flood came and he died at 950 years of age: another 350 years after the flood receded.
Noah having obeyed El reveals two vital facts: 1) confirms for us God's opinion of Noah; and, 2) suggests yet another saving attitude we all should possess: faith and trust in the Lord, no matter how daunting or painful a command might seem or actually be or what we might have to suffer while our faith is tested. One point The Revelation makes about Elohim opening His files to the redeemed is that, ultimately, they each declare Him just and righteous in His final decisions. Nevertheless, we are shown His pure justice throughout the Bible, both against wickedness and for righteousness.
An important fact to note about Noah is that GRACE began with Noah. It did not begin with Christ, who did and still does represent humanity's last chance to obtain grace. Grace was to survive the great flood having destroyed the wicked of that day. Grace, today, is to be given opportunity to become like Noah through the strength then demonstrated by Christ, thus avoiding the end purging fire of God's final Wrath. Grace is being given the time to become "perfect as Christ was perfect and as God is perfect" and as Noah and Job were judged perfect.
Grace was not and is not and never was meant to be a replacement for Yeshua's Twelve Precepts: rather, grace is an offer to become obedient to El's Law, thereby saved from a fire reserved for those who consistently disobey His Statutes. Christ not only showed us how to obey but also revealed the rewards in doing so. Now, let us take a look at Job and why God found him worthy of grace.
JOB: the book of
It is clear Job was monetarily successful, as briefly noted in verse 3 of chapter 1; yet, the first and most vital point made about Job appears in verse 1: "That man was PERFECT and UPRIGHT, and one that FEARED GOD, and eschewed [AVOIDED] EVIL." There is no verse in Job citing God having at any time judged Job based his monetary success. Therefore, mention of Job's worldly success is merely that: a brief mention lending strength to all Job suffered as well as providing a reason for monetary and physical wealth having been restored to Job as a reward for having succeeded spiritually.
One might say, then, why did the Lord allow Lucifer to bring afflictions upon Job: the kind that took from Job every thing and every dear person he had in his life and, ultimately, his own heath? In Job's case, this was a test: would those monetary things and people mean more to Job than the god he appeared to worship. Still, throughout the book of Job, Adonai repeats His statement that there is no man as perfect and upright as Job: who fears God, which means Job obeyed, and who avoids evil.
Jesus declared this very thing to us: (paraphrased AKJV, Matthew 10:37-39) "If you love mother, father, sister, brother, friend, or even your life more than me, you are not worthy of me." Additionally, if we seek the riches of this world or refuse to give up riches already attained, we are not worthy of Christ and His Father. After all, it is written, (paraphrased AKJV, Luke 6:20; James 2:5) "I have chosen the poor of this world. They are blessed, for the kingdom of God is theirs."
To have excess and not share it with less fortunate brethren is to be found unworthy: according to the description and ways of Jesus' true followers of His true church, which isn't found denominationally. (see AKJV topical Bible "Truth Gathering" ©copyright 2003 by Bonita M Quesinberry, Infinity Publishing, http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-1686-7; c.30, 'Upon This Rock, Christ's Church,' pgs. 485-507; also, there is a previous TSaS response regarding Christ's church— either in the Post Archives or Files sections of its website)
And, who are our brethren? The same brethren of Christ. (AKJV, Matthew 12:50) "WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother." And, (AKJV, Luke 8:21) "My mother and my brethren are these which HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, AND DO IT."
Those who worship the Father and follow in Christ's footsteps are not guaranteed riches of this world. So, to think Mark and Luke meant otherwise is to err and cause Jesus to have contradicted Himself. In fact, Jesus taught and lived a vow of poverty. Rather, we are guaranteed only a roof over our heads— albeit, we might not own it, unless it is very humble— food in our mouth and sturdy clothes upon our backs. In other words, the very basics of life, often provided by others, and certainly appropriate for a life that is exceedingly temporary. (see AKVJ, Mark 10:29-31; Luke 18:29-30)
As for monetary wealth, Christ's people are guaranteed the riches of heaven and a mansion in which to live: all to be paid-in-full upon redemption and not before— most appropriate for a permanent life— after all, we have to earn it first. Once the earth is restored to like Eden, we then are given earth's riches: but not before.
How we live truly reveals the life we pursue: permanent or temporary. The wealthy live this life as though it were permanent yet they die anyway; and, the poor live it as though temporary yet die anyway. The difference is revealed upon Christ's return. Which of the two will gain God's Kingdom and His permanent riches?
Exactly as with Noah, Job's endurance of suffering while refusing to turn away from God, serves to confirm the accurateness of Eloi's opinion of Job as well as, once again, demonstrates those other redemptive attributes: faith and trust in God. In Job, however, we are given a glimpse of still other traits found favorable by El: 1) Job's abject humility demonstrated by feeling he somehow had offended God, rather than accuse and/or curse God; and, 2) despite Job's immense grief and suffering, rather than pray for himself, Job prayed for his friends: while they were condemning him, instead of lending moral and spiritual support to Noah.
CHRIST: the gospels, a man exemplifying how to obtain grace (see also "Today, Jesus Said… Let Me Introduce Myself" ©copyright 2002 Bonita M Quesinberry, Infinity Publishing: the complete life of Christ before anything was to the literal end, by chronologically paraphrased AKJV scriptures— http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-1240-3)
Christ was born sometime in October of 3 B.C. into the very poor, humble home of a carpenter: where He was raised and grew spiritually until He began His ministry in 27A.D. at age 30. From that day forward, until He died in April of 31A.D. at age 33 years and 7 months, Jesus essentially lived on the streets and parks or gardens or up in the mountains; but occasionally, He did stay overnight with friends. And, He traveled on foot.
According to Old Testament prophetic descriptions of our Messiah, he even was not pleasant to gaze upon; in fact, many turned away in disgust from looking at this short black man with a deformed body and badly disfigured face. (see AKJV, Psalm 119:141> Isaiah 52:14; 53:2~,3-13> Song of Solomon 1:5)
There was nothing about this outward man to encourage people to follow Him; and, certainly, Jesus possessed nothing of monetary value sufficient to cause world leaders to identify Him as a king, muchless anything else: other than as a deluded pauper with grand illusions and who must have been cursed by God, as far as they were concerned.
In God's infinite wisdom, He perfectly created Jesus: providing Him with absolutely no attributes the world looks upon with favour— neither physical beauty nor an abundance of earth's riches— thereby implying what it is the Father hates that we humans to aspire to; yet, El instilled within Jesus a desire for perfection many people then and today cannot resist: they and we all even forget that, physically, He was downright ugly— a fact never presented from pulpits. Think about it. If this description were presented to the world, exterior beauty and riches would fall away; racial prejudices would be non-existent; and we all would take a closer look at those physically afflicted and marred.
Thousands followed, and today follow, this man declared King of the Jews who, contrarily, rode into town not in a fancy chariot but upon a lowly donkey's back: an unbroken foal, at that. What attracted people, nonetheless, were Christ's words and His loving ways and His miraculous feats attesting to the identity He claimed. He taught only God's Truth and lived it, providing us the perfect example to emulate. He was and remains fully measuring up to God's yardstick of perfection: to which we also must measure up or fail to be chosen: leaving us subject to the pit of fire and brimstone.
Had Noah not been found a righteous man, there would have been no man living after the great flood. Had Job not been found a righteous man, nothing would have been restored to him. If Christ were not who He claimed to be, then He was a liar and we all shall perish; yet, Jesus must have been the Son of God. After all, He was resurrected from the dead and ascended to the throne of God: the facts of which are better documented than any murder case in history. Love and obedience will find us being resurrected and ascending to God's Kingdom. So, in summary, how does God measure our success?
GOD'S YARDSTICK: measuring mankind's success to determine his or her sentence of life or death
1. Love for God: following His will and His Son in utter respect and humility
2. Love for humanity: to pray for and help others, despite personal afflictions
3. Walk in Fear: respectfully and humbly obey Yeshua's Twelve Statutes
4. Be Perfect: avoid evil at all costs: giving good for evil
5. Be Just: fairness and equality in all things
6. Have Faith in: belief in everything God does and says— Trust
7. Have Faith of: same as Christ's belief that God would resurrect Him from the dead,
therefore He did not fear death— Trust
Isn't the Lord awesome! He never ceases to amaze me: when I prepare a response that, in the end calls for a simple summary of all that was written, it always concludes with seven points: a feat wholly out of my control and not even considered at the time I'm putting an answer together. Once again, we encounter Ishi's perfect number seven and it begins with love: the two royal commandments upon which hinge, that is to depend, the Ten Laws.
Without possessing unconditional love, we absolutely cannot obey wholly the remaining Ten Statutes: thus, grace is of no value to those who are disobedient in any single or multiple Precepts (AKJV, LOVE: Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5; 10:12-13; 11:1,13; 13:3-5; Joshua 23:11; Matthew 19:19; 22:37-38; Luke 10:25-28> LAW: Exodus 20:3-17; Deuteronomy 5:7-14,16-21). Grace was of no value to the people of Noah's day; so, they did not enter the Ark— despite Noah's warnings during the 100 years— and they all perished.
If we go by man's yardstick, some more than measure up while others fail miserably. The results are the same with God's gauge. Man's judgment of failure cannot utterly destroy the person so judged; however, God's rendering of failure results in utter destruction. So, as Peter and the other apostles said, "We ought to obey God rather than man." Of course, they merely were echoing the great preacher of Ecclesiastes. (Acts 5:29; Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Still, the only thing that counts is do we measure up to God's benchmark? The hour is late, my friend; so, isn't it time to stretch up to meet the height El requires? After all, it really isn't such a tall yardstick, quite easily attainable. You see, it's a choice we make: for or against— love or hate, obey or disobey.
In closing, I hear many people wonder about this "peace beyond understanding" spoken of so much today in the midst of a world torn by war. And, how does one get this peace "the world cannot know?" For that matter, how can we be happy in a world gone mad, full of senseless violence and destructive drugs? Kings David and Solomon answered clearly, "Great peace have they who love God's law: and nothing shall offend them. Happy is he who obeys the law." (Psalm 119:165; Proverbs 29:18)
Obviously, Noah and Job discovered this peace and happiness by having chosen obedience to Yeshua: and, it gave them as well as Jesus the tremendous strength necessary to endure terrible hardships, afflictions, and even death. It is this same strength that God's people need today in order to endure Laodicea's terrors just days before Christ's return. We are there. It is upon us: Jesus is even at the door.
* * * * *
Truth Seekers and Speakers
A unique Biblical Q&A forum
By Bonita M Quesinberry, R.C.
source:http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-9-2003-47398.asp
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